# The Baha'i World: Volume 06 (1934-1936) *Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-20 — 1 clipping.* --- > Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada, The Baha'i World: Volume 06 (1934-1936), New York: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1937, bahai-library.com. > ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── > > THE BAHAIWORLD > 9 1 AND 92 OF THE BAHA'~ERA > 1934 - 1936 A.D. > The First Ma&riqu3l-Aaklr (House of Worship) of the West, Wilmette, Ill., U.S.A., > showing Ornamentation of the Dome, remainder of Ornamentation > still to be completed. > L,-,,"-*w,, ,-*a, ,.., --,., > *,.,m " > m-~*uwm%-e*-...*-*. - > FACSIMILE OF APPRECIATION WRITTEN BY > DOWAGER QUEEN MARIE OF RUMANIA. > THE BAHA'I WORLD > A Biennial International Record > > Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the Bah6'is of the United States and Canada > with the approval of Shoghi Effendl > > Volume VI > 91 AND 92 OF THE BAHA'I ERA > APRIL 1934 - 1936 A.D. > > BAHA'I PUBLISHING TRUST > Wilmeltc, Illinois > Copyright, 1937, by National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of the United States and Canada. > > Reprinted 1980 > > N 0 T E : The spelling of the Oriental words and proper > names used in this issue of THEB B A H WORLD > ~ ~ ) ~ is according > to the system of transliteration established at one of the > International Oriental Congresses. > > Printed In the United States of America > To > SHOGHI EFFENDI > Guardian of the Bah6'i Faith > this work is dedicated > in the hope that it will assist > his efforts to promote > that spiritual unity > underlying and anticipating the > "Most Great Peace" > 0f > > BAHA'U'LL~H > CONTENTS > > PART ONE > PACE > I. Aims and Purposes of the Bahi'i Faith .. . . . . . . . 3 > 11. Survey of Current Bah6'i Activities in the East and West ... 13 > 111. Excerpts from Bahl'i Sacred Writings .. . .. .. 136 > > PART TWO > I. The World Order of Bahi'u'llih . . . .. .. 181 > 1. Present-day Administration of the Bahi'i Faith .. .. 181 > Introductory Statement ... .. . ... . . . 181 > Excerpts from the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi 204 > Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi . . 211 > Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of > the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada . . ... 213 > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada . 254-267 > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahti'is of f r i n 269-274 > Declaration and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahl'is of Germany and Austria .. ,. 271 > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahl'is of India and Burma . . . 284 > Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of > the BahCis of India and Burma. . . . 286 > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahh'is of 'Ic6q . . 294-300 > Text of Authorization Issued for Registration by the Mixed Court > in Egypt of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Egypt . . . . .. .. . 302 > Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of Egypt .. 303-304 > By-Laws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of New York 305 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahh'is of New York .... 307-311 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of Teaneck, New Jersey, U. S. A. ,314-316 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahl'is of Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A. .... . 3 17-3 19 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of Washington, D. C., U. S. A. . . . . . . ,320-322 > Petition of the Babl'is of Montreal, Canada .. 323 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Bahi'is of Montreal, Canada 324-326 > By-Laws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Montreal, > Canada .. ... . . . . . 328 > xiii > CONTENTS > PIGE > By-Laws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Esslingen, > Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahh'is of Esslingen, Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 34 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of Karachi, India. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahl'is of Calcutta, India . . . . . 337 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahh'is of Delhi, India . . . . . . ... 338 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahl'is of Rangoon, Burma . . . . . . . . . 339 > Certificate of Registration of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Daidanaw, Burma . . . . . . . . ... 340 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahl'is of Mandalay, Burma . . . . . . . . . . 341 > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of Auckland, New Zealand . . . . . 342 > Documents Related t o the Incorporation of the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, > as a Recognized Religious Society in Palestine . . . . . . 343 > Certificate of the Palestine Government Incorporating the National > Spiritual Asse~nbly of the Baha'is of the United States and > Canada, Palestine Branch, as a Recognized Religious Society in > Palesrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344 > Text of Application t o the Palestine Government for Incorporation > of the Palestine Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly of > the Bahl'is of India and Burma . . . . . . . 341 > Certificate of the Palestine Government Incorporating the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India and Burma, Palestine > Branch . . . . . . . 346 > Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the United States Govern- > ment covering the word "Bahi'i" 347-348 > Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the United States Govern- > covering the symbol of the Greatest Name . . . . .349-310 > Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the Canadian Government > covering the name "Baha'i". . . . 311-353 > Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the Canadian Government > covering the symbol of the Greatest Name 314-317 > Bahl'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of i r i n . . . . . . 3 19 > Bah6'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt . . 360 > Bahh'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of 'Iriq. . . . 361 > Bahh'i Divorce Certificate adopted and enforced by the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of i r k . . . . . 362 > Outline of Bahl'i Laws regarding matters of Personal Status sub- > mitted for recogniton t o the Egyptian Government by the > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Egypt 363-379 > Text of the Farmin issued by Sultln 'Abdu'lL'Aziz banishing > Bahi'u'll&h to 'Akk6, Palestine . . . . . . . 380 > CONTENTS xv > > PAGE > Text of the Resolution presented to President Franklin D Roosevelt . > by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United > States and Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381 > Map showing Travels of the BAb and Bahi'u'llih . . . . . . . . > Map showing Section of Route followed by Bahi'u'llLh on His > Jonrney from B a d d i d to Constantinople . . . . . . . . > Map showing Path of Travel of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi in the United States > of America and Canada, 1912 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Facsimile of Tablet addressed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi to the Chicago > "House of Justice" . . . . . . . . . . . > 2 . The Institution of the Ma&riqu'l-A&kk . . . . . . > Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... > The Spiritual Significance nf the Ma&riqu'l-A&%ir . . . . > The Bahl'i Temple-Why built near Chicago? ............ > The Five Billion Carat Gem Bahi'i Temple at Wilmette, Ill. . . . . > Temple Echoes from the World's Fair . . . . . . . . . . > The Bahi'i Temple-An Appreciation .... > A Temple of Universal Religion . . . . . . . . . . > Concrete Fulfills a Promise . . . . . ... > 3 . Bahi'i Calendar and Festivals . . . . . . . . > Foreword . . . ............. . . > Bahi'i Feasts. Anniversaries and Days of Fasting . . > Bahi'i Holy Days on which Work should be Suspended .. > Additional Material Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Volume 11) > regarding the Bah6'i Calendar . . . . . . . . . > Historical Data Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Volume 11) > regarding Bahi'u'llih . . . . . . . . . . . > 4. Youth Activities Throughout the Bahi'i World . . . . . > Bah6'i Youth-An Estimate and Survey of International Events > Bahl'i Youth in frin ............... > 5 . Plays and Pageants . . . . . . .............. > Story of the Pageant "The Gate of Dawn" . . . . . . . > The Drama of the Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Pageantry as a Factor in Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > I1 References to the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . . . . ..... ... > 1. Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 2 . Prof . E . G . Browne, M.A., M.B., Cambridge University . . > 3 . Dr . J . Estlin Carpenter, D.Litt., Manchester College, Oxford > . > 4 Rev . T . K . Cheyne, D.Litt., D.D., Oxford University, Fellow of > British Academy . . . . ................ > 1. Prof . Arminius VarnbCry, Hungarian Academy of Pesth . . . . . . . > 6. Harry Charles Luknch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 7. Sir Valentine Chirol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 8 Prof . Jowett, Oxford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 9 . Alfred W. Martin, Society for Ethical Culture, New York . . . > . > 10. Prof James Darmesteter, ~ c o l edes Hautes Btudes, Paris . . . . . . . . . . > . > 11 Charles Baudouin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 12. Dr . Henry H . Jessup, D.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 13 . Right Hon. The Earl Curzon of Kedleston . . . . . . . . . . > 14. Sir Francis Younghusband, K.C.S.I.. K.C.I.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . > 11. The Christian Commonwealth, Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 16. Rev . J Tyssul Davis, B.A. ........................... > xvi CONTENTS > > 17. Herbert Putnam. Congressional Library. Washington. D.C. . . > 18 . Leo Tolstoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 19 Dr. Edmund Privat, University of Geneva . . . . . . > . > 20 D r. Auguste Forel, University of Zurich . . . . . . . > . > 21 General Renato Pioln Caselli . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 22 Rev . Frederick W . Oakes . . . . . . . . . . > . > 23 . Renwick J . G Millar, Editor of John O'Groat Jownzal, Wick, Scot- > land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . . > 24 Charles H Prisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 21. Prof . Hari Prasad Shastri, D.Litt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 26 . Shri Purohit Swami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 27 . Prof . Herbert A . Miller, Bryn Mawr College . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 28 . Right Hon . Sir Herbert Samuel, G.C.B., M.P. . . . . . . . . . . . > . . > 29 . Rev K . T Chung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 30 . Prof Dimitry Kazarov, University of Sofia . . . . . .......... > . > 3 1. Rev Griffith J . Sparham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 32 . Ernest Renan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 3 3. The Hon Lilian Helen Montague, J.P., D.H.L. . . . . . . . . . . > 34. Prof . Norman Bentwich, Hebrew University, Jerusalem . . . . . . . . . > 3 5 . mile Schreiber. Publicist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 36 Dr . Rokuichiro Masujima, Doyen of Jurisprudence of Japan . . . . . > . > 37 Miss Helen Keller .. ..... . . . . . . . . . > . > 38 Sir Hinders Petrie, Archaeologist. . . . ........ > 3 9. President Masaryk of C7echoslovakia . . . . . . . . . . > 40 . Archduchess Anton of Austria . . . . . . . > 41 . Dr . Herbert Adams Gibbons . . . . . . . . . . . > 42. H.R.H. Princess Olga of Jugoslavia . . . . ... > 43 . Eugen Relgis ......... . . . .. > 44 . Arthur Henderson ........ . . . . > . > 41 . Prof . Dr V . Lesny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 46. Princess Marie Antoinette de Broglie Aussenac . . ... > . > 47 Presidcnt David Starr Jordan, Leland Stanford University > 48. Prof . Bogdan Popovitch, University of Belgrade, Jugoslavia . . . . . > 49 . Ex-Governor William Sulzer . . .. . . . . . > 10. Luther Burbank . . . . . . . . . . > f I . Prof . Yone Noguchi . . . . . . . . ... > 12. Prof . Raymond Frank Piper . . . . . . . .. > 13. Angela Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . > 14. Arthur Moore . . . . . . . > . > 51 . Prof Dr . Jan Rypka, Charles University, Praha, Czechoslovakia > . > 56 . A . L M. Nicolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > > 7. President Eduard Bmeg . . . . . . . . . . . > [I1. In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . ........... . . . . . > . . > 1 Susan I Moody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 2 . Hooper Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . . > 3 Harry H Romer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ > 4 . Howard Luxmoore Carpenter . . . . . . . . . > 1. Edward C . Getsinger . . . . . ...... > 6. Sarah Blundell . . . . . . . . . . . . > 7. Khalil Qamar . . . . . . . . > 8 . Hiji Muhammad Yazdi ......... . . . > 9 . Extracts from "Bahi'i News" . . . . . . . . . . . . > CONTENTS xvii > > PART THREE > > I . Bahl'i Directory. 1931-1936 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 1 . Bahl'i National Spiritual Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 2 . Bahl'i Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups . . . . . . . . . . > 3 . Officers and Committees of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahl'is of the United States and Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 4 . Local Bahl'i Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers in the > United States and Canada ....................... > I . Bahi'i Administrative Divisions in ir6n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 6 . Addresses of Centers of Bahi'i Administrative Divisions in frln . . > 7. Alphabetical List of Bahl'u'llih's Best-Known Writings . . . . . . . > . > 8 List of the Blb's Best-Known Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > I1. Bahi'i Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 1 . Bahl'i Publications of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Books About the Bahl'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Writings of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Writings of Bahl'u'116b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Prayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahl'i Literature in Pamphlet Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Compilations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Outlines and Guides for Bahl'i Study Classes . . . . . . . . > . > 2 Bahi'i Publications of England ..................... > . > 3 Bahh'i Literature in French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 4 Bahl'i Literature in Italian .......................... > . > 5 Bahl'i Literature in Dutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 6. Bahl'i Literature in Danish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 7. BahCi Literature in Swedish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 8 Bahh'i Literature in Portuguese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 9 Bahl'i Literature in Albanian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 10 Bahb'i Literature in Esperanto ..................... > . > 11 Bah6'i Literature in Russian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 12 . BahP'i Literature in German ....................... > . > 13 Bahh'i Literature in Bulgarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 14. Bahl'i Literature in Rumanian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 15. Bahl'i Literature in Czech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 16. Bahl'i Literature in Serbian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 17 Bahl'i Literature in Hungarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 18 Bahl'i Literature in Greek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 19 . Bahl'i Literature in Maori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 2 0 . Bahl'i Literature in Spanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... > . > 21 Bahl'i Literature in Norwegian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 22 Bahl'i Literature in Croatian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 23 Bahl'i Literature in Oriental Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > f rinian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Urdu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > .. ........... > Arabic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Turkish ................................... > Burmese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Chinese ............................................. > xviii CONTENTS > > PAGE > Hebrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 > Tartar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 > Gujrati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 > Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 > Armenian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 > Tamil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 549 > Kurdish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 > Sindhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510 > Bengali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 > Hindi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 > Abyssinian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510 > . > 2 4 Bahi'i Literature in Braille (for the Blind) . . . . . . . . . . . $10 > 21 . BahFi Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 > 26 . References to the Bahi'i Faith in Boolcs and Pamphlets by non-Bahi'i > Authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. > . . . . . . . . . . > 2 7 . References to the Bahi'i Faith in Magazines by non-Bahh'i Writers . . > 28 . References to the Bahh'i Faitll by Bahi'is in non-Bahh'i Publications > 111. Transliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Bahh'i Literature with > Guide to Transliteration and Pronunciation of the frlnian Alphabet, and > Notes on the Pronunciation of iriuian Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > IV . Definitions of Oriental Terms used in Bahi'i Literature . . . . . . . . . . > > PART FOUR > . > I Articles and Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 1. Religion and World Order. by Horace Holley . . . > 2 . Queen Marie of Rumania. by Martha L . Root . . . . . > . > 3 The Epic of Humanity. by Christophil . . . . . . > . . > 4 President Eduard Benez. by Martha L Root . . . . . . . . > 1. Spiritual Perspectives. by Prof . Raymond Franlc Piper . . . . . . . . . > 6 . Splendor at the Core. by AngeL Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 7 . Bahi'i-Glaube und Christentum. by Dr. Engen Schmidt ....... > 8 . Bahi'ismo lcaj la Socia Problemo. by Prof . Paul Christaller . > 9 . Bahi'u'lllh's Ground Plan of World Fellowship. by Archdeacon > George Townshend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 10 Die Bah6'is und meine Erfahrungen. by Prof . Dr . J. Rypka > 1 1. Impressions of 'Abdu'l-Bahl. by Louise R . Waite . . > . > 12 Zwei Heilige GrabstBtten. by D r. Adelbert Miihlschlegel . . . . . . > 1 3 . In Praise of Words. by Helen Bishop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 14. The Continuity of Religion. by Stanwood Cobb . . . . . . . . > . > 11 The Most Great Peace. by Marion Holley . . . . ... > . > 16 King Haakon of Norway. by Martha L . Root . . > . > 17 Some Memories of the Sojourn of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in Paris. by Lady > Blomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 18 . Racial Likenesses and Differences: the Scientific Evidence and the > Bahl'i Teachings. by Louis G. Gregory . . . . . . . . > 19 . Denmark's Oriental Scholar. by Martha L . Root . . . . . . > . > 20 La Bahda Filozofio. by Lidja Zamenhof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . . . > 21 The Bahi'i Movement. by Renwick J G Millar . . . . . . . . . . > . > 22 'Abdu'l-Bahh's Historic Meeting with Jane Addams. by Ruth J . > Moffett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > CONTENTS xix > PAGE > . > 23 The Soul of Iceland. by Martha L . Root . . . . . . . . . 684 > 24 . Ein Junger Glaube wird Bekannt. by D r. Hermann Grossmam . . . . 689 > . > 25 South America: Journey Taken in the Interest of the Bahl'i Cause. > by Loulie A . Mathews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692 > 26 . Glimpses of Sweden. by Olivia Kelsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 > 27. Russia's Cultural Contribution to the Bahi'i Faith, by Martha > . > L Root . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 707 > . > 28 A Bahi'i Incident from the Netherlands. by Louise Drake Wright . . 713 > 29 . Mr . Harald Thilander and his Publications for the Blind in Sweden. > by Nellie S. French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 716 > . > 30 The Modern Miracles of Palestine, by Beatrice Irwin . . . . . . . . . 719 > 31 . A New Future for Radio, by Shirley Warde . . . . . . . . . . . . 725 > . > I1 Song Offerings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 728 > . > 111 Echoes from the Spheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 737 > IV . Map of frin Showing Bah6'i Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside back covw > V . Map of the United States of America Showing Bahi'i Centers . . Inside back cover > ILLUSTRATIONS > PADS > 'Abdu'l-Bahh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. > ... . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . Frontispiece > The First Mahriqu'l-A&kir (House of Worship) of the West, Wilmette. > Ill., U. S. A., showing Ornamentation of the Dome, remainder of > Ornamentation still to be completed . . Frontispiece > Facsimile of Appreciation Written by Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania . Frontispiece > Translation (into frinian) of Appreciation Written by Dowager Queen > Marie of Rumania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frontispiece > Bahh'u'llih's Shawl and Comb.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . .. ...... . 15 > Bahh'u'llih's Prayer-beads and Ring (right), Bhh's Prayer-beads and Ring (left), > Bahb'u'llih's Pen-case and Tea-glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 > Relics of the Bhb.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 29 > Relics of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ...... . . . . 39 > Interior View of the Bath the Bib went to when a Child. . ... .... . .. 53 > Interior of the &Ah-CJirhgh, s i r l z , Burial-place of the Bhh's wife .. . . . 53 > Room occupied by 'Abdu'l-Bahi when a little boy (six years old) in the Village > of Thkur, Mizindarhn, f r i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 > Room in H i j i Mirzh Jlni's House in Ki&in, where the Bib slept . . . . . . . . 65 > Alcove in Imim-Zidih Ma'siun, TihrAn, where the Remains of the Bib were kept 61 > Grave of Bidi', Bearer of Bahh'u'11ili's Tablet t o Nhsiri'd-Din &lh, near Tihrin 65 > Room in &ire2 in which Letters of the Living were appointed by the B6b. . . 71 > Tree in &hhr(ld under which Mulll Husayn and his Companions camped. . . . . . 71 > View of Badaht, Site of Historic Bhbi Conference. (See "The Dawn-Breakers," > Chapter XVI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 > Garden in Tikur, Mlzindarln, showing Pear-tree on right, a Favorite Spot of > Baha'u'llhh, where He often sat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 > Mount Awrang, MAzindarhn, where 'Abdu'l-Bahh was taken as a Child to view > the Village of Tikur in the Valley. He stood on the raised rock a t left-hand > side, near the summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 > Ruins of Room in the Vazir's House in Tikur, Mlziudarin, where Father of > Bahl'u'llih was born. . . . '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 > Room in the House in Qazvin, where Tihirih met the Believers. . . .. ... 95 > A Tablet of Bahl'u'llhh addressed to 'Abdu'l-Bahh. (Translation of part bf this > Tablet appears in "The Dispensation of Bahb'u'llhh," page 43, paragraph > beginning with "0Thou Who art the apple of Mine eye!") . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 > Photograph of Baha'is taken in Adriano~le(between 1863-1868 A.D.). (Seated > third from left is 'Abdu'l-Bahh. On His right is Mimi Mihdi, the Purest > Branch; on His left Bahh'u'llih's half-brother, Mirzh Muhammad-Quli) . . 112 > Recent Views of the Castle of Mlh-Kli where the Bib was confined. . . . . . . . . . 129 > House occupied by Baha'u'llhh, Qasr Mazra'ih, 'Akkl, Palestine. . . . . . . . . . . . 140 > General View of the Resting-Place of Bahiyyih Ehhnum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, > the Center around which future Bahh'i Institutions will cluster . . . . . . . . 176 > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of the United States and Canada, > 1935-1936 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 > The First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of frln, 1934-1935 (91 of > the Bahl'i Era). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Germany and Austria. . . . . . . . 276 > xxi > xxii ILLUSTRATIONS > > PACE > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of India and Burma. 193 1-1936 285 > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of 'Irlq. 1935.1936 . . . . . . . 293 > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Great Britain and Ireland . . 333 > First National Convention of the Bahi'is of frin. 1934 (9 1 of the Bahl'i Era) . 3 3 5 > The First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New > Zealand. 1934-193 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358 > . . > General View of the Mas_hriqu'l-A&k6r at Wilmette. Ill.. U S A . . . . . . . . . . 394 > Exterior Ornamentation of the Mabriqu'l-A&kBr at Wilinette. Ill.. U . S . A . . . . 398 > Interior Decoration of Center of Dome of the Ma&riqu'l-A&kAr at Wilmette. > Ill.. U . S. A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 > The Dome of the Ma&riqu'l-A&hr at 'I&qibid. Turkistin 404 > The Dome of the Mahriqu'l-A&kAr at Wilmette. Ill.. U . S. A . . . . . . . . . 404 > The Ma&iqn'l-A&kar at 'Ishqhbld. Turhistin . . . . . . . . . . 408 > The Mahriqu'l-A&kir at Wilmette. Ill.. U.'S. A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409 > Interior Ornamentation of the Mahiqu'l-A*hr at 'I&qabAd. Turkistin . 412 > Exterior Ornamentation of the Ma&riqu31-A&kir at Wilmette. Ill.. U S. A . . . . 4.12 . > Airplane View of Ma&riqu'l-A&k6r at Wilmette. Ill.. U . S A . . . . . 414 > The First Mahriqu'l-A&lcir. 'Ishqlb6d. TurBistAn. Russia 41 1 > Plan of the Bib's House with its neighborhood in & i r k . i r i n . . . . . . 417 > Plan of Bahi'u'llAh's House in Baddid. i r i q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437 > . . > Facsimile of Autograph Letter addressed by Prof E. G Browne to 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > dated Sept. 11. 1890 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441 > Facsimile of Autograph Letter addressed by Prof . Vambery to 'Abdu'l-Bahh . (See > translation. page 41 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . 410 > Convention of the Bahl'is of 'Ir6q . . . . . . . . . . . . 461 > Twenty-sixth Annual Convention of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada. > May 31. June 1. 2. 3 and 4. 1934 . . . . . . . . . . 474 > Bah6'i Friends gathered in Convention. Sydney. New South Wales. Australia. 1934 479 > Dr . Susan I. Moody. 1811-1934 . . . . . . . . . . 484 > Hooper Harris. 1866-1934 . . . . . . . . 487 > Harry H. Romer. 1870-1935 489 > Dr; Howard Luxmoore Carpenter. 1906-193 5 . . 492 > . . > D r Edward C Getsinger. 1866-193 1 . . . . . . . 493 > Sarah Blundell. 1850-1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497 > Rhalil Qamar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 498 > Hhji Muhammad Yazdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 499 > Facsimile of Letter addressed by Nhsiri'd-Din S i h to 'Abb6s-Quli K46n-i- > Lirijini (dated 1280 A.H.) rewarding him for his share in the persecution > . > inflicted upon the Bibis (See "The Dawn-Breakers," Chapters IX and XX) 106 > Facsimile of Letter addressed by Sihhmu'd-Dawlih to his Brother strongly de- > nouncing the Bibis and expressing satisfaction at the severe defeat inflicted > upon them . (Seal hears the date of 1265 A.H.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512 > Site of the First Ma&riqu'l-A&k6r of i r b recently purchased by the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of k i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 > Front View of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Tibrbn. frin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521 > Exhibit of Bahl'i Literature in Public Library. Racine. Wis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 > Youth Conference. Louhelen Ranch. 193 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 > A Bahi'i Youth Group of Germany with their Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542 > Bah6'i Youth Committee. Karachi. India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 > Ruins of the Bath visited by the B6h in UrGmiyyih. i r i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 > ILLUSTRATIONS xxiii > > . > Relatives of the Blb (Seated in the center is H l j i Mirzi Vakilu'd.Dawlih. > the Bib's cousin and chief builder of the Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_h11ir at 'l&qkbbd) > Facsimile of Document Ordering Arrest of Bdbis in Mlzindarln. dated 1268 A.H. > (1852 A.D.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Antnn Haddad. Distinguished Bahi'i Pioneer. 1862.1924 . . . . . . . . . > The Shrine of the Bib on Mount Carmel. showing recent extension of Terraces > designed to connect it. according to 'Abdu'l-Bahi's plan. with the German > Colony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Early Bahi'i Pioneers of Najaf-Abid. frin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .., > President Eduard Bend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Scene of Bahi'i Martyrdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahl'is gathered around the Body of a Martyr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > Bahl'is and Friends gathered at the Grave of Mr Adam Benke. German Bahl'i > Pioneer in Sofia. Bulgaria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Pioneers and Martyrs of frhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'is Attending Annual Summer School. Esslingen. Germany. 1931 . . . . . . . . > Mu116 Muhammad-Taqi. Ibn-i.Abhar. Prominent Bahi'i Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . > Photograph of Bahi'i Pioneers of frhn taken abont 1891 in Tabriz (Sitting . > third from right [third row] is Mirzl 'Ali-Muhammad Varqi. distinguished > Bahi'i Martyr. Second from left [first row] is his son R ~ u ' l l h h . who > was also martyred) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Professor D r . Jan Rypka. Charles University. Praha. Czechoslovakia . . . . . . . . . > 'Ahdu'l-Bahi's Memorable Visit to West Euglewood. New Jersey. June 28. 1912. > which marked the Inauguration of the "Souvenir Feast of 'Abdu'l-Bahi." > (Mr . Walter Hampden was a guest at this Feast) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > Mr and Mrs . Tokujiro Torii. Kyoto. Japan. July 14. 1931 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > Mr and Mrs. Tokujiro Torii and Miss Agnes Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Passport Issued by the British Consulate on behalf of the Transjordan Govern- > ment in accordance with Bahi'i Marriage Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > S6rubim 'Ubayd. of Cairo. the First Bahi'i to make a donation to the legally con- > stituted National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt . . . . . . . . . > Bahl'is of Sanandaj. Kurdistln. frhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Friends Assembled at the Bahl'i Summer School. Geyserville. California. U. S A., . > 1935 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahl'is of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Karachi. India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Professor Arthur Christensen of Copenhagen. Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of San Francisco. California. 1935. (First > Bahi'i Spiritual Assembly having representatives of the black. yellow and > white races in its membership) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Twenty-sixth Universal Congress of Esperanto held in Stockholm. Sweden. > August 4.12. 1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .faciltg > Some of the Bahl'i Friends in Addis.Ahaba. Abyssinia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Miss Jane Addams. "Mother of Hull ~ o u s e". Chicago. and referred to as "the > most useful citizen" of that city . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Newspapers and Book containing the First Mention of the Bahl'i Movement > in Icelandic Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Class for the Study of the fqin. Sprecklesville. Maui. Hawaii. February. 1934 . . . > Plan of Haziratu'l-Quds. Ba&dld. 'Iriq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahb'i Pioneers of frin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Isabel Grinevskaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . . > Mr and Mrs Thilander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > xxiv ILLUSTRATIONS > PAC1 > > Plan of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Tihrln. f r i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 718 > Tentative design of the Terraced Gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Bhb . . . . 723 > The Shrine of the Bib on Mount Carmel with Extended Terraces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 723 > Early and Late Views of the Shrine of the Bib on Mount Carmel . . . . . . . . . . . . 724 > Bah6'is of Port Said Celebrating Intercalary Days, 1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726 > INTRODUCTION > D U R I N G the past ten years the Bahl'i con~munityof East and West has learned to > anticipate each successive volume of THE BAHA'I WORLD(the first number was entitled > "Bahi'i Year Book") as the best means by which the individual believer may keep > abreast of the steady development of the Faith throughout the world. This work, in its > illustrations as well as in its text, has recorded as completely as possible the progress of > current Bahh'i events and activities over an area now embracing forty countries. In > addition, each volume has presented those "historical facts and fundamental principles > that constitute the distinguishing features of the Message of BahPu'lllh to this age." > The existence of so many evidences of a newly revealed Faith and Gospel for a > humanity arrived at a turning point in its spiritual and social evolution has likewise a > profound significance for the non-Bahl'i student and scholar who desires to investigate > the world religion founded by the Bib and Bahl'u'llih. For in these pages the reader > encounters both the revealed Word in its spiritual power, and the response which that > utterance has evoked during the first ninety years of the Bahi'i era. He will find what > is unparalleled in religious history-the unbroken continuity of a divine Faith from > the Manifestation onward through three generations of bunan experience, and will be > able to apprehend what impregnable foundations the Bahi'i World Order rests upon in > the life and teachings of the Bib and Bahh'u'llih, the life and interpretation of 'Abdu'l- > Bahi, and (since the year 1921) in the development of an administrative order under > the direction of the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. > I t is the avowed faith of Bahl'is that this Revelation has established upon earth the > spiritual impulse and the definite principles necessary for social regeneration and the > attainment of one true religion and social order throughout the world. In THEB ~ ~ d i i > WORLD,therefore, those who seek a higher will and wisdom than man possesses may > learn how, amid the trials and tribulations of a decadent society, a new age has begun > to emerge from the world of the spirit to the realm of human action and belief. > STAFF O F EDITORS > > AMERICA- > Horace Holley, Chairman, 119 W averly Place, New York City. > Mrs. Stuart W. French, Secretary, 501 Bellefontaine St., Pasadena, Calif. > Mrs. Elsa Russell Blakelep, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. > Mrs. R u t h Brandt, 13 29 West Fifth St., Los Angeles, Calif. > Miss Marion Holley, 3 0 8 4 Arrowhead St., San Bernardino, Calif. > Bishop Brown, Green Gables, Lindsay Lane, Ingomar, Penna. > Mrs. Victoria Bedikian, Photograph Editor, Box 179, Montclair, N. J. > G ~ A BRITAIN- > T > Mrs. Annie B. Romer, 19 Grosvenor Place, London, S.W. 1 , England. > GERMANY- > Dr. Hermann Grossmann, 37 Goringstrasse, Neckargemiind, Heidelberg, Germany. > SWITZERLAND- > Mrs. H. Elnogene Hoagg, case 181 Stand, Geneva, Switzerland. > PRANCE- > Mme. Hesse, 24 rue du Boccador, Paris, France. > RAN- > Mrs. Mardiyyih Nahil Carpenter, c/o American Consul, Tihrin, frill. > Dr. Lutfu'llih Hakim, Avenue a i r & & Barg, Tihrin, i r k . > INDIAAND BURMA- > Prof. Pritam Singh, 9 Langley Road, Lahore, India. > PALESTINE- > Miss Effie Baker, Photografih Editor, Bahi'i Pilgrim House, Haifa. > EGYPT- > Muhammad Musfafb, BahVi Bureau, P. Box 13, Daher, Cairo, Egypt. > AUSTRALIAAND NEW ZEALAN- > Bertram Dewing, I Aldred Road, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand. > 'IR~Q- > Afl6~6nYaCq6b,273 New Street, B a d d i d , 'Irbq. > INTERNATIONAL- > Martha L. Root, care Roy C. Wilhelm, 104 Wall St., New York, N. Y. > > xxvii > PART ONE > THE BAHA'I WORLD > AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE > B A H A ~F A I T H > BY HORACE > HOLLEY > 1. A WORLDWIDE SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY > "The Tabernacle of Unity has been raised; regard ye not one anothev as strangers. ... > . > Of one tree are ye all the fruit and of one bozcgh the leaves. . . The wovld is h > t one > country and mankind its citizens."-BAHL'U'LL~H. > > U P O N the spiritual foulldation estab- Every local Bab6'i community exists by > lished by Bahi'u'116h during the forty year the voluntary association of individuals who > period of His Mission ( 1 8 5 3 - 1 8 9 2 ) , there consciously overcome the fundamental sanc- > stands today an independent religion repre- tions evolved throughout the centuries to > sented by nearly eight hundred local com- justify the separations and antagonisms of > munities of believers. These communities human society. I n America, this association > geographically are spread throughout all keans that white believers accept the spir- > five continents. I n point of race, class, itual equality of their Negro fellows. In > nationality and religious origin, the fol- Europe, it means the reconciliation of Prot- > lowers of Bahi'u'116h exemplify well-nigh estant and Catholic upon the basis of a new > the whole diversity of the modern world. and larger faith. In the Orient, Christian, > They may be characterized as a true cross- Jewish and Muhammadan believers must > section of humanity, a microcosm which, stand apart from the rigid exclusiveness > for all its relative littleness, carries within into which each was born. > it individual men and women typifying the The central fact to be noted concern- > macrocosm of mankind. ing the nature of the Bahl'i Faith is that it > None of the historic causes of association contains a power, fulfilled in the realm of > served to create this worldwide spiritual conscience, which can reverse the principle > community. Neither a common language, momentum of modern civilization-the > a common blood, a common civil govern- drive toward division and s t r i f e a n d initi- > ment, a common tradition nor a mutual ate its own illoinentuln moving steadily in > grievance acted upon Bahb'is to supply a the direction of unity and accord. I t is in > fixed center of interest, or a goal of material this power, and not in any criterion upheld > advantage. On the contrary, membership by the world, that the Faith of Bah6'n'llih > in the Bah6'i community in the land of its has special significance. > birth even to this day has been a severe The forms of traditional opposition vested > disability, and outside of fr6n the motive in nationality, race, class and creed are not > animating believers has been in direct oppo- the only social chasms which the Faith has > sition to the most inveterate prejudices of bridged. There are even more implacable, > their environment. The Cause of BahQ'u- if less visible differences between types and > '116h has moved forward without the rein- temperaments, such as flow inevitably from > forcement of wealth, social prestige or other the contact of rational and emotional indi- > means of public influence. viduals, of active and passive dispositions, > 4 THE B A H A ' f WORLD > > undeln~inin~capacity for cooperation in sitions between the different groups are > every organized society, which attain mu- organized for dominance and not for recon- > tual understanding and harmony in the ciliation. Each step toward more complete > Bah6'i community. For personal congeni- partisan organization increases the original > ality, the selective principle elsewhere tension and augments the separation of > continually operative within the field of human beings; as the separation widens, the > voluntary action, is an instinct which element of sympathy and fellowship on the > Bahi'is must sacrifice to serve the principle human level is eventually denied. > of the oneness of mankind. A Bahi'i com- In the Bahi'i community the same ten- > munity, therefore, is a constant and active sions and instinctive antagonisms exist, but > spiritual victory, an overcoming of tensions the human separation has been made impos- > which elsewhere come to the point of strife. sible. The same capacity for exclusive > No mere passive creed nor philosophic doctrines is present, but no doctrine repre- > gospel which need never be put to the senting one personality or one group can > test in daily life has produced this world secure a hearing. All believers alike are > fellowship devoted to the teachings of subject to one spiritually supreme sover- > Bahi'u'llih. eignty in the teachings of Bahi'u'lllh. > The basis of self-sacrifice on which the Disaffected individuals may withdraw. The > Bahi'i community stands has created a re- community remains. For the Bahi'i teach- > ligious society in which all human relations ings are in themselves principles of life and > are transformed from social to spiritual they assert the supreme value of humanity > problems. This fact is the door through without doctrines which correspond to any > which one must pass to arrive at insight of particular environment or condition. Thus > what the Faith of Bahl'u'llbh means to this members of the Bahk'i community realize > age. theie tensions and oppositions as ethical or > The social problems of the age are pre- spiritual problems, to be faced and overcome > dominantly political and economic. They in mutual consultation. Their faith has > are problems because human society is convinced them that the "truth" or "right" > divided into nations each of which claims of any possible situation is not derived from > to be an end and a law unto itself and into partisan victory but from the needs of the > classes each of which has raised an economic community as an organic whole. > theory to the level of a sovereign and ex- A Bahb'i community endures without > clusive principle. Nationality has become disruption because only spiritual problems > a condition which overrides the funda- can be solved. When human relations are > mental humanity of all the peoples con- held to be political or social problems they > cerned, asserting the superiority of political are removed from the realm in which > considerations over ethical and moral needs. rational will has responsibility and influence. > Similarly, economic groups uphold and pro- The ultimate result of this degradation of > mote social systems without regard to the human relationships is the frenzy of des- > quality of human relationships experienced perate strife-the outbreak of inhuman > in terms of religion. Tensions and oppo- war. > > 2 . THE R E N E W A L O F F A I T H > "Therefore the Lovd of Mankind has caused His holy, divine Manifestations to come into > the world. He has revealed His heavenly books b order to establish spiritual brother- > hood, and through the power of the Holy Spirit has made it possible for perfect > fraternity t o be realized among m a n k i n d . " - ' A n ~ u ' ~ - B ~ ~ b . > In stating that the Cause of Bah6'u'llih social principle or community. The teach- > is an independent religion, two essential ings of Bahhiillbh are no artificial synthesis > facts are implied. assembled from the modern library of inter- > The first fact is that the Bahl'i Cause national truth, which might be duplicated > historically was not an offshoot of any prior from the same sources. Bahi'u'llih created > AIMS A N D PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH S > > a reality in the world of the soul which This Bahi'i tead~ing leads to a pro- > never before existed and could not exist founder analysis of the process of his- > apart from Him. tory. The followers of Bahi'u'116h derive > The second fact is that the Faith of Bahb- mental integrity from the realization made > 'u'116h is a religion, standing in the line of so clear and vivid by 'Abdu'l-BahL that > true religions: Christianity, Muhammadan- true insight into history discloses the un- > ism, Judaism and other prophetic Faiths. interrupted and irresistible working of a > Its existence, like that of early Christianity, Providence not denied nor made vain > marks the return of faith as a direct and by any measure of human ignorance and > personal experience of the will of God. Be- imfaith. > cause the divine will itself has been revealed According to this insight, a cycle begins > in terms of human reality, the followers of with the appearance of a prophet or mani- > Bah6'u'lIih are confident that their personal festation of God, through whom the spirits > limitations can be transformed by an inflow of men are revivified and reborn. The rise > of spiritual reinforcement from the higher of faith in God produces a religious com- > world. It is for the privilege of access to munity, whose power of enthusiasm and > the source of reality that they forego reli- devotion releases the creative elements of a > ance upon the darkened self within and the new and higher civilization. This civiliza- > unbelieving society without. tion comes to its fruitful autumn in culture > The religious education of B~hl'isrevolu- and mental achievement, to give way even- > tionizes their inherited attitude toward their tually to a barren winter of atheism, when > own as well as other traditional religions. strife and discord bring the civilization to > To Bahi'is, religion is the life and teach- an end. Under the burden of immorality, > ings of the prophet. By identifyii~greligion dishonor and cruelty marking this phase > with its founder, they exclude from its of the cycle, humanity lies helpless until > spiritual reality all those accretions of the spiritual leader, the prophet, once > human definition, ceremony and ritualistic more returns in the power of the Holy > practice emanating from followers required Spirit. > from time to time to make compromise Such is the Bah6'i reading of the book of > with an unbelieving world. Furthermore, the past. Its reading of the present inter- > in limiting religion to the prophet they are prets these world troubles, this general chaos > able to perceive the oneness of God in the and confusion, as the hour when the re- > spiritual oneness of all the prophets. The newal of religion is no longer a racial > Bah6'i born into Christianity can whole- experience, a rebirth of one limited area of > heartedly enter into fellowship with the human society, but the destined unification > Bah6'i born into Muhammadanism because of humanity itself in one faith and one > both have come to understand that Christ order. I t is by the parable of the vineyard > and M4ammad reflected the light of the that Bahi'is of the Christian West behold > one God into the darkness of the world. their tradition and their present spiritual > If certain teachings of Christ differ from reality at last inseparably joined, their faith > certain teachings of Moses or Muhammad, and their social outlook identified, their > the Bahl'is know that all prophetic teach- reverence for the power of God merged > ings are divided into two parts: one, con- with intelligible grasp of their material > sisting of the essential and unalterable environment. A human society which has > principles of love, peace, unity and coopera- substituted creeds for religion and armies > tion, renewed as divine commands in every for truth, even as all ancient prophets > cycle; the other, consisting of external foretold, must needs come to abandon its > practices (such as diet, marriage and similar instruments of violence and undergo purifi- > ordinances) confonni~lgto the requirements cation until conscious, humble faith can be > of one time and place. reborn. > 6 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > 3. THE BASIS OF UNITY > "The Lest beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou > desirest Me, and neglect it not that Z may confide in t h e e . " - B n ~ d ' u ' ~ ~ k . > Faith alone, no matter how whole-hearted law of brotherhood and not made a sanc- > and sincere, affords no basis on which the tion for selfishness, oppression and indif- > organic unity of a religious fellowship can ference. > endure. The faith of the early Christians On the other hand, the Bahb'i order is not > was complete, but its degree of inner con- a democracy in the sense that it proceeds > viction when projected outward upon the from the complete sovereignty of the > field of action soon disclosed a fatal lack of people, whose representatives are limited to > social principle. Whether the outer expres- carrying out the popular will. Sovereignty, > sion of love implied a democratic or an in the Bahb'i community, is attributed to > aristocratic order, a communal or indi- the divine prophet, and the elected repre- > vidualistic society, raised fundamental sentatives of the believers in their adminis- > questions after the crucifixion of the trative function look to the teachings of > prophet which none had authority to solve. Bahi'u'llbh for their guidance, having faith > The Bahi'i teaching has this vital distinc- that the application of His universal prin- > tion, that it extends from the realm of ciples is the source of order throughout the > conscience and faith to the realm of social community. Every Bahi'i administrative > action. I t confirms the substance of faith body feels itself a trustee, and in this capac- > not merely as source of individual develop- ity stands above the plane of dissension and > ment but as a definitely ordered relationship is free of that pressure exerted by factional > to the community. Those who inspect the groups. > Bahl'i Cause superficially may deny its The local community on April 21 of each > claim to be a religion for the reason that it year elects by universal adult suerage an > lacks most of the visible marks by which administrative body of nine members called > religions are recognized. But in place of the Spiritual Assembly. This body, with > ritual or other formal worship it contains reference to all Bahi'i matters, has sole > a social principle linking people to a com- power of decision. I t represents the collec- > munity, the loyal observance of which tive conscience of the community with > makes spiritual faith coterminous with life respect to Bah6'i activities. Its capacity > itself. The Bahi'is, having no professional and power are supreme within certain > clergy, forbidden ever to have a clergy, definite limitations. > understand that religion, in this age, con- The various local communities unite > sists in an "attitude toward God reflected through delegates elected annually accord- > in life." They are therefore conscious of no ing t o the principle of proportionate repre- > division between religious and secular sentation in the formation of a National > actions. Spiritual Assembly for their country or > The inherent nature of the community natural geographical area. This National > created by Bahb'u'llih has great significance Spiritual Assembly, likewise composed of > at this time, when the relative values of nine members, administers all national > democracy, of constitutional monarchy, of Bahi'i affairs and may assume jurisdiction > aristocracy and of communism are every- of any local matter felt to be of more than > where in dispute. local importance. Spiritual Assemblies, > Of the Bahb'i community it may be de- local and national, combine an executive, a > clared definitely that its character does not legislative and a judicial function, all within > reflect the communal theory. The rights of the limits set by the Bahb'i teachings. They > the individual are fully safeguarded and the have no resemblance to religious bodies > fundamental distinctions of personal en- which can adopt articles of faith and regu- > dowmeut natural among all people are fully Late thc processes of belief and worship. > preserved. Individual rights, however, are They are primarily responsible for the > interpreted in the light of the supreme maintenance of unity within the Bahi'i > AIMS A N D PURPOSES OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH 7 > > community and for the release of its col- This Nineteen Day Feast is conducted > lective power in service to the Cause. simply and informally under a program > Membership in the Bahi'i community is divided into three parts. The first part > granted, on personal declaration of faith, to consists in the reading of passages from > adult men and women. writings of Bahl'u'llih, the BPb and > Nine National Spiritual Assemblies have 'Ahdu'l-Ball&-a devotional meeting. Next > come into existence since the passing of follows general discussion of Bahi'i activi- > 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 in 1921. Each National ties-the business meeting of the local > Spiritual Assembly will, in future, consti- community. After the consultation, the > tute a n electoral body in the formation of community breaks bread together and enjoys > an International Spiritual Asseinbly, a con- fellowship. > summation which will perfect the adminis- The experience which Bahi'is receive > trative order of the Faith and create, for through participation in their spiritual > the first time in history, an international world order is unique and cannot be paral- > tribunal representing a worldwide com- leled in any other society. Their status of > munity united in a single faith. perfect equality as voting members of a > Bahi'is maintain their contact with the constitutional body called upon to deal with > source of inspiration and knowledge in the matters which reflect, even though in minia- > sacred writings of the Faith by continuous ture, the whole gamut of human problems > prayer, study and discussion. No believer and activities; their intense realization of > can ever have a finished, static faith any kinship with believers represenring so wide > more than he can arrive at the end of his a diversity of races, classes and creeds; their > capacity for being. The community has assurance that this unity is based upon the > but one meeting ordained in the teachings highest spiritual sanction and contributes a > -the general meeting held every nineteen necessary ethical quality to the world in this > days, on the first day of each month of age-all these opportunities for deeper and > nineteen days given in the new calendar broader experience confer a privilege that is > established by the Bib. felt to he the fulfilment of life. > > 4. THE SPIRIT OF THE N E W D A Y > "If man is left in his natural state, he will become loww dhan the animal and continur > to grow more ignorant and imperfect. The savage tribes of Central Africa are evidence > of this. Left in their natural condition, they have sunk to the lowest depths and > degrees of barbnrism, dimly groping in a world of mental and moral obscurity. . . . > God has knrposed that the da~knessof the world of nature shall be dispelled and the > inzkerfect attribzctes of the natal self be efaced in the efulgent reperfion of the Sun > of T ~ ~ ~ ~ . " - ' A B D ~ ' L - B A ~ . > The complete text of the Bahh'i .sacred oral tradition. Furthermore, the cornmen- > writings has not yet been translated into tary and explanation of the Bahi'i gospel > English, hut the present generation of be- made by 'Abdu'l-Bahi preserves the spir- > lievers have the supreme privilege of pos- itual integrity and essential aim of the > sessing the fundamental teachings of BahC- revealed text, without the inevitable alloy > u'llhh, together with the interpretation and of human personality which historically > lucid commentary of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, and served to corrupt the gospel of Jesus and > more recently the exposition made by Muhammad. The Bahi'i, moreover, has > Shoghi Effendi of the teachings concerning this distinctive advantage, that his approach > the world order which Bahh'u'llih came to to the teachings is personal and direct, with- > establish. Of special significance to Bahl'is out the veils interposed by any human > of Europe and America is the fact that, intermediary. > unlike Christianity, the Cause of Bahh'u'llPh The works which supply thc Bahi'i > rests upon the prophet's own words and not teachings to English-reading believers are: > upon a necessarily incomplete rendering of "The Kitib-i-fqQnn (Book of Certitude), > 8 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD > in which Rahi'u'llih revealed the oneness vidual Tablets, especially that sent to the > of the prophets and the identical foundation Committee for a Durable Peace, The Hague, > of all true religions, the law of cycles Holland, in 1919, and the Tablet addressed > according t o which the prophet returns at to the late Dr. Fore1 of Switzerland. The > intervals of approximately one thousand Will and Testament left by 'Abdu'l-Bahh > years, and the nature of faith; "Hidden has special significance, in that it provided > Words," the essence of truths revealed by for the future development of Baha'i > prophets in the past; prayers to quicken the administrative institutions and the Guard- > soul's life and draw individuals and groups ianship. > nearer to God; "Tablets of Bah&'u'll&" To these writings is now to bc added the > (Tarhzit, The Tablet of the World, Kali- book entitled "Bahd'i Administration," > m i t , Tajalli~it,Bi&&rlt, I&riqit), which consisting of the general letters written by > establish social and spiritual principles for Shoghi Effendi as Guardian of the Cause > the new era; "Three Tablets of Bahi'u'llih" since the Master's death in 1921, which ex- > (Tablet of the Branch, Kitib-i-'Ahd, Lawl!- plain the details of the administrative order > i-Aqdas) , the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Bahi of the Cause, and his letters on World > as the Interpreter of Bah6'u'll6h's teachings, Order, which make clear the social prin- > the Testament of Bahi'u311Bh, and His mes- ciples imbedded in Bahi'u'll6h's Revelation. > sage to the Christians; "Epistle to the Son The literature has also been enriched by > of the Wolf," addressed to the son of a Shoghi Effendi's recent translation of "The > prominent frhnian who had been a most Dawn-Breakers," Nabil's Narrative of the > ruthless oppressor of the believers, a Tablet Early Days of the Bahi'i Revelation, a vivid > which recapitulates many teachings BahY- eye-witness accoant of the episodes which > u'llhh had revealed in earlier works; "Glean- resulted from the announcement of the Bib > ings from the Writings of Bahi'u'llhh." on May 23, 1844. "The Traveller's Narra- > The significant Tablets addressed to rulers tive," translated from a manuscript given > of Europe and the Orient, as well as to the by 'Abdu'l-Bahh to the late Prof. Edward > heads of American republics, about the year G. Browne of Cambridge University, is the > 1870, summoning them to undertake meas- only other historical record considered > ures for the establishment of Universal authentic from the Bahi'i point of view. > Peace, constitute a chapter in the compila- When it is borne in mind that the term > tion entitled "Bahi'i Scriptures." "religious literature" has come to represent > The published writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahi a wide diversity of subject matter, ranging > are: "Some Answered Questions," dealing from cosmic philosophy to the psychology > with the lives of the prophets, the interpre- of personal experience, from efforts to > tation of Bible prophecies, the nature of understand the universe plumbed by tele- > man, the true principle of evolution and scope and microscope t o efforts to discipline > other philosophic subjects; "Mysterious the passions and desires of disordered human > Forces of Civilization," a work addressed to hearts, it is clear that any attempt to sum- > the people of frhn about forty years ago t o marize the Baha'i teachings would indicate > show them the way to sound progress and the limitations of the person making the > true civilization; "Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahi," summary rather than offer possession of a > three volumes of excerpts from letters body of sacred literature touching the needs > written to individual believers and Bahi'i of man and society at every point. The > communities, which illumine a vast range study of Bahl'i writings does not lead to > of subjects; "Promulgation of Universal any simplified program either for the solu- > Peace," in two volumes, from stenographic tion of social problems or for the develop- > records of the public addresses delivered by ment of human personality. Rather should > the Master to audiences in Canada and the it be likened to a clear light which illumines > United States during the year 1912; "The whatever is brought under its rays, or to > Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahh," a similar record spiritual nourishment which gives life to > of His addresses in Paris; " 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in the spirit. The believer at first chiefly notes > London"; and reprints of a number of indi- the passages which seem to confirm his own > AIMS AND PURPOSES O F T H E BAHA'f FAITH 9 > personal beliefs or treat of subjects closc to can say that t h e ~ enus st be a Mediator be- > his own previous training. This natural but tween God and man, and this is none other > nevertheless unjustsable over-simplification than the Holy Spirit, which brings the > of the nature of the Faith must gradually created earth into relation with the 'Un- > subside and give way t o a deeper realization thinkable One,' the divine reality. The > that the teachings of Bahi'u'116h are as an divine reality may be likened to the sun and > ocean, and all personal capacity is but the the Holy Spirit to the rays of the sun. As > vessel that must be refilled again and again. the rays of the sun bring the light and > The sum and substance of the faith of warmth of the sun to the earth, giving life > Bahh'is is not a doctrine, not an organiza- to all created things, so do the Manifesta- > tion, but their acceptance of BahCu'llhh as tions bring the power of the Holy Spirit > Manifestation of God. I n this acceptance from the divine Sun of Realty to give light > lies the mystery of a unity that is general, and life to the souls of men." > not particular, inclusive, not exclusive, and In expounding the teachings of Bah6- > limited in its gradual extension by no 'u'116h to public audiences in the West, > boundaries drawn in the social world nor 'Abdu'l-Bahh frequently encountered the > arbitrary limitations accepted by habits attitude that, whiie the liberal religionist > formed during generations lacking a true might well welcome and endorse such tenets, > spiritual culture. the BahPi teachings after all bring nothing > What the believer learns reverently to be new, since the principles of Christianity > grateful for is a source of wisdom to which contain all the essentials of spiritual truth. > he may turn for continuous mental and The believer whose heart has been touched > moral development-a source of truth re- by the Faith so perfectly exemplified by > vealing a universe in which man's life has 'Abdu'l-Bah6 feels no desire for contro- > valid purpose and assured realization. Hu- versy, but must needs point out the vital > man history begins to reflect the working of difference between a living faith and a > a beneficent Providence; the sharp outlines passive formula or doctrine. What religion > of material sciences gradually fade out in in its renewal brings is first of all an energy > the light of one fundamental science of life; to translate belief into life. This impulse, > a profounder sociology, connected with the received into the profoundest depths of > inner life, little by little displaces the super- consciousness, requires no startling "new- > ficial economic and political beliefs which ness" of concept or theory t o be appreciated > l i e waves dash high an instant only t o as a gift from the divine world. I t carries > subside into the moveless volume of the its own assurance as a renewal of life itself; > sea. it is as a candle that has been lighted, and in > "The divine reality," 'Abdu'l-Bahh has comparison with the miracle of light the > said, "is unthinkable, limitless, eternal, im- discussion of religion as a form of belief > mortal and invisible. The world of creation becomes secondary in importance. Were > is bound by natural law, finite and mortal. the Bah6'i Faith no more than a true re- > The infinite reality cannot be said to ascend vitalization of the revealed truths of former > or descend. I t is beyond the understanding religions, it would by that quickening > of men, and cannot be described in terms quality of inner life, that returning to God, > which apply t o the phenomenal sphere of still assert itself as the supreme fact of > the created world. Man, then, is in extreme human experience in this age. > need of the only power by which he is able For religion returns to earth in order to > to receive help from the divine reality, that re-establish a standard of spiritual reality. > power alone bringing him into contact with I t restores the quality of human existence, > the source of all life. its active powers, when that reality has be- > "An intermediary is needed to. bring two come overlaid with sterile rites and dogmas > extremes into relation with each other. which substitute empty shadow for sub- > Riches and poverty, plenty and need: with- stance. In rhe person of the Manifestation > out an intermediary there could be no rela- it destroys all those imitations of religion > tion between these pairs of opposites. So we gradually developed through the centuries > 10 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > and summons humanity to the path of sac- law of unity working in he world today, > rifice and devotion. indirectly manifest in the failure which has > Revelation, moreover, is progressive as overtaken all efforts to organize the prin- > well as periodic. Christianity in its original ciple of separation and competition, directly > essence not only relighted the candle of faith manifest in the power which has brought > which, in the years since Moses, had become together the followers of Bahi'u'lllh in East > extinguished-it amplified the teachiu~gsof and West. He has the assurance that the > Moses with a new dimension which history world's turmoil conceals from worldly > has seen exemplified in the spread of faith minds the blessings long foretold, now for- > from tribe to nations and peoples. Bah6- gotten, in the sayings which prophesied the > 'u'llih has given religion its world dmen- coming of the Kingdom of God. > sion, fulfilling the fundamental purpose of The Sacred Literature of the Bahl'i Faith > every previous Revelation. His Faith stands conveys enlightenment. I t inspires life. I t > as the reality within Christianity, within frees the mind. I t disciplines the heart. > M~&ammadanism, within the religion of For believers, the Word is not a philosophv > Moses, the spirit of each, but expressed in to be learned, but the sustenance of > teachings which relate to all mankind. being throughout the span of mortal ex- > The BahEi Faith, viewed from within, is istence. > religion extended from the individual to "The Bahi'i Faith," Shoghi Effendi stated > embrace humanity. I t is religion univer- in a recent letter addressed t o a public > salized; its teaching for the individual, official, "recognizes the unity of God and of > spiritually identical with the teaching of His Prophets, upholds the principle of an > Christ, supplies the individual with an unfettered search after truth, condemns all > ethics, a sociology, an ideal of social order, forms of superstition and prejudice, teaches > for which humanity in its earlier stages of that the fundamental purpose of religion is > development was not prepared. Individual to promote concord and harmony, that it > fulfilment has been given an objective social must go hand-in-hand with science, and > standard of reality, balancing the subjective that it constitutes the sole and ultimate > ideal derived from religion in the past. basis of a peaceful, an ordered and pro- > Bahl'u'llih has removed the false distinc- gressive society. I t inculcates the principle > tions between the "spiritual" and "material" of equal opportunity, rights and privileges > aspects of life, due to which religion has for both sexes, advocates compulsory educa- > become separate from science, and morality tion, abolishes extremes of poverty and > has been divorced from all social activities. wealth, recommends the adoption of an > The whole arena of human affairs has been auxiliary international language, and pro- > brought within the realm of spiritual truth, vides the necessary agencies for the estab- > in the light of the teaching that materialism lishment and safeguarding of a permanent > is not a thing but a motive within the and universal peace." > human heart. Those who, even courteously, would dis- > The Bahl'i learns to perceive the universe miss a Paith so firmly based, will have to > as a divine creation in which man has his admit that, whether or not by their test the > destiny to fulfil under a beneficent Provi- teachings of Bahh'u'llih are "new," the > dence whose aims for h u m a n i ~are ~ made world's present plight is unprecedented, > known through Prophets who stand between came without warning save in the utter- > man and the Creator. He learns his true ances of Bah6'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and > relation to the degrees and orders of the day by day draws nearer a climax which > visible universe; his true relation t o God, strikes terror to the responsible student of > t o himself, to his fellow man, to mankind. current affairs. Humanity itself now seems > The more he studies the Bahl'i teachings, to share the prison and exile which an unbe- > the more he becomes imbued with the spirit lieving generation inflicted upon the Glory > of unity, the more vividly he perceives the of God. > A I M S A N D P U R P O S E S O F T H E BAI-IA'I FAITH 11 > > S . A B A C K G R O U N D OF H E R O I C S A C R I F I C E > "0 My beloved friends! You are the bearers of the name of God in this Day. You > hove been chosen as the rejositories of His mystery. I t behooves each one of you to > manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by yozbr deeds alzd words the signs of > His righteousness, His power and glory. . .. > Ponder the words of Jerw addressed to > His disciples, as He sent thegn forth to propagate the Cause of God."--THE B~B. > The words of Bahi'u'llbh differ in the In the Bib's own written message He in- > minds of believers from the words of phi- terpreted His mission to be the fulfilment > losophers because they have been given of past religions and the heralding of a > substance in the experience of life itself. world educator and unifier, one who was to > The history of the Faith stands ever as a come to establish a new cycle. Most of the > guide and commentary upon the meaning Bib's chosen disciples, and many thousands > and influence of the written text. of followers, were publicly martyred in > This history, unfolded contemporane- towns and villages throughout the country > ously with the rise of science and technology in those years. The seed, however, had > in the West, reasserts the providential been buried too deep in hearts to be ex- > element of human existence as it was re- tirpated by any physical instrument of > asserted by the spiritual consecration and oppression. > personal suffering of the prophets and dis- After the Bib's martyrdom, the weight > ciples of former times. of official wrath fell upon susayn-'Ali, > The world of Islim one hundred years around whom the Bibis centered their > ago lay in a darkness corresponding to the hopes. Ijusayn-'Ali was imprisoned in > most degraded epoch of Europe's feudal age. Tihrin, exiled to Ba&did, from Ba&did > Between the upper and nether millstones of sent to Constantinople under the iurisdic- > an absolutist state and a materialistic tion of the Sulyin, exiled by the Turkish > church, the people of frhn were ground to government to Adrianople, and at length > a condition of extreme poverty and igno- imprisoned in the desolate barracks at > rance. The pomp of the civil and religious 'Aklri. > courts glittered above the general ruin like In 1863, while delayed outside of Ba&- > firedamp on a rotten log. d i d for the preparation of the caravan to > In that world, however, a few devoted be dispatched to C~nstantino~le, Husayn- > souls stood firm in their conviction that 'Ali established His Cause among the Bibis > the religion of Mhammad was to be puri- who insisted upon sharing His exile. His > fied by the rise of a spiritual hero whose declaration was the origin of the Bah6'i > coming was assured in their interpretation Faith in which the Bib's Cause was ful- > of His gospel. filled. The Bibis who accepted Husayn- > This remnant of the faithful one by one 'Ali as Bahi'u'llbh (the Glory of God) > became conscious that in 'Ali-Muhammad, were fully conscious that His mission was > since known to history as the Bib (the not a development of the Bibi movement > "Gate"), their hopes had been realized, and but a new Cause for which the Bib had > under the Bib's inspiration scattered them- sacrificed His life as the first of those who > selves as His apostles to arouse the people recognized the n~anifestation or prophet of > and prepare them for the restoration of the new age. > Islim to its original integrity. Against the During forty years of exile and imprison- > Bib and His followers the whole force of ment, Bah6'u9llih expounded a gospel which > church and state combined to extinguish a interpreted the spiritual meaning of ancient > fiery zeal which soon threatened to bring scriptures, renewed the reality of faith in > their structure of power to the ground. God and establisl~ed as the foundation of > The ministry of the Bib covered only the human society the principle of the one- > six years between 1 8 4 4 and His martyrdom ness of mankind. This gospel came into > by a military firing squad in the public being in the form of letters addressed to > square at Tabriz on July 9, 1810. individual believers and to groups in > 12 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > response to questions, in books of reli- grief-stricken and appalled by its loss of the > gious laws and principles, and in commu- wise and loving "Master" in 1921, learned > nications transmitted to the kings and rulers with profound gr&tude that 'Abdn'l-Bahl > calling upon them to establish universal in a will and testament had provided for > peace. the continuance and future development of > This sacred literature has an authoritative the Faith. This testament made clear the > commentary and interpretation in the text nature of the Spiritual Assemblies estab- > of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's writings during the years lished in the text of Bahi'u'116h and in- > between Bahh'u'll6h's ascension in 1 8 9 2 and augurated a new center for the widespread > 'Abdu'l-Bahl's departure in 1921, Bahi'- community of believers in the appointment > u'116h having left a testament naming of His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as Guard- > 'Abdu'l-Bahi (His eldest son) as the Inter- ian of the Bahi'i Faith. > preter of His Book and the Center of His During the fifteen years of general con- > Covenant. fusion since 1921, the Bahl'i community > The imprisonment of the Bahl'i com. has carried forward the work of internal > munity at 'Akki ended at last in 1908, consolidation and administrative order and > when the Young Turks party overthrew the has become conscious of its collective re- > existing political regime. sponsibility for the promotion of the blessed > For three years prior to the European gospel of BahPu'll6h. In addition to the > War, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, then nearly seventy task of establishing the structure of local > years of age, journeyed throughout Europe aud national Spiritual Assemblies, the be- > and America, and broadcast in public lievers have translated Bahi'i literature into > addresses and innumerable intimate gather- many languages, have sent teachers to all > ings the new spirit of brotherhood and parts of the world, and have resumed con- > world unity penetrating His very being as struction of the Bahi'i House of Worship > the consecrated Servant of Bah6. The on the shore of Lake Michigan, near Chi- > significance of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's commentary cago, the completion of which will be > and explanation is that it makes mental and impressive evidence of the power of this > moral connection with the thoughts and new Faith. > social conditions of both East and West. In the general letters issued to the Bahi'i > Dealing with matters of religious, philo- community by Shoghi Effendi in order to > sophical, ethical and sociological nature, execute the provisions of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's > 'Abdu'l-Bahl expounded all questions in the testament, believers have been given what > light of His conviction of the oneness of they are confident is the most profound > God and the providential character of and accurate analysis of the prevailing social > human life in this age. disorder and its true remedy in the World > The international Bahi'i community, Order of Bah;i'u'llih. > SURVEY OF CURRENT BAHA'I > A C T I V I T I E S I N T H E EAST > AND WEST > INTERNATIONAL > BY HORACE > HOLLEY > > T H E true progress of the Bahb'i world no other measure of receptivity than their > community in recent years has been in its prior religious environment could supply. > understanding of Bahb'u'lllh's Faith rather To be as the early Christians was the stand- > than in numbers or social power. Without ard of faith they could not but adopt and > this deepened insight into the nature of the seek t o apply. True, the concept "Bahl'i" > Faith, indeed, any considerable advance in was not limited t o adherents of Christian > the number of adherents might have raised descent. True, the new term applied > problems an inexperienced and collectively equally to believers of Muhammad or > unprepared body of believers would find Buddha as to Christians and Jews. The > difficulty in bringing to a solution. values associated with the Faith, neverthe- > The vital importance of this fact appears less, were inherently restricted to those > when it is appreciated t o what a degree, at created for mankind in the Sermon on the > least throughout the West, the early be- Mount. The difference between the mission > Levers unconsciously and instinctively ac- of Christ and Bahi'u'llih they acknowl- > cepted the Bahh'i Faith as the "return of edged, but instinctively held it to be limited > Christ." Grasping the Teachings only from only by the fact that now the sacred doc- > the aspect of their confirmation of the trine could at last be promulgated through- > views entering into a long historical expec- out the earth and not confined to one area > tation, the first generation of Bahi'is felt like the ancient empire of Rome. > themselves living in a spiritual Kingdom A world in dire torment, even though it > such as Jesus created for His followersa had prepared a great host t o accept the > Kingdom of the heart and inmost spirit "return of Christ" and replace with the high > raised high above the perturbations or con- challenge of the Sermon on the Mount a > quests of an unbelieving world. The days social culture obviously unfit to deal with > of Christ, they felt, had been divinely the problems of a society fatally divided > restored; whence their privilege and most and in decline, could not but have overrun > sacred duty to live and serve according to and even repudiated the claim of a Faith > the conditions surrounding the ancient whose application t o social problems was as > Apostles. simple and nai've 2s the outlook of the > The fact that Bahh'u'll6h had not only Bahl'i community in the West long con- > re-established the heavenly Kingdom of sidered it t o be. That Faith, however, > faith but had vastly extended the scope of serene and potent in its full reality and > religion, the fact that His Teachings ful- implication, has possessed the force neces- > filled expectation not by simple repetition sary t o re-educate the Bahi'is themselves, > of divine doctrine already revealed but by and moreover, to express its fundamental > creating an entirely new dimension for character and aim so clearly and vigorously > spiritual reality, was not clearly apprehended that the BahCi Teachings today constitute > because the first believers of the West had the essence of statesmanship and sociology, > T H E BAHA 'f WORLD > demonstrating their new and supreme mis- logical truth into a sociological equivalent, > sion by creating a World Order even within or personal values into the principles of a > the ruins of a civilization impotent to spiritual community. From ecstasy of re- > survive. demption to grandeur of martyrdom, the > I t has been in the successive general com- individual treads his own path acclaiming > munications issued by its Guardian, Shoghi the omnipotence of God. But ten thousand > Effendi, since early in 1929, that the whole inspired martyrs do not together constitute > significance and integrity of Bahi'u'll6h's the elements of a ~ u b l i cpolicy capable of > Revelation has been made apparent. The removing the causes of poverty or extirpat- > unique virtue of these letters-in reality a ing the seeds of disastrous war. Personal > series of statements interpreting the Teach- ecstasy, no matter how pure and enduring > ings in the light of the decadent world and a light in the soul, is not equivalent to the > the condition of the world in the light of function of statesmanship in replacing with > the Teachings-has been their power to order the fundamental disorder of a divided > convey, not for the instruction or solace of world. > individual seekers, but for the guidance of Humanity throughout the ages has been > an international community, that spiritual confused by the continuous division yawn- > truth given this age in measure greater than ing between personal spirituality and social > could be poured forth by the Manifestation necessity, with the result that all expecta- > at any prior epoch. The Message of Bahi'- tion of the fulfilment of truth has been > u'116h can now be apprehended in its turned to another "higher3' world or has > fulness and majesty and by its own supernal depicted an earthly consummation as nai've > light, not dimmed by reflection from minds as the imagination of a child. The interval > historically limited, no matter how sincere of time ever separating the flower of faith > and devoted the hearts they turned to Him. from its perfect fruit has darkened the vi- > The faith of Bahi'is, thanks to this inter- sion of innumerable generations of loyal be- > pretation and guidance, has been assimilated lievers, making their convictions irrational > into an understanding no longer subject to and socially ineffective, and opening the > challenge of world problem and inter- door to constant compromise with the pres- > national condition unresponsive to that sures exerted by the movements of society > lesser spiritual truth intended for the regeu- as a whole. The distance between spiritual > eration of the individual alone. reality and the organic structure of civili- > As an inner expelience, faith is ever com- zation has been a wasteland within which > plete and perfect within itself, for the indi- churches and states alike have perished in > vidual who rises to the station of faith every previous age. Every theology and > becomes filled with a holy elixir so pene- every sociology laboriously devised to carry > trating that no capacity for doubt remains. mankind safely from the realm of ~ersonal > The experience seems not merely immune motive to the realm of an organically united > from critical attack but of a nature higher and harmonious civilization has served only > than criticism can ever understand. Noth- t o re-emphasize the vital fact that the task > ing within the individual's destiny, when his lies beyond human capacity to perform. > faith is real, ever serves to challenge its per- The larger meaning of Bahl'u'lllh's Rev- > fect integrity or demonstrate its incapacity elation conveyed by Shoghi Effendi is that > to meet any and every condition the person God has destined this age to take the step > can possibly undergo. His sole regret is from subjective experience to world order. > that others are not similarly inspired and The new dimension of truth revealed by > equally blessed. Bahl'u'116h lies in the divine civilization His > The movements of society as a whole, Word created upon earth. The Bahl'i com- > however, supply a historical perspective munity no longer recognizes the wasteland; > larger than the individual's range of per- the reality it has accepted includes an or- > sonal experience. The religion entirely per- ganic social structure as well as a Sermon > fect to the devotee can, and has throughout on the Mount. The faith of the believer > recorded time, failed t o transmute psycho- combines knowledge of a world community > 16 T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD > > with knowledge of the holy path he, as an tical and not separate hodies, is abundantly > individual, must tread if he would be loyal confirmed by 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 Himself. ... > to his Lord. Not only will the present-day Spiritual As- > The effect of the Guardian's successive semblies be styled differently in future, but > statements has been to supply the Bahi'i will be enabled also to add to their present > community with an impregnable fonnda- functions those powers, duties, and prerog- > tion at the very time that the world is most atives necessitated by the recognition of the > grievously shaken and its truths and insti- Faith of Bahh'u'llih, not merely as one of > tutions made a source of bitter disillusion the recognized religious systems of the > to discerning men. As Shoghi Effendi's in- world, but as the State Religion of an inde- > sight has renewed and developed the con- pendent and Sovereign Power. And as the > sciousness of the believers, it has become Bahh'i Faith permeates the masses of the > apparent to them that the world crisis, far peoples of East and West, and its truth is > from challenging their loyalty, confirms it embraced by the majority of the peoples > with proofs and evidence so tangible that of a number of the Sovereign States of the > not for long will the confirmation stand world, will the Universal House of Justice > hidden from the intelligence and groping attain the plenitude of its power, and exer- > spirit of a bewildered race. For as the na- cise, as the supreme organ of the Bahh'i > tions recoil under blows of a destiny they Commonwealth, all the rights, the duties, > were not formed to encounter or even esti- and responsibilities incumbent upon the > mate, the Bahi'i community grows ever world's future superstate. ... > more conscious of the Power by which its "Who, I may ask, when viewing the > human weakness is sustained, and more international character of the Cause, its > aware that its collective experience has mys- far-flung ramifications, the increasing com- > teriously been to trace the outline and pat- plexity of its affairs, the diversity of its > tern of the emerging world. adherents, and the state of confusion that > Nothing could so effectively disclose the assails on every side the infant Faith of > forces working throughout the Bahh'i God, can for a moment question the neces- > world during the past two years as the fol- sity of some sort of administrative machin- > lowing excerpts from the Guardian's letters, ery that will insure, amid the storm and > chosen because they appear to concentrate stress of a struggling civilization, the unity > upon the aspect of the Revelation which ex- of the Faith, the preservation of its identity, > tends religion into that new dimension so and the protection of its interests?"-Eeb- > vitally needed by mankind today. mary 27, 1929. > "It would ... he helpful and instruc- "I cannot refrain from appealing to them > tive to bear in mind certain basic principles who stand identified with the Faith to dis- > with reference to the Will and Testament regard the prevailing notions and the fleet- > of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, which, together with the ing fashions of the day, and to realize as > Kitib-i-Aqdas, constitutes the chief deposi- never before that the exploded theories and > tary wherein are enshrined those priceless the tottering institutions of present-day > elements of that Divine Civilization, the es- civilization must needs appear in sharp con- > tablishment of which is the primary mission trast with those God-given institutions > of the Bahi'i Faith. . . . which are destined to arise upon their > "To dissociate the administrative princi- ruin. .. . > ples of the Cause from the purely spiritual "For Bahl'u'llih .. . has not only im- > and humanitarian teachings would be tan- bued mankind with a new and regenerating > tamount to a mutilation of the body of the Spirit. He has not merely enunciated cer- > Cause, a separation that can only result in tain universal principles, or propounded a > the disintegration of its component parts, particular philosophy, however potent, > and the extinction of the Faith itself. . . . sound and universal these may be. In addi- > That the Spiritual Assemblies of today will tion to these He, as well as 'Abdu'l-Bahi > be replaced in time by the Houses of Jus- after Him, have, unlike the Dispensations > tice, and are to all intents and purposes iden- of the past, clearly and specifically laid > C U R R E N T B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 17 > > down a set of Laws, established definite in- gaze, to however remote P region our survey > stitutions, and provided for the essentials of may extend, is everywhere assailed by forces > a Divine Economy. These are destined to it can neither explain nor control. . . . > be a pattern for future society, a supreme "Might we not already discern, as we > instrument for the establishment of the scan the political horizon, the alignment of > Most Great Peace, and the one agency for those forces that are dividing afresh the > the unification of the world, and the procla- continent of Europe into camps of potential > mation of the reign of righteousness and combat-ants, determined upon a contest that > justice upon the earth. .. . may mark, unlike the last war, the end of > "Unlike the D~spensationof Christ, un- an epoch, a vast epoch, in the history of > like the Dispensation of Muhammad, unlike human evolution? ... Might not the > all the Dispensations of the past, the apos- bankruptcy of this present, this highly- > tles of Bah6'u'llAh in every land, wherever vaunted materialistic civilization, in itself > they labor and toil, have before them in clear away the choking weeds that now hin- > clear, in unequivocal and emphatic lan- der the unfoldment and future efflorescence > guage, all the laws, the regulations, the of God's struggling Faith? > principles, the institutions, the guidance, "Humanity, whether viewed in the light > they require for the prosecution of their of man's individual conduct or in the exist- > . > task. . . Therein lies the distinguishing ing relationships between organized commu- > feature of the Bah6'i Revelation. Therein nities and nations, has, alas, strayed too far > lies the strength of the unity of the Faith, and suffered too great a decline to be re- > of the validity of a Revelation that claims deemed through the unaided efforts of the > not to destroy or belittle previous Revela- best among its recognized rulers and states- > tions, but to connect, unify, and fulfil men-however disinterested their motives, > them. ... however concerted their action, however > "Feeble though our Faith may now ap- unsparing in their zeal and devotion to its > pear in the eyes of men, who either de- cause. No scheme which the calculations > nounce it as an offshoot of Islkm, or con- of the highest statesmanship may yet de- > temptuously ignore it as one more of those vise; no doctrine which the most distin- > obscure sects that abound in the West, this guished exponents of economic theory may > priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now hope to advance; no principle which the > still in its embryonic state, shall evolve most ardent of moralists may strive to in- > within the shell of His law, and shall forge culcate, can provide, in the last resort, ade- > ahead, undivided and unimpaired, till it em- quate foundations upon which the future > braces the whole of mankind. Only those of a distracted world can be bu~lt. ... > who have already recognized the supreme "It is towards this g o a k h e goal of a > station of Bahl'u'llAh, only those whose new World Order, Divine in origin, all- > hearts have been touched by His love, and embracing in scope, equitable in principle, > have become familiar with the potency of challenging in its features-that a harassed > His spirit, can adequately appreciate the humanity must strive. ... > value of this Divine Economy-His ines- "How pathetic indeed are the efforts of > timable gift to mankind."-March 2 1, those leaders of human institutions who, in > 1930 . utter disregard of the spirit of the age, are > "Ten years of unceasing turmoil, so laden striving to adjust national processes, suited > with anguish, so fraught with incalculable to the ancient days of self-contained na- > consequences to the future of civilization, tions, to an age which must either achieve > have brought the world to the verge of a the unity of the world, as adumbrated by > calamity too awful to contemplate. ... BahB'u'lllh, or perish. At so critical an > Such has been the cumulative effect of these hour in the history of civilization it be- > successive crises, following one another with hooves the leaders of all the nations of the > such bewildering rapidity, that the very world, great and small, whether in the East > foundations of society are trembling. The or in the West, whether victors or van- > world, to whichever continent we turn our quished, to give heed to the clarion call of > T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD > > Bnhi'u'llih and, thoroughly imbued with a uct of the considered judgment of the > sense of world solidarity, the sine qua^ non world's federated representatives-shall have > of loyalty to His Cause, arise manfully to as its sanction the instant and coercive in- > carry out in its entirety the one remedial tervention of the combined forces of the > scheme He, the Divine Physician, has pre- federated units; and finally a world com- > scribed for an ailing humanity. Let them munity in which the fury of a capricious > discard, once for all, every preconceived and militant nationalism will have been > idea, every national prejudice, and give heed transmuted into an abiding consciousness of > to the sublime counsel of 'Abdu'l-Bahb, the world citizenship-such indeed, appears, in > authorized Expounder of His teachings. its broadest outline, the Order anticipated > 'You can best serve your cozcntry,' was by Bahlt'llih, an Order that shall come to > 'Abdu'l-Bahi's rejoinder' to a high official be regarded as the fairest fruit of a slowly > in the service of the federal government of maturing age. . . . > the United States of America, who had "Let there he no misgivings as to the ani- > questioned Him as to the best manner in mating purpose of the world-wide Law of > which he could promote the interests of his Babi'u'llih. Far from aiming at the sub- > government and people, 'if yo* strive, in version of the existing foundations of > yolcr capacity as a citizen of the world, to society, it seeks to broaden its basis, to re- > assist in the eventual application of the mould its institutions in a manner conso- > principle of federalism underlying the gov- nant with the needs of an ever-changing > evnment of youy own corntry to the rela- world. I t can conflict with no legitimate > tionships now existing between the peoples allegiances, nor can it undermine essential > and nations of the world.' . . . loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the > "Some form of a world Super-state must flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in > needs be evolved, in whose favor all the na- men's hearts, nor to abolish the system of > tions of the world will have willingly ceded national autonomy so essential if the evils > every claim to make war, certain rights to of excessive centralization are to be avoided. > impose taxation and all rights to maintain I t does not ignore, nor does it attempt t o > armaments, except for purposes of maintain- suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of > ing internal order within their respective climate, of history, of language and tradi- > dominions. Such a state will have to in- tion, of thought and habit, that differentiate > clude within its orbit an International Ex- the peoples and nations of the world. I t > ecutive adequate to enforce supreme and un- calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspira- > cballengeahle authority on every recalcitrant tion than any that has animated the human > member of the commonwealth; a World race. .. > . > Parliament whose members shall be elected "The call of BahP'u'll6h is primarily > by the people in their respective countries directed against all forms of provincialism, > and whose election shall be confirmed by all insularities and prejudices. .. . For > their respective governments; and a Su- legal standards, political and economic > preme Tribunal whose judgment will have theories are solely designed to safeguard the > a binding effect even in such cases where interests of humanity as a whole, and not > the parties concerned did not voluntarily humanity to be crucified for the preserva- > agree to submit their case to its considera- tion of the integrity of any particular law > tion. A world community in which all eco- or doctrine. . . . The principle of the One- > nomic harriers will have been permanently ness of Mankind-the pivot round which > demolished and the interdependence of Cap- all the teachings of Bahi'u'llih revolve-is > ital and Labor definitely recognized; in no mere outburst of ignorant emotionalism > which the clamor of religious fanaticism and or an expression of vague and pious hope. > strife will have been forever stilled; in . .. > Its implications are deeper, its claims > which the flame of racial animosity will greater than any which the Prophets of old > have been finally extinguished; in which 3 were allowed to advance. Its message is > single code of international law-the prod- applicable not only to the individual, but > - concerns itself primarily with the nature of > In the year 1912. > CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES 19 > those essential relationrhips that must bind in the eyes of the one true God, ~ h sland > all the states and nations as members of one wherein the splendors of His light shall be > human family. . . . unveiled, where the righteous will abide, > "It represents the consummation of hu- and the free assemble.' .. . > man evolution. . . . "The Revelation, of which Bahi'u'116h is > "That the forces of a world catastrophe the source and center, abrogates none of the > can alone precipitate such a new phase of religions which have preceded it, nor does > human thought is, alas, becoming increas- it attempt, in the slightest degree, to distort > ingly apparent. ... Nothing but a fiery their features or to belittle their value. It > ordeal, out of which humanity will emerge, disclaims any intention of dwarfing any of > chastened and prepared, can succeed in im- the Prophets of the past, or of whittling > planting that sense of responsibility which down the eternal verity of Their teachings. > the leaders of a new-born age must arise I t can, in no wise, conflict with the spirit > to shoulder. ... Has not 'Abdu'l-Bah6 that animates Their claims, nor does it seek > Himself asserted in unequivocal language to undermine the basis of any man's alle- > that 'another war, fiercer than the last, giance to Their cause. Its declared, its > will assuredly break out'?'-November 28, primary purpose, is to enable every adherent > .1931. of these Faiths to obtain a fuller under- > "That a Faith which, ten years ago, was standing of the religion with which he > severely shaken by the sudden removal of stands identified, and to acquire a clearer > an incomparable Master l should have, in apprehension of its purpose. I t is neither > the face of tremendous obstacles, main- eclectic in the presentation of its truths, nor > tained its unity, resisted the malignant on- arrogant in the afirmation of its claims. > slaught of its ill-wishers, silenced its Its teachings revolve around the funda- > calumniators, broadened the basis of its far- mental principle that religious truth is not > flung administration, and raised upon it absolute but relative, that Divine Revela- > institutions symbolizing its ideals of wor- tion is progressive, not final. Unequivocally > ship and service, should be deemed sutticient and without the least reservation it pro- > evidence of the invincible power with which claims all established religions to be divine > the Almighty has chosen to invest it from in origin, identical in their aims, comple- > the moment of its inception. mentary in their functions, continuous in > "That the Cause associated with the their purpose, indispensable in their value to > name of Bahi'u'116h feeds itself upon those mankind. .. . > hidden springs of celestial strength which "Those who have recognized the Light of > no force of human personality, whatever God in this age claim no finality for the > its glamor, can replace; that its reliance is Revelation with which they stand identsed, > solely upon that mystic Source with which nor arrogate to the Faith they have em- > no worldly advantage, be it wealth, fame or braced powers and attributes intrinsically > learning, can compare; that it propagates superior to, or essentially different from, > itself by ways mysteriously and utterly at those which have characterized any of the > variance with the standards accepted by the religious systems that preceded it. ... > . > generality of mankind, will . . become "Who, contemplating the helplessness, the > increasingly manifest as it forges ahead fears and miseries of humanity in this day, > towards fresh conquests in its struggle for can any longer question the necessity for > the spiritual regeneration of mankind. . . . a fresh revelation of the power > "Few ... are even dimly aware of the of God's redemptive love and guidance? > preponderating rBle which the North Amer- Who . . . can be so blind as to doubt that > ican continent is destined to play in the the hour has at last struck for the advent > future orientation of their world-embracing of a new Revelation, for a re-statement of > Cause. ... 'The continent of America,' the Divine Purpose, and for the consequent > wrote 'Abdu'l-BahS in February, 1917, 'is, revival of those spiritual forces that have, > = T h e ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, November 28, > at fixed intervals, rehabilitated the fortunes > 1921. of human society? Does not the very > 20 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > operation of the world-unifying forces that World Order destined to embrace in the > are at work in this age necessitate that He fulness of time the whole of mankind. ... > Who is the Bearer of the Message of God "Alone of all the Revelations gone before > in this day should not only reatfirm that it this Faith has . . . succeeded in raising > self-same exalted standard of individual con- a structure which the bewildered followers > duct inculcated by the Prophets gone before of bankrupt and broken creeds might well > Him, but embody in His appeal, to all approach and critically examine, and seek, > governments and peoples, the essentials of ere it is too late, the invulnerable security > that social code, that Divine Economy, of its world-embracing shelter. . .. > which must guide humanity's concerted "To what else if not to the power and > efforts in establishing that all-embracing majesty which this Admiaistrative Order- > federation which is to signalize the ad- the rudiments of the future all-enfolding > vent of the Kingdom of God on this Bah6'i Commonwealth-is destined to > earth? . . . manifest, can these utterances of Bahi'u'- > "I feel it incumbent to stress .. . the 116h allude: 'The world's equilibrium bath > importance of an instruction which . . . been upset through the vibrating influence > should be increasingly emphasized, irrespec- of this most great, this new World Order. > tive of its application to the East or to the Mankind's ordered life bath been revolu-. > West. ... This principle is no other than fionized through the agency of this unique, > that which involves the non-participation this wondrous Systenz--the like of which > by the adherents of the Faith of BahV- mortal eyes have never witnessed.' . .. > u'llih, whether in their individual capacities "The Bahi'i Commonwealth of the > or collectively as local or national (Spir- future, of which this vast Administrative > itual) Assemblies, in any form of activity Order is the sole framework, is, both in > that might he interpreted, either directly theory and practice, not only unique in the > or indirectly, as an interference in the entire history of political institutions, but > political affairs of any particular govern- can find no parallel in the annals of any of > ment. ... Such an attitude . . . indicates the world's recognized religious systems. > the desire cherished by every true and loyal No form of democratic government; no > follower of Bah6'u'llih to serve, in an un- system of autocracy or of dictatorship, > selfish, unostentatious and patriotic fashion, whether monarchical or republican; no in- > the highest interests of the country to termediary scheme of a purely aristocratic > which he belongs, and in a way that would order; nor even any of the recognized types > entail no departure from the.high stand- of theocracy, whether it be the Hebrew > ards of integrity and truthfulness associ- Commonwealth, or the various Christian > ated with the teachings of his Faith." ecclesiastical organizations, or the Imamate > -March 21, 1932. or the Caliphate in Isl6m-none of these > "'May this American democracy: He can be identified or said to conform with > Himself,l while in America, was heard to the Administrative Order which the master- > remark, 'be the first nation to establish the hand of its perfect Architect has fash- > foundation of bternational agreement. ioned. . .. > May it be the first nation to proclaim the "Let no one, while this System is still in > . > unity of mankind. . . May America be- its infancy, belittle its significance or mis- > come the distributing center of spiritual represent its purpose. The bedrock on > enlightenment and all the world receive this which this Administrative Order is founded > heavenly blessing.'-April 21, 1933. is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in > "This Administrative Order .. . will, this day. The Source from which it derives > as its component parts, its organic institu- its inspiration is no one less than Bahl'- > tions, begin to function with efficiency and u'116h Himself. . .. The central, the > vigor, assert its claim and demonstrate its underlying aim which animates it is the > capacity to be regarded not only as the establishment of the New World Order as > - . > nucleus but the verv, vattern of the New adumbrated by Bahl'u'llih. The methods > it employs, the standard it inculcates, in- > 1'Abddl-Bah6 visited North America in 1912. > CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 21 > > cline it to neither East nor West, neither of that Day of Days when the whole earth > Jew nor Gentile, neither rich nor poor, will have fructified and the tree of human- > neither white nor colored. Its watchword ity will have yielded its destined fruit. > is the unification of the human race; its "Beset on every side by the cumulative > standard the 'Most Great Peace.'" . . .- evidences of disintegration, of turmoil and > February 8 , 1934. of bankruptcy, serious-minded men and > "The contrast between the accumulating women, in almost every walk of life, are > evidences of steady consolidation that ac- beginning to doubt whether society, as it is > company the rise of the Administrative now organized, can, through its unaided > Order of the Faith of God, and the forces efforts, extricate itself from the slough into > of disintegration which batter at the fabric which it is steadily sinking. Every system, > of a travailing society, is as clear as it is short of the unification of the human race, > arresting. Both within and outside the has been tried, repeatedly tried, and been > Bah6'i world the signs and tokens which, found wanting. .. . Yet crisis has suc- > in a mysterious manner, are heralding the ceeded crisis, and the rapidity with which > birth of that World Order, the establish- a perilously unstable world is declining has > ment of which must signalize the Golden been correspondingly accelerated. ... > Age of the Cause of God, are growing and "Who else can be blissful if not the com- > multiplying day by day. . . . munity of the Most Great Name,' whose > " 'Soon,' BahCu'lllh's own words pro- world-embracing, continually consolidating > claim it, 'will the present-day Ovder be activities constitute the one integrating > rolled up, and a new one spead out in its process in a world whose institutions, secu- > stead.' . .. lar as well as religious, are for the most part > "The Revelation of Bah6'u'llhh .. . dissolving? . . . Of all the kindreds of the > should . . . be regarded as signalizing earth they alone can recognize, amidst the > through its advent the coming of age of welter of a tempestuous age, the Hand of > the entire human race. I t should he viewed the Divine Redeemer that traces its course > not merely as yet another spiritual revival and controls its destinies. They alone are > in the ever-changing fortunes of mankind, aware of the silent growth of that orderly > not only as a further stage in a chain of world polity whose fabric they themselves > progressive Revelations, nor even as the cul- . > are weaving. . . > mination of one of a series of recurrent "Ceasing to designate itself a movement, > prophetic cycles, hut rather as marking the a fellowship and the like-designations that > last and highest stage in the stupendous did grave injustice to its ever-unfolding > evolution of man's collective life on this systemdissociating itself from such appel- > planet. The emergence of a world com- lations as B6bi sect, Asiatic cult, and off- > munity, the consciousness of world citizen- shoot of &i'ih Isl6m, with which the > ship, the founding of a world civilization ignorant and the malicious were wont to > . > and culture . . should . .. be regarded, describe it, refusing to be labeled as a mere > as far as this planetary life is concerned, as philosophy of life, or as an eclectic code > the furthermost limits in the organization of ethical conduct, or even as a new re- > of human society, though man, as an indi- ligion, the Faith of Bahi3u'l16h is now > vidual, will, nay must indeed as a result of visibly succeeding in demonstrating its > such a consummation, continue indefinitely claim and title to be regarded as a World > to progress and develop. . . . Religion, destined to attain . . . the status > "The successive Founders of all past Re- of a world-embracing Commonwealth, > ligions Who . . . have shed, with ever- which would be at once the instrument and > increasing intensity, the splendor of one the guardian of the Most Great Peace an- > common Revelation at the various stages nounced by its Author. . . . > which have marked the advance of mankind "The whole of mankind is groaning, is > towards maturity may thus . . . be re- dying to be led to unity, and to terminate > garded as preliminary Manifestations, antici- its age-long martyrdom. And yet it stub- > - > pating and paving the way for the advent > 22 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > bornly refuses to embrace the light and than this developn~eotmade possible by be- > acknowledge the sovereign authority of the lievers so separated not merely by distance > one Power that can extricate it from its but by race, culture and historical experi- > entanglements, and avert the woeful calam- ence. frdn, with its ancient memories of > ity that threatens to engulf it. . . . a power and glory antedating the civiliza- > "Unification of the whole of mankind is tion of Europe, and its complex spirit > the hall-mark of the stage which human impregnated with the influence of successive > society is now approaching. Unity of religions, stands in striking contrast to > family, of tribe, of city-state, and nation Australia and New Zealand, lands still > have been successively attempred and fully marked by the stage of the pioneer and in > established. World unity is the goal their social progress akin t o the North > towards which a harassed humanity is striv- America existing in the middle of the nine- > ing. Nation-building has come to an end. teenth century. By faith, however, and the > The anarchy inherent in state sovereignty supreme power of a Teaching shaped for > is moving towards a climax. A world, humanity and not one race or country alone, > growing t o maturity, must abandon this the Bahi'is of these two diverse regions > fetish, recognize the oneness and wholeness have entered upon a path of oneness which > of human relationships, and establish once they tread in a unity of purpose and an > for all the machinery that can best incar- intimacy of soul greater than that of mem- > nate this fundamental of its life. bers of the same family whose physical bond > " ' A new life,' Bahi'u'llah proclaims, 'is, has no true spiritual substance and rein- > in this age, stirring within all the peoples forcement. > of the earth; and yet none bath discovered The first Annual Convention of the > its cause, or perceived its motive.' '0 ye Bahl'is of fr6n was held at Tihrin during > children of men,' H e thus addresses HIS eight days commencing April 26, 1934. As > generation, 'the fu7zdamental purpose ani- in North America, ninety-five delegates had > mating the Faith of God and His Religion been assigned proportionately to the national > is to safeguard the interests and pronzote community, and of these eighty-one were > . > the %+zit? of the humafi race. . . This is present a t the first session, eighty-four a t > the straight path, the fixed and immovable the later sessions. This event of vital im- > foundation.' "-March 1 1 , 193 6. portance is told in detail in the Report > prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly > FORMATION O F T W O NATJONAL of i r i n and published as a supplement to > SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES this Survey. > From the point of view of the Bahi'i > The pillars of the Bahb'i world order are world community, it is significant t o note > the National Spiritual Assemblies, elected that both the National Assembly of f r i n > by delegates representing the local Bahi'i and that of Australia and New Zealand > communities within the designated area of were formed and are functioning in strict > jurisdiction. A National Spiritual Assembly conformity with the administrative prin- > cannot be constituted until the Faith has ciples controlling the national Bahi'i insti- > become sufficiently widespread and firmly tutions previously established in other > rooted t o provide support for the national lands. Their constitutional character and > administrative body, whose effectiveness de- their organic processes are identical with > pends upon the existence of experienced those of America, Europe and other Bahi'i > local Spiritual Assemblies. comn~unitiesthroughout the East, with the > The present period has been notable in result that a believer can take residence in > the formation of two more National any established national Bahl'i community > Assemblies, one by the Bahl'is of i r l n , the and find his spiritual citizenship completely > other by the Bahi'is of Australia and New unchanged. Such differences as he would > Zealand. I t would he difficult to find evi- encounter in the realm of detail, even as the > dence more convincingly testifying t o the obvious distinctions of language and cnl- > universality of the Cause of Bahi'u'llih tural background, but fulfil the true > spiritual unity by stressing that diversity It was a wonderful cxpcrience in coopera- > on which true unity must be based. tive effort and a powerful means of spiritual > O n account of the vast Bahi'i popula- attraction. A reporter from the Sydney > tion of frin, the ninety-five delegates were 'Sun' attended the opening session and an > elected proportionately by the believers outline of the Bahi'i Principles appeared in > through twenty administrative divisions the next issue of that newspaper. > rather than through their separate local "This first Convention was of historic > Bah6'i communities. I t would be impos- importance to the Bahi'i Cause in that it > sible, clearly, to assign ninety-five delegates was for the purpose of forming a National > to local communities numbering more than Spiritual Assembly for this southern conti- > five hundred. The principle underlying nent, and so becoming another link in the > national Bah6'i elections, nevertheless, was chain for the establishment of the future > fully observed. A similar method of admin- International House of Justice. > istrative districts including h lumbers of local "The New Zealand delegates were the > Bahh'i communities will have to Ire de- first to arrive, and a special meeting of wel- > veloped for America and other nations come was arranged at which a happy time > when the number of their Spiritual Assem- was spent in contacting the Sydney friends. > blies exceeds the number of the delegates Later in the week the Adelaide delegates, > the believers collectively are t o elect. and friends from both Melbourne and > The Bahi'i affairs of frin had previously Adelaide, arrived, and these received a > been directed and coordinated nationally by similar warm-hearted welcome, so that be- > the former "Central Assembly" at Tihrin. fore the Convention opened a feeling of > The first National Spiritual Assembly of the true Bahi'i friendliness and fellowship was > Bahi'is of frin were: Valiyu'll6h Khin established, and all were filled with an > Varqb, Su'a'u'llih L h i n 'Alb'i, Dr. Yunis anticipatory joy in being privileged to take > s i n Afrhgtih, Jin6b-i-F6&l-i-Mizin- part in such a momentous event. > darani, Amin-Amin, Ahmad Chin Yaz- "The elecred delegates were:- > dini, 'Ali-Akhar G i n Furjtan, 'Inbyatu- "New Zealand-Mrs. Emily M. Axford, > '116h Lh6n Ahmadp6r, and MahmLd Lhin Miss Margaret B. Stevenson, Miss Ethel A. > Badi'i. Blundell. > The first Annual Convention of the "Adelaide-Mrs. Silver Jackman, Miss > Bahb'is of Australia and New Zealand was Hilda Brooks, Mr. Robert Brown. > held at Sydney, May 11, 16, 17 and 1 8 , "Sydney-Mrs. Routh, Mr. Hyde Dunn, > 1934. Details of this meeting, so signifi- Mr. 0. Whittaker." > cant in the unfoldment of the Bahh'i world Significant as the formation of a new > order, are made available in reports issued National Spiritual Assembly is as evidence > by the National Spiritual Assembly formed of an active, vigorous and widespread > by that Convention. Bahi'i community in its land, its full im- > "A little more than a decade after the portance lies in the fact that the institution > landing in Sydney of those two indefaci- of the National Assembly itself is hut a step > gable Bahi'i pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. Hyde in the development of the Bah6'i world > Dunn, has seen the outward and visible order. A National Spiritual Assembly > consummation of their labors in the forma- stands not 3s an independent body, nor a > tion of a National Spiritual Assembly of final authority in the realm of collective > the Bahl'is of the Commonwealth of Ans- action, but as the pillar upon which will > tralia and the Dominion of New Zealand. rest in future the dome of the Bah6'i social > This was the outstanding achievement of structure-the International House of > the Cause in these southern lands in 1934, Justice. A great part of the necessary > and itself bears witness to the sincerity, foundation for that crowning Bahi'i > enthusiasm and faith of the believers. achievement has already been constructed. > "Bahl'is from Adelaide, Melbourne, New It rcmains only for the new National Spir- > Zealand and other places met in Sydney itual Assemblies to begin functioning with > where the first Bahb'i Convention was held. effective power, and for the Bah6'i com- > THE B A H A 'i WORLD > > lnunities in Caucasus and Turkisthn to be Palestine Rranch of the American Assembly, > enabled to initiate their own Annual Con- at the date of this writing, owns in both > vention and form National Spiritual As- 'Akk6 and Haifa, approximately sixty > semblies. The requisite capacity will then thousand square pics-one thousand, six > have been acquired, and the proper condi- hundred square pics being equivalent t o > tions realized, for the decisive final step nine hundred square meters. The holdings > upon which the world's peace and even its thus represent some thirty-three thousand, > very existence depends. seven hundred and fifty square meters. > Soon after its incorporation in the Mixed > INCORPORATION OF EXISTING Court of Egypt, the NationaI Spiritual > NATIONAL SPIRITUAL Assembly of that land acquired, through > ASSEMBLIES donation from an Egyptian Baha'i, one > faddau of land, equal to four thousand > During the same period, also, the square meters. > National Spiritual Assemblies of Egypt, and The incorporation of the National As- > of India and Burma, found it possible to sembly of the Baha'is of Egypt must be > effect legal incorporation and secure official regarded as far more than a legal achieve- > state recognition for their national Baha'i ment. The first Assembly to secure civil > constitution. Moreover, the National As- recognition and the status of an independ- > semblies of Germany and 'Iriq took steps to ent religion in Islim, the National Spiritual > adopt constitutions and by-laws identical Assembly has succeeded in this effort only > with the Declaration of Trust under which after a long and ardent struggle. Within > the National Spiritual Assembly of the a decade, the Bahh'is of Egypt have pro- > BahCis of the United States and Canada gressed from a status officially regarded as > has operated for some ten years. The text one of heresy in the eyes of Muhammad- > of these constitutions, some of which are anism to that of spiritual independence. > accompanied by the certificate issued to The Westerner can not appreciate, nor > them by the civil authorities, is reproduced scarcely imagine, the degree of progress this > in Part Two of the present work. evolution represents. I t is equivalent to the > Not less interesting is the fact that the transition from the tenth to the nineteenth > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is century in the West. > of India and Burma has in addition formed > a Palestine Branch, duly incorporated and BAHA'i PROPERTY I N AMERICA > registered, similar t o that formed some > years ago by the American Assembly, thus From 1909, the date when American > adding one more Bahh'i national community Bahh'is made their first purchase of land as > empowered t o hold title to land at the world the site of the House of Worship on Lake > center of the Faith. Michigan, near Chicago, to 1936, the > The amount of land transferred to the amount of Bahh'i property greatly in- > Palestine Branch of the American Assembly creased. > during this period, adjacent to the Shrine Five separate properties are now legally > of the Bib on Mount Carmel, has been very held for the benefit of the National Spir- > considerable. Part was acquired by pur- itual Assembly of American Bahh'is: the > chase from funds contributed directly for land and structure of the House of Wor- > that purpose by believers, the balance con- ship, with caretaker's cottage and the studio > sisting of individual holdings donated by constructed by the Temple architect, the > their Bahh'i owners. I n this connection it late Louis J. Bourgeois; Green Acre, Eliot, > is of interest to recall the fact that Ameri- Maine, the site of the Conferences founded > can Bahl'is were advised by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 by the late Sarah J. Farmer in 1894, con- > many years before Haifa possessed any sisting of an Inn, five cottages, Fellowship > importance and before Palestine even had House and Arts and Crafts Studio, with > been awakened from its slumber of ages to several parcels of land-including the im- > purchase lots on Mount Carmel! The portant holding on Mount Salvat-totaling > CURRENT BAIHK'f ACTIVITIES 2f > > several hundrcd acres; the house at Malden, Valious u ~ h r r sacred and historic sires > Massachusetts, blessed by the time spent in associated with the Founders of the Faith > it by 'Abdu'l-Bahi during His American in Iran, and hallowed by the heroism of > journey in 1912; the land and buildings de- Their early followers, are likewise being > veloped by Roy C. Wilhelm at West Engle- gradually acquired, in accordance with a > wood, New Jersey, chosen by 'Abdu'l-Bahb definite plan adopted under the advice of > as the place for the Unity Feast H e gave the Guardian and assisted by his contribu- > the Baha'is of the New York lnetropolitan tion in the amount of two thousand tG- > district in June, 1912, and now used as the mins a year. > Office of the National Assembly and the A t the same time, progress has been made > meeting place of the local Bahi'i com- in the construction of the Haziratu'l-Quds. > munity; and the property at Geyserville, or Bahl'i headquarters, in the capital city, > California, which Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch Tihrhn. > for about seven years placed at the disposal A vast area, moreover, has been acquired > of the Summer School maintained by the on the slopes of Mount Alburz, northeast of > Bahi'is of the Pacific Coast. Tihrin, for the eventual construction of > Green Acre was transferred to Bahi'i the first Mabriqu'l-A&kir (House of > trustees by the Green Acre Fellowship Worship) by the Bahi'is of irhn. The land > whicl~ beld title after Sarah J. Farmer's already acquired measures not less than one > death. The Malden house was left to Shoghi million, two hundred and fifty-seven thou- > Effendi in the Will and Testament of the sand square meters, but is being extended > late Maria P. Wilson, and by Shoghi by further purchases in order to provide > Effendi transferred t o Bahh'i trustees. Both sufficient space for the erection of the acces- > the Wilhelm and Bosch properties were re- sory buildings, or dependencies, which with > ceived as donations by their respective the House of Worship constitute the > owners. MaGriqu'l-A&kir established by Bahi'u- > While values may not be readily estab- 'llbh. > lished for all these holdings, the entire The Report of the National Spiritual > property beld for the Bahi'i Faith in Assembly of the Baha'is of ir6n which > America can he estimated as amounting in follows this International review testifies to > worth t o a t least one million, one hundred the further progress of the Faith in that > and fifty thousand dollars. By far the land, and the activities maintained under > greater portion of this value has been cre- the direction of national Committees. Brief > ated by the Bahi'is during the decade reference may be made here to the forma- > beginning 1926. tion of a National Bahi'i Archives, the > dispatching of accredited teachers to 'Irlq > as well as t o many parts of ir6u, the > adoption of Bahl'i marriage certificates and > The formation of a National Spiritual also a Bahl'i certificate of divorce, the dis- > Assembly by the believers of fr6n made semination of Bah6'i news t o local centers, > possible the undertaking of larger Bahi'i and the necessity of meeting the dire and > enterprises but at the same time this step widespread difficulties resulting from re- > seemed challenged by a new and violent pressive lneasures adopted by the civil > anti-Bahi'i attitude on the part of certain authorities. > government departments. The weakening of the power of the Mus- > Of intense interest t o BahB'is of other lim clergy in i r i n has been a n indication > nations has been the acquisition, by pur- of nationalism rather than a broadening and > chase, of a portion of the village of a i h r i q , deepening of the basis of social ethics and > where the B i b was incarcerated. This of spiritual religion. A necessary step > sacred and revered scene of one of the toward the eventual triumph of a World > momentous episodes in the history of the Faith, the decline of Islhm as revealed re- > Faith has thus come under the care and pro- ligion and ecclesiastical authority has at > tection of the Cause. first resulted in a social environment hostile > 26 THE B A H A 'i WORLD > > to che claims of divinc ~ r u ~ bThe . condi- holidays, orders will be issued for the closing > tion, giving as it does an undue influence t o up of same, the National Spiritual Assem- > secular forces, exposes the followers of a bly here with a view to preventing the > living Faith to the increase of pressure and occurrence of such an event and pointing > tension which invariably acco~npanies the out to the authorities concerned the impor- > discrediting of traditional religion. In his tance which such an action would involve, > letter on "The Unfoldment of World Civil- deputed one of its members, Dr. Youness > ization" dated March 1 1 , 1936, Shoghi Lhhn Afroukhteh to call on H . E. MirzP > Effendi thus describes that decline: 'Ali Aghar Eh4n Hekmat, the acting > "The collapse of the a i ' i h hierarchy, in Minister of Education with instructions > a land which had for centuries been one of that he (Dr. Youness Lhhn) should explain > the impregnable strongholds of Muslim fully the matter to the acting Minister. > fanaticism, was the inevitable consequence Dr. Youness K_hin, in the course of the > of that wave of secularization which, at a interview which he had with this official, > later time, was to invade some of the most made it clear to him that as the Tarbiyat > powerful and conservative institutions in Schools formed part of private institutions > both the European and American conti- of the Bahi'i community and as the > nents. Though not the direct outcome of teachers and pupils are chiefly Bahi'i and > the last war, this sudden trembling which that since these teachers and pupils, as one > had seized this hitherto imlnovable pillar of of their religious duties, abstain from work- > Islhmic orthodoxy accentuated the prohle~ns ing on nine days during the year, the > and deepened the restlessness with which a schools are automatically closed, and that > war-weary world was being afflicted. as this is a matter relating t o the religious > &iCih Isldm had lost once for all, in Bahb- belief of the Bahi'is, it is impossible for the > 'u'llbh's native land and as the direct conse- Assembly t o interfere with sacred duties of > quence of its implacable hostility to His the Bahi'i individuals by forcing them to > Faith, its combative power, had forfeited its work in the Bahb'i holidays. Dr. Youness > rights and privileges, had been degraded and K&in also made it clear in the course of his > demoralized, and was being condemned to conversations, that in the same way that > hopeless obscurity and ultimate extinction." the Board of Education allows the Jewish, > With startling suddenness, and wholly Zoroastrian and Christian communities in > unexpectedly to the Bahi'is of the West, this country to celebrate their religious > the famous Tarbiyat Schools in Tihrin holidays, the Bahi'is should equally be per- > were compelled to close their doors and mitted to benefit by their religious legiti- > abandon their historic mission of initiating mate right. The acting Minister had > true education in frin. School after school, considered such a matter to be against the > throughout the country, conducted by regulations of his Department and had > Bahi'is in cities, towns and villages, cher- stated that the Bahi'is should not, at any > ished by them and of incalculable benefit rate, close their schools on these days and > to thousands of innocent children and suggested that the schools should be left > youth, incurred the same penalty by order open more or less on these days, failing > of the Department of Education. At the which he would have no alternative but to > same time those dibabilities described in take action for the closing of the schools > previous volumes of The Bahd'i World were by virtue of a notification which would be > maintained and in some ways extended and issued from the Board of Education. The > made more rigorous. reason given by His Excellency Hekmat > The account given by the National Spir- was that the frinian Government has not > itual Assembly of frhn, in its Report already recognized the Bahi'i religion as it has other > mentioned, may be amplified by the follow- minority religions. Dr. Youness Q d n again > ing excerpts from other communications. called on the acting Minister for the third > "As the Board of Education had formerly time and took with him Mirzl 'Ali Akbar > warned the Tarbiyat Schools officially that Khan Foroutan, the Principal of the boys' > in case these schools are closed on unofficial school, but all these visits proved of no avail > CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 27 > > since, while Dr. Youneqs 9 6 0 was insisting from going to these institutions. It was > in his views and pointing out the impor- a very sad and touching scene to the > tance for the Bahl'is to close their schools passers-by, both Bahi'is and others, as some > on these days and also explaining the fact of the pupils, mostly children, were weep- > that the school authorities, in celebrating ing in the streets, sent out from their > their religious holidays, would in no way beloved school regretting the closing down > disregard the ruling and regulations of the of the same in a deplorable manner. On > Board of Education, the acting Minister was the same day at 9.30 A.M. the sign-board > reiterating his statement that the Bahi'is of the boys' school was also taken down. > should not celebrate their religious holidays. The school authorities did not fail to notify > Dr. Youness &in also requested that the the parents of non-Baha'i students that as > Board of Education give a more careful and the Tarhiyat schools were Bahi'i institu- > sympathetic consideration to the matter be- tions which had celebrated Bah6'i holidays, > fore taking an action in respect to two the Board of Education had ordered them to > schools of good reputation with an enroll- be closed. > ment of 1100 pupils. Dr. Youness Khin "After the closing of the schools the > asked that the case be submitted to His National Spiritual Assembly instructed the > Majesty for a decision. But the acting friends to abstain from sending their chil- > Minister gave an unfavorable reply and dren to other local schools pending a de- > reiterated his former statements adding that cision from the Guardian and obtaining of > he would have no alternative but to close information as to the definite decision of > the schools. the Government in respect of the schools in > "On Thursday, Azer l l t h , 1313 (De- future. Most of the students are still wait- > cember 6 , 1934) the schools were closed as ing a decision and have not applied for > usual in commemoration of the martyrdom enrollment in other schools. Even most of > of the Bib. On Saturday afternoon, Azer the non-Baha'is, whose children were study- > 17th, 1313 (December 8 ) the Chief of the ing in the Tarbiyat Schools, are most > Police Station had, by direction of the Cen- patiently waiting for the re-opening of our > tral Police Department, gone to the boys' schools and are regretting and at the same > school and ordered the closing of the school time expressing their astonishment at this > and sending away of the pupils. The Prin- unexpected event. I t is heard that some of > cipal of the school had immediately carried the influential people in Tihrln have re- > out the order. The Chief of the Police ferred to the Board of Education and have > Station had not left the school building unofficially complained against the action. > when another police officer came to the "Since it has become clear to the National > school t o convey the same order. At that Assembly that the ill-wishers and enemies > time an official communication was received of the Baha'i Faith have made intrigues > from the Board of Education. After a short agains~the Bahl'is before His Majesty and > while the Chief of the Inspection Section accused them of being disobedient to the > of the Board of Education went to the laws of the country and being careless of > school to announce the decision. At the the interests of frhn and of lacking patriotic > same time a similar notification was given feelings towards their country and that, > to the girls' school. therefore, the order issued for the closing > "On the same day at 12 o'clock at night down of schools was based on the sanction > the Chief of the Police Station, accom- of His Majesty which means that His > panied by a policeman, went to the girls' Majesty has in fact taken such a step, the > school and to the Kindergarten and took National Assembly, with a view to remov- > down the sign-boards placed at the gates of ing any misunderstanding and disclosing > these two institutions. On the following the truth, had recourse to the following > day, Sunday, Azer 18th (December 9, means:- > 1934) a policeman was placed in front of "A long and detailed tclcgraphic pctition > the girls' school and two policemen in front was sent to His Majesty of which a copy > of the boys' school to prevent the students was handed to the Royal Secretariat. This > 28 THE BAHA'I: WORLD > > step was of no avail since two days after the "Information was received from Qazvin > cablegram was handed to the Telegraph through a traveller stating that the local > Office the Head of the Departmept called Board of Education had closed the girls' > the Secretary of the National Assembly and school and that the Police had forbidden > told him that as the cablegram was of a Bahl'i meetings and gatherings. I t was > complaining nature, he was forbidden to surprising that the local Police had forhid- > send it to its destination. The Secretary of den the Bahi'is to have their dead buried > the Assembly expressed his surprise at hear- in the Bahi'i cemetery Gulastin-i-Javid, > ing such an illogical statement whereupon suggesting that the Bahi'is should acquire > the Head of the Telegraph Department re- a piece of ground near the M4ammadan > plied most categorically that he could not cemetery and bury there their dead without > accept such a telegram which he gave back performing any rites or ceremonies so that > to the Secretary adding that he could also there may be no different treatment in > refund the cost of same. But the Secretary favour of the Bahi'is. I t is evident that > never got back the money and kept the the friends have never complied with such > receipt form which was given for it. instrnctions which are against their con- > "Upon the refusal of the Telegraph science and religion and will never do so in > Office to accept the cablegram addressed to the future. > His Majesty, the National Assembly wrote "A report was received from Ka&in that > at once a letter to the Ministry of Posts and the local Board of Education had closed > Telegraphs and asked for due consideration down the Bahi'i school Vahdat-i-Bahar in > to be given to the matter. that town and the police had forbidden all > "A petition was sent by the Assembly to Bah6'i gatherings and meetings, both pri- > the Council of Ministers asking them to vate and public in the Haziratu'l-Quds > remove the difficulties and restrictions cre- and in private houses. The Principal of the > ated for the Bahi'is. school was detained for a few days and > "As the National Assembly was not quite Aghai Forougl~i,one of the leading friends, > sure that the copy of the petition addressed was imprisoned some days. > to His Majesty was delivered to its high "We quote hereafter some excerpts from > destination by the Royal Secretariat, it con- the report recevied from the Assembly in > sidered the possibility of having further K6&6n:- > petitions handed to His Majesty through "On December 9th last the Chief of > certain high personages. But most of these Police sent a message to the Spiritual As- > personages offered their excuse to do this sembly through one of the friends, Dr. > favor on the grounds that His Majesty was zulaymin Bergis, that Bah6'i meetings, both > exceedingly angry with the Bah6'is. Among private and public, should be stopped and > these personages, however, His Excellency that no Bahi'i should openly declare his > Jam, the Minister of the Interior, offered to faith. The following day the police arrested > hand the Assembly's petition to the s i b the guardian of the Haziratu'l-Quds prem- > when a favorable occasion should arise. A ises and made him give a written assurance > comprehensive petition was, therefore, that no BahPi meetings should be held in > drawn up and handed to His Excellency the Bahi'i Center. > Jam for delivery to His Majesty. "On December 13th last the Chief of > "The Directory Body of the Tarbiyat Police, accompanied by another official and > Schools Committee, by direction of the a number of policemen and an inspector > National Assembly, wrote a long letter to from the Detectives, went to the Vahdat-i- > the Board of Education regarding the clos- Bas_har schools for boys and girls and closed > ing of the schools and sent it by the local down the same by order from the capital. > post (since the letter would have been re- Then the party proceeded to the Ha?iratu'l- > fused if sent otherwise). Quds and ordered that nobody should visit > "In the meantime various regrettable re- this placc. They also confiscated the furni- > ports were received from provinces and ture and articles of the boys' and girls' > districts in fr6n as follows:- schools and sent out the gate-keeper of the > Relics of the Bhb. > 30 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > Ha~iratu'l-Quds from thiq building. Then a report saying that the police have closed > they took Mirz6.'Ahbis Lhan Mahmudi, the Haziratu'l-Quds and forbidden all the > the Principal of the School, t o the police, meetings. The preachers are using abusive > arrested h i there for three days with a language on the Cause and inducing the > view t o frightening him and forcing him fanatical class to rise against the friends. > t o deny his faith, but all without any avail. "Similar news was received from almost > O n the following day Dr. zulaymln Bergis every corner of the country, but such > and Mirzi Moussa Youssefian were taken events had not taken place in Tihrin till ic > to the police. The former was released was lately heard that the police had issued > after a short while, but the latter was held some circular instructions t o its various > until the following day. They were both branches both in the provinces and in the > released on bail. Again another friend was capital t o prevent strictly Bahh'i activities > taken to the police and after using bad lan- and suspend all gatherings and meetings and > guage against him and against the Cause, prosecute and arrest everybody who pro- > they released him. The Maarefat school fesses his faith openly and also t o dismiss > at A r i n ( a suburb of K i h i n ) was also from the Government service any Bahi'i > closed. A t present all BahPi institutions who declares his faith openly. Since the > are closed and suspended and the Bahh'i issue of these instructions the restrictions > schools and the Haziratu'l-Quds, which began to appear for the friends in Tihrin: > belongs t o the Cause, have been locked up all Bahi'i gatherings and meetings, both > by the Government officials. These build- private and public, which used to be held in > ings are liable t o be damaged and even the Haziratu'l-Quds and private houses, and > pulled down by rain and snow should they even some of the Character Training > remain locked up in their present state. Classes of children were suspended and those > Any Bahi'i who may profess his faith friends who used t o have meetings in their > openly is liable t o be arrested. For the last houses were forced to give written assur- > eighty years the friends in Kh&in had not ance that they would not hold any. Some > experienced such restrictions and difficulties. of the friends were called to the police and > One of the friends named Agha Muhammad warned that they should not declare their > Forouzan was made t o give a written faith openly, but as the friends had cate- > assurance that he will not receive any guests gorically refused to respond to the call and > in his house. preferred to suffer all sorts of calamities > "The pupils who were studying in the rather than ro comply with the wishes of > Bahi'i schools are left without any decision the officials, the matter was not taken up > and are having their time wasted since they any further. > will not he admitted in Muhammadan "Then some of the local papers and > schools unless they renounce their faith, a m~gazinesin Tihrin, taking advantage of > course which they will never adopt. the occasion, began t o write articles attack- > "We have received a report from ing the Bah6'i schools and the Bah6'is. One > Hamadin saying that the Haziratu'l- of the local preachers, Shariat Sanglaji, re- > Quds has been closed and that gatherings ferring to the attack made in some of the > and meetings have been forbidden. papers, had, in the course of the speech he > "The Spiritual Assembly in Salf6n-Abid had delivered for the public, expressed his > (Aragh) have sent Aghai Noush Abadi, utmost joy and gratitude at the action taken > the teacher, t o Tihrin and sent a message by His Imperial Majesty in closing up the > through the latter that the police have Baha'i schools which, in the opinion of the > closed the Ha~iratu'l-Quds, confiscated the preacher, were prejudicial t o the good > correspondence and archives of the Assem- morals of those Muhammadan students who > bly and that they have even taken away the were studying in the Baha'i schools. > tiles bearing Bahi'i inscriptions which were "According t o information received, the > fixed up on the walls of the Hatiratu'l- schools of Tayyid and Mowhebat 111 > Quds hall. Hamadin have been closed by order of the > "The Assembly in KirminGih have sent local Educational Department and the in- > terventinn of the Police, who had driven women in Tihr6n where they are caught > away the pupils from the schools in a most manners and how to behave themselves in > discourteous and harsh manner. society. Qualified Bah6'i teachers are man- > "The question relating to the unveiling aging these meetings." > of women is progressing most satisfactorily > and rapidly in this country. The majority PROGRESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION > of the female class both in the capital and O F T H E HOUSE O F WORSHIP > in the provinces have discarded their veils I N AMERICA > and joined the new movement. > "Special lneetlngs were arranged first by With the completion of the external > Government departments and then by mer- decoration of the dome, reported in the > chants, various guilds, municipal institu- previous volume, the Bah6'i House of Wor- > tions, etc., where various classes of people ship on Lake Michigan assumed a new and > were present with their wives without any more impressive, as well as more beautiful, > veils. According t o the local press, a num- aspect. By the union of the architect's > ber of Mullis and priests as well as some genius for design, with the builder's advance > notaries public have attended these meetings in the use of plastic concrete, an effect has > with their wives. Some of these Mullis been obtained which the professional en- > have delivered speeches in support of the gineer and architect recognize as a great > new movement and proving that the dis- forward step and the layman perceives as > carding of the veil has no connectio~l an extraordinarily appealing development in > whatsoever with religion. This is most architecture. > strange and surprising especially when tak- The edifice is so situated upon the North > ing into view the utmost degree of fanati- Shore highway that the dome and clere: > cism and narrow-mindedness tor which story sections are visible at turns in the road > the ecclesiastical class in this country are long before the main structure appears. > known. These two sections, indeed, constitute an > "It may be worth lnentioning here that organic nnit, bound together by the vertical > the 'frin' newspaper published in Tihrin pillars supporting the nine great ribs. > has lately reproduced the picture of a When, therefore, the clerestory section > number of Mullis and the ecclesiastical class was finished by August, 193 5 , the first > in Qazvin, frin, accompanied by their stage in the decoration of the external sur- > wives attending a meeting held in that town face of the House of Worship had been > to celebrate the unveiling of women. fully accomplished. The throng of visitors, > "The Government, with a view t o sup- and the host of persons employing the high- > porting the movement, has imposed certain way adjacent to the Temple site, can now > restrictions on the fanatical class who are begin t o appreciate the majesty with which > reluctant to joint the movement. Thus the completed building will herald the Faith > women with their veils on are not allowed of Bahgu'llih. > to use public means of transport and 'buses, For the believers, the completion of the > go t o public shows, pictures and cafes and clerestory section represented also a triumph > cross public streets and thoroughfares. of sacrifice and devotion long sustained and > These restricrions are being increased every ardently borne. Their hopes and expecta- > day. tions, centered in Temple construction over > "The Spiritual Assembly in Tihrln, in a period of ten years, came to a temporary > view of the present movement relating to fulfilment as they felt the deepened unity > discarding of the veil, have considered that and insight acquired as result of such in- > Bah6'i women should also join the move- tense concentration upon a tremendous > ment and discard their veils a t once and task. > attend public meetings with their hus- NATIONAL ARCHIVES > bands. > "Special meetings are held by the Assem- The longing t o collect, publish and per- > bly for the friends both for Inen and petuate the Tablets of the Bah6'u'llhh and > 32 THE B A H K " 1 W O R L D > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, keenly felt by bslievers in all spiritual unity transcending race, nation > countries since the early days of the Faith, and cIass. O n the one hand, the Bahb'is are > came to definite organized expression among animated by the conviction that the prob- > the Bahi'is of North America more than lems of humanity can only be solved by the > twenty years ago. A National Archives union and solidarity of mankind in "one > was established to which all American be- Faith and one Order." On the other hand, > lievers were requested to send the Tablets the Bahl'is are devoting their lives and re- > they had received from the Master. Three sources to the upbuilding of a universal > volumes of Tablets were soon made avail- civilization not compatible with systems > able, and the contents of a fourth volume based upon war and strife. > are now ready for the press. In addition to This attitude is not to he confused with > these Tablets, sacred Bahi'i relics and valu- that of the "conscientious objector" whose > able historical material have lilrewise been individual outlook compels him to reject, if > acquired and preserved. The Archives necessary, the function of government for > Committee in America, indeed, has de- the sake of his conviction. The Bah6'is are > veloped its function to the point where a not retreating into a subjective attitude, > special storage space and reference room will but rather seelcing to learn the divine art of > soon be needed. a unity and cooperation which in itself rep- > Similar National Archives have been in- resents the highest goal of social effort. > itiated in Egypt, iriu, Germany, America In the words of Shoghi Effendi: "This > and India. The next step in this important principle is no other than that which in- > function of the administrative order will be volves the non-participation by the adher- > the formation of local Archives by the ents of the Faith of Bahi'dlllh, whether in > various Spiritual Assemblies in cities and their individual capacities or collectively as > towns. local or National Assemblies, in any form > Not less than fourteen volumes of Tab- of activity that might be interpreted, either > lets revealed by Bahd'u'llih and 'Abdu'l- directly or indirectly, as an interference in > Bahi, compiled under the direction of the political affairs of any particular gov- > National Spiritual Assemblies, have been ernment. > sent t o the International Bahi'i Archives on "Let them refrain from associating them- > Mt. Carmel. selves, whether by word or by deed, with > the political pursuits of their respective > THE DIVINE POLITY nations, with the policies of their govern- > ments and the schemes and programs of > The period of two years covered by The parties and factions. In such controversies > Bahd'i Woi,lil, Vol. VI, has been character- they should assign no blame, take no side, > ized by the establishment of two important further no design, and identify themselves > principles controlling the relation of the with no system prejudicial to the best > Bahl'i community to its social environ- interests of that world-wide Fellowship > ment. In the words of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the which it is their aim to guard and foster. > Bah6'is follow a divine polity rather than . .. Let them affirm their unyielding > the competitive, changing and fruitless pro- determination to stand, firmly and unre- > grams of a misguided world. servedly, for the way of Bahh'u'llAh, to > The first of these principles is that avoid the entanglements and bickerings in- > Bahi'is in all countries refrain from indi- separable from the pursuits of the politician, > vidual as well as collective political activi- and to become worthy agencies of that > ties. They accept no office dependent upon Divine Polity which incarnates God's im- > political influence, and take no part in the mutable Purpose for all men. . . . > clash of partisan movements and interests. "Let them proclaim that in whatever > Loyal to tlie enactments of their respective country they reside, and however advanced > governments, the followers of Bahi'u'llih their institutions, or profound their desire > stand apart from any activity or influence to enforce the laws, and apply the principles > which can in any way jeopardize their enunciated by BahCu'llih, they will, un- > CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 33 > > hesitatingly, subordinate the operation of izations that oppose it . . . imposes upon > such laws and the application of such prin- every loyal upholder of the Cause the ohli- > ciples to the requirements and legal enact- gation of refraining from any word or > ments of their respective governments. . . . action that might prejudice the position > "Though loyal to their respective govern- (that is, that of an independent religion) > ments, though profou~~dlyinterested in which our enemies have in recent years and > anything that affects their security and of their own accord, and estab- > welfare, though anxious to share in what- lished. This historic development, the > ever promotes their best interests, the Faith begiinings of which could neither be > with which the followers of Bahi'u'llih recognized nor even anticipated in the years > stand identified is one which they firmly immediately preceding 'Abdu'l-Bahb's pass- > believe God has raised high above the ing, may be said to have signalized the > storms, the divisions, and controversies of Formative Period of our Faith and to have > the political arena. Their Faith they con- paved the way for the consolidation of its > ceive t o be essentially non-political, supra- administrative order. As this movement > national in character, rigidly non-partisan, gains momentum, as it receives added im- > and entirely dissociated from nationalistic petus from the attitude and future action > ambitions, pursuits, and purposes. Such a of the civil authorities in frin, it will > Faith knows no division of class or of party inevitably manifest its repercussions in the > . > . . firmly convinced that in a world of West and will rouse the leaders of the > inter-dependent peoples and nations the Church and finally the civil authorities to > advantage of the part is best to be reached challenge the claims and eventually to > by the advantage of the whole, and that no recognize the independent status of the > abiding benefit can be conferred upon the Religion of Bah6'u'llih. . . . Though our > component parts if the general interests Cause unreservedly recognizes the Divine > of the entity itself are ignored or neg- origin of all the religions and upholds the > lected." spiritual truths which lie at their very core > The second principle upholding the in- and are common to them all, its institu- > tegrity of the Bahi'i Order is that which tions, whether administrative, religious or > similarly sunders the tie which serves to humanitarian, must if their distinctive > bind any believer to the religious sect or character is to be maintained and recog- > church with which he might have previ- nized, be increasingly divorced from the > ously been associated. The Bahi'i does not outworn creeds, the meaningless cere- > retain formal membership in any creedal monials and man-made institutions with > institution, since his faith compels him to which these religions are at present iden- > live within a larger spiritual society than tified." > can exist outside the World Religion of On March 1 1 , 1936, the Guardian re- > Bah&'u'Il&h. Desiring to form part of a ferred again t o this important subject. > new and regenerated humanity able t o per- "The Faith of Bahi'u'llih has assimilated, > ceive its fundamental oneness and forge by virtue of its creative, its regulative and > bonds of enduring fellowship and coopera- ennobling energies, the varied races, nation- > tion, the Bahi'i has come to realize that alities, creeds and classes that have sought > this intention is incompatible with a tradi- its shadow, and have pledged unswerving > tional religious connection whose society is fealty to its cause. I t has changed the > artificially restricted and whose develop- hearts of its adherents, burned away their > ment has been intertwined with historical prejudices, stilled their passions, exalted > controversies negating the real purpose of their conceptions, ennobled their motives, > revealed religion. coordinated their efforts, and transformed > The following words of Shoghi Effendi their outlook. While preserving their > have defined the principle for the Bahi'i patriotism and safeguarding their lesser > community: "The separation that has set loyalties. it has made them lovers of man- > in between the institutions of the Bahl'i kind, and the determined uphoMers of its > Faith and the Islbmic ecclesiastical organ- best and truest interests. While maintain- > ing intact their belief in the Divine origin EXTENSION OF TEACHING ACTIVI- > of their respective religions, it has enabled TIES I N EUROPE > them t o visualize the-underlying purpose > of these religions, to discover their merits, The powerful efforts of Bahl'i communi- > t o recognize their sequence, their inter- ties established in Europe t o promote the > dependence, their wholeness and unity, and Faith have been reinforced by a number of > to acknowledge the bond that vitally links American believers who have been resi- > them to itself. . . . Their Faith, Bahl'is dent or traveling during the past two > firmly believe, is . . . undenominational. years. > non-sectarian, and wholly divorced from Among these workers in the field may be > every ecclesiastical system, whatever its cited Miss Martha L, Root, Mrs. Helen > form, origin, or activities." Bishop, Miss Marion Jack, Miss Julia Gold- > Like two mighty pillars, these policies man, Mrs. Jeanne Bolles, Miss Jeanne Bolles, > uphold the Bahl'i community high -above Mrs. May Maxwell, Miss Mary Maxwell, > the controversies by which every other Mrs. Sylvia Matteson, and Mrs. Louise > society is being overwhelmed. They mark Gregory. > a definite turning point in the history of the Since the previous International review > Faith, inaugurating that new era of de- was prepared, Miss Root has visited and > velopment which the Guardian has termed worked constantly in Greece, Rumania, > the Formative Period. For the individual Jugoslavia, Austria, Hungary, Latvia, > believer they are a truly providential pro- Lithuania, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and > tection against the impact of a decaying Iceland. Notable interviews given her by > civilization whose influences otherwise royalty, statesmen and leading educators > would betray all but the most determined have been published in V o r l d Order, the > and spiritually evolved souls. As the tree magazine of the American National Spir- > cannot resist the flame which sweeps itual Assembly. Her article describing her > destructively through the forest, so the visit to Iceland has likewise been published > human personality in such a conflagration in the same magazine. > of feeling as now rages upon earth cannot, Concentrating upon her effort to impress > without protection, resist the myriad the vital importance of Bahl'u'll6h's World > tongues of psychological fire d a r t ~ n gat him Faith upon the minds of the most influential > and penetrating his shell of custom, to con- and responsible leaders of opinion, Miss Root > sume the sacred spirit within. has found i t possible t o meet in personal > Justification of the Divine Polity is not audience with Dowager Queen Marie of > necessary, since current events in all parts Rumania, King Haakon of Norway, Prince > of the world reveal the disastrous results Paul of Jugoslavia, President BeneS and Ex- > incurred by confusing spiritual values with President Masaryk of Czechoslovakia, Prin- > political policies, and religious aims with cess Olga of Jugoslavia, Princess Marina of > movements which are essentially material- Greece, now Duchess of Kent, and Arch- > istic behind their mask of slogan and phrase. duchess Anton. Other leaders similarly met > I n the long perspective, the success with were Mme. Tsaldaris, wife of the Prime > which the Bahi'is have understood, ac- Minister of Greece, Mr. Constantine > cepted and acted upon these two principles Kotzias, Mayor of Athens, Mr. Stasys Lozo- > would alone constitute a vast achievement, raitis, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign > were they able t o serve the Faith at the time Affairs, Dr. Erling Eidem, Archbishop of > in no other way. By such successive steps Sweden, in addition to educators in the > is the World Order of Bah6'n'lllh emerging various countries she visited. > as a new world, a world in which man may I n each case, Bahl'i literature in the > be truly human-a world more and more national language was presented. The im- > separated from the wilderness of civiliza- pressive record, moreover, includes the > tion in which vast hordes of bewildered placing of Bahl'i articles in more than > people see no outcome except struggle to one hundred magazines and daily papers > the death. throughout northern and eastern Europe, > CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 3Y > > besides radio addresses delivered in Praho, social evolution. Lidja Zamenhof spoke > Oslo and Bergen. last, and as one inspired. While attending > In earlier volumes of The Bahd'i World the Congress I found it possible t o publish > it has been made clear with what sheer four Bahl'i articles in the press." > faith this Baha'i has, with slight material A detailed program, unfortunately, is > resources and no assistance from Bahh'i not available of the many public lectures > finances, steadily ascended the steep hill of which she delivered in the Balkan and > difficulty on her determined pilgrimage Scandinavian countries during this period. > throughout the world. I t can only be stated that a number of new > While no one can estimate the direct or study groups were formed, and at least > indirect results which will in future pro- introductory knowledge of the Cause of > ceed from these interviews, radio addresses God widely spread in new areas of Europe. > and widespread publicity, Miss Root's Sofia, Bulgaria, in which city Miss > achievement in arranging for new transla- Marion Jack has resided since her visit to > tion and publication of BahB'i literature Adrianople (see The Bahd'i Wovld, Vol. V, > stands above the level of conjecture. Thus, page 5 8 1 ) , has witnessed the formation of > "Bahi'u'llih and the New Era," by J. E. the first local BahB'i Spiritual Assembly in > Esslemont, has appeared in Rumanian and the Balkan States. The group of interested > Greek, with a Finnish translation on the students of the Teachings with whom the > press. Of pamphlets, five thousand copies Assen~hly is now working numbers about > of "What is the Baha'i Movement?" were 110 persons. While Miss Root has visited > published in Rumanian, together with an and worked in Sofia on more than one occa- > equal number of "The Bahi'i Movement" sion, rendering invaluable assistance, the > in the same language, the translator being institution of the Spiritual Assembly was > Archduchess Anton, the former Princess due t o Miss Jacls's ardent and patient labors. > Ileana of Rumania. During Miss Root's Belgrade, Jugoslavia, has likewise, > visit t o Finland and Iceland, editions of through the efforts of Mrs. Gregory, be- > "What is the Bahi'i Movement?" were like- come the center of Bahi'i activities now > wise published in each of these two tongues. established in what appears to be a pernna- > The Twenty-Sixth Annual Universal nent form. I n the Serbian language, > Esperanto Congress, held at Stockholm, translated by Mme. Draga Ilic, there is now > August 4-11, 1934, has been graphically available a pamphlet summarizing the > described by Miss Root. Teachings as well as Dr. Ewlernont's book > "At the opening session I had opportunity which was reported in the previous volume. > to convey the greeting of Shoghi Effendi The number of devoted believers has > and the good wishes of the worldwide steadily increased, and Belgrade now repre- > Bahh'i community to the delegates present. sents a nucleus which later will surely > Bahh'i literature was on sale during the evolve into an organized Bah6'i community. > sessions. The special Bahh'i session, held on Mrs. Bolles and her daughter have assisted > August eleventh, was beautiful and impres- the Bahi'i Centers in London, Paris and > sive. The Esperantists met in a Council other cities, more particularly Germany. > Chamber of the great Parliament building. During September, 1935, these American > Twenty nations were represented. Miss believers traveled t o Nuremberg, Dresden, > Alminda, Bahi'i and Esperantist of Stock- Berlin, Frankfort, Neckargemund, Heidel- > holm, presided. O n a long table covered berg aud Karlsruhe, addressing groups and > with rich sills the Bahi'i books were finding many opportunities t o bring the > arranged, Dr. Esslemont's volume in many Faith t o the attention of individuals en- > languages, and a number of books and countered en route. > pamphlets in Esperanto furnished by Dr. Similar journeys to BahB'i Assemblies and > and Mrs. Grossmann and the American groups in Germany were made by Mrs. > N. S. A. After the chairman had spoken Helen Bishop and Miss Maxwell, after > of the need for the renewal of religion, I attendance at the Bahi'i Summer School > summarized the Teachings on spiritual and held in Stuttgart. As a consequence, the > 36 T H E BAHb'f WORLD > > bclicvers of that land have shared thcir "Highly successful meeting, Dccembcr > experiences and methods with American 30, 31, of the Union of Bahh'i Students of > co-workers, and in turn learned more Europe, held in Paris. > directly the principles of the Administrative "Mrs. May Maxwell left Brussels to attend > Order as developed through the American the Conference in Paris and has returned > Bahi'i community. t o carry on the teaching work in Brussels. > The American friends have also followed "During November Miss Mary Maxwell > with admiration the accomplishments of visited 1T Bahi'i Centers in Germany, > Miss Julia Goldman, Mrs. May Maxwell and speaking everywhere to the Bahl'is and > Mrs. Sylvia Matteson in Europe. their friends. > While in Stockholm during 1935, Miss "Mrs. Jeanne Bolles and Miss Bolles left > Goldman had an interview with the archae- London in December. In St. Moritz they > ologist, Sven Hedin, who expressed his interested several persons in the Cause. > intention of seeing the Bahi'i Temple on Now, upon advice from the Guardian, they > the occasion of his next journey t o Chicago. have gone to Southern Germany, and will > I n Geneva, Miss Goldman met a number of make Munchen their teaching headquarters. > delegates attending the Institute of Intel- "Madame Paula Moudri, well-known > lectual Cooperation. I n addition, this writer and peace worker, celebrates her 75th > teacher published interviews in the Stock- birthday in Praha. The Bahgis there are > holm press and held a large number of grateful for the completion of her trans- > public meetings at Bahb'i Centers in lation of the iqdn into Esperanto. Miss > England. Root spent some days in the city. She is > Mrs. Matteson, experienced in press work, now in Budapest, and will go t o Athens t o > assisted the English friends in sending to carry forth the work which she has been > many newspapers a descriptive article and doing for the past few years. > photographs of the Temple at Wilmette, "The League of Nations Library has ac- > showing the completed dome unit, with the cepted the copies of World Order, filed > result that the London Times and other them, and made them available for readers. > journals published a Temple illustration for "Eugen Relgis has written a book en- > the first time. Mrs. Matteson similarly titled Cosmomitapolis, which presents fun- > prepared Bahi'i material for papers in Ger- damental concepts of the 'revolutionary' > many. and evolutionary movement In politics, > The devoted sevices rendered by Mrs. economics and sociology. The only chapter > Louise Erickson of Brooklyn, in promoting on Religion is given over to the BahB'i > the Faith both in Sweden and Denmark, Faith. The author is a Rumanian, but the > by journeys to those lands, by providing French translation of his book may be > for the publication of Swedish translations ordered. > of Bah6'i literature, and by newspaper in- "At the recommendation of Shoghi > terviews, are mentioned with gratitude and Effendi, Friulein Edith Horn, member of > appreciation. The Spiritual Assembly of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Mrs. > Paris in 193 5 took occasion t o mention the Charles Bishop, made a tour of the Bahl'i > fact that a visitor reported having noted Centers in Germany. The Inter-Relations > in a Swedish journal that thc King of Den- Committee through Frau Grossmann > mark had accepted Bahi'i literature pre- planned the itinerary, and invited the > sented by Mrs. Erickson. Articles report- friends t o attend the meetings called for > ing Mrs. Erickson's Bahi'i activities ap- these two visitors. > peared in "Upsala Nya Tidning," "Ulri- "After the close of the Summer School > cehamn's Tidning," "Afton Blader," and in Esslingen, FrSulein Horn and Mrs. Bishop > "Dajens Nyheter," from March to May, visited Stuttgart, Znffenhausen, and Geis- > 193F. lingen. Besides these two guests, the friends > From reports and bulletins received from were delighted with the presence in some > European Assemblies the following facts of their gatherings of Mr. and Mrs. Max- > are made available. well, and Miss Mary Maxwell of Montreal. > CURRENT BAH~ ' Af C T I V I T I E S 37 > > Fraulein Els Grossmann of Neckargemiind blies in England. The arrival of Mr. David > was also a guest in Stuttgart during these Hofman was timely; and with the help of > days. these friends, the Committee initiated a > "Fraulein Horn and Mrs. Bishop met Teaching Bulletin in order t o draw the > with the Bahh'is of Dresden at the Nine- isolated Bahb'is into the National Com- > teenth Day Feast on September 8th. I n munity life, more particularly, by treating > Leipzig they had ample time for delibera- questions on the Administrative Order and > tions with the friends. A special meeting circulating the Guardian's precious letters. > was the reception given by Mrs. Bishop t o The response was immediate and gratifying > the Bahh'is and their friends. A similar for the spirited replies also contained lecture > invitation was given by Mrs. Bishop in engagements for Mr. and Mrs. Bishop's > Berlin. The travelers were delighted with notional tour. > the growth of the Cause in this city: in the "In London, the practice of featuring an > last year the Community has doubled its outside speaker along universal lines, once > membership. There are now a numher of a month, was abandoned; and the program > active workers t o reinforce the efforts so shared by Hasan Balyuzi Effendi, now ac- > long sustained by Herr Lehne. I n Restock, claimed as a first-rate speaker, Mr. Hofman > Frau Walcker, and in Warnemiinde Frau and Mrs. Bishop, resulted in increased > Schwedler arranged beautiful meetings for attendance at meetings. Fireside meetings > the friends. The Bahl'is of these centera were arranged by the Youth Group, and by > on the North Sea are always eager t o hear Mrs. Katharine Brown, and Lady Blomfield > at first hand of the activities of the Cause respectively; besides, Mrs. Bishop met with > in other centers. I n Hamburg, on two Mrs. George's weekly study class for in- > occasions, a large number of the friends tensive work on 'The Dispensation of > rallied to hear the two speakers. Bahl'u'llhh.' > "While Fraulein Horn went to Frank- "Hasan Balyuzi Effendi, Mr. Hofman, > furt to meet with the friends there, Mrs. Miss Cansdale and their enthusiastic col- > Bishop went to Heidelberg t o address a leagues gave a splendid chapter of the Inter- > fairly large study class, led by Dr. and Frau national Youth Rally, initiated in America, > Grossmann at the Museum. I n Weinheim but observed throughout the Bahi'i World > an excellent meeting was held. on March 22nd. > "On September 23rd, Fraulein Horn and "In April, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop went to > Mrs. Bishop met again in Stuttgart, to share Devonshire. Lectures were given in Tor- > with members of the National Spiritual quay at the Theosophical Society, before a > Assembly their experiences in the teaching large audience at the Practical Psychology > field. The special objects of the tour were Center; then at half a dozen friendly fire- > as follows: the presentation by Fraulein sides the Faith was discussed with members > Horn of the notes which she gathered in of the Oxford Group, psychologists, Theos- > conversations with the Guardian during her ophists and Anglicans. Ashburton held > rememberable pilgrimage last May; the its first Bahi'i meeting at the home of a > presentation by Mrs. Bishop of fundamental resident Bahi'i. Mr. Mark Tobey had been > principles of the Administrative Order of ploughing four years for contacts at Dart- > the Bahi'i Community, more particularly, ington Hall, where he teaches painting. > the Guardianship according t o the Will and H e presented Mrs. Bishop and her lecture > Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, the dependence before a goodly number in his studio. An > of the centers upon their National Spiritual American-Norwegian home was then offered > Assembly, and the creation of the Central for successive lectures with the result that > Fund. before Mrs. Bishop's departure, the listeners > "In February, 1936, the National Spir- volunteered t o form a study class under > itual Assembly invited Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mrs. Tobey's direction. Good news has just > Bishop t o work with the Teaching Com- come that interest is sustained; sixteen are > mittee in the new and general activity faithful through the summer holiday season, > designed to increase the number of Assem- while the autumn is promising, indeed. > 38 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > "New members are recorded in the vari- ing the example o f the $. A . of the Rahi'is > ous Assemblies. London has also gained; of New York, our S. A. adopted a charter > but the friends feel keenly the departure of and is thus the first local S. A. of our two > Miss Goldman and Mr. F. St. George Spend- countries t o be incorporated. > love, who is ever t o he identified with the "Also in Warncnziinde the friends formed > pioneer work which brought conscious a Spiritual Assembly. As a rule meetings > practice of the high technique of Bah6'i take place every week. > Administrative procedure. "In their bulletin 'Vienna Bahi'i News' > "The friends in Berlin formed this year the community Vienna reports weekly lec- > a Spiritual Assembly. I n addition to the tures. Unity Feasts take place regularly > Bah6'i Feasts there are devotional and in- in the homes of the friends. > structive meetings each first and third "After the Summer-Week at Esslingen, > Wednesday, the other Wednesday evenings 1935, the following foreign participants > being reserved for the work of the Spiritual visited the German Communities and > Assembly. Groups: Miss Julia Goldman-Boston > "The group Dresden held 40 Bahb'i (U. S. A,) with Mrs. Ruhangiz Bolles- > evenings in the course of the past year. Washington (Conn., U. S. A.), Mrs. Helen > "The community Esslifzgen reports regu- Bishop-Geneva, accompanied by Miss > lar public meetings and Unity Feasts. Edith Horn-Frankfort a.M., Mr. and > "In Frankfurt-an-Main friends and in- Mrs. Maxwell and Miss Mary Maxwell- > quirers come often together for a study of Montreal, Canada, as well as Miss Bolles- > the teachings. Washington, Conn., Mr. Ezzatollah Zabih > "The group in Goeppingen-Geislinga -Tihrin, frbn, and Mr. Spendlove-- > has been quite active, though handicapped London. > by a loss of four friends through change of "Mrs. Bolles reported on her journey > residence. which, from September 4-16, 1931, took > "Hamburg held regular weekly meetings her to Nuremberg, Dresden, Berlin, Frank- > for study and training of speakers. Also furt a.M., Heidelberg N e ~ k a r ~ e m i i n dand > , > the Unity Feasts were held regularly at the Karlsruhe: 'Miss Julia Goldman and I > friends' homes. arrived in Nuremberg on September 4. I n > "In Heidelberg new interest has been the evening we were called upon by Mr. > aroused through a series of well-frequented and Mrs. Lorey of Fuerth near Nuremberg > semi-public lectures, as well as through and discussed with them till late many > some discussion-meetings and courses of problems of the sacred Cause. Though i t is > introduction. very difficult for the friends to arouse > "In Heilbronn study-classes were ar- interest for the Cause in their locality they > ranged, offering a systematic introduction never tire in their efforts to work for the > into the Bahi'i Teachings. movement. Friday, September I , we went to > "The BahPi Community Karlsruhe has D r e s d a where, in Mr. and Mrs. Koehler's > meetings every Thursday. Especially well home, there was a gathering of eight > attended are the Unity Feasts which take friends. After the meeting many questions > place alternately in Karlsruhe and Rueppnrr. were put and followed by a discussion. > "In Leifizig the friends gather every Mrs. Hentschel, one of the friends in Dres- > Friday and at the Unity Feasts. den, invited us for dinner next day, where > "The group in Riistock continued its we met her sons and daughters. There > Lecture-Meetings and Unity Feasts and the we had also a vivid and interesting discus- > study of 'The Dawn-Breakers.' sion on the Faith. Saturday afternoon we > "The report of the community Stnttgart left Dresden and at night arrived in Berlin. > showed vivid activity: general meetings, Unfortunately, we missed the BahPi meet- > Unity and other Feasts, Reading and Study ing through a misunderstanding, Mr. > Evenings, and the special celebrations and Lehne gave us the address of a Berlin friend, > meetings o n the occasion of the 13th t o whom we wrote instantly. The next > National Convention. This April, follow- morning she came to our hotel, and by the > THE BAHA 'f WORLD > > evening brought together twelve f r i e n d s and invited the friends to the meetings > a great achievement considering the long arranged for these two visitors. After the > distances in Berlin and the fact that these conclusion of the Summer-Week at Esslin- > friends could not be reached by telephone. gen, Miss Horn and Mrs. Bishop visited > This evening became one of our most im- Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen and Geislingn. > pressive meetings. Tuesday afternoon we On September 8th they met the Bahb'i > went to Frankfnvt a.M., where, at mid- friends in Dresden at the Unity Feast. In > night, Miss Freimueller met us at the Leipzig they had sufficient time for discus- > station and conducted us to our hotel. She sions with the friends. Mrs. Bishop gave a > gave us all of her time next day. At the special receptio~l to the Bahi'is and her > meeting next evening several gentlemen friends (their friends). Mrs. Bishop gave > were present who were mainly interested in a like invitation in Berlin. The travelers > the solution of the economic problem from had the satisfaction to note the expansion > the Bahb'i point of view. The requested of the Cause in this city: during the last > theme was: History and tenets of the Bahb'i year the community had doubled its n u n - > Faith. Many questions were asked. We hers. Mrs. Walcker arranged for meetings > hope that through the devoted efforts of of the friends in Rostock, and Mrs. Schwed- > Miss Freimueller, with the aid of Miss Horn ler did so in Warnemiinde. The Bahb'is > and others and God's assistance a solid in these centers are always anxious to hear > group will soon be created. Thursday we from a direct source of the Bahl'i activities > proceeded to Neckarge?niind. Mrs. Gross- in other centers. A large number of friends > mann met us in Heidelberg and took us to assembled twice in Hambnrg in order to > her beautifully situated home. In the eve- hear the two spealcers. Whilst Miss Horn > ning we were expected in Heidelberg by went to Frankfsrt, Mrs. Bishop proceeded > some twenty-eight friends and inquirers; to Heidelberg where, at the Museum, she > upon their request we spoke about our addressed a large study-class. In Weinbeinz > Bah6'i work and experiences in other coun- she enjoyed an excellent meeting. Unfor- > tries. There we met again many friends in tunately it was impossible to meet the > whose radiant faces we still beheld a reflec- friends in Karlsruhe during these days. On > tion of the spirit of the Summer School. September 23rd Miss Horn and Mrs. Bishop > The next day found us in Karlsrz~he. We joined again in Stuttgart in order to report > were glad to see Mrs. Branns at the station; on their trip t o the N. S. A. > she made her house our home. The same "After our friend Zabib from i r i n had > night Mrs. Brauns had gathered about thirty spent some length of time in Stuttgart, he > believers and inquirers in her house and once visited, in August and September, the cities > more we were requested to speak on: Bahl'i of Karlsruhe, Hebpenheim, Neckargenziind, > experiences, the development of the Move- Heidelberg and Frankfi~rt. His addresses > ment and its practical influence in our found vivid interest and left a permanent > everyday life. Everywhere on our journey impression. > did we meet with sincere welcome, true "To celebrate the birthday of Bahi'n'll6h, > hospitality and kind cooperation which the community of Stuttgart had joined > everywhere created the spirit of unity. On with the friends of the vicinity and > our train rides from city to city we gave numerous guests, altogether some 230 per- > the Message to many. A number of them sons, for an impressive meeting at the > to whom we gave literature showed great Gustav Siegle House. Mrs. Alice Schwarz > interest. and Dr. Engen Schmidt addressed the audi- > "Mrs. Bishop reports on her trip which ence. The evening was rounded out by a > she undertook together with Miss Horn: musical program, and concluded with a > Upon recommendation of the Guardian, prayer and the singing of a hymn by all. > Miss Edith Horn, member of the N. S. A., This day, as well as the Flte-Day of > and Mrs. Charles Bishop took a journey 'Abdu'l-Bahh, were commemorated in a > through the Bahb'i centers in Germany. dignified way with readings from the testa- > The Contacts Committee made the itinerary ments of Bahb'u'116h and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 41 > > the 'Bahl'i Dispensation' and musical re- After a visit to the RnhB'i community in > citals by the friends in Riistock. Stuttgart, she addressed the Dresden friends > "The Bah6'i group Heidelberg had issued on the 27th and 28th at a well frequented > a special invitation for a meeting on No- meeting. She devoted three evenings to the > vember 17th which was designed to create friends in Leipzig. At a common meeting > a closer bond between the group in Heidel- of the Quakers and Bahi'is in Berlin she > berg and the other friends in Southern delivered an address on the subject 'Faith,' > Germany. Among the numerous visitors and a simple reception in a BahPi home > were friends from Esslingen, Frankfurt united the Berlin friends with their guests. > a.M., Heilbronn, Heppenheim, Karlsruhe Her next stops were Rostock and Warne- > and Stuttgart. Mrs. A. Schwarz-Stmt- miinde. At both places several meetings > gart-spoke on 'The Day of God' and Miss took place, inspiring and strengthening the > ~ o r i - ~ r a n k f u r t a.M.-told of her trip participants. Proceeding t o Hamhurg, she > to Haifa. devoted an evening to Schwerin circle and > "Our German Bah6'i work received a the friends in Luebeck. During her stay > valuable contribution through the travels in Hamburg the community there had > of Mr. and Mrs. Fozdar from Bombay several intimate and more public meetings. > (India), Mr. and Mrs. Bishop from Geneva, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop made their return trip > and Mrs. Sylvia Matteson from Chicago via Bremen, Frankfurt, Heppenheim, Wein- > (U. S. A,), who came to Germany upon heim, Heidelberg, Heilbronn, and Karls- > the special request of the Guardian in order rube, exerting their efforts everywhere. The > to visit the friends in the different com- end of the trip saw our guests from Geneva > munities, and to talk to them. The Foz- again in Stuttgart, Esslingen, and Goep- > dars, coming from Geneva, arrived on the pingen. On the 1st of November they > 12th of September in Stuttgart, where they returned to their work at the BahB'i Bureau > held a fine spiritual evening with the com- at Geneva. All the time they had worked > munity there; they then proceeded to with indefatigable enthusiasm at all the > London, visiting on their way the groups places, teaching and inspiring. Thus they > and communities in Heidelberg, Berlin, have made a most important contribution > Hamburg, and Bremen. At every place towards the awakening of a new spiritual > they admonished the friends urgently to impulse and an increased devotion to the > always bear in mind their responsibility as service in our Faith. Several newspapers > bearers of the Bahl'i Faith towards a world brought reports and articles on the occasion > torn in religious strife and to rise with a11 of the visit of our friends as the H a m h ~ r g a > their strength to assist in the spiritual con- Fremdenblatt in its evening edition of Sep- > struction of the new era. At the end of tember 19, and the Hamburger Tageblatt > September Sylvia Matteson, on her trip to of the same date, and--concerning the > London, called on the friends in Stuttgart, Bahi'i Temple in Wilmette--the Ham- > Heidelberg, Berlin, and Hamhurg. Her burger Fremdenblatt of October 10 and a > report about the Temple in Wilmette, in Berlin newspaper. > which she herself served as a guide to "The cause of the German Bahi'is has > groups of visitors, and her narratives of the received great impetus through the presence > heroic lives of the great Bah6'i martyrs, of Mrs. Charles Bishop who, though sta- > culminated in a demand of joyful sacrifice, tioned in Geneva, has made it possible to > and never-relenting enthusiasm in the serv- come to the Summer School, as also to visit > ice for the Cause of Bahl'u'll6h. At the the different groups throughout Germany, > end of September Mr. and Mrs. Bishop com- often accompanied by Miss Edith Horn > menced their German trip which lasted who is now attached to the Frankfurt > over a month and touched every place Branch but carries out the Guardian's wish > which had a Bah6'i community or group. to visit the various German centers from > The Guardian had given the special mission time to time. Mrs. Bishop's great gift as a > to Mrs. Bishop to familiarize the friends speaker illuminates the hearts of her audi- > with the ideas of the Bahi'i administration. ence; the earnestness of her spirit and the > T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > charm of hcr personality make Helen Bishop are devoting their life and every spare hour > an outstanding figure in the BahPi Cause t o the service of the Cause. > and a most welcome guest at every gather- "Nobody, for instance, outside of this > ing of friends. small circle of friends can visualize the > "We are glad t o state that we have had effort required t o cope with the task of > quite a number of most welcome teachers translation that is constantly required and > visiting us, though most of them were not that is so urgently needed in view of the > able to stay long; among them were Miss fact that relatively so few of the priceless > Marion Jack, Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Bolles, hooks given t o humanity by Bahi'u'llih, by > Miss Julia Goldman, Mrs. Thomas Collins, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and by Shoghi Effendi have > Mrs. May Maxwell, Mr. Spendlove, Mrs. so far been made accessible t o those of the > Matteson, Mrs. Bechtold. Mrs. Hoagg, German friends who are not able to read > formerly in charge of the Geneva office for them in English or French. > many years, until ill-health forced her to "While Stuttgart and surroundings (Ess- > take an extended vacation, stayed in Stntt- lingen, Goeppingen, Karlsruhe, etc.) first > gart for quite a while and was a frequent saw the Cause firmly established in Ger- > visitor at the meetings. many, it can be claimed that in Berlin, > "Of the German teachers Dr. Herman11 Frankfurt a.M., Heidelberg, Leipzig, Ham- > Groasmann shares honors with Dr. Adelbert burg, Dresden, Rostock and Warnemiinde > Miihlschlegel and Dr. Eugen Schmidt as the Cause has firmly taken root and though > the most active speakers before large audi- the number of declared Bahb'is is not so > ences not only in Stuttgart but in many great as yet, there is no mistaking the fact > big and small cities throughout Germany. that the Cause is spreading in Germany. In > These three friends have also taken over order t o give the somewhat isolated north- > the greater part of the work given out by ern districts all the assistance possible a > the Teaching Committee in connection with special committee was formed at the Guard- > the addresses delivered before the Esslingen ian's suggestion which includes a member > Summer School, although Frau Alice of the N. S. A. and it is becoming quite > Schwarz, Frau Schweizer and others have evident that the Cause in Northern Ger- > also contributed to this work. many is thereby being given a new impetus. > "During the last few years several of the "Also the Vienna group remains very > BahPis from f r i n studying or employed in loyal and active; in 1934 Herr Franz > Europe have attended the Summer School Piillinger was a very interested visitor at > and their highly spiritual talks have found the Esslingen Summer School. > a strong echo in the hearts of the German "The reports containing the talks held at > believers. Naimi, Morched Sadeh, Ezzatol- the Esslingen Summer School were printed > lah Zabih are amongst these Bah6'is from for 1933,* and those of 1934 and 1935 will > k i n , while Dr. Fozdar from Poolla and his be printed too and forwarded t o Shoghi > wife Shirin renewed acquaintances with Effendi. > some of the friends who had visited them in "The following German Bahi'is visited > India some nine years ago. Haifa: in 1934: Frau Schweizer, Frl. Anna > "In years of service t o the Cause in Ger- Kiistlin, Herr Karl Klitzing, Frau Inez and > many Frau Alice Schwarz-Solivo stands out Herr Max Greeven; in 1 9 3 5 : Frl. Edith > as the oldest member, though a great num- Horn, Herr A. Nagel. > ber of very devoted and active ladies could "The Teaching meeting, which took place > be cited in the South as well as in the North in the Bah6'i Home a t Esslingen from June > of Germany. 8th t o loth, was an experiment in order to > "The Meetings of the N. S. A. have been find the form and direction for future simi- > held once a month as a rule; it is at these lar meetings on a larger scale. Saturday > meetings that one obtains a glimpse of the night, Dr. Grossmann greeted the friends > quiet, persistent and never-ending work and pointed out the special character of the > that is being carried on behind the scenes gathering as a preparation for teaching- > by the small army of faithful believers who > - > >' Enrirled "Lebensgestalrung." > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 43 > > an activity s u p p l ~ r n ~ n t i nthe > g task of the difficulties when we try to understand the > Bahl'i Summer-Weeks which are devoted Sacred Writings. A constant study of the > t o a study of the teachings. H e emphasized writings and meditation on the texts will > the twofold nature of the task which con- develop our understanding and capacity, > fronts the Bahi'i teacher-and it is the but we must always be ready to revise our > duty of every individual Bahi'i to teach conceptions: as our understanding can be > and spread the teachings according t o his only relative and as our capacity should > faculty and possibilities: first to be aflame always be in a state of development, we > with the recognition of his sacred tasks in must never hold dogmatically on to our > the service of the Cause of Bahi'rillih, t o conceptions if we are desirous of spiritual > absorb its spirit and t o possess an unshake- development. > able faith in the aiding power of our reli- "Then Dr. Grossmann discussed what > gion, second to undergo a careful training. Bahi'i Literature has been translated into > T o this second task was devoted the work German so far. We mast distinguish be- > of the Teaching Meeting which, in short tween texts by Bahl'u'llih and 'Abdu'l- > theoretical introductions and in practical Bahh, and records of their utterances taken > exercises which held the keen 2nd active down by other people. The writings of > interest of all participants, covered the most Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi are mostly in > important prerequisites for the training of the form of Tablets and Letters. There are > the Bahi'i teacher. Then Dr. Eugen also a number of recorded addresses and > Schmidt spoke on 'Spreading the Bahl'i table talks of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, of which those > Teachings.' This requires above all our examined and approved by him, may, in a > whole-hearted and sustained efforts towards certain sense, rank with his Tablets and Let- > a realization and application of the Bahi'i ters. But notes or reports of others, made > principles. Most important and essential after their conversation with 'Abdu'l-Bahb, > for the expansion of the Sacred Cause is our are often unreliable and must therefore he > spiritual attitude, our self-effacement and considered unauthentic. The Bahl'i teacher > our way of living. The Bahi'i teacher must should avoid referring t o them or use them > always be prompted by an untiring effort only with the necessary reservations. Then > to put his words into practice. Our words Dr. Grossmann gave a survey of the con- > are like accepted drafts which some day are tents, purpose, and arrangement of all > presented t o us to be honored. The quali- Bah6'i books published in the German lan- > ties which a Bahl'i teacher should possess guage. The ~ r a c t i c a lsuggestions about the > are enumerated in the Tablets to Bahb'i arrangement of a reference index should > teachers and leaders, in which 'Abdu'l-Bahi cause every Bahi'i t o compile one for him- > demands from the teacher above all purity, self. Each of the three customary systems > integrity, spirituality, and responsibility. (boolc, card, and looseleaf) has its advan- > "The two following days brought five tages and drawbacks. > themes and practical exercises. "The second theme 'Oratory' was dis- > "Speaking on 'Selecting and Organizing c ~ ~ s s eby > d Dr. Miihlschlegel. An historical > the Material,' Dr. Grossmann commenced survey showed what can be accomplished > by pointing out the importance of being with training in this art. The characteristic > able t o find the appropriate and most strik- of the Greek orator was his adaptability, > ing quotations when answering questions. that of the Roman his clear, somewhat rigid > I t is therefore necessary that everyone read but logical and convincing manner. The > and study the writings. I t is also recom- Bahi'i who is practicing oratory should > mended t o read the Bible and the Qur'ln as heed many things. One of the most impor- > they are often referred to. A t present only tant points is the training of the memory. > a fraction of Bahi'u'IIih's and 'Abdu'l- Dr. Miihlschlegel then dwelt on the tech- > Bahi's writings have been translated or pub- nique of speaking, breathing, physical and > lished, whilst translations can never claim mental attitude of the speaker, the necessity > t o possess the same degree of authenticity as to inspire and lead his audience to action, > the original. Thus we are faced with many etc. > 44 THE B A H A. ' I WORLD > > "Then by w a y ol practice Robert Schult- Day Feasts bear a spccial character. They > heiss gave a little speech on 'Faith, Knowl- are divided into prayer, readings and devo- > edge and Inspiration.' tion, and reports of the Spiritual Assembly, > "In the third theme Dr. Schmidt gave and the serving of refreshments which may > fundamental guiding lines regarding the be very simple and inexpensive. The first > structure and arrangement of study classes. part serves as common spiritual communion > The difference between a study class and a of the friends with God; in the second part > lecture consists in the participation of every every believer should share the work of the > individual. A study class has, therefore, community and the whole Cause. The > the character of a colloquium. The fol- presentation of refreshments is an outward > lowing points should be heeded for the ar- symbol of the spiritual bond existing be- > rangement of study classes: the number of tween the members of the community. > participants should not be too large so that These words were followed by 2 Bahb'i > every one may take an active part in the Feast during which Miss Horn reported on > discussion and may get acquainted with the her trip to Haifa. > others. Second, the themes should he well "The third day of the Teaching Meeting > connected and follow in logical sequence. was devoted to the fifth and last theme, > The evening may be opened by a short pres- 'Discussions.' Dr. Schmidt spolce on its > entation of the theme and followed by a outward and Dr. Miihlschlegel on its in- > discussion into which all present should be ward requirements. It is of extreme im- > drawn. The other method of working out portance that the leader know his own > the theme by questions and answers, can limitations and avoid the discussion of ques- > also be made very interesting. Our en- tions which he could not answer satisfac- > thusiastic and convinced efforts for the torily. Courtesy and poise should always > great Cause should be coupled with ade- be ohserved. The inquirer should be treated > quate restraint; above all, personal attacks, as a friend and not as opposition; his ques- > among the participants, should be avoided. tions should be met with an understanding > If we want to spread our belief we must attitude. The religious character of the dis- > first ecablish it firmly in ourselves. Then cussions should never be forgotten. The > Dr. Schmidt spoke on 'God and Creation' audience often asks questions of a political > in a manner designed for study cla~ses,and character or plain political questions. Here > the participants could recognize clearly the discussion leader should point out that > what a difficult and responsible task it is his discourse is based on a religious and not > to be the leader of such a study class. The on a political platform and turn the dis- > essential prerequisite is a complete master- cussion to the religious sphere. After his > ing of the subject and related themes. Only address, the leader should endeavor to recon- > when these can be met should a Bah6'i cile diverging opinions and to lead those > teacher undertake this task. In conclusion expressing them to a recognition of the > and by way of confirming the aforesaid, Bah6'i standpoint. This was followed by > 'Abdu'l-Bahb's discourse on 'God and the a practical demonstration, preceded by ad- > Creation' was read. dresses on the following themes: 1 ) Unity, > "The fourth theme was devoted to the 2 ) Religion and Science, 3 ) Religious > character of Bahh'i Feasts. Dr. Gross~nann Cycles. For the first theme leadcrs for > discussed several points regarding invita- the discussion were for 1 0 minutes: Bruno > tions, choice of locality, its decoration, Bauer, Fred Kohler, Mrs. Anna Grossmann; > musical introductions, reading from the for the second, Mrs. Hede Schubert, Alfred > Sacred Writings and short addresses. As Schweizer, and for the third, Miss Liesel > the Bah6'i Faith knows no services in the Mueller and Mrs. Anna Schoch. The audi- > traditional form of our churches, special ence would ask questions which, at times, > attention should be given to the arrange- got the leader into hot water, and his effort > ment of our Bahl'i Feasts, which should to find the right answer was extremely in- > become a vital experience to friends of the structive. I t was demonstrated that the > Cause and believers alike. The Nineteenth Bah6'i discussion leader must meet very > CURRENT BAH~ ' Af C T I V I T I E S 4F > > high requirements to be able to find the and also a pamphlct 'Bahi'ism, Its IIistory, > right and comprehensive answer to the es- Its Universal Application.' > sential point of the question. "Several hundred volumes of works on > "This Teaching Meeting which was at- the Cause have been offered to the Munici- > tended by 40 friends from the Southern pal and University authorities and now have > part of Germany, was a first experiment a place in the catalogues of Public libraries > but its success makes us hope that we shall and universities. > meet more often for this purpose. "Madame Hess, in collaboration with > "Many years have passed since the two Mademoiselle Alcau, has translated into > great writers of France, Gobineau and French "Abdu'l-Bahi's Paris Talks,' and > Renan, called the attention of their readers Monsieur des Hons has translated 'The > to Bahl'ism, awakening an interest which sterious Forces of Civilization,' both of > grows as the years pass. will be published shortly. > "Later, the Bahi'i friends of France twice "It must be added, that if the French > had the privilege of receiving 'Abdu'l-Bahi, public fail to respond to any attempts of > Himself. propaganda of the Cause, it, nevertheless, > "In France, the Bahi'i Faith is considered shows a keen interest in the social, philo- > a great ideal, a worthy doctrine, aud ic can wphical and historical sides of the Teach- > be said, without the slightest exaggeration, ings." > that both the press and public express opin- Concerning activities during 193 1-1936, > ions and ideas which clearly show a similar the Spiritual Assembly of Paris has prepared > tendency. the following: > "The group in Paris is still rather limited > in the number of active members, but it is "Nous avons tenu cette annee les m h e s > fortunately being increased by young stu- sortes de reunions que les annCes prdc6dentes > dents from frbn as well as by Bahi'i friends mais elles ont ete suivies par un plus grand > passing through Paris. nombre de personnes. > "Regular meetings are held as follows: "Parmi les visiteurs, nous avons eu la joie > "At Mrs. Edwin Scott's s t u d i w v e r y d'avoir Mrs. May Maxwell qui fonda, en > fortnight. 1900, le premier groupe Bah6'i h Paris. Son > "At Miss Sanderson's home-every month passage contribua non seulement B notre > (these meetings are consecrated exclusively developpement ici mais, &ant restCe une > to the young students of i r l n ) . partie du printelnps B Lyon, sa prCscnce fut > "The Spiritual Assembly meets once a particuli~rement utile an petit groupe de > month at the home of Mrs. Dreyfus- cette ville qui s'interesse B la Cause. > Barney. "Nous avons eu 6galement le plaisir de > "The annual Congress of the Union of voir plusieurs Bahl'is de passage B Paris,- > Bahi'i Students is held at Mrs. Scott's studio et parmi eux, Madame O~lovaqui a bien > at the end of the year. voulu nous faire une tres intCressante caus- > "The topics discussed on December 29 erie sur son travail aux ~tats-Unis. > and 3 0 were: 1) History of Religions and "Nous regrettons le depart de certains > their connection with the Bahl'i Faith. des Btudiants Persans qui ont rant ajoutk > 2 ) BahCi Education, the basis of World h l'intCr8t de nos reunions. > Peace. 3 ) Know thee thyself (Socrates). "Nous avons vivement apprecie la > 4 ) How best to promote the BahCi Cause. sence de l56minent historien du Babisme, > "A small group has been formed this year Monsieur Nicolas, i la rCunion oh nous > at Lyons by a few persons interested in the avons fBte la Declaration du Bib et la > Cause and regular meetings are held. Naissance de 'Abdu'l-Bahh. > "The Paris group take a special interest in "La Commission de notre AssemblCe Spir- > the translation of Bahi'i works and have ituelle qui s'occupe des ouvrages Bahi'is a > recently published the second edition of the fait pblier: > Essay on Bahi'ism, by Hippolyte Dreyfus, > which has attained a well deserved success, 'Vers I'apogke de la Race Humaine' > 46 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > la remarquable l r ~ ~ rdee Shoghi Effcndi don where public meetings are now held on > adressbe aux Amis de I'Occident le 11 Mars Sunday evenings at 6:30 P.M. some aspect > 1936; une reedition de 'Le Nouvel Ordre of the Movement is always the subject of an > Mondial' de Shoghi Effendi, et de 'L'Bcono- address, and questions are invited. > mie Mondiale de Bahl'u'llih' de Horace "Sometimes the address is given by a non- > Holley. Bahh'i on some allied topic, and then the > "Mademoiselle Anguize Tabrizi est allbe chairman is ready to follow with a short > en Mai dernier voir sa famille A Hai'fa et a speech linking up the Bahi'i view of the > bien voulu porter i Shoghi Effendi, de la subject. Among the speakers have been > part de Madame Dreyfus-Barney: le manu- The Rev. Magnus Ratter of the Theistic > scrit original des 'Lesons de Saint Jean Church, Mr. Brian Goddard and Mr. Allan > $Acre' ainsi que celui de 'Trois Legons sur Burnett Rae of the New Commonwealth > le Debut de la Cause' par 'Abdu'l-Bahb, non (an International Peace Society which em- > encore publides, et de nombreuses Tablettes bodies in its principal objectives some of the > adressees par 'Abdu'l-Bahi h Hippolyte teachings of the Master on the subject), > Dreyfus et i Madame Dreyfus-Barney. Ces Miss Christine Fraser and Mr. Wren of the > icrits traitent de questions de la plus haute League of Nations Union, and Mr. Judd of > importance pour la Cause. the L.N.U. Education Committee, The Rev. > "Paris-Midi, un quotidien de la grande Leslie Belton, Unitarian Minister, and Mr. > presse parisienne, a publi6 un article fort H. Polak. > indressant 'Sorties du Harem pour entrer "Among visitors from other lands who > au Parlement' sur l'imancipation des have helped at the meetings have been > fenunes en Orient; il signale que le veri- 'Abdu'l Husayn L h i n Naimi, and Mr. and > table precnrseur du mouvement fut en 1850 Mrs. Fuad Ruhani from frbn, Mrs. Stuart > Quaratul Eine qui suivit les enseignements French of California, Dr. and Mrs. Fozdar > liberateurs de Bahl'u'116h. of Bombay, and Miss Julia Goldman from > "A une de nos r6unions le sculpteur Honolulu. > Nicolas Sokelnicki entendit parler de la "Bah6'i speakers have been asked to ad- > Cause et de 'Abdu'l-Bahi et se sentit forte- dress the New Thought Conference, the > ment attire par le Baha'isme. Quelques jours Brotherhood Movement, a Theosophist > plus tard-sous l'impression de la presence Group, a Toc H. Center, and meetings con- > de 'Abdu'l-Bahi-il tprouva le besoin de vened at Cambridge, Doncaster and Brigh- > tradoire pIastiquement I'irnprcssion regue e t ton. > sur le champ Cbaucba le buste, grandeur na- "During the Feast of Ridvhn, 1931, con- > turelle, du Maitre, aussi ressemblant que s'il siderable attention was attracted by an exhi- > I'avait connu. bition in the London Center of Bahh'i books > "Au milieu de I'itat de malaise mondial and pictures, also of personal belongings of > que nous traversons, c'est uue grande force the Founders of the Movement in the pos- > pour les Bahi'is de France de se sentir unis session of the Assembly. > aux autres Amis qui savent comme eux que "Another feature was a Meeting of > le moment actuel n'est qu'une ktape vers Thanksgiving and Commemoration of the > une civilisation plus ordonnee et meil- Jubilee of King George V. Parts of the > leure." Tablet to Queen Victoria were read and > the special prayer composed by 'Abdu'l- > "The Cause in the British Isles has three Bahb on behalf of King George V. was > main centers of activity-London, Man- recited. > chester and Bournemouth; groups for study "There are Youth Groups for the study > are forming in Bradford, York and Orping- of the teachings in London and Manchester. > ton. The enrollment of professed followers Some members of the former attended a > does not show great increase; but the work Summer School at Shoreham in 1934. > goes on steadily. Large public meetings are "Another development in London has > not practicable where there is a dearth of been the formation of a Women's Service > trained speakers; but at the Center in Lon- Committee which undertakes to collect > funds and carry out charitable and humani- the early days of forming the Assemblies, > tarian projects. and for many years he devoted all his leisure > "Some of our friends who have not defi- hours to the correspondence and work of > nitely joined the Movement have given very the Movement. > welcome service on this Committee. "On Whitmonday, 1931, passed Elsie Lea, > "In Bournemouth the Friends have a spe- for many, years Treasurer and member of > cial fund for the relief of those who are sick the London Spiritual Assembly. She was > or in financial difficulty. among those who had the privilege of meet- > "A notable contribution to the literature ing the Master when He was in this country, > of the Movement has bccn madc by the and her devotion to His memory was the > publication of 'The Promise of All Ages' by motive power of her life. Through a long > Christophil. This gives a scholarly and com- and painful illness her faith remained clear > prehensive view of the Great Universal Age and strong and was her light to the end. > which is beginning, and cannot fail to im- Nine of the friends were present when her > press the reader. The author traces from body was laid to rest and a memorial meet- > the writings of the past how seers and ing was afterwards held at the London > thinkers of all time have foreseen this Day, Center. > and how the Founders of all the religious "Another great loss was sustained by the > systems of the world have taught their fol- London Group in the passing of Harry > lowers to look forward to it. Romer. Accounts of his life and work will > "With a wealth of detail and quotation appear elsewhere; but it-remains to record > from classic writings we are shown the his- the thankfulness of the friends for the > tory of the ages as a single epic, conceived privilege of receiving him in their midst, > of God from the beginning and unfolding and for the fellowship they have enjoyed > with the majestic rhythm of His Purpose with his rare spirit. The loss which the > till the Great Day dawns and the era of London Group has experienced in the re- > man's regeneration evolves, the Most Great turn of Mrs. Annie Romer t o the United > Peace is established, and unity, harmony and States is a very real one. Her labors and > love reign supreme. To many outside read- sacrifices for the Cause were untiring, and > ers it will give a new comprehension of the we pray that she may receive the only re- > essential oneness of the diverse religions and ward to which she looked. > beliefs, and a vision of hope for the future "During the past year the Cause has been > in a coherent explanation of the meaning registered with the authorities as a definite > and purpose of successive revelations. Many Religious Community; and the Center in > readers have exclaimed, 'Why have we never London has the status of a Place of Wor- > heard of this before?' ship. > "Another publication has been 'The "In reviewing the progress of the Move- > Drama of the Kingdom' by Mrs. Basil Hall, ment during the last two years, one > founded on a plan indicated by the Master recognizes that while there is heartfelt > when He was in London. appreciation of the truth and wonder of > "Reviews and notices of the Bahh'i Move- the Universal Teachings, there is a very real > ment appear constantly in a Scottish weekly reluctance to enter into anything like sec- > paper, The John o' Groat's Jouwzal. tarian bonds. The more thoughtful have > "During the past two years three friends just escaped from old exclusive viewpoints > who have served the Cause well, have passed and quite plainly say that they do not desire > beyond the veil. to commit themselves to any one denom- > "On August 3 lst, 1934, George Palgrave ination; but in a country which has made, > Simpson passed after a long illness. He had and is prepared to make, such tangible sacri- > retired from active work some time previ- fices for the ideals of universal peace and > ously; but we do not forget the years when brotherhood, one can see evidences that the > he held office both on the London and Na- Spirit of BahA'u'lllh is working strongly > tional Assemblies. His careful and thorough and effectively, and one may be full of hope > business inethods were of great service in for the future." > 48 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > TEACHING ACTIVITIES heads crammed with schemes for accelerat- > I N SOUTH AMERICA ing trade. Germans by the thousand, > driven from the Fatherland by the great > A n important series of translations have war. Italians out of sympathy with present- > been made during recent years by Miss day government. These pioneers. were > Leonora Holsapple, long resident as a Bahh'i moulding the environment to suit their > teacher in Bahia, Brazil. The titles include needs, while each brought his traditions and > "Bahh'u'116h and the New Era" in Span- his culture. > ish and Portuguese, the "Paris Talks" of "The 'Santa Lucia' landed us at Valpa- > 'Abdu'l-Bahb and "The Most Great Peace" raiso and from thcrc the train carried us to > in the latter language. This service concen- the Capital of Chile, Santiago. > trated the teacher's ardent and sacrificing "My first definite request to present the > efforts for some years. Bahi'i Cause was a t the Y. W . C. A. The > I n 1931, however, Miss Holsapple, as- proposal met with an instant response. The > sisted by interested natives, rented a house staff made all arrangements and when the > well situated for public meetings. The first afternoon arrived the hall was crowded with > meeting was held on the Anniversary of the notables; the heads of the Sweet Memorial > Birth of the Bib, and Miss IIolsapple writes hospital and clinic; the directors of the Val- > that she is very encouraged by the results, paraiso Y. M. C . A,, the leaders of the > and particularly by the devotion with which literary societies as well as President of the > the nucleus of b'elievers, lacking material college and ministers of various denomina- > resources, contributed physical labor for the tions. Mr. Mathews opened by reading a > preparation of the new center. page from the 'Bah6'i Scriptures.' When > I t is her hope t o he able to print a num- he finished, the chairman asked him to read > ber of other translations she has made, par- it again. This request became the keynote > ticularly the Hidden Words and Prayers. of the occasion, lifting it beyond the ordi- > Manuscript translations of "Some Answered nary meeting and when the talk 'Widening > Questions," the "fqhn" and other Bahi'i Our Horizons' was finished, questions were > works likewise exist which later will he asked from every part of the audience. I t > issued in printed form. was already dark when we left the building; > During the winter of 1934.1935, Mr. the whole afternoon had been filled with > and Mrs. E. R. Mathews carried out an heavenly enthusiasm, so much so that we > extensive journey through South America, could scarcely credit the fact that we, the > following their trip t o Australia and New bearers of a new Message, had been so > Zealand, for the sole purpose of stimulating warmly received in this distant land. > definite and lasting interest in the Bahi'i "Immediate results followed, for both the > Faith. While too extensive t o include the head and secretary of the SocietC de Femina > entire report in this summary, the following became students of the Bahi'i Cause. This > excerpts from their record are more than little literary circle of thirty students > sufficient t o indicate the degree of the ac- studied literature in both Spanish and Eng- > complishment. lish and it was therefore arranged that they > "As we had journeyed t o South America should read 'Bahi'u'llih and the New Era' > with a definite Bahi'i program, that of and 'The Goal of the New World Order' in > forming groups for the study of the Bahi'i Spanish and English. > Faith, as well as to find individuals of ca- "At length the time came when we bade > pacity, who could comprehend Bah6'u'llhh's farewell t o our new-found friends, happy in > program for a future civilization, we gath- the thought that in the Capital of Chile > ered facts about the countries through there would be a group studying the > which we were to travel. Thus we learned Cause. Study would augment capacity and > that while outwardly the Spanish conquest in time an understanding of the principles > maintained, commerce was slowly drifting of the New Civilization would draw these > into alien hands. Canadians, hardy and students t o become part of the great pro- > thrifty, were here. Americans also, their gram of Bahi'u'llhh. > "There are two ways of rezching the "Opportunity came in the form of an > Argentine from Chile; the first is over the invitation to address the Dramatic Society > Andes, the route Martha Root had taken; on the modern drama! I accepted. The > the other skirting Chile and Patagonia. We afternoon came and dressed in my best I > determined upon the southern route where stepped upon nly initial platform. The > no Bahi'i had yet been. From the south, talk received widespread publicity and the > winter was already enveloping the whole daily papers carried the entire talk. This > Antarctic region, sending icy winds north- brought the editor of The Standard t o in- > ward over Patagonia. We decided, how- terview us. I confided t o him my dilemma. > ever, t o risk these hazards and go t o the H e was so intrigued that he decided to > Argentine via the Chilean Lakes. study the Cause with me and investigate > "In this remote land occurred a great its truth for himself. After an intensive > spiritual experience, one of those meetings course of reading he was carried beyond > of the spirit that make social amenities pale jourl~alisticimpulses and there begin t o ap- > by con~parison. I t happened that a German pear in the columns of his paper references > couple had come from Pnerto Varas, Chile. t o the word Bahi'i, its meaning, its origin > Madame de Burmuihl spoke English. I n and finally a two-column article on the his- > whispers in the corner of the office we tory of the movement from its inception. > talked of the New World Order; as I un- "Giving a talk at the Spanish Club I had > folded the Divine Plan she seemed to read t o employ an interpreter. This was a veri- > it with me as from an open book. Each table ordeal and I remembered how many > statement of mine was rounded out and times 'Abdu'l-Bahl had passed through the > completed by this clear-sighted woman. As ordeal of having His words redistributed by > I explained the simple form of our Admin- an alien tongue. > istration and the station of the Guardian "From a variety of public talks there > of the Cause, she repeated my words to emerged certain personalities that made an > her husband: 'Listen Gustave, we have a indelible impression. First in order of time > Guardian-one who holds the world to- was Miss Beer, a German from Africa's > gether in this day--one who is prepariug Gold Coast. Tragedies had rained down > humanity for a new civilization.' Very upon her ever siuce the World War. I n an > thoughtfully he turned the idea over in his agony of spirit she had battered at the door > mind and then replied in a deep voice, 'Yes, of ancient theology, only to find herself > yes, I can understand that. It is as it shut out by dogmatic controversies. From > should be-somewhere , a spiritual leader the first, she fell in love with the Bahi'i > must be malting the plan that will guide us principles; she amassed a wealth of quota- > out of the wilderness and chaos of the pres- tions from the Writings and studied by > eilt into a new and better path.' Madame night as well as by day. After our third > de Burmuihl explained that they belonged lesson she read a paper on the Bah6'i Move- > to a large group of Germans who met and ment before the German Literary Circle. > studied under the name of 'Liberal Thought As the inner commotion of soul subsided, > Society.' But no more literature from the she expressed a happiness that is impossible > society was permitted in Germany, so as t o describe. > winter approached they were without mate- "A giant of undxunted courage was > rial for study. The Bah6'i Revelation Sefiora Barrill. EIer husband had been a > formed the link in the chain and they em- pioneer in Argentine finance and from his > braced it eagerly and whole-heartedly. They accumulated fortune had built a veritable > felt sure that the study group would accept palace of medieval splendor. Then, sud- > it as they did. denly, she was left alone. I t was at this > "Buenos Aires greeted us with a down- period of her life that an awakening of soul > pour of cold rain. The stirring events of occurred. All at once there flooded her > the Chilean trip, however, buoyed our being an iniler consciousne,~ that a new > spirits above temperature and filled our Message had come t o earth, a Message, that > hearts with strong hope. would bind all religions together. She > I0 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > closed the palace and started forth in search ing, 'if the picture you hnve painted is even > of that which her heart foretold. But half true, I think you better come to the > everywhere she went she encountered creeds, United States where no one will be iuter- > old and new. Saddened by failure she jour- ested in your beliefs, nor take heed of the > neyed homeward. ideas you harbor beneath your charming > "I gave a talk at the Y. W. C. A. on curls.' So we planned that she should come > the union of all races, religions and creeds. in the autumn and I pray that this free > Though understanding no English she came, soul may come under the Bahi'i training > to hear it, with her niece as interpreter. All that will develop, without curtailing, her > during the talk I could see that she was in lovely spirit. > a state of agitation; she clasped and un- "The visit to Buenos Aires that in the > clasped her hands continuously. As soon as beginning had been fraught with dark diffi- > I finished she beckoned me. 'All over the culty, terminated in great enthusiasm for > world I have been seeking the treasure that the Bahi'i Principles. Alas, that a rigid > you have now placed in my hands this code prevented joining my pupils together; > afternoon. 'The New World Order' that nevertheless, as I stood on the deck of the > you have explained, has been ringing in my steamer that was carrying us t o Brazil, I > heart for many a long day.' Often when felt that group consciousness would be the > we sat together before the fire she would natural consequence of Bahi'i study and > cry out 'Let us go spread the good news- would come about as a result of it. > let us tramp the world over.' And though "In Rio, Leonora Holsapple joined us. > well over seventy, as we left she was pre- She had come following Martha Root's not- > paring t o depart on a world crusade. able visit t o South America. Settling in > "Another wonderful friendship was Bahia (which in Spanish means bay), she > formed with a distinguished Argentine farn- had set herself the task of mastering Spanish > ily that ;ve had met on the train from and Portuguese, while earning her living in > Bariloche. There were a widow, her daugh- a city directly over the equator. Encour- > ters and a niece. They came to hear me aged by our Guardian, she translated and > speak and presently we found ourselves he- published 'Bah6'u'IIb.h and the New Era' > ing entertained by the most hospitable of and other volumes, thus making an out- > people. We saw gardens copied from the standing contribution for all time to the > palaces of Europe, where roses grew as high Bahi'i Cause. > as young fruit trees, beds of lotus in bloom, "Through the influence of this true > white and tranquil beside marble pools. Bah6'i friend, we were able t o form a class > Everywhere were rare tropical plants gath- without delay. These people were suffi- > ered from the far-off islands of the Pacific. ciently evolved to draw together for study > One day, while Sefiorita Lavarello and I and t o meet often. A second class soon > were driving, she remarked, 'You remind followed the first through important Amer- > me of someone I met in Geneva-a woman icans to whom we had brought letters. The > all spirit.' Naturally I asked her name. members of this class enabled me t o place > 'Lady Bloomfield,' she replied. 'Like you Bah6'i books in the circulating libraries. > she is a Bahb'i. It is strange how much "I spoke on the prophecies fulfilled by the > this religion attracts me, but I know it is Bahb'i Religion and gave a short outline of > not for me, for should I approach it ever so the Bib, Bahb'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahh. > secretly, the family would know and every Their reception of the talk impressed us all. > member of the clan would arise to save me I t was evident that there existed a strong > from Hell that they would see yawning t o spiritual tie between us and some day this > receive me;-you have no idea of the power will be cemented. From that moment they > of Spanish traditions-the Rock of Gibral- did all in their power to help us spread the > tar is a weak defense by comparison-I Bahb'i Message and surrounded us with > would be in~mediately surroulided by an every kindness. > ecclesiastical conference that would go on "Through Miss Holsapple'a influence I > forever and ever.' 'Well,' I replied, laugh- spoke at the Educational League. This im- > CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S I1 > > portant commirtcr controls the education planations of the Faith and its literature > of Brazil as well as the reading matter that could be given. A radio talk at Trinidad, > goes t o schools and libraries. Religion mzy B. W. I., was reproduced in the local press, > not be spoken from their platform but the and the Blakeleys found many receptive > breadth of the Cause gave ample opportu- hearts. > nity to outline education froln its spiritual A t Georgetown, Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley > standpoint. I also addressed the Y. W. C. A. found themselves in a civilization partly > that throughout the journey had treated our Dutch and partly English in character, with > mission with so much cordiality. a colony of East Indians whose members > "We were invited t o spend an evenlng proved most receptive. > with the Sufis to address their members. As By public lectures, two series of radio > far as we could learn, they were not con- addresses, and the publication of these ad- > nected with the Sufis of fr6n. The move- dresses in The Daily Chronicle, Mrs. Blake- > ment had been brought from India to Lon- ley succeeded beyond her expectation in > don and its leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Best, establishing a real and friendly interest in > were English. The pamphlets describing the new World Order. One series was > the belief seemed subjective in character known as "The Voice of Peace," the other > though broad and humanitarian in design. had the title of "The R81e of Religion and > "In retrospect it is impossible to number Science in Modern Civilization." > the individuals that crossed our path during The l e c t ~ u eon "The Unity of Man," de- > this voyage of five months. Constantly we livered before the East Indian Association, > were meeting strangers and constantly tell: led to the formation of a study class. Other > ing them of the purpose of our visit. By lectures were requested by the Moravian > land and by sea, over thousands of miles, Church and local members of the Masonic > the Cause was heralded and its dynamic order. > news snread." > Less than a year after this journey by SUMMER SCHOOLS > Mr. m d Mrs. Mathews, Mr. and Mrs. Dud- > ley W. Blakeley started from New York on The rise of permanent educational insti- > a journey t o another part of South America, tutions throughout the Bahl'i world marks > leaving on March 6 , 1936 and returning a definite turning point in the progress of > toward the end of April. the Faith. This turning point can most > The points visited were Haiti, La Guayra, briefly be defined as the transformation of > Curasao, Porto Cabello, Cuanto, Puerto de the content of the phrase "Bahi'i teacher" > Sucre, Curapano, Trinidad and George- from its first meaning of public speaker t o > town. the new concept of educator, or teacher in > While the journey was taken primarily the organic sense. The transition has been > for reasons of scientific research, the spir- from the plane of personal feeling t o that of > itual intention of seizing the opportunity t o conscious knowledge. > promote the Faith of Bahi'u'llih in new During the era when the Faith was pro- > lands and among new peoples was no less moted by believers touched by its spirit but > vital; and indeed, the story of this most in- incompletely informed of its teachings, it > teresting and effective mission means above was inevitable that the active worker should > all the fact that Bahl'is, under all circum- consider "teaching" as exhortation more > stances, have a supreme aim which they can than instruction, as an appeal to enter a new > fulfil amid the ordinary conditions of life Kingdom of Mystery rather than education > as laymen, and which requires no special in a universal science or art of the soul. > ecclesiastical office or distinction. The well of feeling was necessarily drawn > Georgetown was their objective, and the upon t o supply every lack of organized > place where the most active Bah6'i teaching knowledge, particularly in view of the fact > was carried on. The journey itself, how- that the new Revelation was regarded more > ever, afforded unique opportunities for per- as a personal experience than as the basis of > sonal contacts and friendships in which ex- a world commonwealth. The influence of > the prelching habits of the professiond reli- They have not come to preach but to > gionists in the prior religious environment inform. > also had its strong but unconscious effect, I n the reports prepared by the various > at least in the West. Moreover, the Faith School committees the vitality of their > disclosed no visible and immediate relation spirit of knowledge is clearly portrayed. As > t o the progress of human destiny as a whole, the modern university had its beginning in > for in those days the BahCis were as wor- the new body of knowledge available after > shippers in the catacombs of a proud city the influence of Muhammad had reversed > which ignored their existence or despised the anti-rational attitude of the Christians > their belief. The world above and about in Europe, so these BahCi Schools contain > them still moved under an impetus which the germ of all future education, and in > apparently had no dependence upon the their fulfilment will be instruments for the > Word of God. diffusion of a universal truth unknown in > Through the instrumentality of their any previous Dispensation. > Summer Schools, concentrating a trend al- > ready beginning to be apparent in the larger Green Acve > and more experienced local centers, the > Bahi'is about ten years ago began t o face 1934 > the fact that their Sacred Scriptures offered "The Green Acre Summer School for the > all the elements of a spiritual university and 1934 season began its organized courses on > not alone the intoxication of a new sod Monday, July 9th, and courses continued > purer wine. The personal testimony of in session five mornings a week for seven > faith, the practice of self-revealment, the weeks. > sharing of individual states of feeling, the "The first two weeks were devoted t o a > standard of "teaching" in the infancy of careful study of the 'Kitib-i-fqin.' . .. > collective Bahi'i experience, began steadily Those who were in attendance felt that they > t o retreat before the new standard attempt- gained much added insight into this book > ing t o safeguard the "light of love in the of Bahi'u'lldh's. Mrs. Greenleaf was par- > glass of Imowledge." The educator assumed ticularly helpful in the way in which she > the place long held by the exhorter, without linked the Teachings of the fqdn with the > sacrificing the inner reality of consecration present problems and needs of the Bahi'i > and reverence upon which faith depends. Faith. > The e~lvironment of the Bah6'is had "The third week consisted of five lectures > changed from 'Abdu'l-Bahb's concentration given by Miss Mary Maxwell on Nabil's > upon individaals t o the Guardian's concen- Narrative, 'The Dawn Breakers.' In this > tration upon the community, and the rise of series, Miss Maxwell narrated the story of > the Bahi'i educational i~lstitutioos is the all the important happenings in the life of > signal of this change. the Bib and His followers, and thus gave a > By now the moving and evolving spirit most dramatic and inspiring review of this > of the Bahi'i community realizes the dis- remarkable book. I t seems certain that no > tinction between the "teacher" who pos- person who had not previously read 'The > sesses knowledge not encon~passed.round Dawn Breakers' could have heard these lec- > nbout with personal emotion, and the tures without making a resolve t o immedi- > "teacher" who in reality projects himself ately begin t o read the whole Narrative. > upon the group. "During the fourth week Dr. 'Ali Kuli > The Bahi'i Summer School today, for all @ i n gave a series of lectures on some of > its brief duration and informality and mod- the Tablets of Bah6'u'116h, which are most > est equipment, offers definite courses of in- difficult for the Occidental Bahi'i to under- > struction and requires thc attitude of the stand. H e explained much of the frinian > student on the part of those who attend. symbolism used, corrected some mis-transla- > Its class lcadcrs have prepared themselves tions, and added greatly t o our spiritual > by research and reflection, attested in the appreciation of these majestic Tablets. The > outlines each has prepared for his course. following Tablets were discussed by Dr. > Interior View of the Bath the BBb went Interior of the & l h - a r i g h , S i r l z , > to when a Child. Burial-place of the Bib's wife. > > Room occupied by 'Abdu'lLBahi when a Little Boy (six years old) in the Village of > Tlkur, Mlzindarin, frin. > 54 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Lhbn during this week: 'The Tablet of the gave one lecture in the regular morning > Virgin'; the 'Tablet of the Holy Mariner'; class period, from l l : 0 0 to 12:30. The > the 'Tablet of Wisdom'; 'The Discourse on topics considered in their discussion were > the Temple'; 'The Seven Valleys'; 'The 'Immortality,' 'Prayer' and 'Prophecy.' > Four Valleys.' "During the second week of the session, > "The topic of the fifth week's course was Dr. Cobb gave a very helpful course in > 'How can the individual meet the spiritual which he reviewed his own book, 'Security > conflicts of the modern world?' with Dr. for a Failing World,' as well as 'The Prom- > Genevieve Coy as leader of discussion. The ise of All Ages,' by Christophil, and then > purpose of this course was to aid Bah6'is in showed how these books can be used in > meeting some of the spiritual conflicts with- teaching the Bahh'i Faith. > in their own lives, and also to provide means "The third course was given by Prof. > for greater understanding of the spiritual Shook, on 'Mysticism and the Bah6'i Teach- > problems one meets in teaching the Bahi'i ing.' Prof. Shook had prepared a very valu- > Faith. able outline to accompany this course, in > "The sixth course, taught by Mr. David which he used R"hi Effendi's 'Mysticism > Hofman, was entitled 'Proposed Solutions and the Bahi'i Revelation' as the basic > of the Economic Problem Compared with reading. Topics covered included the fol- > the Bahi'i Economic Program." In clear lowing: the conflict between mind and > and simple language which could be under- heart, the nature of mysticism, and the fun- > stood by the listener with no background damental difference between mysticism and > of study of Economics, Mr. Hofman pre- prophetic religion. > sented the basic ideas involved in Technoc- "The leader who had been scheduled for > racy, Communism, Capitalism, etc. The the fourth course was unable t o come to > course was concluded by a discussion of the Green Acre and the morning meetings that > economic provisions of the World Order of week were given to prayer and meditation, > Bah6'u'Ilbh, and showed in what ways the with various friends as leaders. > Bahi'i Program provides strength at points "During the fifth week, four different > in which the other solutions were weak. leaders took charge of the work. Mr. > "During the seventh week of the Sum- Emeric Sala led two discussions on the > mer Scbool Mr. Horace Holley presented topics, 'A New Aspect of Religion' and 'A > important points concerning 'The World Theocratic Democracy.' The speakers and > Order of Bahi'u'llili.' In a twenty-minute topics for the three remaining days were as > introductory talk each day, Mr. Holley dis- follows:-Mrs. Rosemary Sala, 'A Two-fold > cussed ways in which the individual Bahb'i Consciousness'; Mr. Saffa Kinuey, 'Spiritu- > may most usefully relate his life to the ality'; Miss Louise Wright, 'The Reality of > World Order. This talk was followed by Man.' > readings from the World Order Letters of "The course for the sixth week was led > Shoghi Effendi. The morning's session was by Dr. Genevieve Coy, and the topic for > concluded by a round table discussion of discussion was 'Racial Likenesses and Differ- > points related to the Introductory talk and ences: the Scientific Evidence and the > the readings. This course drew a large Bahi'i Teaching.' The purpose of this > audience, who were very appreciative of course was to provide Bahi'i teachers with > Mr. Holley's stimulating presentation of scientific material with which t o meet the > both the material and spiritual aspects of arguments of non-Bahh'is who maintain > our participation in the World Order of that the oneness of mankind is impossible > Bah6'u'llbh. because of racial differences. > "The seventh course on 'The Origin, > 1935 > Powers and Conditions of Man' was led by > "During the first week of the Green Mr. Alfred Lnnt, and used sections of 'Some > Acre Sumlner School, July 8-12, Prof. Auswercd Questions' as the basic text. Mr. > Glenh Shook and Mr. Louis Gregory each Lunt discussed very helpfully such topics > gave two lectures, and Dr. Stanwood Cobb as: the true place of man in the universe; > CURRENT B A HA'f ACTIVITIES I5 > > the human spirit as a divine trust, and gate- ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS: 2: 3 0 > way of eternal life. p. m, each Tuesday and Friday in the > "The final course of the summer school Redwood Grove. > was given by Mr. Horace Holley, on the TRAINING AND TEACHING OF > topic 'The Most Great Peace.' The purpose CHILDREN: 9:30 a. m. daily in Chil- > of this course was 'to concentrate thought dren's Library. Under the direction of > upon the Bahi'i conception of and program National Committee for the Training > of World Peace, in clear distinction to the and Teaching of Children. > conceptions and programs emanating from PUBLIC MEETINGS: Fellowship Dinner > traditional religious and political sources.' with Geyserville Grange, 6 : 3 0 p. m., > Mr. Holley began the course with a valu- Thursday, July 19th, at the Grange. > able historical summary of past efforts Griffith Grove, Santa Rosa, 2:30 p. m., > toward world peace, and concluded with a Sunday. July 22nd. > discussion of the 'Most Great Peace of Odd Fellows Hall, Geyserville, 8:00 > Bahi'u'llih as Regeneration of Mankind, and p. m., Thursday, July 26th. > as Transformation of Society.' UNITY FEAST: The annual reunion of > "The largest average attendance at the the Friends and their guests, 12:00 noon, > courses was during the last two w e e k s , 4 4 Sunday, July I lth, under the Big Tree. > and 43, respectively. The number of COURSES OF STUDY: THE HISTORY > different people attending during these two OF THE BAHA'f FAITH-9:30 a. m. > weeks was 80 for the seventh course and 73 daily. > for the last course. PRINCIPLES OF BAHA'f ADMINIS- > "Three weel<-end conferences were held TRATION-10:30 a, n ~ daily. > . > during the summer:-Teaching Conference, FUNDAMENTAL BAHPl'i PRIN- > July 5 -7; Amity Conference, August 17-18 ; CIPLES (Creative Discussion)-1 1:3 0 > Youth Conference, August 24-25. a. m. daily. > "One of the most valuable aspects of life > 1935 > at Green Acre is the informal discussion > which goes on wherever the friends meet "The Western States Summer School, > in small groups. Such discussions were held at Bosch Place, Geyserville, July 14th > frequent during the summer of 193 5, and LO 27tl1, 1935, was one of the best sessions > those who shared in them found them un- ever held. > usually inspiring. Interested non-Bahb'is "It was opened by the usual Unity Feast, > often joined in these small groups, and thus under the 'Big Tree,' at noon, July 14th, > had an opportunity to learn more of the attended by some 225 people. A true spirit > Bahb'i teachings. We were especially happy of unity and devotion marked the opening > in having a number of such guests at the of the School at the Feast, and continued > Inn, some of whom have already joined throughout all the sessions. The attendance > Bahi'i communities. at the School meetings for the adults aver- > "Green Acre was especially fortunate in aged 90. There were representatives present > having Rithi Effendi as a visitor for ten from Canada, England, Transylvania, > days at the end of the summer. He was a Tahiti, China, Honolulu, Jamaica, and an > valuable member of the la5t course of the American Indian. > season, and many of the students found in "Most of the people were housed in the > his two dynamic evening lectures the buildings on the Bosch Place, while a goodly > highest point of the summer's work. number camped on the grounds, and others > secured lodgings in the city. > Geyserville > "In the conduct of the school, a definite > 1934 objective of the Committee has been to im- > DEVOTIONS: 9:00 a. m. daily, under Big prove the presentation of subjects, and the > Tree. development a t the same time of Bahi'i > CLASSES: 9:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. daily, Teachers. Thus durk~gthe courses there > in Odd Fellows Hall. were 19 different Bahl'is who took part in > 16 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > the lectures. Each one was required to pre- outdoor amphitheater there. These meet- > pare himself well in advance, and have the ings were all very well attended, and great > subject outlined and condensed, so as to interest aroused in the Faith. > take up not over 30 or 31 minutes at the "The citizens of Geyserville are becoming > most. Two years ago a College Professor more kindly to the Bahi'is all the time. > we had give a few lectures, remarked to me, Originally they were quite opposed to us, > that he did not see why we secured the because of our Faith, Geyserville being an > assistance of College Professors, as our pres- orthodox city. They even went so far as > entations were better than they could hope to warn certain of their people to beware > to do. of the Bahi'is and their 'pernicious teach- > "All classes are conducted on the creative ings.' This was four or five years ago. I t > discussion plan. The speaker introduces the is of interest to note in passing, that the > subject with his detailed presentation in not two particular Geyservillians, warned to be > over 31 minutes; then a period of 10 to 11 careful of the Bahi'is, have both become > minutes is allowed for questioning and dis- Bahl'is. The newspaper giving full page > cussion. The third class of the day was announcement of the Summer School and > even more of a creative discussion meeting, an announcement by the Chamber of Com- > dealing with the Fundamental Bah6'i Prin- merce extending a hearty welcome to the > ciples. In this class the leader used not over Summer School, shows the spirit of fellow- > 20 minutes to present the subject, allowing ship that has been developed. This has been > 2 1 to 30 minutes for questioning and dis- possible only through strict adherence to > cussion. Of outstanding interest was the Bahl'i conduct, which changed distrust > course on the Influence of Islim and the into trust and confidence. > Teachings of Muhammad, the first on "The 1931 program follows, together > Islim to be given in an American Bah6'i with the names of those who conducted the > Summer School. various classes: > "There were four round-table discussion > meetings, held in one of the beautiful Red- Program > wood Groves, which developed enthusiasm > PACIFIC COAST BAHb'f SUMMER > and clearer understanding among all present, > SCHOOL > of the important subjects under considera- > tion. Ninth Annual Session > "Children's classes were held daily. One > class was for 'those under 7 years of age, Bosch Place, Geyserville, California > the other for those younger. All young July 14th to July 27th, 1931 > people over 13 were permitted to attend the DEVOTIONS: > Adult Classes or the classes for those young 9:00 a. m. daily, under Big Tree. > people between 7 and 13. There were in > CLASSES: > attendance in all 53 young people, of which > 9:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. daily, in Odd > over 20 were non-Bahi'is. Attached is > Fellows' Hall. > detailed report of the Children's and Youth > Program Committee, outlining the method ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS: > of conduct, supervision of both study and 2:30 p. m. each Tuesday and Friday. > play, and details of the courses of study. CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: > "Three public teaching meetings were Study Classes 9:30 a. m. daily in Chil- > held; one with the local Grange at Geyser- dren's Library. > ville, which is usually attended by all the Supervised Recreation: 2:30 p. m. daily. > officers of the Grange, the members of the PUBLIC MEETINGS: > Chamber of Commerce, city dignitaries, Fellowship D i n e r with Geyserville > etc.; the second, a general public meeting Grange, 6:30 p. m., Thursday, July > in the city of Geyrerville; and the third, an lath, at the Grange Hall. > afternoon public meeting at the Griffith Griffith Grove, Santa Rosa, 2:30 p. m., > Grove, near Santa Rosa, in the beautiful Sunday, July 21st. > CURRENT B A HA ' i ACTIVITIES 57 > > Odd Fellows' Hall, Geyserville, 8 : 0 0 up for the children may help to clarify the > p. m., Wednesday, July 24th. picture of this phase of the program. > UNITY FEAST: "Classes for instruction in the Bahl'i > The Annual Reunion of the friends and teachings are conducted around one large > their guests, 12:00 noon, Sunday, July table in a one-room building, bounded on > 14th, under the Big Tree. three sides by the outdoor play area. The > COURSES OF STUDY: play area most used is in the shade of a > HISTORY OF THE BAHA'i FAITH large tree. A slnall plot of grass provides > UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES OF space for circle games and story-hours for > BAHti'i ADMINISTRATION the young children. Several long tables and > T H E ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER OF benches are used for games and handcrafts. > THE BAHA'i FAITH A sand pile is also included in the play area. > INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE "For class instruction, the children sit on > RELATIONS T O BAHA'i FAITH benches along both sides of the table, and > THE TEACHINGS AND INFLU- are supplied with pencils and paper, for the > ENCE OF ISLAM construction of notebooks. These classes > (Classes were conducted by Bah6'i are conducted by adults with knowledge of > teachers including the following: J. G. both the Bahl'i teachings and educational > Gray, Louise Caswell, Nadeen Cooper, psychology. They are approximstely one > Rowland Estall, Kathryn Frankland, hour in length, and include a story, some > Marion Holley, H. R. Hurlbut, Leroy memory work, and a little picture drawing > in connection with the general lesson. > C. Ioas, Sylvia Kemp, George Latimer, > Charlotte Linfoot, Joyce Lyons, Or- "Notebooks are kept by each child and > cella Rexford, Paul Schoeney, Maimie additions to them are made daily. Hence, > Seto, Irwin Somerhalder, N. F. Wdrd at the end of the two weeks, there is a per- > and Nell Wilson.) manent record of the entire set of lessons, > and each child's accomplishments in con- > TEACHING CONFERENCE: > nection with the lessons. A good deal of > 2:30 p. m., Saturday, July Zoth, in Odd > effort goes into the construction of these > Fellows' Hall. > little booklets, and, in many cases, they are > Round-table Discussions-Leaders, > among the most treasured possessions of > Virginia Orbeson-"Return and Reincar- > their owners. When a particularly fine > nation"; S. Schopflocher-"Problems > piece of work is done, there is recognition > Within the Cause"; Joe Bray-"Cre- > for this achievement in the form of a gold > ative Discussion." > star given. I t is interesting to note the > JOHN D. BOSCH,Chairman > enthusiasm resulting from such a recog- > LEROVC. IOAS,Secretary > nition--small as it is. > AMELIACOLLINS > "Since the physical development of each > GEORGELATIMER > individual is recognized as a necessary > ELLA G. COOPER > requisite for a full and worthwhile life, > Child Training a t Geyserville recreation and physical activities are impor- > tant in the summer school program. > The following description of the program "The director tries to dividc hcr time for > for children, maintained at the Geyserville the supervision of recreation as equally as > Summer School, has been prepared by Mary possible into three groups-those for the > Walker, recreational director in 1933 and very young children, the older children, and > 1931. the youth group. > "Although the school was originally "The recreation period for the young > founded for adults, children and youth have children follows the class lesson in the > their place in the program, and it is these morning, and includes simple circle games, > two groups which will be considered in this stories, songs, shorc walks, simple hand- > account. crafts and sand pile constructions. > "A brief description of the physical set- "The children of this group range in age > 58 THE B A H A 'I WORLD > from shout three years to seven years. eliminated, and the songs and handcrafts > Aside from the pure enjoyment derived are of a more difficult nature. > from the above-mentioned activities, there "In the afternoon, there is supervised > is, for each one, a practical educational recreational swimming, as well as instruc- > justification. The circle games provide hig- tion in swimming, diving, and life-saving > muscle activity, and are especially impor- methods for the youth and older children's > tant for the correct and normal growth and group. At the same time, a story hour is > development of the child. Stories exercise conducted for the smaller children. > the imagination, assist in the development "In the evening, the recreational program > of a young child's vocabulary, and often is primarily planned for the youth group, > illustrate an important moral or social although a few of the older children enjoy > principle, which aids in character develop- participation in the activities. These in- > ment. (The writer does not, however, be- clude campfires and 'sings,' social games, > lieve that every child's story must have a social dancing, and evening walks. It will > moral.) be noticed that the activities are mainly of > "The singing and learning of songs helps a social character. These are necessary for > in the musical and rhythmical ability of the a well-rounded life, and are included be- > child, which will he a source of enjoyment cause they are the activities in which the > throughout life. youth of today derives a great deal of > "Handcrafts assist in the development pleasure. > of intricate neuro-muscular coordinations, "Social behavior of the highest type is > necessary for poise and various skills such expected and maintained, and where in- > as writing, drawing, and so forth. Short struction is necessary, it is provided. The > observation walks help to enlarge the gen- music for the dances and 'sings' is fur- > eral fund of information, and an apprecia- nished by members of the youth group, and > tion of the natural surroundings, to say is of a remarkably high calibre. > nothing of the child's physical strength. "Geyserville and the surrounding country > Construction in the sand pile increases in- offer a splendid setting for delightful eve- > tricate neuro-muscular coordinations, and ning walks. As large a group as twenty or > imagination. Tunnels, highways, bridges, twenty-five young people enjoys this type > and castles of sand are reaI and important of activity during the long summer eve- > objects of construction in the minds and nings. Singing is very popular with this > the eyes of little children. group, and is remarkably well done. Several > "However, all of these activities empha- camphes around which community singing > size, mainly, the social development of the is led are enjoyed during the two-weeks' > child-a desire and an ability to work and period. > play with others. No adjustment, aside "The members of the youth group meet > from normal physical growth and develop- with the adults for lectures and discussions > ment, is more important than this one of a on the various phases of the Bahh'i teach- > social nature, for the child who learns and ings during the morning hours. This plan > practices the habits of fair-play and con- is probably not an ideal one, and it is pos- > genial give and take will find his place in sible that an alteration may be made with > the world, and will be accepted into socioty a n increase in the size of the summer school. > by his fellow men much more readily than "During the entire two-weeks' period, > if his habits were of a less desirable nature. the young people are busily engaged in > "The older children have a recreational preparations for a large pageant in which > program somewhat similar to that of the all of the children and youth participate. > younger ones, although it is a good deal The general theme is the promotion of in- > more complicated. These children range ternational and interracial harmony and > in age from seven to thirteen years. Games good-will, and, although there is not time > of higher organization are substituted for for the children to write the pageant, allnost > simple circle games. Stories and construc- all of the other responsibilities are car- > tion in the sand pile are almost entirely ried by them. These responsibilities include > CURRENT BAH6'i ACTIVITIES 19 > > the playing of the various r6les-some Mrs. Howard Iven and Mr. and Mrs. Harlan > thirty or forty in number, the selection and Ober. A marked spirit of harmony and a > rendering of the music, the construction of spiritual atmosphere seemed to pervade the > stage settings, lights, and costumes; and place from the beginning and has been in > assistance in directing the production. This evidence each summer since, while a steady > pageant has become something which is g o w t h in attendance and interest has taken > looked forward to with eagerness by all of place which would seem to belie the small > the students of the summer school. The and almost unnoticed beginning. > outstanding feature is not, however, the "Each year Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston have > production itself, but it is the sincerity with generously added buildings and other equip- > which each participant makes his contribu- ment to the original plant until now there > tion t o the whole affair. are comfortable summer accommodations > "The members of the summer school are for about one hundred people besides an > given the opportunity of living in a most auditorium and a recreation hall. > broadening and thought-stimulating cosmo- "The outstanding step forward in 1934 > politan group. All stages of financial and was the inauguration of a separate session > economic conditions are found. Many races for young people. This idea really started > and nations are represented, and all ages with the young people themselves who had > have a place. There is an unlnistakabk asked the previous summer that they might > spirit of sincere and joyous good-fellowship have a session all their own the next sum- > and cooperation prevalent at all times. I t mer. Their joyous enthusiasm did not wane > would be difficult to find a happier corn- and for four days, June 21-28, they proved > munity. to those in charge that in the hands of to- > "Could any group of p e ~ ~ l e - - ~ oor u n ~morrow's adults lies a real gift to our > old-be trained and educated in a more beloved Cause. The daily program fol- > ideal situation? Could any community be lows: > more wholesome, or more conducive to q + h e Principles of Bahi'u3116h, ~~~l~~ > international, interracial, and interclass Ober, followed by open discussion. > harmony? Effective Leadership, Prof. Bishop > "Certainly the opportunities of these Brown. > young BahCis-their Lackground and Bahi'i Teachings in Daily Living, > training-are rare treasures to be cherished Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford. > and shared now and in future years." Stories from The Dawn-Breakers, > Mary Maxwell. > LOUHELEN RANCH Outstanding Events in Religious His- > Seasons of 1934 and 193 1 tory, James McCormick. > "The Central States Summer School had "Counselors for the young people who > its beginning in the summer of 1931 when, guided, advised, and helped in plans were > in the month of August, some score of Mrs. Dorothy Baker and Stanley Mason. > Bahb'is and their friends gathered at Lou- Mrs. Baker conducted the devotional period > helen Ranch to study intensively for nine each morning. There was a resident attend- > days the teachings of Bahb'u'llih and to ance of abouc forty, and others who were > spread the teachings in the surrounding present for a day or more made about sixty > country. Louhelen Ranch is the name who contacted the teachings. Most of these > given to the farm owned by Mr. and Mrs. came from Bahl'i families but there were > L. W. Eggleston of Detroit. I t is a beau- a few who learned of the teachings for the > tiful stretch of rolling land containing first time and who since this first knowl- > stream, ravine, woods, open fields and pas- edge have constantly grown in their love > ture and situated in eastern Michigan near and zeal for the Cause. > the little village of Davison and only ten "The classes, with thc exccption of the > miles from the city of Flint. The leaders one by James McCormick which was held > of the classes that summer were Mr. and right after supper, were held in the morn- > 60 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > ing. This left the afternwns largely free about thirty visitors for a day or more. > for recreation or for group discussions and As far as we know this is the largest group > private interviews of deep import to those of Bah6'i youth ever gathered in a four- > concerned. Programs of a more or less day conference in this country. They were > serious nature were arranged for the eve- eager, enthusiastic, happy. Their daily > nings by a committee of young people. morning program was: > "The importance of this definite begin- "Devotions, Mrs. Dorothy Baker. > ning of a distinct youth conference cannot The Bah6'i Approach to World Prob- > be overestimated. May its growth, through lems, Mrs. Ruth Brown. > the power of the Spirit, be unbounded and The Bahi'i Life, Mrs. Baker. > its influence in establishing the World World Order Letters of The Guardian, > Order of Bah6'u'llih be unlimited. -Forum conducted by one of the > "Many young people remained through young people. > the general session which covered nine days, > July 30-July 8. June 30 was registration "As previously, the afternoons were free > day with a program of welcome, inspiration, for games or sports or whatever one chose. > and fellowship in the evening, and on the I t was noticeable that many chose to devote > remaining eight days the following program a part of each afternoon to quiet group dis- > was carried out: cussions sometimes with one of the teachers > and sometimes by themselves. The eve- > "Devotions-Leader selected. > nings, too, as formerly were in charge > Bahi'i Administration, Bishop Brown > of a young people's committee which chose > and Harlan Ober. > to devote a part of each evening t o serious > Stories from The Dawn-Breakers, Mary > subjects. 'The time is so short,' they said, > Maxwell. > 'that it seems a pity not to have something > Bahb'i Teachings in Daily Living, Mrs. > really worth while in the evening.' One > Mary Hanford Ford. > evening was devoted to a teaching confer- > Bahb'i Teachings and the Bible, Mrs. > ence under the leadership of Dale Cole, > Shahnaz Waite. > regional representative of the Teaching > "Each afternoon a public lecture was Committee. Great enthusiasm was shown, > given. The evening programs were varied many questions were asked, and valuable > and required less concentration. Often suggestions were made. > there were stories of Haifa, 'Akk6, and the "On the Sunday preceding the youth > Master. Sometimes there was group sing- session Madame Orlova gave two inspiring > ing. Two evenings directed by the young talks and many were on hand to hear her. > people were given over to Temple inspira- Monday, too, she spoke in the afternoon, > tion. but was called back to Chicago before the > "This was the first summer a special youth session closed. Later she returned > course on Bahl'i Administration had been and her afternoon talks were a source of > given and the interest was noteworthy. attraction during the general session. > The opportunity for questions and discus- "Dr. Lenore Morris was counselor and > sions seemed to satisfy a widely felt need general assistant at this session for the young > and to indicate a growing consciousness that people. > each individual is a member of and each "The general session followed the youth > local community a unit in Bahl'u'llih's session with one day intervening and a few > World Order. of the youth remained for this session. > "The summer of 193 Y showed expansion About fifty-five were registered for full > in that three sessions instead of two were time or for more than a day. There were > held. The attendance increased and there three regular courses and an address in the > was sustained interest and enthusiasm. The afternoon designed especially for those who > youth session covered the dates June 24-27 come in from outside and know little of the > inclusive. Fifty-seven young people were Cause. The nine-day program (June 29- > in daily attendance as residents besides July 7) follows: > CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 61 > > "Devotions (based on Seven Valleys). "Devotions-Leader selected. > The Conduct of Bahi'i Affairs, Horace Foundations of the New World Order, > Holley. Carl Scheffler. > The Bahi'i Life, Mrs. Mamie Seto. The Origin and Powers of Man, Dr. > Security in a Failing World, Stanwood Lenore Morris. > Cobb. "Public afternoon talks and varied eve- > ning programs were maintained as in the > "An unusually high spiritual 2nd schol- > arly standard was maintained in all these > other sessions. on two evenings we were > by groups from ~ l i one ~ ~ of, > courses and they dovetailed into each other > as though they had been worked out in 'on- > - > these was a aroup - of friends and > a number of the regular attendants were > sultation. colored. The presence of Mrs. True gave > "According to custom the afternoons a special inspiration for she shared with us > were free for visiting, discussion, swim- her recent experiences at Haifa and messages > ming, games and other recreation except from Shoghi Effendi. An evening devoted > for the public talk which was given by to the Temple resulted in a further offering > Madame Orlova or one of the teachers. to the national fund. > The evening programs were varied and of "More publicity was given to the school > a more or less serious nature. One evening this summer than before. A fine feature > Madame Orlova gave a beautiful talk on article in the Flint Journal is worthy of > the Baha'i House of Worship. This led to especial mention. This summer school has > voluntary offerings which were sent as a made a very definite connection with the > special gift to the national treasurer. Two city of Flint and two or three carloads of > other evenings Madame Orlova spoke on people came out every day to morning, > other subjects or gave readings. One eve- afternoon, or evening meetings. A vigor- > ning Frank Warner of Lima told us about ous and growing Bahl'i commuhity is > his trip to Haifa, illustrating his talk by developing in Flint as a result of the school. > pictures he had taken while there. The T o the young people of this group the > true spirit of the Master's house and the school is much indebted for their activities > Holy Shrines seemed to pervade the atmos- and help. > phere at that time. At another evening "Besides this outstanding result of the > gathering stories of Haifa and 'Abdu'l- summer school we believe the school is hay- > Bah6 were told. Community games and ing an influence which it is difficult, even > singing helped us to get acquainted the first impossible, to estimate. There is a real > evening. The talk which Mr. Cobb gave spreading of the knowledge of the Cause > about the Turk at one of these evening and the individuals who attend surely gain > gatherings helped to make us understand in the depth and amount of their knowl- > and appreciate the fine qualities of these edge. The courses are intensive. A great > brothers. deal of ground is gone over, but the interest > "Thc first afternoon and evening were has been sustained throughout and the > given over to a teaching conference led by attendance almost one hundred per cent of > Dale Cole. The exchange of ideas and sug- those enrolled. There has been a distinct > gestions was stimulating. spirit of happiness, hope, and courage in all > "At the third session, which was held the sessions. More than one has said that > August.19-21, the plan was the same as for he, or she, came tired and discouraged and > the other general session. The daily rttend- went away with hope and vision and desire > ance averaged from twenty t o twenty-five to work. The meeting together of Bahh'is > and there was keen interest throughout. from different communities has a distinct > Many came daily from the nearby city of value in increasing understanding and > Flint so that forty or fifty people were unity. A good many new people have be- > reached in this session. The daily program come interested in the Cause as a result of > was: the school. Our aim is to follow the in- > T H E B A H b 'f WORLD > > structionr of Shoghi Effendi in widening "Dienstag, 7.8.: > the range and cohsolidating the foundations 9 Uhr Kurs B: Von Christus bis Bah2- > of this school year bp year. u'llih I > "Besides these sessions reported the school 16 Uhr Kurs C: Bahi'i-Glaube und > is open throughout the season to casual in- Christentum I > quirers or to those who wish to spend a "Mittwoch, 8.8.: > quiet vacation or to Bah6'i groups for a 9 Uhr Kurs B: Von Christus bis > day's outing. During the past summer Mr. Bah6'u'lIih I1 > and Mrs. Dale Cole made the ranch their 16 Uhr Kurs C: Baha'i-Glaube nnd > headquarters and Mrs. Cole was in constant Christentum I1 > residence. More and more it is the hope 20 Uhr Vortrag: Gott in uns > that this will be a center from which there "Donnerscag, 9.8.: > is a constant flow of the teachings and 9 Uhr Kurs B: Von Christus bis Bahc- > spirit of Bahi'u'll6h.-Bertha Hyde Kirk- u'11i.h 111 > patrick, Secretary." Nachmittag und Abend frei > "Freitag, 10.8.: > ESSLINGEN, GERMANY 9 Nachrnittag Kurs D: Bahb'i-Ver- > "Die Bahd'i So~nvzerwoche1934 waltnng (Administration) I > 16 Nachmittag Kurs C: Bahi'i-Glaube > Vom 1.-12. August 1934 im Baha'i-Heim und Christenturn 111 > bei Esslingen a.N. > 20 Nachmittag Vortrag: Deutsches > Kurs A: Vollc und Glauhe, Ref. Dr. Gottsuchen > Adelbert Muhlschlegel. "Samstag, 11.8.: > Kurs B: Von Christus bis Bahi'u'llah, 9 Nachmittag Kurs D: Bahi'i-Ver- > Ref. Dr. Herrnann Gross- waltung (Administration) 11 > mann. 16 Nachmittag Kurs D: BahEi-Ver- > Kurs C: Bahi'i-Glaube und Christen- waltung (Administration) 111 > tum, Ref. Dr. Eugen 20 Nachmittag Aussprache > Schmidt. "Sonntag, 12.8.: > Kurs D: Baha'i-Verwaltunp, Ref. Dr. 10 Nachrnittag Schlussfeier mit Riick- > Hermann Grossmnnn. blick auf die Sommerwoche. > (Administration), Korref. Frau Abreisetag > H. Bishop, Dr. Eugen > Schmidt. "Die Sommerwoche sol1 wieder den Char- > "Vortriige: Religion, Dr. Eugen Schmidt. akter einer Arbeitsgemeinschaft tragen, > Manifestation, Dr. Adelbert weshalb sich an die taglichen Kurse jeweils > Muhlschlegel. eine gemeinsame Aussprache anschliessen > Gott in uns, Emil Jorn. wird. Eine rege Mitarbeit der Teilnehmer > Deutsches Gottsuchen, Dr. wird sehr hegrusst. Auf Wunsch konnen > Adelbert Miihlschlegel. besondere Aussprachen angesetzt werden. > > "Tayan~sklutz: EINLADUNG > "Samstag, 4.8.: "zur vierten Baha"a'-Sommerwoche, Esslingen > Anreisetag und Begriissung a.N., 24. August-1. September 193 1 > "Sonntag, 1.8.: "Leitthema: 'Der Mensrh der Nesen Aera.' > 10 Uhr Morgenfeier > "Kurse: > 1f Uhr Vortrag: Religion > 17 Uhr Vortrag: Manifestation Helen Bishop-Genf, Dr. Hermann > "Montag, 6.8.: Grosrmann - Neckargemund, Dr. > 9 Uhr Kurs A: Volk und Glaube I Adelbert Muhlschlegel - Stuttgart, > 16 Uhr Kurs A: Volk und Glaube I1 Dr. Eugen Schmidt-Stuttgart. > CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 63 > > A.'Wo strht die Welt?"(nie Gernein- "Sarnstag, 11. August: > schaft / Der Einzelne / Welten- 9 Uhr: Kurs C, 4a. 17 Uhr: Kurs C, > wende) . 4b. 20% Uhr: 'Der Ruf nach dem > B. 'Der Mensch der Neuen Aera' (Re- neuen Menschen.' > ligiiise Lebenshaltung / Organ- "Sonntag, 1. September: > ische Lebensgesetze / Schicksal 10 Uhr: Schlussfeier. > u, freier Wille / Liehe-Glaube- -=ie veranstaltungen finden im esslinger > . > Gerecl~ti~lreit-Erkenntnis) BahCi-Heim bei der Katharinenlinde statt, > C. 'Die Sendung Bahb'u'lllh's' (Die das dt~rchseine liebliche Lage, abseits yon > Entscheidung Bah6'i-Prin- Verkehr und Grosstadt in Nihe des Waldes, > zipien: Der Einzelne / BahCi- mit ~ i und reicher > ~ MBglichlreit > ~ zu~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ > Prinzipien: Die Gemeillschaft / Spaziergingen in den Freizeiten ausreichend > Bahi'i-Verwaltung) . Gelergenheit zu korperlicher Erholung und > "EinzelvortrBge: Ausspannung bietet. Die Teilnahmekosten > Alice Schwarz-Solivo: 'Der Tag betragen R. M. 15.-einschliesslich Verpfle- > Gottes.' gung und einfacher Unterkunft im BahCi- > Helen Bishop: 'Nabils Erzihlunrg aus Heim; Ein7el7immer auswarts zu massig- > den lriihen Tagen des Bahi'i-Glau- sten Preissen. > bens.' "Moglichst baldige Anmeldung an Frl. > A. M. Schweizer-Zuffenhausen: 'Leben Anna Kostlin, Esslingen a.N., Wehrneckar- > und Tod.' strasse 1, erbeten." > Dr. A. Muhlschlegel: 'Der Ruf nach August 24-September 1, 193 5 > dem neuen Menschen' (aus Dich- Main Theme: of > tungen aller Zeiten) . Era." > "Sonstige Veranstaltungen: Courscs: Helen Bishop, Geneva, Dr. Her- > Morgenfeier (Leitung A. Kostlin-Ess- m a n ~Grossmann, Neckargemiind, Dr. > lingen, Ans~rache Dr. A. Miihl- Adelbert Miihlschlegel, Dr. Eugen > schlegel) / Schlussfeier (Leitung P. Schmidt, Stuttgart. > Gollmer-Stuttgart, Ansprache H. A, "Where Does the World Stand?" (Com- > Bishop) / Musik- u. Liederabend munity, The Individual, The turn of the > (Leitung Fred Kohler-Winterbach) . times). > B. "The Man of the New Fra" (Religious > Tagungsplan: Life, Organic Life-Laws, Fate and Free > "Samstag, 24. August: Will, Love-Faith- Justice-Knowledge) . > Anreisetag. 20 '/4 Uhr: Begrussung. C. "The Message of Bah6'11'116h." > "Sonntag, 25. August: (The decision, Bah6'i-Principles: > 10 Uhr: Morgenfeier. 17 Uhr: Vortrag The Individual > 'Der Tag Gottes.' Bah6'i-Principles: The Community- > "Montag, 26. August: Administration.) > 9 Uhr: Kurs A, 1. 17 Uhr: Kurs A, 2. Single addresses: Alice Schwarz-Solivo: > 20 54 Uhr: Kurs A, 3. "The Day of God." > "Dienstag, 27. August: Helen Bishop: "Nabil's Narrative from > 9 Uhr: Kurs B, 1. 17 Uhr: Kurs B, 2 . the early days of the Bahl'i faith.'' > 2 0 % Uhr: 'Leben u. Tod.' A. M. Scliweizer: "Life and Death." > "Mittwoch, 28. August: Dr. A. Miihlschlegel: "The Call for the > 9 Uhr: Knrs B, 3. 17 Uhr: Kurs B, 4. New Man" (from the poetry of all > 2054 Uhr: Musik- u. Liederabend. ages). > "Donnerstag, 29. August: Other events: Morning celebration (Miss > 9 Uhr: Kurs C, 1. A. Kostlin-Esslingen, Speaker Dr. A. > "Freitag, 30. August: Miiblschlegel) . > 9 Uhr: Kurs C, 2. 17 Uhr: Kurs C , 3. Closing celebration (Direction P. Goll- > 20 % Uhr: 'Nabils Erzihlung.' mer-Stuttgart, Speaker Helen Bishop, > Musicd Evening Fred Kohler-Winter- Spirituelle de Paris, souhaita 1a bienvenue > bach) . puis donna la ~ a r o l eh Monsieur Hakim, > SecrCtaire des Etudiants Bahi'is, qui remer- > CONFERENCE OF BAHli'i STUDENTS cia les personnes prksentes, l'Assemhl6e > AT PARIS Spirituelle de Paris, et donna lecture de > l'ordre du jour. > During the past six years, an annual con- "Monsieur Chah'idzadeh traita avec con- > ference has been held in Paris which gathers science le premier point: 'L'histoire des re- > together for discussion and study a number ligions et leur rapport avec le Bahb'isme.' > of students attending various universities in I1 dimontra que le besoin d'une religion se > Europe, all of whom are dkclared Bahl'is. retrouve i travers les Bges et dans les > An interesting account of the conference civilisations les plus diverses, et que le > held December 29 and 30, 1931, has been Bahi'isme a le caractere universe1 nkcessaire > furnished by the committee, through Mr. pour rapprocher les hommes de toutes races > M. Hakim. This statement, in the original et croyances. > French, follows: "Ensuite, Monsieur Dehkan, avec son > "Nous sommes trks heureux d'informer Cloquence habitnelle, parla du second point: > ceux auxquels nous avons envoy6 la Convo- 'L'Education BahCie, base de la Paix Mon- > cation du 11 Novembre dernier que la diale.' En larges traits il montra, d'une > 6bme ConfCrence annuelle des Etudiants part le parti-pris, d'autre part les probl6mes > Bahi'is a eu lieu les 29 et 30 DCcembre vitaux non rCsolus qui empscheot le monde > 1935, chez Mme. Scott, dans la plus grande de sortir du cercle infernal des guerres, puis > joie et sincCritC. comment le Bahl'isme apporte l'esprit de > "En effet, conformiment au dCsir communaut6 mondiale nicessaire iune base > supr@mede 'Abdu'l-Bahi de r6aliser l'union durable de Paix. > de I'Est et de l'Ouest par l'intermidiaire de "Apr6s ces deux causeries notre premiere > la jeunesse, notre ami Monsieur Rochan a journee prenait fin, et rendez-vous f u t pris > eu l'idCe il y a cinq ans, en 1931, d'organiser pour 1e lendemain. > h Paris la premibre ConfCrence. "Le Lundi 30 Dicembre, toujours devant > "Aiisi, chaque annee, nos amis se r6unis- un auditoire assez nombreux, notre ami > sent pendant la periode des vacances uni- Monsieur Mesbah traita avec profondeur de > versitaires du nouvel an, et cette annke vue la question suivante: 'Connais-toi toi- > comme les annCes prCcCdentes, avec I'appro- m8me (Socrate) .) I1 expliqua comment, > bation de notre Gardien Shoghi Effendi, pour tout Stre, il est essentiel de connaltre > notre 6bme Conf6rence a eu lieu. ses limites et ses possibilitCs et si par sa > "Pendant les deux jours, 60 personnes volonti il se tourne vers la source de vCritC, > furent presentes. Parmi nos amis, nous Dieu, il pourra donner B ses acres une haute > avons eu le grand plaisir d'avoir Madame portke morale et bienfaisante. > Maxwell, fondatrice de la Cause h Paris, "Aprhs une bGve discussion sur ce sujet, > qui Ctait venue en France sp.4cialement pour Madame Maxwell parla pendant un quart > cettc reunion, et Mademoiselle Lidja Zamen- d'heure de l'activit6 de la jeunesse am&- > hof; on connait la valeur et le mirite de caine et canadienne pour la Cause. Puis on > son pere, Monsieur Zamenhof, le =reatcur commensa traiter le point de l'ordre du > de la langue esperanto. I1 f u t Cgalement jour relatif A un Cchange de vues sur 'Les > tr2s agrCable pour nous de voir Monsieur meilleurs Moyens de r$andre le Bahi'isme' > Zabih, venant de Lyon oh, depuis deux ans, et on envisagea tour h tour: I'exemple donne > il rtussit iformer le premier groupe BahVi par la vie, les publications, les reunions, les > de cette ville. voyages et correspondances, etc. Malheu- > "Plusieurs amis de province et de reusement le temps s'avangant, on ne put > Petranger nous ont exprim6 leur regret de donner que trois quarts d'heure i ce sujet. > ne pouvoir assister A la ConfCrence et nous "Avant de terminer on fit une distribu- > ont souhait6 succks et aide spirituelle. tion de livres Bahi'is, de photos du Maitre, > "Le premier jour, aprhs une prikre, Mon- de bagues gravCes offertes par Madame > sieur Kennedy, PrCsident de I'Assemhl~e Dreyfus-Barney et Miss Sanderson. > Room in H i j i Mirzl Jini's House in K a h i n , where the Bib slept. > > Alcove in Imim-Z6dih Ma'sGm, Tihrin, where the remains of the Bib > were kept. > > Grave of Bhdi', Bearer of BahP'u'llbh's Tablet to Ni~iri'd-Din sib, > near Tihr6n. > 66 T H E B A H ir'f WORLD > "Aprbs ccs dcux jours de rkunion, nous national Youth Day had been observed on > avons senti la vCritable intimite qui exis- March 21, 1936. > tait entre ces diffirentes personnes de In Part Two of this volume appears an > l'Ouest et de l'Est riunies sous le notn de article summarizing the work of Bahk'i > Bahh'u'llih, et nons itious tellement Youth for the period of this survey, and > heureux que les Etudiants dkcidkrenc d'ex- reference should be made to that article. > primer dans une lettre, leur joie et leur An important element underlying the for- > fidilitk au Gardien Shoghi Effendi." mation of Bahi'i youth groups is the Teach- > ing of Bahi'u'llih, that the age of fifteen > EXTENSION OF YOUTH ACTIVITY years brings the condition of maturity. > During 1933, Shoghi Effendi extended Since the voting age of the Bahi'i com- > the functions of the American Bahi'i Youth munity is twenty-one years, the young peo- > Committee in the following words: "He ple between fifteen and twenty-one are > would strongly urge you t o cooperate, heart assimilated into the community by permis- > and soul, with all the various Assemblies, sion to attend the Nineteen Day Feast after > groups and committees throughout the reporting to the Spiritual Assembly their > Bahh'i world, to ask for their assistance and acceptance of the Faith and their intention > help for the successful discharge of your of applying for the full voting right on > duties and obligations, and in this way to reaching the age of twenty-one. > try to build up an active and ready mind Above all, the Bahi'i youth group does > among the Bahi'i youtl~ throughout the not represent a "youth movement" in the > world. In other words, you should not con- sense that it is a revolt or separation from > fine your activities t o the national sphere the older BahVi community. The social > but should strive to create under the super- pattern created by Bahb'u'll6h is universal; > vision of your N. S. A. an international its establishment upon earth calls for every > body of active young Bahi'i men and human quality and attribute-enthusiasm as > women who, conscious of their manifold well as wisdom, initiative as well as experi- > and sacred responsibilities, will una~limously ence, and the moral and emotional virtues > arise to spread the Holy Word." of youth not less than the characteristics of > The period 1934-1936 has consequently the older generation. The Bahi'i youth > represented a rapid development of world group of today undergoes training to be- > consciousness among the Bahi'i youth of come the active Bahd'i community of to- > North America and the formation of plans morrow. This means nothing less than the > more intensive in spirit and more widespread fact that the inherent function of the > in scope. Teachings, the creation of reality, has be- > As stated in the Youth Committee's an- gun to project itself nearer the beginnings > nual report for 1934-1935, "communication of spiritual experience as guidance and in- > has been established with nineteen interna- spiration for those who otherwise would > tional groups representing fifteen nations, find their predominant social influence in > and with fifty-three local groups." That the pressures of a divided world. > same year brought forth a "Bahi'i Youth Since the first International Bahb'i Youth > Bulletin" as the organ of the young people Day marked a new stage in the progress of > and also a number of study outlincs aimed youth activity, it is fitting to conclude this > to bring the youth groups into closer touch brief reference with a statement on that > with the Teachings as the solution of mod- event by the secretary of the Youth Com- > ern problems. mittee during 1934-1936, Miss Marion > The Committee's report a year later stated Holley. > that the Bulletin had been transformed into > International BabBi Youth Day > a quarterly magazine entitled Bahi'i Youth, > that regional youth conferences had been "Shoghi Effendi wrote the American > held in America, that the young people were Bah6'i youth who had attended the Twenty- > centering their energies on the three Bah6'i Eighth Annual Convention ' as follows: 'In > Summer Schools, and that the first inter- > - > Throuph his secretary. > CURRENT BAHA'f ACTIVITIES 67 > > these days of universal affliction, of wide- B. Methods in the ConJsg Year. > spread disillusionment and discontent the A study of ways to develop individual > eyes of the entire BahCi world are directed teaching, local youth group activity, > towards the activities which the Bah6'i and Summer School -programs. > - > youth are initiating in various countries > C. Eflorbs Toward the BahBi Life > with the view of hastening the unfoldment > A consideration of Bahi'i Faith as a > of the Divine Plan. Their hopes for a better > way of living*for young people who, > and saner world center chiefly in you who > inspired by the Manifestation, may be > have been called upon to vindicate through > united by their mutual goal. > both your words and deeds those verities > which alone can effectively establish unity > and peace in the world.' > "Certainly the American Youth Commit- > tee had no hint of this new era of teaching > which the Guardian was about to introduce > when, in January, 1936, it determined to A. World Order > invite the Bahi'i youth of the world to a B. The Most Great Peace > joint celebration of Naw-R6z. Nor did the C. An Economic Solution > local groups who responded so eagerly real- D. Human Solidarity > ize the timeliness of their demonstration. E. The Renewal of Religion > Their intention was but to move one step > nearer the goal which Shoghi Effendi had "Groups in fifteen nations were asked to > fixed for them, the goal 'to create an inter- participate and at the time of meeting it > national body of active young Bahi'i men was not known exactly how many had > . > and women. . .' I t was their common planned to do so. Thus the cablegram sent > to Shoghi Effendi over-stated the number: > thought that at Naw-Rhz, the opening of a > new year in the history of the Faith, they 'Thirty regional conferences Bahi'i youth > could most seriously celebrate their solidar- fifteen nations greet beloved Guardian on > ity, re-affirm their joint purpose, and create Naw-Rhz. Beg prayers (for) confirma- > new modes for the expansion of their work. tions Bahi'u'116h (on) first demonstration > Thus, assisted by the American Youth our kiternational unity.' Actually there > Committee, an international program was were twenty-six conferences reported, rep- > adopted for Sunday, March 22, 1936, under resenting ten nations of the world: the > the general title of Bahd'i Yozrth Look to United States, Canada, England, Germany, > the Fzcture. France, Egypt, 'Iriq, India, China, and > Japan.' T o their message the Guardian > PROGRAM cabled in reply: 'Overjoyed, deeply thank- > "BAHA'f YOUTH LOOK T O ful. Appreciate greeting. Loving remem- > THE FUTURE" brance Holy Shrine.' I n addition to the > cablegram, the delegates at every conference > signed a letter which read as follows: > > Sfbnday, March 22, 1936 'Dearly-beloved Guardian: > I. 'Today young Bahd'is are celebrating iw > "WAYS T O CONSOLIDATE international conferences the inaaguration > BAHA'f YOUTH" of another Bah~i'i year. I n unity with ozlr > A TEACHINGCONFERENCE - > fellows throughout the world we have > l Conferences occurred in Binghamton, noston, > A. International Responsibility > Montreal, Philadelphia, Teaneck, Washington, D. C., > A discussion based on the Guardian,s Clevelsnd, Flint, Lima, Milwaukee, wilmerte, nen- > instruction "to create an international Ter, Lor Angcles, Monroe, Phoenix, san ~rmciseo; > body of active young ~ ~ h men g i and and in London, Paris, Hamburg, Heidelberg, ~ l e x - > andria, B ~ g h d i d , Karachi, Poona, canton, > women . . ." Tokyo. > 68 T H E BAHA'I: WORLD > > joined in a new deternrination to sevt'e the rescucd them from such delusions, His love > Cause of Bahddu'Mdh. had stamped them with a true affection for > 'The thought under1ji:zg all our efforts is their brothers, and under the shadow and > that, led by yonr wishes and stimulated by protection of His World Order they joined > yonr prayers and trust in us, we may rise to their hands and hearts. For reasons quite > those heights of endeavor to which the ex- other than these conferences, the year > ample of ~ O Z L Yown life SO c l e a ~ directs > l~ us. ninety-three will gain import as it recedes > May the seed of Bahd'zc'lldh's Word find in into history. Bah6'i youth are proud to > our hearts soil which, prepared by service have signalized its opening with their first > and study, enriched by tests, and contint*. international celebration." > aMy nourished by His blessings, may attain > capacity to prodnce His frt~its. That oar The following account of each meeting > lives may bear testimony to the reality of has been prepared for publication in BahBi > oar Faith, becoming thzcs potent instru- Yorth. > ments for the shaping of His great civiliza- > tion, is our deefiesf hope. > 'To you, oarr beloved Gf~ardian,and t o a. Central Area > the members of the Holy Family and > friends of the household, we send our tender " (1) I t is fitting that one of the largest > love and devotion, longing to become more and most successful meetings was held at > ujorthy, that we may be in truth your co- Wilmette in the Magriqu'l-Ad&kir, with > workers in the establishment of the World representatives of the Chicago, North Shore, > Order of Bahd'u'lldh.' Urbana, and Madison youth groups. The > delegates first met at butlet supper, then > "It is impossible to estimate the true sig- took part in the Naw-RGz Feast in the > nificance of these meetings. Not less than Temple. On Sunday morning a teaching > fifty American localities participated, as the conference was held, and in the afternoon > conferences were regional in nature. Each five young speakers addressed an audience > conference seemed unique in a spirit of en- which filled Foundation Hall. Their talks > thusiasm and joy; each described the value were characterized in a telegram from an > of its experience in individual and diverse observer as 'very clear, well done and with > terms; each released without doubt a new wonderful spirit. Deeply moving t o every- > energy throughout the region of its influ- one.' > ence. In the opinion of the National Spir- " ( 2 ) Cleveland, Ohio, called an im- > itual Assembly of the Bahh'is of the U. S. promptu meeting, as the youth were unable > and Canada, there was 'established a new to travel to Lima. Marzieh Carpenter > and important public activity which can spoke on her recent experiences in irin. > develop into a great asset to our teaching " ( 3 ) Flint, Michigan, was conference > work, as well as a powerful means for de- center for Bah6'i youth of Flint, Detroit, > veloping experience and capacity among Marysville, Pt. Huron, and Idlewild, who, > members of the youth groups.' after Sunday breakfast together, met for a > "But surmounting and transforming short devotional meeting and a thorough > these practical benefits was the dynamic discussion of Bah6'i responsibilities. Em- > unity which stood demonstrated around the phasis was laid on the reconciliation of > Bah6'i world. Nations might be at war; ~nternational and national loyalties. The > rivalries and antagonisms between countries group recommended the importance of > might run high; the theories and credos of Esperanto, subscription to La Nova Tago, > totalitarian States could violate the oneness and inclusion of Esperanto articles in Bahd'i > of humanity; religious, class and racial dog- Youth. > mas could divide in subtle and treacherous " (4) Youth of Toledo, Columbus, Ak- > ways those who in reality were inter- ron, Cincinnati, Dayton, Fremont, and > dependent; but BahBi youth were not Lima met in Lima, Ohio, for a teaching > affected! The power of Bahi'u'llih had conference, luncheon, and public meeting > CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 69 > > at which two young and two adult Bahi'is lowing it on Sunday with a public program > were speakers. The group reported a great which was exceptionally attractive. > success and the 'hope that other years will "(10) Seven communities joined in the > bring us together again at this happy teaching conference and public meeting in > seasan.' San Francisco, California. These included > " ( I ) Mrs. Howard Ives was guest and Oakland, Berkeley, Burliigame, Geyserville, > discussion leader at the conference in Mil- Kenwood, and Knightsen. The Teaching > waukee, Wisconsin, in which Kenosha also Committee discovered that in the four > joined. International contacts and local speakers it had fine new talent for its regu- > work with international groups were par- lar meetings, and they have since been called > ticularly emphasized. Delegates also defined upon. > the Bahb'i moral code which young Bahi'is c. Eastern Area > must establish among themselves. > " ( 1 1 ) The Binghamton, New York, > b. Western Area ~ o u t hgroup gave its consideration to plans > for Green Acre, after which one of the > " ( 6 ) Denver, Colorado, found the chief adult believers spoke on the life of > value of its conference in the experience of Qurratu'l-'Ayn. > organization gained by the group. This " (12) Boston, Massachusetts, scheduled > effort, it was felt, would set an auspicious a conference, but this has not yet been > example for future plans. reported. > "(7) Southern California ~ o u t hof Los " ( 1 3 ) Bahi'i youth of Montreal, Can- > Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Long Beach, ada, and several outlying suburbs held a > Santa Monica, Southgate, and San Bernar- valuable teaching meeting under the leader- > din0 joined in planning a public symposium ship of Kenneth Christian, chairman of the > ambitiously publicized and executed. Two National Youth Committee. Plans were > thousand programs bearing a reproduction developed for effective cooperation with > of the Temple were distributed. Publicity other youth groups in the city, the Bahb'is > appeared in seven Los Angeles papers and in forming themselves in teams of two to visit > three suburban communities. Posters an- these groups. > nounced the meeting at six colleges, two "(14) Because the young Bahi'is of > central libraries, and in six other localities. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were unable to > Also, for perhaps the first time, the Bahi'i journey to Washington, D. C., they ar- > Faith received publicity in motion pictures, ranged a small meeting of their own. Ear- > as two theaters showed an announcement nest thought was given to their responsibili- > and picture of the Temple. These prepara- ties and to the habits by which Bahb'is > tions were repaid by an audience of almost should be characterized. > four hundred for the meeting in the " ( 1 5 ) Teaneck, New Jersey, was confer- > Woman's Club of Hollywood, including a ence center for young Bahl'is around New > large representation from several Negro York City. Fourteen attended a teaching > organizations. Many new friends were conference which was followed by a public > made for the Cause. symposium. In the evening Horace Holley, > " ( 8 ) The conference in Monroe, Wash- secretary of the N. S. A,, was guest > ington, represented youth from Seattle and speaker. > Sultan as well. The discussions were espe- " ( 1 6 ) Washington, D. C., held a re- > cially fruitful, and the delegates resolved to gional meeting in which Baltimore and > continue such inter-community meetings. other communities joined. I t has not been > All were aware that they had scarcely pene- reported in full. > trated the surface of this great Message, but CONFERENCES IN EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA > by planning regular classes in Monroe and "(17) British Isles - Fifteen young > Seattle they intend to remedy this situation. Bahl'ir of London met in conference and > " (9) The Bahi'i youth of Phoenix, Ari- sent a cable of greeting to Shoghi Effendi. > zona, sponsored the Naw-R6z Feast, fol- Discussion emphasized the importance of > 'f WORLD > > the Bahi'i life, the need to conserve our "(24) A n interecting photograph has > efforts and t o &d in the Bahi'i Teachings been received of the Youth Committee of > the solution to present-day chaos. The ten members recently organized in Poona > group voted to establish a central library in during the Naw-R6z conference. Poona > which important papers read in future con- has thus joined in fulfilling the Guardian's > ferences will be preserved. The meeting request for the consolidation of 'an inter- > was felt t o hold historical significance. national body' of young Bahi'is. > " ( 1 8 ) Chziza-Canton has but one "(21) 'Zriq-During the conference of > Bahi'i, Chan S. Liu, who, wishing to join Bahl'i youth in Badddd, a fund was estab- > the international celebration, announced lished for the purchase of Bah6'i pamphlets > through the newspapers a meeting at the for free distribution. These are t o include > Asia Hotel. Ten strangers were his guests the series of the Free Literature Committee > and have formed the nucleus of a study of America, as well as Shoghi Effendi's > group. World Order letters. I t is hoped 'to create > " ( 1 9 ) Egypt-The Bahi'i youth of a true general knowledge of the spirit of the > Alerand~ia voted to join in the Naw-Rbz Cause which is so grievously misunderstood > celebration, but as yet no report has been among enlightened and well-cultured peo- > rece~ved. ple' of 'Irhq. > - > " ( 2 0 ) France The young Persian " ( 2 6 ) Jflpan-Agnes Alexander, pioneer > Bahi'is of Paris also held a conference teacher of Japan, had as her guests, in > which has not yet been reported. her Tokyo home on March 22, two Amer- > " ( 2 1 ) Geumai%y-Young Bahi'is of ican-born Japanese girls. One of these is > Hamburg held an informal meeting, since at present studying Japanese in order t o > no uno5cial organization of youth under return t o her native Hawaii to teach the > twenty-one is allowed in Germany today. Bahi'i Faith. Three newspapers carried > They expressed firm faith in rhe principles announcements of the international celebra- > of Bahl'u'llih, feeling that these can be tion." > reconciled with obedience to government. > Miss Mary Maxwell reported the sentiments A BAHA'f PIONEER I N ETHIOPIA > of the group when she wrote: 'Our toler- > ance, as well as our firm adherence t o the In December, 1934, a letter was received > Teachings, is needed as a bridge between the reporting the formation of a Spiritual As- > thoughts of this country's youth and the sembly on November 25 of that year at > New World Order we are building.' Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The establishment > " ( 2 2 ) The Babb'i friends of Heidelberg, of a Bah6'i community in that land was > both young and old, joined t o celebrate In- accomplished by Sabri Elias, a believer from > ternational Youth Day at a public meeting Egypt. Referring t o this achievement, the > and tea. Three speakers discussed 'The Spiritual Assembly of Haifa stated: "We > Historical Significance of the Day,' 'The are happy to report to our friends through- > Life of a Bahl'i,' and 'Godly Peace.' I t out the world encouraging news of the > was agreed that world peace is only progress of Bah6'u'llih's Faith in Ethiopia- > possible when based on the unity of man- the only independent Kingdom in Africa. > kind. . . . Its fate seems uncertain and thus it is > "(23) Iwdia-Mr. Isfandisr Balrhtiari, the more interesting to the Bahi'is and the > president of the Spiritual Assembly of more significant that at this time of agita- > Karachi, presided at a three-hour conference tion and unrest, the Bahi'i Faith should > of young Bahi'is. In a recent letter the have started to permeate that historical > secretary reported that 'we passed land." > a very happy time in explaining and dis- While conditions have been completely > cussing the Bahi'i Faith, and we have sworn changed in the country since 1934, the local > t o wake up from our deep slumber and t r y Assembly having been obliged to stupend its > our utmost to keep pace with our Bah6'i communications, the fruit of such a de- > friends abroad.' voted effort has been permanently secured, > T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > scie~ltiously feel they must uphold and "Bahi'u'llih and the New Era" has bccn > enforce. They have even, under certain translated and ~uhlishedin Amharic, Urdu > circumstances, preferred to suspend their and Norwegian. The same work has also > activities and dissolve their institutions been newly translated into Sindhi, Hindi > rather than follow the dictates of those m d Bengali, and printed copies arc soon to > officials who have tried to induce them to appear. > violate what has been expressly ordained by This book has now been ~ r i n t e din thirty- > the Author of their Faith." two different languages. > Eleven different versions of "Hidden > LEGAL PROTECTION FOR THE Words" have appeared, the latest editions > NAME -BAH/\'P AND SYMBOL being in Dutch and Serbian. An Armenian > OF THE GREATEST NAME translation has been completed but not yet > published, while work is going forward on > Under the protection afforded by the laws its translation iuto ~ r d u ,Chinese, Danish > controlling trade marks, the name "Bahi'i" and Portuguese. > has been legally registered in both the Of the "Kitib-i-fqhn," ten versions now > United States and Canada by the National exist in printed form. I n addition, Swedish > Spiritual Assembly, and similar protection and Spanish translations have been finished > has also been obtained for the symbol of the and are under publication. The translations > Greatest Name. in progress are Danish, Portuguese, Nor- > The National Spiritual Assembly of Aus- wegian, Czech, Netherland, and Esperanto. > tralia and New Zealand have taken similar "Some Answered Questions" has been > steps for the registration of the Greatest printed in six different tongues, but editions > Name. will shortly appear also in Chinese and > The American and Canadian registrations Urdu. Translations likewise exist in Italian, > are reproduced elsewhere in the present Armenian and Portuguese, and a Braille > work. transcription is under way. > I t is evident that the unique spiritual A collection of Bahi'i prayers has been > power established by Bahi'u'llih will before published in Serbian. A new edition of > long exercise such influence as to attract "Kitib-i-fq6n" has appeared in the language > those irresponsible souls who seek to attach of frln. > themselves to any source of prestige, and The "Will and Testament" of BahB'uJll6h > likewise arouse the atten~ionof others who and that of 'Abdu'l-Bahl have been pub- > might seek to mislead the public. A re- lished in German. "The Dawn-Breakers: > vealed Faith is universal, and in each cycle Nabil's Narrative of the Early Days of the > is offered freely to the entire world. The Bahi'i Faith" has been translated into Ger- > Bahi'i Faith, however, involves an admin- man and also into Arabic. > istrative order and a degree of discipline The late M. Hippolyte Dreyfus-Barney's > raising it above the realm of the spiritual "Essai Sur le Babi'isme" has appeared in a > philosophies which can he adapted to suit new edition in France. > the individual understanding. The believ- J. E. Esslemont's brief statement entitled > ers, therefore, realize a responsibility in up- "What is the Bahh'i Movement?" has been > holding the full and complete standard of translatcd and pblished in Finnish and > faith, which remains incomplete until mem- Icelandic. > bership in the Bahl'i order is attained. "Bahl'i Administration," the published > letters of Shoghi Effendi, and also a com- > NEW TRANSLATIONS pilation of Prayers have been rendered into > During the past two years, the list of Urdu. > translations has been greatly extended. The Finally, "The Mysterious Forces of Civil- > Word has been made available to added mil- ization" and the "Paris Talks" of 'Abdu'l- > lions of souls in many parts of the world. Bahh have been translated into French. > The new translations include the following The latter work has also been issued in > titles: Portuguese. > CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 73 > > Most of these versions are likely to prove rounding grounds had bccome influential > only temporary versions, yet they are a vital in the life of the city. > necessity to the promotion of a World I t is gratifying to report that the condi- > Faith. The permanent editions of the fu- tion of the local BahCi communities im- > ture must await the formation of that proved considerably between 1934 and > group of international scholars described by 1936. In 1928, the law expropriating reli- > 'Abdu'l-Bahi. gions edifices, from which the Ma&riqu'l- > A@6r had for some time been immune, > LOCAL INCORPORATIONS was applied to that Baha'i edifice. The use > The Guardian's comment upon the legal of the structure, however, was continued > incorporation of local Spiritual Assemblies under a five year lease. This lease was re- > was transmitted to the New York Assembly newed in 1933, for a similar period. In > in.1932, through his secretary, after receiv- 1935, a new administrative ruling restored > ing the first draft of the proposed Articles all religious buildings to their original own- > of Incorporation and By-Laws prepared by ers for an indefinite period, and under this > that Assembly. "It is surely very important ruling the Baha'is were held responsible for > to give to the local Spiritual Assembly some extensive repairs to be effected within six > legal standing, for as the Cause progresses months. Through united sacrifice these > and its adherents increase, they will be con- terms were met, with the result that the > fronted with duties they cannot even imag- Mahriqn'l-A&kir and its surrounding gar- > ine at present. Not only will they have to dens are fully restored to Bah6'i ownership, > make contracts for acquiring halls for their and their impressive beauty again blesses > meeting places, but they will also be obliged the city. > to create new institutions t o care for their Beside the entralice gates of the Temple, > sick, poor and aged people. We hope that the Bahh'i principles have been inscribed on > before long the Baha'is will be able to af- suspended signs in four languages. Public > ford schools that would ~rovide children meetings, held twice a week, have been re- > the intellectual and spiritual education as sumed in the sacred House of Worship. > prescribed in the Writings of Bahi'u'llih I t is reported also that the annual BahL'i > and the Master." election, the teaching activities, inter-com- > Since the last international survey was munity correspondence and other plans of > prepared, the following Spiritual Assemblies the Spiritual Assembly are proceeding with > have incorporated: Washington, D. C.; only slight and occasional civil interference. > Montreal, Quebec; Bombay, Karachi and The great significance of this improved > Calcutta, India; Rangoon, Mandalay and status of the Faith in these centers is that it > Daidanaw-Kalazoo, Burma; and Auckland, prepares the way for the formation of a > New Zealand. The Spiritual Assembly of National Spiritual Assembly, a necessary > London, England, has registered the BahL'i step in the establishment of the first Inter- > Faith with the authorities as a definite re- national House of Justice. > ligions community, and the Bahh'i Center > has now the status of a place of worship. THE ORIENT > Concerning developments in India and > TURKISTAN AND CAUCASUS > The city of 'Ishqibid has long been nota- > . > Burma., reoorts from the National Soiritual > Assembly convey the following informa- > ble from the Baha'i point of view in that tion: > the first Ma&riqu'l-Afiklr was con- "There has been marked progress of the > structed in that city. Before the Bahh'i Bahi'i Cause in India and Burma during the > activities came under control of the political last two years. Besides internal consolida- > authorities under the new Russian regime, tion of the Local Spiritual Assemblies and > they had been developed to a high degree of the National Spiritual Assembly, there has > efficiency. Educational facilities had been been great progress in popularizing the > established, a monthly publication was Cause by means of a teaching campaign and > issued, and the Bahh'i Temple and sur- in translation of Bahh'i literature into sev- > 74 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > cral Indian tongues. 'Dab6'u'l1611 and the Promised Messiah), the Theosophical Soci- > New Era' has been translated into Gujerati, ety, the Arya Samaj and the Brahmo Samaj. > Burmese and Urdu. Sindhi, Bengali and "Both the vastness of the country and > Hindi translations are in course of prepara- the variety of its beliefs and differences of > tion and will be published in 1936. The language make the task of the National > Urdu translation of 'Some Answered Ques- Assembly extremely difficult, and it is on > tions' is almost ready and its ~ublicationhas account of these causes and not so much > just been taken in hand by the National because of the lack of enthusiasm on the > Assembly. The Publication Committee is part of the Bahi'is of India that the prog- > contemplating translating many other books ress of the Cause has been slow. The Na- > into Indian vernacular tongues. tional Assembly, however, realizes this and > "The Babb'i Magazine (Urdn and Per- steps are accordingly being taken to so con- > sian), formerly published under the name of duct the teaching campaign as to makd it > Xazlkib-&Hind, is a widely circulated maga- reach all the provinces, in all the provincial > zine and has gained considerably in popu- languages and to all classes of people and > larity and has helped in spreading the Cause specially to the intelligentsia of the coun- > far and wide. The American Bahi'i Maga- try. A fair amount of success has been > zine now known as 'World Order' has a cir- already achieved and it is hoped better re- > culation of about forty copies among the sults will be obtained in the years to come. > English-reading Indians. Many copies of "The process of seed sowing is, however, > 'The Dawn-Breakers' (Nabil's Narrative) going on apace and there are great possi- > and 'Bahi'u'llih and the New Era,' English bilities in store for the Bahi'i Faith in this > as well as Urdu and Gujerati editions, were vast country which is a continent. We > presented to the libraries of the Universities should face the situation with redoubled > as well as to public libraries and to leading energy and trust in the intrinsic worth of > men, and thus a large number of people the teachiigs of His Holiness Bahi'u'llih. > have been reached through Bahi'i literature. "In order t o effect coordimation between > Articles were contributed to the magazines the friends of India and Burma, the N. S. A. > and journals and through them the atten- deputed Mr. HishmatullIh to visit Burma > tion of the public was drawn to the Cause. and stimulate the friends of that country. > The seventh All-Indian Bahi'i Convention As a result of this visit which produced a > held in Bombay in April this year (1931) general awakening among our Burmese > attracted to the p b l i c lectures varied audi- brothers, it was decided to form a National > ences comprising Hindus, Moslems, Chris- Council of the Bahi'is of All-Burma under > tians, Zoroastrians and others. A lecture the direction of the N. S. A. This Council > tour of the Universities of Northern India, held its first meeting on the 9th, loth and > Delhi, Agra, Aligarh, Benares, Allahabad 11th of April, 1935, at Daidanaw, the Bur- > and Lucknow was organized and lectures mese Bahi'i village, and passed several very > were delivered under the auspices of Uni- important resolutions. One of them was > versity Unions, Oriental Societies, Religious the addition of an English and Urdn section > Fellowship Groups as well as under the aus- to the already existing Burmese school at > pices of the Theosophical Society, the the village. > Drahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj. A tour > of the province of Sindh was undertaken From the National Spiritual Assembly of > and some important towns in the province Egypt we have the following: > were visited. A Sindhi translation of Haft "In Egypt, as it is in other countries of > Wadi (Seven Valleys) was distributed and the world, the Bahi'i Cause is maintaining > this was very much liked because the prov- its steady progress. Although exposed to > ince of Sindh had for several centuries been fanatical attempts of people of different > dominated by Sufi thought. Contacts were faiths, the teachiigs of Bahi'u'llih, never- > formed with such religious organizations as theless, receive the highest appreciation and > the Ahmedias or followers of Mirzh Ghulam deepest respect on the part of educated and > Ahmed of Qadian (who claimed to be the cultured classes. > Room in a i r 6 2 in which Letters of the Living were appointed > by the Bib. > > Tree in Shhr6d under which Mullh > Husayn and his Companions camped. > > View of Badaht, Site of Historic BBbi Conference. (See "The Dawn- > Breakers," Chapter XVI.) > THE B A H d 'f W O R L D > "As a 112ost advanced country in the Mu- worst consequences bad I ~ O L the Govern- > 1:ammadan world, and the largest center of ment dealt with it wisely. > Muslim studies, Egypt necessarily exercises "But the attempt was directed to the > such an opposition as may suppress, as they destruction of the Bahi'i Cause more than > suppose, the increasing influence of a Cause it was made against Christian missionaries. > which she unjustly deems anti-Muhanlma- Leading articles were published daily under > dan. In fact, the historic pronouncement headings, such as: 'Bahi'ism is the real in- > of 1921, made by the Muslim Court of jury to Islim,' 'Missionaries attract imma- > Egypt by which the Bahh'i religion was ture individuals but Bahd'is attract people > declared entirely independent of Islim, and of intellect.' > Bahb'is, heretics; the subsequent divorce of "As that movement emanated from Port > their Muslim wives, and the various at- Said, the Bahi'is there were subject to more > tempts by which the Muslim ecclesiastical pressure. The Maazoun (Muslim registrar > authorities try, now and then, to uproot the of marriage contracts) started a series of > Cause-all of these facts embody the ex- lectures against the Cause. His attempt to > tent of opposition attempted against a arouse mobs against Bahd'is was at first sup- > growing Faith. Nevertheless, such attempts pressed by the authorities; but due to the > have assisted the Bahh'i Cause in Egypt to effective interference of high religious au- > attain a most favorable condition, and have thorities who were repeatedly approached > clarified its status. by the leaders of the movement in Port > "Although deprived under the circum- Said, the !ecturer was given permission to > stances from legal protection concerning continue. Failing in their attempt to create > matters of personal status, Bahi'is, however, anti-Bahi'i disturbances, the instigators per- > thanks to the confirmations of Bahi'u'llih, suaded a Muslim wife to bring a charge > were given the opportunity, truly unique, against her Bahi'i husband before the Mus- > to sever themselves totally from the old lim court to divorce her. Four religious > fetters of Islkm, and to apply freely, lawyers volunteered to defend her. The > through their Administrative Bodies, their pronouncement was adjourned twice owing > personal status according to the Divine to the absence of the defendant despite the > Laws and Ordinances of Bahh'u'll6h. fact that the lawyers, producing Bahi'i > "Further events had also enhanced the books as witness, urged that sentence be > influence of the Cause. Apart from the passed. The judge, having examined those > individual sufferings caused by the unceas- books and considered the statement of the > ing attacks, persecutions were managed plaintiff that she neither complained against > against Bahh'i groups in almost every Bahi'i the behavior of the husband nor his treat- > center. Prior to 1934, Bah6'is of Alexan- ment of her, refused to give the pronounce- > dria were persecuted by mobs aroused by a ment before he could hear the statement of > certain Muslim clergyman. the defendant. While the case was running > "In 1934, a storm of religious antagonism its course, both wife and husband were liv- > raged throughout the country in conse- ing together in harmony. His brother of > quence of the redoubled energy of the Cairo, whom he had attracted to the Cause, > Christian missionaries. Observing that the visited them and succeeded in settling the > number of converted boys and girls of matter and reconciling them. As both par- > Muslim origin who were attending mission- ties did not attend the court any longer > ary institutions was increasing, Muslims their case was actually cancelled. The > started a movement in which their leaders, events of 1934 in Port Said repeated those > mullis and even the grand s_hayk_hof Islim of 1914, 1920, and 1926, and formed a link > associated themselves. Investigations were in the chain of unceasing persecutions dur- > made by the legal authorities, whereupon ing which the Cause of Bahh'u'llhh became > most of those boys and girls were taken out firmly established in Port Said. > of those institutions and contributions were "In Cairo, the largest Bah6'i center, > made to provide other institutions for them. Bah6'is were called upon by two detectives > The movement would have produced the who made their necessary enquiries as to > CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 77 > > whether Bahl'i meetings function in the the Spiritual Assembly of Port Slid accord- > same manner as those of missionaries. Next ing to Bahi'i rites after the passing of the > day the local chairman and secretary paid a late H l j i Muhammad Yazdi. A ring hear- > visit to them and presented some pamphlets ing the Greatest Name was worn on his > and Bahi'i literature which were highly ap- finger and a congregational prayer was read, > preciated. After a short yet interesting in- after which the funeral was conducted in > terview, assurance was given to the Bahi'is absolute silence and the most reverent atti- > that they could freely hold their meetings tude. > as usual, and should report at once in case "During the last two years the National > there was any anti-Bahl'i disturbance. Assembly endeavored to obtain oficial rec- > "The most important matters which ab- ognition. They approached the Government > sorb the care of our Administrative Bodies with the view to invoke their sympathy so > at present are those pertaining to personal as to setcle the Bahl'i case and to clarify the > status. Thus, marriage contracts, passport situation of the Bahl'is in conformity with > certificates, as well as letters of guarantee, the pronouncement of 1921. Personal in- > are all issned by those bodies. In order to terviews with certain officials in the Minis- > conduct the affairs according t o the Divine try of Justice showed that the Government > Laws of Bahl'u'llih, the general rules from is not prepared to extend further recogni- > the 'Kitib-i-Aqdas' were adopted by the tion to fresh religions communities. As the > National Assembly, which work, having matter is thus remaining outstanding, the > been sanctioned by the Guardian, was National Assembly, directed by the Guard- > published and distributed among the local ian, endeavored to maintain the registration > Assemblies to apply them to matters of per- of the Declaration of Trust by the Mixed > sonal status. Such marriage contracts and Court, and this action was successfully per- > different certificates issued by Spiritual As- formed. I n order to render that registration > semblies are regarded as possessing consider- effective an acre of cultivated land was > able importance by the authorities to whom offered to the National Assembly by our > they are delivered. For instance, the mar- dear friend Sharoubeem Effendi Ebeid on > riage contract of our friend Aly Effendi the occasion of the annual convention of > Ruhi of Transjordania was, after a long and 1931. Legal actions are being taken by the > deliberate consultation, recognized by the National Assembly t o have the property > British Consulate and a passport for the transferred to the Assembly. > Egyptian bride was issued accordingly. The "The Arabic translation of 'Kitbb-i-fq6n' > marriage contract of Fouad Effendi Yazdi, the Book of Certitude, and its publication, > and later the divorce document, were ac- enriched the Bahl'i Library. Copies were > cepted and actually registered by the frin- sent to the various countries in the Orient > ian Legation. Passports were also issued to where the need for the Arabic translation is > Sabri Effendi Elias and to his wife on their growing. During the last two years the > trip t o Ethiopia, according to certificates Bahl'i Library supplied 'Iriq, Palestine, > supplied by the Spiritual Assemblies. The Turkey, Tunis, as well as Geneva with > first step taken in this respect was in Port Bahi'i books in both the Arabic and irInian > Said when Philip Effendi Naimi applied for languages. > a passport for his wife. Being of Christian "The annual convention of 1931 re- > origin he was requested by the passport corded the ultimate desire of the delegates > otlice to have an official certificate from the to build a Ha~iratn'l-Qnds. Thanks to the > Patriarchate to which he belonged. Stating Abhl confirmations and to the encouraging > that be is a Bahi'i and that the Baha'i Spir- donation of the Guardian, contributions are > itual Assembly is the only body which can being collected from the believers of Egypt. > supply him with the required certificate, As the first six months sanctioned for those > after some days of consultation the passport contributors desiring to pay in installments > was issued according to the Bahi'i certifi- will end on Msrch, 1936, the National > cate. Assembly will, at that time, decide whether > "Burial services were also performed by the work can be started or whether more > 78 T H E B A H A. ' i W O R L D > funds will be required. At all events, it is Bah6'i principles, and their divine program. > hoped that the year of 1936 will mark a But it is to be deplored that the authorities > striking stage in the evolution of the Bahh'i have confiscated the book before its publi- > Cause and its wide progress in Egypt." cation in final form. > "During the summer of 1931, a copy of > From the National Spiritual Assembly of the National Assembly's news letter fell > the Bahh'is of 'Ir6q have come the follow- into the hands of an editor of a religious > ing statements. paper in Baddid. The news letter em- > "The general conditions and status of the bodies the minutes of the Fifth Bahh'i Con- > BahCis in 'Iriq is fairly good, because Re- vention in 'Iriq, with a detailed program > ligious Liberty, for which the constitution of the Assembly for the year. The paper > of the country makes provision, enables the published the greater part of the account, > Bah6'is to hold their spiritual meetings and commented upon it in consecutive > regularly and in complete freedom. I t en- weelily issues, according to the dictates of > ables believers to propound the divine mes- its biased and prejudiced attitude, alleging > sage among their co-citizens with persistent that the Bahi'i Faith is a great menace to > zeal and devotion. This condition is, how- the nation, and described Bahi'is as dan- > ever, not without disturbance and slan- gerous, and unpatriotic, while urging the > derous attacks from religious bigots, and government to be rid of its Bah6'1 06cials. > narrow-minded people who ignore the This anti-Bahh'i drive had precisely the > heavenly grandeur underlying this great opposite effect on the Bahi'is who became > Cause. more consolidated and united, and met this > "The Assembly bought a plot of land for attack with unperturbed emotions, and > the erection of a Haqiratu'l-Quds in an inflexible courage. I t was a golden oppor- > ideal place adjoining Baddid. The Hazi- tunity for teaching the Cause, as non- > ratu'l-Quds is to be constructed on modern believers became interested, and began t o > lines, and in conformity with the high inquire about this new Faith with such a > station occupied by B a d d i d in the Bahi'i body of doctrine. The more alert of these > World. The plan has been completed and peoples began to approach Bahl'is and > meets with this requirement. A copy has inquire about the reality of their religion, > been also submitted to our beloved Guardian and thereby formed a more representative > for approval. But construction was not and accurate view of the Faith. > proceeded with, pendi~lgthe completion of "At Mosnl the Bahl'is used to hold their > the necessary municipal formalities, and meetings in a house rented for that purpose. > when this has been completed, the Assem- But a few fanatics began to incite the > bly hopes to proceed with the construction owner to oust the Babh'is from his house, > work immediately. and used coercion and even threats to force > "The Assembly translated Dr. Essle- his hand. I n the face of this critical sitna- > mont's 'Bahl'u'lllh and the New Era' into tion the owner of the house asked the > the Kurdish Language, and it was printed Bahl'is to vacate the place, and save him > in B a d d i d with several beautiful illus- inconvenience and ill reputation. The > trations. Bah6'is complied with his request, and re- > "The Assembly entertained the hope of mained for a time without a meeting > spreading the Cause of Bahl'u'llih among center, until they succeeded in finding a > the Kurds, in view of their responsiveness proper place which they made into a > and readiness for such message. The more Haziratu'l-Quds. > so as their language is poor in litera- "But fanatics did not stop there. Some > ture of any kind, and especially in Bahh'i of their religious heads began to speak in > books. Mosques, and launch slanderous attacks and > "The publication of such a book in the indictments against the Bahi'is. After- > Kurdish language will most assuredly meet wards they were followed by a Jewish > with a gratifying success, and in this way Rabbi who spoke in the Synagogue, and > Kurds would be attracted by the uplifting delivered a virulent speech on the believers, > CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 79 > > singling out one Bahh'i for special condem- Jn Japan, during the same period, Miss > nation, and the Bahi'i in question received Agnes Alexander has succeeded in placing > pernlission from the Assembly to start legal a great deal of Bahh'i publicity in The > proceedings against the Rabbi in the civil Japan Times, a Japanese owned daily of > Courts. When it transpired that the Bahi'i Tokyo published in English. Thanks t o > intended to take action, the Rabbi sent this medium, the Teachings of Bahh'u3116h > some Jewish notables to intervene on his have come to the attention of a new and > behalf, and asked the Bahi'is to forgive wider circle. Miss Alexander likewise found > him. He apologized and oAered his deep it possible to arrange for the publication of > regrets, promising not to attack the cause an article on the House of Worship at > in future. Consequently, the Bahi'i Wilmette in a Buddhist daily paper, the > dropped his case. translation having been made by the editors. > "This drastic step was not taken for the From Miss Alexander's report the follow- > sake of revenge but to cut short similar ing excerpts convey interesting details. > attacks in future and at the same time to "As Mr. Torii is an Esperantist, the way > be a factor for the spread of the Cause in opened for me to speak on the Cause t o the > that city. Esperanto group of Kyoto, and also t o a > "The Bahi'is of Avabiq hold their group of blind Esperantists, teachers from > meetings regularly, enjoying the esteem of schools for the blind in different parts of > their fellow men. The government opened Japan, who had gathered in Kyoto for a > a primary school for their children, who Summer School session. A Braille weekly > constitute the majority of the school chil- newspaper of Osaka also published an article > dren. I t happened that at the end of sum- about the Bahi'i Temple, which was > mer, 1934, at the opening of the school headed, 'Miss Alexander a Great Friend of > session, that the teacher appointed for the the Blind in Japan.' A friend of Mr. > school was a backward and intolerant man. Torii's, who could read printing only letter > He began to sow the seed of discrimination by letter with the aid of a round crystal, > and enmity among the pupils, by speaking and who had in this way copied an English > in lesson hours very slightingly and scorn- dictionary into Braille, the work of many > fully of the Bahl'i pupils, deprecating the years, eagerly received the Bahl'i teachings. > Faith of their parents. The Muslim pupils I t was with delight he read the English > began to maltreat their fellow Bahi'i chil- Braille edition of Esslemont's 'Bah6'u'lIih > dren, and the matter reached such a point and the New Era,' of which there is one > that the conflict and friction influenced copy in Japan. Also, through the coopera- > the parents of the children, with the result tion of Mr. and Mrs. Torii, I was enabled > that the Bah6'i boys were compelled t o dis- to place an article explaining the Bahi'i > continue their lessons. On the directions teachings with the Osalca daily paper, which > of the National Spiritual Assembly, the is the second largest daily in Japan. In the > Bab6'is of Avahiq submitted a petition to September 28, 1931, edition of the paper > the Minister of Education. The teacher this appeared under the title, which traus- > was reprimanded severely, a fine was im- lated reads, 'Bahi'i Religion Born from the > posed upon him, and he was transferred to World's Restlessness.' Both the pictures of > a remote place as a punithment for his the Bahl'i Temple and of 'Abdu'l-Bahi > harsh treatment and misbehavior. The appeared with this article." > government then appointed two teachers > who fulfilled their function with a sense of THE UNITED STATES AND > duty and impartiality." CANADA > (From the Annual Report of the National > The BahB'is of Shanghai during the past Spiritual Assembly, 1934-193 5 ) > two years have established a library in a rr, > room taken at the Chinese Y. M. C. A,, and 10the Delegates, > have begun planning for the translation of Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention. > more Bahl'i literature in Chinese. Beloved Bahi'i friends: > The spiritual character and conrrolling that of learning the principles of the World > principle of the Bahi'i year now brought Order of Bahi'u'llih, a phase marked by > to a close were established for us by Shoghi the successive "World Order" letters which > Effendi in these words dated September 16, began in February, 1929. The third phase, > 1934: now beginning, is the application of this > "The situation in frin which is growing knowledge to important problems-proh- > from bad to worse, the necessary measures lems which relate the Cause to society as a > which should he taken to insure the unin- whole, and not merely those minor prob- > terrupted completion of the clerestory sec- lems of our own Bahi'i relationships which > tion of the Temple, the adoption of such have engaged our attention and almost ex- > measures as will stimulate the teaching hausted our powers in previous years. > campaign in America, the exercise of the The thoughtful believer will not fail to > utmost vigilance lest the authorities of pursue this analysis until he can perceive > Soviet Russia inflict any injury upon Bah6'i the underlying factors in the progress of > lives and institutions, the extension of any the Faith as a whole. What has happened > support that may be required to safeguard during this Bahi'i year, in brief, is that an > the interests of rhe Cause at its most vital entirely new emphasis has been given all > and international center to ward off the Bahi'i thought and action, identically the > malicious attacks of enemies from both same emphasis which life lays upon the indi- > within and without-these are the out- vidual on that day when childhood and > standing issues which demand the sustained youth, with their preoccupations with self, > and concentrated attention of every be- first begin to realize the tasks which usher > liever." in the time of maturity. What we have > This statement of outstanding issues, learned since 1921, and what we have estab- > more definitely and more vigorously than lished as our attitude toward the Cause and > in any previous communication from the toward life, are now undergoing supreme > Guardian, has served t o summon each and test until it has been proved that individu- > every loyal Bah6'i to arise above undue ally and collectively we are worthy to > concern with local and even national uphold the true and highest interests of a > matters and assume his duties and responsi- Divine Faith. > bilities as citizen in that World Order of Nor will it be overlooked, as we adopt > Bahh'u'llih to establish which the Divine this larger perspective, that the Guardian > Will has revealed itself to mankind. Now issued his first communication on the World > in the realm of action the Bahl'is have the Order of Bahh'u'll6h about six months be- > supreme privilege of receiving guidance and fore the world's economic order underwent > inspiration from one central point, even as so fatal a collapse in the autumn of 1929. > since the Announcement of the Bhb the The germ of the new order became apparent > believers have had one central point in the to Bahi'is before the world received its first > realm of the soul. warning that the old order could not longer > I n its fulness of meaning, in its call for endure. These Providential matters are > positive action, the statement cannot be surely our first and deepest concern, since > limited to any single period of time. only as we grasp them can we adjust our- > Rather may we perceive in it the beginning selves to that irresistible motion of progress > of an era of greater maturity, larger re- which is the sign of the Dispensation of > sponsibility, as the followers of Bahi'u'llih Bahi'u'116h. > unite in resistance to the forces of the One word more on this most thrilling > world. and vital of Bahi'i topics. In the commu- > In preparation for this responsibility, the nication received just before the Annual > Guardian has conducted us through two Convention of 1934, published as "The Dis- > preliminary phases of development since the pensation of BahPu'lIih," Shoghi Effendi > Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. The first phase brought together in one perfect unity all > was that of learning the principles of the those aspects of the Revelation which we, in > administrative order. The second phase was our human limitations, had been considering > CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 81 > > as separate realities: the Station of Mani- One may, nevertheless, without finality, > festations, the mysterious Mission of the refer to certain events as representing > Center of the Covenant, the full signifi- occurrences or trends meriting special > cance of His Will and Testament, and the attention. > nature of that Order which the Testament 1. As has been reported to the friends, > bequeaths t o the friends. In a communica- the Guardian has clarified the problem of > tion so comprehensive, so organic, so unified how to present the Will and Testament to > in its wholeness and so perfected in its parts, new believers. In accordance with his in- > we may now realize that Shoghi Effendi structions, a new edition of the Testament > marked definitely for us an endmg of our has been prepared and published which, > education in details of Bahi'i service, and a until further instructions are given, in- > beginning of our responsibility in dcmon- cludes the text to be explained to and > strating our faith and our unity to our accepted by those who apply for enrollment > fellow men. as Baha'is. The supplementary excerpts > Indeed, the successive steps which Shoghi which precede and follow the selections > Effendi has taken to train, to instruct and from the Testament are in themselves the > to discipline the Bahi'i community are all most perfect of explanations. The edition > paralleled by a swift continuance of that consisting of the complete text is now > process of disintegration in human society almost exhausted, but the National Spiritual > which has become the more appzrcnt as Assembly has recorded its responsibility in > efforts t o attain peace and stability have continuing to supply at least one complete > successively failed. Fourteen years ago the text to each newly elected Spiritual As- > Baha'i community was still as a child in sembly. > the household of civilization, apparently 2. The contract for the completion of > bearing no responsibility for the fate of the clerestory section of the Temple dome > that household, and therefore concerned unit, one of the outstanding issues men- > only with the joys and sorrows of the tioned by Shoghi Effendi, has throughout > child's own growth, the dreams of its own this year proceeded as rapidly as weather > future. Today, with the household in dire permitted. Despite the economic difficulty > confusion and distress, the youth born of which has prevailed, the believers have made > the new age is called upon to prove his notable sacrifices in order to meet the col- > birthright and demonstrate his capacity to lective obligation, the fulfilment of which > achieve eternal peace, his elders having will mean that the Dome unit is at last > failed. entirely finished. > By comparison with that standard of I n the case of future Temple construc- > action, every local or personal issue assumes tion, the Guardian has advised that con- > only a relative importance. Such issues can tracts be entered into by the Trustees only > no longer entirely surround and engulf us when the necessary amount of cash is actu- > at the expense of the world vision which ally on hand. The Dome unit, however, > the Guardian has given us this year. Larger was undertaken and has been carried on in > than the individual is the local community; a spirit of trust that the Guardian's wishes > larger than the local community is the and instructions would be voluntarily met. > national communty; larger still than any I n September and in December, the > national community is the World Order difference between income and obligation > which now claims not merely our passive compelled the National Spiritual Assembly > acceptance and belief but a devotion and to issue an appeal directed to every Ameri- > consecration which a collapsing society will can believer lest the work in its final stages > test with fire. be temporarily abandoned. All along it has > been felt that the problem was not > Major Evenfs > economic but spiritual; not a matter of > Without the perspective of time it is im- dollars and cents but one of resolution and > possible to determine precisely which events of unified response. For, in its ultimate > of a Bahi'i year have major importance. significance, the building of the Temple > 82 THE B A H A. ' f WORLD > > is not a n md in itself. Tr is a vital qtep in inaogurlting a movrmpnt forward surely > the training of the Bahi'i community in destined to acquire greater emphasis in > the divine art of unity. As such a tremen- every successive year. The details of this > dous taslc is achieved, the power comes to great achievement will be reported by the > carry out other collective missions in serv- Teaching Committee, so that representatives > ice to the beloved Cause. National achieve- from all local communities may return > ment is nothing else than a stepping stone home inspired to work for renewed effort, > to international services. and instructed to convey useful plans > The important details of this subject will which have brought success in other cities. > be presented in the Treasurer's report. At Gratitude, however, must be expressed to > this time it is important t o emphasize the all those teachers who during the year have > fact that this obligation is not yet fully answered the call to service and traveled t o > discharged. so many cities upholding the banner of the > 3. The passing of the venerable, the be- Faith. This circulation of thought and > loved and revered Dr. Susan I. Moody in devotion from city t o city, in the person of > the field of her life work at Tihrin fur- the teachers who are able to travel, is a > nishes the Bahh'i world one more example great stimulus to the Bahi'i communities > of heroism and consecration a later genera- themselves as well as to the non-believers > tion of believers may well take to heart. thereby attracted. But above all the firm > How fruitful her life was! What noble unity of the local communities affords and > institutions she developed, what a monu- will always afford the only enduring foun- > ment she reared in the lives of youth of dation for the new era of vitality and > frin! Even the enemies of the Cause could spiritual zeal. The greatest teacher in the > not withhold their admiration and their Cause of Bahi'u'llih is not a person but a > recognition of her sincerity! Even official- community not only united together on the > dom refrained from destructive measures plane of personality but imbued with con- > until her stalwart Bahi'i presence had teen viction that its essential purpose is to open > removed from the scene! How brief will the doors to the new souls. > be that restless triumph, seizing its oppor- > tunity so blindly from the folded hands of > Communications from the Guardian > death, ignorant of that Kingdom to which The first communication from the > the faithful believer goes, that Kingdom Guardian was the cablegram sent in reply > whence comes the Will that governs the to the message cabled him by the Twenty- > world! Sixth Annual Convention. That cablegram, > 4. In no year of which we have record received after the Convention had closed, > have there been so many enrollments of was reported in a general letter dated June > new believers as during the year now closed. 4, 1934 and also in the Convention Num- > Both in number of the new members added ber of BahBi News: "American believers' > to existing communities, and in number of inspired leadership steadily unfolding t o > groups prepared for election of a Spiritual Bahi'is world over potentialities majestic > Assembly for the first time, this present edifice heralding formative period Faith of > period has been one of remarkable growth. Bahi'u'llih. Their unerring vision con- > From Milwaukee came the news that more ceived its matchless design. 'Abdu'l-Bahl's > than sixty believers had been enrolled in own hands laid its cornerstone. Their > one meeting; from Chicago, from New dynamic faith reared its structure. Their > York gnd from many other communities sustained self-sacrifice crowned it with im- > reports of new enrolhnents surpass the an- mortal glory. May flame their unconquer- > nouncements made in previous years. Our able enthusiasm continue glowing in their > teaching of the Cause, reinforced by the hearts till its naked frame is enveloped in > mysterious power of the Mabriqu'l- its shining mantle." > A&klr, made more effective by our Is not this message directed also to this > knowledge of the nature of the Bahi'i Convention, since the task is yet unfinished? > community, has received a vast stimulus, In Bahd'i News of July, 1934, were > CURRENT BAHA'? ACTIVITIES 83 > > published excerpts from letters dated May 6 . Request for Euglish translations of > 10, May 19, June 11, 1934, and cablegram Bahd'i News Letters issued by the National > received on May 18. The following sub- Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria. > jects were treated: 7. Emphasis upon the necessity of main- > 1 . As soon as the clerestory section of taining the flow of contributions to the > the Temple is completed, no new contract Temple, and the importance of the National > to be made for the next unit until the Fund as the indispensable medium for the > entire sum required for the contract has growth and expansion of the Cause. Con- > already been collected. tributions to this fund constitute a way by > 2. The scope of local news letters. which each believer can test the measure > 3. News of the soccessful negotiations and character of his faith. > with the Palestine authorities concerning 8. The Guardian's inability to continue > the exemption from taxation of the area for the present his own contribution to the > surrounding the Shrines, tantamount to a Temple Fund, in view of the severe restric- > recognition of the sacredness of the Shrines tions imposed upon the Cause in frhn and > and the significance of the international the increase in the international expenses. > center of the Faith. In connection with this subject it is neces- > 4. Appreciation of the American BahCis' sary t o point out that the Guardian has for > cooperation in preventing that area from years been contributing as much to the > falli~lginto the hands of non-BahCis. Cause in America as all the American > 5 . The relation of local Assemblies to the believers, through the National Fund at > National Spiritual Assembly. least, are together contributing to the de- > 6. Affirmation of the supreme and un- velopment of the Bahh'i World Center. > divided authority of the N. S. A. and its Difficult though it still is, apparently, to > moral responsibility if it allows any body maintain the nationdl budget, including > or institution within its jurisdiction to Temple construction, must we not become, > abuse its privileges or to decline in the exer- as the American Bahi'i community, more > cise of its rights and privileges. deeply conscious of our collective responsi- > 7. Approval of instruction to disregard bility to the Guardian's International Fund? > anonymous communications. Must we not begin to realize that a monthly > September Bahd'i News carried the contribution worthy of our combined re- > Guardian's explanation of passages in "The sources should constitute the first and not > Dispensation of Bahi'u'11611." the last obligation upon our national BahS'i > Excerpts from letters dated September 9, budget? Without the Guardian's capacicy > 16, 2! and 3 0, were published in November to function materially as well as spiritually, > on the following subjects: are we not fatally lim~tingthe development > 1. The hope that through self-sacrifice of the Cause at its very Center? Just as no > further steps will be taken to safepard the local community can flourish if the > entire area surrounding the Shrines. National Fund be deprived of power to > 2. Explanation of the general principle serve, so no national community in this > that no administrative body under the unified Cause can flourish if the Inter- > jurisdiction of the N. S. A. has authority t o national Fund at the disposal of the Guard- > receive complaints against the Assembly, ian is deprived of power. The matter is > but that matters which are unsatisfactory ~nentionedhere only for deep and prayerful > are to be referred to the Guardian. consideration, that a new resolve may be > 3. The list of "outstanding issues" al- born and develop impetus until this omis- > ready mentioned in this Report. sion shall for the future be overcome. > 4. Renewed instruction that photographs Expression of the Guardian's gratitude > of the Guardian are not to be circulated. that continuance of Temple construction > 1. Approval of statement concerning was assured. > the Convention with correction of view The January, 193!, number of Bahd'i > that its sessions are joint meetings with the News contained excerpts from the Guard- > N. S. A. ian's letters on the following subjects: > 84 THE BAHA > > 1. Explanation of further questions the subject of the relation of be- > raised concerning the meaning of passages lievers to their local, national and inter- > in "The Dispensation of Bahl'u'lllh." national Bahi'i institutions. > 2. The use of Bahi'i ringstones and 8. The Guardian's abiding appreciation > burial stones left to the discretion of the and gratitude for the manner in which the > believers pending the publication of the American believers rose to meet the emer- > Kitib-i-Aqdas. gency caused by lack of funds for Temple > 3 . The National Assemblies of Egypt, construction. > 'Ir6q and frin are adopting the text of the 9 . His heart-felt condolences and loving > American Declaration of Trust and By- sympathy for the loss sustained in the pass- > Laws, at the Guardian's request, the ing away of Dr. Moody. > N. S. A. of India and Burma having already 10. These significant words in a letter > taken this step. dated December 1: "Despite the perils and > 4. Approval of plan to unite the two uncertainties with which their country is > magazines. now beset, and in the face of the financial > 5 . Explanation of a passage on page 88 reverses they have suffered and the unfor- > of "Bahl'i Administration" referring to the tunate controversies that have perplexed and > date when Oriental Bahi'is celebrated the agitated them, they have forged ahead and > Declaration of the Bib in 1921. are fast approaching the termination of the > 6. Explanation that when a Memorial is first stage in the ornamentation of their > constructed in the pine grove at West consecrated Edifice. Undaunted by the > Englewood to commemorate 'Abdu'l-Bahi's magnitude of this colossal enterprise, undis- > visit to America, the Memorial should take mayed by the smallness of their numbers, > the form of a monument and not of a the scantiness of their resources and the > building. This explanation reminds us of scorn of their enemies, they have carried > the Guardian's previous instruction, that on triumphantly the banner of Bah6'u'llih and > account of the importance of the Unity brought to a successful issue the first > Feast which the Master held on that spot, stage in the formative period of His > the sole Memorial co~nmemorating His Faith." > American visit is to be constructed there. Special attention is called to the fact that > The Guardian's views in this matter would the Guardian, in this passage, considers the > seem to answer a question raised locally dome and clerestory sections one unit-a > from time to time in various cities, namely, matter of very great importance in the light > whether the local Spiritual Assembly should of the misunderstanding which has prevailed > not take steps to acquire permanently some here and there that the dome alone was the > house which had been blessed by the "unit" which the Guardian wished com- > Master's Holy Presence. pleted and that consequently the clerestory > At this point in the Report might be section was a task arbitrarily added by the > inserted reference to the fact that during National Assembly. > March, 1931, Roy C. Wilhelm executed an Observe also that Shoghi Effendi gives > Indenture of Trust under which the Ever- new and more striking emphasis to the com- > green Cabin property, and the two lots in pletion of the cleresto~ysection of the dome > the pine grove where the Unity Feast was unit Ly stating that its successful issue > celebrated in 1912, were transferred to the terminates the first stage in the formative > Cause through nine trustees in a manner era of the Faith. > similar to that under which the Temple and These subjects explained by the Guardian > Green Acre properties are now administered. in a letter dated January 27 were reported > The place so signally blessed by the Mas- in BahBi News of March, 193 1. > ter thus comes perpetually under Baha'i 1. The figures of the Bib, Bahh'u'llih > ownership and control by this generous and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 are not to appear as char- > gift. acters in dramatic works written by be- > 7. Approval of letter published in No- lievers. > vember Bahd'i News by the N. S. A. on 2. Explanation of the Bahh'i teaching on > CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 85 > > marriage, especially in relation to inter- mischief-makers is to insist that they should > racial marriage. obtain proper credentials from the Assem- > Other passages from the Guardian's let- bly of the locality in which they live. This > ters quoted in March were: measure, he feels, is absolutely essential and > 1. An important reference to the teach- there can he no exception whatever t o it." > ings on econon~icstaken from a letter dated (Haifa, January 4, 193 1.) > December 20, 193 1. 3. The cablegram received March 3 0 , > 2. The importance of Bahl'i Summer 193 1, and reported to the friends in a gen- > Schools, from a letter to Central States eral letter sent to local Assemblies on April > Summer School Commi~tee,dated Novem- 3: "Contract for purchase and transfer to > ber 6 , 1934. Palestine Branch American Assembly (of > Since the April, 1935 issue of the News the) Dumit property situated (at the) > Letter was devoted to Annual Committee center (of) area dedicated to Shrines on Mt. > Reports, except for a few news items car- Carmel (has been) signed. Four year liti- > ried over in type from the previous number gation involving Bahl'i world's petitions > in which space was lacking, a number of (to) Palestine High Commissioner aban- > excerpts in recent letters have not yet been doned. Owners require 4,000 pounds. > published, and these will be given in full Half (this) sum (is) available. Will > at this time: American believers unitedly contribute > 1. In comment on the ruling that mem- 1,000 pounds before end of May and re- > bers of local Spiritual Assemblies must he maining 1,000 pounds within nine months. > able to attend meetings: "He believes that Am compelled appeal entire body American > your Assembly was well-advised in adopting community subordinate national interests > such a ruling. For it is only too obvious of Faith to its urgent paramount require- > that unless a member can attend regularly ments at its World Center." > the meetings of his local Assembly, it would At the time this Report is in preparation, > be impossible for him to discharge the duties no further information and no result of > incumbent upon him, and to fulfil his that appeal is available. I t will be for the > responsibilities as a representative of the Treasurer to convey the result in his Finan- > community. Membership in a local Spir- cial Report. The impressive fact to be > itual Assembly carries with it, indeed, the noted is the Providential manner in which, > obligation and capacity to remain in close at every stage in the development of Bahi- > touch with local Bahi'i activities, and 'u'll6h's Faith, events are provided and tasks > ability to attend regularly the sessions are allotted to the believers which prepare > of the Assembly." (Haifa, January 27, them for the new step. The building of > 1931.) the Temple was the divine plan for creating > 2. In a letter written to the Spiritual a national Bahl'i community out of the > Assembly of New York in acknowledgment local communities and factional groups ex- > of a letter reporting the local Assembly's isting years ago, and now we are given > decision to uphold fully and without excep- compelling needs at the World Center in > tion the general instruction concerni~lg order to create a world BahPi community > Orie~ltalbelievers who lack proper creden- out of the national communities which have > tials: "In this connection, the Guardian recently been established. Our collective > wishes to draw once more your attention to response to all snch successive emergency > the all-importance of his instructions to the constitutes our training and discipline for > Western believers regarding association with service in a divine World Order. The > Orientals. The friends in the West must Cause progresses by heroic endeavor and > be wide awake, and be extremely cautious sacrifice and for the believers there can be > when dealing with Easterners, particularly no stay on the upward march. > with those who in the name of the Cause 4. There is one other recent commnnica- > desire to satisfy their own desires and amhi- tion from the Guardian, but reference t o it > tions. The first step which they should will be deferred to the conclusion of this > take in protecting themselves against such Report. > 86 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > Secondarv Administrative Develotmzents should request a declaration of their interest > in the Cause and their intention to become > time time problems and members when they reach the age of > tions are reported by local Spiritual Assem- and that . - -people, > - > blies which call for some general ruling. not children of believers. can attend ~ i ~ ~ - > The rulings of this character made by the teen D~~ F~~~~~ and other meetings > - - > National Assembly during the past year will after reachine the aee of sixteen vears bv > now be reviewed. making a similar declaration to the local > Before doing so, however, it seems im- Assembly. > portant t o call attention to the fact that 4. The functions of the Reviewing and > the National Spiritual Assembly after the Editorial Committee were defined, as re- > i934 Convention adopted a new and better ported in BahB'i N m r of July, 1934. > method of keeping all its members informed 5 . That exceryts from letters written by > throughout the interval between the meet- the Guardian to individual believers will not > ings. hereafter be published. > Once a week each member receives a 6 . National Committees which have > summary of all communications which have occasion to use a printed letterhead were > arrived at the National Office, and each requested t o consult the Narional Assembly > item in the summary is numbered for ideu- in order to use the proper form. > tification. Up t o April 19, 1931 there had 7. That until further notice the annual > been 1,124 items, but this figure does not meeting called on April 21 for the election > represent the total amount of correspond- of the local Spiritual Assembly is to be con- > ence because an effort is made to use the ducted by the officers of the outgoing > same key number throughout all the corre- Assembly and not by officers elected by > spondence pertaining to the same matter. those present at this meeting. > Hitherto the members were only informed 8. I n the elect~on of the National and > of special matters, the general correspond- local Assemblies, when the result of the > ence being itemized only once a month in ballot is that eight members are elected but > the form of an agenda for each meeting. two or more believers are tied for the ninth > This new method has been found t o be membership, the second ballot taken to > exceedingly helpful. eliminate the tie vote must be limited to > The general rulings adopted during the voting for one of the two or more names > year are as follows: who received a tie vote for the ninth place. > 1 . That each local Assembly, in dealing 7. The friends were reminded that the > with the matter of members of the com- Guardian's original instructions concerning > munity who have joined non-Bahh'i organ- letters written to him by local Assemblies > izations which might be political or even and National Committees were that such > radical in character, is in duty bound to letters were to be sent him through the > point out to the community the Guardian's National Spiritual Assembly. > instructions as published in Bakd'i News 10. Local Assemblies which have no per- > of August, 1933. manent headquarters were requested to take > 2 . Fresh emphasis was recorded for the a Post Office box which can be used as a > principle under which a traveling teacher permanent address for Bah6'i correspond- > is not only subject to the jurisdiction of the ence. > local Assembly in each city, but is expected 11. Local Assemblies were advised to > to be concerned only with teaching activi- engage expert legal assistance in adapting > ties and not intervene in local problems the local By-Laws to the Religious Statutes > unless specifically requested by the Assem- of their particular State; and meanwhile > bly to assist in some situation. that it is advisable and necessary for all > 3 . That the children of believers can local Assemblies without exception to abide > attend the Nineteen Day Feasts and other by the set of By-Laws approved by the > Bahh'i meetings, but when they reach the Guardian. > age of sixteen years the local Assembly 12. Recommended that all local Assem- > CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES 87 > > blies if possible arrange to have a Bahi'i furnished by each local Assembly should be > address listed in the local telephone direc- accompanied by a separate list of all be- > tory. lievers transferred to and from the As- > 13. General reports from local Assem- sembly. > blies are to be sent directly to the N. S. A. 19. That local Assemblies are to instruct > but reports confined to teaching activities new believers in the meaning of the new > are to be sent to the Teaching Committee. compilation of excerpts from the Will and > Inter-Assembly Committees and confer- Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahl and further- > ences have no executive capacity and there- more, that local Assemblies are to be re- > fore do not receive reports nor transact sponsible for providing new believers with > business. copies. > 14. When a local Assembly wishes to The above rulings have been published in > secure the services of any teacher from Bahd'i News during the year, but those > another city it is requested to c o ~ s u l tthe following have not yet been published. > National Teaching Committee. That Com- 20. That local Assemblies are requested > mittee, in turn, is requested to recommend to send to the N . S. A. a copy of all impor- > only such teachers as conform to the fol- tant notices covering policies, rules or regu- > lowing qualifications: thorough knowledge lations as well as important announcements > of the Teachings; complete loyalty to the having to do with elections and organiza- > Administrative Order as outlined in the tion under BahB'i administration, which > Guardian's general letters including the they may issue to their communities from > World Order communications; rigorous time to time. > obedience to the principle that teachers are 21. That the Committees in charge of > not to intervene in any local problem, and the three Summer School programs are, after > true sincerity and severance. ' this season, to send their programs and > IS. That local news letters should be arrangements to the National Assembly, > distributed only to members of the local which body will publish them in some > community, but copies sent to the Guard- uniform style. > ian, the National Assembly and t o other 22. That the collective activities of > National Assemblies for their information. Bahh'is, with which the name Bahi'i is > 16. That local Assemblies, in transrnit- associated, ought not to be extended to > ting to the N. S. A. reports and recom- activities of non-Bahi'is which cannot be > mendations from the community, should be controlled by the believers through their > not merely a passive medium used by institutions and under the recognized prin- > believers to bring matters to the attention ciples of BahP'i administration; and further > of the N. S. A. but should make their own that the public solicitation of funds under > independent study of such recommendations Bahi'i auspices, irrespective of the worthi- > and forward them with a statement of their ness of the object, may give a wrong > own attitude and comment. impression of the nature of the Cause. > 17. Interpretations of the By-Law on When believers wish t o show a special re- > residential qualification of voting believers: spect to any non-believer or non-Bahi'i > first, that when a member or officer of a organization, they should do so as indi- > local Spiritual Assembly cannot function viduals without involving the name of the > for an indefinite period, and there is no Cause. > certainty of return to service, the Assembly 23. In view of the apparent tendency of > should recognize the vacancy and arrange a certain teachers to designate themselves as > meeting of the community to elect a new "International" Bahi'i teachers or lecturers, > member; and second, that the requirements it has been voted to publish in Bahi'i > of residence as one of the qualifications of News a brief statement discouraging the > a voting believer should be based upon use of the descriptive term "International" > definite proof of capacity to associate with in connection with Bahi'i service, on ac- > the BahP'i comthunity. count of the fact that the word "Inter- > 18. That hereafter the annual voting list national" with reference t o the Cause is > 88 THE B A H A 'P WORLD > > properly confined to certain specific institu- have happened since the last Convention. > tions such as the Guardianship and the The complete history of the Cause during > Universal House of Justice, and to the the year can only be followed by consider- > activities carried on in and through these ing the detailed reports of National Com- > bodies. mittees, and in addition the records of the > sixty local Assemblies and the unorganized > General Statements groups. > In addition to specific rulings required 1. Through generous action of certain > for definite situations, the National Assem- believers, an obligation inherited by the > bly endeavors also to throw somi light on Green Acre Trustees from the Green Acre > more general trends and developments noted Fellowship in the amount of $10,000 pay- > from time to time in its correspondence able on a bond issue has been cancelled by > and other contacts with the national com- owners of bonds. A loan of $2,000 to the > munity. National Assembly several years ago to as- > During the year, statements have been sist in financing the printing of The Dawn- > published on the following subjects: Breakers has likewise been cancelled by the > lender. The unpaid note of $7,100 held by > 1. Status of the National Bah6'i Fund.. the bank for loan made in March, 1934, to > 2. Suggestions on the subject of teach- the N. S. A. for the Temple Trustees has > ing. been met by a special gift. > 3. The institution of the Spiritual As- 2. The literature has been enriched by > sembly. several new works, including The Promise > 4. The new attitudes and principles of of All Ages, Security for a Failing World, > action which the Guardian has established Mysticism and the Bahi'i Revelation, the > in the World Order communications. Economics Compilation, The Will and Tes- > I . The nature of the Nineteen Day tament, The Practise of the Presence of > Feast. God, B A H ~ NEWS)~ Index, and the leaflet, > 6. Preparation of new believers for mem- World Religion. > bership in the Bahi'i community. 3. A beautiful design was made by My- > 7. Important events affecting the Faith ron Potter for the Memorial t o Keith at > in frin. Isfihln, and working drawings sent to the > 8. Plans for new Bahl'i Magazine. Assembly in that city, but due to the ie- > 9. The annual Baha'i Convention. strictions imposed upon Bahl'i activities in > 10. Several reports on recommendations i r l n we do not know what the Isflhln > made by the last Convention. Assembly has been able to do. > 4. The house at Malden, Mass., where the > General Letters > Master visited, has been transferred by the > At the beginning of the year the Na- Guardian to Trustees for the benefit of the > tional Spiritual Assembly planned as far as N. S. A. > possible to its general letters in 1. Final details are being worked out > Bahi'i News so that they could be shared with John and Louise Bosch for the trans- > by the entire community. In addition, let- fer of property at Geyserville used for the > ters were sent t o local Assemblies on the Summer School, to Bahi'i trustees. > following dates: June 4, September 1, Sep- 6 . The three Summer Schools have pro- > tember 18 (two letters), October 9, No- gressed steadily, and by now are recognized > vember 1, November 16, December 1, in their true light, as the beginning of the > February 4, February 14, March 21 and divine Education given humanity by Ba- > April 3-a total of twelve communications. hi'u'lllh. > 7. The Symbol of the Greatest Name has > A Summary of Events been legally protected in the United States > Without attempting to evaluate their rel- and steps are being taken to acquire sim- > ative importance, i t will be well to record ilar protection in Canada. > some of the incidents and events which 8. References to the Cause by non-Ba- > CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 89 > > hi'is in newspapers, books and magazines 16. The Bnhd'i Magazine has been issued > have considerably increased. in a new form, the title and general char- > 9 . The Race Amity Committee, in its acter of which reflect the Guardian's own > article on "The Divine Call to Race Amity" teaching method as developed in his general > published in Bahi'i News for March, 1 9 3 1, letter entitled "The Goal of a New World > has made available to all the American be- Order." > lievers a new and valuable source of infor- 17. The National Assembly is endeavor- > mation and spiritual impetus for successful ing to work out a settlement with the > service in that field. executor of the estate of Mrs. Agnes Par- > 10. The pubhc bulletin entitled "A New sons, who wrote her intention of donadng > World Order" has been sent to a special property at Dublin, N. H., to the Cause, > list of people of capacity, at intervals of but did not provide for this intention in > every other month, adding its weight t o her will along the lines of her personal let- > all other teaching efforts. ter. It seems advisable for believers who > 11. Many, but not all of the annual wish t o leave bequests to the Cause to make > Committee Reports prepared last year have certain that the necessary legal steps have > been published in successive issues of Bahd'i been taken. > News, affording a background of informa- 18. A Memorial Meeting to commemo- > tion about the progress of activities along rate the passing of Dr. Moody was held in > national lines. Foundation Hall, Bahl'i House of Worship, > 12. Two new Spiritual Assemblies were on Sunday, November 21. > established on April 21, 1934-Lima, Ohio, 19. A statement on the Cause is now in- > and Sonth Bend, Indiana, while a Spiritual cluded annually in the International Year > Assembly was re-established at Geneva, Book published by Funk & Wagnalls, New > New York. York. > 13. A list of Bahl'i young people be- 20. A new series of inexpensive pam- > tween the ages of fifteen and twenty-one phlets is now under way, for general use > is maintained at the National Office, and in presenting the Cause to the public. The > the friends are requested to assist in keep- text was prepared under the direction of > ing this list complete. the Free Literature Committee, and as each > 14. The National Spiritual Assembly has article is approved by the Reviewing Com- > recorded its thanks and appreciation for the mittee it will be published in Wovld Order > valuable services rendered by A. F. Mat- and then reprinted by the Publishing Com- > thisen in acting as accountant and prepar- mittee from the magazine types, which > ing the monthly and annual Financial Re- makes a large saving in cost. The first > ports. pamphlet, on Bahl'i Education, by Stan- > 1 5 . A special committee has been giving wood Cobb, is now on the press. The sec- > much time and thought to the preparation ond will appear next month, on The Most > of a form of Bahl'i parliamentary pro- Great Peace, by Marion Holley. The series > cedure for use by local Assemblies in con- will eventually include some six or more > ducting their own meetings and also the titles, and will surely prove very valuable > Nineteen Day Feasts, for use by the Con- to local Assemblies and individual teachers. > vention, and also a procedure for the 21. The suffering of the Bahl'is of ir6n > N. S. A. itself. Action has not been taken has been before the National Assembly un- > on this matter at the date of the writing ceasingly for two years. During this pe- > of this Report, but the matter is men- riod, under the Guardian's direction, every > tioned because the request for such pro- possible effort has been made to exert in- > cedures was one of the important recom- fluence for their relief. The situation has > mendations at the 1934 Convention. I t is now passed into what appears to be a cru- > hoped that the final drafts can all be pub- cial stage, and we must pray to Bahi'u'116h > lished, so that every believer can become that so grievous a blow at His Cause shall > familiar with the methods for the conduct Providentially be prevented from carrying > of Bahi'i deliberation. out the full destructiveness of its intention. > 90 T H E BAHA'i WORLD > > The matter has been reported as fully as the friends a wonderful blessing in the form > the Assembly has been permitted to make of new translations of excerpts from Tab- > it known among the friends. I t is hoped lets of Bah6'n'lIih. Within the last few > that this Convention, among other actions, days three different manuscripts have been > may unite in heart-felt prayer on behalf of received from Haifa, and with them a let- > our fellow Bah6'is in that country. ter stating that these are to be published > 22. Let us be grateful for the remark- with the title "Gleanings from the Writ- > able services being rendered by the Amer- ings of Bahi'u'llBh." I t would be presump- > ican believers who travel in other lands- tuous to attempt to describe their power, > Martha Root, Louise Gregoly, Mountfort their beauty, their vitalizing spirit. Su5ce > Mills, Louise Drake Wright, Dr. Howard it to remark that Shoghi Effendi, having > L. and Madiyyih Nabil Marzieh Carpenter, renewed the Cause by instructing us in the > Loulie Mathews, Leonora Holsapple, Mar- principles of administrative order, now calls > jorie Morten, Julia Goldman, Charles and us to a spiritual renewal in our knowledge > Helen Bishop, Mr. and Mrs. Greeven, Mark of the creative Utterance of BahS'u'llBh. > Tobey, Nellie S. French, Mr. and Mrs. Let us consider this one passage included > Harry Romer, Amelia Collins, Sylvia Mat- in the Guardian's translations: > teson, Emogene Hoagg. On Sunday, April "The first duty prescribed by God for > 14, the press carried the news that Mr. His servants is the recognition of Him Who > Romer had passed on at London- great is the Day-Spring of His Revelation and the > loss to the Cause. fountain of His laws, Who representeth the > Godhead in both the Kingdom of His > A New Annwal Conference Cause and the world of creation. Whoso > After careful consideration of some of achieveth this duty hath attained unto all > the needs of the Cause, the National Spirit- good; and whoso is deprived thereof, hath > ual Assembly has recently recorded its view gone astray, though he be the author of > that hereafter each successive N. S. A. every righteous deed. I t behoveth every > should arrange a three-day joint session for one who reacheth this most sublime station, > the special purpose of conferences with rep- this summit of transcendent glory, to ob- > resentatives of all local Assemblies who can serve every ordinance of Him Who is the > be present. Desire of the world. These twin duties are > The purpose of this plan is to go more inseparable. Neither is acceptable without > deeply into the opportunities and problems the other. Thus hath it been decreed by > faced by all local Assemblies in this forma- Him Who is the Source of Divine inspira- > tive period, and at the same time enable tion." > the National Assembly to acquire a more Faithfully yours, > intimate picture of conditions than is pos- National Spiritual Assembly of the > sible by correspondence. The thought is Bahl'is of the United States and > that such a conference could be held during Canada. > the fall or early winter, at some central By HORACE HOLLEY, > point like the Foundation Hall of the Tem- Secretary. > ple, or Chicago, and each Assembly invited December 31, 1934. > to send a representative or at least some > suggestions for the agenda. The meetings His Imperial Majesty > would doubtless be helpful to all, and grap- Reza S i h Pahlavi > ple with real problems and opportunities Teheran, Persia. > which arise on all sides. I t is confidently Your Majesty: > hoped that the plan when carried out will > have important results for the Cause. I n more than seventy cities of the United > States and Canada there are associations of > Conclusion people who feel a special interest in and > In conclusion the important annonnce- a high and sincere regard for your Maj- > ment is made that the Guardian has given esty's enlightened rCgime and for the prog- > CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES > > ress of the Persian people. Tlrse A~nericans lished attitude is madc clcar by rccital of > do not feel that Persia is a distant country, the following facts:- > having at present few commercial relations First, Bahh'i books and even letters sent > or public ties with these nations of the by the American believers t o their fellow- > West, but on the contrary they feel that helievers in Persia are confiscated by the > Persia is a second Fatherland, the source and Persian Postal Department. > origin of a Faith they hold dearer than life Second, BahCi books printed in Persia > itself. By reason of that Faith they exalt are seized and destroyed by Postal, Police > the destlny of Your Majesty's nation and or other o5icials. > are assured that Persia shall, in this new Third, the Tarbiat School for girls in > age, become the object of a veneration and Teheran, and BahCi Schools in the cities of > a love as the Holy Land whence first came Kashan, Qatvin and Sultanabad have been > forth the divine Message of Universal Peace. closed by order of the Ministry of Educa- > With this deep and sincere respect for tion. > Persia, Your Majesty is assured that no po- Fourth, in a number of leading cities, > litical and no selfish commercial motives including Qazvin and Kirmanshah, public > are combined. As the followers of Mu- orders have been issued prohibiting BahCi > hammad all through the ages have made gatherings, closing BahB'i meeting places > spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca, in Arabia, and suspending Bahl'i activities. Likewise > and as the followers of Christ have in the in these cities the orders even deny to > same manner thronged to Palestine, so the Bahl'is the right of burial in BahCi ceme- > followers of Bahi'u'llih look upon Persia as teries. > the Center toward which their gratitude Fifth, the Bahi'is of Teheran are com- > and their hopes must ever turn. Even pelled under penalty of imprisonment t o > though at present other nations possess a register as Moslems in their identity papers. > larger measure of material wealth and polit- Sixth, the Moslem clergy, elated by the > ical power, nevertheless the followers of opportunity t o arouse public prejudice > Bahi'n'116h feel perfect assurance that Per- against the Bahl'is, are inciting the popu- > sia shall, in the not distant future, attain lation to injure and oppress the innocent > a true pre-eminence in the hearts and minds followers of Bahl'u'llih. > of all civilized people, since the develop- Seventh, the Bahi'is of Teheran have > ment of peoples and nations is subject to made effort to present a petition to Your > the will of God. Majesty, but their petition has been unde- > I t is in the name and on behalf of all livered and its pleas rejected. > these American people who are so devoted Therefore we, Your Majesty, relying > t o the Persian nation that the National wholly upon Your Majesty's justice and > Spiritual Assembly now addresses to Your upon the spiritual nature of the Faith we > Majesty this respectful petition, appealing hold in common with the Bahi'is of Persia > to Your Majesty's justice in a matter that and other lands, respectfully seek this op- > deeply moves our hearts and affects our re- portunity to prove that Your Majesty's > ligious Faith. Bahi'i subjects are loyal and innocent, and > T o state the matter in its most essential that they are made victims of a religious > form, it consists of the sacred privilege ol fanaticism which developed many years ago > religious worship which has been denied by before the great blessing of religious free- > certain government officials to the follow- dom was given t o Persia in Your Majesty's > ers of BahB'u'llih in Persia, although the noble constitutional reform. > principle of religious freedom is granted in The proof we desire to submit is not > the national Constitution and represents based upon mere words but upon deeds. > what we are convinced is Your Majesty's Reference is accordingly made to the re- > established policy and intention for the wel- markable services rendered to Persla by that > fare and development of the entire realm. venerable and loved Dr. Susan Moody, who > How far this denial and suppression have so recently died in the city of Teheran. > proceeded beyond Your Majesty's own pub- From the year 1909 even to her last hour, > THE BAHd'f WORLD > > this American Bahi'i had no other thought centuries of dissension which lravr exisred > than that of the development of the Tar- between Christians and Moslems. The fol- > biat School for Girls in Your Majesty's cap- lowers of Bahi'u'lllh are taught that both > ital city. Through her love for Persia, Muhammad and Christ are Prophets and > inspired by her devotion to Bahb'u'llih, Dr. Messengers of God, and that true faith in > Moody was given the great historical priv- one requires equal faith in the other. They > ilege of establishing the first educational accept and abide by the Bahl'i teaching > institution for girls in that land. Her that declares an end must come in this new > achievement has become known and deeply age to all those false religious doctrines, not > admired throughout the civilized world, revealed by the Prophets but advanced by > and her firm intention of dying and being the leaders of church and mosque, which > buried in Persia, her chosen field of service, justify in the name of God the present > was acclaimed in articles published by news- separation and antagonism of the religious > papers of Teheran following her death. We sects and creeds. Thus, the Bahi'is of > cannot believe that Your Majesty wishes the Christian countries revere and extol Mu- > heavy hand of prejudice, and the blind hammad, and gladly endure suspicion and > venom of clerical hatred and jealousy, to scorn from orthodox Christians for the sake > destroy what so many years of pure inten- of the spiritual unity made possible by the > tion and sacrifice created for the sake of teachings of Bah6'u'lIlh. Yet the Bahi'i > Persian girls, whose education the Moslem books published in America, which dare to > clergy itself has never attempted nor even exalt Muhammad among people who believe > desired. I t is surely the characteristic of that Muhammad is the enemy of Christ, > true civilization to open schools and not to are banned and forbidden entry in Persia > close them. by the leaders of Islim who are themselves > Now as for the true attitude of the Per- unable to prove the Prophethood of Mu- > sian Bahi'is toward Your Majesty's reign hammad to the Christian peoples! > 2nd Your Majesty's government. From the point of view of enlightened > The spiritual teachings of Bahb'u'lllh, civilization, Your Majesty, it is desirable to > Your Majesty, specifically and positively refer to one more important teaching of > inculcate in all Bahb'is the principle of BahUu'Ilih, namely, that teaching which > obedience to their civil ruler and govern- forbids the Bahl'is of all countries ever to > ment, in whatever country Bahi'is reside, allow the development of a priesthood or > and complete non-interference in political professional clergy in this worldwide Faith. > affairs. N o Bahl'i for any reason whatso- N o spiritual principle could be more accept- > ever is permitted by his Faith to take part able to an enlightened Monarch than this, > in any political faction or have any associa- since it has ever been from the clergy, and > tion with radical movements. We ask not from the people, that those false doc- > Your Majesty to note this most essential trines have arisen which serve to instigate > Bahl'i principle, because it can be found hatred and enmity where the Prophet him- > in no previous religion. This Bahi'i teach- self has taught only friendship and peace. > ing is no less than the greatest of blessings Your Majesty is assured that the Ameri- > for the rulers and governments of this age, can Bahl'is and the Bahl'is of Persia pos- > since no lesson is more clearly taught by sess the same Faith, follow the same teach- > history than the evil results of the disorders ings and carry on their religious services in > and rebellions originating in religious preju- the same manner. The Faith of Bahb'u'lllh > dice. No such results can ever, in any is uniform and identical among all the be- > country, arise from the actions or even lievers in the forty countries where this > thoughts and feelings of the Bahi'is. Faith exists today. Therefore if true and > Moreover, the spiritual teachings of complete reports cannot be obtained in Per- > Bah611'116h remove the very foundation of sia, on account of the active prejudice so > that inter-religious strife which throughout long fomented by Moslem leaders, we appeal > history it has been so difficult for civil to Your Majesty and plead that the true > governments to control, as for example the character of our religion be established by > CURRENT B A H k'f ACTIVITIES 93 > > Your Majesty's representatives in America and hearts of the people, are in fact hoping > or other countries. For example, the Amer- to restore their former condition of author- > ican government recognizes the Bahi'i ity and are thereby hostile to all public > Faith as a new religion, allows the American education and constitutional order. They > believers full freedom to maintain their violently assail the Baha'is, then accuse the > Bahi'i institutions and activities, and has Bahi'is of disturbing the peace of the > never found any evidence that the religion realm. Such has been the method of the > of Bahi'u'llih is a source or cause of diffi- cunning hypocrite in all ages, as Muham- > culty to the national regime or to the pub- mad and Jesus have lamented in their Holy > lic order and general welfare. When the Books. > truth is fairly ascertained, we have com- We therefore express the deepest hope and > plete confidence that Your Majesty's justice confidence, Your Majesty, that measures > and concern for the progress of civilization will be taken to relieve Your Majesty's loyal > will cause the Persian Bahi'is to be saved subjects, the Persian Bahi'is, who consti- > from religious persecution and to be given tute the largest religious minority in Your > liberty to maintain their spiritual institu- Majesty's realm, of the burdens which hare > tions without interference, including those been laid upon them of such grievous na- > Schools in which innocent children have re- ture as to carry the stigma and hardship > ceived instruction in the sciences and arts so imposed only upon vile criminals and those > necessary to the progress of society, and also who secretly plot their country's overthrow > in those religious principles of love and and destruction. > unity which are even more essential to a We likewise make appeal, Your Majesty, > humanity now everywhere in the world that the Postal Department be instructed to > confronted by dangers of disastrous war permit the entry of letters and books sent > and revolution. by the American Bahi'is to their fellow be- > What we above all wish to testify, Your lievers in Persia, and the dispatch of corre- > Majesty, is that the spiritual teachings of spondence from the Persian Bahi'is to us. > Bahi'u'11611 emphatically deny the false The noble sacrifice made for Persia by the > truths on which Communistic doctrines late Dr. Moody is surely evidence that our > and practices are based, and declare that no intercourse and association with the Persian > sound and enduring justice can be estab- Bahi'is has sincere intention and beneficial > lished until the supreme evil of international result. The death of Mrs. Keith Ransom- > war has been banished from the earth. Kehler, also an American Bahi'i, and her > The BahCis are convinced that should an- burial at Isfihan during 1933, is one more > other World War be precipitated, civiliza- sacred bond uniting the hearts of the fol- > tion itself can be destroyed. Therefore, the lowers of Persia's Prophet, Bahi'u'llih, in > BahCis in all lands serve the ideals of spir- these two lands. > itual fellowship and unity which God has We are, the well wishers of Your Maj- > instituted as the sole protection of mankind. esty's nation and people, > The responsible and far-seeing statesman, The National Spiritual Assembly of the > concerned with the larger issues of public Bahi'is of the United States and Canada. > order and progress, can by investigation > fully satisfy himself that the Bahi'is in all ALLEN B. MCDANIEL, > countries uphold principles upon which Chairman. > ruler and governments can establish a firm HORACEHOLLEY, > basis for social development, while the reli- Secretary. > gious enemies of the Bahgis, seeking special 119 Waverly Place > privilege and domination over the minds New York City, U. S. A . > 94 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD > > R E P O R T P R E P A R E D BY T H E N A T I O N A L > S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY OF T H E > BAHA'IS OF I R A N > E A R L Y in the Bahh'i year 91 (1931 act was to telegraph the Guardian: > A.D.), the former Central Assembly of "National Spiritual Assembly elected im- > irin, following the Guardian's instructions plores confirmation." The following was > sent out a circular letter to all central Local received in reply: "Greatest aim and crown- > Assemblies of Bah6'i districts throughout ing act is purchase of land for first national > the country, containing instructions as to frin Temple. Delay would jcopardizc this > the election of the ninety-five Convention vital matter. (Signed) Shoghi." The new > delegates. On the 6th of Ridvdn when the Assembly in its first session elected its > first session of the Convention was held in executive officers (Chairman, Valiyu'U6h > Tihrln, eighty-one delegates were present, L h i n Varqd; Vice-Chairman, Dr. Y h i s > this number increasing by the second session g i n A f r u e t i h ; SeCretary, 'Ali-Akbar > to eighty-four. @in Furutan), and in the course of this > The Convention continued with utter and later sessions appointed its committees > spirituality for eight days, and the dele- as follows: Census; Teaching; Children's > gates felt and showed great happiness, and Training; Publicity; Unity of East and > praised the power of Bah6'u'llih, so mani- West; Youth; f r l n Madriqu'l-A&kir; > fest among them. The gathering of these Women's Progress; Committee for Copying > men from remote and mutually isolated Tablets; Savings Bank. > communities, their harmony in spite of Work undertaken by the National Spir- > differences of language and race, their com- itual Assembly in the year 91 included the > ing together with unequaled love and sin- following: establishment of a special body > cerity t o consult over the affairs of the to study and translate the By-Laws of the > Cause, offered a striking symbol of Bahh'i National Spiritual Assembly of America; > oneness and human brotherhood. The unity the translation made was then submitted > of these sessions drew those present like a to the Guardian for final revision. Pur- > magnet and its effect is still a living thing, chase of the land for irin's first Mahriqu'l- > During the first session the following tele- A&kir in accordance with the Guardian's > gram was sent to the Guardian: "Eighty- instructions; this land consists of a property > one delegates present humbly solicit divine known as Hadiqih (Paradise), situated > confirmation." The Guardian wired in re- among the s m r i n hill-villages on the > ply: "Implore assistance and favor for slopes of the Alhurz Mountains, about six > chosen delegates. (Signed) Shoghi." miles to the north-east of Tihrin, and com- > Following a study of the Guardian's manding a beautiful view of the city; at > written instructions, reviewing of the re- present, pending the construction of a > lated sections of the By-Laws of the direct road at some future time, it may be > National Spiritual Assembly of America reached in twenty minutes by auto from > and careful discussion, in the fifth session the capital. The land, acquired at a cost > (after chanting of the Visitation Tablet of of 176,000 riyils, is a tract of 1,257,000 > Bah6'u'llih) with prayerfulness and humil- square meters, and unlike most parts of > ity the following were elected by secret a i r n r i n it is relatively level and fertile; > ballot as members of frin's first National two subterranean water courses (Qanit) > Spiritual Assembly: Valiyu'llih Khin come to the surface on this land, and in > Varqi; S_hu'Vu'llih L h i n 'Ali'i; Dr. Yhnis addition it has an allotment by law of 161 > L h i n AfniGtih; Jin5.b-i-Fidil-i-Mizin- hours of purchased water, which is ample > darini; Amin-Amin; A h a d &hin Yaz- for irrigation of the garden and some of the > dini; 'Ali-Akbar Khin Funitan; 'Iniyatu- farm area. . . . Purchase of a vineyard > '11ih Khin Ahmadphr; MahmGd Lhin adjoining the Hadiqih. Dispatch of two > Badi'i. traveling teachers through fr6n to supple- > The National Spiritual Assembly's first ment the work of local teachers. Presenta- > Mount Awrang, Mhzindarin, where 'Ahdu'l-Bahi was > taken as a Child to view the Village of Thkur in the > Valley. He stood on the raised rock a t left-hand side, > near the summit. > Garden in Thkur, Mizinda- > rin, showing Pear-tree on > right, a Favorite Spot of > Bahi'u'lllh, where He often > sat. > > Room in the House in Qazvin, > where Tlhirih met the Believers. > 96 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > tion of petitions to His Majesty the &ih transmit to the authorities petitions of > and to the Government authorities regard- appeal from persecuted Bahi'is. Through- > ing the following occurrences: out this year the National Assembly further > The closing of all Bahi'i meetings in sent regular reports to the Guardian, spread > some of the provinces, including &hurlsin; his instructions among the friends, corre- > the confiscation by police authorities of the sponded with Assemblies at home and > Bahi'i pocket calendars which had been abroad, encouraged Bahi'i institutions and > printed and spread in Tihrln; seizure in the individuals to carry out the Guardian's in- > puhlishing office of the hook "Mysterious structions and to remain firm in spite of > Porces of Civilization" which had been adverse pressure; as directed by the Guard- > printed and was being distributed through ian, the National Assembly also distiu- > the efforts of one of the friends; dismissal guished between purely administrative > of some Bahl'i employees from the Depart- matters and matters of faith and con- > ment of Highways in Ahviz, Khhhzistin; science, summoning the friends to complete > public denunciation of the Cause from the obedience to the Government where admin- > pulpits in the mosques of Ahv6z by one of istrative affairs were concerned, and full > the mullis, in the presence of civil and observance of their religious laws in matters > military heads; seizure in the post offices of conscience; it further endeavored to con- > of Spiritual Assembly correspondence; the sole and sustain them in their difficulties > spread of articles and caricatures directed and to encourage their strength and har- > against the Cause, some printed in frin and mony. When the schools were first shut > others abroad; the refusal by registry offices down and the restrictions imposed, the > to register Bahl'i marriage certificates in National Assembly also dispatched hrqly-i- > spite of full observation by Bahi'is of all f i i b i t to the Guardian to receive his > stipulated regulations; the refusal of some instructions (no other means of communi- > departments of the Ministry of Finance to cation being available) ; it has likewise met > employ Bahi'is as a result of the latter's frequently with Government authorities > filling in the religions column of their appli- with reference to the occurrences described. > cation blanks with the word "Bahl'i"; the The following are extracts from Assem- > closing of the Tarbiyat Schools in Tihrin bly reports regarding the above-mentioned > because of their having closed to com- occurrences. Tihrin: it is reported that the > memorate the martyrdom of the Bib National Police Department issued a cir- > (&l'bin 2 8 ) and the subsequent closing of cular order to its local departments in the > the following Bahl'i schools throughout capital and throughout the country to the > the country: Qazvin, Tavakkul School effect that all public declaration of faith > (girls) ; K l b l n , Vahdat-i-Ba&ar Schools by Bahi'is should be strictly suppressed, > (boys and girls) ; Arin-i-Kibin, Ma'rifat that all their meetings and organizations > Schools (boys and girls) ; Hamadin, Ta'yid should be dissolved, that everyone calling > High School (boys) ; Mawhibat School himself a Bahl'i should be arrested and > (girls) ; Najafibid, Sa'idat Schools (boys prosecuted. Following these orders pressure > and girls) ; Sangisar and aahmirzid, Boys' began to be exerted on the Bahl'is both in > and Girls' Schools and Kindergartens; Yazd, Tihrin and throughout the provinces; all > Tawfiq T a h a i b , Hlihangi, Tarbiyat Bahi'i meetings. whether in private homes > Schools (boys and girls) ; Bibul, Sa'idat-i- or in the Haziratu'l-Quds, and even certain > Umhmiyyih School; Abidih, Tarhiyat of the children's character-training classes, > Schools (boys and girls). The suppression were banned; individuals in whose homes > of all Bahl'i gatherings throughout the meetings were customarily held were re- > country; closing of the Bahi'i meeting quired to sign a pledge to the effect that > houses (Haziratu'l-Quds) in all localities; these would be discontinued; some of the > imprisonment of a number of BahPis and friends were summoned to district police > even the subjection of some to physical in- departments and told to desist in future > jury; refusal of telegraph offices both in the from calling themselves Bahl'is; regarding > capital and throughout the provinces to this point the authorities would severely > CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES 97 > reprimand the friends but seeing then, un- to the teacher's action, thc tcacher and > moved by threats would let the matter superintendent and later the District > drop. Certain minor officials made use of Director of Public Instruction intervened > the situation to serve their own ends and and the Bahb'i student was expelled from > to introduce their personal views. For ex- the schwl. > ample, when a Bahi'i youth whose bicycle Ki&in: on A&ar 22ud the Chief of > had been stolen referred to the district Public Safety accompanied by the Chief of > police, the officers in charge asked him to Police and a number of officers and depart- > what religion he belonged; learning that he ment inspectors went to the Bahi'i Vahdat- > was a BahPi, the Chief roughly upbraided i-Ba&ar Schools for boys and girls, closing > him, saying, "So you're still declaring your- them hoth. They seized the school equip- > self a Bahi'i! Haven't you heard that no ment, put out the custodian and imprisoned > one has the right to breathe that word any the school principal for three days at police > more!" The yeung man answered simply, headquarters, certain of the officials insult- > "I am a Bahb'i, and how could I help saying ing and abusing the Bahh'is. Following > so when yon asked my religion?" The closing of the schools all Bahi'i meetings > result was that the theft of the bicycle was were banned. > ignored and the young man who had come Najafbbbd: here the representative of > to recover his property was imprisoned. the Vice-Governor proceeded to the Bahh'i > Similar incidents have repeatedly occurred schools, gave a verbal order to close them > in Tihrin. Certain Tihrbn newspapers and and had the schools' sign-board taken > magazines have hoth outwardly and by down; at this the director and directress > implication attacked the Baha'is and the addressed the students, informing them > Tarbiyat Schools in libelous articles; in par- that the suspension of the schools was due > ticular g~ari'at-i-Sangalaji, one of the re- solely to their being Baha'i institutions. > ligious leaders who exerts an influence over The students, many of them in tears, left > Muslim ~ o u t h spoke > , from the pulpit these for their homes, even the Government > words which were later published verbatim officials being visibly affected by their > in the magazine "Kinfin-i-su'ar6": "Last distress. > night I heard a report which so delighted Mashhad: after forbidding all BahPi > me that if I had the means I would strew gatherings, arresting the members of the > the floor of this mosque with sweets. I t Assembly and a number of others and then > was that His Imperial Majesty our powerful releasing them on bail, the Chief of Public > s h h has ordered the closing of their girls' Safety summoned a representative of the > and boys' schools. 0 People, this is indeed Assembly and said, "Your meetings are to > a matter for thanksgiving! Think what be dissolved for all time, and even the > would happen t o our Muslim children who building which is your Haziratu'l-Quds > would attend those schools. May God must be sold so that no trace of this may > Himself assist our mighty and exalted remain." I t is obvious that since these > $16h!" At the same time 'Abdu'l-Husayn orders were not issued by the Government > Ayati (Avirih) in his magazine "Namak- but were actuated by personal views, none > din" did not hesitate to publish the worst were made effective. > sort of slander and libel. Yazd: during this difficult period the > Qazvin: the delegate from the Qazvin officials in charge of the Government > Assembly states that following the closing Census and Identification 5ureau attempted > of the Tavakkul School a Government- to oblige the Yazd BahPis to register them- > school teacher in addressing his class turned selves as Muslims and the Bahh'is refused to > the subject to the Bahl'i Cause and the do so. Among others 'A Baha'is, and began to vilify the Cause, NiGbd was summoned to the police station > finally shouting with the students, "May and ordered to fill in the religions column > God curse the enemies of the Prophet!" of the identification form with the word > after which the class repeated "So be it!" "Islbm" and sign it; upon his refusal to > When one of the Bahh'i students objected comply, the officials agreed that he should > 'f WORLD > leave the space for religions entirely blank all be destroyed." On the following day the > or should draw a line through it and sign Chief summoned the entire Assembly and > the paper; he replied that he would not sign addressed them roughly, saying, "You must > unless he could fill in the column with the give me a list of the names of all the > word "Bahi'i." The Chief of Police began Bahb'is in Maliyir and on leaving here you > to argue with him urging him to do as must adopt one of the recognized religions." > directed, but seeing that his words had no A member of the Assembly answered, "Is > effect on Vujdini, he struck him about the it possible for you to take a raisin and whip > head several tlmes and committed him to it into a green grape? We are unable t o > prison. It is reported that Vujdlni said to obey your order; do whatever yon think > the Chief, "My father died for this faith best." The Malayir believers were subse- > rather than conceal it-do you expect me quently so much oppressed that they were > to recant because of your blows and im- unable even to organize their Assembly. > prisonment?" Following this episode the . . . Correspondence from other parts of > friends here all registered as Bahl'is. frin, omitted here for the sake of brevity, > i i h i h h : with reference to declaring reports similar episodes everywhere. > their religion in the census blanks the Election of the National Spiritual Assem- > Bahi'is of this city telegraphed the Gov- bly in 92 was effected as follows: according > ernor of Firs to say that even if all the to Article 8 section VI of the National > Bahi'is, young and old, should be put t o Assembly By-Laws ("If in any year the > the sword they would never sign any other N. S. A, shall consider that it is imprac- > name than "Bahl'i" in the religious column ticable or unwise to assemble together the > of the census forms; the Governor there- delegates to the National Convention, the > upon ordered local authorities to allow the N. S. A. shall provide ways and means by > Bahi'is to register as such. which the busincss of the Col~ventionmay > Rafsanjin (Kirmln) : here the restric- be conducted by correspondence or tele- > tions imposed were of such severity that gram."), the National Spiritual Assembly > even the meeting of two Bahi'is in a shop in view of the above-mentioned restrictions > was objected to. Sirjan (Kirmln): here and threatening occurrences, finding it im- > the house-door of one of the believers was practicable to assemble the delegates in > defiled during the night. Sabzavlr: the Tihrin, informed the local Assemblies to > entire Spiritual Assembly of this town was advise election of the delegates in each sec- > imprisoned for several days and afterward tion according LO the procedure of the > released on bail. All Bahl'i gatherings previous year, and cause the delegates to > were forbidden. 'Iraq: here the police not dispatch their votes by reliable means to the > only put a stop to all Bahi'i meetings and capital. On the 4th of Jamil, 9 2 the ont- > administrative activities, but also seized the going National Assembly held its ninety- > Assembly's books and archives, removed second session; seventy-eight ballots had > them to Headquarters and have never re- been received by this date, and the follow- > turned them. They further confiscated ing were elected as the National Spiritual > and retained for a long period the furniture Assembly for the year 92: 'Ali-Akbar L h l n > of the Haziratu'l-Quds. Furhtan (68 votes) ; Valiyu'lllh L h i n > Maliyir: the local Chief of Public Safety Varql (67); Dr. Ydnis L h i n Afnilhtih > summoned a member of the Spiritual ( 6 1 ) ; S_hu'i'u'116h G i n 'Ali'i (16) ; > Assembly and said that he had confidential Amin-Amin (54) ; Ahmad Khin Yazdlni > news to the effect that all the Bahl'is in (12) ; Jinlb-i-Fidil-i-Mizindareni (41) ; > Tihrin were under arrest, that they were 'In&yatu'll5h Kh5n Ahmadp6r (43) ; > being put in prison and tortured and perse- Mahm6d g h l n Badi'i ( 3 7 ) . Following > cuted, and that the Government was deter- counting of the ballots the outgoing Assem- > mined to obliterate the name "Bahi'i" bly officially notified each new member of > from the face of the earth; "Yon must," he his election, and relegated affairs to the new > added, "urge your friends to adopt one of body. The incoming National Assembly > the recognized religions, otherwise they will held its first meeting on the 27th of Jamll, > CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 99 > > electing its officers (Chairman, Varq6; made inquiries of two BahEis with refer- > Vice-Chairman, AfrGkhtih; Secretary, ence to the Bahi'i calendar, subsequently > Funitan; Treasurer, 'A16'i) and wiring to holding its publishers prisoner in the capital > the Guardian: "National Spiritual Assembly for two days. R a h t : by order of the > elected implores divine confirmation." Re- Tihrln authorities, two ranking Bahl'i > ferring to this the Guardian later wrote, "I officials of the Post and Telegraph Depart- > wired an answer to that telegram and there ment here who were members of the Spir- > is no doubt that the authorities withheld itual Assembly were forbidden to attend its > it." During this first session the incoming sessions. Zihidin: here the Vice-Governor > Assembly further appointed a committee of ordered the Bahb'is to evacuate the I l a ~ i - > five t o select the membership of the ratu'l-Quds, lease it to a non-Bahi'i and > National Committees, the following com- discontinue all Bahb'i gatherings in private > mittees being appointed: Teaching; Chil- homes. Following this order, three mem- > dren's Training; f r i n Temple; Census; bers of the Spiritual Assembly were placed > Shrines; Bahi'i Properties; Library; Unity under arrest, and later released. Kirmin: > of the East and West; Reviewing; Youth; the local police showed great opposition to > Publicity. the Baha'is, and the lowest elements of the > Following are extracts fronr Assembly populace publicly abused them. Ad&r- > reports regarding continued restrictions im- biyjin: after forbidding all Assembly > posed on Bahh'is throughout the country: sessions and general meetings in the Hasi- > Tihrin: as heretofore, no public meetings ratn'l-Quds, the police here refused to > have been held in the eaziratu'l-Quds, ex- grant recommendation cards to Bahi'is > cept that on the eve of the ascension of (The i r l n Government grants such a card > Bahh'n'lllh, some four hundred Bahh'is to citizens in good standing who require > with the approval of the Local Assembly the same) on the grounds that being a > were admitted by written invitation to the Bahl'i in itself constitutes misconduct. > Haziratu'l-Quds for dinner, and remained Hamadbn: a number of local believers who > there to chant prayers and sacred verses did not possess a Muslim marriage certifi- > until three o'clock in the morning. Bahi'i cate (such a civil certificate being a recent > meetings continue to be held regularly in requirement) were prosecuted when apply- > private homes without any opposition from ing for identification papers for their > the police. Character training classes, new-born children. One believer was > teaching meetings, national and local ad- further brought to trial for refusal to in- > ministrative meetings are regularly held. clude the word "Muslim" in his census > Bandar-i-&6h: here the police authorities papers. These individuals were convicted > subjected the friends t o ill-treatment and in in the lower courts and their cases were > one way or another persecuted several of appealed. > the well-known Bahi'is. 'Irlq: local be- As an instance of the difficulties attend- > lievers have suffered more through the ant on registration of Bahh'i marriage cer- > recent restrictions than those elsewhere. tificates, the following letter from the > The Police and Census Departments have Local Assembly of Bandar-'Abbis is cited: > pursued the friends with extraordinary ". . . on Qudrat 1, 92 (Abin 12, 1314) > fanaticism. As an example the police Khalil-i-Nidi'i and Mariyam Khinum, > summoned ~qiy-i-Zargarzldih, Secretary daughter of the late Qullm-Rid& Sami- > of the Assembly, arrested him and placed 'zldih were married as directed by the > him in such close confinement that he was Guardian according to Bahi'i law, and five > not even permitted to see his child. days later in confortnity with Government > Qazvin: the local police have strictly for- regulations the marriage certificate was > bidden Bahh'i community and business taken to the Municipal Bureau for regis- > meetings. They summoned and repri- tration, following which it was to be regis- > manded one of the Bah6'is who had held a tered at the Census Department (there > meeting at his house in commemoration of being no local official marriage registry). > Bahh'u'lllh's ascension. The police further After several days of delay and promises by > 100 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > the officials that they would register the after which it was to he filed with the > certificate and give notice of the same, on Identification Bureau. Instead however of > the 1st of A&ar one of the witnesses was registering the document they prosecuted > summoned to the Municipal Bureau and us because of our being BahPis, making a > asked about the subject-matter of the cer- case against us and referring it to the De- > tificate and where and by whom the mar- partment of Justice. We are astonished > riage was performed; he answered that that such a thing should happen in the era > according to the Bahh'i Faith there is no of justice inaugurated by His Majesty > special individual who performs the mar- Pahlavi when all faiths are treated with > riage ceremony, it being necessary only that impartiality; we humbly request you to > the ceremony be held in the presence of order the authorities to cease persecution of > nine witnesses, and that this wedding took these innocent persons." > place in the bride's home. On successive Many instances have been reported of > days the remainder of the witnesses were oppression suffered by Bahh'is serving in the > called in and likewise questioned. They army; certain of these are as follows: > then declared that the marriage had not recently 'Ali-Muhammad L h i n Varq6, son > been performed according to the country's of Mimi Valiyu'lllh Rhln, who was a > regulations; the friends replied that they conscripted officer, was committed to mili- > had acted according to their religious re- tary prison by order of the General Staff, > quirements, following which they had and this was charged to the fact that in > complied with Government regulations by connection with the registration of his > submitting the marriage certificate for marriage certificate he had addressed com- > registration at the Municipal Bureau. The plaints to the authorities concerned, includ- > authorities then summoned the bride and ing the Minister of Justice, who had > questioned her; she answered fearlessly that forwarded his petition to the General Staff > she and her husband were both born of as an alleged infringement of military rules > Bahl'i parents, had acted according to their and an act of insubordination; the Chief of > faith and had then submitted their marriage the General Staff had reported the incident > document for registration, adding that the to His Majesty, whereupon orders were > authorities could register or not as they saw issued for Varqb's arrest; his father then > fit, since she and her husband had in any addressed the following petition to His > case complied with the regulations. They Majesty: "I have the honor to submit that > then asked, "What is a BahPi?" and she my eldest son 'Ali-Muhammad Varqi after > replied with the Master's words, "A Bahh'i the completion of advanced studies entered > is the embodiment of all human perfec- the Officers' Training College last year to > tions." Their marriage certificate is still finish his term of military service; having > shelved at the Municipal Bureau, and concluded his studies there he served as a > Khalil-i-Nidl'i has appealed to the District 3rd lieutenant in the artillery until on the > Attorney of Bandar-'Abbls and t o the 31st of Murdld his term of service was > National Census Authorities. As the local completed. O n the 4th of Sahrivar he > authorities continued to agitate the case, was summoned to Headquarters and > the young couple were obliged t o wire the although he was no longer in the army and > following, signed by themselves and the was seeking work in order to support his > nine witnesses, to the Ministries of Justice family, he was arrested and imprisoned by > and of the Interior: "We respectfully sub- the military authorities. I t appears that > mit that on 6 b l n 12, 1314, we were the cause of his arrest was his marriage, > married in good will and accord in the which the Ministry of Justice has declared > presence of the witnesses listed below. As illegal although it conformed to all the > we are Bahi'is the marriage was performed regulations, as is proved by his marriage > according t o our religious requirements and certificate which was officially submitted to > since there is no official marriage bureau in the Registry Office. A BahPi can never > Bandar-i-'Abbls, we submitted our certifi- act against the country's laws and the > Fate to the Municipality for registration, Imperial will, and his conscience forbids > CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 101 > > him falsely to represent himself as Muslim, the Assistant Chief of Police summoned > Christian, Jew or Zoroastrian and t o regis- him and the following conversation ensued: > ter his marriage on the certificates and at (Chief) "Did you write a pecition to His > the bureaus reserved for them. Such an act Majesty seeking your son's release?" > would be disloyalty to the Government and (Varql) "Yes." > is forbidden by the BahPi Faith; a BahPi is (Chief) "His Majesty orders me to > obliged to conform to the Bahi'i marriage advise you that you have already repeatedly > requirements and to seek the registration of been warned t o desist from declaring your > Bahi'i certificates by the officials con- faith. You have also been informed that > cerned; and since hundreds of such mar- His Majesty looks upon you all with favor > riages have taken place all over frln, and and is sure of your loyalty, but he does not > being in conformity with the law have led wish you to make avowals of your faith. > > A Tablet of Bahi'u'116h addressed to 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > (Translation of part of this Tablet appears in "The > Dispensation of Bahl'u'llLh," page 43, paragraph > beginning with " 0 Thou Who art the apple of > Mine eye!") > > to no incidents, my son likewise has pro- An evidence of His Majesty's favor is rhat > ceeded according to the laws of his faith a large number of Bahi'is are employed in > and also of his country. I t is certain that various Government departments; for ex- > in view of imperial justice and favor, it will ample Aqly-i-'A16'i has a very important > not be permitted that a young man of position in the army, and this is an ont- > education, who has completed his military standing proof of the good-will > service ander the law, has married and with toward you, but he cannot condone your > a thousand hopes made ready to serve his public declaration of faith. He can never > country; should at the outset of his career forgive any infringement of laws and regn- > for no fault or disloyalty be subjected to lations, even on the part of his own son; > such difficulties. I humbly beg His for instance a few days ago the man who > Majesty's order for a thorough iuvestiga- next to His Majesty was the foremost per- > tion of the legality of this marriage, and, if sonage in the country became the object > it agrees with the desire of His Majesty, of His Majesty's displeasure and reprimand > the order for his release." Three days later because he had made a slight departure > 102 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > Ironi the regulations." The speakcr con- Inan is not a member of any of them. > tinued angrily, "And now you people want What is he t o do? If the Government > to force the Government t o give you official wishes him t o give up his faith, that is > recognition. The Government recognizes impossible." > only four religions and cannot recognize (Chief) "The Government has nothing > yon. See how much better off you are than to do with people's religion. For instance, > you were thirty years ago. What more do you hold meetings in the Ha~iratu'l-Quds > you want?" H e repeated these things and worship according to the requirements > several times adding that these were not of your faith. The Government has no > His Majesty's words but his own, His objection. But it cannot overlook your > Majesty having only outlined the message public declarations of faith and it cannot > t o be delivered. give you an official status; present condi- > (Varql) "My dear Colonel, I don't tions are not favorable; perhaps in future > understand your motive in speaking as you it will be different." > have. The point at issue is neither the open (Varq6) "Again you speak of public > declaration of faith nor the desire for avowals of faith. Such avowals are for > recognition. My son has been imprisoned children and the ignorant; the Baha'is are > by His Majesty's order; I wrote His a serious people. His Eminence Shoghi > Majesty and stated the circumstances, sub- Rabbani has stated in a letter t o the > mitting that my son was imprisoned be- National Spiritual Assembly that 'both > cause he is a Baha'i and has married public avowals of faith and concealment of > according t o the teachings of his religion. faith are blameworthy.' So you can be > N o Bahi'i has acted or will act against the sure that Bahl'is neither declare nor con- > country's regulations and the Imperial will. ceal their religion. But consider that both > There has apparently been a misunderstand- the grandfather and the twelve-year-old > ing, for we have repeatedly submitted t o uncle of this boy-that is, my father and > His Majesty and the ministers in charge brother-were hacked t o pieces forty years > that Bah6'is are obliged by their faith t o ago in Nisiri'd-Din &ah's prison because > conform fully to Government regulations they refused to conceal their belief; obvi- > in all administrative matters; that is, when ously my son who is a fourth generation > the Government orders us to serve in the Bah6'i will likewise refuse t o do so." > army, pay taxes, work in the Government Rfihu'llPh M a w z h , a member of the > offices during stated hours or refrain from Naval Officers Division, was for similar > giving a daughter in marriage before the procedure in marrying according t o Bahl'i > age of fifteen, a Bahh'i is obliged by the doctrine and petitioning the authorities > dictates of his conscience and religion t o when his certificate was not registered, > obey. However, as regards spiritual matters called to the capital, degraded to the ranks, > such as acts of worship and marriage he ordered to serve two years in the army as > must obey the laws of his religion; in all a private and imprisoned pending payment > that relates to spiritual conduct, such as by him of 1,511 t6m6ns, the sum spent > prayer, fasting and the like, which matters by the Government for his education. > have indeed no concern with Government Although newly married and full of hope > regulations, a Bahl'i will give up his life for his future, this young man quietly and > rather than obey any outside authority. cheerfully accepted what had happened, > The case of my son's marriage is an ex- saying, "Though I am deprived of a rank > ample; he is a Bahi'i of the fourth genera- which to me was of no value, I have gained > tion, born and reared in this faith; he has precious things in the world of the spirit." > married according t o the laws of his religion His father, Mihdi-Quli MawzGn, stated in > and has also made out a marriage certificate a letter written t o the National Assembly, > in conformity with the laws of his country; "I request you t o send someone t o R 3 u - > to what bureau must he take this certificate '116h t o comfort him and t o tcll him from > to he registered? For you have only four me that he must stand firm." > bureaus for four religions, and this young Early in Masi'il, 92, the General Staff > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 103 > > summoned Dr. 'Abdu'l-Karim L h l n Ayidi, their permitting him to leave the religions > an army physician, and advised him that by column blank; his rank was restored and > His Majesty's order he must cross out the he was reinstated into his former position. > word "Bahi'i" written in the religions I t is thought that the Doctor's medical skill > column of his personnel papers, replace it and excellent character influenced the > with the word "Muslim" and endorse the authorities in his favor. > change; that failure to comply would result At this time a circular order was issued > in the loss of his rank and in imprisonment by the General Staff relative to Bahh'i > until he should reimburse the Government officers, as follows: "Because inspection of > for his education-this notwithstanding the the ten-year identification forms recencly > notice on the form in question that all turned in discloses that certain oficers have > answers should be in strict conformity with described their religion as Bahl'i, you are > truth and that anyone writing in a false informed by His Majesty's order that the > statement would he severely penalized. religion with which the Bahh'i community > Dr. Ayidi declared that he could leave the identifies itself has no official status, that > space blank but that it was impossible for the word 'Bahh'i' should on no account be > him to fill it in with the word "Muslim." permitted to appear in the identification > They warned him that refusal would mean forms, that no avowal of their faith should > Loss of rank, a heavy fine and imprisonment, be allowed and that the slightest expression > and urged him in his own interest to con- of faith by them should immediately be > ceal his faith and give up insisting on this suppressed and reported to the capital. > point; he answered, "If I do as you say, I Officers who in their identification forms or > shall have lied, and the Governinellt would elsewhere describe themselves as Bahh'is > then have no reason ever to trust me. must if they are conscripts be deprived of > Furthermore, you require army men to their rank and finish their term of service > swear on their conscience and religion to as privates, and if they belong to the regu- > serve the Government with loyalty and lar army they must after being deprived > never conceal the truth; how can you of their rank be imprisoned until they > attenlpt to do away with my religion and reimburse the Government for their educa- > as a result with my honor, and oblige me tion. His Majesty has especially decreed > to conceal the truth and also ro lie?" They that leaving the religions column blank in > repeated that he must cross out the word itself constitutes a sort of avowal of faith > "Bahl'i" and write "Muslim" in its place. and this too should not be accepted. > Dr. Ayidi answered, "I shall never do that, Officers may only fill in the blank with the > even if you put me to death." At this the name of one of the officially recognized > officials stripped off his insignia and im- religions. (Signed) Acting Chief of Staff, > prisoned him. Dr. Ayldi was a prisoner Darghimi." > about fifteen days, during which time he Following this order various officers in > s~uilinglyand firmly withstood all adverse the capital and provinces were called to > pressure. His mother, Munirih K_hAnum, account, some of these being imprisoned > expressed no sorrow at her son's imprison- and others discharged from the army. > ment, and prepared herself with entire faith Typical cases were as follows: > and serenity for whatever might come t o > pass, saying, "My father, the late H l j i Aq6y-i-Avirig6n was ordered to the > ~ l f i 6 n d (The 'Ali-Qabl-i-Akbar of Bah6- capital from his post in Kurdistin, and re- > 'u'llih's tablets), was time and again plied that his mission had not yet been > chained and imprisoned in the path of the completed; he was then advised by a tele- > Cause, and my husband the late Ibn-i- gram in cipher to inform the authorities > Abhar likewise suffered imprisonment and whether he was willing to change his listing > chains. What harm is there in my son's of himself as a BahPi in his identification > sharing chis bounty and following his father papers. AvIrigin wired in reply, "Since > and grandfather in the path of his Lord?" my conscience and duty as a soldier forbid > At last Dr. Ayldi's firmness resulted in departure from truth I cannot change the > record." O n his arrival in the capital he character, but two days following this they > was ordered to cross out the word "Bahi'i" were again ordered t o wear a private's > and endorse the paper. He answered that uniform. > he could only agree to leave the space blank. Mihdi L h i n Varqi, who had recently re- > As a result he was put under arrest but they ceived employment as a military dentist in > finally accepted his suggestion, and released the conscript army, upon joining the regi- > him. ment and reporting to his commander, had > S i y i v a b Safidvab, one of the earliest with the latter the following conversation: > Zoroastrian Bahi'is, reports that his son (Commander) "Are you a Muslim?" > Kayl&usraw who is a conscripted officer (Varqi) "No, I am a BahUi." > was summoned and told that it was officially (Commander) "His Imperial Majesty has > forbidden to write the word "Bahi'i" in the ordered that all officers must he Muslims, > religions column of the identification form, and that non-Muslims must change to the > and was ordered t o erase it and substitute religion of Islim in order to become > one of the recognized religions. They officers." > further asked for his answer in writing, (Varqi) "I have no desire to become an > whereupon he wrote the following: "In officer and I shall not change my religion." > compliance with the regulations heading (Commander) "Four of you people were > the ten-year identification form I truth- in the army; of these, three concealed their > fully stated my religion therein, and I pray religion; one refused, and he is still in > God to keep me firm in it to my last prison. Why should you make trouble for > breath; 'whatsoever He wills is best.' " As yourself ?" > a result he was arrested and deprived of his (Varqh) "I know, sir, that your inten- > rank, but eventually this was restored; he tions are good, but please don't give me any > was released and permitted to leave the such advice because it will have no effect on > religions column blank. me. If you wish to prosecute or imprison > '&if L h i n Lhidim, also a conscripted me, I am ready for it, and if I must serve > officer, was treated in the same way and as a common soldier, I am also ready." > for the same reason, but after several days (Commander) "Then I must refer your > of imprisonment he was freed, his rank was case to the General Staff for instructions." > restored and he was allowed to leave the At this juncture the Commander's sec- > religions column blank. retary began to offer his advice to the > Aqiy-i-Farz6nih took second place in the young man. Mihdi L h i n asked, "Would > Arsenal Department examinations held to you who are a Muslim be willing to declare > select students for study in Europe; since, yourself a Jew?" > however, he had registered as a Bahb'i and (Secretary) "Yes, because His Holiness > had refused the authorities' order to change the Prophet has enjoined concealment of > the record, he not only lost the opportunity faith in time of need." > of being sent to Europe but was arrested (Varqi) "In our faith, on the contrary, > and is still in prison. such concealment is forbidden." > Aqiy6n Ahmadi and Jalili, conscripted (Commander) "Do as you wish, but I > officers, were likewise ordered by their must refer your case to the General Staff." > superiors to cross out the word "Bahi'i" Again, 1st Lieutenant Malik-K&sruvi > from their registration papers and replace it who had served in the army thirteen years, > with "Muslim," this in spite of the fact five of these in action, had been for some > that only twenty-three days remained of time an ii~structorin the Military College > their term of military service; unmoved by and once had among others the Crown > threats, they refused to comply, agreeing Prince as a pupil, although relatively a new > only to Ieave the religions column blank. believer and except for his sister the only > They were then degraded to the ranks, member of his family to be a Bahh'i, regis- > which they accepted gladly; some three tered as a BahQi and when informed at the > days later their rank was restored and they College that be must cross this word out > were much praised for their strength of and substitute "Muslim" replied as in the > CURRENT BAHli'i ACTIVITIES 101 > > other cases described that hc could only is s principle of my faith. Purthennol-e, > leave the religions column blank. He was the identification form imposes the condi- > told that this was forbidden, and that he tion that unless the questions are answered > must register as a member of one of the truthfully the signatory will be court- > four recognized religions. He answered, martialed; it is likewise definitely stated in > "Since you oblige me to state my religion, the army regulations that a soldier must tell > write 'Bahl'i.' " In spite of their insistence, the truth and the whole truth." > he stood firm. When his papers were wb- (Chief) "It is better for you not to de- > mitted to the Chief of the General Staff the clare your faith." > latter summoned him and strongly advised (Lhusruvi) "I shall leave the column > him to change his decision, adding, "I am blank." > interested in you and do not wish you to (Chief) "You will he expelled." > get into trouble." At last the Chief de- (Lhusruvi) "So be it." > clared that he would take the matter to the (Chief) "They will deprive you of your > &6h. I t is reported that on hearing the rank." > case the &hh said quietly, "I never interfere (Lhusruvi) "Let them." > with anyone's religion, but since this Inan (Chief) "You may be imprisoned or > has not obeyed my commands, the pro- transferred to the ports where the climate > visions of the circular order apply to him; is bad." > however, do not imprison him unless he (K_husruvi) "It makes no difference." > refuses to reimburse the Government for (Chief) "I see that you don't want to > his education." As a result he was ex- serve in the army." > pelled from the army and required to (Khusruvi) "I am ready to serve so long > reimburse the Government for the cost of as the army wants me; otherwise, wherever > his education. Malik-&uaruvi is thus the I am I shall serve the Government." > first person in whose case the provisions of (Chief) "If they expel you from the > the circular order were f ~ ~ l applied. > ly The army, the other Government departments > following is a report of his conversation will refuse you admission." > with the Chief of the General Staff: (ghusruvi) "It doesn't matter. I can > (Chief) "I am interested in you and do work for business houses." > not wish you to suffer misfortune. Give (Chief) "Is suicide allowable in your > up this idea and don't declare your faith." religion?" > (Lhusruvi) "I have repeatedly submitted (K_husruvi) "No, it is discountenanced." > that I am making no declaration of faith (Chief) "Why then are you trying to die > and that I am ready to leave the religions by your own hand?" > column blank, but they do not accept this (K_husruvi) "This is not suicide; it is a > and compel me to state my religion." matter of conscience and faith." > (Chief) "According to Aq6y-i-'A11'i, (Chief) "Go and consult with your > the Bah6'is are much attached to frln." elders." > (Lhusruvi) "Bahl'is all over the world (Lhusruvi) "This has to do with a re- > have the same regard for fr6n that Muslims ligious command; it requires no consul- > have for Mecca, and they consider frin tation." > their point of adoration. I do not think a (Chief) "Go and think it ovcr." > Babi'i could be a traitor to his country. (K_husruvi) "I did not come here with- > I am happy to he expelled on account of out ha.iing thought it over." > my religion instead of on the pretext of (Chief) "Is it not true that every day in > embezzlement or some such crime." one way or another you tell some falsehood? > (Chief) "Well then, since you are so Consider this as one of those falsehoods. > much attached to fr6n it is well for you to For example, if your child begs you to buy > obey the %Ah's command and register as a him an automobile don't you agree to, > Muslim." although you never will?" > ( a u s r u v i ) "I cannot; my Master (Lhusruvi) "No sir, I never give a false > teaches me to speak the truth; truthfulness promise to my child; for in our faith lying, > 106 T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD > > and especially to children, is atric~ly for- Training School in Milu- 1308 with the > bidden." rank of 2nd Lieutenant and has in the past > (Chief) "What do you tell him then?" seven years of service given full proof of > (K_husruvi) "I occupy his mind with his trustworthiness, as the Personnel De- > something else." partment will testify. Since the recently- > (Chief) "This affair will lead t o your distributed ten-year identification forms > misfortune." stated that answers must be in full con- > ( Q u s r u v i ) "Not misfortune-happi- formity with truth I obeyed instructions > ness." and, being an adherent of the Bahh'i re- > The following incidents have been re- ligion, recorded this in the religions column. > ported from the provinces: The Spiritual I t is not possible for me t o dissimulate; I > Assembly of Ahv6z advises that Dr. Amin am a Bahi'i and have no other religion." > Ahmadzidih, Mul?ammad Naji', Sirr-i-Din Aminu'llih Sami'i was another of those > 'Ali'i and Majid-i-Samadi having registered who omitted t o fill in the religions column > as Bahi'is were informed that they must at in the identification forms; it was later dis- > all costs declare themselves Muslims; they covered that a secretary had filled in the > refused, and were given some days time t o space with the word "Muslim." H e made > alter their decision. I n S i r b z , officers a verbal protest and was about t o pursue > Himmat and Dr. Salmhnp6r registered as the matter but as this was not deemed > Bah6'is in spite of warnings and threats advisable, desisted. I t is reported that on > from their superiors, and stood firm. I n numerous occasions when Bahi'i officers > Zahidin likewise, Bahb'i officers were sub- have left the religions column blank, army > jected t o threats and prosecuted for the corps secretaries have later written in the > same reason. I n Tabriz, the following name of one of the four recognized re- > letter was received by a Bahi'i officer, 2nd ligions. > Lieutenant Muhammad B6hiri: "According Among the activities of the National > to order No. -, officers in filling out iden- Spiritual Assembly and its committees dur- > tification forms are obliged to name one of ing the year 92 were the sending out of two > the officially recognized faiths in the re- traveling teachers throughout f r l n ; the > ligions column, and since the religion of supplying of teachers to Bahh'i centers in > Bahb has according t o this order no official accord with the request of various Spiritual > status, you must, therefore, correct your Assemblies; the presentation of petitions t o > identificatio~~ papers; you are advised t o the authorities relative t o the restrictions > inform us of your decision and t o appear imposed on Bahh'is, and personal interviews > at Headquarters to see the order in question. with leading officials in the same connec- > (Signed) Acting Commander." Officer tion; the distribution of Bahi'i news to the > Blhiri wrote in reply: "It is respectfully believers; the dispatch of comprehensive > submitted relative t o order No. - that instructions t o all Local Assen~hliest o the > since mention of the Bahl'i religion is for- effect that as directed by the Guardian > bidden in the officers' identification form, Bahi'i marriages should be performed in > I request that a second form be sent me t o full conformity with Bahi'i doctrine and > fill in and I shall leave the religions column the marriage certificates presented for regis- > blank. It is obvious that since I am a tration at the registry-offices for non- > Bahi'i, declaring myself an adherent of Muslims, following which they should he > another religion would he untrue and I submitted t o the Government authorities > would consider such a declaration as dis- for registration, and that if refused regis- > loyal t o the army and my country." I n tration the Assemblies should address peti- > Bandar-'Abbis the text of the circular tion t o the authorities concerned. . . . > order from the General Staff was officially The translation of the Local Assembly By- > forwarded t o 1st Lieutenant Ja161 Asbsi and Laws and their careful comparison with the > he replied as follows: "With reference t o English original. The formation by the > order No. - it is respectfully submitted National Committee for Child Training of > that the undersigned completed the Officers' two classes for men and women teachers of > CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES 107 > > character training; the holding of lectures warded messages of condolence to their > on the Cause for Bahl'i students; corre- fellow-believers in America through the > spondence with BahL'i centers outside irln, American National Assembly. In a letter > and contact through the Unity of the East received by the National Spiritual Assembly > and West Committee with orientalists and some time after the passing of Amatu'l- > travelers; the collection of funds from all A'li, the Guardian writes: "This occur- > frin Bahl'is for purchases of places sacred rence has filled the hearts of the friends > to Bahi'is; the preparation by the Census with grief, and I am greatly saddened by > Committee of temporary identification the passing of that essence of severance and > papers for Bah6'is under twenty-one; con- that altar-fire of divine love. In faith and > stant written and verbal encouragement of assurance she surpassed all about her, and > the friends not to conceal their faith and for courage and strength she was far famed. > to study carefully the Guardian's in- The great institutions she founded shall re- > structions. main a peerless standard. In times to come > In the month of Abin, Dlwud Effendi Bahl'i men and women from America and > Tuwiq, Chairman of the National Spir- o ~ h e rlands following in the footsteps of > itual Assembly of 'Iriq, reached the capital that glory of wo~nanhood will hasten to > on a visit to the Baha'is of frln, attended the sacred country of frln, will with great > numerous meetings organized by the Serv- energy, spirituality and joy perpetuate her > ice and Feast Committees and greatly resplendent services, and will speak in praise > inspired the friends with a number of im- and commendation of her illustrious, un- > portant lectures. He then traveled to . . > ceasing work. . The value of these > Gilin, Mlzindarin, Firs and AGirbiyjin, blessed, holy souls is not recognized today, > returning to B a d d i d by way of Hamadin. but as time goes on the effect of their > During his journey he was attended by a worthy efforts and pure spirit will be made > group of Bahl'is from the capital, and the known. At this moment her triumphant > friends everywhere report that they were soul is dwelling in the all-highest paradise, > much rejoiced by his visit. communing with the denizens of the King- > First among the BahL'is who ascended to dom about the A l ~ l l i ~ h t Throne; > y she is > the Kingdom during the years 91 and 92 looking on her dear ones who were for > was the beloved Amatu'l-Kli, Dr. Susan I. many years her companions in that land, > Moody. Upon her departure on October and she is chanting the words, 'Would that > 23, 1934, the Tihrin Assembly wired the my people could know!' Let the friends be > Guardian and received the following tele- comforted in this bereavement, and praise > gram in reply: "Hearts in East and West her high and noble qualities in all private > are saddened by the passing of Amatu'l- and public gatherings, and 'let them who > A'1i; she who was chosen by our peerless act, act in this wise.'" > Master is numbered among the denizens of Ji116b-i-Fi$il-i-S_hirizi, one of the fore- > paradise in the Abh6 Kingdom. Her most of the early Bahi'i teachers and > illustrious and constant services forged and travelers, a scholar of the first rank and > fortified the bonds of spiritual union be- one who served the Cause by night and day, > tween East and West. All Baha'i centers ascended to the Abhl Kingdom in 'Izzat, > should hold fitting memorial services; 92. His body was with due ceremonies > Amin-Amin shall expend SO0 t-Jmins on interred in the new Gulastin-i-Jivid, and > my behalf t o build for her a tomb of unique two memorial meetings attended by men > beauty. (Signed) Shoghi." The National and women respectively were held at the > Spiritual Assembly of America was likewise Ha~iratu'l-Qnds. On the day of his pass- > cabled of Dr. Moody's passing; her body ing. the Assembly wired the Guardian, > was interred with fitting ceremonies in the "Fidil-i-&irizi ascended" and the Guard- > GulastBn-i-Jlvid (The Bahl'i cemetery of ian telegraphed in reply, "Deeply grieved at > Tihrin) and numerous memorial services the departure of the renowned beloved > were held in the capital and throughout the teacher; his services shall never be over- > country, while the frin Bahl'is also for- come by death. Assure his family of my > THE BAHA'i WORLD > attachment and loving prayers. (Signed) I n preparation for the elections of the > Shoghi." year 93, the present National Spiritual > Mirzi Taghi Lhbn ahi in-Ayin, one of Assembly has sent out a circular letter to > the early and much-afflicted teachers and all Bahi'i centers, requesting the friends > known as Qljir, ascended in the month of to elect their delegates and arrange for their > A&ar ( 1 9 3 1 ) and was interred with fit- journey to the capital, where the Conven- > ting ceremonies in the Bah6'i cemetery of tion for the year 93 will meet on the 6th > Tihran. of Ridvin. > > UNITED STATES A N D C A N A D A > BY NELLIE > S. FRENCH > "Lo, the Nightingale of Paradise singeth upon the twigs of the Tree of Eternity, with > holy and sweet melodies, proclaiming to the sincere ones the glad tidings of the nearness > of God-" > > L O O K I N G back over the vista of the Soviet Russia inflict any injury upon BahPi > past two years one is impressed with the lives and institutions, the extension of any > different notes and varying cadences which support that may be required to safeguard > are constantly being introduced in the the interests of the Cause at its most vital > great universal symphony of the "Unfold- and international center to ward off the > ment of the Divine Civilization" of Bahl- malicious attacks of enemies from both > 'u'116h. These years, so rich in experience, within and without-these are the out- > so poignant in the history of the life of standing issues which demand the sustained > mankind are at once a definite link in the and concentrated attention of every be- > working out of the divine plan and sep- liever.' . . . > arate and unexplored spiritual efforts! "Indeed, the successive steps which Shoghi > They cannot be visioned as a whole-each Etlendi has taken to train, to instruct and > variation of the glorious melody must be to discipline the Bahi'i Community are all > given its own share, its varying nuances paralleled by a swift continuance of that > emphasized, its overtones duly recognized, process of disintegration of human society > its growing harmony of theme and purpose which has become the more apparent as > properly evaluated. efforts to attain peace and stability have > In his annual report read by the secre- successively failed. Fourteen years ago the > tary of the National Spiritual Assembly Bahi'i Community was still as a child in > before the delegates assembled for the the household of civilization, apparently > Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention of the bearing no responsibility for the fate of that > Bahi'is held in Foundation Hall of the household, and therefore concerned only > Ma&riqu'l-A&khr in April, 1935, he says: with the joys and sorrows of the child's > "The spiritual character and controlling own growth, the dreams of its own future. > principle of the Bahi'i year now brought to Today, with the household in dire confusion > a close were established for us by Shoghi and distress, the youth born of the new age > Effendi in these words dated September 16, is called upon to prove his birthright and > 1934- demonstrate his capacity to achieve eternal > "'The situation in frin which is grow- . > peace, his elders having failed. . ." > ing from bad t o worse, the necessary meas- Thus it is that the outstanding major > ures which should be taken t o insure the events of the year mark a diversity of > uninterrupted completion of the clerestory achievement and growth never before > section of the Temple, the adoption of such chronicled in Bahi'i history, nor will new > measures as will stimulate the teaching paths fail successively to unroll themselves > campaign in America, the exercise of the before the wayfarer in this New Age of > utmost vigilance lest the authorities of unfolding mysteries, for the standardizing > CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 109 > > of those articles of the Faith contained in of their resources 2nd thr scorn of their > the unique document of the Will and enemies, they have carried triumphantly > Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and their in- the Banner of BahUu'116h and brought to a > troduction to new believers, bind together successful issue the first stage in the forma- > the fabric of Bahl'i Community life in the tive period of His Faith." > indissoluble bonds of the Covenant of God. Among the major events of the year > And accompanying the development of the also must be noted the passing of the ven- > spiritual structure of the Faith the progress erable, the beloved and revered Dr. Susan > of the ornamentation of the dome of the I. Moody in the field of her life work in > Ma&riqu21-A&klr, despite the serious Tihrin. Dr. Moody was one of the early > adversities of the financial world, moved on believers to embrace the opportunity of > toward completion; a miracle in stone, a strengthening the bond between the East > miracle in faith, a miracle in devotion and and the West by taking up her residence > an evidence of abiding love of the faithful in frln and giving her life to the service > followers of Bahi'u'llih. Though at this of humanity. The national secretary in > time the dome was not completed the mentioning the passing of Dr. Moody says: > friends were heartened and refreshed by the "Her life furnishes the Bahi'i world one > following cablegram which served as in- more example of heroism and consecration > spiration for the year of work ahead. This a later generation of believers may well > cablegram received after the close of the take to heart. How fruitful her life was! > Convention of 1934 was immediately com- What noble institutions she developed, > municated t o the friends. It read:- what a monument she reared in the lives > "American believers' inspired leadership of youth of I'rin! Even the enemies of the > steadily unfolding to Bahi'is world over Cause could not withhold their admiration > potentialities majestic edifice heralding and their recognition of her sincerity! Even > formative period Faith of Bah6'u'lllh. officialdom refrained from destructive meas- > Their unerring vision conceived its match- ures until her stalwart Bahi'i presence had > less design. 'Abdu'l-Bahi's own hands laid been removed from the scene!" > its cornerstone. Their dynamic faith reared > its structure. Their sustained self-sacrifice Teaching Activities > crowned it with immortal glory. May flame I n no previous year of which there is > their unconquerable enthusiasm continue record were there so many enrollments of > glowing in their hearts till its naked frame new believers as in this Bahi'i year. Both > is enveloped in its shining mantle." in the number of new members added to > What greater inspiration than this?- existing communities, and in number of > Then followed the instruction that as soon groups prepared for election of a Spiritual > as the clerestory of the Temple was com- Assembly for the first time, this period was > pleted no further contracts were to be made one of remarkable growth. Milwaukee, > for the next unit until the full amount of Chicago, New York and many of the other > the sum required was in hand. communities reported enrollments which > In a letter dated December first, 1934, surpassed all previous years. The teaching > these significant words appear: "Despite of the Cause, reinforced by the mysterious > the perils and uncertainties with which power of the Mas_hriqu'l-A&klr made more > their country is now beset, and in the face effective by the knowledge of the nature > of the financial reverses they have suffered of the Bahi'i community, received a vast > and the unfortunate controversies that have stimulus, inaugurating a movement for- > perplexed and agitated them they have ward surely destined to acquire greater > forged ahead and are fast approaching the emphasis with every successive year. > termination of the first stage in the orna- The annual report of the National Teach- > mentation of their consecrated Edifice. ing Committee comments with gratification > Undaunted by the magnitude of this on the extension of the Faith, and points > colossal enterprise, undismayed by the out with appreciation the fact that the > smallness of their numbers, the scantiness financial sacrifices made necessary by the > 110 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > devotion to the project of completing the efficiency in its ideal form. Much teaching > clerestory section of the Temple imposed has been carried on by correspondence and > serious limitations in the teaching field over four thousand letters written by the > workers, who met the situation with truly various members of the committee must > sacrificial devotion. The Teaching Com- surely some time hear fruit. > mittee report mentions the names of the Perhaps the most important phase of the > following friends who have participated in work of the teachers, whether of the > the work of teaching under the direction National Committee or in the Local Assem- > of the National Committee: blies, is the preparation of new believers for > Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Mrs. Ruth Brandt, memhership in the Bahb'i Community. > Mrs. Louise Caswell, Mr. Dale Cole, Mr. > Roland Estall, Mrs. Ida Finch, Mrs. Eliza- Prekarntion of N n u Believers for Member- > beth Greenleaf, Mr. Louis Gregory, Dr. ship in the BnhL'i Community > Walter B. Guy, Mr. Leroy Ioas, Mirzi 'Ali To prepare applicants for the right use > Kuli K_hin, Miss Alma Knoblock, Miss oi their membership in the Bahb'i Com- > Fanny Knoblock, Mrs. Laura Luther, Mrs. munity it was found necessary by the > Gertrude Matteson, M r s . May Maxwell, National Spiritual Assembly to clarify the > Mrs. Loulie Matthews, Mrs. Florence Mor- qualifications for membership according to > ton, Mrs. Ruth Moffett, Dr. Lenore Morris, the instructions received from the Guardian > Mme. Gita Orlova, Mr. Charles Mason and statements have appeared from time to > Remey, Mrs. Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Lorol time in the Bahd'i N e w s which are a valu- > Schopflocher, Mrs. A. Y. Seto, Mr. Mark able guide in determining this important > Tobey, Mr. N. Forsyth Ward, Mrs. Shahnaz step. The following constructive sugges- > Waite, and Mrs. Georgie Wiles. tions appeared in the News for March, > Under these able exponents of the Teach- 1935: > ings fifteen public teaching campaigns were 1. "As years of experience have shown, > conducted, while 39 public meetings were intellectual acceptance of the formal stand- > held regularly for teaching purposes; 34 ards of the Bahi'i Faith alone is not > study classes were inaugurated for new in- sufficient. A true heliever will, in addition, > quirers and 37 classes organized for deepen- endeavor whole-heartedly to abide by the > ing the knowledge of the Faith among the results of BahVi consultation as maintained > friends themselves. A careful analysis of by the institutions of the Cause. A true > the work of the year has proven the most heliever, furthermore, will seek to coil- > productive method of teaching to he in the tribute to the unity of the entire com- > fireside groups in the homes, and great munity, and find his own development in > stress is laid upon this system, while the the growth of the Cause, and not attempt > National Teaching Committee strongly to make the community revolve around his > urges that more of the friends assume this own perconality, nor himself revolve around > responsibility and open their homes for the the human personality of any one heliever. > reading and study of the Word. The The capacity for spiritual association is not > annual report also presents for consideration an additional qualification for memhership > that very few of the Assemblies have em- -it is the real test of the believers' pro- > braced the opportunity to sponsor nearby foundest spiritual faith. All teachers re- > towns and cities and to become responsible sponsible for preparing applicants for > for introducing the Faith into new centers membership will do well to emphasize this > where no believers are registered. important and vital point, for the aim of > The work of the National Teaching Bahh'u'llih's Revelation is to establish one- > Committee over this period, and indeed ness of spirit and unity of action through- > over the succeeding year, of which an ac- out the world. > count will he made later, has been so 2. "An applicant who is enrolled as > wonderfully systematized and the entire voting member of a local Bahb'i com- > country so splendidly catalogued that one munity is thereby given association not > sees here a true demonstration of Bahi'i merely in that community alone, hut by > CURRENT B A HA'f ACTIVITIES 111 > > his enrollment becomes a Bahi'i world the wise and impersonal functioning of the > citizen-a member of the Bahi'i Common- institution, and profit also by contact with > wealth maintained by the central institu- other teachers. Later on, when local com- > tions of the Guardianship and the Universal munities are larger and their collective > House of Justice. If he travels, the en- undertakings more proficient, perhaps all > rolled believer is given credentials which applicants, before enrollment, will be able > will be recognized and honored by National to receive this final, supervised instruction. > and local Spiritual Assemblies without dis- At present, conditions vary so much among > tinction, whether in the East or the West. the communities that this suggestion must > How important, therefore, in the prepara- be developed in accordance with local cir- > tion of applicants for membership, that cumstances. I t would he well, however, > they be made conscious of this supreme for individual members of each local As- > privilege, this most vital responsibility sembly to feel a more positive responsibility > assumed by all who voluntarily seek the in following all local teaching activities, > shade of the Divine Tree, who would con- visiting each class or group as frequently > tribute to the World Order of Bahi'n'llAh! as possible, in order to have direct knowl- > This consideration is likewise a reminder to edge of this vital aspect of Assembly re- > all of the present believers, especially those sponsibility. By consultation it wonld then > who are members of local Assemblies, how he possible for the Assembly to assist each > essential it is to avoid merely local and per- group or class conducted by individual > sonal issues and situations which might teachers in planning their subjects so as to > conceal from an applicant the true uni- lead up to the central study class held by > versality of the Faith of God. the Assernbly itself. Success depends upon > 3. "The same consideration lilrewise gives the unity of the Assembly and the willing > due emphasis to the fact that no local cooperation of ail teachers, old and young, > Spiritual Assembly is to be regarded as an in striving to enlarge the Bahi'i community > independent, self-sufficient Bahl'i institu- year by year. > tion, but rather as one important link in I . "It has been realized by discerning > the series of institutions which constitute Bahl'is that one essential aspect of Bahi'i > the World Order of Babl'u'llBh. Local community life, the social aspect, has so far > Assemblies are dependent upon the National remained practically undeveloped. As local > Spiritual Assembly, as the National institu- communities become larger and more er- > tions are dependent upon the Guardian and perienced, their Assemblies will he able to > the Universal House of Justice. I t is be- arrange social meetings and gatherings to > cause of this organic dependence that the satisfy the innate human need of friendly > national By-Laws make enrollment condi- association, thus supplementing the Nine- > tional upon final approval by the National teen Day Feasts and the Anniversaries > Spiritual Assembly. which at present are the only recognized > 4. "In order to assure the entrance of Bahl'i gatherings. The larger local Assem- > each new believer into the BahCi com- blies might even now arrange occasional > mmity upon the soundest basis possible, it feasts, in addition to those in the Bahi'i > is recommended that local Assemblies, calendar, to provide occasions for informal > wherever conditions permit, provide a final association of believers and also to enable > step for the preparation of applicants already applicants to become acquainted with the > interested by home study classes or some local community. So far, such informal > teacher's individual instruction. This final gatherings have been arranged mostly by > step consists in the holding of a special individual believers in their own homes, > study class under the Assembly's own direct which tends to make the social aspect of > supervision and control, where the appli- the community too onesided and personal, > cants can be trained in the Administrative in distinction to the universality of the > principles and their knowledge of the formal Bahi'i meetings. The National > basic teachings carefully reviewed. By this Assembly regrets deeply that Bahl'is are > method, the new believers will experience still compelled to develop a social life either > CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 113 > > outside or on a basis of restricted intin~acy 3s well as a collection of stories from Bahl'i > within the Cause. But through social literature. > gatherings arranged by the local Spiritual An interesting development of the work > Assembly, the social life of Bahi'is will re- with children has been the exchange of > inforce and strengthen their spiritual and letters between various groups for through > ethical lives, and moreover such gatherings this means is born a greater consciousness > will not only bring the applicants and the of unity and oneness in the Faith and a > older believers together but also demon- greater encouragement toward study and > strate the vital fact that Bahi'u'llhh's Faith, research. > in the Guardian's own words, inculcates a > Bahd'i Yoath > standard which 'incline it to neither East > nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither This, the second year of the work of the > rich nor poor, neither white nor colored.' committee for Bahh'i Youth, marked cer- > 6 . "Last but by no means least in i n - tain definite accomplishments and deter- > portance is the fact that when new appli- mined certain definite aims and purposes in > cants are enrolled, not merely are they to the pursuit of its ideals. Since the incep- > be adjusted to the Bahi'i community, but tion of the Youth work in 1933 communi- > the older believers are also to adjust to the cation has been established with nineteen > new friends. This consideration, in fact, international groups represellting fifteen > must receive increasing attention as indica- nations, and with fifty-three local groups. > tions multiply that the era of more rapid These do not, however, represent adequately > growth has begun. Courtesy, true Bahh'i the Youth Groups of the world. > love and the spirit of cooperation are due During the year also the committee > every new Bahi'i, without the slightest issued their first Bulletin designed to reach > tincture of aloofness, separateness or, on and interest young people between the ages > the other hand, undue favoritism, from of fifteen and twenty-one years. By the > those who have longer shared the privilege time the third Bulletin was ready for circu- > of adherence to the Faith. lation the subscription list amounted to > "The National Spiritual Assembly offers three hundred names, showing a marked > these remarlts as suggestions deserving of increase in interest and a growing spirit of > thoughtful attention. In no sense are they cooperation among the various Assemblies. > put forth as rulings or commands, because These Bulletins contained valuable sugges- > formal legislation cannot be carried illto the tions and lists of publication* designed to > realm of the heart and the conscience. In increase the knowledge of the Faith and > essence this statement is an appeal, an provide information invaluable in the for- > urgent call for new and higher spiritual mztion of Youth Groups everywhere. Open > attitudes on the part of all the members letters addressed to young Bahi'is were > of the American Bahi'i Community." published in the BahBi News and the com- > munications from the Committee became a > Teaching and Training of Children valuable part of the regular issues of the > In the hands of a most able and devoted News. > committee study outlines i'or the teaching With the decision rendered by the > and training of children have been made National Spiritual Assembly that youth of > available and are widely used throughout sixteen to twenty-one years might declare > the Bahi'i World; however, these outlines their interest in the Faith and attend the > are susceptible of great expansion and Nineteen Day Feasts, it became a matter > should be more generally used as their value of paramount importance to educate the > is inestimable. Among the material in youth and prepare them for the time when > preparation is a collection of poems for the age of maturity being reached, they > groups of various ages on themes in keep- might declare their desire to become fully > ing with the Bahi'i Faith, a sclcction of qualified members of the voting com- > stories from the "Dawn Breakers," Bible munity. > stories which BahCi children should know International correspondence was increas- > 114 T H E BAHA'i WORLD > > ing, and with the Guardian's instruction to The following programs advanccd for thc > "create an international body of active season of 1935 will show the trend of the > young Bahl'i men and women" the com- work in hand: > mittee arose to accept the challenge and > have bent every effort in that direction. 1. Green Acre > Work for peace is always one of the main > Study Couvses > issues, and cooperation with the "Herald > of the South" established a link between 1. July 8-12. The Conduct of Bahl'i > the two continents which will become more Affairs. Leader to be announced later. > and more intimate as time goes on. 2. July 15-19, The Most Great Peace. > I t is with a sense of the greatest gratiii- Leader, Horace Holley. > cation that those believers who form the 3. July 22-26. Fundamental Bahi'i > older generation and even the pioneers in Teachings. Leader, Sahnaz Waite. > the Faith in America are now witnessing 4. July 29-August 2. The Practice of > the preparation of the hosts which are to the Bahi'i Life. Leader, Dorothy Baker. > follow in their footsteps and meet the chal- I. August S-9. Bahi'i Teachings 011 > lenge of a dying civilization with the truth Mysticism. Leader, Glenn Shook. > and power and love of the Faith of Bahi- 6 . August 12-16. Racial Similarities and > 'u'llih and His program for the New World Differences: The Scientific Evidence and the > Order. Bahi'i Teachings. Leader, Genevieve Coy. > 7. August 19-23. The Origins, Powers > Bnhri'i Sz~mmer Schools and Conditions of Man. Leader to be an- > Their Intkortance nounced later. > 8. August 26-30. Review of "The > "He (the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi) "Promise of All Ages" and "Security for a > hopes that through the earnest and sus- Failing World" with suggestions as to their > tained efforts of your committee these use in teaching. Leader, Stanwood Cobb. > annual gatherings will acquire increasing > importance in the eyes of the public, and Conferences > will constitute an effective medium for the > dissemination of the Teachings. He feels > that in your next summer meetings con- > July '-" Teaching Conference' > July 20, 21. Youth Conference' > tinued emphasis should be laid upon the August 17, Race > teaching of the Administration, especially > in its relation t o the outside world, so as to 2. Pacific Coast > impress the non-Bahi'i attendants at the (Geyserville) > school with the nature, character and world > July 14-27 > significance of the World Order of Bahi- > 'u'116h." (Frotn a letter from the Guardian Devotions: 9:00 A. M. daily. > through his secretary to the Central States Classes: 9:30 A. M. to 12:30 P. M. > Summer School, dated November 6, 1934.) daily. > No medium for teaching lies so near to Round Table Discussions: 2:30 P. M. > the heart of the Guardian as these Summer each Tuesday and Friday. > Schools. He watches with infinite hope and Children's Activities: Study Classes 9:30 > trust the preparation of their work, the A. M. daily. Supervised Recreation, 2:30 > contents of their programs, the number of P. M. daily. > attendants, the and effect of their Public Meetings: Fellowship Dinner > efforts. The National Assembly urges the with Geyserville Grange, 6:30 P. M., Thurs- > believers t o realize the importance of these day, July 18. Griffith Grove, Santa Rosa, > three Summer Schools, for these institutions 2:30 P. M., Sunday, July 21. Odd Fellows' > are to evolve into educational centers which Hall, 8:00 P. M., Wednesday, July 24. > eventually will have profound public in- Unity Feast: Annual Reunion of Bah6'is > fluence. and guests, 12 noon, Sunday, July 14. > C U R R E N T B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 111 > > Courses of Study: Rohd'i Avchi~ips > History of the Bahi'i Faith. > During this period the Archives Com- > Underlying Principles of Bahb'i Ad- > mittee was busy collecting, authenticating > ministration. > and translating the Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahi > The Administrative Order of the > hitherto kept by their recipients, who cher- > Bahb'i Faith. > ished them so dearly that they had not > Individual and Collective Relation- > become conscious of the vital importance > ships to the Bah6'i Faith. > of preserving them in the National > The Teaching and Influence of Isl6m. > Archives, and who parted with them only > Teaching Conference: 2 : 3 0 P. M., > after much earnest solicitation. Through > Saturday, July 20. > the preservation of these Tablets, those > bearing the signature of 'Abdu'l-Bahd only, > 3 . Central States > the authentic words of the Center of the > (Louhelen Ranch) Covenant of Bahi'u'llih will be made > Young People's Conference. available to all posterity and with the > Monday, June 24 through Thursday, utmost vigilance the committee strove to > June 27. Registration, Sunday, secure, to list and to file them. Among the > June 23. Tablets received was a group of twenty- > five originals, with translations, from > Study Courses 'Abdu'l-Bahi to Miss Sarah Farmer. Other > 1 , The Bahb'i Life. Leader, Dorothy materials received included a small collec- > Baker. tion of sacred relics which had belonged to > 2. Bah6'i Approach to World Problems. Dr. Moody, and a collection of notes, > Leader, Bishop Brown. correspondence, newspaper clippings and > 3 . The Guardian's Letters. (A forum to photographs which had belonged to Mrs. > be conducted by the Young People's Keith Ransom-Kehler which form an excel- > Council.) lent record of her work in various lands. > 4. What is the Bahi'i Movement? (In- > troductory course to be given by young Editing of Tablets of Xbdu'l-Bahd > people selected by the Council.) Collaborating with the Archives Com- > First General Summer Session. mittee those responsible for the editing of > Saturday, June 29 through Sunday, the unpublished Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 > July 7. Registration, Friday, June 28. were working diligently on the preparation > of the contents for Vol. IV of the Tablets > Study Courses -sorting, classifying, separating and mak- > 1. Conduct of Bah6'i Affairs. Leader, ing three copies of each Tablet of which > Horace Holley. there were up to that time three hundred > 2 . Security in a Failing World. Leader, and ninety-seven. These will constitute > Stanwood Cobb. Vol. IV and will be printed as soon as it is > 3. Divine Art of Living. Leader, Loulie possible to bring them out in suitable form. > A. Mathews. In the meantime they have been filed alpha- > hetically and returned to the Archives. > Public Meetings > Afternoon talks. Subject and speaker to Other Committees > be announced later. During this period the Committee for > Second General Summer Session. the preparation of material for the "BahP'i > Monday, August 19 through Saturday, World," Vol. VI, were working steadily t o > August 24. bring this volume more nearly to the high > standard which the Guardian constantly > Study Courses upholds. > Two courses will be presented. An- The Committee for the Transcription of > nouncement later. Braille for the Blind made the obiective of > 116 THE BAHA'I: WORLD > > thpir year's work the production of the grounds, the irinian section and the new? > "Book of iqh" and the hand-tooling of of the progress of the Faith in other lands, > various of the shorter Bahl'i writings for through these-and the subsequent change > that remarkable Swedish publisher, Mr. of title to the "Bahl'i Magazine"-this > Harald Thilander, through whose instru- intimate organ of the friends was about to > mentality it is hoped, some breeze from the merge itself into a vehicle to be known as > Divine Rosegarden may reach the hlind "The World Order Magazine" which should > readers of many cities in Europe. appeal to the intelligentsia, to the world at > The "Book of iqln" as well as "Bahl- large, to the minds and hearts of those true > 'u'116h and the New Era" and certain pam- seekers of unity for whom the "BahB'i > phlets are now in the circulating libraries Magazine" as such, might fail to have an > for the hlind which are connected with the appeal. Never again will there he so > public libraries in many of the large cities precious, so glorious, so intimate a record of > of this country. the beginnings of a Mighty Age! May its > The Contacts Committee, carried on pri- pages be preserved in imperishable glory! > marily to arouse interest in the Bahb'i > Faith, have done yeoman service in tact- Histovy of the Cause > fully and consistently seeking to contact > nationally known figures in the educational, A National History Committee delegated > sociological and literary fields, and the to collect and preserve for posterity the > response with which they have been met is early history of the Faith in America, to- > highly interesting. In their report the gether with all the circumstances relating > committee says: ". . . The responses have to the visit of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, has been > earnestly endeavoring to make an authentic > shown how general is the search for the > solution of the difficulties confronting record which only future generations will > humanity today. When it is pointed out be able fully to appreciate, when with the > that men such as Horace Bridges, Graham growth of human perceptions mankind will > Taylor, Howard Vincent O'Brien and have begun to understand its significance, > others of the same stamp have eagerly re- will know this is a "Day wherein the River > sponded, it is clearly apparent that 'the of Life streamed forth from the finger of > world is waiting."' I t is recorded that His Generosity and the Fountain of Revela- > some six hundred and more persons have tion and Unity became manifest through > been individually approached. His Manifestation, to all who are in His > earth and heaven!" > "The BahBi Magazine" Indexing and Cataloguing the BahBi > "The Bah6'i Magazine," so dear to the Literature > hearts of all who had watched its growth The difficulties encountered by this com- > from year to year and had found it a means mittee were due to the fact that the work > of inspiration, a faithful record of the early was new and the members entirely untu- > history of the Faith, and fund of informa- tored in its technique. I t is indeed the work > tion and a veritable mine of the jewels of of experts to undertake so important a com- > the wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahh, was approach- mission hut a survey of the believers in > ing the culmination of a long and useful many centers revealed the fact that there > career. Evolving through the "Bahl'i were those who could undertalre it and in- > News" which made its first appearance in deed some work had already been done, so > 1909, through the "Star of the West" con- that a good beginning has been made and > taining the record of that wonderful visit many valuable suggestions ~resented. > of 'Abdu'l-Bahl to this country, of His > public addresses, His Tablets and instruc- Legal Matters > tions, His prayers and exhortations, the > early photographs as He appeared on vari- The Legal Committee concerned itself > ous occasions, the dedication of the Temple with the Indenture conveying the valuable > West Englewood property, upon which the Distribution of Bahd'd Literature to > National Bahl'i headquarters are situated, as Public Libraries > well as the parcel of land in the grove where Every possible avenue of approach to the > 'Abdu'l-Bahb held His memorable Unity public has been employed, but through the > Feast in 1912, from Mr. Wilhelm to the means of the public libraries it is hoped to > Trustees for the National Spiritual Assem- acquaint interested readers with the litera- > bly. The Indenture also conveying to the ture of the Faith and to this end Local > Trustees for the National Spiritual Assem- Assemblies were urged to place the "Bahh'i > bly the former home of the late Maria P. World," Vol. IV, before the public in this > Wilson in Malden, Mass., which 'Abdu'l- way so that they might have a consecutive > Bahb blest by living there for some time in record of Bahi'i international progress. > 1912, and which had originally been be- Local Assemblies were also requested to > queathed to the Guardian, was transferred place copies of Dr. Cobb's "Security for a > by him t o the trusteeship of the National Failing World" and "The Promise of All > Assembly. Ages" of Cbristophil in public and univer- > The Indenture of the Bosch property in sity libraries, the Y. M. C. A. and the > Geyersville, California, was at this time in Y. W. C. A. A complete catalogue of the > its final stages and has since passed into the > Bahs'i books now on the shelves of the > hands of the Trustees also. public libraries throughout the country is in > Legal questions connected with the incor- the hands of this committee. > poration of several of the Local Spiritual > Assemblies were under consideration, as well > Publicity > as certain By-Law changes and interpre- > tations. Well organized and efficient methods of > A new form of bequests was in prepara- publicizing the news of the Faith and famil- > tion so that any legacy might appear in the iarizing the general public with the Teach- > proper legal form in the will of anyone ings and activities of the Bahi'is have > desiring to bequeath property to the Cause. opened the doors of many of the most im- > According to the Bahb'i Law it is incum- portant newspapers and magazines of the > bent upon every Bah6'i to make a will and country, the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkbr ever prov- > during this period bequests were left to the ing a most fertile and acceptable subject in > Cause by Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, Mrs. Mary every case. A complete file of all publicity > Harriman Rudd, Mme. Frida Stjerna and is kept and a record of each teacher is > Dr. Susan I. Moody. available far any city where the travelling > The symbol of the Greatest Name has teachers may be visiting for the purpose of > been protected by law under trade mark teaching the Faith. > registration made by the National Spiritual > Assembly through the U. S. Patent Office, Publishing > action having been taken to secure similar The brilliant work of the Publishing > protection in Canada. The National Spir- > Committee is evidenced by the continual > itual Assembly has now limited the use of > supply of new publications and the many > the symbol of the Greatest Name to books > valuable reprints which demand has made > and pamphlets containing the Words of > necessary. The books are now handled > Bahh'u'116h. The word "Bahi'i" was legally > through an eastern and a western agency as > protected some years ago. . . . well as through the librarian at the Temple. > Deeds transferring several parcels of land > This year witnessed as new publications- > in Haifa to the Palestine Branch of the Na- > tional Spiritual Assembly had been received "The Bahi'i World, Vol. V > from the Guardian, while several American "Index for Bahb'i News" prepared > believers have taken steps to transfer their under supervision of the N. S. A. > holdings of Mt. Carmel land to the Pal- "Bah6'i Teachings on Economics" > estine Branch of the National Spiritual As- "Mysticism and the Bah6'i Revelation" > sembly. by RGhi Afnbn > 118 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > "World Religion"-pamphlet by Sho- a most valuable study course of twenty > ghi Effendi lessons on Bahi'i Administration which sim- > "Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l Bahi" plifies and epitomizes many questions in > (pamphlet form) Administration thus minimizing the labor > "Bahi'i Teachings on Universal Peace" of the sincere student. > Catalogue in small convenient size > Race Amity > Reprints:- "The complexity of the racial situation > "Bahi'i Prayers" in America," says Mr. Louis Gregory in his > "Bah6'i Faith" (Publicity leaflet) report t o the National Spiritual Assembly > "Golden Age of the Cause of Bah6- at the Convention of 1931, "makes the > 'u'lS6h (pamphlet) work of building race amity one of delicacy > "America and the Most Great Peace" and difficulty that challenges constant effort > (pamphlet). and the best resources of minds and hearts. > Translations:- The status of the colored race the country > "World Economy of Bahb'u'llih" into over, with marked varieties of degree, is that > German and French of an under-privileged and minority group, > Other translations not as yet listed. whose attainments of rights, which theoret- > ically belong to all Americans, and whose > Titles added to the catalog this year but progress economically, socially, morally and > not published by the committee:- spiritually is very largely dependent upon > "Do'a: Call t o Prayer" by Ruth J. the attitude of their neighbors of the ma- > Moffett jority group." > "Security for a Failing World" by "That the general awakening of the > Stanwood Cobh world has favorably affected this problem, > "The Promise of All Ages" by Chris- that spiritual powers have play, that sub- > tophil. stantial progress has been made, nothing > short of morbid pessimism can deny. The > Review afzd Editorial resources of government, education, philan- > The functions of this committee as de- thropy, business and religion have unfolded > fined by the National Spiritual Assembly plans in the effort to hind the breaches > were: among peoples. Yet with rare exceptions, > T o determine whether the manuscript even the most active and sincere, unless > conformed t o Bahi'i teaching. aided by the Divine Revelation of Today, > T o determine whether the manuscript are veiled by the shadows of past and pres- > conformed to adequate standards of lit- ent. And even among the favored few tests > erary style and taste. are many and severe, making a constant de- > T o determine whether the manuscript mand for faith, fidelity, intelligence, broad- > met a real need in the Cause. mindedness, courage, love, patience, prayer- > fulness and Guidance." > A further and most important step, in The committee and the cause of Amity > view of the possibility of a vast quantity of met with a great loss in the passing of that > literature not fully conforming with the ardent advocate of this ideal, Mr. Hooper > requirements which may appear in the fu- Harris, whose profound Stnowledge of the > ture was, that the National Assembly in- Teachings, especially in their relation t o the > structed the committee that the notation Bible, made his services invaluable in this > that the work is approved by the Bahi'i and every other field. > Reviewing Committee is to be limited to Amity meetings were held in many of the > such works as have not only been approved, centers, and especially noteworthy was the > and confirmed by the National Assembly, Conference in Green Acre, while the pub- > but which are also published under Bahi'i licity accorded the work of the committee > auspices. by articles which appeared in the "Chicago > The Study Outline Committee compiled Defender," the "Pittsburgh Courier" and > CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES > > the "Amsterdam News," three great weekly the use of the Foundation Hall for meetings > journals of the colored race, were of im- and a committee in charge of the programs > mense importance, The report comments worked diligently to sustain the interest in > with appreciation on the devotion and serv- the public meetings which occurred as usual > ice of the Southern Bahh'is in particular. each Sunday at 3.30 P.M., and which were > attended largely by new people. Every > speaker is at his best when standing in this > The dominant note, the great undertak- holy place to proclaim the Message of this > ing of this year was the continuation of the Day of God, for the Temple is the heart of > work of ornamentatiol~on the dome of the the Faith on the western hemisphere-- > Temple and every pulse quickened as prog- ". . . Sanctified be the Lord of all man- > ress reports appeared from time to time and kind, at the mention of Whose name all the > photographs of the details of the work were atoms of the earth have been made to vi- > generously distributed among the friends. brate, and the Tongue of Grandeur hath > That this beautiful dome should have been been moved to disclose that which had been > able to grow and take form under existing wrapt in His knowledge and lay concealed > financial conditions which have swept the within the treasury of His might. He, > country is one of the miracles of this age. verily, through the potency of His name, > To enumerate the various phases of the the Mighty, the All-Powerful, the Most > work would only be to recall some of the High, is the ruler of all that is in the > anxieties which beset those whose responsi- heavens and all that is on earth." (Glean- > bility it was to bring the matter to a suc- ings of Balti'u'llhh, p. 16.) > cessful issue. I t is more timely then to Special meetings are frequently arranged > quote from the letter of the secretary of as was the case during the sojourn of Mme. > the Guardian which appeared at the end Gita Orlova whose brilliant teaching at- > of the report of the chairman, Mr. Allen tracted many people. The Feasts and all > McDaniel. The letter read: "In closing Baha'i Holy Days are celebrated in the > may I convey to you and to the American Temple, the Assemblies of Wilmette, Evan- > Community of the believers as well, the ston and Winnetka and Chicago alternating > Guardian's abiding appreciation and grati- in collaboration with the Temple program > tude for the striking manner in which the committee. Besides this, hundreds of peo- > American friends, under the leadership of ple visit the Temple and are informed of its > your Assembly, have each and all arisen to significance and of the Great Advent. Dur- > meet the emergency which the lack of suffi- ing the year of 1934 approximately 12,000 > cient funds had created in connection with visitors were conducted through the build- > the work of the Temple. This constitutes ing; of these some 1,130 represented the > indeed an added victory in the series of tri- membership of many organizations such as > umphs which the American believers have, clubs, etc. > ever since the ascension of the Master, been "Tear asunder in My Name, the veils that > winning in the fields of service to the Faith. have grievously blinded your vision, and, > Their collective, united and sustained labors through the power born of your belief in > in this connection are surely hound t o the unity of God, scatter the idols of vain > hasten the realization of the Master's prom- imitation. Enter then, the Holy Paradise > ises concerning the ultimate triumph of the of the good pleasure of the All-Merciful. > Cause throughout the American continent. Sanctify your souls from whatsoever is not > May this sublime vision disclosed by 'Ah- of God, and taste ye the sweetness of rest > du'l-Bahi intensify their zeal and stimulate within the pale of His vast and mighty > their ardour in bringing their sacred and Revelation, and beneath the shadow of His > mighty task to a speedy consummation." supreme and infallible authority. Suffer not > yourselves to be wrapt in the dense veils of > Services in the Temple > your selfish desires, inasmuch as I have per- > The work of the exterior ornamentation fected in every one of you My creation, so > of the Temple in no way interfered with that the excellence of My handiwork may > 120 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > be fully revealed unto men. I t follows APRIL 21, 1935-APRIL 21, 1936. > therefore, that every man bath been, and l-he keynote of [his epoch best be > will continue to be, able of himself t o ap- by reverting to a letter from the > preciate the Beauty of God, the Glorified. ~ ~ under date > ~ of J~~~~~~ > ~ d10, 1936, > i ~ ~ > Had he not been endowed with such a ,,L;,L -,,"A", > ""'-"'L*w'' > capacity, how could he be called to account > for hisfailure? If in the day when all the "Dearlv beloved co-worlrers: > peoples of the earth will be gathered to- > "This new stage in the gradual unfold- > gether, any man should, whilst standing in > ment of the Formative Period of our Faith > the presence of God, be asked: 'Wherefore > into which we have just entered-the phase > hast thou disbelieved in My Beauty and > of concentrated teaching activity, syn- > turned away from My Self?' and if such a > chronizes with a period of deepening gloom, > man should reply and say: 'Inasmuch as all > of universal impotence, of ever-increasing > men have erred and none hath been found > destitution and wide-spread disillusionment > willing to turn his face t o the Truth, I too, > in the fortunes of a declining age. This is > following their example, have grievously > truly providential and its significance and > failed t o recognize the Beauty of the > the opportunities it offers us should be fully > Eternal,' such a plea will, assuredly, be re- > apprehended and utilized. Now that the > jected. For the faith of no man can be > Administrative organs of a firmly estah- > conditioned by any one except himself. . . . lished Faith are vigorously and harmoni- > "The signs of God shine as manifest and > ously functioning, and now that the Symbol > resplendent as the sun amidst the works of > (i.e. the House of Worship) of its invinci- > His creatures. Whatsoever proceedeth from > ble might is lending unprecedented impetus > Him is apart and will always remain distin- > to its spread, an effort unexampled in its > guished, from the inventions of men. From scope and sustained vitality is urgently re- > the Source of His knowledge countless quired so that the moving spirit of its > Luminaries of learning and wisdom have > Founder may permeate and transform the > arisen, and out of the Paradise of His Pen > lives of the countless multitudes that hun- > the breath of the All-Merciful hath con- > ger for its teachings. That the beloved > tinually been wafted to the hearts and souls > friends in America, who have carried tri- > of men. Happy are they that have recog- umphantly the banner of His Cause through > nized this truth." (Gleanings of Bahl'u- the initial stages of its development, will > 'Ilih, p. 143 et seq.) in a still greater measure prove themselves > capable of meeting the challenge of the > Conclusion present hour, I, for one, can never doubt. > Of the evidences of their inexhaustible > "In conclusion the important announce- > vitality I am sufficiently and continually > ment is made that the Guardian has given > conscious. My fervent plea will not, I feel > the friends a wonderful blessing in the form > certain, remain unanswered. For them I > of new translations of excerpts from Tab- > shall continue t o pray from all my heart. > lets of Bahi'u'llih. Within the last few "(Signed) SHOGHI" > days three different manuscripts have been > received from Haifa, and with them a letter "The year that has come t o a close, while > stating that these are to be published with marked by vigorous and varied activity, has > the title "Gleanings from the Writings of been a period of spiritual incubation, of a > Bahi'u'lUh." I t would be presumptuous turning inward to the life of the soul, such > t o attempt to describe their power, tbeir as has not occurred, perhaps, since the > beauty, tbeir vitalizing spirit. Suffice it t o American Bahi'is entered the valley of > reinark that Shoghi Effendi, having renewed desolation at the loss of our Master, our > the Cause by instructing us in the ~rinciples inspiration, our guide, 'Abdu'l-Bahh. > of administrative order, now calls us t o a "Two conditions may be noted as chiefly > spiritual renewal in our knowledge of the responsible for this concentration of effort > creative Utterance of Bah6'u'116h." upon the establishment of a more conscious > CURRENT EAHli'i ACTIVITIES 121 > > and vital inner life-the Guardian's gift of Manifestation of God upon which all capac- > 'Gleanings from the Writings of Bahh'. ity and all effort depends. > u'llhh,' that inexhaustible draft of the Di- "Therefore, as we summarize the history > vine Elixir, and the increased perturbations of this Bah6'i year terminated by the > of a world whose 'foundations tremble and Twenty-Eighth Annual Convention, let us > whose wise men are confounded.' In reality not fail to bear in mind the fact that not > we should regard these not as two condi- by outward progress and achievement alone, > tions but as the two facets of the same but also by the establishment of purer > providential destiny which both destroys motives, deeper humility and new powers of > and creates. understanding, does the BahP'i community > "As long ago as November 24, 1924, fulfil its privilege as the 'nucleus and pat- > Shoghi Effendi wrote: 'We have but to turn tern' of the world order of Bahi'n'llhh." > our eyes t o the world without t o realize the " 0 ye discerning ones of the people: > fierceness and the magnitude of the forces "Verily, the Words of God which have > of darkness that are struggling with the descended from the heaven of the Will of > dawning light of the Abh6 Revelation. God are the source of unity and harmony > Nations, though exhausted and disillusioned, for the world. Close your eyes to racial > have seemingly begun to cherish anew the differences and welcome all with the light > spirit of revenge, of domination, and strife. of oneness. Be the cause of the comfort > Peoples, convulsed by economic upheavals, and the advancement of humanity. This > are slowly drifting into two great opeosing handful of dust, the world, is one home, let > camps with all their menace of social chaos, it be in unity." > class hatreds, and world-wide ruin. Races, Steadily and earnestly the work of unify- > alienated more than ever before, are filled ing the divergent races into the all-embrac- > with mistrust, humiliation and fear, and ing consciousness of the Faith of Bahl'u'llih > seem to prepare themselves for a fresh and has been moving forward. The varying na- > fateful encounter. Creeds and religions, tionalities, so long victims of the error of > caught in this whirlpool of conflict and pas- separateness, won by the sincerity of the > sion, appear to gaze with impotence and followers of Bahh'u'116h, have come at last, > despair at this spectacle of unceasing tur- or perhaps better, are coming at last t o > moil.' recognize that no ulterior motive, no un- > "What the Guardian, with clear and un- worthy ambition lies at the root of the > impeded view, could then so deeply discern, devotion t o this Cause of those whose lives > the nations themselves, for all the veils of are dedicated to these holy ideals. Public > spiritual darkness, interfering with and dis- meetings throughout the country, well > torting their vision, now begin to appreci- planned conferences, seasoned by the love > ate. I t is the note of conscious desperation of justice and understanding, are winning > sounding in society which this year has sur- this hard contested territory. N o longer is > rounded us with an altered environment, the emphasis placed on race amity, but on > one far more responsive to the ministration amity alone, the consciousness of racial dif- > of the Divine Physician, yet one which like- ferences having broken down in the "light > wise makes supreme challenge to the com- of oneness." > munity of Bahl'is. > "What wonder then that Shoghi Effendi The Teaching Field > has made teaching the very essence of our "The new hour has struck in the history > individual and collective Bah6'i life; what of our beloved Cause, calling for nation- > wonder that he has made the translation of wide systematic, sustained effort in the > Bah6'u'llhh's Tablets so important a part of teaching field enabling thereby these forces > his myriad services; what wonder that the t o be directed into such channels as shall > believers themselves, without relaxing their redound to the glory of our Faith and the > etforts in the performance of definite tasks, honor of its institmions." > have felt intensely the need for renewing "With this clarion call of Shoghi Effendi > and confirming their relationship t o the to higher services in the teaching field, the > 122 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Guardian set in motion a new wave of con- though the staff of teachers operating under > certed action by the American Baha'i Com- the direction of the National Teaching > munity. How miraculously the Will of Committee is all too limited, still in the > God functions through the sincere servants two year period covered by this survey the > may be realized by surveying the develop- number of Local Spiritual Assemblies has > ment of community activities within the increased from sixty to seventy-two with > Faith, with the trends of conduct and the several more in a preparatory stage of de- > increasing problems of humanity without velopment. > the Faith. The preparation of individuals for an > "After the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Assembly, besides the thorough grounding > when the Faith was filled with great en- in the simple but explicit articles of Faith as > thusiasm, but with the form under which expressed by the Guardian-the recogi~ition > its dynamic principles were to function un- of the Rib as the Herald, Bah6'u'llih as the > developed, the Guardian stressed the neces- Divine Messenger, 'Abdu'l-Bahi as the Cen- > sity of perfecting the Administrative Order, ter of the Covenant, the Guardianship im- > the Form through which the Holy Spirit posed by His Will and Testament on Shoghi > might descend u~lsulliedand unstained dur- Effendi, and the Administrative Order- > ing the Dispensation of Bahi'u'llih. . . . there are certain ordinances which a believer > "The next call t o community activity must understand and which are not only t o > was the call t o unified action in completing be accepted as obligatory, but which are to > the superstructure of the Temple and the he followed in conformity with the Laws > ornamentation of the dome-that 'flaming contained in the "Most Holy Booli," the > beacon of hope t o a distracted world.' "Kit6.b-i-Aqdas," under which the Com- > Now with the Form of the Faith firmly munity of the Most Great Name will func- > established, with the symbol of its glory tion in the near future. The Ordinance of > standing unique as a beacon to wandering Fasting is one of these, and its explana- > humanity, we are called t o arise as a unit in tion as set forth by the Guardian is as > carrying t o the human race the healing and follows: > quickening power of the Holy Spirit de- "As regards fasting, it constitutes, to- > scending into the world through the Faith gether with the obligatory prayers, the two > of Bah6'u'llih alone." pillars that sustain the revealed Law of > Throughout America it has become evi- God. They act as stimulants t o the soul, > dent that each and every follower of Bahi- strengthen, revive and purify it, and thus > 'u2116h is beginning to sense his individual insure its steady development. > responsibility and as this consciousness "The ordinance of fasting is, as is the > deepens the cry for teachers will he more case with these three prayers,'> a spiritual > adequately met and the spread of the new and vital obligation enjoined by Bahi'u'llih > consciousness will gain more and more impe- upon every believer who has attained the age > tus. The Guardian stresses the need of the of fifteen. I n the Aqdas He thus writes: > pioneer spirit such as actuated the disciples 'Me have commanded you to pray and fast > of Jesus and of those who, in the early his- from the beginning of maturity; this is > tory of the Faith, forsook all worldly entan- ordained by God, your Lord and the Lord > glements and followed in His footsteps. A of your forefathers. He has exempted from > canvass of the present situation reveals the this those who are weak from illness or age, > fact that there are ten states in the United as a bounty from His Presence, and H e is > States and three provinces in Canada where the Forgiving, the Generous.' And in an- > no believers exist. In several of the states other passage H e says: 'We have enjoined > and provinces the Cause is represented by upon you fasting during a brief period, and > either isolated believers, or by small groups at its close have designated for you Naw- > who have not reached the required propor- R ~ as z a feast. . . . The traveler, the ail- > tions to become a duly qualified Assembly. ing, those who are with child or giving > These conditions are being met with all the > )The three obligatory daily praycrr, any one of > ardor and all the power possible and al- which the believer is free t o choose. > C U R R E N T BAHA'I: ACTIVITIES 123 > suck, are not bound by the fast. .. . Ab- The Annual Souvenir of 'Abdu'l-BahB > stain from food and drink, from sunrise t o > Among the beloved and authentic tra- > sundown, and beware lest desire deprive > ditions which will ever be treasured and > you of this grace that is appointed in the > Book.' celebrated by the Bahi'i Community of > "Also in the 'Questions and Answers' Teaneck, New Jersey, assisted by all the > that form an appendix to the Aqdas, Bah6- adjacent Communities, is the Souvenir Feast > 'n'llih reveals the following: 'Verily, I say of 'Abdu'l-Bahi inaugurated by Him on the > that God has appointed a great station for twenty-ninth of June, 1912. I t is as if > fasting and prayer. But during good health He had said: "This do ye in remembrance > its benefit is evident, and when one is ill, it of Me," for in a Tablet to Mr. Roy Wilhelm > is not permissible t o fulfill them.' Con- 'Abdu'l-Bahh says: "Thy letter dated July > cerning the age of maturity, He reveals in 13, 1913, was received. Its contents indi- > the appendix of that same hook: 'The age of cated the firmness and steadfastness of the > maturity is in the fifteenth year; women believers of God and told of holding a > and men are alike in this respect.' divine meeting in your radiant, charming > "Regarding the vital character and im- country place. Praise be t o God that the > portance of the Divine ordinances and laws, day was spent in the utmost joy and hap- > and the necessity of complete obedience to piness. That Annual Memorial Meeting > them by the believers, we thus read in the will be the Souvenir of 'Abdu'l-Bahi espe- > Gleanings, p. 175: 'Know verily that the cially when it is passed with infinite delight > essence of justice and the source thereof are and gladness." And so from year t o year > both embodied in the ordinance prescribed this Peast marks one of the cherished events > by Him Who is the Manifestation of the in which several hundred people participate. > Self of God amongst men, if ye be of them A beautifully arranged program with music > that recognize this truth. He doth verily and discourses by various friends proves > incarnate the highest, the infallible standard indeed the source of joy and delight and > of justice unto all creation. Were His law proves also a successful method of advauc- > t o be such as to strike terror into the hearts ing the teachings. > of all that are in heaven and on earth, that During this year a notable increase is > law is naught but manifest justice. The apparent in the number of attendants at > fears and agitation which the revelation of the services, not only in the Mahriqu'l- > this law provoke in men's hearts should in- A a k i r , hut in the various centers where > deed be likened t o the cries of the sucliling meetings are held in public places particu- > babe weaned from his mother's milk, if ye larly for the purpose of attracting new > be of them that perceive . . .' people. During the notable visit of R6hi > "The fasting period, which lasts nineteen Effendi Afnin, that radiant expounder of > days starting as a rule from the second of the Faith, great numbers of people attended > March every year and ending on the twen- the meetings and many expressed the wish > tieth of the same month, involves complete to become members of the study classes > abstention from food and drink from sun- which are assiduously being carried on in > rise till sunset. I t is essentially a period of every locality. > meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuper- T o mcct the demand for infor-mation > ation, during which the believer must strive about the Faith a quantity of literature has > to make the necessary readjust~l~ents in his been prepared and is distributed t o all in- > inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate quirers. Among these pamphlets are those > the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its of Dr. Stanwood Cobb o n "Homoculture," > significance and purpose are, therefore, fun- Miss Marion Holley's "Most Great Peace," > damentally spiritual in character. Fasting the "Oneness of Mankind" by Hussein Ef- > is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence fendi Rabbini and the "Path t o God" by > from sclfish and carnal desires."-SHOGHI Mrs. Dorothy Baker. A beautifully illus- > EFFENDI, through his secretary, Haifa, Janu- trated pamphlet on the "Bahi'i House of > ary 10, 1936. Worship" with text by Dr. Genevieve Coy > 124 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > has a ~ t r s c ~ ei~luch > J comnlent and admira- administrative structure wan developed and > tion and is one of which the friends may be the thoughts and actions concentrated upon > justly proud. Temple construction, can we rise t o the full > height of spiritual development and service > "Termination of First Stage of Formative vouchsafed t o us in this era of teaching. > Period of Our Faith" The body of the Cause in America has been > created. I t is for us now to pray and strive > "Examining the year as a whole, the fol- that this body he filled with the light of > lowing events and trends seem t o possess true faith. > most decisive importance. "The character of the present era was In > "First, the publication of 'Gleanings fact disclosed clearly to us in the cablegram > From the Writings of Bah6'u3116h'; second, sent t o the National Spiritual Assembly for > the completion of the external decoration of the conference at the Temple in October: > the clerestory section of the dome unit; 'The forces which progressive revelation of > third, the formation of ten new Spiritual this mighty symbol of our Faith is fast re- > Assemblies, which took place near the end leasing in (the) heart of a sorely tried con- > of last year but could not be recognized and tinent no one of this generation can cor- > reported to the friends until after the 1935 rectly appraise. The new hour has struck > Convention; fourth, the intensification of in (the) history of our beloved Cause, call- > teaching activities and the increased clarity ing for nation-wide, systematic, sustained > and power with which the believers have effort in teaching field, enabling thereby > promulgated the Message; fifth, the visit these forces to be directed into such chan- > paid us by R6hi Effendi A f n i n ; and sixth, nels as shall redound to the glory of our > the National Meeting at the Bahi'i I-Iouse Faith and (the) honor of its institutions.' > of Wnrchip on October 26 and 27 which "Such words are as the turning of a fresh > commemorated the completion of anorher page. May we inscribe upon it the record > stage in Temple construction and inaugu- of inner and outer achievement brought > rated the beginning of general conferences into the realm of possibility and therefore > between the National Spiritual Assembly responsibility by the irresistible onward > and the representatives of local Assemblies. march of God's Cause! > "On August 3, in response t o a cable- "The ten new communities of believers > gram announcing the completion of the who have established Spiritual Assemblies, > clerestory section, the Guardian used these adding their force t o the development of > significant words: 'Gratefully rejoice clos- the new world order, have surely received > ing glorious chapter marlsing termination the prayers and good wishes of the friends > first stage (of) Formative Period of our as they assume their place in the Cause and > Faith. Appeal entire community henceforth take up the responsibilities which rest upon > concentrate its attention (and) resources all who enter the realm of sacrifice and > (upon) activities (in the) teaching field, unity. I n the letter of greeting sent them > ensuring thereby (the) means essential for by the National Spiritual Assembly last > completion remaining units. Praying con- May, they were reminded of these words > tinually success.' written by Shoghi Effendi in 1923: 'Though > "Thus were we madc conscious of the your number . . . be small and limited, yet > operation of the mysterious law of cycles, by virtue of that Celestial Power bequeathed > under which each successive period is given to every one of you by our departed Master, > its lesson to learn, its task to perform, cre- you are assured that ere long your small > ating thereby, like the succession of classes company shall expand and wield such power > in a school, an enlargement of capacity for and influence as no earthly power can ever > the harder tasks and the more important hope for or attain. Who can doubt that > lessons t o come. The opportunity offered H e is ever watching from His Station on > does not return; only co rhe degree that we high over His scattered fold and is guiding > have been faithful in acquiring the qualities and strengthening His faithful lovers who > characteristic of the prior period, when the toil and labor for the fulfilment of His > word and the realization of His purpose for atticudcs and ~nethods. While that visit, > mankind?' unhappily, could not extend west of Chi- > "The root of all spiritual teaching lies cago, nevertheless for many communities it > hidden in the soil of the quickened soul, brought inspiration and active, fruitful as- > nourished by study and devotion volun- sistance. His knowledge, his passionate de- > tarily attained by the individual himself, sire to promote the teachings, his heroic > and thus the success of any general teaching endurance in carrying out the continuous > plan depends entirely upon the extent to schedule of meetings-all this contributed > which we ourselves, as individual believers, greatly to the advancement made by the > have made intense prior effort to become Cause in America this year. > firmly rooted in the spiritual Kingdom. Ba- "The conference held in Temple Founda- > hi'i teaching is the fruit of faith and the tion Hall last October, which gave to so > measure of unity. The Cause is perfect and many believers an opportunity to consult > the world of humanity is starved for lack on the important subjects provided by the > of the bread of understanding and the wine agenda, will, it is hoped, be followed in the > of love. Therefore may we not for one future by similar general Bahb'i conferences > moment regard our existence in the Cause held not only in Foundation Hall hut also > as a kind of static membership which, once in other parts of the country. The recom- > attained, we hold passively for life, but mendation has been recorded in the Minutes > rather as a dynamic opportunity that must of the National Assembly for the considera- > he fulfilled by continuous advance from tion of the incoming Assembly, that it pre- > stage to stage without limit and without pare a schedule of its meetings throughout > end. the year in advance, which schedule is to > "As we were told in 'The Golden Age of provide if possible for similar conferences > the Cause of Bahl'u'llih': 'That the Cause with the friends on the Pacific Coast, on the > associated with the name of Bahi'u'llih Atlancic Coast, and perhaps also for those in > feeds itself upon those hidden springs of the South. Included in the recommenda- > celestial strength which no force of human tion is the thought that these regional con- > personality, whatever its glamor, can re- ferences should contain one or more large > place; that its reliance is solely upon that public meetings, like the Bah6'i Congress > mystic Source with which no worldly ad- held at each Annual Convention, so that > vantage, be it wealth, fame, or learning, can the consultation of the friends and the col- > compare; that it propagates itself by ways lective responsibility for teaching may be > mysterious and utterly at variance with the more closely linked together by the Na- > standards accepted by the generality of tional Spiritual Assembly. > . > mankind, will . . become increasingly ap- "It is interesting to note that this general > parent as it forges ahead towards fresh plan revives and extends a policy put for- > conquests in its struggle for the spiritual ward by the Assembly some ten years ago, > regeneration of mankind.' On the other when effort was made to hold a public > hand, this truth does not exclude unified meeting at the conclusion of each Assembly > effort nor well-conceived general plans; it meeting-an effort which the pressure of > does not confine teaching to the realm of work compelled the Assembly to forego > personal mysticism; rather does it revel1 the after a few months. We trust that the > necessity of imbuing our plans, whatever time has now come when the idea can be > they are from year to year, with spiritual developed with added energy and made a > reality and not relying upon formal and distinct aspect of BahL'i activity." > collective measures alone. > "It was most fortunate and opportune The Decisive Events of the Year > that the American visit of Rhhi Effendi > Afnhn came at the time when we were be- "Only time can determine the relative > ginning to realize that the Guardian's words importance of matters affecting the Cause, > on teaching involved our rise to a higher but the following specific happenings all > level and not merely a duplication of former have more than merely temporary value. > 126 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > "The publication of 'Gleanings from the and the notable services they have been > Writings of Bah6'u3116h.' privileged to render. Early in the BahCi > "The consolidation of Bahi'i control of year, Mrs. True and Mrs. Hoagg returned > land surrounding the Shrines on Mount from Europe and Mr. E. R. Mathews and > Carmel. Mrs. Loulie Mathews from their journey > "The completion of the entire dome unit through South America. The American > of the House of Worship. believers now teaching abroad are: Miss > "The transfer t o Trustees under an In- Martha L. Root, Miss Lenora Holsapple, > denture of the house at Malden, Mass., given Miss Agnes Alexander, Miss Marion Jack, > t o the Guardian under the Will and Testa- Mrs. Louise Gregory, Mrs. Clara Sharp, Miss > ment of the late Maria Wilson-the house Adelaide Sharp, Miss Julia Goldman, Mr. > at which the Master rested for some time Charles Bishop and Mrs. Helen Bishop, Mrs. > during His American visit. Anna Kunz, Miss Bertha Matthiesen, Miss > "The donation to the Cause by Mr. and Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Ruhangis Bolles, Miss > Mrs. John Bosch of the property at Geyser- Jeanne Bolles and Mr. Randolph Bolles, Jr., > ville, Calif., for use as a Bahb'i Summer Mrs. May Maxwell, Miss Mary Maxwell, > School. As this property is also held under Mrs. Inez Greeven, Mrs. India Haggerty, > an Indenture of Trust, it makes five sepa- Mr. Mark Tohey, Mr. George Spendlove, > rate legal bodies to be administered in Mrs. Isabelle Stebbins Dodge, Mr. Dudley > addition t o the function of the National Blakeley, Mrs. Elsa Russell Blakeley, Mrs. > Spiritual Assembly itself: Temple Trustees, Lorol Schopflocher, Mme. Gita Orlova. > Green Acre Trustees, Wilhelm Trustees, Thus the American Bahi'i community, > Trustees for the Wilson property at Malden, through such devoted adherents, continues > and Trustees under the Indenture effected to perform its high mission in the Bahi'i > by Mr. and Mrs. Bosch. world. > "The second visit made to America by "Early in the Bah6'i year, it was the priv- > Rhhi Effendi Afnin. ilege of the N. S. A. to meet the boat on > "The symbol of the Greatest Name has which Mr. and Mrs. Howard Carpenter > been legally protected for the Cause by returned from their visit to frin. > trade mark registration both in the United "The more vigorous and comprehensive > States and Canada. The word 'Babi'i' was plans carried out by Bahi'i youth, under > similarly protected in the United States which groups throughout America and in > some years ago, and Canadian protection of many other cnuntries held the first of a > i t has likewise been obtained. series of regional confhences, extended their > "The Encyclopaedia Britannica has re- services into the field of public teaching, > moved the article on 'Babiism' which for and, by the National Youth Committee, > years has conveyed a limited and in many inaugurated a new and improved Youth > ways inaccurate impression of the Cause and bulletin. > replaced it with a new article approved by "The publication of The BnhBi World, > the Reviewing Committee, and furthermore Vol. V, an immense undertaking, both with > has provided space for a brief article under respect to the gathering of its contents and > the heading 'Bahi'i.' These changes will the cost involved in its printing, with com- > appear in the next printing of the prcsent mensurate value as an impressive evidence > edition, and we have the assurance that in of the international scope of the BahCi > the next edition the subject of the Bahi'i community. > Faith will be more adequately treated than "The deepening in our collective realiza- > was possible in the restricted space available tion of the importance of the three Sum- > in the existing edition. T o Miss Edna True mer Schools as instruments destined t o exalt > we are indebted for the interest shown by rhe standards of our public teaching in all > the Editor in arranging for the two new local communities, and concentrate both > articles. facilities and experience for the establish- > "The increased number of American be- ment of future Bahi'i Universities. > lievers serving the Cause in foreign lands, "The publication of the first three new > CURRENT BAHli'i ACTIVITIES 127 > > teaching pamphlets in the series planned by "The possibility that Spiritual Assemblies > the Free Literature Committee, which when will be established this year in the new cities > completed will provide brief but interesting of Dayton, Ohio, Springfield, Mass., and > statements on essential aspects of the Faith, Rockford, Ill. > at a price so low that eventually hundreds "Bahd'i News, it should be remarked, > of thousands of copies may be distributed. has been the vehicle for so many general > "The completion of the important task statements and reports that there has not > assumed by the Committee on Editing been space for publishing a number of in- > Tablets several years ago, of preparing the teresting news items this year. The thought > unpublished Tablets of 'Abdu'L-Bah6 in the might be advanced that possibly in futute > National Archives for use in another vol- a distinction can be made between material > ume of Tablets. intended primarily for local Spiritual As- > "The preparation of the general letters semblies, and material directed t o all > written by the Guardian for publication in Bahb'is. The material intended for the > two volumes instead of the one volume Assemblies could be issued in the form of > issued originally in 1928. Under the new a monthly mimeographed bulletin, while > plan, the letters are to he divided into two the more general information could have > series, one with the present title of 'Baha'i priority in Bahd'i News. Such a method > Administration'; the other with the title would tend to develop Bnhd'i News along > 'The World Order of Bah6'u'llhh' and con- the lines indicated in the letter written by > taining those letters on that subject received the Guardian on April 10, 1921." > in more recent years. This general idea, it > may be remarked, was approved by the > Guardian in 1934, but the plan has been "A few general observations may be per- > deferred until the supply of the books on mitted, in order t o learn as much as possible > hand was exhausted. The next edition of from our collective experience during the > 'Bahi'i Administration' will contain several time since the last Convention. > early letters reported this year by the Ar- "First of all, let us note that the Guard- > chives Committee. The 'World Order' vol- ian's communications have in several in- > ume will contain the two 'World Order' stances been directed to the individual > letters, 'The Goal of a New World Order,' believer, emphasizing values in the Bah6'i > 'The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahb- life which only voluntary effort can create. > 'u'llah,' 'America and the Most Great Peace,' For example, his appeal f o r concentrated > 'The Dispensation of Bahi'u'llih,' and the effort on teaching goes to the very heart of > new letter already mentioned, on 'The Un- individual faith and devotion, and cannot > foldment of World Civilization.' This lat- be fulfilled by administrative effort alone. > ter book, as all believers recognize, traces His call for an abandonment of membership > not merely for the present Bah6'i com- in non-Bahh'i religious bodies is another ap- > munity but also for humanity itself the peal to the individual loyalty. In his defi- > golden thread of Divine destiny woven nition of the National Fund as 'bedrock on > through the fabric of human life in this which all other institutions must necessarily > crucial period. rest and be established,' Shoghi Effendi > "The inclusion of an illustrated article clearly enlarges the sphere of the individual > on the Temple and the Teachings in the believer's responsibility. His letter on > 'American Guide' series of volumes under prayer and fasting, above all, strikes the > preparation by writers in a Federal Depart- note of personal spirituality which must > ment, which will be duplicated in the vol- distinguish our own heart's relationship to > umes covering the State of Illinois. the Divine. > "The first effort t o compile information "Without this personal responsibility and > concerning each individual believer in the continuous individual effort t o advance in > United Statcs and Canada by means of the spiritual realms, administrative action > 'Historical Record' cards distributed a few would be fruitless and unavailing, a mere > months after the last Convention. exercise of defined authority and power > without result. Only in a common con counter in the Cause represents nothing el-e > secration to Bah6'u'llbh can the inner as than opportunity for further growth in the > well as outer ties between communities and Kingdom. T o withdraw from a situation > Assemblies become fulfilled in the unity for because it challenges our ego is a turning > which the Manifestation suffered all the away from the healing waters that well > days of His life on earth. from the Source of life and love." > "Regarding the National Fund, we have > the Guardian's expressed view that the de- "The Unfoldnsent of World CLvrlization" > mands upon it can be fully met by enlarg- "In conclusion, a few quotations from > ing constantly the number of confirmed the Guard~an'slatest letter, addressed to all > Bahh'is. H e does not advocate a retreat the friends. Its title, 'The Unfoldment of > into smaller efforts and diminishing powers, World Civilization,' suggests its marvelous > but raises the golden banner heralding a scope as an analysis of the death of the old > determined and unflagging advance along order and the birth of the new. > the entire line. H e has declared that none " 'The contrast between the accumu- > can estimate the reinforcement which the lating evidences of steady consolidation > Bahl'i community, and every active be- that accompany the rise of the Administra- > liever, will receive from on high when tive Order of the Faith of God, and the > devotion becomes motion of the spirit t o forces of disintegration which batter at the > share a God-given truth. fabric of a travailing society, is as clear as > "Now we must continually seek to en- it is arresting. Both within and without > large our conception and purify our view of the Bahi'i world the signs and tokens > the universal meaning of Bahh'i consulta- which, in a mysrerious manner, are herald- > tion, the principle underlying all our ing the birth of that World Order, the > activities and sustaining our collective life. establishment of which must signalize the > Consultation has been ordained not to en- Golden Age of the Cause of God, are grow- > able any individual or group t o bring ing and multiplying day by day. . . . > pressure to bear upon others for the sake of " 'This New World Order, whose promise > attaining some predetermined aim. Consul- is enshrined in the Revelation of Bah6- > tation surely means that personal and group 'u'llbh, whose fundamental principles have > suggestions are advanced for the sake of been enunciated in the writings of the > contributing to the general community or Center of His Covenant, involves no less > Assembly discussion, and in a spirit severed than the complete unification of the entire > from grief or dissatisfaction whatever the human race. . . . N o machinery falling > final decision may be. Furthermore, the short of the standard inculcated by the > law of consultation means that no matter Bahi'i Revelation, and at variance with the > how di6cult the problem or tangled the sublime pattern ordained in His teachings, > situation which arises, all the believers con- which the collective efforts of mankind may > cerned with it will continue their mutual yet devise can ever hope to achieve any- > contact and maintain effort t o solve it until thing above or beyond that "Lesser Peace" > the problem has actually been removed. to which the Author of our Faith has Him- > Those who remain absent from Nineteen self alluded in His writings. . . . The > Day meetings and other %enera1 Bahl'i Mort Great Peace on the other hand, as > gatherings lose the flow of life through the conceived by B a h i ' u ' l l i h a peace that > Bahi'i body, and after a time must neces- must inevitably follow as the practical con- > sarily become unduly individualistic or sequence of the spiritualization of the world > reflect the influence of the non-Bahl'i en- and the fusion of all its races, creeds, classes > vironment. The creation of unity brings and nations-can rest on no other basis, > sacrifice and suffering t o every believer and can he preserved through no other > without exception. We can pay this price agency, except the divinely appointed ordi- > with gratitude and cheerfulness rather than nanccs that are implicit in the World Order > reluctance if we realize that every experi- that stands associated with His holy name.' > ence of unhappiness or confusion we en- " 'The Revelation of Bahi'u'llih, whose > Recent Views of the Castle of Mbh-K6 where the Bib was confined. > 130 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > supremc mission is none other but thc suffering would sccm t o bc indispensable. > achievement of this organic and spiritual Resplendent as has been the Age that has > unity of the whole body of nations, should, witnessed the inception of the Mission with > if we be faithful t o its implications, be which Bahi'u'llih has been entrusted, the > regarded as signalizing through its advent interval which must elapse ere that Age > t h e coming of age of t h e entiye h u m a n race. yields its choicest fruit must, it is be- > I t should be viewed not merely as yet comingly increasingly apparent, be over- > another spiritual revival in the ever-chang- shadowed by such moral and social gloom > ing fortunes of mankind, not only as a as can alone prepare an unrepentant > further stage in a chain of progressive humanity for the prize she is destined to > Revelations, nor even as the culmination of inherit. . . . Deep as is the gloom that > one of a series of recurrent prophetic cycles, already encircles the world, the afflictive > but rather as marking the last and highest ordeals which that world is t o suffer are > stage in the stupendous evolution of man's still in preparation, nor can their black- > collective life on this planet. The emerg- ness be as yet imagined. We stand > ence of a world community, the conscious- on the threshold of an age whose con- > ness of world citizenship, the founding of vulsions proclaim alike the death-pangs of > a world civilization and culture-all of the old order and the birth-pangs of the > which must synchronize with the initial new.' > stages in the unfoldment of the Golden "Such is the tremendous vista revealed > Age of the Baha'i era-should, by their to us by the Guardian's power to open the > very nature, be regarded, as far as this door upon the movements of destiny! > planetary life is concerned, as the further- Nothing that is merely human nature can > most limits in the organization of human possibly sustain the shock of the collapse > society, though man, as an individual, will, as the pillars of the false temple are thrown > nay must indeed as a result of such a con- from their foundations by an Almighty > summation, continue indefinitely t o pro- power. Only the Cause of God can en- > gress and develop.' d u r e t h e Cause that moves forward by > " 'For the revelation of so great a favor the sincerity of its believers and their whole- > a period of intense turmoil and widespread souled unity in a Divine Faith." > > GENEVA SCANS T H E EUROPEAN COMMUNITY > m BY HELENBISHOP > HE International Bahh'i Bureau in Not in any way is the Bureau staff to > Geneva is a secretariat constituted to serve be confused with elected administrative > the eight hundred centers of the Bahi'i bodies. Its function is essentially an inter- > World Community, and to be a bureau of mediary one to such elected bodies, as well > information on the Cause. as to other centers and even individuals. > The Bureau exercises no authority what- Our Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, has sum- > soever; neither is it subject to the jurisdic- marized: > tion of any local or National Assembly. "Geneva is auxiliary to the Center in > Although our local teaching activity aims Haifa. I t does not assume the place of > at the eventual formation of a Local Spir- Haifa, but is auxiliary. I t exercises no > itual Assembly, the Bureau's sphere is inter- international authority; it does not try to > national and its function cannot be im- impose, but helps and acts as intermediary > paired. between Haifa and other Baha'i centers. > The prerogative of the Bureau and its I t is international because it links the differ- > obligation t o Assemblies is that same Law ent countries; it is like a distributing > of Consultation, which Baha'u'llih has center." (Bahd'i W o r l d , Vol. IV, p. 261.) > legislated t o harmonize affairs, and to solve A life-sketch of this Bah6'i institution is > the human problems arising through the available in the Bahd'i W o r l d , Vol. IV. > interaction of the individual and the group. More recent happenings include the arrival > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 131 > > of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bishop in April own use are translaced i n d ~ p c n d e n t l ~but > ; > of 1934. They came t o work under the translations for publication are made in > direction of Mrs. Emogene Hoagg, there to collaboration with Assemblies, more par- > reinforce the efforts of Miss Lentz and Mrs. ticularly of late with the National Spiritual > Lynch, two members of staff who had car- Assembly of the Bahi'is of Germany and > ried the Bureau routine for years. The Austria. > former is German by birth, the latter (e) The publication of a news Bulletin, > Russian; both are versed in languages. heretofore occasional, in French, German, > I n July of 1934, Mrs. Hoagg, under and English, to the number of five hundred > medical orders and with the permission of copies. > Shoghi Effendi, withdrew from the Bureau ( f ) A world correspondence in various > on extended leave of absence. This rest languages including Esperanto, supplying > she has strenuously earned by years of information or dealing with matters per- > pioneer work for the Cause in Italy and taining t o the Bahi'i Faith. This is more > Geneva. intimately directed to isolated Bahi'is and > Foremost among the Bureau's champions Assemblies of the continent, who are press- > is Miss Julia Culver, now in California. ing for a firmer grasp of the Principles > These many years Miss Culver has assumed supporting the Administrative Order of > the quiet task of financing a diminutive Bahi'i Faith. > institution in Geneva, reputedly one of the (g) The distribution of free literature > high-priced capitals of the world. The to callers, or in response to letters of re- > only other regular subscriber is Shoghi quest; besides, the sale and distribution of > Effendi, who sends nine pounds sterling all Bahi'i books when ordered. The main- > every month t o keep us on the credit side tenance of a free reading and lending > of the ledger. Library, opened daily for morning and > Inasmuch as the Bahi'i traveler invari- afternoon hours, is a prime feature of the > ably greets us, "After all, what goes on in Bureau. Incidentally, the enlargement of > the Bureau?", decorum allows that we make our Library depends upon the continuous > reply and state what the Bureau's mecha- donations made by the Bureau's friends, > nism of service entails. and the Assemblies of the Orient and > ( a ) A modest charity, sometimes mate- Occident. > rial, but habitually the patient interview (h) The entertainment of visiting > and encouragement of that inevitable drift Bah6'is nr their acquaintances, who bring > of wanderers and maladjusted personalities, cards of introduction. The weekly tea and > who are drawn into any religious strong- social hour, sometimes with music, is the > hold that keeps an open door on a public most conspicuous of Bureau pleasures,- > Street. and, more seriously, the prolific field of > (b) Attendance at the public sessions of Bahi'is-to-be: ". . . for association is the > the League of Nations, and cooperation cause of unity; and unity is the source of > with international societies which are not order in the world." (Bahi'u'llih) > committed to party politics. The Bureau (i) The conduct of a weekly evening > is absolutely non-partisan, and free from meeting for the public, wherein the Teach- > political entanglements actual or conver- ings are presented in accordance with a > sational. program, published and issued to indi- > ( c ) The persistent effort to contact in- viduals and societies. This direct BahB'i > ternational workers, and all lesser person- method is varied by an occasional guest > alities, who can be led from the universal speaker on some universal perspective of > social Principles revealed by Bahi'u'lllh t o today's work. > the recognition of His divine Manifestation. Since the Ridvin Season 1934, which is > (d) Translations of the Teachings and the time limit fixed for the commencement > other required materials into Esperanto, of this survey, visiturs and guest speakers, > Spanish, Italian, Russian, French, German, who have contributed t o the meetings, in- > ind English. Materials for the Bureau's clude: Professor Pitman Potter, instructor > in in~ernational law and mcmber of a made excellent contacts during two seasons > Juridical Commission under the League of of the northern cruise. I n Copenhagen, > Nations; Miss Emily Balch, International Miss Johanna Sorenson keeps alive the in- > Secretary of the Women's International terest stimulated by these traveling teachers. > League for Peace and Freedom; Madame His Majesty, King Haakon, granted Miss > Dreyfus-Barney, member of the Intellectual Root an audience at the Royal Palace in > Cooperation Commission of the League of Oslo on May 9th, 1931. Previously, His > Nations; Dr. Kenneth Saunders of Colum- Majesty, the King of Denmark, had ac- > bia University, author of The Ideals of cepted Bah6'i literature presented hy Mrs. > E~lstand West; Swami Yatiswarananda of Louise Erickson. She was granted an > the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Order; Mrs. audience by Crown Prince Adolph of > Lorne Matteson; Dr. and Madame Fozdar Sweden. Among celebrities, Dr. Sven > of Bombay; the late Mr. Chatterjee, head Hedin, noted for explorations and Chinese > of the Information Office of the League of archaeology, encountered another Bahh'i > Nations; Mr. Mountfort Mills; several and accepted literature. A Swedish com- > leaders in the Esperanto Movement; Bahl'is poser, Count Wachmeister, is an ardent > from fr6n. friend t o the Cause and attends meetings > However, Miss Julia Goldman has been in Paris. That Bahb'i soul, brave "Man of > the traveling Bahi'i teacher most fre- the Trees," Richard St. Barbe Baker, did > quently associated with Mrs. Bishop in the good work in Scandinavia in January, 1931. > conduct of this teaching work. I n April Activity is always propitious, but the > of 1934, later in September through March arrival of Mrs. Louise Erickson in Scandi- > of 193 1, in September of 193 1, Miss Gold- navia in February, 1931, is particularly so. > inan was in Geneva cultivating the field of The Master designated her to lift the spade > contacts. The orhit of Miss Goldinan's of broken earth in the name of Scandinavia, > activity extends t o Florence, Paris, Brussels, when H e dedicated the Universal House of > in collaboration with the Princess Anssenac- Worship at Wilmette, Illinois, in 1912. > de-Broglie; England, Copenhagen, Stocb- She and Miss Root are now teaching in > holm, and some of the Bahl'i centers in Finland, where indications are promising > Germany, in collaboratiou with Mrs. Jeanne because observers agree that its folk are > Bolles. characterized by a high seriousness and an > The archetype of traveling teachers is Oriental strain of religious insight. > Miss Martha L. Root. After the publica- During the summer montbs of 1931, > tion of the modern Greek version of Miss Root was acclaimed in Iceland. She > Bahi'u'lldh and the New Era [Athens, wrote that a friend at Reykjavik, won by > May 19341, she passed through the Balkan Mrs. Thomas Collins with a booklet, he- > cities t o Vienna, where the Assembly came the open door through which all > arranged meetings for her. She and Miss subsequent reception was offered: inter- > Lydia Zamenhof presented the Bahi'i Faith views, lectures, radio broadcasting, pnb- > a t the International Esperanto Congress licity. Thereby is a tale lively and gratify- > held in Stockholm, August 4th to the l l t h , ing, recent data towards the precept that > 1934. I n Oslo, Norway, Miss Root . > a Bahi'i may not neglect t o ". . make > assisted Miss Johanna Schubarth in the wide mention of Me on M y elrth"; for only the > distribution of the latter's translation of "Essayer of Entities" can determine afore- > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era, published in time the seeker's perception or the indi- > April, 193 I. Now she is translating the vidual's share in this universal Cause. > Kitdb-i-fqdu into Norwegian. Holland is waiting for Miss Root's visit. > Throughout this period publicity was There she will he equipped with the Dutch > activated in Denmark, Sweden and Norway translations of Bahd'u'lldh and fhe N e q Era > some leading newspapers, which re- and the Hidden Words. The latter is the > z w e d the aims and Principles of chi excellent work of Captain Leyden, his first > Cause. Among the fine interviews were translation of a Text from Bahi'n'llih. > those accorded t o Mrs. Stuart French, who Both publications are gifts made during this > CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 133 > > period by Mr. and Mrs. Max Greeven of and able translators, former Theosophists, > Bremen, supplemented by a donation from and an Esperanto leader, are working to- > Shoghi Egendi. gether with less talented folk. Interesting > T o proceed with this enumeration of meetings are arranged t o draw from a > outposts: in Brussels, Belgium, a first-rate sympathetic circle double the size of the > teacher, Mrs. May Maxwell, is active with Community. Now, the Spiritual Assembly > Miss Mary Maxwell. N o doubt, they w ~ l l of Sofia is reaching out to further the teach- > rally a group and hold regular meetings, for ing work in Varna, Dubnitza, Plovdiv, and > such is their record elsewhere. Starazagora. > Esthonia bas its family of BahB'is, first Miss Jack describes the Bulgarians as > led to the Cause by the Nova Tago. I n open-minded and of religious temperament. > Praha, Czechoslovakia, a Bahi'i cooperates Poised mid-way between Occident and > with Esperantists, and brings peace move- Orient, they are singularly free from in- > ments sotne cognizance of the Bahh'i Faith. sular, cultural prejudices. This acceptance > I n Budapest, there are those who cherish of the Prophetic Message recalls the genuine > the remembrance of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi's pres- religious passion with which they received > ence there. Nor is Bahh'u'llah left without Cyril and Methodius, the Christian Apostles > a witness in Albania, for Mr. Refo Chapary sent out from Constantinople. In the ninth > translates and teaches in Gjinokaster. century, by the conversion of the sovereign, > Meanwhile, the Delegate from Albania t o Khin Boris, the people embraced Ortho- > the League of Nations, M. Kurti, stands for doxy; and Bulgaria became an independent > the ennobling spiritual and humanitarian Church. frinian religion has been known > Principles represented by the Bahh'i Move- there before, hut it was a sophisticate and > ment. decadent form of it with which Bulgaria > Other centers in the Balkans require only grappled from the tenth through the > the presence of a moving Bahi'i spirit to twelfth centuries (i.e. Manichaeism, "The > guide interest to the height of consecration. Bogomil Heresy"). Martyrdoms, too. The > Mrs. Louise Gregory has been working in poetic temperament ever seeks the romance > Belgrade courageously; and, at this writing, of religion. Conflicts are the index of alive- > her return is immediate. Before her de- ness. > parture at the end of April in 1931, new If, through the informing Principles of > Bahh'is were declared; and a study class of the Baha'i Administrative Order, and the > six Russian students was formed. discipline of membership in World Com- > Madame Draga Ilif became a BahB'i munity, a profound, religious subjectivity > when she translated Bahi'u'lldh and the be converted into Unity-then Bulgaria > Nezu Era into Serbian. A manuscript trans- may find a sublime destiny in the Common- > latiol; of Sonzc Answered Questions into wealth of the Nations. > Croatian was made at the Bureau in Geneva, In Italy, Bahi'is are t o be found in Rome > and sent to Belgrade for circulation. The and Florence. In Rapallo, at New Year > outlook is more than hopeful: Mrs. Gregory 1931, the BahB'i Faith was introduced by > finds the Jugoslavs to he ". . . the most two talks given at the villa of an American > responsive I have found in any of the coun- singer, Mrs. Ephra Townley. Brigadier > tries of Europe." General MacGeorge, who was in command > A t a still more concrete stage is the status of troops in f r i n during the World War, > quo in Bulgaria. Miss Marion Jack, know- was glad to hear of a Cause which fostered > ing only French and English, hut en- understanding and unity between East and > dowed by the Master with a winning spirit West. > and a patience that subdues oppositions, has Mr. Ezra Pound admires 'Ahdu'l-Bah6,- > succeeded in the formation of a Spiritual and met Him in London. A compelling > Assembly, the first in the Balkans, elected poet, Mr. Pound has abandoned poetry to > in Sofia in July, 1934 by a Community of cry out for "Social Credit," and applaud > thirty or more. Movements to spiritualize man's material > In that Community men of professions life. > T H E B A H A 'i WORLD > > A t the International Esperanto Congress. cooperation with London. T o that end, a > which traveled through the Italian cities northern representative was selected from > during the week of August 3 , 1935, Miss Manchester, one of the oldest and strongest > Lidja Zamenhof presented the Bahi'i centers, much visited by the late Dr. Essle- > Teachings. mont, the Americans and the Persians. Its > I n Genoa, there is published in Italian earliest Bahb'i, Mr. E. T. Hall, completes > a brilliant monthly review, which gives a this year his first quarter-century in teach- > world perspective on cultural, social, and ing the Cause. > spiritual achievements. Exchange of litera- Meanwhile, in London, Mrs. Basil Hall's > ture from the Bureau, and a somewhat Drama oJ Ihe Kingdom and the challenging > detailed correspondence with its Editor, Promise of All Ages have been published. > Professor Lorenzo Caboara, becomes an The variety and charm of the meetings > index of the depths of pure consciousness have increased during this two-year period; > resident in Italy, and directed towards the and the flow of visitors from other coun- > emergence of a New World Order based tries has been constant. > upon j u s t i c e a n d for humanity. A t last the Youth Group has been prop- > I n France, the Spiritual Assembly of erly organized for regular meetings of > Paris holds the largest regular meetings, and study or sociability. I t numbers twenty- > these according t o high standard. Brilliant five and counts some fine irinian students > intellectual feats are performed by the among its members. > students from frin, who select one of the In October of 193 5, the new Center in > youth group t o prepare and read a paper London was opened. I t is more artistic and > at their own monthly meeting, sometimes offers spacious quarters for meetings. In > attended by as many as fifty guests. This that same month the Committee sent forth > Union of Bahb'i Students in Europe holds a teacher to all the groups and their friends, > a yearly conference in Paris. A t the Con- more particularly to deepen the understand- > ference at Christmas time, 1934, the pro- ing of the evolving Administrative Order. > gram developed a correlation between the All in all, the hour is auspicious and marks > Bahh'i Cause and essential world-trends. the time in which to increase the followers > The activities of an Armenian Bahi'i in of Bahi'u'116h in the British Isles. > Marseilles have yielded a group which meets I n Germany, on the other hand, teaching > regularly. I n Lyon, a study group of seven on a grand scale is not feasible now. I n > has been brought together by the combined October of 1934, the government gave per- > efforts of Madame Borel, Miss Lidja Zamen- mission for the Bahh'is t o hold meetings > hof, and M. Ezzatollah Lhdn Zabih of throughout Germany, but these gatherings > Isfihin. From Toulouse and Nancy, where are necessarily invitational t o Bahi'is and > Bahi'is from f r i n are residents, we antici- their friends. I n some cities a police com- > pate further reports of teaching activity. missioner attends special meetings. > A tract entitled Le Bahi'isme-son his- Exceptional successes were as follows: > foire-sa jortde mondiale, and the new edi- the Feast of Bahh'u'llih commemorated in > tion of L'essai sur le Babd'isme, revised and Stnttgart on November 12th, 1934, con- > annotated by Madame Dreyfus-Barney, are sisting of poetry, music, and addresses > up-to-date equipment for the teaching offered to an audience of several hundred; > work in France,-and throughout Europe as the public session of the Convention at > French is still the secondary language. Ridvin, 1931; the conference held in Berlin > The National Spiritual Assembly of the at Whitsuntide, 1935, for representatives of > Bahh'is of the British Isles appointed a the northern centers. > National Teaching Committee in the spring By far the most spectacular teaching > of 1931, under the chairmanship of Mr. project is the yearly Summer Week at > F. St. George Spendlove. By assisting resi- Esslingen, near Stuttgart. Besides the > dent teachers, and extending the orbit of orientation courses, and Bah6'i Teachings, > traveling teachers, this Committee plans to the Administration has been presented dur- > draw the groups of the provinces into closer ing the seasons of 1934 and 1931. The > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 135 > > School draws visitors from frin, Amcrica besides ~ l l r refined prejudices of history, > and Europe; and it is, indeed, among the tradition, and culture. > rememberable adventures of a Bahh'i on the Addresses to the public notwithstanding, > continent. teaching in Europe at this eleventh hour > Today, the program of activity in Ger- resolves ultimately into the penetration of > many is four-fold: 1) translations and being in quest of souls inwardly taught and > publications; 2 ) the subjective deepen- prepared by God for His Manifestation: > ing in the Faith and the Unity; 3 ) the cen- ". . . I saw another angel ascending > tralization of authority in the National from the East, having the seal of the living > Spiritual Asse~nhly and the direction of its God: and he cried with a loud voice . . . > strength t o the Assemblies and groups; 4 ) . > 'Hurt not the earth . . until we have > declaring the Manifestation t o those who sealed the servants of our God in their > will hear. foreheads.' " (Revelation VII) > This last is, in the deepest sense, the The followers of the Most Great Name > imperative throughout the countries under are ". . . fighting the lawful and great > review here. To us it seems that Europe's fight for the prize of a high calling," but > spiritual oppression is too far advanced t o the Victory doer not depend upon them. > admit of conversion in the mass: if souls Great world events, predestined by God, are > escape the dismal atmosphere of religious happening. Others will follow in rapid > orthodoxy, they are too frequently trapped succession t o alter life and manners at the > in the sterility of a bitter unfaith. Preju- roots; and, through that radical trausfor- > dices abound, subtle and amazingly complex mation, there will finally emerge the World > -prejudices of religion, class, nation, race, Order of Bahi'u'llih. > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I > SACRED WRITINGS > > Froin "Glearzings from the Writings of Bahk'zl'lllih" > > M A N is the supreme Talisman. Lack The generations that have gone before > of a proper education hath, however, de- you-whither are they fled? And those > prived him of that which he doth inher- round whom in life circled the fairest and > ently possess. Through a word proceeding the loveliest of the land, where now are > out of the mouth of God he was called they? Profit by their example, 0 people, > into being; by one word more he was and be not of them that are gone astray. > guided to recognize the Source of his educa- Others ere long will lay hands on what > tion; by yet another word his station and ye possess, and enter into your habitations. > destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being Incline your ears to My words, and be not > saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems numbered among the foolish. > of inestimable value. Education can, alone, For every one of yon his paramount > cause it to reveal its treasures and enable duty is to choose for himself that on which > mankind to benefit therefrom. If any man no other may infringe and none usurp from > were to meditate on that which the Scrip- him. Such a thing-and to this the > tures, sent down from the heaven of God's Almighty is My witness-is the love of > holy Will, have revealed, he will readily God, could ye but perceive it. > recognize that their purpose is that all men Build ye for yourselves such houses as > shall be regarded as one soul, so that the the rain and floods can never destroy, which > seal bearing the words "The Kingdom shall shall protect you from the changes and > be God's" may be stamped on every heart, chances of this Life. This is the instruction > and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, of Him Whom the world hath wronged > and mercy may envelop all mankind. The and forsaken. > one true God, exalted be His glory, hath > wished nothing for Himself. The allegiance Consider the pettiness of men's minds. > of mankind profiteth Him not, neither doth They ask for that which injureth them, and > its perversity harm Him. The Bird of the cast away the thing that profiteth them. > Realm of Utterance voiceth continually They are, indeed, of those that are far > this call: "All things have I willed for astray. We find some men desiring liberty, > thee, and thee, too, for thine own sake." and priding themselves therein. Such men > If the learned and worldly-wise men of this are in the depths of ignorance. > age were to allow mankind to inhale the Liberty must, in the end, lead to sedition, > fragrance of fellowship and love every whose flames none can quench. Thus > understanding heart would apprehend the warneth you He Who is the Reckoner, the > meaning of true liberty, and discover the All-Knowing. Know ye that the embodi- > secret of undisturbed peace and absolute ment of liberty and its symbol is the > composure. Were the earth to attain this $nimal. That which beseemeth man is sub- > station and be illumined with its light it mission unto such restraints as will protect > could then be truly said of it: "Thou shalt him from his own ignorance, and guard > see in it no hollows or rising hills." him against the harm of the mischief- > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'f SACRED WRITINGS 137 > > maker. Liberty causerh man to overstep crating impulse and the primary purpose > the bounds of propriety, and t o infringe on underlying the whole of crearion . . . > the dignity of his station. I t debaseth him Upon the inmost reality of each and every > to the level of extreme depravity and wick- created thing He hat11 shed the light of > edness. one of His names, and made it a recipient > Regard men as a flock of sheep that need of the glory of one of His attributes. > a shepherd for their protection. This, Upon the reality of man, however, He > verily, is the truth, the certain truth. We hath focused the radiance of all His names > approve of liberty in certain circumstances, and attributes, and made i t a mirror of His > and refuse to sanction it in others. We, own Self. Alone of all created things man > verily, are the All-Knowing. hath been singled out for so great a favor, > Say: True liberty consisteth in man's so enduring a bounty. > submission unto My commandments, little These energies with which the Day-Star > as ye know it. Were men t o observe that of Divine bounty and Source of heavenly > which We have sent down unto them from guidance hath endowed the reality of man > the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of lie, however, latent within him, even as the > a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty. flame is hidden within the candle and the > Happy is the man that hath apprehended rays of light are potentially present in the > the Purpose of God in whatever He hath lamp. The radiance of these energies may > revealed from the Heaven of His Will, that be obscured by worldly desires even as the > pervadeth all created things. Say: The light of the sun can be concealed beneath > liberty that profiteth you is to be found the dust and dross which cover the mirror. > nowhere except in complete servitude unto Neither the candle nor the lamp can be > God, the Eterilal Truth. Whoso bath lighted through their own unaided efforts, > tasted of its sweetness will refuse t o barternor can it ever be possible for the mirror > it for a11 the dominion of earth and heaven. to free itself from its dross. It is clear and > evident that until a fire is kindled the lamp > All-praise to the unity of God, and all- will never be ignited, and unless the dross > honor t o Him, the sovereign Lord, the in- is blotted out from the face of the mirror > comparable and all-glorious Ruler of the it can never represent the image of the sun > universe, Who, out of utter nothingness, nor reflect its light and > hath created the reality of all things, Who, And since there can be 110 tie of direct > from naught, hat11 brought into being the intercourse to bind rhe one truc God with > most refined and subtle elements of His His creation, and no resemblance whatever > creatiot~,and Who, rescuing His creatures can exist between the transient and the > from the abasements of remoteness and the Eternal, the contingent and the Absolute, > perils of ultimate extinction, hath received H e hath ordained that in every age and > them into the Kingdom of incorrupt~ble dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be > glory. Nothing short of His all-encom- made manifest in the lringdoms of earth > passing grace, His all-pervading mercy, nnd heaven. Unto this subtle, this mys- > could have possibly achieved it. How terious and ethereal Being H e hath assigned > could it, otherwise, have been possible for a twofold nature; the physical, pertaining > sheer nothingness t o have lcquircd by itself to thc world of matter, and the spiritual, > the worthiness and capacity to emerge from which is born of the substance of God > its state of non-existence into the realm of Himself. H e hath, moreover, conferred > being? upon Him a double station. The first > Having created the world and all that station, which is related to His in~lermost > liveth and moveth therein, He, through the reality, representeth H i m as One Whose > direct operation of His unconstrained and voice is the voice of God Himself. To this > sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man testifieth the tradition: "Manifold and > rhe unique distinction and capacity to mysterious is My relationship with God" > know Him and to love Him-a capacity . > . . The second station is the human > that must needs be regarded as the gen- station, exemplified by the following verses: > 138 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > "I am but a man likc you." "Say, praise the portals of Divine mercy have been flung > be t o my Lord! Am I more than a man, open to the face of all created things, and > an apostle?" These Essences of Detach- the clouds of Truth will continue to the > ment, these resplendent Realities are the end that hath no end to rain on the soil of > channels of God's all-pervasive grace. Led human capacity, reality and personality > by the light of unfailing guidance, and their favors and bounties. Such hath been > invested with supreme sovereignty, they are God's method continued from everlasting > commissioned to use the inspiration of their t o everlasting. > words, the effusions of their infallible grace The Purpose of the one true God, exalted > and the sanctifying breeze of their revela- be His glory, in revealing Himself unto > tion for the cleansing of every longing men is to lay bare those gems that lie hidden > heart and receptive spirit from the dross within the mine of their true and inmost > and dust of earthly cares and limitations. selves. That the divers communions of > Then, and only then, will the Trubt of the earth, and the manifold systems of re- > God, latent in the reality of man, emerge as ligious belief, should never be allowed to > resplendent as the rising Orb of Divine foster the feelings of animosity among men > Revelation from behind the veil of conceal- is, in this Day, of the essence of the Faith > ment, and implant the ensign of its revealed of God and His Religion. > glory upon the summit of men's hearts. > From the foregoing passages and allusions Consider the past. How many, both > it hath been made indubitably clear that in high and low, have, at all times, yearningly > the kingdoms of earth and heaven there awaited the advent of the Manifestations of > must needs be manifested a Being, an God in the sanctified persons of His chosen > Essence Who shall act as a Manifestation Ones. How often have they expected His > and Vehicle for the transmission of the corning, how frequently have they prayed > grace of the Divinity Itself, the Sovereign that the breeze of Divine mercy might > Lord of all. Through the Teachings of this blow, and the promised Beauty step forth > Day-Star of Truth every man will advance from behind the veil of concealment, and > and develop until he attaineth the station he made manifest to all the world. And > at which he can manifest all the potential whensoever the portals of grace did open, > forces with which his inmost true self hath and the clouds of divine bounty did rain > been endowed. I t is for this very purpose upon mankind, and the light of the Unseen > that in every age and dispensation the did shine above the horizon of celestial > Prophets of God and His chosen Ones have might, they all denied Him, and turned > appeared amongst men, and have evinced away from His face-the face of God > such power as is born of God and such Himself. .. . > might as only the eternal can reveal. Reflect, what could have been the motive > Can one of sane mind ever seriously for such deeds? What could have prompted > imagine that, in view of certain words the such behavior towards the Revealers of the > meaning of which he cannot comprehend, beauty of the All-Glorious? Whatever in > the portal of God's infinite guidance can days gone by hath been the cause of the > ever be closed in the face of men? Can he denial and opposition of those people hath > ever conceive for these Divinc Luminaries, now led to the perversity of the people of > these resplendent Lights either a beginning this age. T o maintain that the testimony > or an end? What outpouring flood can of Providence was incomplete, that it hath > compare with the stream of His all-embrac- therefore been the cause of the denial of > lng grace, and what blessing can excel the the people, is but open blasphemy. H o w > evidences of so great and pervasive a mercy? far from the grace of the All-Bountiful and > There can be no doubt whatever that if for from His loving providence and tender > one moment the tide of His mercy and mercies it is t o single out a soul from > grace were to be withheld from the world, amongat all men for the guidance of His > it would completely perish. For this reason, creatures, and, on one hand, t o withhold > from the beginning that hath no beginning from Him the full measure of His divine > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 139 > > testimony, and, on the othcr, inflict severe of char sacred Tree, obliv~ousof the truth > retribution on His people for having turned that no earthly water can quench the flames > away from His chosen One! Nay, the of Divine wisdom, nor mortal blasts ex- > manifold bounties of the Lord of all beings tinguish the lamp of everlasting dominion. > have, at all times, through the Manifesta- Nay, rather, such water cannot but in- > tions of His Divine Essence, encompassed tensify the burning of the flame, and such > the earth and all that dwell therein. N o t blasts canrwt but ensure the preservation > for a moment hath His grace been with- of the lamp, were ye to observe with the eye > held, nor have the showers of His loving- of discernment, and walk in the way of > kindness ceased t o rain upon mankind. God's holy will and pleasure. . .. > Consequently, such behavior can be at- > tributed to naught save the petty-minded- And when the days of Moses were ended, > ness of such souls as tread the valley of and the light of Jesus, shining forth from > arrogance and pride, are lost in the wilds of the Day-Spring of the Spirit, encompassed > remoteness, walk in the ways of their idle the world, all the people of Israel arose in > fancy, and follow the dictates of the protest against Him. They clamored that > leaders of their faith. Their chief concern I-Je Whose advent the Bible had foretold > is mere opposition; their sole desire is to must needs promulgate and fulfil the l a m > ignore the truth. Unto every discerning of Moscs whereas this youthful Nazarene, > observer it is evident and manifest that had who laid claim to the station of the divine > these people in the days of each of the Messiah, had annulled the law of divorce > Manifestations of the Sun of Truth sancti- and of the sabbath day-the most weighty > fied their eyes, their ears, and their hearts of all the laws of Moses. Moreover, what > from whatever they had seen, heard, and of the signs of the Manifestation pet to > felt, they surely would not have been de- come? Thesc people of Israrl are even > prived of beholding the beauty of God, unto the present day still expecting that > nor strayed far from the habitations of Manifestation which the Bible hath fore- > glory. But having weighed the testimony told! How many Manifestations of Holi- > of God by the standard of their own ness, how many Revealers of the light > knowledge, gleaned from the teachings of everlasting, have appeared since the time > the leaders of their faith, and found i t at of Moses, and yet Israel, wrapt in the > variance with their limited understanding, densest veils of satanic fancy and false > they arose to perpetrate such unseemly imdginings, is still expectant that the idol > . > acts. . . of her own handiwork will appear with > such signs as she herself hath conceived! > Consider Moses! Armed with the rod of Thus hath God laid hold of them for their > celestial dominion, adorned with the white sins, hath extinguished in them the spirit > hand of Divine knowledge, and proceeding of faith, and tormented chem with the > from the Pir6n of the love of God, and flames of the nethermost fire. And this for > wielding the serpent of power and everlast- no other reason except that Israel refused > ing majesty, He shone forth from the to apprehend the meaning of such words > Sinai of light upon the world. H e sum- as have been revealed in the Bible concern- > moned all the peoples and kindreds of the ing che signs of the coming Revelation. > earth to the kingdom of eternity, and in- As she never grasped their true significance, > vited them t o partake of the fruit of the and, to outward seeming, such events never > tree of faithfulness. Surely you are aware came t o pass, she, therefore, remained de- > of the fierce opposition of Pharaoh and his prived of recognizing the beauty of Jesus > people, and of the stones of idle fancy and of beholding the Face of God. And > which the hands of infidels cast upon that they still await His coming! From time > blessed Tree. So much so that Pharaoh immemorial even unto this day, all the > and his people finally arose and exerted kindreds and peoples of the earth have clung > their utmost endeavor to extinguish with t o such fanciful and unseemly thoughts, > the waters of falsehood and denial the tire and thus have deprived themselves of the > clear waters streaming from the springs of "I gu 2nd another will comc, Who will tell > purity and holiness. . .. you all that 1 have not told you, and will > To them that are endowed with under- fulfil all that I have said." Both these say- > standing, it is clear and manifest that, ings have but one meaning, were ye to > when the fire of the love of Jesns consumed ponder upon the Manifestations of the > the veils of Jewish limitations, and His Unity of God with Divine insight. > > House occupied by Bahi'u'llih, Qasr Mazra'ih, > 'Akkh, Palestine. > > authority was made apparent and partially Every discerl~ingobserver will recognize > enforced, He, the Revealer of the unseen that in the Dispensation of the Qur'hn both > Beauty, addressing one day His disciples, the Book and the Cause of Jesus were con- > referred unto His passing, and, kindling firmed. As to the matter of names, > in their hearts the fire of bereavement, Muhammad, Himself, declared: "I am > said unto them: "I go away and come again Jesus." He recognized the truth of the > unto you." And in another place He said: signs, prophecies, and words of Jesus, and > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'i SACRED WRITINGS 141 > > testified that they were all of God. I n hindered from acknowledging His truth. > this sense, neither the person of Jesus nor Such things are as "clouds" that veil the > His writings hath differed from that of eyes of those whose inner being hath not > Muhammad and of holy Book, inas- tasted the Salsabil of detachment, nor > much as both have championed the Cause drunk from the Kawaar of the knowledge > of God, uttered His praise, and revealed of God. Such men, when acquainted with > His commandments. Thus it is that Jesus, those circumstances, become so veiled that, > Himself, declared: "I go away and come without the least question, they pronounce > again unto you." Consider the sun. Were the Manifestation of God as infidel, and > it to say now, "I am the sun of yesterday," sentence Him to death, You must have > it would speak the truth. And should it, heard of such things taking place all down > bearing the sequence of time in mind, claim the ages, and are now observing them in > to be other than that sun, it still would these days. > speak the truth. In lilre manner, if it be I t behooveth us, therefore, to make the > said that all the days are but one and the utmost endeavor, that, by God's invisible > same, it is correct and true. And if it be assistance, these dark veils, these clouds of > said, with respect to their particular names Heaven-sent trials, may not hinder us from > and designations, that they differ, that again beholding the beauty of His shining Coun- > is true. For though they are the same, yet tenance, and that we may recognize Him > one doth recognize in each a separate desig- only by His own Self. > nation, a specific attribute, a particular > character. Conceive accordingly the dis- The beginning of all things is the knowl- > tinction, variation, and unity characteristic edge of God, and the end of all things is > of the various Manifestations of holiness, strict observance of whatsoever hath been > that thou mayest comprehend the allusions sent down from the empyrean of the Divine > made by the Creator of all names and Will that pervadeth all that is in the > attributes to the mysteries of distinction heavens and all that is on the earth. > and unity, and discover the answer to thy > question as to why that everlasting Beauty Divine Springtime is come, 0 Most > should have, at sundry times, called Himself Exalted Pen, for the Festival of the All- > . > by different names and titles. . . Merciful is fast approaching. Bestir thy- > self, and magnify, before the entire crea- > I t is evident that changes brought about tion, the name of God, and celebratr His > in every Dispensation constitute the dark praise, in such wise that all created things > clouds that intervene between the eye of may be regenerated and made new. Speak, > man's understanding and the Divine Lumi- and hold not thy peace. The day-star of > nary which shineth forth from the day- blissfnlness shineth above the horizon .of > spring of the Divine Essence. Consider Our name, the Blissful, inasmuch as the > how men for generations have been blindly kingdom of the name of God hath been > imitating their fathers, and have been adorned with the ornament of the name of > trained according to such ways and man- thy Lord, the Creator of the heavens. Arise > ners as have been laid down by the dictates before the nations of the earth, and arm > of their Faith. Were these men, therefore, thyself with the power of this Most Great > to discover suddenly that a Man, Who hath Name, and be not of those who tarry. > been living in their midst, Who, with re- Methinks that thou hast halted and > spect to every human limitation, hath been movest not upon My Tablet. Could the > their equal, had risen to abolish every brightness of the Divine Countenance have > established principle imposed by their Faith bewildered thee, or the idle talk of the > -principles by which for centuries they froward filled thee with grief and paralyzed > have been disciplined, and every opposer thy movement? Take heed lest anytbing > and denier of which they have come to deter thee from extolling the greatness of > regard as infidel, profligate and wicked,- this Day-the Day whereon the Finger of > rhey would of a certainly be veiled and majesty and power hath opened the seal of > 'f W O R L D > the Wine of Reunion, and called all who unto men. I am, verily, the All-Bountiful, > are in the heavens and all who are on the the Ancient of Days. > earth. Preferrest thou to tarry when the > breeze announcing the Day of God hath Beware, 0 believers in the Unity of God, > already breathed over thee, or art thou of lest ye be tempted to make any distinction > them that are shut out as by a veil from between any of the Manifestations of His > Him? Cause, or to discriminate against the signs > No veil whatever have I allowed, 0 Lord that have accompanied and proclaimed > of all names and Creator of the heavens, their Revelation. This indeed is the true > to shut me from the recognition of the meaning of Divine Unity, if ye be of then? > glories of Thy Day-the Day which is the that apprehend and believe this truth. Be > lamp of guidance unto the whole world, ye assured, moreover, that the works and > and the sign of the Ancient of Days unto acts of each and every one of these Mani- > all them that dwell therein. My silence festations of God, nay whatever pertaineth > is by reason of the veils that have blinded unto them, and whatsoever they may mani- > Thy creatures' eyes to Thee, and my mute- fest in the future, are all ordained by God, > nesp is because of the impediments that have and are a reflection of His Will and Pur- > hindered Thy people from recognizing Thy pose. Whoso maketh the slightest possible > truth. Thou knowest what is in me, but I difference between their persons, their > know not what is in Thee. Thou art the words, their messages, their acts and man- > All-Knowing, the All-Informed. By Thy ners, hath indeed disbelieved in God, hath > name that excelleth all other names! If repudiated His signs, and betrayed the > Thy overruling and all-compelling behest Cause of His Messengers. > should ever reach me, it would empower > me to revive the souls of all men, through Look not upon the creatures of God ex- > Thy most exalted Word, which I have cept with the eye of lundliness and of > heard uttered by Thy Tongue of power in mercy, for Our loving providence hath > Thy Kingdom of glory. I t would enable pervaded all created things, and Our grace > me to announce the revelation of Thy efful- encompassed the earth and the heavens. > gent countenance wherethrough that which This is the Day whereon the true servants > lay hidden from the eyes of men hath been of God partake of the Iife-giving waters of > manifested in Thy name, the Perspicuous, reunion, the Day whereon those that are > the sovercip Protector, the Self-subsist- nigh unto Him are able to drink of the > ing. soft-flowing river of immortality, and they > Canst thou discover any one but Me, 0 who believe in His unity the wine of His > Pen, in this Day? What hath become of Presence, through their recognition of Him > the creation and the manifestations thereof? Who is the Highest and Last End of all, in > What of the names and their kingdom? Whom the Tongue of Majesty and Glory > Whither are gone all created things, voiceth the call: "The Kingdom is Mine. > whether seen or unseen? What of the I, Myself, am, of Mime own right, its > hidden secrets of the universe and its Ruler." > revelations? Lo, the entire creation hath Attract the hearts of men, through the > passed away! Nothing remaineth except call of Him the one alone Beloved. Say: > My Face, the Ever-Abiding, the Resplen- This is the Voice of God, if ye do but > dent, the All-Glorious. hearken. This is the Day-Spring of the > This is the Day whereon naught can be Revelation of God, did ye but know it. > seen except the splendors of the Light that This is the Dawning-Place of the Cause of > shineth from the face of Thy Lord, the God, were ye to recognize it. This is the > Gracious, the Most Bountiful. Verily, We Source of the commandment of God, did > have caused every soul to expire by virtue ye but judge it fairly. This is the manifest > of Our irresistible and all-subduing sover- and hidden Secret; would that ye might > eignty. We have, then, called into being perceive it. 0 peoples of the world! Cast > a new creation, as a token of Our grace away, in My name that transcendeth all > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I: SACRED WRITINGS 143 > > other names, the things ye posscss, and h a v e utteredsuch words as must of neces- > immerse yourselves in this Oceau in whose sity imply the existence of any direct > depths lay hidden the pearls of wisdom and relationship between the Pen of Thy > of utterance, an ocean that surgeth in My Revelation and the essence of all created > name, the All-Mercif d. things. Far, far are They Who are related > to Thee above the conception of such rela- > Lauded and glorified art Thou, 0 Lord, tionship! All comparisons and likenesses > my God! How can I make mention of fail t o do justice ro the Tree of Thy Reve- > Thee, assured as I am that no tongue, how- lation, and every way is barred to the > ever deep its wisdom, can befittingly mag- comprehension of the Manifestation of Thy > nify Thy name, nor can the bird of the Self and the Day-Spring of Thy Beauty. > human heart, however great its longing, Far, far from Thy glory be what mortal > ever hope to ascend inco the heaven of Thy man can affirm of Thee, or attribute unto > majesty and knowledge. Thee, or the praise with which he can > If I describe Thee, 0 n ~ yGod, as Him glorify Thee! Whatever duty Thou hast > Who is the All-Perceiving, I find myself prescribed unto Thy servants of extolling > compelled to admit that they Who are the to the utmnst Thy majesty and glory is but > highest Embodiments of perception have a token of Tlry grace unto them, that they > been created by virtue of Thy behest. And may be enabled to ascend unto the station > if I extol Thee as Him Who is the All-Wise, conferred upon their own inmost being, the > I, likewise, am forced to recognize that the station of the knowledge of their own > Well-Springs of wisdom have themselves selves. > been generated through the operation of No one else besides Thee hath, at any > Thy Will. And if I Thee as the time, been able to fathom Thy mystery, or > Incomparable One, I soon discover that befittingly to extol Thy greatness. Un- > They Who are the inmost essence of one- searchable and high above the praise of men > ness have been sent down by Thee and are wilt Thou remain for ever. There is none > but the evidences of Thine handiwork. other God but Thee, the Inaccessible, the > And if I acclaim Thee as the Knower of Omnipotent, the Omniscient, the Holy of > all things, I must confess that They Who Holies. > are the Quintessence of knowledge are but > the creation and instruments of Thy All-praise and glory be to God Who, > Purpose. through the power of His might, hath de- > Exalted, immeasurably exalted, art Thou livered His creation from the nakedness of > above the strivings of morcal man to un- non-existence, and clothed it with the > ravel Thy mystery, to describe Thy glory, mantle of life. From among all created > or even to hint at the nature of Thine things He hath singled out for His special > Essence. For whatever such strivings may favor the pure, the gem-like reality of man, > accomplish, they never can hope to tran- and invested it with a unique capacity of > scend the limitations imposed upon Thy knowing Him and of reflecting the great- > creatures, inasmuch as these efforts are ness of His glory. This twofold distinc- > actuated by Thy decree, and are begotten tion conferred upon him hath cleansed away > of Thine invention. The loftiest senti- from his heart the rust of every vain > ments which the holiest of saints can ex- desire, and made him worthy of the vesture > press in praise of Thee, and the deepest with which his Creator hath designed to > wisdom which the most learned of men can clothe him. I t hath served t o rescue his > utter in their attempts to comprehend Thy soul from the wretchedness of ignorance. > nature, all revolve around that Center This robe with which the body and soul > Which is wholly subjected to Thy sov- of man hath been adorned is the very foun- > ereignty, Which adoretb Thy Beauty, and dation of his well-being and development. > is propelled through thc illovement of Thy 0 , how blessed the day when, aided by the > Pen. grace and might of the one true God, man > Nay, forbid it, 0 my God, that I should will have freed himself from the bondage > THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > and corruption of the world and all rhat is Be light and untrammelled as the breeze, > therein and will have attained unto true that ye may obtain admittance into the pre- > and abiding rest beneath the shadow of the cincts of My court, My inviolable Sanctu- > Tree of Knowledge! ary. > > Know thou that, according to what thy 0 My servanrs! Let not your vain hopes > Lord the Lord of all men, hath decreed in and idle fancies sap the foundations of your > His Book, the favors vouchsafed by Him belief in the All-Glorious God, inasmuch as > unto mankind have been, and will ever re- such imagining5 have been wholly unprof- > main, limitless in their range. First and itable unto men, and failed to direct their > foremost among these favors, which the steps unto the straight Path. Think ye, 0 > Almighty hath conferred upon man, is the My servants, that the Hand of My all-en- > gift of understanding. His purpose in con- compassing, My overshadowing, and tran- > ferring such a gift is none other except to scendent sovereignty is chained up, that the > enable His creature to know and recognize flow of Mine ancient, My ceaseless, and all- > the one true God-exalted be His glory. pervasive mercy is checked, or that the > This gift +eth man the power to discern clouds of My sublime and unsurpassed fa- > the truth in all things, leadeth him to that vors have ceased to rain their gifts upon > which is right, and helpeth him to discover men? Can ye imagine that the wondrous > the secrets of creation. Next in rank, is works that have proclaimed My divine and > the power of vision, the chief instrument resistless power are withdrawn, or that the > whereby his understanding can f~inction. potency of My will and purpose hath been > The sense of hearing, of the heart, and the deterred from directing the destinies of > like, are similarly to he reckoned among mankind? If it not be so, wherefore, then, > the @its with which the human body is have ye striven to prevent the deathless > endowed. Immeasurably exalted is the Al- Beauty of My sacred and gracious Coun- > mighty Who hath created these powers, and tenance from being unveiled to men's eyes? > revealed them in the body of man. Why have ye struggled to h'ulder the Man- > ifestation of the Almighty and All-Glorious > Thine eye is My trust, suffer not the Being from shedding the radiance of His > dust of vain desires to becloud its luster. Revelation upon the earth? Were ye to be > Thine ear is a sign of My bounty, let not fair in your judgment, ye would readily > the tumult of unsecmly motives turn it recognize how the realities of all created > away from My Word that encompasseth all things are inebriated with the joy of this > creation. Thine heart is My treasury, al- new and wondrous Revelation, how all the > low not the treacherous hand of self to rob atoms of the earth have been illuminated > thee of the pearls which I have treasured through the brightness of its glory. Vain > therein. Thine hand is a symbol of My and wretched is that which ye have imag- > lovingkindness, hinder it not from holding ined and still imagine! > fast unto My guarded and hidden Tablets. Retrace your steps, 0 My servants, and > . . . Unasked, I have showered upon thee incline your hearts to Him Who is the > My grace. Unpetitioned, I have fulfilled Source of your creation. Deliver yourselves > thy wish. In s p i ~ eof thy undeserving, I from your evil and corrupt affections, and > have singled thee out for My richest, My hasten to embrace the light of the undying > incalculahle favors. . . . O My servants! Fire that gloweth on the Sinai of this mys- > Be as resigned and submissive as the earth, terious and transcendent Revelation. Cor- > that from the soil of your being there may rupt not the holy, the all-embracing, and > blossom the fragrant, the holy and multi- primal Word of God, and seek not to pro- > colored hyacinths of My knowledge. Be fane its sanctity or to debase its exalted > ablaze as the fire, that ye may burn away character. 0 heedless ones! Though the > the veils of heedlessness and set aglow, wonders of My mercy have encompassed all > through the quickening energies of the love created things, both visible and invisible, > of God, the chilled and wayward heart. and though the revelations of My grace > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 14f > > and bounty have permeated every atom of yc would, of a truth, rid your~rlvrsof at- > the universe, yet the rod with which I tachment to all created things, and would > can chastise the wicked is grievous, and the gain a true knowledge of your own selves > fierceness of Mine anger against them ter- -a knowledge which is the same as the > rible. With ears that are sanctified from comprehension of Mine own Being. Ye > vain-glory and worldly desires hearken unto would find yourselves independent of all > the counsels which I, in My merciful kind- else but Me, and would perceive, with your > ness, have revealed unto you, and with your inner and outer eye, and as manifest as the > inner and outer eyes contemplate the evi- revelation of My effulgent name, the seas > dences of My marvelous Revelations. . . . of My loving kindness and bounty moving > within you. Suffer not your idle fancies, > 0 My servants! Deprive not yourselves your evil passions, your insincerity and > of the unfading and resplendent Light- that blindness of heart to dim the luster, or > shineth within the Lamp of Divine glory. stain the sanctity, of so lofty a station. > Let the flamt of the love of God burn Ye are even as the bird which soareth, with > brightly within your radiant hearts. Feed the full force of its mighty wings and with > it with the oil of Divine pidance, and pro- complete and joyous confidence, through > tect it within the shelter of your constancy. the immensity of the heavens, until, im- > Guard it within the globe of trust and de- pelled to satisfy its hunger, it turneth long- > tachment from all else but God, so that the ingly to the water and clay of the earth > evil whisperings of the ungodly may not below it, and, having been entrapped in the > extinguish its light. 0 My servants! My mesh of its desire, findeth itself impotent > holy, My divinely ordained Revelation may to resume its flight to the realms whence it > be likened unto an ocean in whose depths came. Powerless t o shake off the burden > are concealed innumerable pearls of great weighing on its sullied wings, that bird, > price, of surpassing luster. I t is the duty hitherto an inmate of the heavens, is now > of every seeker t o bestir himself and strive forced to seek a dwelling-place upon the > t o attain the shores of this ocean, so that he dust. Wherefore, 0 My servants, defile not > may, in proportion t o the eagerness of his your wings with the clay of waywardness > search and the efforts he hath exerted, par- and vain desires, and suffer them not to be > take of such benefits as have been pre- stained with the dust of envy and hate, that > ordained in God's irrevocable and hidden ye may not be hindered from soaring in the > Tablets. If no one be willing to direct his heavens of My divine knowledge. > steps towards its shores, if every one should 0 My servants! Through the might of > fail t o arise and find Him, can such a fail- God and His power, and out of the treasury > ure be said t o have robbed this ocean of its of His knowledge and wisdom, I have > power or t o have lessened, to any degree, brought forth and revealed unto yon the > its treasures? How vain, how contempt- pearls that lay concealed in the depths of > ible, are the imaginations which your hearts His everlasting ocean. I have summoned > have devised, and are still devising! the Maids of Heaven t o emerge from be- > 0 My > servants! The one true God is My w~tness! hind the veil of concealment, and have > This most great, this fathomless and surg- clothed them with these words of Mine- > ing Ocean is near, astonishingly near, unto words of consumlnatc power and wisdom. > you. Behold it is closer to you than your I have, moreover, with the hand of divine > life-vein! Swift as the twinkling of an eye power, unsealed the choice wine of My Rev- > ye can, if ye but wish it, reach and par- elation, and have wafted its holy, its hid- > take of this imperishable favor, this God- den, and musk-laden fragrance upon all > given grace, this incorruptible gift, this created things. Who else but yourselves is > most potent and unspeakably glorious to be blamed if ye choose to remain unen- > bounty. dowed with so great an outpouring of God's > 0 My servants! Could ye apprehend with transcendent and all-encompassing grace, > what wonders of My munificence and with so bright a revelation of His resplend- > bounty I have willed to entrust your souls, ent mercy? ... > T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > 0 My servants! Thrrc d l i n e ~ hnothing hend this truth, and should consequently > else in Mine heart except the unfading light indulge in vain and unseemly language, no > of the Morn of Divine guidance, and out of one whose sight is keen and whose under- > My mouth proceedeth naught but the es- standing is enlightened would ever allow > sence of truth, which the Lord your God such idle talk to cause him to waver in his > hath revealed. Follow not, therefore, your belief. > earthly desires, and violate not the Cove- The measure of the revelation of the > nant of God, nor break your pledge to Him. Prophets of God in this world, however, > With firm determination, with the whole must differ. Each and every one of them > affection of your heart, and with the full hath been the Bearer of a distinct Message, > force of your words, turn ye unto Him, and hath been commissioned t o reveal Him- > and walk not in the ways of the foolish. self through specific acts. It is for this > The world is but a show, vain and empty, reason that they appear t o vary in their > a mere nothing, bearing the semblance of greatness. Their Revelation may be likened > reality. Set not your affections upon it. unto the light of the moon that sheddeth its > Break not the bond that uniteth you with radiance upon the earth. Though every > your Creator, and be not of those that have time it appeareth, it revealeth a fresh meas- > erred and strayed from His ways. Verily I ure of its brightness, yet its inherent splen- > say, the world is like the vapor in a desert, dor can never diminish, nor can its light > which the thirsty dreameth to be water and suffer extinction. > striveth after it with all his might, unril I t is clear and evident, therefore, that any > when he comerh unto it, he findeth it to be apparent variation in the intensity of their > mere illusion. I t may, moreover, be lik- light is not inherent in the light itself, b u t > ened unto the lifeless image of the beloved should rather be attributed t o the varying > whom the lover hath sought and found, in receptivity of an ever-changing world. > the end, after long search and to his utmost Every Prophet Whom the Almighty and > regret, to be such as cannot "fatten nor Peerless Creator hath purposed t o send to > appease his hunger." the peoples of the earth hath been entrusted > 0 My servants! Sorrow not if, in these with a Message, and charged t o act in a > days and on this earthly plane, things con- manner, that would best meet the require- > trary to your wishes have been ordained and ments of the age in which H e appeared. > manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, God's Purpose in sendiilg His Prophets unto > of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store men is twofold. The first is t o liberate > for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glor- the children of men from the darkness of > ious, will be unveiled t o your eyes. You ignorance, and guide them to the light of > are destined by Him, in this world and true understanding. The second is t o en- > hereafter, t o partake of their benefits, t o sure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, > share in their joys, and to obtain a portion and provide all the means by which they > of their sustaining grace. can be established. . . . Little wonder, > then, if the treatment prescribed by the > Know thou assuredly that the essence of physician in this day should not be found > all the Prophets of God is one and the same. t o be identical with that which he pre- > Their unity is absolute. God, the Creator scribed before. How could it be otherwise > saith: There is no distinction whatsoever when the ills affecting the sufferer necessi- > among the Bearers of My Message. They tate at every stage of his sickness a special > all have but one purpose; their secret is the remedy? I n like manner, every time the > same secret. T o prefer one in honor to an- Prophets of God have illumined the world > other, t o exalt certain ones above the rest, with the resplendent radiance of the Day- > is in no wise to be permitted. Every true Star of Divine knowledge, they have in- > Prophet hath regarded His Message as fnn- variably summoned its people t o embrace > damentally the same as the Revelation of the light of God through such means as > every other Prophet gone before Him. If best befitted the exigencies of the age in > any man, therefore, should fail t o compre- which they appeared. They were thus able > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'i SACRED WRITINGS 147 > > to scatter the darkness of ignorance, and to sistance to mankind, and deliver it from its > shed upon the world the glory of their own state of grievous abasement. > knowledge. I t is towards the inmost es- In one of the Tablets these words have > sence of these Prophets, therefore, that the been revealed: 0 people of God! Do not > eye of every man of discernment must be busy yourselves in your own concerns; let > directed, inasmuch as their one and only your thoughts be fixed upon that which > purpose hath always been to guide the err- will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind > ing, and give peace to the aficted. These and sanctify the hearts and souls of men. > are not days of prosperity and triumph. This can best be achieved through pure and > The whole of manlrind is in the grip of holy deeds, through a virtuous life and a > manifold ills. Strive, therefore, to save its goodly behavior. Valiant acts will ensure > life through the wholesome medicine which the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly > the almighty hand of the unerring Physi- character will reinforce its power. Cleave > cian hath prepared. unto righteousness, 0 people of BahH! This, > verily, is the commandment which this > Justice is, in this day, bewailing its wronged One hath given unto you, and the > plight, and Equity groaneth beneath the first choice of His unrestrained Will for > yoke of oppression. The thick clouds of every one of you. > tyranny have darkened the face of the 0 friends! I t behoveth you to refresh > earth, and enveloped its peoples. Through and revive your souls through the gracious > the movement of Our Pen of glory We favors which in this Divine, this soul-stir- > have, at the bidding of the omnipotent Or- ring Springtime are being showered upon > dainer, breathed a new life into every hu- you. The Day-Star of His great glory hath > man frame, and instilled into every word shed its radiance upon you, and the clouds > a fresh potency. All created things pro- of His limitless grace have overshadowed > claim the evidences of this world-wide re- you. How high the reward of him that > generation. This is the most great, the hath not deprived himself of so great a > most joyful tidings imparted by the pen of bounty, nor failed to recognize the beauty > this wronged One to mankind. Wherefore, of his Best-Beloved in this, His new attire. > fear ye, 0 My well-beloved olles! Who is Watch over yourselves, for the Evil One is > it that can dismay you? A touch of mois- lying in waic, ready to entrap you. Gird > ture sufficeth to dissolve the hardened clay yourselves against his wicked devices, and, > out of which this perverse generation is led by the light of the name of the All- > molded. The mere act of your gathering Seeing God, make your escape from the > together is enough to scatter the forces of darkness that surroundeth you. Let your > . > these vain and worthless people. . . vision be world-embracing, rather than > Every man of insight will, in this day, confined to your own self. The Evil One > readily admit that the counsels which the is he that hindereth the rise and obstruct- > Pen of this wronged One hath revealed con- eth the spiritual progress of the children of > stitute the supreme animating power for men. > the advancement of the world and the ex- I t is incumbent upon every man, in this > altation of its peoples. Arise, 0 people, Day, to hold fast unto whatsoever will pro- > and, by the power of God's might, resolve mote the interests, and exalt the station, of > to gain the victory over your own selves, all nations and just governments. Through > that haply the whole earth may be freed each and every one of the verses which the > and sanctified from its servitude to the gods Pen of the Most High hath revealed the > of its idle fancies-gods that have inflicted doors of love and unity have been unlocked > such loss upon, and are responsible for the and flung open to the face of men. We > misery of, their wretched worshipers. These have erewhile declared-and Our Word is > idols form the obstacle that impeded man the truth-: "Consort with the followers > in his efforts to zdvance in the path of per- of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and > fection. We cherish the hope that the fellowship." Whatsoever hath led the chil- > Hand of Divine power may lend its as- dren of men to shun one another, and hath > 148 THE BAHti'i WORLD > > caused dissensions and divisions amongst tue of Our inscrutable decree, We have > them, hath, ~hroughthe revelation of these preferred to conceal. > words, been nullified and abolished. From Beseech ye the one true God to grant > the heaven of God's Will, and for the pur- that all men may be graciously assisted to > pose of ennobling the world of being and fulfil that which is acceptable in Our sight. > of elevating the minds and souls of men, Soon will the present-day order be rolled > hath been sent down that which is the most up, and a new one spread out in its stead. > effective instrument for the education of Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is > the whole human race. The highest essence the Knower of things unseen. > and most perfect expression of whatsoever > the peoples of old have either said or writ- 0 ye the beloved of the one true God! > ten hath, through this most potent Revela- Pass beyond the narrow retreats of your evil > tion, been sent down from the heaven of and corrupt desires, and advance into the > the Will of the All-Possessing, the Ever- vast immensity of the realm of Gad, and > Abiding God. Of old it hath been re- abide ye in the meads of sanctity and of > vealed: "Love of one's country is an ele- detachment, that the fragrance of your > ment of the Faith of God." The Tongue deeds may lead the whole of mankind to the > of Grandeur hath, however, in the day of ocean of God's unfading glory. Forbear > His manifestation proclaimed: "It is not ye from concerning yourselves with the af- > his to boast who loveth his country, hut it fairs of this world and all that pertain- > is his who loveth the world." Through eth unto it, or from meddling with the > the power released by these exalted words activities of those who are its outward > He hath lent a fresh impulse, and set a new leaders. > direction, to the birds of men's hearts, and The one true God, exalted he His glory, > hath obliterated every trace of restriction hath bestowed the government of the earth > and limitation from God's holy Book. upon the kings. To none is given the right > 0 people of Justice! Be as brilliant as to act in any manner that would run coun- > the light, and as splendid as the fire that ter to the considered views of them who > blazed in the Burning Bush. The bright- are in authority. That which He hath re- > ness of the fire of your love will no doubt served for Himself are the cities of men's > fuse and unify the contending peoples and hearts; and of these the loved ones of Him > kindreds of the earth, whilst the fierceness Who is the Sovereign Truth are, in this > of the flame of enmity and hatred cannot Day, as the keys. Please God they may, > but result in strife and ruin. We beseech one and all, be enabled to unlock, through > God that H e may shield His creatures from the power of the Most Great Name, the > the evil designs of His enemies. He verily gates of these cities. This is what is meant > hath power over all things. . . . by aiding the one true God-a theme to > which the Pen of Him Who causeth the > This is the Day in which God's most ex- dawn to break hath referred in all His > cellent favors have been poured out upon Books and Tablets. > men, the Day in which His most mighty > grace hath been infused into all created As to those that have tasted of the fruit > things. I t is incumbent upon all the peo- of man's earthly existence, which is the > ples of the world to reconcile their differ- recognition of the one true God, exalted be > ences, and, with perfect unity and peace, His glory, their life hereafter is such as We > abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of are unable to describe. The knowledge > His care and lovingkindness. I t behoveth thereof is with God, alone, the Lord of all > them to cleave to whatsoever will in this worlds. > Day be conducive to the exaltation of their > stations, and to the promotion of their best This is the Day whereon the Ocean of > interests. Happy are those whom the all- God's mercy hath been manifested unto > glorious Pen was moved to remember, and men, the Day in which the Day-Star of His > blessed are those men whose names, by vir- lovingkindness hath shed its radiance upon > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'i SACRED WRITINGS 149 > > them, the Day in which the clouds of His Every eye, in this Day, should seek what > bountiful favor have overshadowed the will best promote the Cause of God. > whole of mankind. Now is the time to > cheer and refresh the down-cast through Great indeed is this Day! The allusions > the invigorating breeze of love and fellow- made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as > ship, and the living waters of friendliness the Day of God attest its greatness. The > and charity. soul of every Prophet of God, of every Di- > They who are the beloved of God, in vine Messenger, hath thirsted for this won- > whatever place they gather and whomso- drous Day. All the divers kindreds of the > ever they may meet must evince, in their earth have, likewise, yearned to attain it. > attitude towards God, and in the manner No sooner, however, had the Day-Star of > of their celebration of His praise and glory, His Revelation manifested itself in the > such humility and submissiveness that every heaven of God's Will, than all, except > atom of the dust beneath their feet may those whom the Almighty was pleased to > attest the depth of their devotion. The guide, were found dumbfounded and heed- > conversation carried by these holy souls less. > should be informed with such power that 0 thou that hast remembered Me! The > these same aroms of dust will be thrilled by most grievous veil hath shut out the peo- > its influence. They should conduct them- ples of the earth from His glory, and hin- > selves in such manner that the earth upon dered them from hearkening t o His Call. > which they tread may never be allowed to God grant that the light of unity may en- > address them such words as these: "I am velop the whole earth, and that the seal, > to be preferred above you. For witness, "the Kingdom is God's," may be stamped > how patient I am in bearing the burden upon the brow of all its peoples. > which the husbandman layeth upon me. I Arise, O wayfarer in the path of the > am the instrument that continually impart- Love of God, and aid thou His Cause. Say: > eth unto all beings the blessings with which Barter not away this Youth, 0 people, for > He Who is the Source of all grace hath en- the vanities of this world or the delights > trusted me. Notwithstanding the honor of heaven. By the righteousness of the one > conferred upon me, and the unnumbered true God! One hair of Him excelleth all > evidences of my wealth* wealth that sup- that is in the heavens and all that is on the > plieth the needs of all creation-behold the earth. Beware, 0 men, lest ye he tempted > measure of my humility, witness with what to part with Him in exchange for the gold > absolute submissiveness I allow myself to he and silver ye possess. Let His love be a > trodden beneath the feet of men . .". store-house of treasure for your souls, on > Show forbearance and benevolence and the Day when naught else but Him shall > love to one another. Should any one among profit yon, the Day when every pillar shall > you be incapable of grasping a certain tremble, when the very skins of men shall > truth, or be striving to comprehend it, creep, when all eyes shall stare up with ter- > show forth, when conversing with him, a ror. Say: 0 people! Fear ye God, and > spirit of extreme kindliness and good-will. turn not away disdainfully from His Rev- > Help him to see and recognize the truth, elation. Fall prostrate on your faces before > without esteeming yourself to be, in the God, and celebrate His praise in the day- > least, superior to him, or to be possessed of time and in the night-season. > greater endowments. Let thy soul glow with the flame of this > The whole duty of man in this Day is undying Fire that burneth in the midmost > to attain that share of the flood of grace heart of the world, in such wise that the > which God poureth forth for him. Let waters of the universe shall be powerless t o > none, therefore, co~lsider the largeness or cool down its ardor. Make, then, mention > smallness of the receptacle. The portion of of thy Lord, that haply the heedless among > some might lie in the palm of a man's hand, Our servants may be admonished through > the portion of others might fill a cup, and thy words, and the hearts of the righteous > of others even a gallon-measure. be gladdened. > THE B A H A .'f WORLD > > Say: 0 men! This is a matchless Day. with the ornament of existence, and a > Matchless must, likewise, be the tongue that breath wafted from His peerless Paradise > celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all hath invested all beings with the robe of > nations, and matchless the deed that aspir- His sanctity and glory. A sprinkling from > eth to be acceptable in His sight. The the unfathomed deep of His sovereign and > whole human race hath longed for this Day, all-pervasive Will hath, out of utter noth- > that perchance it may fulfil that which well ingness, called into being a creation which > beseemeth its station, and is worthy of its is i n h i t e in its range and deathless in its > destiny. Blessed is the man whom the af- duration. The wonders of His bounty can > fairs of the world have failed to deter from never cease, and the stream of His merciful > recognizing Him Who is the Lord of all grace can never be arrested. The process > things. of His creation hath had no beginning, and > So blind hath become the human heart can have no end. > that neither the disruption of the city, nor In every age and cycle He hath, through > the reduction of the mountain in dust, nor the splendorous light, shed by the Manifes- > even the cleaving of the earth, can shake tations of His wondrous Essence, recreated > off its torpor. The allusions made in the all things, so that whatsoever reflecteth in > Scriptures have been unfolded, and the signs the heavens and on the earth the signs of > recorded therein have been revealed, and the His glory may not be deprived of the out- > prophetic cry is continually being raised. pourings of His mercy, nor despair of the > And yet all, except such as God was pleased showers of His favors. How all-encom- > to guide, are bewildered in the drunkenness passing are the wonders of His boundless > of their heedlessness! grace! Behold how they have pervaded the > 0 Salmin! The door of the knowledge whole of creation. Such is their virtue that > of the Ancient Being hath ever been, and not a single atom in the entire universe can > will continue for ever to be, closed in the he found which dot11 not declare the evi- > face of men. No man's understanding shall dences of His might, which doth not glor- > ever gain access unto His holy court. As ify His holy Name, or is not expressive of > a token of His mercy, however, and as a the effulgent light of His unity. So per- > proof of His lovingkind~~ess, He hath man- fect and comprehensive is His creation that > ifested unto men the Day-Stars of His di- no mind nor heart, however keen or pure, > vine guidance, the Symbols of His divine can ever grasp the nature of the most insig- > unity, and hath ordained the knowledge of nificant of His creatures; much less fathom > these sanctified Beings to be identical with the mystery of Him Who is the Day-Star > the knowledge of His own Self. Whoso of Truth, Who is the invisible and unknow- > recognizeth them hath recognized God. able Essence. The conceptions of the de- > Whoso hearkeneth to their call, hath heark- voutest of mystics, the attainments of the > ened to the Voice of God, and whoso testi- most accomplished amongst men, the high- > fieth to the truth of their Revelation, hath est praise which human tongue or pen can > testified to the truth of God Himself. render are all the product of man's finite > Whoso turneth away from them, hath mind and are conditioned by its limitations. > turned away from God, and whoso disbe- > lieveth in them, hath disbelieved in God. Shake off, 0 heedless ones, the slumber > Every one of them is the Way of God that of negligence, that ye may behold the radi- > connecteth this world with the realms ance which His glory hath spread through > above, and the Standard of His Truth unto the world. How foolish are those who > every one in the kingdoms of earth and murmur against the premature birth of His > heaven. They are the Manifestations of light. 0 ye who are inly blind! Whether > God amidst men, the evidences of His too soon or too late, the evidences of His > Truth, and the signs of His glory. effulgent glory are now actually manifest. > Tt behoveth you to ascertain whether or > A drop of the billowing ocean of His not such a light hath appeared. I t is neither > endless mercy hath adorned all creation within your power nor mine to set the time > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'f SACRED WRITINGS 111 > > at which it shonld he made manifest. God's dreds of the carth. Say; 0 fliends! Drink > inscrutable Wisdom Lath fixed its hour be- your fill from this crystal stream that flow- > forehand. Be content, 0 people, with that eth through the heavenly grace of Him > which God hath desired for you and pre- who is the Lord of Names. Let others par- > destined unto yon. . . . 0 my ill-wishers! take of its waters in My name, that the > The Day-Star of eternal Guidance beareth leaders of men in every land may fully rec- > me witness: Had it been in my power, I ognize the purpose for which the Eternal > would have, under no circumstances, con- Truth hath been revealed, and the reason > sented to distinguish myself amongst men, for which they themselves have been cre- > for the Name I bear utterly disdaineth t o ated. > associate itself with this generation whose > tongues are sullied and whose hearts are The vitality of men's belief in God is > false. And whenever I chose to hold my dying out in every land; nothing short of > peace and be still, lo, the voice of the Holy His wholesome medicine can ever restore it. > Ghost, standing on my right hand, aroused The coorrosion of ungodliness is eating into > me, and the Supreme Spirit appeared before the vitals of human society; what else hut > my face, and Gabriel overshadowed me, and the Elixir of His potent Revelation can > the Spirit of Glory stirred within my cleanse and revive it? Is it within human > bosom, bidding me arise and break my si- power, 0 Hakim, to effect in the constitu- > lence. If your hearing he purged and your ent elements of any of the minute and iu- > ears be attentive, ye will assuredly perceive divisible particles of matter so complete a > that every linlb of my body, nay all the transformation as to transmute it into pur- > atoms of my being, and bear wit- est gold? Perplexing and difficult as this > ness to this call: "God, besides Whom is may appear, the still greater task of con- > none other God, and He, Whose beauty is verting satanic strength into heavenly > now manifest, is the reflection of His glory power is one that We have been empow- > unto all that arc in heaven and on ered to accomplish. The Force capable of > earth." such a transformation transcendeth the po- > tency of the Elixir itself. The Word of > 0 Kamhl! The heights which through God, alone, can claim the distinction of he- > the most gracious favor of God, mortal ing endowed with the capacity required for > man can attain in this Day are as yet un- so great and far-reaching a change. > revealed to his sight. The world of being > hath never had, nor doth it yet possess the The Great Being saith: 0 ye children of > capacity for, such a revelation. The day, men! The fundamental purpose animating > however, is fast approaching when the po- the Faith of God and His Religion is to > tentialities of so great a favor will, by safeguard the interests and promote the > virtue of His behest, be manifested unto unity of the human race, and to foster the > men. Though the forces of the nations be spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. > arrayed against Him, though the kings of Suffer it not to become a source of dissen- > the earth be leagued to undermine His sion and discord, of hate and enmity. This > Cause, the power of His might shall stand is the straight path, the fixed and immov- > unshaken. He, verily, speaketh the truth, able foundation. Whatsocvcr is raised on > and summoneth all mankind to the way of this foundat~on,the changes and chances of > Him who is the Incomparable, the All- the world can never impair its strength, nor > Knowing. will the revolution of countless centnries > All men have been created to carry for- undermine its structure. Our hope is that > ward an ever-advancing civilization. The the world's religious leaders and the rulers > Almighty beareth Me witness: T o act like thereof will undoubtedly arise for the re- > the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. formation of this age and the rehabilitation > Those virtues that befit his dignity are for- of its fortunes. Let them, after meditating > bearance, mercy, compassion and loving- on its needs, take counsel together and, > kindness towards all the peoples and kin- through anxious and full deliberation, ad- > THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > minister to a diseased and surely-afflicted der which they abidc should be attributed > world the remedy it requires. . . . I t is in- t o the varying requisites and exigencies of > cumbent upon them who are in authority the age in which they were revealed. All > to exercise moderation in all things. What- of them, except a few which are the out- > soever passeth upon the limits of modera- come of human perversity, were ordained > tion will cease ro exert a beneficial influ- of God, and are a reflection of His Will > ence. Consider for instance such things as and Purpose. Arise and, armed with the > liberty, civilization and the like. However power of faith, shatter to pieces the gods > much men of understanding may favorably of your vain imaginings, the sowers of dis- > regard them, they will, if carried to excess, sension amongst you. Cleave unto that > exercise a pernicious influence upon men. which draweth you together and uniteth > . . . Please God, the peoples of the world you. This, verily, is the most exalted Word > may be led, as the result of the high en- which the Mother Book hath sent down and > deavors exerted by their rulers and the wise revealed unto you. To this beareth witness > and learned amongst men, to recognize their the Tongue of Grandeur from His habita- > best interests. How long will humanity tion of glory. > persist in its waywardness? How long will > injustice continue? How long is chaos and Behold the disturbances which, for many > confusion to reign amongst men? How a long year, have afnicted the earth, and > long will discord agitate the face of society? the perturbation that hatb seized its peo- > The winds of despair are, alas, blowing ples. I t hath either been ravaged by war, > from every direction, and the strife that or tormented by sudden and unforeseen > divideth and afflicteth the human race is calamities. Though the world is encom- > daily increasing. The signs of impending passed with misery and distress, yet no man > convulsions and chaos can now be dis- hath paused to reflect what the cause or > cerned, inasmuch as the prevailing order source of that may be. Whenever the True > appeareth to be lamentably defective. I Counsellor uttered a word in admonish- > beseech God, exalted be His glory, that He ment, lo, they all denounced Him as a > may graciously awaken the peoples of the mover of mischief and rejected His claim. > earth, may grant that the end of their con- How bewildering, how confusing is such > duct may be profitable unto them, and aid behavior! No two men can be found who > them to accomplish that which beseemeth may be said to be outwardly and inwardly > their station. united. The evidences of discord and mal- > ice are apparent everywhere, though all > 0 contending peoples and kindreds of the were made for harmony and union. The > earth! Set your faces towards unity, and Great Being saith: 0 well-beloved ones! > let the radiance of its light shine upon you. The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; > Gather ye together and, for the sake of regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye > God, resolve to root out whatever is the are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of > source of contention amongst you. Then one branch. We cherish the hope that the > will the effulgence of the world's great light of justice may shine upon the world > Luminary envelop the whole earth, and its and sanctify it from tyranny. If the rul- > inhabitants become the citizens of one city, crs and kings of the earth, the symbols of > and the occupants of one and the same the power of God, exalted be His glory, > throne. This wronged One hath, ever since arise and resolve to dedicate themselves to > the early days of His life, cherished none whatever will promote the highest interests > other desire but this, and will continue to of the whole of humanity, the reign of jus- > entertain no wish except this wish. There tice will assuredly be established amongst > can be no doubt whatever that the peoples the children of men, and the effulgence of > of the world, of whatever race or religion, its light will envelop the whole earth. The > derive their inspiration from one heavenly Great Being saith: The structure of world > source, and are the subjects of one God. stability and order hath been reared upon, > The difference between the ordinances un- and will continue to he sustained by, the > E X C E R P T S FROM BAHA'1 SACRED WRITINGS 113 > > twin pillars of reward and punishment. In tage, much less recognize a Kevelation so > another passage He hath written: Take bewildering and challenging as this. And > heed, 0 concourse of the rulers of the whenever any one of them hath striven to > world! There is no force on earth that can improve its condition, his motive hath been > equal in its conquering power the force of his own gain, whether confessedly so or not; > justice and wisdom. . . . Blessed is the and the unworthiness of this motive hath > king who marcheth with the ensign of wis- limited his power to heal or cure. > dom unfurled before him, and the battal- That which the Lord hath ordained as > ions of justice massed in his rear. He verily the sovereign remedy and mightiest instru- > is the ornament that adorneth the brow of ment for the healing of all the world is the > peace and the countenance of security. union of all its peoples in one universal > There can he no doubt whatever that if Cause, one common Faith. This can in no > the day-star of justice, which the clouds wise be achieved except through the power > of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspired > light upon men, the face of the earth would Physician. This, verily, is the truth, and > be completely transformed. all else naught but error. > > 0 ye the elected representatives of the The purpose underlying the revelation of > people in every land! Take ye counsel to- every heavenly Book, nay of every divinely > gether, and let your concern he only for revealed verse, is to endue all men with > that which profiteth mankind, and better- righteousness and understanding, so that > eth the condition thereof, if ye be of them peace and tranquillity may be firmly estab- > that scan heedfully. Regard the world as lished amongst them. Whatsoever instilleth > the human body which, though at its crea- assurance into the hearts of men, whatso- > tion whole and perfect, hath bcen afflicted, ever exalteth their station or prornotrth > through various causes, with grave disorders their contentment, is acceptable in the sight > and maladies. Not for one day did it gain of God. How lofty is the station which > ease, nay its sickness waxed more severe, as man, if he but chooseth to fulfil his high > it fell under the treatment of ignorant phy- destiny, can atrain! To what depths of > sicians who gave full rein to their personal degradation he can sink, depths which the > desires, and have erred grievously. And if, meanest of creatures have never reached! > at one time, through the care of an able Seize, 0 friends, the chance which this Day > physician, a member of that body was offereth you, and deprive not yourselves of > healed, the rest remained afflicted as before. the liberal effusion of His grace. I beseech > Thus informeth you the All-Knowing, the God that He may graciously enable every > All-Wise. one of you to adorn himself, in this blessed > We behold it, in this day, at the mercy Day, with the ornament of pure and holy > of rulers so drunk with pride that they can- deeds. He, verily, doeth whatsoever He > not discern clearly their own best advan- willeth. > > UNDERSTANDING > > G O D ' S greatest gift to man is that of into touch with those kingdoms; and by > intellect, or understanding. this gift, he can frequently, through his > The understanding is the power by which scientific knowledge, reach out with pro- > man acquires his knowledge of the several phetic vision. > kingdoms of creation, and of various stages Intellect is, in truth, the most precious > of exi~tence,as well as of much which is gift bestowed upon man by the divine > invisible. bounty. Man alone, among created beings, > Possessing this gift, he is, in himself, the has this wonderful power. > sum of earlier creations-he is able to get All creation, preceding man, is bound by > 114 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > the stern law of nature. The great sun, the ments of war, for breaking the command- > multitudes of stars, the oceans and seas, the ment of God "Thou shalt not kill," and > mountains, the rivers, the trees, and all ani- for defying Christ's injunction t o "Love > mals, great or small-none are able LO evade one another." > obedience to nature's law. God gave this power t o man that it > Man alone has freedom, and, by his un- might be used for the advancement of civ- > derstanding or intellect, has been able to ilization, for the good of humanity, to in- > gain co~ltrol of and adapt some of those crease love and concord and peace. But > natural Iaws to his own needs. Ry the man prefers to use this gift to destroy > power of his intellect he has discovered instead of to build, for injustice and op- > means by which he not only traverses great pression, for hatred and discord and devas- > continents in express trains and crosses vast tation, for the destruction of his fellow- > oceans in ships, but, like the fish, he travels creatures, whom Christ has commanded > under water in submarines, and, imitating that he should love as himself! > the birds, he flies through the air in air- I hope that you will use your understand- > ships. ing t o promote the unity and tranquillity of > Man has succeeded in using electricity in mankind, to give enlightenment and civil- > several ways--for light, for motive power, ization to the people, to produce love in all > for sending messages from one end of the around you, and to bring about the Uni- > earth t o the other-and by electricity he versal Peace. > can even hear a voice many miles away. Study the sciences, acquire more and > By this gift of understanding or intellect more knowledge. Assuredly one may learn > he has also been able t o use the rays of the to the end of one's life! Use your knowl- > sun t o picture people and things, and even edge always for the benefit of others; so > t o capture the form of distant heavenly may war cease from off the face of this > bodies. beautilul earth, and a glorious edifice of > We perceive in what numerous ways man peace and concord be raised. Strive that > has been able t o bend the powers of nature your high ideals may be realized in the > to his will. Kingdom of God on earth, as they will he > How grievous it is to see how Inan has in heaven. > used his God-given gift to frame instru- Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-BahB. > - > > EVOLUTION O F THE SOUL > > G O D , In > . HIS. bounty, has given us a > foretaste here, has given us certain proofs > The progress and development of the soul, > the joy and sorrow of the soul, are inde- > of the difference that exists between body, pendent of the physical body. > soul and spirit. If we are caused joy or pain by a friend, > We see that cold, heat, suffering, etc., if a love prove true or false, it is the soul > only concern the body, they do not touch that is affected. If our dear ones are far > the spirit. from us-it is the soul that grieves, and the > H o w often do we see a man poor, sick, grief or trouble of the soul may react on > miserably clad, and with no means of sup- the body. > port, yet spiritually strong. Whatever his Thus, when the spirit is fed with holy > body has to suffer, his spirit is free and well. virtues, then is the body joyous; if the soul > Again, how often do we see a rich man, falls into sin, the body is in torment. > physically strong and healthy, but with a When we find truth, constancy, fidelity > soul sick unto death. and love, we are happy; but if we meet > I t is quite apparent to the seeing mind with lying, faithlessness and deceit, we are > that a man's spirit is something very dif- miserable. > ferent t o his physical body. These are all things pertaining to the > The spirit is changeless, indestructible. soul, and are not bodily ills. Thus, it is > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS l!f > > apparent that the soul, even as the body, t o he dead, yet she, roo, lives and has a life > has its own individuality. But if the body of her own. I n this world things live and > undergoes a change, the spirit need not be die, and live again in other forms of life, > touched. When you break a glass on which but in the world of the spirit it is quite > the sun shines, the glass is broken, but the otherwise. > sun still shines. If a cage containing a bird The soul does not evolve from degree t o > is destroyed, the bird is unharmed. If a degree as a law-it only evolves nearer to > lamp is broken, the flame can still burn God, by the mercy and bounty of God. > bright. T r y with all your hearts t o be willing > The same thing applies to the spirit of channels for God's bounty. For I say unto > man. Though death destroy his body, it you that H e has chosen you to be His mes- > has no power over his spirit-this is eternal, sengers of love throughout the world, t o be > everlasting, both birthless and deathless. His bearers of spiritual gifts t o man, to be > As t o the soul of man after death, it re- the means of spreading unity and concord > mains in the degree of purity to which it on the earth. Thank God with a11 your > has evolved during life in the physical body, hearts that such a privilege has been given > and after it is f see from the body it remains unto you. For a life devoted to praise is > plunged in the ocean of God's mercy. uot too long in which to thanlc God for > From the moment the soul leaves the such a favor. > body and arrives in the heavenly world, its Lift up your hearts above the present and > evolution is spiritual, and that evolution is: look with eyes of faith into the future! > The approaching unto God. Today the seed is sown, the grain falls upon > I n the physical creation, evolution is from the earth, hut behold the day will come > one degree of perfection to another. The when it shall rise a glorious tree and the > mineral passes with its mineral perfections branches thereof shall be laden with fruit. > t o the vegetable; the vegetable, with its per- Rejoice and be glad that this day has > fection, passes t o the animal world, and so dawned, try to realize its power, for it is > on t o thac of humanity. This world is full indeed wonderful! God has crowned you > of seeming contradictions; in each of these with honor and in your hearts has H e set a > kingdoms (mineral, vegetable and animal) radiant star; verily the light thereof shall > life exists in its degree; though, when corn- brighten the whole world. > pared t o the life in a man, the earth appears Wdsdonz of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > > IMMORTALITY > > A C C O R D I N G t o divine philosophy, creation in its endless forms and infinite > there are two important and universal con- variety of expression. Certain elements have > ditions in the world of material' phenomena; formed the composite creature man. This > one which concerns life, the other concern- composite association of the elements in the > ing death; one relative to existence, the form of a human body is therefore subject > other non-existence; one manifest in com- to disintegration which we call death, but > position, the other in decon~position. Some after disintegration the elements themselves > define existence as the expression of reality persist unchanged. Therefore total anni- > or being, and non-existence as non-being, hilation is an impossibility, and existence > imagining that death is annihilation. This is can never become non-existence. This > a mistaken idea, for total annihilation is an would he equivalent to saying that light can > impossibility. A t most, composition is ever become darkness, which is manifestly un- > subject to decon~positionor disintegration; true and impossible. As existence can never > that is to say, existence implies rhe group- become non-existence, there is no death for > ing of material eleinents in a form or body, man; nay, rather, man is everlasting and > and non-existence is simply the de-compos- everliving. 'The rational proof of this is > ing of these groupings. This is the law of that the atoms of the material elements are > 116 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > transferable from one form of existence to upward change. In each kingdom we find > another, from one degree and kingdom to the same virtues manifesting themselves > another, lower or higher. For example, an more fully, proving that the reality has been > atom of the soil or dust of earth may tra- transferred from a lower to a higher form > verse the kingdoms from mineral to man by and kingdom of being. Therefore non- > successive incorporations into the bodies of existence is only relative and absolute non- > the organisms of those kingdoms. At one existence inconceivable. This rose in my > time it enters into the formation of the hand will become disintegrated and its sym- > miueral or rock; it is then absorbed by the metry destroyed, but the elements of its > vegetable kingdom and becomes a constitu- composition remain changeless; nothing af- > ent of the body and fibre of a tree; again it fects their elemental integrity. They can- > is appropriated by the animal, and at a still not become non-existent; they are simply > later period is found in the body of man. transferred from one state to another. > Throughout these degrees of its traversing Through his ignorance, man fears death; > the kingdoms from one form of phenom- but the death he shrinks from is imaginary > enal being to another, it retains its atomic and absolutely unreal; it is only human > existence and is never annihilated nor rele- imagination. > gated to non-existence. The bestowal and grace of God have > Non-existence therefore is an expression cpickened the realm of existence with life > applied to change of form, but this trans- and being. For existence there is neither > formation can never be rightly considered change nor transformation; existence is ever > annihilation, for the elements of composi- existence; it can never be translated into > tion are ever present and existent as we have non-existence. I t is gradation; a degree be- > seen in the journey of the atom through low a higher degree is considered as non- > successive kingdoms, unimpaired; hence existence. This dust beneath our feet, as > there is no death; life is everlasting. So to compared with our being, is non-existent. > speak, when the atom entered into the com- When the human body crumbles into dust > position of the tree, it died to the mineral we can say it has become non-existent; > kingdom, and when consumed by the ani- therefore its dust in relation to living forms > mal, it died to the vegetable kingdom, and of human being is as non-existent but in its > so on until its transference or transmutation own sphere it is existent, it has its mineral > into the kingdom of man; but throughout being. Therefore it is well proved that ab- > its traversing it was subject to transforrna- solute non-existence is impossible; it is only > tion and not annihilation. Death therefore relative. > is applicable to a change or transference The purpose is this;-that the everlasting > from one degree or condition to another. In bestowal of God vouchsafed to man is never > the mineral realm there was a spirit of ex- subject to corruption. Inasmuch as He has > istence; in the world of plant life and or- endowed the phenomenal world with being, > ganisms it reappeared as the vegetative it is impossible for that world to become > spirit; thence it attained the animal spirit non-being, for it is the very genesis of God; > and finally aspired to the human spirit. it is in the realm of origination; it is a > These are degrees and changes but not ob- creational and not a subjective world, and > literation; and this is a rational proof that the bounty descending upon it is continu- > man is everlasting, ever living. Therefore ous and permanent. Therefore man the > death is only a relative term implying highest creature of the phenomenal world is > change. For example, we will say that this endowed with that continuous bounty be- > light before me, having reappeared in an- stowed by divine generosity without cessa- > other incandescent lamp, has died in the tion. For instance, the rays of the sun are > one and lives in the other. This is not death continuous, the heat of the sun emanates > in reality. The perfections of the mineral from it without cessation; no discontinu- > are translated into the vegetable and from ance of it is conceivable. Even so the > thence into the animal, the virtue always bestowal of God is descending upon the > attaining a plus or superlative degree in the world of humanity, never ceasing, con- > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'i SACRED WRITINGS 117 > > tinuous, forever. If we say that the be- world. The bestowals of God are alwayv > stowal of existence ceases or falters it is manifest. The promises of heaven are ever > equivalent to saying that the sun can exist present. The favors of God are all-sur- > with cessation of its effulgence. Is this pos- rounding but should the conscious eye of > sible? Therefore the effulgences of exist- the soul of man remain veiled and darkened > ence are ever-present and continuous. he will be led to deny these universal signs > The conception of annihilation is a factor and remain deprived of these manifestations > in human degradation, a cause of human of divine bounty. Therefore we must en- > debasement and lowliness, a source of deavor with heart and soul in order that > human fear and abjection. It has been con- the veil covering the eye of inner vision may > ducive t o the dispersion and weakening of be removed, that we may behold the mani- > human thought whereas the realization of festations of the signs of God, discern His > existence and continuity has upraised man mysterious graces, and realize that material > to sublimity of ideals, established the foun- blessings as compared with spiritual boun- > dations of human progress and stimulated ties are as nothing. The spiritual blessings > the development of heavenly virtues; there- of God are greatest. When we were in the > fore it behooves man to abandon thoughts mineral kingdom, although endowed with > of non-existence and death which are abso- certain gifts and powers, they were not to > lutely imaginary and see himself ever living, be compared with the blessings of the > everlasting in the divine purpose of his human kingdom. In the matrix of the > creation. He must turn away from ideas mother we were the recipients of endow- > which degrade the human soul, so that day ments and blessings of God, yet these were > by day and hour by hour he may advance as nothing compared to the powers and > upward and higher to spiritual perception graces bestowed upon us after birth into > of the continuity of the human reality. If this human world. Likewise if we are born > he dwells upon the thought of non-exist- from the matrix of this physical and > ence he will become utterly incompetent; phenomenal environment into the freedom > with weakened will-power his ambition for and loftiness of the life and vision spirit- > progress will be lessened and the acquisition ual, we shall consider this mortal existence > of human virtues will cease. and its blessings as worthless by compari- > Therefore you must thank God that He son. > has bestowed upon you the blessing of life I n the spiritual world, the divine be- > and existence in the human kingdom. stowals are infinite, for in that realm there > Strive diligently to acquire virtues befitting is neither separation nor disintegration > your degree and station. Be as lights of the which characterize the world of material > world which cannot be hid and which have existence. Spiritual existence is absolute > no setting in horizons of darkness. Ascend immortality, completeness and unchange- > to the zenith of an existence which is never able being. Therefore we must thank God > beclouded by the fears and forebodings of that He has created for us both material > non-existence. When man is not endowed blessings and spiritual bestowals. He has > with inner perception he is not informed given us material gifts and spiritual graces, > of these important mysteries. The retina of outer sight to view the lights of the sun > outer vision though sensitive and delicate and inner vision by which we may perceive > may nevertheless be a hindrance to the the glory of God. He has designed the > inner eye which alone can perceive. The outer ear to enjoy the melodies of sound > bestowals of God which are manifest in all and the inner hearing wherewith we may > phenomenal life are sometimes hidden by hear the voice of our Creator. We must > intervening veils of mental and mortal strive with energies of heart, soul and mind > vision which render man spiritually blind to develop and manifest the perfections and > and incapable but when those scales are re- virtues latent within the realities of the > moved and the veils rent asunder, then the phenomenal world, for the human reality > great signs of God will become visible and may be compared to a seed. If we sow the > he will witness the eternal light filling the seed, a mighty tree appears from it. The > 158 T H E B A H A ' ~WORLD > > virtues of the seed are r ~ v ~ d rind the tree; within human reahties certain virtues latent > it puts forth branches, leaves, blossoms, and and potential. Through education and cul- > produces fruits. All these virtues were ture, these virtues deposited by the loving > hidden and potential in the seed. Through God will become apparent in the human > the blessing and bounty of cultivation these reality even as the unfoldment of the tree > virtues became apparent. Similarly the from within the germinating seed. > merciful God our Creator has deposited Promulgation of Universal Peace. > > T H E DIVl'NE SPIRIT > > T H E greatest power in the realm and have their operation upon its own plane of > range of human existence is spirit-the existence and it cannot go beyond that > divine breath which animates and pervades boundary. > all things. I t is manifested tluoughout There is however another spirit which > creation in different degrees or kingdoms. may be termed the divine, to which Jesus > In the vegetable kingdom it is the spirit Christ refers when he declares that man > augmentative or power of growth, the must be born of its quickening and bap- > animus of life and development in plants, tized with its living fire. Souls deprived of > trees and organisms of the floral world. In that spirit are accounted as dead, though > this degree of its manifestation, spirit is un- they are possessed of the human spirit. His > conscious of the powers which quahfy the Holiness Jesus Christ has pronounced them > kingdom of the animal. The distinctive dead inasmuch as they have no portion of > virtue or plus of the animal is sense percep- the divine spirit. He says "Let the dead > tion; it sees, hears, smells, tastes and feels bury their dead." In another instance he > but is incapable in turn, of conscious idea- declares, "That which is born of the flesh > tion or reflection which characterize and is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit > differentiate the human kingdom. The ani- is spirit." By this he means that souls > mal neither exercises nor apprehends this though alive in the human kingdom are > distinctive human power and gift. From nevertheless dead if devoid of this particular > the visible it cannot draw conclusions re- spirit of divine quickening. They have not > garding the invisible whereas the human partaken of the divine life of the higher > mind from visible and known premises kingdom; for the soul which partakes of the > attains knowledge of the unknown and in- power of the divine spirit is verily living. > visible. For instance, Christopher Colum- This quickening spirit has spontaneous > bus from information based upon known emanation from the Sun of Truth, from the > and provable facts drew conclusions which reality of divinity and is not a revelation > led him unerringly across the vast ocean to or a manifestation. I t is like the rays of > the unknown continent of America. Such the sun. The rays are emanations from the > power of acco~nplishment is beyond the sun. This does not mean that the sun has > range of animal intelligence. Therefore become divisible; that a part of the sun has > this power is a distinctive attribute of the come out into space. This plant beside me > human spirit and kingdom. The animal has risen from the seed; therefore it is a > spirit cannot penetrate and discover the manifestation and unfoldment of the seed. > mysteries of things. I t is a captive of the The seed, as you can see, has unfolded in > senses. No amount of teaching, for in- manifestation and the result is this plant. > stance, would enable it to grasp the fact Every leaf of the plant is a part of the seed. > that the sun is stationary and the earth But the reality of divinity is indivisible and > moves around it. Likewise the human each individual of human kind cannot be a > spirit has its limitations. I t cannot com- part of it as is often claimed. Nay, rather, > prehend the phenomena of the kingdom the individual realities of mankind when > transcending the human station, for it is a spiritually born are emanations from the > captive of powers and life forces which reality of divinity, just as the flame, heat > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 119 > > and light of the sun are the effulgence of material lines lnon is noc prfected. At > the sun and not a part of the sun itself. most, the physical aspect of man, his natn- > Therefore a spirit has emanated from the ral or material conditions may become > reality of divinity, and its effulgences have stabilized and improved but he will remain > become visible in hulnan entities or realities. deprived of the spiritual or divine bestowal. > This ray and this heat are permanent. He is then like a body without a spirit, a > There is no cessation in the effulgence. As lamp without the light, an eye without the > long as the sun exists the heat and light will power of vision, an ear that hears no sound, > exist, and inasmuch as eternalicy is a prop- a mind incapable of perceiving, an intellect > crty of divinity, this emanation is everlast- minus the power of reason. > ing. There is no cessation in its outpouring. Man has two powers, and his develop- > The more the world of humanity develops, ment two aspects. One power is connected > the more the effulgences or emanations of with the material world and by it he is > divinity will become revealed, just as the capable of material advancement. The > stone when it becomes polished and pure as other power is spiritual and through its > a mirror will reflect in fuller degree the development his inner, potential nature is > glory and splendor of the sun. awakened. These powers are like two > The mission of the prophets, the revela- wings. Both must be developed, for flight > tion of the Holy Books, the manifestation is i~npossiblewith one wing. Praise be to > of the heavenly teachers and the purpose of God! material advancement has been evi- > divine philosophy all center in the training dent in the world but there is need of > of the human realities so that they may be- spiritual advancement in like proportion. > come clear and pure as mirrors and reflect We must strive unceasingly and without > the light and love of the Sun of Reality. rest to accomplish the development of the > Therefore I hope that whether you be in the spiritual nature in man, and endeavor with > east or the west you will strive with heart tireless energy to advance humanity toward > and soul in order that day by day the world the nobility of its true and intended station. > of humanity may become glorified, more For the body of man is accidental; it is of > spiritual, more sanctified; and that the no importance. The time of its disintegra- > splendor of the Sun of Reality may be re- tion will inevitably come. But the spirit > vealed fully in human hearts as in a mirror. of man is essential and therefore eternal. I t > This is worthy of the world of mankind. is a divine bounty. It is the effulgence of > This is the true evolution and progress of the Sun of Reality and therefore of greater > humanity. This is the supreme bestowal. in~portancethan the physical body. > Otherwise, by simple development along Promulgation of Universal Peace. > > NATURE A N D THE WORD > > N A T U R E is the material world. When may grow instead of thorns and weeds; > we loolc upon it we see that it is dark and that is to say, we must illumine the dark > imperfect. For instance, if we allow a piece world of nature. In their primal natural > of land to remain in its natural condition, state, the forests are dim, gloomy, im- > we will find it covered with thorns and penetrable. Man opens them to the light, > thistles; useless weeds and wild vegetation clears away the tangled underbrush and > will flourish upon it and it will become like plants fruitful trees. Soon the wild wood- > a jungle. The trees will be fruitless, lack- lands and jungle are changed into produc- > ing beauty and symmetry; wild animals, tive orchards and beautiful gardens; order > noxious insects and reptiles will abound in has replaced chaos; the dark realm of nature > its dark recesses. This is the incompleteness has become illumined and brightened by > and i~nperfection of the world of naturc. cultivation. > T o change these conditions, we must clear If man himself is left in his natural state, > the ground and cultivate it so that flowers he will become lower than the animal and > THE BAHA'f WORLD > continue to grow more ignorant 2nd im- cation in schools and colleges until his mind > perfect. The savage tribes of Central has awakened and unfolded to higher realms > Africa are evidences of this. Left in their of thought and perception; otherwise both > natural condition, they have sunk to the are human and natural. > lowest depths and degrees of barbarism, God has sent forth the prophets for the > dimly groping in a world of mental and purpose of quickening the soul of man into > moral obscurity. If we wish to illumine higher and divine recognitions. He has > this dark plane of human existence we nus st revealed the heavenly books for this great > bring man forth from the hopeless captivity purpose. For this the breaths of the Holy > of nature, educate him and show h ~ mthe Spirit have been wafted through the gar- > pathway of light and knowledge, until, up- dens of human hearts, the doors of the > lifted from his condition of ignorance, he divine kingdom opened to mankind and the > becomes wise and knowing; no longer invisible inspirations sent forth from on > savage and revengeful, he becomes civilized high. This divine and ideal power has been > and kind; once evil and sinister, he is en- bestowed upon man in order that he may > dowed with the attributes of heaven. But purify himself from the imperfections of > left in his natal condition without educa- nature and uplift his soul to the realm of > tion and training, it is certain that he will might and power. God has purposed that > become more depraved and vicious than the the darkness of the world of nature shall > animal, even to the extreme degree wit- be dispelled and the imperfect attributes of > nessed among African tribes who practice the natal self be effaced in the effulgent > cannibalism. It is evident therefore that reflection of the Sun of Truth. The mis- > the world of nature is incomplete, imper- sion of the prophets of God has been to > fect until awakened and illumined by the train the souls of humanity and free them > light and stimulus of education. from the thraldom of natural instincts and > In these days there are new schools of physical tendencies. They are like unto > philosophy blindly claiming that the world prdeners, and the world of humanity is the > of nature is perfect. If this is true, why field of their cultivation, the wilderness and > are children trained and educated in schools, untrained jungle growth wherein they pro- > and what is the need of extended courses in ceed to labor. They cause the crooked > sciences, arts and letters in colleges and branches to become straightened, the fruit- > universities? What would he the result if less trees to become fruitful, and gradually > humanity was left in its natal condition transform this great wild uncultivated field > without education of training? All scien- into a beautiful orchard producing won- > tific discoveries and attainments are the derful abundance and outcome. > outcomes of knowledge and education. If the world of nature was perfect and > The telegraph, phonograph, telephone were complete in itself, there would be no need > latent and potential in the world of nature of such training and cultivation in the > but would never have come forth into the human world; no "red of teachers, schools > realm of visibility unless man through and universities, arts and crafts. The reve- > education had pentrated and discovered the lations of the prophets of God would not > laws which control them. All the mar- have been necessary and the heavenly books > velous developments and miracles of what would have been superfluous. If the world > we call civilization would have remained of nature was perfect and snfficient for > hidden, unknown and so to speak, non- mankind we would have no need of God > existent, if man had remained in his natural and our belief in Him. Therefore the be- > conditon, deprived of the bounties, bless- stowal of all these great helps and acces- > ings and benefits of education and mental sories to the attainment of divine life is > culture. The intrinsic difference between because the world of nature is incomplete > the ignorant man and the astute philosopher and imperfect. Consider this Canadian > is that the former has not been lifted out country during the early history of Mon- > of his natural condition, while the latter treal when the land was in its wild, uncul- > has undergone systematic training and edu- tivated and natural condition. The soil was > EXCERPTS FROM B A H A ' ~S A C R E D WRITINGS 161 > > unproductive, rocky and almost unin- and nature's laws. All thc animals are > habitable, vast forests stretching in every materialists. They are deniers of God and > direction. What invisible power caused without realization of a transcendent power > this great metropolis to spring up amid such in the universe. They have no knowledge > savage and forbidding conditions? I t was of the diviue prophets and holy books; mere > the human mind. Therefore nature and the captives of nature and the sense world. In > effect of nature's laws were imperfect. reality they are like the great philosophers > The mind of man remedied and removed of this day who are not in touch with God > this imperfect condition, until now we be- and the Holy Spirit; deniers of the prophets, > hold a great city instead of a savage ignorant of spiritual susceptibilities, de- > unbroken wilderness. Before the coming of prived of the heavenly bounties and with- > Columbus, America itself was a wild, un- out belief in the power supernatural. The > cultivated expanse of primeval forest, animal lives this kind of life blissfully and > mountains and r i v e r s a very world of untroubled whereas the material philoso- > nature. Now it has become the world of phers labor and study for ten or twenty > man. I t was darlc, forbidding and savage; years in schools and colleges, denying God, > now it has become illumined with a great the Holy Spirit and divine inspirations. > civilization and prosperity. Instead of The animal is even a greater philosopher, > forests, we behold productive farms, beau- for it attains the ability t o do this without > tiful gardens and prolific orchards. Instead labor and study. For instance, the cow > of thorns and useless vegetation, we find denies God and the Holy Spirit, lcnows > flowers, domestic animals and fields await- nothing of divine inspirations, heavenly > ing harvest. If the world of nature was bounties or spiritual emotions and is a > perfect, the condition of this great country stranger to the world of hearts. Like the > would have been left unchanged. philosophers, the cow is a captive of nature > If a child is left in its natural state and and knows nothing beyond the range of the > deprived of education, there is no doubt senses. The philosophers however glory in > that it will grow up in ignorance and illit- this, saying, "We are not captives of super- > eracy, its mental faculties dulled and stitions; we have implicit faith in the > dimmed; in fact it will become like an impressions of the senses and know nothing > animal. This is evident among the savages beyond the realm of nature which contains > of Central Africa who are scarcely higher and covers evelything." But the cow with- > than the beast in mental development. out study or proficiency in the sciences, > The conclusion is irresistible that the modestly and quietly views life from the > splendors of the Sun of Truth, the Word of same standpoint, living in harmony with > God have been the source and cause of nature's laws in the utmost dignity and > human upbuilding and civilization. The nobility. > world of nature is the kingdom of the This is not the glory of man. The glory > animal. In its natural condition and plane of man is in the knowledge of God, spir- > of limitation the animal is perfece. The itual susceptibilities, attainment to tran- > ferocious beasts of prey have been corn- scendent powers and the bounties of the > pletely subject to the laws of nature in Holy Spirit. The glory of man is in being > their development. They are without informed of the teachings of God. This is > education or training; they have no power the glory of humanity. Ignorance is not > of abstract reasoning and intellectual ideals; glory but darkness. Can these souls who > they have no touch with the spiritual world are steeped in the lower strata of ignorance > and are without conception of God or the become informed of the mysteries of God > Holy Spirit. The animal can neither recog- and the realities of existence yet His Holi- > nize nor apprehend the spiritual power of ness Jesus Christ be without knowledge of > man, and makes no distinction between them? Is the intellect of these people > man and itself for the reason that its sus- grcater than the intrllect of Christ? His > ceptibilities are limited to the plane of the Holiness Christ was heavenly, divine and > senses. I t lives under the bondage of nature belonged to the world of the kingdom. > 162 THE BAHA'I WORLD > He was the embodiment of spirit~lalknowl- suffering vicissitudes because he was en- > edge. His intellect was superior to these dowed with spiritual susceptibilities and the > philosophers, his comprehension deeper, his power of the Holy Spirit. He beheld the > perception keener, his knowledge more per- splendors of the divine kingdom, embodied > fect. How is it that he overlooked and the bounties of God and possessed deal > denied himself everything in this world? powers. He was illumined with love and > He attached little importance to this mate- mercy and so likewise were all the prophets > rial life, denying himself rest and com- of God. > posure, accepting trials and voluntarily Promulgatio?z of Uaiversal Peace. > > THE M > > T H E divine Reality is unthinkable, limit- The Holy Spirit is the light from the > less, eternal, immortal and invisible. Sun of Truth bringing, by its infinite > The world of creation is bound by natu- power, life and illumination to all mankind, > ral law, finite and mortal. flooding all souls with divine radiance, con- > The infinite Reality cannot be said to veying the blessings of God's mercy to the > ascend or descend. I t is beyond the under- whole world. The earth, without the > standing of man, and cannot be described medium of the warmth and light of the > in terms which apply to the phenomenal rays of the sun, could receive no benefits > sphere of the created world. from the sun. > Man, then, is in extreme need of the only Likewise the Holy Spirit is the very cause > power by which he is able to receive help of the life of man; without the Holy Spirit > from the divine reality, that power alone he would have no intellect, he would be > bringing him into contact with the source unable to scquire his scientific knowledge > of all life. by which his great influence over the rest > An intermediary is needed to bring two of creation is gained. The illumination of > extremes into relation with each other. the Holy Spirit gives to man the power of > Riches and poverty, plenty and need: with- thought, and enables him to make dis- > out an intermediary power there could be coveries by which he bends the laws of > no relation between these pairs of opposites. nature to his will. > So we can say that there must be a The Holy Spirit it is which, through the > Mediator between God and man, and this is mediation of the prophets of God, teaches > none other than the Holy Spirit, which spiritual virtues to man and enables him to > brings the created earth into relation with attain eternal life. > the "Unthinkable One," the divine Reality. All these blessings are brought to man > The divine Reality may be likened to the by the Holy Spirit; therefore we can under- > sun and the Holy Spirit to the rays of the stand that the Holy Spirit is the Inter- > sun. As the rays of the sun bring the light mediary between the creator and the cre- > and warmth of the sun to the earth, giving ated. The light and heat of the sun cause > life to all created beings, so do the "Mani- the earth to be fruitful, and create life in > festations" bring the power of the Holy all things that grow; and the Holy Spirit > Spirit from the divine Sun of Reality to quickens the souls of men. > give light and life to the souls of men. The two great Apostles, St. Peter and > Behold, there is an intermediary necessary St. John the Evangelist, were once simple, > between the sun and the earth; the sun does humble workmen, toiling for their daily > not descend to the earth, neither does the bread. By the power of the Holy Spirit > earth ascend to the sun. This contact is their souls were illumined, and they received > made by the rays of the sun which bring the eternal blessings of Christ. > light and warmth and heat. Wisdonz of 'Abdu'l-Bahn'. > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 163 > > T H E MYSTERY O F SACRIFILE > > T H I S evening I wish to speak to you con- was a manifestation of God and a descend- > cerning the mystery of sacrifice. There are ant of Adam; likewise His Holiness Ishmael, > two kinds of sacrifice, the physical and the His Holiness Isaac, His Holiness Jeremiah > spiritual. The explanation made by the and the whole line of prophets including > churches concerning this subject is in David, Solomon and Aarou were among his > reality superstition. For instance it is re- posterity. Were 211 these holy men con- > corded in the gospel that His Holiness demned to a realm of punishment because > Christ said, "I am the living bread which of a deed committed by the first father, > came down from heaven: if any man eat of because of a mistake said to have been > this bread he shall live forever." He also made by their mutual and remotest ancestor > said, "This wine is my blood which is shed His Holiness Adam? The explanation is > for the remission of sins." These verses made that when His Holiness Christ came > have been interpreted by the churches in and sacrificed himself, all the line of holy > such a superstitious way that it is impos- prophets who preceded him became free > sible for human reason to understand or from sin and punishment. Even a child > accept the explanation. could not justly make such an assertion. > They say that His Holiness Adam dis- These interpretations and statements are due > obeyed the command of God and partook of to a misunderstanding of the meanings of > the fruit of the forbidden tree thereby com- the Bible. > mitting a sin which was transmitted as a In order to understand the reality of sac- > heritage to his posterity. They teach that rifice let us consider the crucifixioll and > because of Adam's sin all his descendants death of His I-Ioliness Jesus Christ. I t is > have likewise committed transgression and true thnt he sacrificed himsclf for our sake. > have become responsible through inher- What is the meaning of this? When His > itance; consequently all mankind deserves Holiness Christ appeared, he knew that he > punishment and must make retribution; must himself in opposition to all > and that God sent forth His son as a sacri- the nations and peoples of the earth. He > fice in order that man might be forgiven knew that mankind would arise against him > and the human race delivered from the and in0'ict upon him all manner of tribula- > consequences of Adam's transgression. tions. There is no doubt that one who put > We wish to consider these statcments forth such a clailn as Christ announced, > from the standpoint of reason. Could we would arouse the hostility of the world and > conceive of His Highness the Divinity who be subjected to personal abuse. He realized > is justice itself, inflicting punishment upon that his blood would be shed and his body > the posterity of Adam for Adam's own sin rent by violence. Notwithstanding his > and disobedience? Even if we should see knowledge of whar would befall him, he > a governor, an earthly ruler punishing a arose t o proclaim his message, suffered all > son for the wrong-doing of his father, we tribulation and hardships from the people > would look upon that ruler as an unjust and finally offered his life as a sacrifice in > man. Granted the father committed a order to illumine humanity; gave his blood > wrong, what was the wrong commnirtcd by in order to guide the world of mankind. > the son? There is no connection between He accepted every calamity and suffering in > the two. Adam's sin was not the sin of order to guide men to the truth. Had he > his posterity especially as Adam is a thou- desired to save his own life and were he > sand generations back of the nlan today. without wish to offer himself in sacrifice he > If the father of a thousand generations would not have been able to guide a single > committed a sin, is it just to demand that soul. There was no doubt that his blessed > the present generation should suffer the blood would be shed and his body broken. > consequences thereof? Nevertlieless that holy soul accepted calam- > There are other questions and evidences ity and death in his love for mankind. This > to be considered. His Holiness Abraham is one of the meanings of sacrifice. > 164 T H E BAHA'I \VOXLD > > As to the second mealring, he said, "I am and perfections of Christ became manifect > the bread which came down from heaven." in the Christian community which Christ > I t was not the body of Christ which came founded through sacrificing himself. When > from heaven. His body came from the you look at the tree you will realize that > womb of Mary but the Christ perfections the perfections, blessings, properties and > descended from heaven; the reality of beauty of the seed have become manifest in > Christ came down from heaven. The spirit the branches, twigs, blossoms and fruit; > of Christ and not the hody descended from consequently the seed has sacrificed itself to > heaven. The hody of Christ was but the tree. Had it not done so, the tree > human. There could be no question that would not have come into existence. His > the physical hody was horn from the womb Holiness Christ like unto the seed sacri- > of Mary. But the reality of Christ, the ficed himself for the tree of Christianity. > spirit of Christ, the perfections of Christ all Therefore his perfections, bounties, favors, > came from heaven. Consequently by say- lights and graces became manifest in the > ing he was the bread which came from Christian community, for the coming of > heaven he meant that the perfections which which he sacrificed himself. > he showed forth were divine perfections, As t o the fourth significance of sacrifice, > that the blessings within him were heavenly it is the principle that a reality sacrifices its > gifts and bestowals, that his light was the own characteristics. Man must sever him- > light of reality. He said, "If any man eat self from the influences of the world of > of this bread, he shall live forever." That matter, from the world of nature and its > is t o say whosoever assimilates these divine laws; for the material world is the world of > perfections which are within me will never corruption and death. I t is the world of > die; whosoever has a share and partakes of evil and darkness, of animalism and feroc- > thesc heavenly bounties I embody will find ity, bloodthirstiness, ambition and avarice, > eternal life; he who takes uilto himself of self-worship, egotism and passion; it is > these divine lights shall find life everlasting. the world of nature. Man must strip him- > How manifest the meaning is! How evi- self of all these imperfections, must sacrifice > dent! For the soul which acquires divine these tendencies which are peculiar t o the > perfections and seeks heavenly illumination outer and material world of existence. > froin the teachings of Christ will undoubt- O n the other hand man must acquire > edly live eternally. This is also one of the heavenly rqualities and attain divine attri- > mysteries of sacrifice. butes. He nl~rst become the image and > I n reality His Holiness Abraham sacri- likeness of God. H e must seek the bounty > ficed himself, for he brought heavenly of the eternal, become the manifester of > teachings to the world and conferred the love of God, the light of guidance, the > heavenly food upon mankind. tree of life and the depository of the > As to the third meaning of sacrifice, i t is bounties of God. That is t o say man must > this:-If you plant a seed in the ground a sacrifice the qualities and attributes of the > tree will become manifest from that seed. world of nature for the qualities and > The seed sacrifices itself t o the tree that attributes of the world of God. Eor in- > will come from it. The seed is outwardly stance consider the substance we call iron. > lost, destroyed but the samc seed which is Observe its qualities; it is solid, black, cold. > sacrificed will be absorbed and embodied These are the characteristics of iron. When > in the tree, its blossoms, fruit and branches. the same iron absorbs heat from the fire, i t > If the identity of that seed had not been sacrifices its attribute of solidity for the > sacrificed to the tree which became mani- attribute of fluidity. It sacrifices its attri- > fest from it, no branches, blossoms or fruits bute of darkness for the attribute of light > would have been forthcoming. His Holi- which is a quality of the fire. I t sacrifices > ness Christ outwardly disappeared. His its attribute of coldness to the quality of > personal identity became hidden from the heat which the fire possesses; so that in the > eyes even as the identity of the seed disap- iron there remains no solidity, darkness or > peared, but the bounties, divine qualities cold. I t becomes illumined and trans- > EXCERPTS FROM B A H A ' ~S A C R E D WRITINGS 165 > > formed, hnving sacrificed its qualities to the perfections. Consequently every perfect > qualities and attributes of the fire. person, every illumined, heavenly individual > Likewise man when separated and severed stands in the station of sacrifice. I t is my > from the attributes of the world of nature hope that through the assistance and provi- > sacrifices the qualities and exigencies of that dence of God and through the bounties of > mortal realm and manifests the perfections the kingdom of Ahh6 you may be entirely > of the Kingdom, just as che qualities of the severed from the imperfections of the > iron disappeared and the qualities of the fire world of nature, purified from selfish, > appeared in their place. human desires, receiving life from the king- > Every man trained through the teachings dom of Ahh6 and attaining heavenly graces. > of God and illumined by the light of His May the divine light become manifest upon > guidance, who becomes a believer in God your faces, the fragrances of holiness refresh > and His signs and is enkmdled with the your nostrils and the breath of the Holy > fire of the love of God sacrifices the imper- Spirit quicken yon with eternal life. > fections of nature for the sake of divine Promzblgation of Univcvsal Peace. > > SPIRITUAL TRUTH IS REVEALED > > IT is a self-evident fact that phenomenal > existence can never grasp nor comprehend > prehension whatever of us. No matter how > near perfection this rose may advance in its > the ancient and essential reality. Utter own sphere it can never possess hearing and > weakness cannot understand absolute sight. Inasmuch as in the creation21 world > strength. When we view the world of which is phenomenal, difference of degree > creation we discover differences in degree is an obstacle or hindrance to comprehen- > which make it impossible for the lower to sion, how can the human being, which is a > comprehend the higher. For example, the created exigency, comprehend the ancient > mineral kingdom, no matter how much it divine reahty which is essential? This is > may advance can never comprehend the impossible because the reahty of divinity is > phenomena of the vegetable kingdom. sanctified beyond the comprehension of the > Whatever development the vegetable may created being man. > attain, it can have no message from nor Furthermore, that which man can grasp > come in touch with the kingdom of the is finite to man, and man to it is as infinite. > animal. However perfect may be the Is it possible then for the reality of divinity > growth of a tree it cannot realize the sensa- to be finite and the human creature in- > tion of sight, hearing, smell, taste and finite? On the contrary the reverse is true; > touch; these are beyond its limitation. the human is finite while the essence of > Although it is the possessor of existence in divinity is infinite. Whatever comes within > the world of creation, a tree nevertheless the sphere of human comprehension must > has no knowledge of the superior degree of be limited and finite. As the essence of > the animal kingdom. Likewise no matter divinity transcends the comprehension of > how great the advancement of the animal man, therefore God brings forth certain > it can have no idea of the human plane; Manifestations of the divine reality upon > no knowledge of intellect and spirit. whom He bestows heavenly effulgences in > Difference in degree is an obstacle to this order that they may be intermediaries be- > comprehension, A lower degree cannot tween humanity and Himself. These holy > comprehend a higher although all are in the Manifestations or prophets of God are as > same world of creation, whether mineral, mirrors which have acquired illumination > vegetable or animal. Degree is the barrier from the Sun of Truth, but the Sun does > and limitation. In the human plane of not descend from its high zenith and does > existence we can say we have knowledge not effect entrance within the mirror. In > of a vegetable, its qualities and product, truth this mirror has attained complete > but the vegetable has no knowledge or com- polish and purity until the utmost capacity > .'f WORLD > of reflection has been developed in it, there- adoration of the mirror of Moscs did not > fore the Sun of Reality with its fuliest perceive the lights and effulgences of the > effulgence and splendor is revealed therein. Sun of Reality resplendent in Jesus, there- > These mirrors are earthly whereas the fore they were deprived of its bestowals. > reality of divinity is in its highest apogee. Yet the Sun of Reality, the Word of God > Although its lights are shining and its heat shone from the Messianic mirror through > is manifest in them, although these mirrors the wonderful channel of Jesus Christ more > are telling their story of its effulgence, the fully and more wonderfully. Its efful- > Sun nevertheless remains in its own lofty gences were manifestly radiant hut even > station; it does not descend, it does not to this day the Jews are holding to the > effect entrance, because it is holy and Mosaic mirror. Therefore they are bereft > sanctified. of witnessing the lights of eternity in > The Sun of Divinity and of Reality has Jesus. > revealed itself in various mirrors. Though I n brief; the sun is one sun, the light is > these mirrors are many, yet the Sun is one. one light which shines upon all phenomenal > The bestowals of God are one; the reality being. Every creature has a portion > of the divine religion is one. Consider how thereof, but the pure mirror can reveal the > the one and same light has reflected itself story of its bounty more fully and com- > in the different mirrors or manifestations pletely. Therefore we must adore the light > of it. There are certain souls who are of the Sun no matter through what mirror > lovers of the Sun; they perceive the efful- it may be revealed. We must not entertain > gence of the Sun from every mirror. They prejudice, for prejudice is an obstacle to > are not fettered or attached t o the mirrors; realization. Inasmuch as the effulgence is > they are attached to the Sun itself and one effulgence, the human realities must all > adore it no matter from what point it may become recipients of the same light, recog- > shine. But those who adore the mirror and nizing in it the compellig force that unites > are attached to it, become deprived of them in its illumination. > witnessing the light of the Sun when it As this is the radiant century, it is m y > shines forth from another mirror. For in- hope that the Sun of Truth may illumine > stance, the Sun of Reality revealed itself all humanity. May the eyes be opened and > from the Mosaic mirror. The people who the ears become attentive; may souls be- > were sincere accepted and believed in it. come resuscitated and consort together in > When the same Sun shonc from the Mes- the utmost harmony as recipients of the > sianic mirror, the Jews who were not lovers same light. > of the Sun and who were fettered by their Prontulgatdon of Universal Peace. > > T H E NEED OF A N EDUCATOR > > W H E N we consider existence, we see barren trees become fruitful, and through > that the mineral, vegetable, animal, and cultivation, fertilization, and engrafting, > human worlds are all in need of an edu- the trees which had bitter fruits yield sweet > cator. fruits. These are rational proofs; in this > If the earth is not cultivated it becomes age the peoples of the world need the argu- > a jungle where useless weeds grow; but if a ments of reason. > cultivator comes and tills the ground, it The same is true with respect to animals: > poduces crops which nourish living crea- notice that when the animal is trained it > tures. I t is evident, therefore, that the soil becomes domestic, and also that man, if he > needs the cultivation of the farmer. Con- is left without training, becomes bestial, > sider the trees: if they remain without a and, moreover, if left under the rule of > cultivator they will be fruitless, and w i ~ h - nature, b e c o ~ ~ ~lower > es than an animal; > out fruit they are useless; but if they whereas if he is educated he becomes an > receive the care of a gardener, these same angel. For the greater number of animals > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 167 > > do not devour their own kind, but men, Then it is plain and evident that lnan > among the negroes of Central Africa, kill needs an educator, and this educator must > and eat each other. be unquestionably and indubitably perfect > Now reflect that it is education that in all respects, and distinguished above all > brings the East and the West under the men. For otherwise he cannot be their > authority of man; it is education that pro- educator. More particularly because he > duces wonderful industries; it is education must be at the same time their material and > that spreads glorious sciences and arts; it is human as well as their spiritual educator; > education that makes manifest new dis- that is to say, he will teach men to organise > coveries and laws. If there were no and carry out physical matters, and to > educator, there would be no such things as regulate the form of society with regard to > comforts, civilization, facilities, or human- the establishing of help and assistance in > ity. If a man be left alone in a wilderness life, so that material affairs may be organ- > where he sees none of his own kind, he will ized and replated for any circumstances > undoubtedly become a mere brute; it is then that may occur. In the same way he will > clear that an educator is needed. establish human education; that is to say, > But education is of three kinds: material, he must educate intelligence and thought in > human, and spiritual. Material education such a way that they may attain complete > is concerned with the progress and develop- development, so that knowledge and science > ment of the body, through gaining its sus- may increase, and the reality of things, the > tenance, its material comfort and ease. mysteries of beings, and the properties of > This education is common to anilnals and existence may be discovered; that day by > man. day instructions, inventions, and laws may > Human education signifies civilization be improved; and from things perceptible > and progress: that is to say, government, to the senses conclusions as to intellectual > administration, charitable works, trades, things may be deduced. > arts and handicrafts, sciences, great inven- He must ako impart spiritual education; > tions and discoveries of physical laws, which so that intelligence and comprehension may > are the activities essential to man as dis- penetrate the metaphysical world, and may > tinguished from the animal. receive benefit from the sanctifying breeze > Divine education is that of the Kingdom of the Holy Spirit, and may enter into re- > of God: it consists in acquiring divine per- lationship with the Supreme Concourse. > fections, and this is true education; for in He must so educate the human reality that > this estate man becomes the center of divine it may become the center of the divine > appearance, the manifestation of the words, appearance, to such a degree that the attri- > "Let us make man in our image and after butes and the names of God shall be > our likeness." This is the supreme goal of resplendent in the mirror of the reality of > the world of humanity. man, and the holy verse, "We will make > Now we need an educator who will be at man in Our image and likeness," shall be- > the same time a material, human, and come true. > spiritual educator, and whose authority will I t is clear that human power is not able > be effective in all conditions. So if any one to fill such a great office, and that the > should say, "I possess perfect comprehen- reason alone could not undertake the re- > sion and intelligence, and I have no need sponsibility of so great a mission. How can > of such an educator," he would be denying one solitary person without help and with- > that which is clear and evident, as though a out support lay the foundations of such a > child should say, "I have no need of educa- noble construction? He must depend on > tion; I will act according to my reason and the help of the spiritual and divine power > intelligence, and so I shall attain the perfec- to be able to undertake this mission. One > tions of existence"; or as though the blind Holy Soul gives life to the world of > should say, "I am in no need of sight, humanity, changes the aspect of the ter- > because many other blind people exist with- restrial globe, causes intelligence to progress, > out difficulty." vivifies souls, lays the foundation of a new > THE BAH6'f WORLD > > existence, estahlishcs the basis of a mar- Europe. Christ removed there divergences, > vellous creation, organizes the world, brings and became the cause of love between these > nations and religions under the shadow of communities. Although after some time > one standard, delivers man from the world empires destroyed this union, the work of > of imperfections and vices, and inspires him Christ was accomplished. > with the desire and need of natural and Therefore the universal educator must be > acquired perfections. Certainly nothing at the same time not only a material, but > short of a divine power could accomplish also a human and spiritual educator; and he > so great a work. We ought to consider must possess a supernatural power, so that > this with just-ice, for this is the ofice of be may hold the position of a divine teacher. > justice. If he does not show forth such a holy > A Cause which all the governments and power, he will not he able to educate, for > peoples of the world, with all their powers if he be imperfect, how can he give a per- > and armies, cannot promulgate and spread, fect education? if he he ignorant, how can > one Holy Soul can promote without help he make others wise? If he be unjust, how > o r support! Can this be done by human can he make others just? If he be earthly, > power? No, in the name of God! For how can he make others heavenly? > example, Christ, alone and solitary, up- Now we must consider justly: did these > raised the standard of spiritual peace and Divine Manifestations l who have appeared > righteousness, a work which all the vic- possess all these qualifications or not? If > torious governments with all their hosts they had not these qualifications and > were unable to accomplish. Consider what these perfections, they were not real edu- > was the fate of so many and diverse em- cators. > pires and peoples: the Roman Empire, Therefore it must be our task to prove > France, Germany, Russia, England, etc.; to the thoughtful by reasonable arguments > all were gathered together under the same the prophethood of Moses, of Christ, and > tent; that is to say, the appearance of of the other Divine Manifestations. And > Christ brought about a union among these the proofs and evidences which we give > diverse nations; some of whom, under the must not be based on traditional but on > influence of Christianity, became so united rational arguments. > that they sacrificed their lives and property I t has now been proved by rational argu- > for one another. After the time of Con- ments that the world of existence is in the > stantine, who was the protagonist of Chris- utmost need of an educator, and that its > tianity, divisions broke out among them. education must be effected by a divine > The point I wish to make is that Christ sus- power. There is no doubt that this holy > tained a cause that all the kings of the earth power is due to inspiration, and that the > could not establish! He united the various world must he educated through this power > religions and modified ancient customs. which is above human power. > Consider what great divergences existed be- Some Answered Questions. > tween Romans, Greeks, Syrians, Egyptians, > 'Divine Manifestations sre the founders of re- > Phaenicians, Israelites, and other peoples of lipions. > > THE FIVE ASPECTS O F SPIRIT > > K N O W that, speaking generally, there and elements are separated from each other, > are five divisions of the spirit. First the the power of growth also ceases to exist; > vegetable spirit: this is a power which so, to use another figure, electricity results > results from the combination of elements from the combination of elements, and > and the mingling of substances by the when these elements are separated, the elec- > decree of the Supreme God, and from the tric force is dispersed and lost. Such is the > influence, the effect, and connection of vegetable spirit. > other existences. When these substances After this is the animal spirit, which also > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 169 > > results from the lningliig and colnbination rapidity. Briefly, this power embraces all > of elements; but this combination is more things. > complete, and through the decree of the But the spirit of man has two aspects: > Almighty Lord a perfect lningling 1s ob- one divine, one satanic; that is to say, it is > tained, and the animal spirit, in other words capable of the utmost perfection, or it is > the power of the senses, is produced. Ir capable of the utmost imperfection. If it > will perceive the reality of things from acquires virtues it is the most noble of > that which is seen and visible, audible, the existing beings, and if it acquires > edible, tangible, and that which can be vices it beconles the most degraded exist- > smelt. After the dissociation and decompo- ence. > sition of the combined elements, this spirit The fourth degree of spirit is the > also will naturally disappear. I t is hke heavenly spirit; it is the spirit of faith and > this lamp which you see: when the oil and the bounty of God; it comes from the > wick and fire are brought together, light is breath of the Holy Spirit, and by the divine > the result; but when the oil is finished 2nd power it becomes the cause of eternal life. > the wick consumed, the light will also I t is the power which makes the earthly > vanish and be lost. man heavenly, and the imperfect man per- > The human spirlt may be likened to the fect. It makes the impure t o be pure, the > bounty of the sun shining on crystal. The silent eloquent; it purifies and sanctifies > body of man, which is composed froin the those made captive by carnal desires; it > elements, is combined and mingled in thc makes the ignorant wise. > most perfect form; it is the most solid con- The fifth spirit is the Holy Spirit. This > struction, the noblest combination, che Holy Spirit is the mediator between God > most perfect existence. I t grows and de- and His creatures. I t is like a mirror > velops through the anilnal spirit. This facing the sun. As the pure mirror re- > perfected body can be coinpared to a ceives light from the sun and transmits > crystal, and the human spirit t o the sun. this bounty to others, so the Holy Spirit > Nevertheless, if the crystal breaks, the is the mediator of the Holy Light froin the > bounty of the sun continues; and if the Sun of Reality, which it gives to the sancti- > crystal is destroyed or ceases to exist, no fied realities. I t is adorned with all the > harm will happen to the bounty of the sun divine perfections. Every time it appears > which is everlasting. This spirit has the the world is renewed, and a new cycle is > power of discovery; it encompasses all founded. The body of the world of > things. All these wonderful signs, these humanity puts on a new garment. I t can > scientific discoveries, great enterprises and be compared t o the spring; whenever it > important historical events which you comes, the world passes from one condition > know, are due t o it. From the realm of t o another. Through the advent of the > the invisible and hidden, through spiritual season of spring the black earth and the > power, it brought them u, the plane of fields and wildernesses will become verdant > the visible. So, man is upon the earth, yet and blooming, and all sorts of flowers and > he makes discoveries in the heavens. Froin sweet-scented herbs will grow; the trees will > known realities, that is to say from the have new life, and new fruits will appear, > things which are known and visible, he dis- and a new cycle is founded. The appear- > covers unknown things. For example, man ance of the Holy Spirit is like this. When- > is in this hemisphere, but, like Columbus, ever it appears, it renews the world of > through the power of his reason he dis- humanity and gives a new spirit t o the > covers another hemisphere, that is America, human realities: it arrays the world of > which was until then unknown. His body existence in a praiseworthy garment, dis- > is heavy, but through the help of an in- pels the darkness of ignorance, and causes > strument which he invents, he is able to the radiation of the light of perfections. > soar aloft. H e is slow of movement, but Christ with this power has renewed this > by an instrument which he invents he cycle; the heavenly spring with the utmost > travels to the East and West with extreme freshness and sweetness spread its tent in > the world of humanity, and the life-giving of everlasting life, and with heavenly > breeze perfumed the nostrils of the en- power. I t established the Throne of the > lightened ones. Divine Kingdom in the center of the world, > In the same way, the appearance of and by the power of the Holy Spirit re- > BahA'u'll6h was like a new springtime which vived souls and established a new cycle. > appeared with holy breezes, with the hosts Some Answered Qsestions. > > THE DIVINITY C A N O N L Y BE COMPREHENDED THROUGH T H E > DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS > > Question.-What connection has the is higher. So the stone, the earth, the tree, > Reality of Divinity with the Lordly Rising- however much they may evolve, cannot > places and the Divine Dawning-points? comprehend the reality of man, and can- > Answer.-Know that the Reality of not imagine the powers of sight, of hearing, > Divinity or the substance of the Essence of and of the other senses, although they are > Oneness is pure sanctity and absolute holi- all alike created. Therefore how can man, > ness: that is to say, i t is sanctified and the created, understand the reality of the > exempt from all praise. The whole of the pure Essence of the Creator? This plane is > supreme attributes of the degrees of exist- unapproachable by the understanding, no > ence, in reference t o this plane, are only explanation is sufficient for its comprehen- > imaginations. I t is invisible, incompre- sion, and there is no power t o indicate it. > hensible, inaccessible, a pure essence which What has an atom of dust to do with the > cannot be described; for the Divine Essence pure world, and what relation is there be- > surrounds all things. Verily that which tween the limited mind and the infinite > surrounds is greater than the surrounded, world? Minds are powerless t o comprehend > and the surrounded cannot contain that by God, and the souls become bewildered in > which it is surrounded, nor comprehend its explaining Him. "The eyes see Him not, > reality. However far mind may progress, but H e seeth the eyes. He is the Omni- > though it may reach to the final degree of scient, the ICnower." ' > comprehension, the limit of understanding, Consequently, with reference to this > it beholds the divine signs and attributes in plane of existence, every statement and > the world of creation, and not in the world elucidation is defective, all praise and all > of God. For the essence and the attributes description are unworthy, every conception > of the Lord of Unity are in the heights of is vain, and every meditation is futile. But > sanctity, and for the minds and under- for this Essence of the essences, this Truth > standings there is no way to approach that of truths, this Mystery of mysteries, there > position. "The way is closed and seeking is are reflections, auroras, appearances and re- > forbidden." splendencies, in the world of existence. The > dawning-place of these splendors, the place > IT is evident that the human understand- > ing is a quality of the existence of man, > of these reflections, and the appearance of > these manifestations, are the Holy Dawn- > and that man is a sign of God, how can the ing-places, the Universal Realities and the > quality of the sign surround the creator Divine Beings, who are the true mirrors of > of the sign? that is t o say, how can the the sanctified Essence of God. All the > understanding which is a quality of the perfections, the bounties, the splendors > existence of man, comprehend God? There- which come from God, are visible and evi- > fore the Reality of the Divinity is hidden dent in the Reality of the Holy Manifesta- > from all comprehension, and concealed from tions, like the sun which is resplendent in > the minds of all men. I t is absolutely im- a clear polished mirror with all its perfec- > poasible t o ascend to that plane. We see tions and bounties. If it be said that the > that everything which is lower is power- mirrors are the manifestations of the sun > less to comprehend the reality of that which > - > Qur'in, Sdrih 6. > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 171 > > and the dawning places of thc rising atal, i o ~we have no means of comprehend~ng > this does not mean that the sun has de- that which is invisible and inaccessible. > scended from the height of its sanctity and This is why it is said: "All that you have > become incorporated in the mirror, nor that distinguished through the illusion of your > the Unlimited Reality is limited to this imagination in your subtle mental images, > place of appearance. God forbid! This is is but a creation like unto yourself, and > the belief of the adherents of anthropomor- returns to you." I t is clear that if we > phism. No; all the praises, the descriptions wish to imagine the Reality of Divinity, > and exaltations refer to the Holy Manifes- this imagination is the surrounded, and we > tations. That is to say, all the descriptions, are the surrounding one; and it is sure that > the qualities, the names and the attributes the one who surrounds is greater than the > which we mention, return to the Divine surrounded. From this i t is certain and > Manifestations; but ns no one has attained evident that if we imagine s Divine Reality > to the reality of the Essence of Divinity, outside of the Holy Manifestations, it is > so no one is able to describe, explain, praise pure imagination; for there is no way t o > or glorify it. Therefore all that the human approach the Reality of Divinity which is > reality knows, discovers, and understands of not cut off to us, and all that we imagine > the names, the attributes, and the perfec- is mere supposition. > tions of God, refer t o these Holy Manifesta- Therefore reflect that different peoples of > tions. There is no access to anything else: the world are revolving around imagina- > "the way is closed, and seebing is forbid- tions, and are worshippers of the idols of > den." thoughts and conjectures. They are not > Nevertheless we speak of the nalnes and aware of this; they consider their imagina- > attributes of the Divine Reality, and we tions t o be the Reality which is withdrawn > praise Him by attributing to Him sight, from all comprehension, and purified from > hearing, power, life, and knowledge. We all descriptions. They regard themselves as > affirm these names and attributes, not to the people of Unity, and the others as wor- > prove the perfections of God, but t o deny shippers of idols; but idols at least have a > that He is capable of imperfections. When mineral existence, while the idols of > we look at the existing world, we see that thoughts and he imaginations of man are > ignorance is imperfection and knowledge is hut fancies; they have not even mineral > perfection, therefore we say that the sancti- existence. "Talre warning, 0 possessors of > fied Essence of God is wisdom. Weakness perception!" > is imperfection and power is perfection; Know that the attributes of perfection, > consequently we say that the sanctified Es- the splendor of the divine bounties, and > sence of God is the acme of power. I t is the lights of inspiration, are visible and evi- > not that we can comprehend His knowledge, dent in all the Holy Manifestations; but > His sight, His power and life, for it is be- the glorious Word of God, Christ, and the > yond our comprehension; for the essential Greatest Name, Bah6'u'116h, are manifesta- > nalnes and attributes of God are identical tions and evidences which are beyond im- > with His Essence, and His Essence is above agination; for they possess all the perfections > all comprehension. If the attributes are of the former Manifestations, and more than > not identicnl with the Essence, there must that, they possess some perfections which > also be a multiplicity of pre-existences, and malie the other Manifestations dependent > differences between the attributes and the upon chem. So all the Prophets of Israel > Essence must also exist: and as Pre-existence were centers of inspiration; Christ also was > is necessary, therefore the sequence of pre- a receiver of inspiration; but what a dif- > existences would become infinite. This is ference between the inspiration of the Word > an evident error. of God and the revelations of Isaiah, Jere- > Accordingly all these attributes, names, miah, and Elijah! > praises, and eulogies apply to the Places of Reflect that light is the expression of the > Manifestation; and all that we imagine and > suppose beside them is mere imagination, > - > vibrations of the etheric matter: the nerves > From H a d i e . > a > 172 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > of the eye are aifected by these vibrations, leaves, and is the placc where the vegetable > and sight is produced. The light of the spirit appears; in the condition of fruit it > lamp exists through the vibration of the manifests the same spirit, that is t o say, the > etheric matter, so also does that of the sun; power of growth appears in the utmost > but what a difference between the light perfection: but what a difference between > of the sun and that of the stars or the the condition of the leaves and that of the > lamp! fruit! For from the fruit a hundred thou- > The spirit of man appears and is manifest sand leaves appear, though they all grow > in the embryonic condition, and also in and develop through the same vegetable > that of childhood and of maturity, and it spirit. Notice the difference between the > is resplendent and evident in the condition virtues and perfections of Christ, the > of perfection. The spirit is one, but in the splendors and brilliance of Bahi'u'116h, and > embryonic condition the power of sight the virtues of the Prophets of Israel, such as > and of hearing is lacking. I n the state of Ezekiel or Samuel. All were the manifesta- > maturity and perfection it appears in the tions of inspiration, but between them there > utmost splendor and brilliance. I n the is an infinite difference. > same way the seed in the beginning becomes Sowre Answeved Questions. > -- > THE THREE STATIONS O F T H E DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS > > K N O W that the Holy Manifestations, souls are phenomenal, they are nevertheless > though they have the degrees of endless immortal, everlasting, and perpetual; for > perfections, yet, speaking generally, have the world of things is the world of imper- > only three stations. The first station is the fection in comparison with that of man, > physical; the second station is the human, and the world of man is the world of per- > which is that of the rational soul; the third fection in comparison with that of things. > is that of the divine appearance and the When imperfections reach the station of > heavenly splendor. perfection, they become eternal.' This is > The physical station is phenomenal; it an example of which you must comprehend > is composed of elements, and necessarily the meaning. > everything that is composed is subject to The third station is that of the divine > decomposition: i t is not possible that a appearance and heavenly splendor: it is > composition should not be disintegrated. the Word of God, the Eternal Bounty, the > The second is the station of the rational Holy Spirit. It has neither beginning nor > soul, which is the human reality; this also end, for these things are related to the > is phenomenal, and the Holy Manifestations world of contingencies, and not t o the di- > share i t with all mankind. vine world. For God, the end is the same > Know that, although the human soul has thing as the beginning. So the reckoning > existed on the earth for prolonged times of days, weeks, months, and years, of yes- > and ages, yet it is phenomenal. As it is a terday and today, is connected with the > divine sign, when once i t has come into terrestrial globe; but in the sun there is > existence it is eternal. The spirit of man no such thing-there is neirher yesterday, > has a beginning, but it has no end; it con- today, nor tomorrow, neither months nor > tinues eternally. I n the same way the y e a r s a l l are equal. I n the same way the > species existing on this earth are phenome- Word of God is purified from all these con- > nal, for i t is established that there was a ditions and is exempt from the boundaries, > time when these species did not exist on the the laws, and the limits of the world of > surface of the earth. Moreover, the earth contingency. Therefore the reality of > has not always existed, but the world of prophethood, which is the Word of God > existence has always been: for the universe and the perfect state of rnanifcstation, did > is not limited t o this terrestrial globe. The ,i.r." > the of man, where alone > meaning of this is, that although human spirit manifests immortality, > EXCERPTS FROM B A H A ' ~S A C R E D WRITlNGS 173 > > not have any beginning, and will not have Huly Reality, of which Christ says "The > any end; its rising is different from all Father is in the Son," has neither beginning > others, and is like that of the sun. For ex- nor end. When beginning is spoken of, it > ample, its dawning in the sign of Christ signifies the state of manifesting; and sym- > was with the utmost splendor and radiaqce, bolically, the condition of silence is com- > and this is eternal and everlasting. See how pared to sleep. For example, a man is sleep- > many conquering kings there have been, ing-when he begins to speak he is a w a k e > how many statesmen and princes, powerful but it is always the same individual, whether > organizers, all of whom have disappeared, he be asleep or awake; no difference has oc- > whereas the breezes of Christ are still blow- curred in his station, his elevation, his glory, > ing, his light, is still shining, his nlelody is his reality, or his nature. The state of > still resounding, his standard is still waving, silence is compared to sleep, and that of > his armies are still fighting, his heavenly manifestation to walsefulness. A man > voice is still sweetly melodious, his clouds sleeping or waking is the same man; sleep > are still showering gems, his lightning is is one state, and wakefulness is another. > still flashing, his reflection is still clear and The time of silence is compared to sleep, > brilliant, his splendor is still radiating and and manifestation and guidance are com- > luminous; and it is the same with those pared to wakefulness. > souls who are under his protection and are In the Gospel ic is said, "In the begin- > shining with his light. ning was the Word, and the Word was > Then it is evident that the Manifestations with God." Then it is evident and clear > possess three conditions: the physical con- that Christ did not reach to the station of > dition, the condition of the rational soul, Messiahahip and its perfections at the time > and the condition of the divine appearance of baptism, when the Holy Spirit descended > and heavenly splendor. The physical condi- upon Him in the likeness of a dove. Nay, > tion will certainly become decomposed, but the Word of God from all eternity has al- > the condition of the rational soul, though ways been, and will be, in the exaltation of > it has a beginning, has no end: nay, it is sanctification. > endowed with everlasting life. But the Some Answered Questions. > > T H E HUMAN CONDITION A N D T H E SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF > T H E DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS > > W E said that the Manifestations have like the sun, which by its essential nature > three planes. First, the physical reality, produces lighc, and cannot be compared > which depends upon the body; secondly, to the moon, just as the particles that com- > the individual reality, that is to say, the pose the globe of the sun callnot be com- > rational soul; thirdly, the divine appearance, pared with those which compose the moon. > which is the divine perfections, the cause of The particles and organization of the former > the life of existence, of the education of produce rays, but the particles of which > souls, of the guidance of paople, and of the the moon is composed do not produce rays, > enlightenment of the contingent world. but need to borrow light. So other human > The physical state is the human state realities are those souls who, like the moon, > which perishes, because it is composed of take light from the sun; but that holy re- > elements, and all that is composed of ele- ality is luminous in himself. > ments will necessarily be decomposed and The third plane of that Being1 is the > dispersed. Divine Bounty, the splendor of the Pre- > But the individual reality of the Mani- existent Beauty, and the radiance of the > festations of God is a holy reality, and for light of the Almighty. The individual re- > that reason it is sanctified, and in that alities of the Divine Manifestations have no > which concerns its nature and quality, is separation from the Bounty of God and > - > distinguished from all other things. I t is ' The Manifestation. > 174 T H E B A H A. ' I WORLD > the Lordly Splendor. In thc aarrle way the plane of thc rational soul-the spirit and > orb of the sun has no separation from the mind. So the saying "I was asleep and the > light. Therefore it may he said that the divine breezes passed over me and I awoke," > ascension of the Holy Manifestation is is like Christ's saying: "The body is sad > simply the leaving of this elemental form. and the spirit is happy," or again: "I am > For example, if a lamp illumines this niche, afflicted, or I am at ease, or I am troubled" > and if its light ceases to illuminate it he- -these refer to the physical condition, and > cause the niche is destroyed, the bounty of have no reference to the individual reality > the lamp is not cut off. Briefly, in the nor to the manifestation of the Divine Re- > Holy Manifestations the Pre-existent Bounty ality. Thus consider what thousands of > is like the light, the individuality is repre- vicissitudes can happen to the body of man, > sented by the glass globe, and the human but the spirit is not affected by them; it > hody is like the niche: if the niche is de- may even be that some members of the > stroyed, the lamp continues to burn. The body are entirely crippled, but the essence > Divine Manifestations are so many different of the mind remains and is everlasting. A > mirrors, because they have a special indi- thousand accidents may happen to a gar- > viduality, but that which is reflected in the ment, bnt for the wearer of it there is no > mirrors is one sun. I t is clear that the danger. These words which Bah6'u'llih > reality of Christ is different from that of said: "I was asleep, and the breeze passed > Moses. over me and awakened me," refer to the > Verily from the beginning that Holy hody. > Reality is conscious of the secret of ex- In the world of God there is no past, no > istence, and from the age of childhood signs future, and no present; all are one. So > of greatness appear and are visible in him. when Christ said: "In the beginning was > Therefore how can it be that with all these the Word"--that means it was, is, and shall > bounties and perfections he should have be; for in the world of God there is no time. > no consciousness? Time has sway over creatures, but not over > We have mentioned that the Holy Mani- God. For example, in the prayer he says: > festations have three planes. The physical "Thy name is hallowed"; the meaning is > condition, the individual reality, and the that Thy name was, is, and shall be hal- > center of the appearance of perfection: it lowed. Morning, noon, and evening are > is like the sun, its heat and its light. Other related to this earth, but in the sun there > individuals have the physical plane, the is neither morning, noon, nor evening. > 1 The Manifestation. Some Answered Questions. > > THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS > > Question.--One of the powers possessed the heart. The circle of this knowledge is > by the Divine Manifestations is knowledge: very limited, because it depends upon effort > to what extent is it limited? and attainment. > Answer.-Knowledge is of two kinds: But the second.sort of knowledge, which > one is subjective, and the other objective is the knowledge of being, is intuitive, it > knowledge; that is to say, an intuitive is like the cognizance and consciousness that > knowledge and a knowledge derived from man has of himself. > perception. For example, the mind and the spirit of > man are cognizant of the conditions and > T H E lrnowledge of things which men states of the members and component parts > universally have, is gained by reflection or of the body, and are aware of all the physi- > by evidence: that is to say, either by the cal sensations; in the same way they are > power of the mind the conception of an aware of their power, of their feelings, and > object is formed, or from beholding an oh- of their spiritual conditions. This is the > ject the form is produced in the mirror of lrnowledge of being which man realizes and > EXCERPTS FROM B A H A ' ~SACRED WRITINGS 175 > > perceives; for the spirit surrounds the body, which proceed- from the realities of things, > and is aware of its sensations and powers. and he will certainly not be able to establish > This knowledge is not the outcome of effort a religion conformable to the facts and > and study; it is an existing thing, it is an suited to the conditions. The Prophets of > absolute gift. God, the universal Manifestations, are like > Since the Sanctified Realities, the univer- skilled physicians, and the contingent world > sal Manifestations of God, surround the is like the body of man: the divine laws > essence and qualities of the creatures, tran- are the remedy and treatment. Conse- > scend and contain existing realities and quently the doctor must be aware of, and > understand all things, therefore their knowl- know, all the members and parts, as well > edge is divine knowledge, and not acquired: as the constitution and state of the pa- > that is to say, it is a holy bounty, it is a tient, so that he can prescribe a medicine > divine revelation. which will be beneficial against the violent > We will mention an example, expressly poison of the disease. In reality the doctor > for the purpose of comprehending this sub- deduces from the disease itself the treat- > ject. The most noble being on the earth ment which is suited to the patient, for he > is man. He embraces the animal, vegetable, diagnoses the malady, and afterwards pre- > and mineral kingdoms: that is to say, these scribes the remedy for the illness. Until > conditions are contained in him to such an the malady be discovered, how can the > extent that he is the possessor of these con- remedy and treatment be prescribed? The > ditions and states; he is aware of their mys- doctor then must have a thorough knowl- > teries and of the secrets of their existence. edge of the constitution, members, organs, > This is simply an example, and not an and state of the patient, and be acquainted > analogy. Briefly, the universal Manifesta- with all diseases and all remedies, in order > tions of God are aware of the reality of the to prescribe a fitting medicine. > mysteries of beings, therefore they establish Religion, then, is the necessary connec- > laws which are suitable and adapted to the tion which emanates from the reality of > state of the world of man; for religion is things; and as the universal Manifestations > the essential connection which proceeds of God are aware of the mysteries of be- > from the realities of things. The Mani- ings, therefore they understand this essen- > festation, that is, the Holy Lawgiver, unless tial connection, and by this knowledge > he is aware of the realities of beings, will estahlish the Law of God. > not comprehend the essential connection Some Answered Questions. > > THE UNIVERSAL CYCLES > > Question.-What is the real explanation rences. When a cycle is ended, a new cycle > of the cycles which occur in the world of begins, and the old one, on account of the > existence? great events which take place, is completely > Answer.-Each one of the lun~inous forgotten, and not a trace or record of it > bodies in this limitless firmament has a will remain. As you see, we have no records > cycle of revolution which is of a different of twenty thousand years ago, although we > duration, and every one revolves in its own have before proved by argument that life > orbit, and again begins a new cycle. So the on this earth is very ancient. I t is not one > earth, every three hundred and sixty-five hundred thousand, or two hundred thou- > days, five hours, forty-eight minutes and a sand, or one million or two million years > fraction, completes a revolution; and then old; it is very ancient, and the ancient rec- > it begins a new cycle, that is to say, the ords and traces are entirely obliterated. > first cycle is again renewed. In the same > way, for the whole universe, whether for E A C H of the Divine Manifestations has > the heavens or for men, there are cycles of likewise a cycle, and during the cycle his > great events, of important facts and occur- laws and commandments prevail and are > EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I: SACRED WRITINGS 177 > > performed. When his cycle is complctcd Manifestations appear with splendor in the > by the appearance of a new Manifestation, realm of the visible, until a great and uni- > a new cycle begins. I n this way cycles versal Manifestation makes the world the > begin, end, and are renewed, until a uni- center of his radiance. His appearance > versal cycle is completed in the world, when causes the world to attain to maturity, and > important events and great occurrences will the extension of his cycle is very great. > take place which entirely efface every trace Afterwards other Manifestations will arise > and every record of the past; then a new under his shadow, who according t o the > universal cycle begins in the world, for this needs of che time will renew certain com- > universe has no beginning. We have be- mandments relating to material questions > fore stated proofs and evidences concerning and affairs, while remaining under his > this subject; there is no need of repetition. shadow. > Briefly, we say a universal cycle in the We are in the cycle which began with > world of existence signifies a long duration Adam, and its universal Manifestation is > of time, and innumerable and incalculable BahA'u'llih. > periods and epochs. I n such a cycle the Sonre Answered Qxertions. > PART TWO > THE WORLD ORDER OF > BAHA'U'LLAH > PRESENT-DAY ADMINISTRATION OF T H E > BAHA'I FAITH > INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT > > By Horace Holley > > I T HAS been the general characteristic of and sympathetic, offering a foundation upon > religion that organization marks the inter- which reconciliation can he firmly based. > ruption of the true spiritual influence and Amid the complex interrelations of govern- > serves to prevent the original impulse from ments, the religion stands absolutely neu- > being carried into the world. The organi- tral as to political purposes and entirely > zation has invariably become a substitute for obedient to all recognized authority. I t > religion rather than a method or an instru- will not he overlooked by the student that > ment used to give the religion effect. The Bahl'u'lllh is the only religious teacher > separation of peoples into different traditions making obedience to just governments and > unbridged by any peaceful or constructive rulers a definite spiritual command. > intercourse has made this inevitable. Up to In this brief analysis of the several fea- > the present time, in fact, no Founder of a tures of the Bahl'i system of administration > revealed religion has explicitly laid down the the purpose is rather to place in the hands > principles that should guide the administra- of the believers themselves a convenient > tive machinery of the Faith He has estab- summary of the available instructions than > lished. to clarify this aspect of the teachings to > In the Bahi'i Cause, the principles of the non-Bah6'i. Until one has made con- > world administration were expressed by Ba- tact with the spirit of the Bah6'i teachings > hl'u'lllh, and these principles were developed and desires to cooperate wholeheartedly with > in the writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, more espe- their purpose, the administrative phase of > cially in His Will and Testament. the Faith can have little real meaning or > The purpose of this organization is t o appeal. > make possible a true and lasting unity among At the time of the passing of 'Abdu'l- > peoples of different races, classes, interests, Bah6, the organization was fully defined > characters, and inherited creeds. A close but not yet established among His follow- > and sympathetic study of this aspect of the ers. The responsibility for carrying out > Bahi'i Cause will show that the purpose the instructions was placed by 'Abdu'l- > and method of Bahl'i administration is so Bah6 upon His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, to > perfectly adapted to the fundamental spirit whom was assigned the function of "Guard- > of the Revelation that it bears to it the ian of the Cause." Obedience to the au- > same relationship as body to soul. In char- thority of the Guardian was definitely en- > acter, the principles of Bah6'i administra- joined upon all Bahh'is by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, > tion represent the science of cooperation; but this authority carries with it nothing of > in application, they provide for a new and an arbitrary or personal character, being > higher type of morality worldwide in scope. limited as to purpose and method by the > In the clash and confusion of sectarian writings of Bahl'u'llih and ' ~ b d u ' l - ~ a h l . > prejudice, the Bahl'i religion is impartial The Guardian unifies the efforts to bring > 182 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > into complete ~pplication thow principles and agreement as to the methods by which > of world administration already clearly de- these aims can be advanced. > fined. A Bahb'i community differs from other > To assist the Guardian in his manifold voluntary gatherings in that its foundation > responsibilities and duties and particularly is so deeply laid and broadly extended that > in the promotion of the teaching work, 'Ab- it can include any sincere soul. Whereas > du'l-Bah6 provided for the appoii~tmentof other associations are exclusive, in effect if > a group of co-workers to be known as "The not in intention, and from method if not > Hands of the Cause of God." The appoint- from ideal, BahCi association is inclusive, > ment of this body is a function of the shutting the gates of fellowship to no sin- > Guardian, and these from their own num- cere soul. I n every gathering there is latent > ber are to elect nine persons who will be or developed some basis of selection. In > closely associated with the Guardian in the religion this basis is a creed limited by the > discharge of his duties. I t is the function historical nature of its origin; in politics > of the Guardian also to appoint his own this is party or platform; in economics this > successor, this appointment to be ratified is a mutual misfortune or mutual power; > by the nine Hands of the Cause. in the arts and sciences this basis consists of > I t is the genius of the Bahb'i Faith that special training or activity or interest. In > the principle underlying the administration all these matters, the more exclusive the > of its affairs aims to improve the life and basis of selection, the stronger the move- > upbuild the character of the individual be- ment-a condition diametrically opposed to > liever in his own local community, wher- that existing in the Bah6'i Cause. Hence > ever it may be, and not to enhance the the Cause, for all its spirit of growth and > prestige of those relatively few who, by progress, develops slowly as regards the num- > election or appointment, hold positions of bers of its active adherents. For people > higher authority. Bahi'i authority is meas- are accustomed to exclusiveness and divi- > ured by self-sacrifice and not by arbitrary sion in all affairs. The important sanctions > power. This fundamental aim can be seen have ever been warrants and justifications > clearly on studying the significant emphasis of division. To enter the BahCi religion > which 'Abdu'l-Bah6 placed upon the local is to leave these sanctions behind-an ex- > Bahi'i community. The local group, in- perience which at first invariably exposes > volving as it does men and women in all one to new trials and sufferings, as the hu- > the normal activities and relations of life, man ego revolts against the supreme sanc- > is the foundation upon which rests the en- tion of universal love. The scientific must > tire evolution of the Cause. The local Ba- associate with the simple and unlearned, > h9'i community is given ofiicial recognition the rich with the poor, the white with the > only after its number of adult declared be- colored, the mystic with the literalist, the > lievers has become nine or more. Up t o Christian with the Jew, the Muslim with > this point, the community exists as a vol- the Parsee: and on terms removing the ad- > untary group of worlrers and students of vantage of long established presumptions > the Cause. and privileges. > In this connection, the word "commu- But for this difficult experience there are > nity" is not used in the sense of any local- glorious compensations. Let us remember > ity, exclusively Bahi'i in membership, nor that art grows sterile as it turns away from > of any manner of living differing outwardly the common humanity, that philosophy like- > from the general environment, such as has wise loses its vision when developed in soli- > been attempted by religionists and also tude, and that politics and religion never > members of philosopl~icand economic move- succeed apart from the general needs of > ments in the past. A BahCi community is mankind. Human nature is not yet known, > a unity of minds and hearts, an association for we have all lived in a state of mental, > of people entirely voluntary in character, moral, emotional or social defense, and the > established upon a common experience of psychology of defense is the psychology of > devotion to the universal aims of BahPu'llih inhibition. But the love of God removes > THE WORLD ORDE > > fear; the removal of fear establishes the safed to them. In this day, Assemblies of > latent powers, and association with others consultation are of the greatest importance > in spiritual love brings these powers into and a vital necessity. Obedience unto them > vital, positive expression. A Bah6'i com- is essential and obligatory. The members > munity is a gathering where this process thereof must take counsel together in such > can take place in this age, slowly at first, wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or dis- > as the new impetus gathers force, more cord may arise. This can be attained when > ropidly as the members become conscious every member expresses with absolute free- > of the powers unfolding the flower of unity dom his own opinion and setteth forth his > among men. argument. Should anyone oppose, he must > Where the community is small and insig- on no account feel hurt, for not until mat- > nificant, in comparison with the population ters are fully discussed can the right way > of the city or town, the first condition of be revealed. The shining spark of truth > growth is understanding of the Manifesta- cometh forth only after the clash of differ- > tion of Bahh'u'llih, and the next condition ing opinions. If after discussion a decision > is that of true humility. If these two con- be carried unanimously, well and good; but > ditions exist, the weakest soul becomes en- if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion > dowed with effective power in service to should arise, a majority of voices must pre- > the Cause. The result of unity, in fact, is vail. > to share the powers and faculties of all with "The first condition is absolute love and > each. harmony amongst the members of the As- > The responsibility for and supervision of sembly. They must be wholly free from > local Bahh'i affairs is vested in a body estrangement and must manifest in them- > known as the Spiritual Assembly. This selves the Unity of God, for they are the > body (limited to nine members) is elected waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the > annually on April Zlst, the first day of stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the > Ridvln (the Festival commemorating the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one gar- > Declaration of Bahh'u'llih) by the adult den. Should harmony of thought and abso- > declared believers of the community, the lute unity be non-existent, that gathering > voting list being drawn up by the outgoing shall be dispersed and that Assembly be > Spiritual Assembly. Concerning the char- brought to naught. > acter and fuactions of this body, 'Abdu'l- "The second condition: They must when > Bah6 has written as follows: coming together turn their faces to the > "It is incumbent upon everyone (every Kingdom on high and ask aid from the > believer) not t o take any step (of Bahh'i realm of Glory. . .. Discussions must all be > activity) without consulting the Spiritual c o n h e d to spiritual matters that pertain to > Assembly, and they must assuredly obey the training of souls, the instruction of > with heart and soul its bidding and be sub- children, the relief of the poor, the help > missive unto it, that things may be properly of the feeble throughout all classes in the > ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every world, kindness to all peoples, the diffusion > person will act independently and, after his of the fragrances of God and the exaltation > own judgment, will follow his own desire, of His Holy Word. Should they endeavor > and do harm to the Cause. to fulfil these conditions the grace of the > "The prime requisites for them that take Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them > counsel together are purity of motive, radi- and that Assembly shall become the center > ance of spirit, detachment from all else of the divine blessings, and hosts of divine > save God, attraction to His divine fra- confirmation shall come to their aid, and > grance, humility and lowliness amongst His they shall day by day receive a new effu- > loved ones, patience and long-suffering in sion of spirit." > difficulties and servitude to His exalted The letters of Shoghi Effendi quote the > Threshold. Should they be graciously aided fundamental instructions contained in the > to acquire these attributes, victory from the writings of Bah6'u'llhh and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 on > unseen Kingdom of Bah6 shall be vouch- the character of Bahi'i administration, and > 184 THE B A H A. ' f WORLD > give then1 definite application: "A careful will have to be referred to a special Corn- > study of Bahh'u'llih's and 'Abdu'l-Bahi's mittee, responsible to that Assembly, elected > Tablets will reveal that other duties (besides by it from among the friends in that local- > teaching the Cause), no less vital to the in- ity, and upon whose work the Assembly > terests of the Cause, devolve upon the will have to exercise constant and general > elected representatives of the friends in every supervision. > locality. "In every locality, be it city or hamlet, > "They must endeavor to promote amity where the number of adult declared be- > and concord amongst the friends and secure lievers exceed nine, a local Spiritual Assem- > an active and wholehearted cooperation for bly nlust be forthwith established. > the service of the Cause. "As the progress and extension of spirit- > "They must do their utmost to extend at ual activities is dependent and conditioned > all times the helping hand t o the poor, the upon material means, it is of absolute neces- > sick, the disabled, the orphan, the widow, sity that immediately after the establish- > irrespective of color, caste and creed. ment of local as well as national Spiritual > "They must promote by every means in Assemblies, a Bahi'i Fund be established, to > their power the material as well as spiritual be placed under the exclusive control of > enlightenment of youth, the means for the the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and > education of children; institute, whenever contributions should be offered to the > possible, Bahi'i educational institutions; or- Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express > ganize and supervise their work, and pro- purpose of promoting the interests of the > vide the best means for their progress and Cause throughout that locality or country. > development. . . . I t is the sacred obligation of every con- > "They must bend every effort to promote scientious and faithful servant of Bahi'u- > the interests of the Ma&riqu'l-A&k&r (that 'Ilih, who desires to see His Cause advance, > is, House of Worsbip)l and hasten the day t o contribute freely and generously for the > when the work of this glorious Edifice"il1 increase of that Fund. The members of > have been consummated. the Spiritual Assembly will at their own > "They must encourage and stimulate by discretion expand it to promote the teach- > every meails at their command, through ing campaign, to help the needy, to estab- > subscriptions, reports and articles, the de- lish educational Bahi'i institutions, to ex- > velopment of the various Bahh'i magazines. tend in every way their sphere of service. > "They must undertake the arrangement "Nothing whatever should be given to > of the regular meetings of the friends, the the public by any individual among the > feasts and anniversaries, as well as the spe- friends, unless fully considered and ap- > cial gatherings designed to serve and pro- proved by the Spiritual Assembly in his > mote the social, intellectual and spiritual locality; and, if this (as is undoubtedly the > interests of their fellowmen. case) is a matter that pertains to the general > "They must supervise in these days when interests of the Cause in that land, then it > the cause is still in its infancy all Bahi'i is incumbent upon the Spiritual Assembly > publications and translations, and provide in to submit it to the consideration and ap- > general for a dignified and accurate presen- proval of the National Body representing > tation of all Bah6'i literature and its distri- all the various local Assemblies. Not only > bution to the general public. with regard to publication, but all matters > "These rank among the most outstanding without any exception whatsoever, regard- > obligations of the members of every Spirit- ing the interests of the Cause in that lo- > ual Assembly. I n whatever locality the cality, individually or collectively, should > Cause has sufficiently expanded, and in be referred exclusively to the Spiritual As- > order to insure efficiency and avoid con- sembly in that locality, which shall decide > fusion, each of these manifold functions upon it, unless it be a matter of national > - interest, in which case it shall be referred > 1 Referring ia Spiritual Assemblies in to the National (Bah6'i) Body. With this > America. > 2 On rhe shore of Lake Michigan. > National Body also will rest the decision > whether a given question is of local or that the nine elected members shall exem- > national interest. (By national affairs is plify diverse interests and types of charac- > not meant matters that are political in ter, with the result that unity of heart > their character, for the friends of God the and conscience with the other eight mem- > world over are strictly forbidden to meddle bers is a direct training to enter into spirit- > with political affairs in any way whatever, ual unity with the larger body of mankind. > but rather things that affect the spiritual No such schools of discipline and inspira- > activities of the body of the friends in that tion exist on earth today, for one must > land.) bear in mind that a Bahh'i community can > "Full harmony, however, as well as co- never be an exclusive group nor a cloard > operation among the various local Assem- circle of interests but, on the contrary, its > blies and the members themselves, and par- fundamental purpose is to unify and co- > ticularly between each Assembly and the operate with every possible element in the > National Body is of the utmost importance, surrounding population. > for upon it depends the unity of the Cause The local Spiritual Assembly after elec- > of God, the solidarity of the friends, the tion organizes by electing from its own > full, speedy and efficient working of the number a chairman, corresponding secre- > spiritual activities of His loved ones. tary, recording secretary and treasurer. I t > "The various Assemblies, local and na- should appoint from its own members or > tional, constitute today the bedrock upon from the local Bahh'i community working > the strength of which the Universal House committees responsible for the various per- > (of Justice) is in future to be firmly estab- manent activities of the Cause. > lished and raised. Not until these function Since a Spiritual Assembly is established > vigorously and harmoniously can the hope upon a new and higher ideal, the character, > for the thrmination of this period of tran- knowledge and purity of its members is es- > . > sition he realized. . . Bear in mind that the sential to success. Wherever personal ambi- > keynote of the Cause of God is not dic- tion, narrowness or impurity enters a Spir- > tatorial authority, but humble fellowship; itual Assembly, the results are invariably to > not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank check the growth of the Cause and, if these > and loving consultation. Nothing short of conditions are prolonged, to destroy the > the spirit of a true Bahh'i can hope to foundation already laid. The careful stu- > reconcile the principles of mercy and jus- dent of the teachings will accept this result > tice, of freedom and submission, of the as one more vindication of the all-surround- > sanctity of the right of the individual and ing spirit protecting this Faith. The > of self -surrender, of vigilance, discretion elimination of an unworthy group from the > and prudence on the one hand, and fellow- Bahh'i Cause would be a hitter disappoint- > ship, candor, and courage on the other.'' ment but not an evidence that the Cause > Experience in the life of a Bahh'i com- had failed. On the contrary, the Cause > munity and participation in the details of could only be declared a failure if personal > its several activities impresses one with the ambition, pride, narrowness and impurity > fact that Bahh'i unity has in it new ele- should so prevail as to build a world-wide > ments which work powerfully to expand organization able to pervert the original > one's area of sympathy, deepen one's insight, purpose. > develop one's character and bring order and The local Spiritual Assemblies of a coun- > stability into all of one's affairs. There try are linked together and co-ordinated > can be no higher privilege than the experi- through another elected body of nine mem- > ence of attempting t o serve faithfully upon bers, the National Spiritual Assembly. This > a Spiritual Assembly, conscious as its mem- body comes into being by means of an an- > bers are of the unique standard upheld by nual election held by elected delegates > 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and bringing as it does the representing the local Bahh'i communities. > opportunity of dealing with :, large range The delegates are elected by all the adult > and diversity of human problems from an declared believers of a community in which > impersonal point of view. I t is inevitable a Spiritual Assembly exists. The National > 186 T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD > Convention in which the delegates are in general the affairs of the Cause i n that > gathered together is composed of an elec- country. > tive body based upon the principle of pro- "It serves also another purpose, no less > portional representation. The total num- essential than the first, as in the course of > ber of delegates is fixed by Shoghi Effendi time it shall evolve into the National House > for each country, and this number is ful- of Justice (referred to in 'Abdu'l-Bahi's > filled by assigning to each local community Will as the 'Secondary House of Justice') > the number of delegates called for by its which according to the explicit text of the > relative numerical strength. These National Testonzent will have, in conjunction with > Coll~entions are preIerably held during the other National Assemblies throughout > the period of Ridvln, the twelve days be- the Bahh'i world, to elect directly the mem- > ginning April 21, which commemorate the bers of the International or Universal House > Declaration made by Bahb'u'lllh in the of Justice, that Supreme Council that will > Garden of RidvIn near Baddid. The guide, organize and unify the affairs of the > recognition of delegates is vested in the Movement throughout the world. > outgoing National Spiritual Assembly. "This National Spiritual Assembly which, > A National Convention is an occasion for pending the establishment of the Universal > deepening one's understanding of Bah6'i ac- House of Justice, will have to be re-elected > tivities and of sharing reports of national once a year, obviously assumes grave re- > and local activities for the period of the sponsibilities for it has to exercise full au- > elapsed year. I t has been the custom to thority over all the local Assemblies in its > hold a public Bah6'i Congress in connection province, and will have to direct the ac- > with the Convention. The function of a tivities of the friends, guard vigilantly the > Bahl'i delegate is limited to the duration of Cause of God, and control and supervise > the National Convention and participation the affairs of the Movement in general. > in the election of the new National Spirit- "Vital issues, affecting the interests of > ual Assembly. While gathered together, the the Cause in that country, such as the mat- > delegates are a consultative and advisory ter of translation and publication, the > body whose recommendations are to be Mahriqu'l-AdJkir, the teaching work, and > carefully considered by the members of the other similar matters that stand distinct > elected National Spiritual Assembly. from strictly local affairs, must be under > Delegates unable to attend the Conven- the full jurisdiction of the National As- > tion in person are permitted to vote for the sembly. > new National Spiritual Assembly by mail. "It will have to refer each of these ques- > The relation of the National Spiritual As- tions, even as the local Assemblies, to a > sembly to the local Spiritual Assemblies and special committee, to be elected by the > to the body of the believers in the country members of the National Spiritual Assembly > is thus defined in the letters of the Guard- from among all the friends in that country, > ian of the Cause: which will bear to it the same relations as > "Regarding the establishment of National the local committees bear to their respective > Assemblies, it is of vital importance that in local Assemblies. > every country, where the conditions are fa- "With it, too, rests the decision whether > vorable and the number of the friends has a certain point at issue is strictly local in > grown and reached a considerable size-- its nature, and should be reserved for the > that a National Spiritual Assembly be im- consideration and decision of the local As- > mediately established, representative of the sembly, or whether it should fall under its > friends throughout that country. own province and be a matter which ought > "Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, to receive its special attention. > unify and co-ordinate, by frequent personal "It is the bounden duty, in the interest of > consultations, the manifold activities of the the Cause we all love and serve, of the mem- > friends as well as the local Assemblies; and bers of the incoming National Assembly, > by keeping in close and constant touch with once elected by the delegates at Convention > the Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct time, t o seek and have the utmost regard, > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 187 > > individually as well as collectively, foti the sufficient thoroughness, efficiency and dis- > advice, the considered opinion and the true patch. I t would also appear to me unob- > sentiments of the assembled delegates. Ban- jectionable to enable and even to require > ishing every vestige of secrecy, of undue in the last resort such delegates as cannot > reticence, of dictatorial aloofness from their possibly undertake the journey to the seat > midst, they should radiantly and abundantly of the Bahl'i Convention to send their > unfold to the eyes of the delegates by whom votes, for the election of the National Spir- > they were elected, their plans, their hopes itual Assembly only, by mail to the Na- > and their cares. They should familiarize the tional Secretary." > delegates with the various matters that will Concerning the matter of drawing up the > have to be considered in the current year, voting list to be used at the annual local > and calmly and conscientiously study and Bahl'i elections, the responsibility for this > weigh the opinions and judgmemlts of the is placed upon each local Spiritual Assembly, > delegates. The newly elected National As- and as a guidance in the matter the Guard- > sembly, during the few days when the Con- ian has written the following: > vention is in session, and after the dispersion "To state very briefly and as adequately > of the delegates, should seek ways and means as present circumstances permit, the prin- > to cultivate understanding, facilitate and cipal factors that must he taken into con- > maintain the exchange of views, deepen sideration before deciding whether a person > confidence, and vindicate by every tangible may be regarded a true believer or not: Full > evidence their one desire to serve and ad- recognition of the station of the Forerunner, > vance the common weal. the Author and the True Exemplar of the > "The National Spiritual Assembly, how- Bahh'i Cause, as set forth in 'Abdu'l-Bahd's > ever, in view of the unavoidable limitations Will and Testament; unreserved acceptance > imposed upon the convening of frequent of and submission t o whatsoever has been > and long-standing sessions of the Conven- revealed hy their Pen; loyal and steadfast > tion, will have to retain in its hands the adherence to every clause of our Beloved's > final decision on all matters that affect the sacred Will; and close association with the > interests of the Cause-such as the right spirit as well as the form of the present-day > to decide whether any local Assembly is Bahb'i administration-these I conceive to > functioning in accordance with the prin- be the fundamental and primary considera- > ciples laid down for the conduct and the tions that must t e fairly, discreetly and > advancement of the Cause. thoughtfully ascertained before reaching > "The seating of delegates to the Conven- such a vital decision." > tion (that is, the right to decide upon the 'Abdu'l-Bahi's instructions provide for > validity of the credentials of the delegates the further development of Bahi'i organi- > at a given Convention), is vested in the zation through an International Spiritual > outgoing National Assembly, and the right Assembly t o be elected by the members of > to decide who has the voting privilege is the National Spiritual Assemblies. This > also ultimately placed in the hands of the international body has not yet come into > National Spiritual Assembly, either when a existence, but its special character has been > local Spiritual Assembly is for the first time clearly defined: > being formed in a given locality, or when "And now, concerning the Assembly > differences arise between a new applicant (Baytu'l-'Ad'l: that is, House of Justice) > and an already established local Assembly. which God hath ordained as the source of > "Were the National Spiritual Assembly all good and freed from all error, it must > to decide, after mature deliberation, to omit be elected by universal suffrage, that is, by > the holding of the Bahh'i Convention and the believers. Its members ,nust be mani- > Congress in a given year, then they could, festations of the fear of God, and day- > only in such a case, devise ways and means springs of knowledge and understanding, > to insure that the annual election of the must be steadfast in God's Faith, and the > National Spiritual Assembly should be held well-wishers of all mankind. By this As- > by mail, provided it can be conducted with sembly is meant the Universal Assembly: > 188 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > that is, in each country a secondary Assem- ception of religion i,s one which combines > bly must be instituted, and these secondary mysticism, which is a sacred personal experi- > Assemblies must elect the members of the ence, with practical morality, which is a > Universal one. useful contact between the individual and > "Unto this body all things must be re- his fellow man. In the nature of things, > ferred. I t enacteth all ordinances and regu- some souls are more advanced than others, > lations that are not to he found in the ex- and the function of spiritual teaching is > plicit Holy Text. By this body all the given special importance in the writings of > difficult problems are to be resolved, and Bahl'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahb. The Bahl'i > the Guardian of the Cause is its sacred head teacher, however, has no authority over the > and the distinguished member, for life, of individual conscience. The individual con- > that body. Should he not attend in person science must he subordinated to the deci- > its deliberations, he must appoint one to sions of a duly elected Spiritual Assembly, > represent him. ... This assembly enacteth but this relationship is entirely different in > the laws and the executive enforceth them. character and results from the relationship > The legislative body must reinforce the ex- of an individual with minister or priest. > ecutive, the executive must aid and assist The third characteristic is the absence of > the legislative body, so that, through the internal factionalism, that bane of all or- > close union and harmony of these two ganized effort, and the sure sign of the > forces, the foundation of fairness and jus- presence of spiritual disease. The pre- > tice may become firm and strong, that all dominant spirit of unity which distinguishes > the regions of the world may become even the Bahi'i Cause in its relation to the world, > as Paradise itself. making its followers strive for reconcilia- > "Unto the Most Holy Book everyone tion rather than partisan victory, creates > must turn, and all that is not expressly re- an internal condition, unlike that which ex- > corded therein must be referred to the Uni- ists in movements which accept partisan > versal Assembly. That which this body, victory, in one or another form, as their > either unanimously or by a majority, doth very reason for being. Such movements > carry, that is verily the truth and the can but disintegrate from within; the > purpose of God Himself. Whoso doth Bahl'i Order can but grow. > deviate therefrom is verily of them that Significant also is the fourth characteris- > love discord, hath shown forth malice and tic, namely, that the Bahl'i Cause has > turned away from the Lord of the Cove- within it an inherent necessity operating > nant." slowly but surely to bring its administra- > Even at the present time, the Bahi'i's in tidn into the hands of those truly fitted for > all parts of the world maintain an intimate the nature of the work. The lesser vision > and cordial association by means of regular gives way invariably for the larger vision, > correspondence and individual visits. This itself replaced by the still larger vision in > contact of members of different races, na- due time. The result is an inevitable im- > tionalities and religious traditions is con- provement in the qualities placed at the > crete proof that the burden of prejudice service of the Cause, until the highest at- > and the historical factors of division can he tributes of humanity will be enrolled. I n > entirely overcome through the spirit of one- the Bahl'i Cause we are actually witness- > ness established by Bah6'u'llih. ing the fulfilment of that strange and, cryp- > The general student of religion will not tic saying, "The meek shall inherit the > fail to note four essential characteristics of earth." > Bahi'i administration. The first is its com- That the administrative machinery is not > pletely successful reconciliation of the usu- an end in itself but merely the means to > ally opposed claims of democratic freedom spread everywhere the light of faith and > and unancwerahle authority. The second is brotherhood, is frequently expressed by the > the entire absence from the Bahl'i Cause of Guardian in his general letters, and this > anything approaching the institution of a brief survey may well close with one of > salaried professional clergy. The Bahl'i con- those passages: > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 189 > > "Not by thr forrp of nxmbevs, not by of the Abhi Revelation. One t&g and > the mere exposition of a set of new and only one thing will unfailingly and alone > noble principles, not by an organized cnm- secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred > paign of teaching-no matter how world- Cause, namely the extent to which our own > wide and elaborate in its character-not innev life and private character mirror forth > e v n by the staunchness of our faith or the in their manifold aspects the splendor of > exaltation of o w elzthsiasnt, can we ulti- those eternal principles proclaimed by > mately hope to vindicate is the eyes of a Bahd's'llih." > critical nfzd skeptical age the supreme clainc > > A PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE LOCAL > SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > > Adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the > United States and Canada > > wise every person will act independently > and after his own judgment, will follow his > "A perusal of some of the words of own desire, and do harm to the Cause. > Bah6'u'llAh and 'Abdu'l-Bahi on the duties "The prime requisites for them that take > and functions of the Spiritual Assemblies counsel together are purity of motive, radi- > in every land (later to be designated as ance of spirit, detachment from all else save > the local Houses of Justice), emphatically God, attraction to His Divine Fragrance, > reveals the sacrcdncss of their nature, the humility and lowliness amongst His loved > wide scope of their activity, and the grave ones, patience and long-suffering in difficul- > responsibility which rests upon them."- ties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. > SHOGHIEFFENDI,March 7, 1922. Should they be graciously aided to acquire > these attributes, victory from the unseen > "The Lord hath ordained that in every Kingdom of Bah6 shall be vouchsafed to > city a House of Justice be established them. I n this day, Assemblies of consulta- > wherein shall gather counsellors to the num- tion are of the greatest importance and a > . > ber of Bahl. . . I t bebooveth them to be vital necessity. Obedience unto them is es- > the trusted ones of the Merciful among men sential and obligatory. The members there- > and to regard themselves as the guardians of must take counsel together in such wise > appointed of God for all that dwell on that no occasio~~ for ill-feeling or discord > earth. I t is iucumbmt upon them to take may arise. This can be attained when every > counsel together and to have regard for member expresseth with absolute freedom > the interests of the servants of God, for his own opinion and setteth forth his argu- > His sake, even as they regard their own ment. Should any one oppose, he must on > interests, and to choose that which is meet no account feel hurt for not until matters > and seemly. Thus hath the Lord your God are fully discussed can the right way be > commanded you. Beware lest ye put away revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh > that which is clearly revealed in His Tablet. forth only after the clash of differing opin- > Fear God, 0 ye that perceive."- BAHX- ions. If, after discussion, a decision be car- > U'LL~H. ried unanimously, well and good; but if, the > "It is incumbent upon every one not to Lord forbid, differences of opinion should > take any step without consulting the Spir- arise a majority of voices must prevail. . . > . > itual Assembly, and they must assuredly "The first condition is absolute love and > obey with heart and soul its bidding and be harmony amongst the members of the As- > submissive unto it, that things may be sembly. They must be wholly free from > properly ordered and well arranged. Other- estrangement and must manifest in them- > 190 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > selves the Unity of God, for they are the rhey shall day by day receive a new effusion > waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the of S P ~ ~ ~ ~ . " - ' A B D ~ ' L - B A H ~ . > stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, "The importance, nay the absolute neces- > the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one sity of these local Assemblies is manifest > garden. Should harmony of thought and when we realize that in the days to come > absolute unity be non-existent, that gather- they will evolve into the local House of > ing shall be dispersed and that Assembly be Justice, and at present provide the firm > brought to naught. The second condition:- foundation on which the structure of the > They must when coming together turn their Master's Will is to be reared in future. > faces to the Kingdom on High and ash aid "In order to avoid division and disrup- > from the Realm of Glory. They must then tion, that the Cause may not fall a prey to > proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby > dignity, care and moderation to express its purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs > their views. They must in every matter may be conducted with efficiency and > search out the truth and not insist upon promptness, it is necessary that every one > their own opinion, for stubbornness and per- (that is, every member of the Bahi'i com- > sistence in one's views will lead ultimately munity) should conscientiously take an > to discord and wrangling and the t n ~ t hwill active part in the election of these Assem- > remain hidden. The honored members must blies, abide by their decision, enforce their > with all freedom express their own thoughts, decree, and cooperate with them whole- > and it is in no wise permissible for one to heartedly in their task of stimulating the > belittle the thought of another, nay, he growth of the Movement throughout all > must with moderation set forth the truth, regions. The members of these Assemblies. > and should differences of opinion arise a on their part, must disregard utterly their > majority of voices must prevail, and all own likes and dislikes, their personal inter- > must obey and submit to the majority. I t ests and inclinations, and concentrate their > is again not permitted that any one of the minds upon those measures that will con- > honored members object to or censure, duce to the welfare and happiness of the > whether in or out of the meeting, any Bahi'i community and promote the com- > decision arrived at previously, though that mon weal."-SHOGHI EFFENDI,March 12, > decision be not right, for such criticism 1923. > would prevent any decision from being en- "Let us recall His explicit and often- > forced. In short, whatsoever thing is ar- repeated assurance that every Assembly > ranged in harmony and with love and ~ u r i t y elected in that rarified atmosphere of self- > of motive, its result is light, and should the lessness and detachment is, in truth, ap- > least trace of estrangement prevail the re- pointed of God, that its verdict is truly > sult shall be darkness upon darkness. .. . inspired, that one and all should submit t o > If this be so regarded, that Assembly shall its decision unreservedly and with cheerful- > be of God, but otherwise it shall lead to ness."-SHo~~I EFFENDI, February 23, > coolness and alienation that proceed from 1924. > the Evil One. Discussions must all be con- - > fined to spiritual matters that ~ e r t a i nto the > training of souls, the instruction of chil- > dren, the relief of the poor, the help of the > feeble throughout all classes in the world, > kindness to all peoples, the diffusion of the The various functions of the local Spir- > fragrances of God and the exaltation of His itual Assembly, and its nature as a constitu- > Holy Word. Should rhey endeavor to fulfil tional body, are duly set forth in Article > these conditions the Grace of the Holy VII of the By-Laws of the National Spir- > Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them, and itual Assembly, and are more definitely de- > that Assembly shall become the center of fined in the By-Laws of a local Spiritual > the Divine blessings, the hosts of Divine Assembly approved by the National Spir- > confirmation shall come to their aid and itual Assembly and recommended by the > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 191 > > Guardian. Each local Spiritual Assembly, applicants for enrollment a7 members > and ail members of the local Bah6'i com- of the community. > munity, shall be guided and controlled by Closing Prayer. > the provisions of those By-Laws. > C o n d u c t of Business > - A Spiritual Assembly, in maintaining its > 11. M E E r l ~ C sOF THE LOCAL s ~ ~ threefold > ~ I Tfunction > ~ ~of a~ body given (within > ASSEMBLY the limits of its jurisdiction) an executive, > a legislative and a judicial capacity, is > In addition to its observance of the gen- > charged with responsibility for initiating > eral functions vested in the institution of a > Spiritual Assembly, each Spiritual Assembly action and making decisions. Its meetings, > has need of a procedure for the conduct of therefore, revolve around various definite > matters which require deliberation and col- > its meetings. The following items represent > lective decision, and it is incumbent upon > the outline of the parliamentary rules of > the members, one and all, to address them- > procedure which the National Spiritual As- > selves to the subject under discussion and > sembly has adopted and recommends to each > not engage in general speeches of an irrele- > and every local Spiritual Assembly through- > vant character. > out the United States and Canada. > Everv, subiect > , or orohlein before an As- > Calling of Meetings sembly is most efficiently handled when the > A meeting of the Spiritual Assembly is following process is observed: fiust, ascer- > valid only when it has been duly called, that tainment and agreement upon the facts; > is, when each and every member has been second, agreement upon the spiritual or > informed of the time and place. The gen- administrative Teachings which the ques- > eral practice is for the Assembly to decide tion involves; third, full and frank discus- > upon some regular time and place for its sion of the matter, leading up to the offering > meetings throughout the Bahi'i year, and of a resolution; and fourth, voting upon the > this decision when recorded in the Minutes resolution. > is sufficient notice to the members. When A resolution, or motion, is not subject > the regular schedule cannot be followed, or t o discussion or vote until duty made and > the need arises for a special meeting, the seconded. I t is preferable to have each reso- > secretary, on request by the chairman or any lution clear and complete in itself, but when > three members of the Spiritual Assembly, an amendment is duly made and seconded, > should send due notice to all the members. the chairman shall call for a vote on the > amendment first and then on the original > Order of Business motion. An amendment must be relevant > Roll call by the Secretary (or Recording to, and not contravene, the subject matter > Secretary). of the motion. > Prayer. The chairman, or other presiding officer, > Reading and approval of Minutes of has the same power and responsibility for > previous meetings. discussion and voting upon motions as > Report of Secretary (or Corresponding other members of the Assembly. > Secretary), including presentation of Discussion of any matter before the As- > letters received by the Assembly since sembly may be terminated by a motion duly > its last meeting, and of any and all made, seconded and voted calling upon the > recommendations duly adopted by the chairman to put the matter to a vote or to > community at the last Nineteen Day proceed to the next matter on the agenda. > Feast. The purpose of this procedure is to prevent > Report of Treasurer. any member or members from prolonging > Report of Committees. the discussion beyond the point at which > Unfinished business. full opportunity has been given all mem- > New business, including conferences with bers to express their views. > members of the community and with When the Assembly has taken action > 192 THE BAHA'I WORLD > upon any matter, t h action > ~ is binding upon tion between the Spiritual Assembly and the > all members, whether present or absent from members of the community. The conduct > the meeting at which the action was taken. of the period of consultation at Nineteen > Individual views and opinions must be sub- Day Feasts is a vital function of each Spir- > ordinated to the will of the Assembly when itual Assembly. > a decision has been made. A Spiritual As- From Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahh, "The > sembly is an administrative unit, as it is a Nineteen Day Feast was inaugurated by > spiritual unit, and therefore no distinction the Bib and ratified by Bahi'u'llih, in His > between "majority" and "minority" groups Holy Book, the Aqdas, so that people may > or factions can be recognized. Each mem- gather together and outwardly show fel- > ber must give undivided loyalty to the lowship and love, that the Divine mysteries > institution to which he or she has been may be disclosed. The object is concord, > elected. that through this fellowship hearts may be- > Any action taken by the Assembly can come perfectly united, and reciprocity and > be reconsidered at a later meeting, on mo- mutual helpfulness be established. Because > tion duly made, seconded and carried. This the members of the world of humanity are > reconsideration, according to the result of unable to exist without being banded to- > the consultation, may lead to a revision or gether, cooperation and helpfulness is the > the annulment of the prior action. If a basis of human society. Without the real- > majority is unwilling to reconsider the prior ization of these two great principles no > action, further discussion of the matter by great movement is pressed forward." Lon- > any member is improper. don, England, December 29, 1912. (Quoted > The Assembly has a responsibility in fill- in B A H NEWS~ ~ No. 3 3 . ) > ing a vacancy caused by the inability of any The Nineteen Day Feast has been de- > member to attend the meetings. "It is only scribed by the Guardian as the foundation > too obvious that unless a member can attend of the World Order of Bahi'u'llih. I t is to > regularly the meetings of his local Assem- be conducted according to the following > bly, it would be impossible for him to program: the first part, entirely spiritual in > discharge the duties incumbent upon him, character, is devoted to readings from > and to fulfil his responsibilities as a repre- Bahi'i Sacred Writings; the second part > sentative of the community. Membership consists of general consultation on the > in a local Spiritual Assembly carries with it, affairs of the Cause. The third part is the > indeed, the obligation and capacity to re- material feast and social meeting of all the > main in close touch with local Babi'i activi- believers, and should maintain the spiritual > ties, and ability to attend regularly the ses- nature of the Feast. > sions of the Assembly."-SHOGHI EFFENDI, Bah6'is should regard this Feast as the > January 27, 1931. very heart of their spiritual activity, their > The Spiritual Assembly, as a permanent participation in the mystery of the Holy > body, is responsible for maintaining all its Utterance, their steadfast unity one with > records, including Minutes of meetings, cor- another in a universality raised high above > respondence and financial records, through- the limitations of race, class, nationality, > out its existence as a Bahi'i institution. sect, and personality, and their privilege of > Each officer, therefore, on completing his or contributing to the power of the Cause in > her term of office, shall turn over to the the realm of collective action. > Assembly all records pertaining t o the busi- > Calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast > ness of the Assembly. > - March 2 1 July 13 November 23 > Co~suLT*no~ THE April 9 August 1 December 1 2 > COMMUNITY April 28 August 20 December 3 1 > A. The institution of the Nineteenth Day May 17 September 8 January 19 > Feast provides the recognized and regular June 1 September 27 February 7 > occasion for general consultation on the June 24 October 16 March 2 > part of the community, and for consnlta- November 4 > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 193 > > Thc Spiritual Assembly is responsible for dations to the National Spiritual Assembly. > the holding of the Nineteen Day Feast. If These recommendations are offered first to > the Bahi'i calendar for some adequate rea- the local community, and when adopted by > son cannot be observed, the Assembly may the community come before the local As- > arrange to hold a Feast at the nearest pos- sembly, which then may in its discretion > sible date. forward the recommendation to the Na- > Only members of the Bahh'i community, tional Spiritual Assembly accompanied by > and visiting Baha'is from other communi- its own considered view. > ties, may attend these meetings, but young Provision is to be made for reports from > people of less than twenty-one years of age, committees, with discussion of each report. > who have studied the Teachings and de- Finally, the meeting is to be open for sug- > clared their intention of joining the com- gestions and recommendations from indi- > munity on reaching the age of twenty-one, vidual believers on any matter affecting the > may also attend. Cause. > Regular attendance at the Nineteen Day The local Bahl'i community may adopt > Feast is incumbent upon every Baha'i, ill- by majority vote any resolution which it > ness or absence from the city being the only wishes collectively t o record as its advice > justification for absence. Believers are ex- and recommendation to the Spiritual As- > pected to arrange their personal affairs so assembly. > to enable them to observe the Baha'i cal- Upon each member of the community > endar. lies the obligation to make his or her utmost > contribution to the consultation, the ideal > Ovder of Business for the > being a gathering of Bahi'is inspired with > Consultation Period > one spirit and concentrating upon the one > The chairman or other appointed repre- aim to further the interests of the Faith. > sentative of the Spiritual Assembly presides The Secretary of the Assembly records > during the period of consultation. each resolution adopted by the community, > The Spiritual Assembly reports to the as well as the varions suggestions advanced > community whatever communications have during the meeting, in order to report these > been received from the Guardian and the to the Spiritual Assembly for its considera- > National Spiritual Assembly, and provides tion. Whatever action the Assembly takes > opportunity for general discussion. is to be reported at a later Nineteen Day > The Assembly likewise reports its own Feast. > activities and plans, including committee Matters of a personal nature should be > appointments that may have been made brought before the Spiritual Assembly and > since the last Feast, the financial report, not to the community at the Nineteen Day > arrangements made for public meetings, and Feast. Concerning the attitude with which > in general share with the community all believers should come to these Feasts, the > matters that concern the Faith. These re- Master has said, "You must free yourselves > ports are to be followed by general con- from everything that is in your hearts, be- > sultation. fore you enter." (Bahi'i News Letter of > A matter of vital importance at this the N. S. A. of Germany and Austria, > meeting is consideration of national and December, 1934.) > international Bah6'i affairs, to strengthen B. The Annual Meeting on April 21, > the capacity of the community t o cooperate called for the election of the Spiritual As- > in promotion of the larger Bahl'i interests sembly, provides the occasion for the pres- > and to deepen the understanding of all be- entation of annual reports by the Assembly > lievers concerning the relation of the local and by all its Committees. > community t o the Bahb'i World Commun- The chairman of the outgoing Assembly > ity. presides at this meeting. > Individual Bahi'is are LO find in the The order of Business includes: Reading > Nineteen Day Feast the channel through of the call of the meeting, reading of ap- > which t o make suggestions and recommen- propriate Bahl'i passages bearing upon the > subjcct of thc clcction, appointment of tcl- called upon to manifest the attributes of > lers, distribution of ballots, prayers for the courtesy, patience and loving insight. Many > spiritual guidance of the voters, the elec- conditions are not to be remedied by the > tion, presentation of annual reports, tellers' exercise of power and authority but rather > report of the election, approval of the tel- by a sympathetic understanding of the > lers' report. sources of the difficulty in the hearts of the > C. The Annual Meeting for the election of friends. As 'Abdu'l-Bahi has explained, > Convention delegate (or delegates) is like- some of the people are children and must be > wise presided over by the Assembly chair- trained, some are ignorant and must be edu- > man, and except for the annual reports the cated, some are sick and must be healed. > Order of Business is similar to that observed Where, however, the problem is not of this > at the meeting held each April 21. I t is order but represents flagrant disobedience > preferable for the Spiritual Assembly to and disloyalty to the Cause itself, in that > arrange a special meeting for the election of case the Assembly should consult with the > delegates, and not hold this election during National Spiritual Assembly concerning the > the consultation period of a Nineteen Day necessity for disciplinary action. > Feast. Members of the Bahi'i community, for > D. In addition to these occasions for gen- their part, should do their utmost by prayer > eral consultation, the Spiritual Assembly is and meditation to remain always in a posi- > to give consultation to individual believers tive and joyous spiritual condition, bearing > whenever requested. in mind the Tablets which call upon Bahi'is > During such consultation with individual to serve the world of humanity and not > believers, the Assembly should observe the waste their precious energies in negative > following principles: the impartiality of complaints. > each of its members with respect to all mat- > ters under discussion; the freedom of the > individual BahCi to express his views, feel- IV. BAHli'i ANNIVERSARIES, > FESTIVALS > AND > > ings and recommendations on any matter DAYSOF FASTING > affecting the interests of the Cause, the con- The Spiritual Assembly, among its vari- > fidential character of this consultation, and ous duties and responsibilities, will provide > the principle that the Spiritual Assembly for the general observance by the local com- > does not adopt any resolution or make any munity of the following Holy Days: > final decision, until the party or parties have Feart of Ridvin (Declaration of Bahi- > withdrawn from the meeting. 'u'llih) April 21-May 2, 1863. > Appeals from decisions of a local Spir- Declaration of the Bib, May 23, 1844. > itual Assembly are provided for in the By- Ascension of Bahi'u'llih, May 29, 1892. > Laws and the procedure fully described in a Martyrdom of the Bib, July 9, 1810. > statement published in B~Hii)iNEWS, Feb- Birth of the BQb,October 20, 1819. > ruary, 1933. Birth of Bahi'u'llih, November 12, 18 17. > When confronted with evidences of Day of the Covenant, November 2 6 . > unhappiness, whether directed against the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, November > Assembly or against members of the com- 2 8 , 1921. > munity, the Spiritual Assembly should real- Period of the Fast, nineteen days Legin- > ize that its relationship to the believers is ning March 2. > not merely that of a formal constitutional Feast of Naw-R6z (Bahl'i New Year), > body but also that of a spiritual institution March 21. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 191 > > THE ANNUAL BAHA'f CONVFNTION > A Statement by the National SkMtual Assembly > (Approved by the Guardian) > > Despite the repeated explanations given Conventions, acting upon some matters as > by the Guardian on this subject, there seems a law unto themselves, have inadvertently > to exist each year, prior to and also during contravened the Guardian's clear instruc- > the Convention period, some misunderstand- tions. > ing as to the nature of the Annual Meeting. "The National Spiritual Assembly now > In order to establish a definite standard calls attention to two specific portions of > of Convention procedure, the following the 1930 statement approved by the Guard- > statement has been approved and adopted, ian which have been neglected in subsequent > and in accordance with the vote taken by Conventions: first, the ruling that non- > the National Assembly, a copy of the state- delegates do not possess the right to par- > ment is placed in the hands of the presiding ticipate in Convention proceedings; and, > officer of the Convention to control the second, that the time of the election of > Convention procedure, after being read to members of the National Spiritual Assembly > the delegates by the officer of the National shall be fixed in the Agenda at such a time > Spiritual Assembly by whom the Conven- as to allow the outgoing Assembly full time > tion is convened.' to report to the delegates, and to allow the > "The delegates present at this Annual incoming Assembly to have full consulta- > Bahi'i Convention are called ~rponto render tion with the assembled delegates. I t is > a unique, a vital service to the Faith of surely evident that a procedure or principle > Bahi'u'lllh. Their collective functions and of action once authorized by the Guardian > responsibilities are not a matter of arb~trary is not subject to alteration by any Bahl'i > opinion, but have been clearly described by body or individual believer to whom the > the Guardian of the Cause. If civil govern- procedure directly applies. > ments have found it necessary to adopt the "In order to remove other sources of mis- > doctrine that 'ignorance of the law is no understanding, the National Spiritual As- > excuse,' how much more essential it is for sembly now feels it advisable to point out > Bahi'is, individually and collectively, to that the Guardian's letters on the subject of > base their responsible actions upon thorough the Convention, received and published in > comprehension of the fundamental princi- BAHM NEWS this year,' do not, as some > ples which underlie that Administrative believers seem to feel, organically change > Order which in its maturity is destined to the character and i-unction of the Annual > become the World Order of Bahi'u'll6h. Meeting, but reaffirm and strengthen in- > "Considerable confusion would have been structions and explanations previously > avoided at Conventions held during the past given. I n the light of all the Guardian's > three years had the delegates, and all mem- references to this subject, compiled and > bers of the National Spiritual Assembly it- published by the National Spiritual As- > self, given sufficient consideration to the sembly in B ~ n i i ' iNEWSof November, 1933 > fact that B A H ~ ?NEWSof February, 1930, and February, 1934, the following brief > contained an explanation of the Annual summary has been prepared and is now > Convention which had been prepared by the issued with the sole purpose of contributing > National Spiritual Assembly, submitted to to the spiritual unity of the chosen dele- > Shoghi Effendi, and definitely approved by gates here present:- > him. It is because this statement of four "1. The Annual Bahi'i Convention has > years ago has gone unnoticed that successive two unique functions to fulfill, discussion > of current Bahi'i matters and the election > This reference to "being read to the delepate." of the National Spiritual Assembly. The > was in connection with the 1 9 1 4 Collvention only. discussion should be free and untrammeled, > The statement is here published for rhe general in- > farmation of the believers. February, 1934. > 196 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > the election carried on in that spirit of recommendations which shall, according to > prayer and meditation in which alone every the Guardian's instructions, be given con- > delegate can render obedience to the Guard- scientious consideration by the National > ian's expressed wish. After the Convention Assembly. > is convened by the Chairman of the Na- "7. The National Spiritual Assembly is > tional Spiritual Assembly, and after the roll the supreme Bahb'i administrative body > call is read by the Secretary of the Assem- within the American Bah6'i community, > bly, the Convention proceeds to the election and its jurisdiction continues without inter- > of its chairman and secretary by secret bal- ruption during the Convention period as > lot and without advance nomination, ac- during the remainder of the year, and inde- > cording to the standard set for all Bah6'i pendently of the individuals composing its > elections. membership. Any matter requiring action > " 2 . Non-delegates may not participate of legislative, executive or judicial nature, > in Convention discussion. All members of whether arising during the Convention pe- > the National Spiritual Assembly may par- riod or at any other time, is to be referred > ticipate in the discussion, but only those to the National Spiritual Assembly. The > members who have been elected delegates National Assembly is responsible for up- > may vote on any matter brought up for holding the administrative principles ap- > vote during the proceedings. plying to the holding of the Annual > "3. The outgoing National Spiritual As- Convention as it is for upholding all other > sembly is responsible for rendering reports administrative principles. If, therefore, a > of its own activities and of those carried on Convention departs from the principles laid > by its committees during the past year. The down for Conventions by the Guardian, > annual election is to be held at a point mid- and exceeds the limitstions of function > way during the Convention sessions, so that conferred upon it, in that case, and in > the incoming Assembly may consult with that case alone, the National Spiritual > the delegates. Assembly can and must intervene. I t is > "4. The Convention is free to discuss the National Spiritual Assembly, and not > any Bahi'i matter, in addition to those the Convention, which is authorized to > treated in the annual reports. The Con- decide when and why such intervention is > vention is responsible for making its own required. > rules of procedure controlling discussion; "8. The National Spiritual Assembly > for example, concerning any limitations the feels that it owes a real duty to the dele- > delegates may find it necessary to impose gates, and to the entire body of believers, > upon the time allotted to or claimed by any in presenting any and all facts that may be > one delegate. The National Assembly will required in order to clarify matters dis- > maintain the rights of the delegates to con- cussed at the Convention. There can be no > fer freely and fully, free from any re- true Bahi'i consultation at this important > stricted pressure, in the exercise of their meeting if any incomplete or erroneous view > function. should reva ail. > " 5 . The Convention as an organic body "9. The National Assembly in adopting > is limited to the actual Convention period. and issuing this statement does so in the > I t has no function to discharge after the sincere effort to assurc the constitutional > close of the sessions except that of electing freedom of the Convention to fulfill its > a member or members to fill any vacancy high mission. The path of true freedom > that might arise in the membership of the lies in knowing and obeying the general > National Spiritual Assembly during the principles given to all Bahb'is for the proper > year. conduct of their collective affairs. While > " 6 . The Convention while in session has the entire world plunges forward to de- > no independent legislative, executive or ju- struction, it is the responsibility of the > dicial function. Aside from its action in National Spiritual Assembly to uphold that > electing the National Spiritual Assembly, Order on which peace and security solely > its discussions do not represent actions but depends." > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 197 > > T H E NON-POLITICAL CHARACTER OF THE BAHA'I FAITH > > A Statement Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly in Respolzse to the Request > fou Clarification of the Subject Voiced by the 1933 Annual Convenfion > > It is the view of the National Spiritual and regulate their conduct that no charge > Assembly that the Guardian's references to of secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of in- > the non-political character of the Bahi'i timidation may, however ill-founded, be > Faith, when studied as a whole, are so clear brought against them. .. . It is their duty > that they can be fully grasped by all be- ro strive to distinguish, as clearly as they > lievers and rightly applied by all Local Spir- possibly can, and if needed with the aid of > itual Assemblies to any problems they may their elected representatives, such posts and > encounter. Should special circumstances functions as are either diplomatic or politi- > arise, however, the National Assembly will cal, from those that are purely administra- > make every effort to assist any Local Assem- tive in character, and which under no > bly to arrive at fuller understanding of this circumstances are affected by the changes > important subject. and chances that political activities and > The first reference to consider is taken party governmeut, in every land, must > from the letter written by Shoghi Effendi necessarily involve. Let them affirm their > on March 21, 1932, published under the unyielding determination to stand, firmly > title of "The Golden Age of the Cause of and unreservedly, for the way of Bahi- > Bah6'u'lllh." 'u'llih, to avoid the entanglements and > "I feel it, therefore, incumbent upon me bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of > t o stress, now that the time is ripe, the im- the politician, and to become worthy > portance of an instruction which, at the agencies of that Divine Polity which incar- > present stage of the evolution of our Faith, nates God's immutable Purpose for all > should be increasingly emphasized, irrespec- men. ... > tive of its application to the East or to the "Let them proclaim that in whatever > West. And this principle is no other than country they reside, and however advanced > that which involves the non-participation their institutions, or profound their desire > by the adherents of the Faith of Bahi'u'lllh, to enforce the laws and apply the principles > whether in their individual capacities or col- enunciated by Bahi'u'llih, they will, unhesi- > lectively as local or national Assemblies, in tatingly, subordinate the operation of such > any form of activity that might be inter- laws and the application of such principles > preted, either directly or indirectly, as an to the requirements and legal enactments > interference in the political affairs of any of their respective governments. Theirs is > particular government. not the purpose, while endeavoring to con- > "Let them refrain from associating them- duct and perfect the administrative affairs > selves, whether by word or by deed, with of their Faith, to violate, under any circum- > the political pursuits of their respective na- stances, the provisions of their country's > tions, with the policies of their governments constitution, much less to allow the ma- > and the schemes and programs of parties chinery of their administration to supersede > and factions. In such controversies they the governmeut of their respective coun- > should assign no blame, take no side, further tries." > no design, and identify themselves with no This instruction raised the question > system prejudicial to the best interests of whether believers should vote in any > that world-wide Fellowship which it is their public election. A Tablet revealed by > aim to guard and foster. Let them beware 'Ahdu'l-Bahl to Mr. Thornton Chase was > lest they allow themselves to become the sent to the Guardian, and the follow- > tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be ing reply was received, dated January 26, > entrapped by the treacherous devices of the 1933: > plotters and the perfidious among their "The Guardian fully recognizes the au- > countrymen. Let them so shape their lives thenticity and controlling influence of this > 198 T H E BAHA'i WORLD > > in~tructinn from 'Abdu'l-Bahi upon the "As regards the non-political character > question. He, however, feels under the of the BahP'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi feels > responsibility of stating that the attitude that there is no contradiction whatsoever > taken by the Master (that is, that American between the Tablet (to Thornton Chase, > citizens are in duty bound t o vote in public referred t o above) and the reservations t o > elections) implies certain reservations. He, which he has referred. The Master surely > therefore, lays it upon the individual con- never desired the friends t o use their influ- > science to see that in following the Master's ence towards the realization and promotion > instructions no Bahh'i vote for an officer of policies contrary t o any of the principles > nor Bahi'i participation in the afiairs of the of the Faith. The friends may vote, if rhey > Republic shall involve acceptance by that can do it, without identifying theinselves > individual of a program or policy that con- with one party or another. To enter the > travenes any vital principle, spiritual or arena of party politics is surely detrimental > social, of the Faith." The Guardian added t o the best interests of the Faith and will > t o this letter the following postscript: "I harm the Cause. I t remains for the indi- > feel it incumbent upon me t o clarify the viduals t o so use their right t o vote as t o > above statement, written in my behalf, by keep aloof from party politics, and always > stating that no vote cast, or office under- bear in mind that they are voting on the > taken, by a Bahl'i should necessarily consti- merits of the individual, rather than because > tute acceptance, by the voter or office he belongs t o one party or another. The > holder, of the entire program of any polit- matter must be made perfectly clear t o the > ical party. N o Baha'i can be regarded as individuals, who will be left free to exercise > either a Republican or Democrat, as such. their discretion and judgment. But if a > H e is, above all else, the supporter of the certain person does enter into party politics > principles enunciated by BahP'u'116h, with and labors for the ascendency of one party > which, I am firmly convinced, the program over another, and continues to do i t against > of no political party is completely har- the expressed appeals and warnings of the > monious." Assembly, then the Assembly has the right > I n a letter dated March 16, 1933, the to refuse him the right to vote in BahP'i > Guardian sent these further details: elections." > > CONCERNING MEMBERSHIP IN NON-BAH6'1 RELIGIOUS > ORGANIZATIONS > > The instruction written by Shoghi Ef- subject, and a copy of that letter was for- > fendi concerning membership in non-Bahi'i warded t o Shoghi Effendi for his approval > religious organizations, published in the July, and comment. His rePerences to its con- > 1935, number of Ba~iC'iNEWS>has brought tents, made in letters addressed t o the Na- > forth some interesting and important com- tional Spiritual Assembly o n November 2 9 > munications from local Spiritual Assemblies and December 11, 1931, are appended t o > and also from individual believers, t o all of this statement. > which the National Spiritual Assembly has Now that Shoghi Effendi's approval has > given careful and sympathetic attention. been received, the National Assembly feels > The National Assembly itself, on receiv- i t desirable to publish, for the information > ing that instruction, made i t the subject of of all the American believers, the substance > extensive consultation, feeling exceedingly of the October letter. > responsible for its own understanding of the While so fundamental an instruction is > Guardian's words and anxious t o contribute bound t o raise different questions corre- > t o the understanding of the friends. sponding t o the different conditions existing > I n October, 1931, the Assembly sent in throughout the Bah6'i community, the > reply t o some of these communications a most important consideration is our collec- > general letter embodying its thoughts on the tive need t o grasp the essential princip!e > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 199 > > underlying the new instruction, and our versity of its adherents, and the state of > capacity to perceive that the position which confusion that assails on every side the > the Guardian wishes us to take in regard to infant Faith of God, can for a moment > church membership is a necessary and inev- question the necessity of some sort of ad- > itable result of the steady development of ministrative machinery that will insure, > the World Order of Bahi'u'lllh. amid the storm and stress of a struggling > This essential principle is made clear when civilization, the unity of the Faith, the pres- > we turn to Shoghi Effendi's further refer- ervation of its identity, and the protection > ence to the subject as published in B A H ~of~ its interests?" > NEW ior October, 193S-words written Although for five years the Guardian had > by the Guardian's own hand. been setting forth the principles of Bahl'i > I n the light of these words, it seems fully Administration in frequent letters, in 1927 > evident that the way to approach this in- he apparently felt it necessary to overcome > struction is in realizing the Faith of Bah6- some doubts here and there as to the validity > 'u'llih as an ever-growing organism des- of the institutions the Master bequeathed to > tined to become something new and greater the Bahl'is in His Will and Testament. The > than any of the revealed religions of the series of World Order letters, however, goes > past. Whereas former Faiths inspired hearts far beyond the point of defending and ex- > and illumined souls, they eventuated in plaining their validity as an essential ele- > formal religions with an ecclesiastical or- ment in the Faith of Bah6'u'lllh-the > ganization, creeds, rituals and churches, Guardian vastly extended the horizon of > while the Faith of Bahh'u'll61~, likewise our understanding by making it clear that > renewing man's spiritual life, will gradually the Administrative Order, in its full devel- > produce the institutions of an ordered soci- opment, is to he the social structure of the > ety, fulfilling not merely the function of future civilization. > the churches of the past hut also the func- Thus, in that same letter quoted above, > tion of the civil state. By this manifesta- he wrote: "Not only will the present-day > tion of the Divine Will in a higher degree Spiritual Assemblies he styled differently in > than in former ages, humanity will emerge future, but will be enabled also to add to > from that immature civilization in which their present functions those powers, duties, > church and state are separate and competi- and prerogatives necessitated by the recog- > tive institutions, and partake of a true nition of the Faith of Bahi'n'lllh, not > civilization in which spiritual and social merely as one of the recognized religious > principles are at last reconciled as two systems of the world, but as the State Reli- > aspects of one and the same Truth. gion of an independent and Sovereign > No Bahi'i can read the successive World Power. And as the Bahl'i Faith permeates > Order letters sent us by Shoghi Effendi the masses of the peoples of East and West, > without perceiving that the Guardian, for and its truth is embraced by the majority > many years, has been preparing us t o under- of the peoples of a number of the Sovereign > stand and appreciate this fundamental pur- States of the world, will the Universal > pose and mission of the Revelation of Bah6- House of Justice attain the plenitude of its > 'u'lllh. Even when the Master ascended, we power, and exercise, as the supreme organ > were for the most part still considering the of the Bahi'i Commonwealth, all the rights, > Bahl'i Faith as though it were only the the duties, and responsibilities illcumbent > "return of Christ" and failing to perceive upon the world's future super-state." > the entirely new and larger elements latent This passage stands as the keystone in the > in the Teachings of Bahh'u'llih. noble structure which Shoghi Effendi has > Thus, in the very first of the World raised in his function as interpreter of the > Order letters, written February 27th, 1929, Teachings of Bahl'u'll6h. The Master de- > Shoghi Effendi said: "Who, I may ask, when veloped the Cause to the point where this > viewing the international character of the social Teaching, always existent in thc Tab- > Cause, its far-flung ramifications, the in- lets of Bahl'u'lllh, could he explained to the > creasing complexity of its affairs, the di- believers and given its due significance as > 200 THE BAHA'f WORLD > the fulfilment of Bahi'i evolution. As the Again, when the question was raised as > Guardian expressed it: "That Divine Civil- to membership in certain non-Babi'i organ- > ization, the establishment of which is the izations not directly religious or political in > primary mission of the Bahi'i Faith." character, the Guardian replied: "Regarding > (World Order of Bahi'u'llih, pages 3 association with the World Fellowship of > and 4.) Faiths and kindred Societies, Shoghi Effendi > For us these words mean that a Bahl'i is wishes to reaffirm and elucidate the general > not merely a member of a revealed Religion, principle that Bahl'i elected representatives > he is also a citizen in a World Order even as well as individuals should refrain from > though that Order today is still in its in- any act or word that would imply a depar- > fancy and still obscured by the shadows ture from the principles, whether spiritual, > thrown by the institutions, habits and atti- social or administrative, established by Ba- > tudes derived from the past. But since the hi'u'116h. Formal affiliation with and ac- > aim and end has been 'made known, our ceptance of membership in organizations > devotion and loyalty must surely express whose programs or policies are not wholly > itself, not in clinging to views and thoughts reconcilable with the Teachings is of course > emanating from the past, but in pressing out of the question." ( B A H ~ .NEWS, > ~ > forward in response to the needs of the new August, 1933.) > creation. Thus, not once but repeatedly the Guard- > That true devotion, which consists in ian has upheld the vital principle underlying > conscious knowledge of the "primary mis- every type of relationship between Bahi'is > sion," and unified action to assist in bring- and other organizations, namely, that the > ing about its complete triumph, recognizes Cause of Bahi'u'llBh is an ever-growing > that a Bahi'i today must have singleness of organism, and as we begin to realize its > mind as of aim, without the division arising universality our responsibility is definitely > when we stand with one foot in the Cause established to cherish and defend that uni- > and one foot in the world, attempting to versality from all compromise, all admixture > reconcile diverse elements which the Mani- with worldly elements, whether emanating > festation of God Himself has declared to from our own habits rooted in the past or > be irreconcilable. from the deliberate attacks imposed by ene- > The principle underlying the Guardian's mies from without. > instruction about membership in non-Bahi'i I t will be noted that in the instruction > religious bodies has already been emphasized published in July, 193$, B ~ ~ dNEWS,l i the > by Shoghi Effendi in another connection- Guardian made it clear that the principle > the instruction about the non-political char- involved is not new and unexpected, but > acted of the Faith which he incorporated in rather an application of an established prin- > his letter entitled "The Golden Age of the ciple to a new condition. "Concerning > Cause of Bahi'u'llih." For example: "I feel membership in non-Bahl'i religious associa- > it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, tions, the Guardian wishes to re-emphasize > now that the time is ripe, the importance of the general principle already laid down in > an instruction which, at the present stage his communications to your Assembly and > of the evolution of our Faith, should be also to the individual believers that no > increasingly emphasized, irrespective of its Bahi'i who wishes to be 2 whole-hearted > application to the East or to the West. And and sincere upholder of the distinguishing > this principle is no other than that which principles of the Cause can accept full > involves the non-participation by the adher- membership in any non-Bahl'i ecclesiastical > ents of the Faith of Bahi'u'llih, whether in organization. . . . For it is only too obvi- > their individual capacities or collectively as ous that in most of its fundamental as- > local or national Asserhblies, in any form of sumptions the Cause of Bahl'u'llih is > activity that might be interpreted, either completely at variance with outworn creeds, > directly or indirectly, as an interference in ceremonies and institutions. ... During the > the political affairs of any particular gov- days of the Master the Cause was still in a > ernment." stage that made such an open and sharp > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 201 > > dissociation between it and other religious csscntial universality of the Cause, likewise > organizations, and particularly the Muslim repeat and renew the warning that the > Faith, not only inadvisable but practically organized religions, even in America, will > impossible to establish. But since His pass- become bitterly hostile to the Faith of > ing events throughout the Bahi'i world, Bahi'u'llih, denounce and oppose it, and > and particularly in Egypt where the Mus- seek its destruction in vain effort to main- > lim religious courts have formally testified tain their own "outworn creeds" and > to the independent character of the Faith, material power. Informed of this in- > have developed to a point that has made evitable development, can a Bahh'i any > such an assertion of the independence of longer desire to retain a connection which, > the Cause not only highly desirable but however liberal and pleasing it now seems, > absolutely essential." is a connection with a potential foe of the > To turn now to the Guardian's words Cause of God? The Guardian's instruction > published in October BAHA'I NEWS: "The signifies that the time has come when all > separation that has set in between the in- American believers must become fully con- > stitutions of the Bah6'i Faith and the scious of the implications of such connec- > Isl6mic ecclesiastical organizations that tions, and carry out their loyalty to its > oppose it . . . imposes upon every loyal logical conclusion. > upholder of the Cause the obligation of re- Shoghi Effendi's latest words are no: > fraining from any word or action that merely an approval of the foregoing state- > might prejudice the position which our ment, but a most helpful elucidation of > . > enemies have . . of their own accord pro- some of the problems which arise when the > claimed and established. This historic de- friends turn to their local Assemblies for > velopment, the beginnings of which could specific advice under various special circum- > neither be recognized nor even anticipated stances. > in the years immediately preceding 'Abdu'l- "The explanatory statement in connec- > Bahgs passing, may be said to have sig- tion with membership in non-Bahi'i re- > nalized the Formative Period of our Faith ligious organizations is admirably conceived, > and to have paved the way for the consoli- convincing and in full conformity with the > dation of its administrative order. ... principles underlying and implied in the un- > Though our Cause unreservedly recognizes folding world order of Bahl'u'llhh." (No- > the Divine origin of all the religions that vember 2 9 , 1933.) > preceded it and upholds the spiritual truths "Thc Guardian has carefully read the > which lie at their very core and are com- copy of the statement you had recently > mon to them all, its institutions, whether prepared concerning non-membership in > administrative, religious or humanitarian, non-Bahh'i religious organizations, and is > must, if their distinctive character is t o be pleased to realize that your comments and > maintained and recognized, be increasingly explanations are in full conformity with his > divorced from the outworn creeds, the views on the subject. He hopes that your > meaningless ceremonials and man-made letter will serve to clarify this issue in the > institutions with which these religions are minds of all the believers, and to further > at present identified. Our adversaries in the convince them of its vital character and > East have initiated the struggle. Our importance in the present stage of the evo- > future opponents in the West will, in their lution of the Cause. > turn, arise and carry it a stage further. ". . . In this case," as also in that of > Ours is the duty, in anticipation of this suffering believers, the Assemblies, whether > inevitable contest, to uphold unequivocally local or national, should act tactfully, > and with undivided loyalty the integrity patiently and in a friendly and kindly > of our Faith and demonstrate the distin- spirit. Knowing how painful and danger- > guishing features of its divinely appointed ous it is for such believers to repudiate > institutions." > Nothing could be clearer or more em- " A special case involving mn aged believer, afflicted > with illness, for whom severance of church relations > phatic. These words, asserting again the might havc beell too great a shock. > 202 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > heir former allegial~ces and friendships, o11ly bc tolcrarcd but cven encouraged. > they should try to gradually persuade them There is no better way to demonstrate > of the wisdom and necessity of such an the universality of the Cause than this. > action, and instead of thrusting upon them Bahi'u'llih, indeed, urges His follow- > a new principle, to make them accept it ers to consort with all religions and > inwardly, and out of pure conviction and nations with utmost friendliness and love. > desire. Too severe and immediate action in This constitutes the very spirit of His > such cases is not only fruitless but actually message to mankind." (December 11, > harmful. I t alienates people instead of 1935.) > winning them to the Cause. The National Spiritual Assembly trusts > "The other point concerns the advisa- that the subject will receive the attention > bility of contributing to a church. I n this of local Assemblies and communities, and > case also the friends must realize that con- that in the light of the foregoing explana- > tributions to a church, especially when not tions the friends will find unity and agree- > regular, do not necessarily entail affiliation. ment in applying the instruction to > The believers can make such offerings, occa- whatever situations may arise. In teaching > sionally, and provided they are certain that new believers let us lay a proper foundation > while doing so they are not connected as so that their obedience will be voluntary > members of any church. There should be and assured from the beginning of their en- > no confusion between the terms affiliation rollment as Bahi'is. In our attitude toward > and association. While affiliation with the older believers who are affected by the > ecclesiastical organizations is not permis- instruction let us act with the patience and > sible, association with them should not kindliness the Guardian has urged. > > BAHA'IS AND WAR > A Statement by the National Spiritual Assembly > > One of the chief responsibilities of and Justice upon earth, and uproot forever > Bah6'is in this transitional era is to grasp the dire calamity of international war. > the principle upon which rests their Despite His Revelation, a most agonizing > loyalty to the Faith of Bahb'u'llbh in re- and excruciating conflict raged in Europe > lation to their duty toward their civil gov- for four years, and since that war many > ernment. This problem arises in its most other wars and revolutions have dyed the > difficult form in connection with our earth, while at present the heaven of human > individual and collective attitude toward hope is black with the approach of a final > war. world-shaking catastrophe. > Nothing could be more powerful than What wonder that faithful Bahi'is, ab- > the Bahi'i teachings on the subject of horring and detesting war as insane repudia- > Peace. Not only does Bahi'u'llih confirm tion of divine law, as destroyer of life and > the teachings of all former Manifestations ruin of civilization, should now, in these > which uphold amity and fellowship be- fateful days, ponder how they may save > tween individual human beings, and the their loved ones from the calamity of the > supremacy of love as the end and aim of battlefield, and how they may contribute > mutual intercourse and association, but He their utmost to any and every effort aimed > likewise extends the divine law of Peace to at the attainment of universal Peace? > governments and rulers, declaring to them Conscious of these heart-stirrings, and > that they are called upon to establish Peace mindful of its responsibility toward all > >"The Guardian has carefully read the N. S. A.'s American believers, and particularly that > srarernenr on the Bahi'i arrirudc toward war, m d radiant which would first of all he > approves of its circulation among the believers."- sacrificed in the event of a declaration of > Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, Haifa, Janu- > ary 10, 1936. war by the government, the National Spir- > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 203 > > itual Assemhly wishes to express its view Christians prcfcrred persecutio~~ to ~ r l i l i ~ l r ~ > upon the matter, in the hope that che result service. > of its study of the Teachings and of the The answer to this question is that the > Guardian's explanations will assist in bring- Guardian instructs us that the obligation to > ing a unity of opinion and a clarification of render military duty placed by govern- > thought among the friends. ments upon their citizens is a form of > Concerning the duty of Bahi'is to their loyalty to one's government which the > government, we have these words, writcen Bahi'i must accept, but that the believers > by Shoghi Effendi on January 1, 1929 (see can, through their National Assembly, seek > "BahCi Administration," page 1 5 2 ) : "To exemption from active army duty provided > all these (that is, restrictive measures of their government recognizes the right of > the Soviet regime) the followers of the members of religious bodies making peace > Faith of Bahi'u'llih have with feelings of a matter of conscience to serve in some > burning agony and heroic fortitude unani- non-combatant service rather than as part > mously and unreservedly submitted, ever of the armed force. > mindful of the guiding principle of Bahi'i The National Spiritual Assembly has in- > conduct that in connection with their vestigated carefully this aspect of the > administrative activities, no matter how situation, and has found that, whereas the > grievo~~sly interference with them might government of the United Sthtes did, in the > affect the course of the extension of the last war, provide exemption from military > Movement, and the suspension of which duty on religious grounds, nevertheless this > does not constitute in itself a departure exemption was part of the Statutes bearing > from the principle of loyalty to their Faith, directly upon that war, and with the cessa- > the considered judgment and authoritative tion of hostilities the exemption lapsed. > decrees issued by their responsible rulers In other words, there is today no basis on > must, if they be faithful to Bahb'u'llih's which any Bahi'i may be exempted from > and 'Abdu'l-Bahi's express injunctions, be milita$ duty in a possible future conflict. > thoroughly respected and loyally obeyed. The National Assembly, consequently, can- > In matters, however, that vitally affect the not at present make any petition for > integrity and honor of the Faith of Bahi- exemption of Bahi'is from war service, for > 'u'lllh, and are tantamount to a recantation such petitions must be filed with reference > of cheir faith and repudiation of their to some specific Act or Statute under which > innermost belief, they are convinced, and exemption can be ganted. The Asscmbly > are unhesitatingly prepared to vindicate by understands that, in the event of war, there > their life-blood the sincerity of their con- will be some rind of provision for exemp- > viction, that no power on earth, neither the tion enacted, but as far as Bahi'is are con- > arts of the most insidio~isadversary nor the cerned, no steps can be taken until this > bloody weapons of the most tyrannical government declares itself in a state of war. > oppressor, can ever succeed in extorting This explanation, it is hoped, will satisfy > from them a word or deed that might tend those who for some years have been urging > to stifle the voice of their conscience or that protection be secured for American > tarnish the purity of their faith." Bahi'i youth. > In view of the fact that early Christians On the othcr hand it must be pointed out > were persecuted because they refused t o that it is no part of our teaching program > render military service, the question might to attract young people to the Cause merely > be raised whether the above statement in order to take advantage of any exemp- > means that the Guardian includes refusal tion that may later on be officially obtained > to bear arms as one of those matters which for duly enrolled Bahi'is. The only justifi- > "vitally affect the integrity and honor of able reason for joining this Faith is because > . > the Faith . . and are tantamount to a one realizes that it is a divine Cause and is > recantation of cheir faith and repudia- ready and willing to accept whatever may > tion of their innermost belief"-% ques- befall a believer on the path of devotion. > tion the more important in that the early The persecutions which have been inflicted > 204 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > upon Bah6'is so frequently make it clear 'u'llih, we are doing the utmost to rid > that the path of devotion is one of sacrifice humanity of the scourge of war. Of what > and not of ease or special privilege. use to spend time and money upon incom- > Another question encountered here and plete human programs when we have the > there among believers is what can Bahl'is universal program of the Manifestation of > do to work for Peace? Outside the Cause God? The firm union of the Bahl'is in > we see many organizations with peace pro- active devotion to the advancement of their > grams, and believers occasionally feel that own Faith-this is our service to Peace, as > it is their duty to join such movements it is our service to all other human needs- > and thereby work for a vital Baha'i prin- economic justice, race amity, religious > ciple. unity, etc. Let non-believers agitate for > I t is the view of the National Spiritual disarmament and circulate petitions for > Assembly that activity in and for the Cause this and that pacifist aim-a Baha'i truly > itself is the supreme service to world peace. alive in this Faith will surely prefer to base > The Baha'i community of the world is the his activities upon the foundation laid by > true example of Peace. The Bahl'i prin- Baha'u'llih, walk the path which the Master > ciples are the only ones upon which Peace trod all His days, and heed the appeals > can be established. Therefore, by striving which the Guardian has given us t o initiate > to enlarge the number of declared believers, a new era in the public teaching of the > and broadcasting the Teachings of Bahh- Message. > > THE WILL AND TESTAMENT OP 'ABQU'L-BAHA > Excerpts Made b y the National Spiritual Assenzbly of the Bahri'is of the > U?zited States and Canada, b y Direction of Shoghi Effendi, > Guardian of tbe Babd'i Faith > W E L L is it with him who fixeth his purposed, Who hath branched from this > gaze upon the Order of Baha'u'llih and Ancient Root." The object of this sacred > rendereth thanks unto his Lord! For He verse is none except the Most Mighty > assuredly will be made manifest. God hath Branch ('Abdu'l-Bahi) . Thus have We > indeed ordained it in the Bayin.-The Bib. graciously revealed unto you Our potent > ("The Dispensation of Bahi'u'llih," pages Will, and I am verily the Gracious, the All- > 54-55.) Powerful.-Babd'u'11dh. ("The Dispensa- > tion of BahA'u'llih," page 42.) > The world's equilibrium hath been upset > through the vibrating influence of this most There hath branched from the Sadratu'l- > great, this new World Order. Mankind's Muntahh this sacred and glorious Being, this > ordered life hath been revolutionized Branch of Holiness; well is it with him > through the agency of this unique, this that hath sought His shelter and abideth > wondrous System-the like of which mortal beneath His shadow. Verily the Limb of > eyes have never witnessed.-Bahd'u'l1dh. the Law of God hath sprung forth from > ("The Dispensation of Baha'u'llih," page this Root which God hath firmly implanted > 54.) in the Ground of His Will, and Whose > Branch hath been so uplifted as to encom- > I t is incumbent upon the the pass the whole of creation,-~ah~a~~la'h. > Afnin and My hindred to turn, one and (-=he Dispensation of Bah6'u,lllh," page > all, their faces towards the Most Mighty 43,) > Branch. Consider that which We have re- > vealed in Our Most Holy Book: "When I n accordance with the explicit text of > the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Kidb-i-Aqdas, Bahi'u'llih hath made > the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn the Center of the Covenant the Interpreter > your faces toward Him Whom God hath of His Word-a Covenant so firm and > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 205 > > mighty that from the beginning of time and is taking shape undcr our very cycs in > until the present day no religious Dispensa- no fewer than forty countries of the world, > tion hath produced its like.-'Abdu'l-Bahd. may be considered as the framework of the > ("The Dispensation of Bah6'n'116h," page Will itself, the inviolable stronghold where- > 44.) in this new-born child is be in^ nurtured > and develops. This Administrative Order, > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Who incarnates an institu- as it and itself, will no > for which we find parallel doubt manifest the potentialities and reveal > whatsoever > .. . in any of the world's recognized the full imolications of momentous > religious systems, may be said to have closed most expres. > the Age to which He Himself belonged and ,ion of the will of one of the most > opened the one in which we are now labor- remarkable Figures of the Dispensation of > ing. His Will and Testament should thus BahPu'llih. I t will, as its component > be regarded as the perpetual, the indis- parts, its organic institutions, begin to > soluble link which the mind of Him Who function with efficiency and vigor, assert > is the Mystery of God has conceived in its claim and demonstrate its capacity to be > order to insure the continuity of the three regarded not only as the nucleus but the > ages that constitute the component parts very pattern of the New World Order > of the Bahk'i Dispensation. . . . destined to embrace in the fulness of time > The creative energies released by the Law the whole of mankind.--Shoghi Effendi. > of Bahi'u'llih, permeating and evolving ("The Dispensation of Bahi'u'llih," pages > within the mind of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, have, by 51-12.) > their very impact and close interaction, > given birth to an Instrument which may be A u - P R A I s E to Him Who, by the Shield > viewed as the Charter of the New World of His Covenant, hath guarded the Temple > Order which is at once the glory and the of His Cause from the darts of douhtful- > promise of this most great Dispensation. ness, Who by the Hosts of His Testament > The Will may thus be acclaimed as the in- hath preserved the Sanctuary of His Most > evitable offspring resulting from that Beneficent Law and protected His Straight > mystic intercourse between Him Who com- and Luminous Path, staying thereby the on- > municated the generating influence of His slaught of the company of Covenant- > divine Purpose and the One Who was its breakers, that have threatened to subvert > vehicle and chosen recipient. Being the His Divine Edifice; Who hath watched over > Child of the Covenant-the Heir of both His Mighty Stronghold and All-glorious > the Originator and the Interpreter of the Faith, through the aid of men whom the > Law of God-the Will and Testament of slander of the slanderer affects not, whom > 'Ahdn'l-Bahh can no more be divorced from no earthly calling, glory and power can > Him Who supplied the original and inoti- turn aside from the Covenant of God and > vating impulse than from the One Who His Testament, established firmly by His > ultimately conceived it. Bahi'u'llih's in- clear and manifest words, writ and revealed > scrutable purpose, we must ever bear in by His All-glorious Pen and recorded in > mind, has been so thoroughly infused into the Preserved Tablet. > the conduct of 'Abdu'l-BahA, and their Salutation and praise, blessing and glory > motives have been so closely wedded to- rest upon that primal branch of the Divine > gether, that the mere attempt t o dissociate and Sacred Lote-Tree, grown out, blest, > the teachings of the former from any tender, verdant and flourishing from the > system which the ideal Exemplar of those Twin Holy Trees; the most wondrous, > same teachings has established would unique and priceless pearl that doth gleam > amount to a repudiation of one of the most from out the Twin Surging Seas; upon the > sacred and basic truths of the Faith. offshoots of the Tree of Holiness, the twigs > of thc Celestial Tree, they that in the Day > The Administrative Order, which ever of the Great Dividing have stood fast and > since 'Abdu'l-Bahi's ascension has evolved firm in the Covenant; upon the Hands > 206 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > (pillars) of the Cause of God that have the Most Great Prison ('AkkB). He > diffused widely the Divine Fragrances, de- Whom the world hath wronged (may my > clared His Proofs, proclaimed His Faith, life be offered up for His loved ones) was > published abroad His Law, detached them- four times banished from city to city, till > selves from all things but Him, stood for at last condemned to perpetual confinement, > righteousness in this world, and kindled He was incarcerated in this Prison, the > the Fire of the Love of God in the prison of highway robbers, of brigands and > very hearts and souls of His servants; of manslayers. All this is but one of the > upon them that have believed, rested as- trials that have afflicted the Blessed > sured, stood steadfast in His Covenant Beauty, the rest being even as grievous as > and followed the Light that after my this. > passing shineth from the Dayspring of > Divine Guidance-for behold! he is the According to the direct and sacred com- > blest and sacred bough that hath branched mand of God we are forbidden to utter > out from the Twin Holy Trees. Well slander, are commanded to show forth > is it with him that seeketh the shel- peace and amity, are exhorted to rectitude > ter of his shade that shadoweth all man- of conduct, straightforwardness and har- > kind. mony with all the kindreds and peoples of > 0 ye beloved of the Lord! The greatest the world. We must obey and be the well- > of all things is the protection of the True wishers of the governments of the land, > Faith of God, the preservation of His Law, regard disloyalty unto a just king as dis- > the safeguarding of His Cause and service loyalty to God Himself and wishing evil to > unto His Word. Ten thousand souls have the government a transgression of the Cause > shed streams of their sacred blood in this of God. > path, their precious lives they offered in sac- 0 God, my Godl Thou seest this > rifice unto Him, hastened wrapt in holy wronged servant of Thine, held fast in the > ecstasy unto the glorious field of rnartyr- talons of ferocious lions, of ravening > dom, upraised the Standard of God's Faith wolves, of bloodthirsty beasts. Graciously > and writ with their life-blood upon the assist me, through my love for Thee, that > Tablet of the world the verses of His I may drink deep of the chalice that brim- > Divine Unity. The sacred breast of His meth over with faithfulness to Thee and is > Holiness, the Exalted One (may my life filled with Thy bountiful Grace; so that, > be a sacrifice unto Him), was made a target fallen upon the dust, I may sink prostrate > to many a dart of woe, and in Mizindarin, and senseless whilst my vesture is dyed > the Blessed feet of the Abhi Beauty (may crimson with my blood. This is my wish, > my life be offered up for His loved ones) my heart's desire, my hope, nly pride, my > were so grievously scourged as to bleed and glory. Grant, 0 Lord my God, and my > be sore wounded. His neck also was put Refuge, that in my last hour, my end, may > into captive chains and His feet made fast even as musk shed its fragrance of glory! > in the stocks. In every hour, for a period Is there a bounty greater than this? Nay, > of fifty years, a new trial and calamity by Thy Glory! I call Thee to witness > befell Him and fresh afflictions and cares that no day passeth but that I quaff my fill > beset Him. One of them: after having from this cup, so grievous are the misdeeds > suffered intense vicissitudes, He was made wrought by them that have broken the > homeless and a wanderer and fell a victim Covenant, kindled discord, showed their > to still new vexations and troubles. In malice, stirred sedition in the land and dis- > 'Iriq, the Day-Star of the world was so honored Thee amidst Thy servants. Lord! > exposed to the wiles of the people of malice Shield Thou from these Covenant-breakers > as t o be eclipsed in splendor. Later on He the mighty Stronghold of Thy Faith and > was sent an exile to the Great City (Con- protect Thy secret Sanctuary from the on- > stantinople) and thence to the Land of slaught of the ungodly. Thou art in truth > Mystery (Adrianople) , whence, grievously the Mighty, the Powerful, the Gracious, > wronged, He was eventually transferred to the Strong. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHb'U'LLbH 207 > > 0 God, my God! Shield Thy tn~sred In these days, the most important of all > servants froill the evils of self and passion, things is the guidance of the nations and > protect them with the watchful eye of Thy peoples of the world. Teaching the Cause > loving kindness from all rancor, hate and is of utmost importance for it is the head > envy, shelter them in the impregnable corner-stone of the foundation itself. This > stronghold of Thy Cause and, safe from the wronged servant has spent his days and > darts of doubtfulness, make them the mani- nights in promoting the Cause and urging > festations of Thy glorious Signs, illumine the peoples to service. He rested not a > their faces with the effulgent rays shed moment, till the fame of the Cause of God > from the Dayspring of Thy Divine Unity, was noised abroad in the world and the > gladden their hearts with the verses revealed celestial strains from the Abhi Kingdom > from Thy Holy Kingdom, strengthen their roused the East and the West. The be- > loins by Thy all-swaying power that cometh loved of God must also follow the same > from Thy Realm of Glory. Thou art the example. This is the secret of faithfulness, > All-Bountiful, the Protector, the Almighty, this is the requirement of servitude to the > the Gracious! Threshold of Bahb! > 0 ye that stand fast in the Covenant! The disciples of Christ forgot themselves > When the hour cometh that this wronged and a11 earthly things, forsook all their > and broken winged bird will have taken cares and belongings, themselves of > flight unto the celestial concourse, when it self and passion and with absolute detach- > will have hastened to the Realm of the Un- ment scattered far and wide and engaged > seen and its mortal frame will have been in calling the peoples of the world to the > either lost or hidden neath the dust, it is Divine Guidance, till at last they made the > incumbent upon the Afnin, that are stead- world another world, illumined the surface > fast in the Covenant of God, and have of the earth and even to their last hour > branched from the Tree of Holiness; the proved self-sacrificing in the pathway of > Hands (pillars), of the Cause of God (the that Beloved One of God. Finally in vari- > glory of the Lord rest upon them), and all ous lands they suffered glorious martyrdom. > the friends and loved ones, one and all to Let them that are men of action follow in > bestir themselves and arise with heart and their footsteps! > soul and in one accord, to diffuse the sweet 0 my loving friends! After the passing > savors of God, to teach His Cause and to away of this wronged one, it is incumbent > promote His Faith. I t behooveth them not upon the A g h ~ l n (~ranches),the Afnln > to rest for a moment, neither to seek repose. (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the > They lnust disperse themselves in every Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and > land, pass by every clime and travel the loved ones of the Ahh6 Beauty to turn > throughout all regions. Bestirred, without unto Shoghi Effendi-the youthful brauch > rest and steadfast to the end they must branched from the two hallowed and sacred > raise in every land the triumphal cry "0 Lore-Trees and the fruit grown from the > Thou the Glory of Glories!" (Yi-Bahi'u'l- union of the two offshoots of the Tree of > Ahhb), must achieve renown in the world Holiness-as he is the sign of God, the > wherever they go, must burn b r i g l ~ t leven > ~ chosen branch, the guardian of the Cause > as a candle in every meeting and must of God, he unto whom all the A&&, the > kindle the flame of Divine love in every Afnbn, the Hands of the Cause of God > assembly; that the light of truth may rise and His loved ones must turn. He is the > resplendent in the midmost heart of the expounder of the words of God and after > world, that throughout the East and hiun will succeed the first-born of his lineal > throughout the West a vast concourse may descendants. > gather under the shadow of the Word of The sacred and youthful branch, the > God, that the sweet savors of holiness may guardian of the Cause of God, as well as > he diffused, that faces may shine radiantly, the Universal House of Justice, to be m i - > hearts be filled with the Divine spirit and versally elected and established, are both > souls be made heavenly. under the care and protection of the Abh6 > 208 THE B A H d 'f WORLD > > Beauty, under the shelter and unerring might sow the seeds of doubt in the hearts > guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted One of men! > (may my life be offered up for them both). 0 ye beloved of the Lord! I t is incum- > Whatsoever they decide is of God. Whoso bent upon the guardian of the Cause of God > obeyeth him not, neither obeyeth them, to appoint in his own life-time him that > hath not obeyed God; whoso rebelleth shall become his successor, that differences > against him and against them hath rebelled may not arise after his passing. He that is > against God; whoso opposeth him hath appointed must manifest in himself detach- > opposed God; whoso contendeth with them ment from all worldly things, must be the > hath contended with God; whoso disputeth essence of purity, must show in himself the > with him hath disputed with God; whoso fear of God, knowledge, wisdom and learn- > denieth him hath denied God; whoso dis- ing. Thus, should the first-born of the > believeth in him hath disbelieved in God; guardian of the Cause of God not manifest > whoso deviateth, separateth himself and in himself the truth of the words:-"The > turneth aside from him hath in truth child is the secret essence of its sire," that > deviated, separated himself and turned is, should he not inherit of the spiritual > aside from God. May the wrath, the fierce within him (the guardian of the Cause of > indignation, the vengeance of God rest God) and his glorious lineage not be > upon him! The mighty stronghold shall matched with a goodly character, then > remain impregnable and safe through obedi- must he (the guardian of the Cause of > ence to him who is the guardian of the God), choose another branch to succeed > Cause of God. I t is incumbent upon the him. > members of the House of Justice, upon all The Hands of the Cause of God must > the A d s i n , the Afnhn, the Hands of the elect from their own number, nine persons > Cause of God to show their obedience, sub- that shall at all times be occupied in the > missiveness and subordination unto the important services in the work of the > guardian of the Cause of God, to turn unto guardian of the Cause of God. The elec- > him and be lowly before him. He that tion of these nine must be carried either > opposeth him hath opposed the True One, unanimously or by majority from the com- > will make a breach in the Cause of God, pany of the Hands of the Cause of God > will subvert His word and will become a and these, whether unanimously or by a > manifestation of the Center of Sedition. majority vote, must give their assent to the > Beware, beware, lest the days after the choice of the one whom the guardian of the > ascension (of Bahh'u'llhh) be repeated Cause of God hath chosen as his successor. > when the Center of Sedition waxed haughty This assent must be given in such wise as > and rebellious and with Divine Unity for the assenting and dissenting voices may not > his excuse deprived himself and perturbed be distinguished (secret ballot). > and poisoned others. No doubt every 0 friends! The Hands of the Cause of > vainglorious one that purposeth dissension God must be nominated and appointed by > and discord will not openly declare his evil the guardian of the Cause of God. All > purposes, nay rather, even as impure gold, must be under his shadow and obey his > would he seize upon divers measures and command. Should any, within or without > various pretexts that he may separate the the company of the Hands of the Cause of > gathering of the people of Bah6. My ob- God, disobey and seek division, the wrath > ject is to show that the Hands of the of God and His vengeance will be upon > Cause of God must be ever watchful him, for he will have caused a breach in the > and so soon as they find anyone begin- true Faith of God. > ning to oppose and protest against the The obligations of the Hands of the > guardian of the Cause of God cast him Cause of God are to diffuse the Divine > out from the congregation of the people Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, t o > of Bahi and in no wise accept any excuse promote learning, to improve the character > from him. How often hath grievous error of all men and t o be, at all times and under > been disguised in the garb of truth, that it all conditions, sanctified and detached from > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 209 > > earthly things. They must manifest the and universally extended to all mankind. > fear of God by their conduct, their man- Regarding this, restrictions and limitations > ners, their deeds and their words. are in no wise permitted. > This body of the Hands of the Cause of Wherefore, O my loving friends! Con- > God is under the direction of the guardian sort with all the peoples, kindreds and > of the Cause of God. He must continually religions of the world with the utmost > urge them to strive and endeavor to the truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness, > utmost of their ability to diffuse the sweet kiidlmess, good-will and friendliness; that > savors of God, and to guide all the peoples all the world of being may be filled with > of the world, for it is the light of Divine the holy ecstasy of the grace of Bahl, > Guidance that causeth all the universe to he that ignorance, enmity, hate and rancor > illun~ined. To disregard, though it be for may vanish from the world and the dark- > a moment, this absolute command which is ness of estrangement amidst the peoples > binding upon everyone, is in no wise per- and kindreds of the world may give way to > mitted, that the existent world may become the Light of Unity. Should other peoples > even as the Abhi Paradise, that the surface and nations he unfaithful to you show your > of the earth may become heavenly, that fidelity unto then?, should they be unjust > contention and conflict amidst peoples, toward you show justice towards them. > kindreds, nations and governments may dis- should they keep aloof from you attract > appear, that all the dwellers on earth may them to yourself, should they show their > become one people and one race, that the enmity he friendly towards them, should > world may become even as one home. they poison your lives sweeten their souls, > Should differences arise they shall be ami- should they inflict a wound upon yon be a > cably and conclusively settled by the salve to their sores. Such are the attributes > Supreme Tribunal, that shall include mem- of the sincere! Such are the attributes of > bers from all the governments and peoples the truthful. > of the world. And now, concerning the House of Jus- > 0 ye beloved of the Lord! In this tice which God hath ordained as the source > sacred Dispensation, conflict and contention of all good and freed from all error, it > are in no wise permitted. Every aggressor must be elected by universal suffrage, that > deprives himself of God's grace. I t is in- is, by the believers. Its members must be > cumbent upon everyone to show the utmost manifestations of the fear of God and day- > love, rectitude of conduct, straightfor- springs of knowledge and understanding, > wardness and sincere kindliness unto all the must be steadfast in God's faith and the > peoples and kindreds of the world, be they well-wishers of all mankind. By this House > friends or strangers. So intense must be is meant the Universal House of Justice, > the spirit of love and loving-kindness, that that is, in all countries, a secondary House > the stranger may find himself a friend, the of Justice must be instituted, and these > enemy a true brother, no difference what- secondary Houses of Justice must elect the > soever existing between them. For uni- members of the Universal one. Unto this > versality is of God and all limitations body all things must be referred. I t > earthly. Thus man must strive that his enacteth all ordinances and regulations that > reality may manifest virtues and perfec- are not t o be found in the explicit Holy > tions, the light whereof may shine upon Text. By this body all the difficult prob- > everyone. The light of the sun shineth lems are to be resolved and the guardian of > upon all the world and the merciful showers the Cause of God is its sacred head and > of Divine Providence fall upon all peoples. the distinguished member for life of that > The vivifying breeze reviveth every living body. Should he not attend in person its > creature and all beings endued with life deliberations, he must appoint one to rep- > obtain their share and portion at His resent him. Should any of the members > heavenly hoard. In like manner, the affec- commit a sin, injurious to the common > tions and loving-kindness of the servants weal, the guardian of the Cause of God > of the One True God must be bountifully hath at his own discretion the right to expel > 210 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > him, whereupon the people must elect Manifestation of God and the Dayspring of > another one in his stead. This House of His Most Divine Essence. All others are > Justice enacteth the laws and the govern- servants unto Him and do His bidding." > ment enforceth them. The legislative Unto the Most Holy Book every one must > body must reinforce the executive, the turn and all that is not expressly recorded > executive must aid and assist the legislative therein must be referred to the Universal > body so that through the close union and House of Justice. That which this body, > harmony of these two forces, the foanda- whether unanimously or by a majority doth > tion of fairness and justice may become carry, that is verily the Truth and the Pur- > firm and strong, that all the regions of the pose of God himself. Whoso doth deviate > world may become even as Paradise itself. therefrom is verily of them that love dis- > cord, hath shown forth malice and turned > 0 ye beloved of the Lord! I t is incum- away from the Lord of the Covenant. By > bent upon you to be submissive to all this House is meant that Universal House > monarchs that are just and show your of Justice which is to be elected from all > fidelity to every righteous king. Serve ye countries, that is, from those parts in the > the sovereigns of the world with utmost East and West where the loved ones are to > truthfulness and loyalty. Show obedience be found, after the manner of the cus- > unto them and be their well-wishers. With- tomary elections in Western countries such > out their leave and permission do not as those of England. > meddle with political &airs, for disloyalty I t is incumbent upon these members (of > to the just sovereign is disloyalty to God the Universal House of Justice) to gather > himself. in a certain place and deliberate upon all > This is my counsel and the command- problems which have caused difference, > ment of God unto you. Well is it with questions that are obscure and matters that > them that act accordingly. are not expressly recorded in the Book. > Whatsoever they decide has the same effect > 0 dearly beloved friends! I am now in as the Text itself. And inasmuch as this > very great danger and the hope of even an House of Justice hath power to enact laws > hour's life is lost to me. I am thus con- that are not expressly recorded in the Book > strained to write these lines for the and bear upon daily transactions, so also > protection of the Cause of God, the preser- it hath power to repeal the same. Thus > vation of His Law, the safeguarding of His for example, the House of Justice enacteth > Word, and the safety of His Teachings. today a certain law and enforceth it, and > By the Ancient Beauty! This wronged one a hundred years hence, circumstances hav- > hath in no wise borne nor doth he bear a ing profoundly changed and the conditions > grudge against any one; towards none doth having altered, another House of Justice > he entertain any ill-feeling and uttereth no will then have power, according to the > word save for the good of the world. My exigencies of the time, to alter chat law. > supreme obligation, however, of necessity, This it can do because that law formeth no > prompteth me to guard and preserve the part of the Divine Explicit Text. The > Cause of God. Thus, with the greatest House of Justice is both the Initiator and > regret, I counsel you saying:-"Guard ye the Abrogator of its own laws. > the Cause of God, protect His law and > have the utmost fear of discord. This is And now, one of the greatest and most > the foundation of the belief of the people fundamental principles of the Cause of God > of Bah6 (may my life be offered up for is to shun and avoid entirely the Covenant- > them). "His Holiness, the Exalted One, breakers, for they will utterly destroy the > (the Bib) is the Manifestation of the Unity Cause of God, exterminate His Law and > and Oneness of God and the Forerunner of render of no account all efforts exerted in > the Ancient Beauty. His Holincss the the past. 0 friends! I t behooveth you to > Abhl Beauty (may my life be a sacrifice call to mind with tenderness the trials of > for His steadfast friends) is the Supreme His Holiness, the Exalted One and show > your fidelity t o the Ever-Blest Bcauty. from him, hath turned away from God and > The utmost endeavor must be exerted lest he that denieth him, hat11 denied the True > all these woes, trials and aflictions, a11 this One. Beware lest anyone falsely interpret > pure and sacred blood that hat11 been shed these words, and like unto them that have > so profusely in the Path of God, may prove broken the Covenant after the Day of > t o be in vain. Ascension (of Bahi'u'llih) advance a pre- > 0 ye beloved of the Lord! Strive with text, raise the standard of revolt, wax > all your heart to shield the Cause of God stubborn and open wide the door of false > from the onslaught of the insincere, for interpretation. T o none is given the right > souls such as these cause the straight t o t o put forth his own opinion or express his > become crooked and all benevolent efforts particular convictions. All must seek > t o produce contrary results. guidance and turn unto the Center of the > 0 God, my God! I call Thee, T h y Cause aud the House of Justice. And he > Prophets and Thy Messengers, T h y Saints that turneth unto whatsoever else is indeed > and T h y Holy Ones, t o witness that I have in grievous error. > declared conclusively T h y Proofs unto Thy The Glory of Glories rest npon you! > loved ones and set forth clearly all things > unto them, that they may watch over T h y Let no one, while this System is still in > Faith, guard Thy Straight Path and pro- its infancy, misconceive its character, be- > tect T h y Resplendent Law. Thou art, little its significance or misrepresent its > verily, the All-knowing, the All-wise! purpose. The bedrock on which this > Administrative Order is founded is God's > Whosoever and whatsoever meeting be- immutable Purpose for mankind in this day. > cometh a hindrance to the diffusion of the The Source from which it derives its in- > Light of Faith, let the loved ones give them spiration is no one less than Bah6'u'llhh > counsel and say: "Of all the gifts of God Himself. Its shield and defender are the > the greatest is the gift of Teaching. I t embattled hosts of the Abhi Kingdom. > draweth unto us the Grace of God and is Its seed is the blood of no less than twenty > our first obligation. Of such a gift how thousand martyrs who have offered up their > can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, lives that i t may Le born and flourish. The > our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer axis round which its institutions revolve are > them all as a sacrifice for the Ahhi Beauty the authentic provisions of the Will and > and teach the Cause of God." Caution and Testanlent of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi. Its guiding > prudence, however, must he observed even principles are the truths which H e Who is > as recorded in the Booli. The veil must in the unerring Interpreter of the teachings of > no wise be suddenly rent asunder. The our Faith has so clearly enunciated in His > Glory of Glories rest npon you. public addresses throughout the West. > 0 ye the faithful loved ones of 'Ahdu'l- The laws that govern its operation and limit > Bahi! I t is incumbent upon you t o take its functions are those which have been > the greatest care of Shoghi Effendi, the twig expressly ordained in the Kitih-i-Aqdas. > that hath branched from and the fruit The seat round which its spiritual, its > given forth by the two hallowed and Divine humanitarian and ad~ninistrative activities > Lote-Trees, that no dust of despondency will cluster are the Mn&riqu'l-Ad&k6r and > and sorrow may stain his radiant nature, its Dependencies. The pillars that sustain > that day by day he may wax greater in its authority and buttress its structure are > happiness, in joy and spirituality, and may the twin institutions of the Guardianship > grow t o become even as a fruitful tree. and of the Universal House of Justice. The > For he is, after 'Abdu'l-Bahi, the p a r d - central, the underlying aim which animates > ian of the Cause of God, the Afnin, the it is the establishment of the New World > Hands (pillars) of the Cause and the Order as adumbrated by Bahl'u'lllh. The > beloved of the Lord must obey him and methods it employs, the standard it incul- > turn unto him. H e that obeyeth him not, cates, incline it t o neither East nor West, > hath not obeyed God; he that turneth away neither Jew nor Gentile, neither rich nor > THE BAHA'f WORLD > poor, neither white nor colored. Its watch- of this world shall have become the King- > word is the unification of the human race; dom of God Himself, the Kingdom of > its standard the "Most Great Peace"; its Bah6'u'llih.-S~o~1u EFFENDI. ("The Dis- > consummation the advent of that golden pensation of Bahi'u'llih," pages 64 and > millennium-the Day when the kingdoms 65.) > > EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTERS O F SHOGHI EFFENDI > > 1 HAVE been acquainted by the perusal of the provisions of these sacred documents > of your latest communications with the will reveal the close relationship that exists > nature of the doubts that have been pub- between them, as well as the identity of > licly expressed, by one who is wholly purpose and method which they inculcate. > misinformed as to the true precepts of the Far from regarding their specific provisions > Cause, regarding the validity of institutions as incompatible and contradictory in spirit, > that stand inextricably interwoven with the every fair-minded inquirer will readily > Faith of Bahl'u'llih. Not that I for a admit that they are not only comple- > moment view such faint misgivings in the mentary, but that they mutually confirm > light of an open challenge to the structure one another, and are inseparable parts of > that embodies the Faith, nor is it because one complete unit. A comparison of their > I question in the least the unyielding tenac- contents with the rest of Bahi'i Sacred > ity of the faith of the American believers, Writings will similarly establish the con- > if I venture to dwell upon what seems to formity of whatever they contain with the > me appropriate observations at the present spirit as well as the letter of the autheuti- > stage of the evolution of our beloved Cause. cated writings and sayings of Bahi'u'116h > I am indeed inclined to welcome these ex- and 'Abdu'l-Bahi. I n fact, he who reads > pressed apprehensions inasmuch as they the Aqdas with care and diligence will not > afford me an opportunity to familiarize the find it hard to discover that the Most Holy > elected representatives of the believers with Book [Aqdas] itself anticipates in a number > the origin and character of the institutions of passages the institutions which 'Ahdu'l- > which stand at the very basis of the world Bah6 ordains in His Will. By leaving cer- > order ushered in by Bahi'u'llih. We should tain matters unspecified and unregulated in > feel truly thankful for such futile attempts His Book of Laws [Aqdas], Bah6'u'llih > to undermine our beloved Faith-attempts seems to have deliberately left a gap in the > that protrude their ugly face from time to general scheme of Babl'i Dispensation, > time, seem for a while able to create a which the unequivocal provisions of the > breach in the ranks of the faithful, recede Master's Will has filled. T o attempt to > finally into the obscurity of oblivion, and divorce the one from the other, t o insinuate > are thought of no more. Such incidents that the Teachings of Bahi'u'116h have not > we should regard as the interpositions of been upheld, in their entirety and with > Providence, designed to fortify our faith, to absolute integrity, by what 'Abdu'l-Bahh > clarify our vision, and t o deepen our under- has revealed in his Will, is an unpardonable > standing of the essentials of His Divine affront to the unswerving fidelity that has > Revelation. characterized the life and labors of our > I t would, however, be helpful and in- beloved Master. > structive to bear in mind certain basic I will not attempt in the least to assert > principles with reference to the Will nnd or demonstrate the authenticity of the Will > Testament o f 'Abdu'l-Babd, which together and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Babd, for that in > with the Kita'b-i-Aqdas, constitutes the itself would betray an apprehension on my > chief depositary wherein are enshrined those part as t o the unanimous confidence of the > priceless elements of that Divine Civiliza- believers in the genuineness of he last writ- > tion, the establishment of which is the pri- ten wishes of our departed Master. I will > mary mission of the Bahi'i Faith. A study only confine my observations to those issues > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 213 > > which may assist them to appreciate the rately laid down by Bahi'u'llhh and 'Abdu'l- > essential unity that underlies the spiritual, Bahi, and is indissolubly bound with the > the humanitarian, and the administrative essential verities of the Faith. To dissoci- > principles enunciated by the Author and the ate the administrative principles of the > Interpreter of the Bahi'i Faith. Cause from the purely spiritual and hnmani- > I am at a loss to explain that strange tarian teachings would he tantamount to a > mentality that inclines to uphold as the sole mutilation of the body of the Cause, a > criterion of the truth of the Bah6'i Teach- separation that can only result in the dis- > ings what is admittedly only an obscure and integration of its component parts, and the > unauthenticated translation of an oral extinction of the Faith itself. > statement made by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, in de- > fiance and total disregard of the available L o c a l and National Houses of ]astiice > text of all of His universally recognized ITshould be carefully borne in mind that > writings. I truly deplore the unfortunate the local as well as the international Houses > distortions that have resulted in days past of Justice have been expressly enjoined by > from the, incapacity of the interpreter to the ~ita'b-i-Aqdas;that the institution of > grasp the meaning of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, and the National Spiritual Assembly, as an in- > from his incompetence to render adequately termediary body, and referred to in the > such truths as have been revealed to him Master's Will as the "Secondary House of > by the Master's statements. Much of the Justice," has the express sanction of 'Abdu'l- > confusion that has obscured the uuder- Bahi; and that the method to be pursued > standing of the believers should be at- for the election of the International and > tributed to this double error involved in National Houses of Justice has been set > the inexact rendering of an only partially forth by Him in His Will, as well as in a > understood statement. Not infrequently number of His Tablets. Moreover, the in- > has the interpreter even failed to convey the stitutions of the local and national Funds, > exact purport of the inquirer's specific that are now the necessary adjuncts to all > questions, and, by his deficiency of under- Local and National Spiritual Assemblies, > standing and expression in conveying the have not only been established by 'Abdu'l- > answer of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, has been responsible Bahl in the Tablets He revealed to the > for reports wholly at variance with the true Baha'is of the Orient, but their importance > spirit and purpose of the Cause. I t was and necessity have been repeatedly empha- > chiefly in view of this misleading nature of sized by Him in His utterances and writ- > the reports of the informal conversations of ings. The concentration of authority in the > 'Abdn'l-Bahl with visiting pilgrims, that I hands of the elected representatives of the > have insistently urged the believers of the believers; the necessity of the submission of > West t o regard such statements as merely every adherent of the Faith to the consid- > personal impressions of the sayings of their ered judgment of Bah6'i Assemblies; His > Master, and to quote and consider as preference for unanimity in decision; the > authentic only such translations as are decisive character of the majority vote; > based upon the authenticated text of His and even the desirability for the exercise > recorded utterances in the original tongue. of close supervision over all Bab6'i publi- > I t should be remembered by every fol- cations, have been sedulously instilled by > lower of the Cause that the system of Ba- 'Abdu'l-Bahi, as evidenced by His authenti- > hi'i administration is not an innovation cated and widely-scattered Tablets. T o ac- > imposed arbitrarily upon the Bahl'is of the cept His broad and humanitarian Teachings > world since the Master's passing, but derives on one hand, and to reject and dismiss with > its authority from the Will and Testament neglectful indifference His more challenging > of 'Abdu'l-Bahd, is specifically prescribed and distinguishing precepts, would be an act > in unnumbered Tablets, and rests in some of manifest disloyalty to that which He bas > of its essential features upon the explicit cherished most in His life. > provisions of the Kita'b-i-Aqdas. I t thus That the Spiritual Assemblies of today > unifies and correlates the principles sepa- will be replaced in time by the Houses of > 214 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD > > Justice, and are to all intents and purposes the Universal House of Justice in His own > identical and not separate bodies, is abnn- lifetime, and but for the unfavorable cir- > dantly confirmed by 'Abdn'l-Bahi Himself. cumstances prevailing under the Turkish > He has in fact in a Tablet addressed to the regime, would have, in all probability, taken > members of the first Chicago Spiritual As- the preliminary steps for its establishment. > sembly, the first elected Bahi'i body msti- I t will be evident, therefore, that given > tuted in the United States, referred to them favorable circumstances, under which the > as the members of the "House of Justice" Bahl'is of frbn and of the adjoining coun- > for that city, and has thus with His own tries under Soviet Rule may be enabled to > pcn established beyond any doubt the idell- elect their national representa~ives, in ac- > tity of the present Bahh'i Spiritual Assem- cordance with the guiding principles laid > blies with the Houses of Justice referred to down in 'Abdu'l-Bahl's writings, the only > by Bahh'u'116h. For reasons which are not remaining obstacle in the way of the defi- > difficult to discover, it has been found ad- nite formation of the International Honse > visable to bestow upon the elected repre- of Justice will have been removed. For upon > sentatives of Bahb'i communities through- the National Houses of Justice of the East > out the world the temporary appellation of and West devolves the task, in conformity > Spiritual Assemblies, a term which, as the with the explicit provisions of the Will,of > position and aims of the Bahl'i Faith are electing directly the members of the Inter- > better understood and more fully recog- national House of Justice. Not until they > nized, will gradually be superseded by the are themselves fully representative of the > permanent and more appropriate designation rank and file of the believers in their re- > of House of Justice. Not only will the spective countries, not until they have ac- > present-day Spiritual Assemblies be styled quired the weight and the experience that > differently in future, but will be enabled will enable them to function vigorously in > also to add to their present functions those the organic life of the Cause, -can they ap- > powers, duties, and prerogatives necessitated proach their sacred task, and provide the > by the recognition of the Faith of Bahi- spiritual basis for the constitution of so > 'u'llih, not merely as one of the recognized august a body in the Bahi'i world. > religious systems of the world, but as the > State Religion of an independent and Sov- The institution of Guardianship > ereign Power. And as the Bahi'i Faith > permeates the masses of the peoples of East > IT must be also clearly understood by > every believer that the institution of Guard- > and West, and its truth is embraced by the ianship does not under any circumstances > majority of the peoples of a number of the abrogate, or even in the slightest degree de- > Sovereign States of the world, will the Uni- tract from, the powers granted to the Uni- > versal House of Justice attain the plentitude versal House of Justice by Bahh'u'116h in > of its power, and exercise, as the supreme the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, and repeatedly and > organ of the Bahi'i Commonwealth, all the solemnly confirmed by 'Abdu'I-Bahi in His > rights, the duties, and responsibilities in- Will. I t does not constitute in any man- > cumbent upon the world's future snper- ner a contradiction t o the Will and Writ- > state. ings of Bahl'u'116h, nor does it nullify any > I t must be pointed out, however, in this of His revealed instructions. I t enhances > connection that, contrary to what has been the prestige of that exalted assembly, sta- > confidently asserted, the establishment of bilizes its supreme position, safeguards its > the Supreme House of Justice is in no way unity, assures the continuity of its labors, > dependent upon the adoption of the Bahh'i without presuming in the slightest to in- > Faith by the mass of the peoples of the fringe upon the inviolability of its clearly > world, nor does it presuppose its acceptance defined sphere of jurisdiction. We stand > by the majority of the inhabitants of any indeed too close t o so monumental a docu- > one country. In fact, Xbdu'l-Bah6, Him- ment to claim for ourselves a complete un- > self, in one of His earliest Tablets, contem- derstanding of all its implications, or to > plated the possibility of the formation of presume to have grasped the manifold mys- > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 211 > > teries it ~ m d o u b t e d lcontains. > ~ Only fu- may flow, that it should guard against such > ture generations can comprehend the value rigidity as would clog and fetter the liber- > and the significance attached to this Divine ating forces released by His Revelation. . . . > Masterpiece, which the hand of the Master- Who, I may ask, when viewing the inter- > builder of the world has designed for the national character of the Cause, its far-flung > unification and the triumph of the world- ramifications, the increasing complexity of > wide Faith of Bahl'n'lllh. Only those who its affairs, the diversity of its adherents, and > come after us will be in a position to realize the state of confusion that assails on every > the value of the surprisingly strong empha- side the infant Faith of God, can for a > sis tbat has been placed on the institution moment question the necessity of some sort > of the House of Justice and of the Guard- of administrative machinery tbat will in- > ianship. They only will appreciate the sig- sure, amid the storm and stress of a strug- > nificance of the vigorous language employed gling civilization, the unity of the Faith, > by 'Abdu'l-Bahl with reference to the band the preservation of its identity, and the pro- > of Covenant-breakers that has opposed Him tection of its interests? T o repudiate the > in His days. To them alone will be revealed validity of the assemblies of the elected > the suitability of the institutions initiated ministers of the Faith of Bahl'u'llih would > by 'Abdu'l-Bahi to the character of the be to reject these countless Tablets of Bahl- > future society which is to emerge out of the 'u'lllh and 'Abdu'l-Bah6, wherein they have > chaos and confusion of the present age. . .. extolled their privileges and duties, empha- > sized the glory of their mission, revealed the > The Animating Purpose of Bahd'i immensity of their task, and warned them > Institutions of the attacks they must needs expect from > And, now, it behooves us to reflect on the the unwisdoln of friends, as well as from > animating purpose and the primary func- the malice of their enemies. I t is surely for > tions of these divinely-established institu- those to whose hands so priceless a heritage > tions, the sacred character and the nniver- has been committed to prayerfully watch > sal efficacy of which can be demonstrated lest the tool should supersede the Faith it- > only by the spirit they diffuse and the work self, lest undue concern for the minute de- > they actually achieve. I need not dwell tails arising from the administration of the > upon what I have already reiterated and Cause obscure the vision of its promoters, > emphasized that the administration of the lest partiality, ambition, and worldliness > Cause is to be conceived as an instrument tend in the course of time to becloud the > and not a substitute for the Faith of Bahl- radiance, stain the purity, and impair the > 'u'lllh, that it should be regarded as a cban- effectiveness of the Faith of Bah6'u'lllh. > nel through which His promised blessings (February 27, 1929.) > > THE WORLD ORDI > > AMID the reports that have of late > reached the Holy Land, most of which wit- > contrive to sow the seeds of dissension in the > hearts of the faithful. > ness to the triumphant march of the Cause, Viewed in the light of past experience, > a few seem to betray a certain apprehension the inevitable result of such futile attempts, > regarding the validity of the institutions however persistent and malicious they be, > which stand inseparably associated with the is to contribute to a wider and deeper recog- > Faith of Bahl'u'lllh. These expressed mis- nition by believers and unbelievers alike of > givings appear to be actuated by certain the distinguishing features of the Faith pro- > whisperings which have emanated from claimed by BahB'n'lllh. These challenging > quarters which are either wholly misin- criticisms, whether or not dictated by mal- > formed regarding the fundamentals of the ice, cannot but serve to galvanize the souls > BahCi Revelation, or which deliberately of its ardent supporters, and to consolidate > 216 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > the ranks of its faithful promoters. They searching question: "Where and how does > will purge the Faith from those pernicious this Order established by Bahi'u'llih, which > elements whose continued association with to outward seeming is but a replica of the > the believers tends t o discredit the fair institutions established in Christianity and > name of the Cause, and to tarnish the pur- Islim, diger from them? Are not the twin > ity of its spirit. We should welcome, institutions of the House of Justice and > therefore, not only the open attacks which of the Guardianship, the institution of the > its avowed enemies persistently launch Hands of the Cause of God, the institution > against it, but should also view as a blessing of the national and local Assemblies, the > in disguise every storm of mischief with institution of the Ma&riqu'l-Ad&kir, bur > which they who apostatize their faith or different names for the institutions of the > claim t o be its faithful exponents assail it Papacy and the Caliphate, with all their at- > from time to time. Instead of undermining tending ecclesiastical orders which the > the Faith, such assaults, both from within Christians uphold and advocate? What can > and without, reinforce its foundations, and possibly be the agency that can safeguard > excite the intensity of its flame. Designed these Bah6'i institutions, so strikingly re- > to becloud its radiance, they proclaim to all semblant, in some of their features, t o those > the world the exalted character of its pre- which have been reared by the Fathers of > cepts, the completeness of its unity, the the Church and the Apostles of M&am- > uniqueness of its position, and the perva- mad, from witnessing the deterioration in > siveness of its influence. character, the breach of unity, and the ex- > I do not feel for one moment that such tinction of influence, which have befallen > clamor, mostly attributable t o impotent all organized religious hierarchies? Why > rage against the resistless march of the should they not eventually suffer the same > Cause of God, can ever distress the valiant fate that has overtaken the institutions > vrarriors of the Faith. For these heroic which the successors of Christ and Mu- > souls, whether they be contending in hammad have reared?" > America's impregnable stronghold, or strug- Upon the answer given to these challeng- > gling in the heart of Europe, and across ing questions will, in a great measure, depend > the seas as far as the continent of Aus- the success of the efforts which believers in > tralia, have already abundantly demon- every land are now exerting for the estab- > strated the tenacity of their faith and the lishment of God's kingdom upon the earth. > abiding value of their conviction. Few will fail t o recognize that the Spirit > I feel it, however, incumbent upon me by breathed by Bah6'u'Ilih upon the world, > virtue of the responsibility attached to the and which is manifesting itself with vary- > Guardianship of the Faith, to dwell more ing degrees of intensity through the efforts > fully upon the essential character and the consciously displayed by His avowed sup- > distinguishing features of that world order porters and indirectly through certain hu- > as conceived by Bahi'u'116h. . . . manitarian organizations, can never perme- > I t behooves us, dear friends, to endeavor ate and exercise an abiding influence upon > not only to familiarize ourselves with the mankind unless and until it incarnates it- > essential features of this supreme Handiwork self in a visible Order, which would bear > of Bahl'u'llih, but also to grasp the funda- its name, wholly identify itself with His > mental difference existing between this principles, and function in conformity with > world-embracing, divinely-appointed Order His laws. That Bahl'u'llih in His Book of > and the chief ecclesiastical organizations of Aqdas, and later 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 in His Will > the world, whether they pertain to the -a document which confirms, supplements, > Church of Christ, or to the ordinances of and correlates the provisions of the Aqdns > the M&ammadan Dispensation. -have set forth in their entirety those es- > For those whose priceless privilege is to sential elements for the constitution of the > guard over, administer the atfairs, and ad- world Bah6'i Commonwcalth, no one who > vance the interests of these BahPi institu- has read them will deny. According to these > tions will have, sooner or later, to face this divinely-ordained administrative principles, > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 217 > > the Dispensation of BahB'u'llih-the Ark of the Church of Christ was irretrievably shat- > human salvation-must needs be modelled. tered, and its influence was in the course of > From them, all future blessings must flow, time undermined was that the Edifice which > and upon them its inviolable authority must the Fathers of the Church reared after the > ultimately rest. passing of His First Apostle was an Edifice > For BahCu'llih, we should readily recog- that rested in nowise upon the explicit di- > nize, has not only imbued mankind with a rections of Christ Himself. The authority > new and regenerating Spirit. He has not and features of their administration were > merely enunciated certain universal princi- wholly inferred, and indirectly derived, with > ples, or propounded a certain more or less justification, from certain > however potent, sound and universal these vague and fragmentary references which > may be. In addition to these He, as well as they found scattered amongst His utter- > 'Abdu'l-BahA after H i , have, unlike the ances as recorded in the Gospel. Not one > Dispensations of the past, clearly and spe- of the sacraments of the Church; not one > cifically laid down a set of Laws, established of the rites and ceremonies which the Chris- > definite institutions, and provided for the tian Fathers have elaborately devised and > essentials of a Divine Economy. These are ostentatiously observed; not one of the ele- > destined to be a pattern for future society, a ments of severe discipline they rigorously > supreme instrument for the establishment of imposed upon the primitive Christians; > The Most Great Peace, and the one agency none of these reposed on the direct author- > for the unification of the world, and the ity of Christ, or emanated from His specific > proclamation of the reign of righteousness utterances. Not one of these did Christ > and justice upon the earth. Not only have conceive, none did He specifically invest > they revealed all the directions required for with sufficient authority to either interpret > the practical realization of those ideals His Word, or to add to that which He had > which the Prophets of God have visualized, not specifically enjoined. > and which from time immemorial have in- For this reason, in later generations, voices > flamed rhe imagination of seers and poets were raised in protest against the self-ap- > in every age; they have also, in unequivocal pointed Authority which arrogated to itself > and emphatic language, appointed those privileges and powers which did not eman- > twin institutions of the House of Justice ate from the clear text of the Gospel of > and of the Guardianship as their chosen Suc- Jesus Christ, and which constituted a grave > cessors, destined to apply the principles, departure from the spirit which that Gospel > promulgate the laws, protect the institu- did inculcate. They argued with force and > tions, adapt loyally and intelligently the justification that the canons promulgated > Faith to the requirements of progressive by the Councils of the Church were not > society, and consummate the incorruptible divinely-appointed laws, but were merely > inheritance which the Founders of the Faith human devices which did not even rest upon > have bequeathed to the world. the actual utterances of Jesus. Their con- > Should we look back to the past, were tention centered around the fact that the > we to search out the Gospel and the Qur'in, vague and inconclusive words, addressed by > we will readily recognize that neither the Christ to Peter, "Thou art Peter, and upon > Christian nor the Isl6mic Dispensations this rock I will build my Church," could > can offer a parallel either to the system never justify the extreme measures, the elab- > of Divine Economy so thoroughly estab- orate ceremonials, the fettering creeds and > lished by Bahi'u'llih, or to the safeguards dogmas, with which His successors have > which He has provided for its preser- gradually burdened and obscured His Faith. > vation and advancement. Therein, I am Had it been possible for the Church Fathers, > profoundly convinced, lies the answer to whose unwarranted authority was thus > those questions to which I have already fiercely assailed from every side, to refute > ref erred. the denunciations heaped upon them by > None, I feel, will question the fact that quoting specific utterances of Christ re- > the fundamental reason why the unity of garding the future administration of His > 218 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Church, or the nature of the authority of none can belittle or ignore. Therein lies > His Successors, they would surely have been the distinguishing feature of the BahCi > capable of quenching the flame of coutro- Revelation. Therein lies the strength of > versy, and preserving the unity of Christen- the unity of the Faith, of the validity of a > dom. The Gospel, however, the only re- Revelation that claims not to destroy or be- > pository of the utterances of Christ, afford little previous Revelations, but to connect, > . > no such shelter to these harassed leaders of unify and fulfill them. . . > the Church, who found themselves helpless We should also bear in mind that the dis- > in the face of the pitiless onslaught of their tinguishing character of the Bahk'i Revela- > enemy, and who eventually had to submit tion does not consist solely in the complete- > to the forces of schism which invaded their ness and unquestionable validity of the > ranks. Dispensation which the teachings of Bahi- > In the M4ammadan Revelation, how- 'u'llkh and 'Abdu'l-Bahl have established. > ever, although His Faith as compared with Its excellence lies also in the fact that those > that of Christ was, so far as the administra- elements which in past Dispensations have, > tion of His Dispensation is concerned, more without the least authority from their > complete and more specific in its provisions, Founders, been a source of corruption and > yet in the matter of succession it gave no of incalculable harm to the Faith of God, > written, no binding and conclusive instruc- been strictly excluded by the clear text of > tions to those whose mission was to propa- Bahi'u'llkh's writings. Those unwarranted > gate His Cause. For the text of the Qur'an, practices, in connection with the sacrament > the ordinances of which regarding prayer, of baptism, of communion, of confession of > fasting, marriage, divorce, inheritance, pil- sins, of asceticism, of priestly domination, > grimage, and the like, have after the revo- of elaborate ceremonials, of holy war and of > lution of thirteen hundred years remained polygamy, have one and all been rigidly > intact and operative, gives no definite goid- suppressed by the Pen of Bahi'u'llkh, whilst > ance regarding the Law of Succession, the the rigidity and rigor of certain observances, > source of all the dissensions, the contro- such as fasting, and which are necessary to > versies, and schisms which have dismem- the devotional life of the individual, have > bered and discredited Islim. been considerably abated. . . . > Not so with the Revelation of Bahk- Dear friends! Feeble though our Faith > 'u'llkh. Unlike the Dispensation of Christ, may now appear in the eyes of men, who > unlike the Dispensation of Mdammad, un- either denounce it as an offshoot of Islim, > like all the Dispensations of the past, the or contemptuously ignore it as one more of > apostles of Bahi'u'llkh in every land, wher- those obscure sects that abound in the West, > ever they labor and toil, have before them this priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now > in clear, in unequivocal and emphatic lan- still in its embryonic state, shall evolve > guage, all the laws, the regulations, the within the shell of His law, and shall forge > principles, the institutions, the guidance, ahead, undivided and unimpaired, till it > they require for the prosecution and con- embraces the whole of mankind. Only > summation of their task. Both in the ad- those who have already recognized the su- > ministrative provisions of the Bahi'i Dis- preme station of Bahi'u'llkh, only those > pensation, and in the matter of succession, whose hearts have been touched by His love, > as embodied in the twin institutions of the and have become familiar with the potency > House of Justice and of the Guardianship, of His spirit, can adequately appreciate the > the followers of Bah6'u'llkh can summon value of this Divine Economy-His ines- > to their aid such irrefutable evidences of timable gift to mankind. . . . (March 21, > Divine Guidance that none can resist, that 1930.) > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 219 > > THE GOAL OF A NEW WORLD ORDER > > T H E inexorable march of recent events whilst the tumult of triumphant enthusi- > has carried humanity so near to the goal asm was still at its height and long before > foreshadowed by BahB'u'll6h that no respon- the faintest misgivings could have been felt > sible follower of His Faith, viewing on all or expressed, confidently declaring that the > sides the distressing evidences of the world's Document, extolled as the Charter of a > travail, can remain unmoved at the thought liberated humanity, contained within itself > of its approaching deliverance. seeds of such bitter deception as would > I t would not seem inappropriate, at a further enslave the world. How abundant > time when we are commemorating the are now the evidences that attest the per- > world over, the termination of the first spicacity of His unerring judgment! > decade since 'Abdu'l-Bahi's sudden re- Ten years of unceasing turmoil, so laden > movall from our midst, to ponder, in the with anguish, so fraught with incalculable > light of the teachings bequeathed by Him consequences to the future of civilization, > to the world, such events as have tended to have brought the world to the verge of a > hasten the gradual emergence of the World calamity too awful to contemplate. Sad > Order anticipated by Bah6'u'llih. indeed is the contrast between the manifes- > Ten years ago, this very day, there flashed totions of confident enthusiasm in which the > upon the world the news of the passing of Plenipotentiaries at Versailles so freely in- > Him Who alone, through the ennobling in- dulged 2nd the cry of unconcealed distress > flnence of His love, strength and wisdom, which victors and vanquished alike are now > could have proved its stay and solace in the raising in the hour of bitter delusion. > many afflictions it was destined to suffer. Neither the force which the Framers and > How well we, the little band of His Guarantors of the Peace Treaties have mus- > avowed supporters who lay claim to have tered, nor the lofty ideals which originally > recognized the Light that shone within animated the Author of the Covenant of > Him, can still remember IHis repeated allu- the League of Nations, have proved a snf- > sions, in the evening of His earthly life, to ficient bulwark against the forces of inter- > the tribulation and turmoil with which an nal disruption with which a structure so > unregenerate humanity was to be increas- laboriously contrived had been consistently > ingly afflicted. How poignantly some of us assailed. Neither the provisions of the so- > can recall His pregnant remarks, in the called Settlement which the victorious Pow- > presence of the pilgrims and visitors who ers have sought to impose, nor the ma- > thronged His doors on the morrow of the chinery of an institution which America's > jubilant celebrations that greeted the ter- illustrious and far-seeing President had con- > mination of the World War-a war, which ceived, have proved, either in conception or > by the horrors it evoked, the losses it en- pactice, adequate instruments to ensure the > tailed and the complications it engendered, integrity of the Order they had striven to > was destined to exert so far-reaching an in- establish. "The ills from which the world > fluence on the fortunes of mankind. How suffers," wrote 'Abdn'l-Bahl in Janu- > serenely, yet how powerfully, He stressed ary 1920, "will multiplji; the gloom which > the cruel deception which a Pact, hailed by erave/,ops it will deepen. The Balkans will > peoples and nations as the embodiment of remain discontented. Its vestless?zess will in- > triumphant justice and the unfailing instru- nease. ~h~ vanquish,ed Powers will con- > ment of an abiding peace, held in store for tinue to agitate. They will uesort to every > an unrepentant humanity. "Peace, Peace," meassre that may rekindle the flame o f > how often we heard Him remark, "the lips war. Movements, nauly-born and world- > of potentates and peoples unceasingly pro- wide in their mange, will exwt their utmost > claim, whereas the fire of unquenched fov the advancement of their designs. > hatreds still smouldcv~ in their hearts." ~h~ ~~~~~~~t of the Left will acquire > How often we heard Him raise His voice, gveat importance. Its inflsence will > - > lNovember 28, 1921. spread." > 220 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > Economic distress, sincc those words were Australia, whicb, owing to its remoceness > written, together with political confusion, from the storm-centers of Europe, would > financial upheavals, religious restlessness and have been expected to be immune from the > racial animosities, seem to have conspired to trials and torments of an ailing continent, > add immeasurably to the burdens under has been caught in this whirlpool of passion > which an impoverished, a war-weary world and strife, impotent to extricate herself > is groaning. Such has been the cumulative from their ensnaring influence. > effect of these successive crises, following Never indeed have there been such wide- > one another with such bewildering rapidity, spread and basic upheavals, whether in the > that the very foundations of society are social, economic or political spheres of hu- > trembling. The world, to whichever conti- man activity as those now going on in dif- > nent we turn our gaze, to however remote a ferent parts of the world. Never have there > region our survey may extend, is everywhere been so many and varied sources of danger > assailed by forces it can neither explain nor as those that now threaten the structure of > control. society. The following words of BahB'u- > Europe, hitherto regarded as the cradle of '116h are indeed significant as we pause t o > a highly-vaunted civilization, as the torch- reflect upon the present state of a strangely > bearer of liberty and the mainspring of the disordered world: "How long will humanity > forces of world industry and commerce, persist in its waywardness? How long will > stands bewildered and ~aralyzedat the sight injustice continue? How long is chaos and > of so tremendous an upheaval. Long-cher- confusion to reign amongst men? How > ished ideals in the political no less than in long will discord agitate the face of society? > the economic sphere of human activity are The winds of despair are, alas, blowing > being severely tested under the pressure of from every direction, and the strife that > reactionary forces on one hand and of an divides and afflicts the human race is daily > insidious and persistent radicalism on the increasing. The signs of impending convul- > other. From the heart of Asia distant rum- sions and chaos can now be discerned, inas- > blings, ominous and insistent, portend the much as the prevailing order appears to be > steady onslaught of a creed which, by its lamentably defective." > negation of God, His Laws and Principles, The disquieting influence of over thirty > threatens to disrupt the foundations of million souls living under minority condi- > human society. The clamor of a nascent tions throughout the continent of Europe; > nationalism, coupled with a recrudescence the vast and ever-swelling army of the un- > of skepticism and unbelief, come as added employed with its crushing burden and de- > misfortunes to a continent hitherto re- moralizing influence on governments and > garded as the symbol of age-long stability peoples; the wicked, unbridled race of arma- > and undisturbed resignation. From darkest ments swallowing an ever-increasing share > Africa the first stirrings of a conscious and of the substance of already impoverished > determined revolr against the aims and nations; the utter demoralization from > methods of political and economic imperial- which the international &ancia1 markets > ism can be increasingly discerned, adding are now increasingly suffering; the on- > their share to the growing vicissitudes of a slaught of secularism invading what has > troubled age. Not even America, which hitherto been regarded as the impregnable > until very recently prided itself on its tra- strongholds of Christian and Muslim ortho- > ditional policy of aloofness and the self- doxy-these stand out as the gravest symp- > contained character of its economy, the toms that bode ill for the future stability > invulnerability of its institutions and the of the structure of modern civilization. > evidences of its growing prosperity and pres- Little wonder if one of Europe's preEminent > tige, has been able to resist the impelling thinkers, honored for his wisdom and re- > forces that have swept her into the vortex straint, should have been forced to make so > of an economic hurricane that now threat- bold an assertion: "The world is passing > ens to impair the basis of her own indus- through the gravest crisis in the history of > trial and economic life. Even far-away civilization." "We stand," writes another, > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 221 > > "before either a world catastrophe, or per- mankind to q ~ u k e . Then and only then > haps before the dawn of a greater era of will the Divine Standard be unfurled and > truth and wisdom." "It is in such times," the Nightingale of Paradise warble its > he adds, "that religions have perished and melody." > are born." - > Dearly beloved friends! Humanity, > Might we not already discern, as we scan whether viewed in the light of man's indi- > the political horizon, the alignment of those vidual conduct or in the existing relation- > forces that are dividing afresh the continent ships between organized communities and > of Europe into camps of ~otentialcombat- nations, has, alas, strayed too far and suf- > ants, determined upon a contest that nlay fered too great a decline to be redeemed > mark, unlike the last war, the end of an through the unaided efforts of the best > epoch, a vast epoch, in the history of human among its recognized rulers and statesmen > evolution? Are we, the privileged cns- -however disinterested their motives, how- > todians of a ricel less Faith, called upon to ever concerted their action, however un- > witness a cataclysmical change, politically as sparing in their zeal and devotion to its > fundamental and spiritually as beneficent as cause. No scheme which the calculations of > that which precipitated the fall of the Ro- the highest statesmanship may yet devise, > man Empire in the West? Might it not no doctrine which the most distinguished > happen-every vigilant adherent of the exponents of economic theory may hope to > Faith of Bahh'u'llhh might well pause to re- advance, no principle which the most ar- > flect-that out of this world eruption there dent of tnoralists may strive to inculcate, > may stream forces of such spiritual energy can ~rovide, 111 the last resort, adequate > as shall recall, nay eclipse, the splendor of foundations upon which the future of a > those signs and wonders that accompanied distracted world can be built. No appeal > the establishment of the Faith of Jesus for mutual tolerance which the worldly- > Christ? M ~ g h tthere not emerge out of the wise might raise, however compelling and > agony of a shaken world a religious revival insistent, can calm its passions or help re- > of such scope and power as to even tran- store its vigor. Nor would any general > scend the potency of those world-directing scheme of mere organized international co- > forces with which the Religions of the Past operation, in whatever sphere of human ac- > have, at fixed intervals and according to an tivity, however ingenious in conception or > inscrutable Wisdom, revived the fortunes extensive in scope, succeed in removing the > of declining ages and peoples? Might not root cause of the evil that has so rudely > the bankruptcy of this present, this highly- upset the equilibrium of present day society. > vaunted materialistic civilization, in itself Not even, I venture to assert, would the > clear away the choking weeds that now very act of devising the machinery required > hinder the unfoldment and future efflor- for the political and economic unification > escence of God's struggling Faith? of the world-a principle that has been > Let Bahi'u'llhh Himself shed the illnmi- increasingly advocated in recent times - > nation of His words upon our path as we provide in itself the antidote against the > steer our course amid the pitfalls and miser- poison that is steadily undermining the > ies of this troubled age. More than fifty vigor of organized peoples and nations. > years ago, in a world far removed from the What else, might we not confidently af- > ills and trials that now torment it, there firm, but the unreserved acceptance of the > flowed from His Pen these prophetic words: Divine Program enunciated, with such sim- > "The world is in travail and i f s agitation plicity and force as far back as sixty years > waxeth day by day. Its face is turned ago, by BahPu'llih, embodying in its essen- > towards waywardness and unbelief. Such tials God's divinely appointed scheme for > shall he its plight that to disclose it now the unification of mankind in this age, > would not be meet and seenzly. Its ppr- coupled with an indomitable conviction in > versity will long continue. And when the the unfailing efficacy of each and all of its > appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly provisions, is eventually capable of with- > appear that which shall cause the limbs of standing the forces of internal disintegration > 222 THE B A H A ' f WORLD > > which, if unchecked, must needs continue prejudiced observer. That the spirit of vin- > to eat into the vitals of a despairing society. dictiveness, of suspicion, of fear and rivalry, > I t is towards this g o a k h e goal of a new engendered by the war, and which the pro- > World Order, Divine in origin, all-embrac- visions of the Peace Treaties have served to > ing in scope, equitable in principle, chal- perpetuate and foster, has led to an enor- > lenging in its features-that a harassed hu- mous increase of national competitive arma- > manity must strive. ments, involving during the last year the > To claim to have grasped all the implica- aggregate expenditure of no less than a > tions of Bahi'u'llhh's prodigious scheme for thousand million pounds, which in turn > world-wide human solidarity, or to have has accentuated the effects of the world- > fathomed its import, would be presumptu- wide depression, is a truth that even the > ous on the part of even the declared sup- most superficial observer will readily admit. > porters of His Faith. To attempt to visual- That a narrow and brutal nationalism, > ize it in all its possibilities, to estimate its which the post-war theory of self-determi- > future benefits, to picture its glory, would nation has served to reinforce, has been > be premature at even so advanced a stage chiefly responsible for the policy of high > in the evolution of mankind. and proh~bitivetariffs, so injurious to the > All we can reasonably venture to attempt healthy flow of international trade and to > is to strive to obtain a glimpse of the first the mechanism of international finance, is > streaks of the promised Dawn that must, in a fact which few would venture to dispute. > the fulness of time, chase away the gloom I t would be idle, however, to contend > that has encircled humanity. All we can do that the war, with all the losses it involved, > is to point out, in their broadest outlines, the passions it aroused and the grievances > what appears to us to be the piding prin- it left behind, has solely been responsible > ciples underlying the World Order of Ba- for the unprecedented confusion into which > hh'u'llhh, as amplified and enunciated by almost every section of the civilized world > 'Abdu'l-Bahl, the Center of His Covenant is plunged at present. Is it not a fact- > with all mankind and the appointed Inter- and this is the central idea I desire to em- > preter and Expounder of His Word. phasize-that the fundamental cause of this > That the unrest and suffering afflicting world unrest is attributable, not so much to > the mass of mankind are in no small meas- the consequences of what must sooner or > ure the direct consequences of the World later come to be regarded as a transitory > War and are attributable to the unwisdom dislocation in the affairs of a continually > and shortsightedness of the framers of the changing world, but rather to the failure of > Peace Treaties only a biased mind can re- those into whose hands the immediate des- > fuse to admit. That the financial obliga- tinies of peoples and nations have been com- > tions contracted in the course of the war, mitted, to adjust their systems of economic > as well as the imposition of a staggering and political institutions to the imperative > burden of reparations upon the vanquished, needs of a fast evolving age? Are not these > have, to a very great extent, been respon- intermittent crises that convulse present- > sible for the maldistribution and consequent day society due primarily t o the lamentable > shortage of the world's monetary gold sup- inability of the world's recognized leaders > ply, which in turn has, to a very great to read aright the signs of the times, to rid > measure, accentuated the phenomenal fall themselves once for all of their precon- > in prices and thereby relentlessly increased ceived ideas and fettering creeds, and to > the burdens of impoverished countries, no reshape the machinery of their respective > impartial mind would question. That inter- governments according to those standards > governmental debts have imposed a severe that are implicit in Bahl'u'llih's supreme > strain on the masses of the people in Europe, declaration of the Oneness of Mankind- > have upset the equilibrium of national the chief and distinguishing feature of the > budgets, have crippled national industries, Faith He proclaimed? For the principle > and led to an increase in the number of the of the Oneness of Mankind, the corner-stone > unemployed, is no less apparent to an un- of Bahi'u'lllh's world-embracing dominion, > implies nothing more or less than the en- in the midmost heart of the world when- > forcement of His scheme for the unification ever a certain number of its distinguished > of the world-the scheme to which we have and high-minded sovereigns - the shining > already referred. "In every Dispensation," exemplars of devotion and determination- > writes 'Abdu'l-Bahh, "the light of Divine shall, for the good and happiness of all man- > Guidance has been focussed upon one cen- kind, arise, with firm resolve and clear vi- > .. > tral theme. . I n this wondrous Revelation, sion, to establish the Cause of Universal > this glorious century, the foundation of the Peace. They must make the Cause of Peace > Faith of God and the distinguishing feature the object of general consultation, and seek > of His Law is the consciousness of the One- by every means in their power t o establish > ness of Mankind." a Union of the nations of the world, They > How pathetic indeed are the efforts of must conclude a binding treaty and estab- > these leaders of human institutions who, in lish a covenant, the provisions of which > utter disregard of the spirit of the age, are shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They > striving to adjust national processes, suited must proclaim it to all the world and ob- > to the ancient days of self-contained na- tain for it the sanction of all the human > tions, to an age which n u s t either achieve race. This supreme and noble undertaking > the unity of the world, as adumbrated by -the real source of the peace and well-being > Bahh'u'llhh, or perish. At so critical an of all the world-should be regarded as > hour in the history of civilization it be- sacred by all that dwell on earth. All the > hooves the leaders of all the nations of the forces of humanity must be mobilized to > world, great and small, whether in the East ensure the stability and permanence of this > or in the West, whether victors or van- Most Great Covenant. In this all-embracing > quished, to give heed to the clarion call of pact the limits and frontiers of each and > Bahi'u'llbh and, thoroughly imbued with a every nation should be clearly fixed, the > sense of world solidarity, the sine qu8 non principles underlying the relations of gov- > of loyalty to His Cause, arise manfully to ernments towards one another definitely laid > carry out in its entirety the one remedial down, and all international agreements and > scheme He, the Divine Physician, has pre- obligations ascertained. I n like manner, the > scribed for an ailing humanity. Let them size of the armaments of every government > discard, once for all, every preconceived should be strictly limited, for if the prepa- > idea, every national prejudice, and give heed rations for war and the military forces of > to the sublime counsel of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the any nation should be allowed to increase, > authorized Expounder of His teachings. they will arouse the suspicion of others. > You can best serve your country, was The fundamental principle underlying this > 'Abdu'l-Bahl's rejoinder to a high official solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any > in the service of the federal government of government later violate any one of its > the United States of America, who had provisions, all the governments on earth > questioned Him as t o the best manner in should arise to reduce it to utter submis- > which he could promote the interests of his sion, nay the human race as a whole should > government and people, if you strive, in resolve, with every power at its disposal, to > your capacity as a citizen of the world, to destroy that government. Should this > assist in the eventual application of the greatest of all remedies be applied to the > principle of federalism underlying the gov- sick body of the world, it will assuredly re- > ernment of your own country to the rela- cover from its ills and will remain eternally > tionships now existing between the peoples safe and secure." > and nations of the world. "A few," He further adds, "unaware of > In "The Secret of Divine Civilization" the power latent in human endeavor, con- > ("The Mysterious Forces of Civilization"), sider this matter as highly impracticable, > 'Abdu'l-Babi's outstanding contribution to nay even beyond the scope of man's utmost > the future re-organization of the world, we efforts. Such is not the case, however. On > read the following: the contrary, thanks to the unfailing grace > "True civilization will unfurl its banner of God, the loving-kindness of His favored > 224 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > ones, the endeavors of unrivalled wise and its candles will burn in the assemblage of > capable souls, and the thoughts and ideas man. > of the peerless leaders of this age, nothing "Behold how its light is now dawning > whatsoever can be regarded as unattainable. upon the world's darkened horizon. The > Endeavour, ceaseless endeavour, is required. first candle is unity in the political realm, > Nothing short of an indomitable determina- the early glimmerings of which can now be > tion can possibly achieve it. Many a cause discerned. The second candle is unity of > past ages have regarded as purely visionary, thought in world undertakings, the con- > yet in this day have become most easy and summation of which will ere long be wit- > practicable. Why should this most great nebsrrl. The third candle is unity in free- > and lofty c a u s e t h e day-star of the firma- dom which will surely come to pass. The > ment of true civilization and the cause of fourth candle is unity in religion which u > the glory, the advancement, the well-being the corner-stone of the foundation itself, > and the success of all humanity-be re- and which, by the power of God, will be > garded as impossible of achievement? Surely revealed in all its splendor. The fifth candle > the day will come when its beauteous light is the unity of nations-a unity which in > shall shed illumination upon the assemblage this century will be securely established, > of man." causing all the peoples of the world to re- > I n one of His Tablets 'Abdu'l-Bahi, elu- gard themselves as citizens of one common > cidating further His noble theme, reveals fatherland. The sixth candle is unity of > the following: races, making of all that dwell on earth > "In cycles gone by, though harmony was peoples and kindreds of one race. The sev- > established, yet, owing to the absence of enth candle is unity of language, that is, > means, the unity of all mankind could not the choice of a universal tongue in which > have been achieved. Continents remained all peoples will be instructed and converse. > widely divided, nay even among the peoples Each and every one of these will inevitably > of one and the same continent association come to pass, inasmuch as the power of the > and interchange of thought were well nigh Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their > impossible. Consequently intercourse, UI- realization." > derstanding and unity amongst all the peo- Over sixty years ago, in His Tablet to > ples and kindreds of the earth were unat- Queen Victoria, Bah&'u'116h, addressing "the > tainable. I n this day, however, means of concourse of the rulers of the earth," re- > communication have multiplied, and the vealed the following: > five continents of the earth have virtually "Take ye counsel together, and let your > merged into one. . .. In like manner all concern be only for that which profiteth > the members of the human family, whether mankind and bettereth the condition > peoples or governments, cities or villages, thereof. . . . Regard the world as the hu- > have become increasingly interdependent. man hody which though created whole and > For none is self-su6ciency any longer pos- perfect has been afflicted, through divers > sible, inasmuch as political ties unite all causes, with grave ills and maladies. Not > peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade for one day did it rest, nay its sicknesses > and industry, of agriculture and education, waxed more severe, as it fell under the treat- > are being strengthened every day. Hence ment of unskilled physicians who have > the unity of all mankind can in this day he spurred on the steed of their worldly de- > achieved. Verily this is none other but sires and have erred grievously, And, if at > one of the wonders of this wondrous age, one time, through the care of an able phy- > this glorious century. Of this past ages sician, a member of that hody was healed, > have been deprived, for this century-the the rest remained afflicted as before. Thus > century of light-has been endowed with informeth you the All-Knowing, the All- > unique and unprecedented glory, power Wise. . . . That which the Lord hath or- > and illumination. Hence the miraculous dained as a sovereign remedy and mightiest > unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. instrument for the healing of all the world > Eventually it will he seen how bright is the union of all its peoples in one uni- > versa1 Cause, unr L-ummonFai~h. This can in which rhr clanlor of religious fanaticism > in no wise be achieved except through the and strife will have been forever stilled; > power of a skilled, all-powerful and inspired in which the flame of racial animosity will > Physician. This verily is the truth, and all have been finally extinguished; in which a > else naught but error." single code of international law-the prod- > In a further passage Bahi'u'llhh adds uct of the considered judgment of the > these words: world's federated representatives - shall > "We see you adding every year unto your have as its sanction the instant and coercive > expenditures and laying the burden thereof intervention of the combined forces of the > on the people whom ye rule; this verily is federated units; and finally a world com- > naught hut grievous injustice. Fear the munity in which the fury of a capricious > sighs and tears of this wronged One, and and militant nationalism will have been > burden not your peoples beyond that which transmuted into an abiding consciousness of > they can endure. . . . Be reconciled among world citizenship--such indeed, appears, in > yourselves, that ye may need armaments no its broadest outline, the Order anticipated > more save in a measure to safeguard your by Bahi'u'llih, an Order that shall come > territories and dominions. Be united, 0 to be regarded as the fairest fruit of a > concourse of the sovereigns of the world, slowly maturing age. > for thereby will the tempest of discord be "The Tabernacle of Unity," Bahi'u'116h > stilled amongst you and your peoples find proclaims in His message to all mankind, > rest. Should any one among you take up "has been raised; regard ye not one another > arms against another, rise ye all against him, . > as strangers. . . Of one tree are all ye the > for this is naught but manifest justice." fruit and of one bough the leaves. . . . The > What else could these weighty words sig- world is but one country and mankind its > nify if they did not point to the inevitable citizens. . . . Let not a man glory in that > curtailment of unfettered national sover- he loves his country; let him rather glory > eignty as an indispensable preliminary to in this, that he loves his kind." > the formation of the future Commonwealth Let there be no misgivings as to the ani- > of all the nations of the world? Some form mating purpose of the world-wide Law of > of a world super-state must needs be Bah6'u'116h. Far from aiming at the sub- > evolved, in whose favor all the nations of version of the existing foundations of so- > the world will have willingly ceded every ciety, it seeks to broaden its basis, t o re- > claim to make war, certain rights to im- mould its institutions in a manner consonant > pose taxation and all rights to maintain with the needs of an ever-changing world. > armaments, except for purposes of main- I t can conflict with no legitimate alle- > taining internal order within their respec- giances, nor can it undermine essential loy- > tive dominions. Such a state will have to alties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the > include within its orbit an international ex- flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in > ecutive adequate to enforce supreme and men's hearts, nor to abolish the system of > unchallengeable authority on every recal- national autonomy so essential if the evils > citrant member of the commonwealth; a of excessive centralization are to be avoided. > world parliament whose members shall he I t does not ignore, nor does it attempt to > elected by the people in their respective suppress the diversity of ethnical origins, > countries and whose election shall be con- of climate, of history, of language and tra- > firmed by their sespective governments; dition, of thought and habit, that differ- > and a supreme tribunal whose judgment entiate the peoples and nations of the world. > will have a binding effect even in such cases I t calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger > where the parties concerned did not volun- aspiration than any that has animated the > tarily agree to submit their case to its con- human race. It insists upon the subordina- > sideration. A world community in which tion of national impulses and interests t o > all economic barriers will have been perma- the imperative claims of a unified world. > nently demolished and the interdependence I t repudiates excessive centralization on one > of Capital and Labor definitely recognized; hand, and disclaims all attempts at uni- > forlnity on the other. Its watchword is rant emotionalism or an expression of vaguc > unity in diversity such as 'Abdu'l-Bahi and pious hope. Its appeal is not to be > Himself has explained: merely identified with a re-awakening of > "Consider the flowers of a garden. the spirit of brotherhood and good-will > Though differing in kind, color, form and among men, nor does it aim solely at the > shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed fostering of harmonious cooperation among > by the waters of one spring, revived by the individual peoples and nations. Its impli- > breath of one wind, invigorated by the cations are deeper, its claims greater than > rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth any which the Prophets of old were allowed > their charm and addeth unto their beauty. to advance. Its message is applicable not > How unpleasing to the eye if all the flow- only t o the individual, but concerns itself > ers and plants, the leaves and blossoms, the primarily with the nature of those essential > fruit, the branches and the trees of that relationships that must bind all the states > garden were all of the same shape and color! and nations as members of one human fam- > Diversity of hues, form and shape enricheth ily. I t does not constitute merely the > and adorneth the garden, and heighteneth enunciation of an ideal, but stands insep- > the effect thereof. In like manner, when arably associated with an institution ade- > divers shades of thought, temperament, and quate to embody its truth, demonstrate its > character, are brought together under the validity, and perpetuate its inhence. I t > power and influence of one central agency, implies an organic change in the structure > the beauty and glory of human perfection of present-day society, a change such as the > will he revealed and made manifest. Naught world has not yet experienced. I t consti- > but the celestial potency of the Word of tutes a challenge, at once bold and uni- > God, which ruleth and transcendeth the versal, to outworn shibboleths of national > realities of all things, is capable of harmo- creeds-creeds that have had their day and > nizing the divergent thoughts, sentiments, which must, in the ordinary course of events > ideas and convictions of the children of as shaped and controlled by Providence, give > men." way t o a new gospel, fundamentally differ- > The call of Bal~i'u'llih is primarily di- ent from, and infinitely superior to, what > rected against all forms of provincialism, the world has already conceived. I t calls > all insularities and prejudices. If long-cher- for no less than the reconstruction and the > ished ideals and time-honoured institutions, demilitarization of the whole civilized > if certain social assumptions and religious world-a world organically unified in all > formu1;e have ceased to promote the wel- the essential aspects of its life, its political > fare of the generality of mankind, if they machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade > no longer administer to the needs of a con- and finance, its script and language, and > tinually evolving humanity, let them be yet infinite in the diversity of the national > swept away and relegated to the limbo of characteristics of its federated units. > obsolescent and forgotten doctrines. Why I t represents the consummation of hu- > should these, in a world subject to the im- man evolution-an evolutiou that has had > mutable law of change and decay, he ex- its earliest beginnings in the birth of family > empt from the deterioration that must life, its subsequent development in the > needs overtake every human institution? achievement of tribal solidarity, leading in > For legal standards, political and economic turn to the constitution of the city-state, > theories are solely designed to safeguard the and expanding later into the institution of > interests of humanity as a whole, and not independent and sovereign nations. > humanity to be crucified for the preserva- The principle of the Oneness of Man- > tion of the integrity of any particular law kind, as proclaimed by Bahi'u'llih, carries > or doctrine. with it, no more and no less, than a solemn > Let there be no mistake. The principle assertion that attainment to this final stage > of the Oneness of Mankind-the pivot in this stupendous evolution is not only > round which all the teachings of Bahl- necessary but inevitable, that its realization > 'u'116h revolve-is no mere outburst of igno- is fast approaching, and that nothing short > of 2 power that is born of God can succeed Unired Stltes of Europe which was subse- > in establishing it. quently advanced, and the failure of the > So marvellous a conception finds its earli- general scheme for the economic union of > est manifestations in the efforts consciously Europe, may appear as setbacks to the ef- > exerted and the modest beginnings already forts which a handful of foresighted people > achieved by the declared adherents of the are earnestly exerting to advance this noble > Faith of Bahb'u'llih who, conscious of the ideal. And yet, are we not justified in de- > sublimity of then calling and initiated into riving fresh encouragement when we ob- > the ennobling ~rinciplesof His Administra- serve that the very consideration of such > tlon, are forging ahead t o establish His proposals is in itself an evidence of their > Kingdom on this earth. I t has its indirect steady growth in the minds and hearts of > manifestations in the gradual diffusion of men. I n the organized attempts that are > the spirit of world solidarity which is spon- being made t o discredit so exalted a concep- > taneously arising out of the welter of a dis- tion are we not witnessing the repetition, > organized society. 011 a larger scale, of those stirring struggles > I t would be stimulating t o follow the and fierce controversies that preceded the > history of the growth and development of birth, and assisted in the reconstruction, of > this lofty conception which must increas- the unified nations of the West? > ingly engage the attention of the responsible T o take but one instance. How confident > custodians of the destinies of peoples and were the assertions made in the days pre- > nations. T o the states and principalities ceding the unification of the states of the > just emerging from the welter of the great North American continent regarding the > Napoleonic upheaval, whose chief preoccu- insuperable barriers that stood in the way > pation was either to recover their rights to of their ultimate federation! Was it not > an independent existence or to achieve their widely and emphatically declared that the > national unity, the conception of world couflicting interests, the mutual distrust, > solidarity seemed not only remote but in- the differences of government and habit > conceivable. I t was not until the forces that divided the states were such as no force, > of nationalism had succeeded in overthrow- whether spiritual or temporal, could ever > ing the foundations of the Holy Alliance hope to harmonize or control? And yet > that had sought to curb their rising power, how different were the conditions prevailing > that the possibility of a world order, tran- a hundred and fifty years ago from those > scending in its range the political institu- that characterize present-day society1 I t > tions these nations had established, came t o would indeed be no exaggeration t o say > be seriously entertained. I t was not until that the absence of those facilities which > after the World War that these exponents modern scientific progress has placed at the > of arrogant nationalism came t o regard such service of humanity in our time made of > an order as the object of a pernicious doc- the problem of welding the American states > trine tending t o sap that essential loyalty into a single federation a taslc infinitely > upon which the continued existence of their more complex than that which confronts a > national life depended. With a vigor that divided humanity in its efforts to achieve > recalled the energy with which the members the unification of all mankind. > of the Holy Alliance sought t o stifle the Who knows that for so exalted a concep- > spirit of a rising nationalism among the tion to take shape a suffering more intense > peoples liberated from the Napoleonic yoke, than any it has yet experienced will have > those champions of an unfettered national t o he inflicted upon humanity? Could any- > sovereignty, in their turn, have labored thing less than the fire of a civil war with > and are still laboring t o discredit principles all its violence and vicissitudeoa war that > upon which their own salvation must ulti- nearly rent the great American Republic- > mately depend. have welded the states, not only into a > The fierce opposition which greeted the Union of independent units, but into a > abortive scheme of the Geneva Protocol; Nation, in spite of all the ethnic differences > the ridicule poured upon the proposal for a that characterized its component parts? That > 228 THE BAHA'f WORLD > so fundamental a revolution, involving such states~nanship and which Napoleon's des- > far-reaching changes in the structure of so- perate efforts failed to achieve-will depend > ciety, can be achieved through the ordinary the ultimate realization of that millennium > processes of diplomacy and education seems of which poets of all ages have sung and > highly improbable. We have but to turn seers have long dreamed. Upon it will de- > our gaze to humanity's bloodstained history pend the fulfillment of the prophecies ut- > to realize that nothing short of intense men- tered by the Prophets of old when swords > tal as well as physical agony has been able shall be beaten into ploughshares and the > to precipitate those epoch-making changes lion and the lamb lie down together. I t > that constitute rhe greatest landmarks in alone can usher in the Kingdom of the > the history of human civilization. Heavenly Father as anticipated by the Faith > Great and far-reaching as have been those of Jesus Christ. I t alone can lay the foun- > changes in the past, they cannot but appear, dation for the New World Order visualized > when viewed in their proper perspective, by Bahi'u'llih-a World Order that shall > except as subsidiary adjustments preluding reflect, however dimly, upon this earthly > that transformation of unparalleled majesty plane, the ineffable splendors of the Abh6 > and scope which humanity is in this age Kingdom. > bound to undergo. That the forces of a One word more in conclusion. The proc- > world catastrophe can alone precipitate such lamation of the Oneness of Mankind-the > a new phase of human thought is, alas, be- head corner-stone of Bahi'u'llih's all-em- > coming increasingly apparent. That nothing bracing dominion - can under no circum- > short of the fire of a severe ordeal, unparal- stances be compared with such expressions > leled in its intensity, can fuse and weld the of pious hope as have been uttered in the > discordant entities, that constitute the ele- past. His is not merely a call which He > ments of present-day civilization, into the raised, alone and unaided, in the face of the > integral components of the world Common- relentless and combined opposition of two > wealth of the future is a truth which future of the most powerful Oriental potentates of > events will increasingly demonstrate. His day-while Himself an exile and pris- > The prophetic voice of Bahi3u'l16h warn- oner in their hands. I t implies at once a > ing, in the concluding passages of the Hid- warning and a promise-a warning that in > den Words, "the peoples of the world" that it lies the sole means for the salvation of a > "an unforeseen calamity is following them greatly suffering world, a promise that its > and that grievous retribution awaiteth them" realization is at hand. > throws indeed a lurid light upon the im- Uttered at a time when its possibility had > mediate fortunes of sorrowing humanity. not yet been seriously envisaged in any part > Nothing but a fiery ordeal, out of which of the world, it has, by virtue of that celes- > humanity will emerge, chastened and pre- tial potency with which the Spirit of Ba- > pared, can succeed in implanting that sense hi'u'116h has breathed into it, come at last > of responsibility which the leaders of a new- to be regarded, by an increasing number of > born age must arise to shoulder. thoughtful men, not only as an approaching > I would again direct your attention to possibility, but as the necessary outcome of > those ominous words of Bah6'u'116h which the forces now operating in the world. > I have already quoted: "And when the ap- Surely the world, contracted and trans- > pointed hour is come, there shall suddenly formed into a single highly complex organ- > appear that which shall cause the limbs of ism by the marvellous progress achieved in > mankind to quake." the realm of physical science, by the world- > Has not 'Abdu'l-Bahl Himself asserted wide expansion of commerce and industry, > in unequivocal language that "another war, and struggling, under the pressure of world > fiercer than the last, will assuredly break economic forces, amidst the pitfalls of a > out"? materialistic civilization, stands in dire need > Upon the consummation of this colossal, of a restatement of the Truth underlying > this unspeakably glorious enterprisean en- all the Revelations of the past in a language > terprise that baffled the resources of Roman suited to its essential requirements. And > what voice other than that of Bahi'u'llhh- Ours, dearly-beloved co-workers, is the > the Mouthpiece of God for this age-is ca- paramount duty to continue, with un- > pable of effecting a transformation of society dimmed vision and unabated zeal, to assist > as radical as that which He has already ac- in the final erection oi that Edifice the > complished in the hearts of those men and ioundations of which Bahh'u'llih has laid in > women, so diversified and seemingly irre- our hearts. Ours is the duty to derive added > concilable, who constitute the body of His hope and strength from the general trend of > declared followers throughout the world? recent events, however dark their immediate > That such a mighty conception is iast effects, and to pray with unremitting fer- > budding out in the minds of men, that vor that He may hasten the approach of > voices are being raised in its support, that its the realization of that Wondrous Vision > salient features must fast crystallize in the which constitutes the brightest emanation > consciousness of those who are in authority, of His Mind and the fairest fruit of the > few indeed can doubt. That its modest fairest civilization the world has yet seen. > beginnings have already taken shape in the Might not the hundredth anniversary' of > world-wide Administration with which the the Declaration of the Faith of Bahh'u'llih > adherents of the Faith of Bahi'u'llih stands mark the inauguration oi so vast an era in > associated only those whose hearts are human history? (November 28, 1931.) > - > tainted by prejudice can fail to perceive. ' 1963. > > NON-POLITICAL CHARAClTER OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH > > We stand too close to so colossal a Reve- this principle is no other than that which > lation to expect in this, the first century involves the non-participation by the adher- > of its era, to arrive at a just estimate of its ents of the Faith of Bahi'u'llih, whether in > towering grandeur, its infinite possibilities, their individual capacities or collectively as > its transcendent beauty. Small though our local or national Assemblies, in any form of > present numbers may be, however limited activity that might be interpreted, either > our capacities, or circumscribed our influ- directly or indirectly, as an interference in > ence, we, into whose hands so pure, so ten- the political affairs of any particular gov- > der, so precious, a heritage has been en- ernment. Whether it he in the publications > trusted, should at all times strive, with which they initiate and supervise; or in > unrelaxing vigilance, to abstain from any their official and public deliberations; or in > thoughts, words, or deeds, that might tend the posts they occupy and the services they > to dim its brilliance or injure its growth. . . . render; or in the communications they ad- > Dear friends: Clear and emphatic as are dress to their fellow-disciples; or in their > the instructions which our departed Master dealings with men of eminence and author- > has reiterated in countless Tablets be- ity; or in their affiliations with kindred so- > queathed by Him to his followers through- cieties and organizations, it is, I am firmly > out the world, a few, owing to the restricted convinced, their first and sacred obligation > influence of the Cause in the West, have to abstain from any word or deed that > been purposely withheld from the body of might be construed as a violation of this > His occidental disciples, who, despite their vital principle. Theirs is the duty to dem- > numerical inferiority, are now exercising onstrate, on one hand, their unqualified > such a preponderating influence in the direc- loyalty and obedience to whatever is the > tion and administration of its affairs. I feel considered judgment of their respective > it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, governments. > now that the time is ripe, the importance of Let them refrain from associating them- > an instruction which, at the present state of selves, whether by word or by deed, with > the evolution of our Faith, should he in- the political pursuits of their respective na- > creasingly emphasized, irrespective of its tions, with the policies of their governments > application to the East or to the West. And and the schemes and programs of parties > 230 THE BAHA 'f WORLD > > and factions. In such controversies they necessarily involve. T . e t them affirm their > should assign no blame, take no side, further unyielding determination to stand, firmly > no design, and identify themselves with 110 and unreservedly, for the way of BabP- > system prejudicial to the best interests of 'u'llih, to avoid the entanglements and > that world--wideFellowship which it is their bickering inseparable from the pursuits > aim to guard and foster. Let them beware of the politician, and to become worthy > lest they allow themselves to become the agencies of that Divine Polity which in- > tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to he carnates God's immutable Purpose for all > entrapped by the treacherous devices of the men. > plotters and the perfidious among their I t should be made unmistakably clear > countrymen. Let them so shape their lives that such an attitude implies neither the > and regulate their conduct that no charge slightest indifference to the cause and inter- > of secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of intimi- ests of their own country, nor involves any > dation may, however ill-founded, he brought insubordination on their part to the author- > against them. Let them rise above all par- ity of recognized and established govern- > ticularism and partisanship, above the vain ments. Nor does it constitute a repudiation > disputes, the petty calculations, the tran- of their sacred obligation to promote, in the > sient passions that agitate the face, and most effective manner, the best interests of > engage the attention, of a changing world. their government and people. I t indicates > I t is their duty to strive to distinguish, as the desire cherished by every true and loyal > clearly as they possibly can, and if needed follower of Bahi'u'llbh to serve, in an un- > with the aid of their elected representatives, selfish, unostentatious and patriotic fashion, > such posts and functions as are either diplo- the highest interests of the country t o > matic or political from those that are purely which he belongs, and in a way that would > administrative in character, and which un- entail no departure from the high standards > der no circumstances are affected by the of integrity and truthfulness associated with > changes and chances that political activities the teachings of His Faith, (March 21, > and party government, in every land, must 1932.) > > AMERICA AND THE MOST GREAT PEACE > > Dearly-beloved friends! I t is not for me, lum, have caused the administrative center > nor does it seem within the competence of of the Faith to gravitate, away from its > any one of the present generation, to trace cradle, to the shores of the American con- > the exact and full history of the rise and tinent and towards its very heart-the pres- > gradual consolidation of this invincible arm, ent mainspring and chief bulwark of its fast > this mighty organ, of a continually advanc- evolving institutions. On them will devolve > ing Cause. I t would be premature at this the task of recording the history, and of > early stage of its evolution, to attempt all estimating the significance, of so radical a > exhaustive analysis, or to arrive at a just revolution in the fortunes of a slowly ma- > estimate, of the impelling forces that have turing Faith. Theirs will be the opportunity > urged it forward to occupy so exalted a to extol the virtues and to immortalize the > place among the various instruments which memory of those men and women who have > the Hand of Omnipotence has fashioned, participated in its accomplishment. Theirs > and is now perfecting, for the execution of will be the privilege of evaluating the share > His divine Purpose. Future historians of which each of these champion-builders of > this mighty Revelation, endowed with pens the World Order of Bah6'u'Ilih has had in > abler than any which its present-day sup- ushering in that golden Millennium, the > porters can claim to possess, will no doubt promise of which lies enshrined in His > transmit to posterity a masterly exposition teachings. > of the origins of those forces which, Does not the history of primitive Chris- > through a remarkable swing of the pendu- tianity and of the rise of IslLrn, each in its > T H E W O R L D O R D E R OF BAHA'U'LLAH 23 1 > > own way, offer a striking parallel t o this bath evm been the dawning-place of the > strange phenomenon the beginnings o f Sun of Truth. I n the East all the Prophets > which we are now witnessing i n this, the of God have appeared. . .. T h e West hath > first century o f the Bah6'i Era? Has not the acquired illumination fronz the East but in > Divine Impulse which gave birth t o each o f some res@ectsthe reflection of the light hath > these great religious systems been driven, been greater i n the Occidznt. This is spe- > through the operation o f those forces which cially true of Christianity. Jesus Christ > the irresistible of the Faith itself appeared in Palestine and His teachings were > had released, t o seek away from the land of founded i n t h d country. Although t b > its birth and i n more propitious climes a doors of the Kingdom were first opened i n > ready field and a more adequate medium for that land and the bestowals of God were > the incarnation o f its spirit and the propa- spvead broadcast from its center, the people > gation of its cause? Have not the Asiatic of the West have embraced and promul- > churches of Jerusalem, of Antioch and of gated Christianity +nore fully than the peo- > Alexandria, consisting chiefly o f those Jew- ple of the East." > ish converts, whose character and tempera- Little wonder that from the same unerr- > ment inclined them t o sympathize with the ing pen there should have flowed, after > traditional ceremonies of the Mosaic Dis- 'Abdu'l-Bahi's memorable visit t o the W e s t , > pensation, been forced as they steadily de- these often-quoted words, the significance > clined t o recognize the growing ascendancy o f which it would be impossible for me t o > of their Greek and Roman brethren? Have overrate: "The continent of America," He > they not been compelled t o acknowledge the announced in a Tablet unveiling His Divine > superior valor and the trained esciency Plan t o the believers residing i n the North- > which have enabled these standard-bearers Eastern States of the American Republic, > of the Cause of Jesus Christ t o erect the "is i n the eyes of the one true God the land > symbols o f HIS world-wide dominion on the wherein the splendors of His light shall be > ruins of a collapsing Empire? Has not the revealed, where the righteous will abide and > animating spirit o f Islim been constrained, the free assemble." "Mdy this Amevican > under the pressure o f similar circumstances, democracy," He Himself, while i n America, > t o abandon the inhospitable wastes o f its was heard t o remark, "be the first nation t o > Arabian Home, the theatre o f its greatest establish the foundation of international > sufferings and exploits, t o yield i n a distant agreement. May it be the first nation t o > land the fairest fruit of its slowly maturing proclaim the urcily of mankind. May it be > civilization? the first to unfurl the standard of the 'Most > "From the beginning of time until the Great Peace.' ... The A~nericanpeople are > present day:' 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself affirms, indeed worthy of being the first t o build the > "the light of Divine Revelation hath risen tabernacle of the great peace and proclaim > i n the East and sh'ed its radiance upon the . . > the oneness of mankind. . May America > West. The illumination thus shed hath, become the distribulin~center of spiritual > however, acquired i n the West an extraor- enlightenment and all the world receive this > dinary brilliancy. Consider the Faith pro- heavenly blessing. For America has devel- > claimed b y Jesus. Though it first appeared oped powers and capacities gveater and more > i n the East, yet not until its light had been . > wonderful than any other nations. . . May > shed upon the West did the full measzlre of the inhabitants of this roz~ntrybecome like > its potentialities be manifest." "The day b angels of heaven with faces turned continu- > a>proaching," He, i n another passage, assures ally toward God. May all of them become > us, '"hen ye shall witness how, throz~ghthe servants of the omnipotent One. May they > splendor of the Faith of Bahd'u'llrih, the rise from their present material attainments > W e s t will have replaced the East, radiating t o such a height that heavenly illumination > the light of Divine Guidance." "In the books may stream from this center t o all t b > of the Prophets," He again asserts, "certain peoples o f the world. . . . This American > glad-tidings are recorded which are abso- nation is eqz~ipped and empowered t o ac- > lutely true and free from doubt. The East c m p l i s h that which will adorn the pages > 232 THE BAHA'I WORLD > of history, t o become the envy of the world serve them in person, or in the emphasis > and be blest i n both the East and the W e s t which He on a more solemn occasion placed > for the triumph of its people. . .. The on the implications of His spiritual station > American colztinent gives signs and evi- -was He not, thereby, deliberately be- > dences of very great advance?nent. Its queathing to them all the essentials of that > futz~reis eve72 more promisirrg, fop- its influ- spiritual heritage which He knew they > ence and illumi~zationare far-reaching. I t would ably safeguard and by their deeds > will lead all nations spiritzrally." continually enrich? And finally who can > Would it seem extravagant, in the light doubt that in the Divine Plan which, in the > of so sublime an utterance, to expect that evening of His life, He un~eilcdto their > in the midst of so enviable a region of the eyes He was investing them with that spir- > earth and out of the agony and wreckage of itual primacy on which they could rely in > an unprecedented 'crisis there should burst the fulfillment of their high destiny? > forth a spiritual renaissance which, as it "0 ye apostles of Bahd'z~'lldh!" He thus > propagates itself through the instrumental- addresses them in one of His Tablets, "May > ity of the American believers, will rehabili- m y life be sacrificed for you! ... Behold > tate the fortunes of a decadent age? I t was the portals which Bahd'zr'lldh bath opeized > 'Abdu'l-Bah6 Himself, His most intimate before you! Consider how exalted and lofty > associates testify, Who, on more than one is the station you are destined t o attain; > occasion, intimated that the establishment how unique the favors with which you have > of His Father's Faith in the North Ameri- beev endowed." " M y thoughts," He tells > can continent ranked as the most outstand- them in another passage, "are turned t o - > ing among the threefold aims which, as He wards you, and nzy heart leaps within me at > conceived it, constituted the principal ob- yoza mention. Coa~ld ye know how m y > jective of His ministry. It was He who, in soul glows w i t h your love, so great a happi- > the heyday of His life and almost immedi- ness would flood yosr hearts as t o cause yon > ately after His Father's ascension, conceived t o become enamoured w i t h each other." > the idea of inaugurating His mission by "The full measure of your success," He de- > enlisting the inhabitants of so promising a clares in another Tablet, "is as yet zrnre- > country under the banner of Bah6'u'llhh. vealed, its significa+zce still unapprehemied. > He it was Who in His unerring wisdom and Ere lolzg ye will, zuiEh your o w n eyes, wit- > out of the abundance of His heart chose to ness how brilliantly every one of yon, even > bestow on His favored disciples, to the very as a shining star, will radiate i n the firnza- > last day of His life, the tokens of His un- ment of your coulztry the light of Divine > failing solicitude and to overwhelm them Gzlidance and will bestow u@n its people > with the marks of His special favor. I t was the glory of an everlasti~zg life." "The > He Who, in His declining years, as soon as range of your future achievements," He > delivered from the shackles of a long and once more affirms, "still remains undisclosed. > cruel incarceration, decided to visit the land I f e r v e ~ t l yhope that i n the near fzrture the > which had remained for so many years the zuhole earth ?nay be stirred and shaken b y > object of His infinite care and love. I t was the vesults o f yonv achieuenzents."' "The > He Who, through the power of His pres- Almighty:' He assures them, "will 920 doubt > ence and the charm of His utterance, in- glsllrf you the help of His grace, will invest > fused into the entire body of His followers yorc w i t h the fokens of His mi@, and will > those sentiments and principles which could endue your sozrls with the szlrtaining power > alone sustain them amidst the trials which of His holy Spirit." "Be not concerned," > the very prosecution of their task would He admonishes them, "with the small~zessof > inevitably engender. Was He not, through your numbers, neither be oppressed b y the > the several functions which He exercised multitude o f an unbelieving world. . . . > whilst He dwelt amongst them, whether in E.%ert yourselves; yowr nfi?ssion is ?&speak- > the laying of the corner-stone of their ably glorious. Should success crown your > House of Worship, or in the Feast which enterprise, America will assuredly evolve > He offered them and at which He chose to into a center from which waves of spiritzral > powev will emanate, and the throne of the its majesty and glory, be firmly established." > Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of (April 21, 1933.) > > THE BAHA'f ADMI?\TISTRATIVE ORDER > > Dearly-beloved brethren in 'Abdu'l-Bahi! 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Who incarnates an institu- > With the ascension of Bahh'u'llih the Day- tion for which we can find no parallel > Star of Divine guidance which, as foretold whatsoever in any of the world's recognized > by S_haykJ Ahmad and Siyyid Kizim, had religious systems, may be said to have closed > risen in S i r i z , and, while pursuing its the Age to which He Himself belonged and > westward course, had mounted its zenith in opened the one in which we are now labor- > Adrianople, had finally sunk below the ing. His Will and Testament should thus > horizon of 'Aklii, never to rise again ere the be regarded as the perpetual, the indissoluble > complete revolution of one thousand years. link which the mind of Him Who is the > The setting of so effulgent an Orb brought Mystery of God has conceived in order to > to a definite termination the period of Di- insure the continuity of the three ages that > vine Revelation-the initial and most vital- constitute the component parts of the > izing stage in the Baha'i era. Inaugurated Baha'i Dispensation. The period in which > by the Bib, culminating in Bahi'u'llih, the seed of the Faith had been slowly ger- > anticipated and extolled by the entire com- minating is thus intertwined both with the > pany of the Prophets of this great prophetic one which must witness its efflorescence and > cycle, this period has, except for the short the subsequent age in which that seed will > interval between the Bib's martyrdom and have finally yielded its golden fruit. > Bahi'u'll6h's shaking experiences in the The creative energies released by the Law > Siyih-chi1 of Tihrin, been characterized of Bahi'u'llih, permeating and evolving > by almost fifty years of continuous and within the mind of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, have, by > progressive Revelatio~l-a period which by their very impact and close interaction, > its duration and fecundity must be regarded given birth to an Instrument which may be > as unparalleled in the entire field of the viewed as the Charter of the New World > world's spiritual history. Order which is at once the glory and the > The passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, on the other promise of this most great Dispensation. > hand, marlts the closing of the Heroic and The Will may thus be acclaimed as the > Apostolic Age of this same Dispensation- inevitable offspring resulting from that > that primitive period of our Faith the splen- mystic intercourse between Him Who com- > dors of which can never be rivalled, much municated the generating influence of His > less be eclipsed, by the magnificence that divine Purpose and the One Who was its > must needs distinguish the future victories vehicle and chosen recipient. Being the > of Baha'u'llih's Revelation. For neither the Child of the Covenant-the Heir of both > achievements of the champion-builders of the Originator and the Interpreter of the > the present-day institutions of the Faith of Law of God-the Will and Testament of > Baha'u'llih, nor the tu~nultuous triumphs 'Abdu'l-Bahi can no more be divorced from > which the heroes of its Golden Age will in Him W l o supplicd thc original and rnoti- > the coming days succeed in winning, can vating impulse than from the One Who > measure with, or be included within the ultimately conceived it. Bahb'u'llih's in- > same category as, the wondrous works asso- scrutable purpose, we must ever bear in > ciated with the names of those who have mind, has been so thoroughly infused into > generated its very life and laid its pristine the conduct of 'Abdn'l-Bahi, and their > foundations. That first and creative age of motives have been so closely wedded to- > the Bahi'i era must, by its very nature, gether, that the mere attempt t o dissociate > stand above and apart from the formative the teachings of the former from any sys- > period into which we have entered and the tem which the ideal Exemplar of those same > golden age destined to succeed it. teachings has established would m o u n t to > 234 THE BAHA'I WORLD > a repudiation of one of the most sacred and cils that have claimed the right and assumed > basic truths of the Faith. the function of interpreting the provisions > The Administrative Order, which ever of their sacred scriptures and of administer- > since 'Abdu'l-Bahi's ascension has evolved ing the affairs of their respective communi- > and is taking shape under our very eyes in ties? Could Peter, the admitted chief of the > no fewer than forty countries of the world, Apostles, or the Imim 'Ali, the cousin and > may be considered as the framework of the legitimate successor of the Prophet, produce > Will itself, the inviolable stronghold where- in support of the primacy with which both > in this new-born child is being nurtured and had heen invested written and explicit affir- > develops. This Administrative Order, as it mations from Christ and Muhammad that > expands and consolidates itself, will no could have silenced those who either among > doubt manifest the potentialities and reveal their contemporaries or in a later age have > the full implications of this momentous repudiated their authority and, by their ac- > Document-this most remarkable expression tion, precipitated the schisms that persist > of the Will of One of the most remarkable until the present day? Where, we may con- > Figures of the Dispensation of Bahl'u'llih. fidently ask, in the recorded sayings of Jesus > I t will, as its component parts, its organic Christ, whether in the matter of succession > institutions, begin to function with effi- or in the provision of a set of specific laws > ciency and vigor, assert its claim and dem- and clearly defined administrative ordi- > onstrate its capacity to he regarded not only nances, as distinguished from purely spir- > as the nucleus but the very pattern of the itual ~ r i n c i ~ l e s can > , we find anything > New World Order destined to embrace in approaching the detailed injunctions, laws > the fulness of time the whole of mankind. and warnings that abound in the authenti- > I t should be noted in this connection that cated utterances of both Bahi'n'lllh and > this Administrative Order is fundamentally 'Abdu'l-Bahi? Can any passage of the > different from anything that any Prophet Qur'ln, which in respect to its legal code, > has previously established, inasmuch as Ba- its administrative and divotional ordinances > hl'u'lllh has Himself revealed its principles, marks already a notable advance over pre- > established its institutions, appointed the vious and more corrupted Revelations, be > person to interpret His Word and conferred construed as placing upon an unassailable > the necessary authority on the body de- basis the undoubted authority with which > signed to supplement and apply His legisla- Muhammad had, verbally and on several > tive ordinances. Therein lies the secret of occasions, invested His successor? Can the > its strength, its fundamental distinction, Author of the B6bi Dispensation, however > and the guarantee against disintegration and much He may have succeeded through the > schism. Nowhere in the sacred scriptures provisions of the Bayln in averting a > of any of the world's religious systems, nor schism as permanent and catastrophic as > even in the writings of the Inaugurator of those that afflicted Christianity and Islbm- > the Bahl'i Dispensation, do we find any can He be said to have produced instru- > provisions establishing a covenant or pro- ments for the safeguarding of His faith as > viding for an administrative order that can definite and efficacious as those which must > compare in scope and authority with those for all time preserve the unity of the organ- > that lie aL the very basis of the Baha'i Dis- ized followers of the Faith of Bah6'u'llih? > pensation. Has either Christianity or Isllm, Alone of all the Revelations gone before > to take as an instance two of the most it this Faith has, through the explicit direc- > widely diffused and outstanding among the tions, the repeated warnings, the authenti- > world's recognized religions, anything t o cated safeguards incorporated and elaborated > oger that: can measure with, or be regarded in its teachings, succeeded in raising a struc- > as equivalent to, either the Book of Bahi- ture which the bewildered followers of > 'u'llih's Covenant or to the Will and Testa- bankrupt and broken creeds might well ap- > ment of 'Abdu'l-Bahi? Does the text of proach and critically examine, and seek, ere > either the Gospel or the Qur'Qn confer snffi- it is too late, the invulnerable security of its > cient authority upon those leaders and coun- world-embracing shelter. > THE WORLD 0RL)E > > No wonder that He Who through the of the Hands of the Cause of God which > operation of His Will has inaugurated so first Bahi'u'llih and then 'Abdu'l-Bahi > vast and unique an Order and Who is the brought into being; in the institution of > Center of so mighty a Covenant should both local and national Assemblies which in > have written these words: "So firm and their embryonic stage were already func- > mighty is this Covenant that fronz the be- tioning in the days preceding 'Abdu'l- > ginning of tinze until the present day no Bahi's ascension; in the authority with > religions Dispmsatioiz bath produced its which the Author of our Faith and the > like." "Whatsoever is latent i n the inner- Center of His Covenant have in their Tab- > most of this holy cycle," He wrote during lets chosen to confer upon them; in the > the darkest and most dangerous days of His institution of the Local Fund which oper- > ministry, "shall gradually appear and be ated according to 'Abdu'l-Bahi's specific > made manifest, for now is but the begin- injunctions addressed to certain Assemblies > ning of its growth and the day-spring of in frin; in the verses of the Icitih-i-Aqdas > the revelation of its signs." "Fear not," the implications of which clearly anticipate > are His reassuring words foreshadowing the the institution of the Guardianship; in the > rise of the Administrative Order established explanation which 'Ahdu'l-Bah6, in one of > by His Will, "fear not if this Braqzch be His Tablets, has given to, and the emphasis > severed from this material world and cast He has placed upon, the hereditary prin- > aside its leaves; nay, the leaves thereof shall ciple and the law of primogeniture as hav- > flourish, for this Branch will grow after it ing been upheld by the Prophets of the past > is cut o f f from this world below, i t shall -in these we can discern the faint glim- > reach the loftiest pinnacles of glory, and it merings and discover the earliest intimation > shall bear such fruits as will perfnnze the of the nature and working of the Adminis- > world with their fragrance." trative Order which the Will of 'Abdu'l- > To what else if not to the power and maj- Bahi was at a later time destined to > esty which this Administrative Order-the proclaim and fornlally establish. > rudiments of the future all-enfolding Bahb'i > Commonwealth-is destined to manifest, An attempt, I feel, should at the present > can these utterances of Bahi'u'llih allude: juncture be made to explain the character > "The world's equilibrium bath been upset and functions of the twin pillars that sup- > through the vibrating infnence of this nzost port this mighty Administrative Structure > great, this new World Order. Mankind's -the institutions of the Guardianship and > ordered life bath been revolntio~zized of the Universal House of Justice. To de- > through the agency of this unique, this scribe in their entirety the diverse elements > wondrous Systenz--the liRe of which nzortal that function in conjunction with these > eyes have never witnessed." institutions is beyond the scope and purpose > The Bib Himself, in the course of His of this general exposition of the fnnda- > references to "Him Whom God will malte mental verities of the Faith. To define > manifest" anticipates the System and glori- with accuracy and minuteness the features, > fies the World Order which the Revelation and to analyze exhaustively the nature of > of Bahi'u'llih is destined to unfold. "Well the relationships which, on the one hand, > is it with him," is His remarkable statement bind together these two fundamental organs > in the third chapter of the Bayin, "who of the Will of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 and connect, > fixeth his gaze upon the Ordw of Bahd- on the other, each of them to the Author > 'n'lldh ihnd rendereth thanks wnto his Lord! of the Faith and the Center of His Cove- > For I f e will assuredly be made manifest. nant is a task which future generations will > God bath indeed irrevocably ordained i t in no doubt adequately fulfil. My present in- > the Baydn." tention is to elaborate certain salient fea- > In the Tablets of Bahl'n'llih where the tures of this scheme which, however close > institutions of the International and local we may stand to its colossal structure, are > Houses of Justice are specifically designated already so clearly defined that we find it > and formally established; in the institution inexcusable to either misconceive or ignore. > 236 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > Tt should he stated, a t the very outset, its elected representxtiver would he totally > in clear and unambiguous language, that withdrawn. > these twin institutions of the Administra- Severed from the no less essential institu- > tive Order of Bahi'u'llih should be regarded tion of the Universal House of Justice this > as divine in origin, essential in their func- same System of the Will of 'Abdu'l-Bahi > tions and complementary in their aim and would be paralyzed in its action and would > purpose. Their common, their funda- be powerless to fill in those gaps which the > mental object is to insure the continuity Author of the Kitib-i-Aqdas has deliber- > of that divinely-appointed authority which ately left in the body of His legislative > flows from the Source of our Faith, to safe- and administrative ordinances. > guard the unity of its followers and to "He is the Interpreter of the Word of > maintain the integrity and flexibility of its God," 'Abdu'l-Bahi, referring to the func- > teachings. Acting in conjunction with tions of the Guardian of the Faith, asserts, > each other these two inseparable institutions using in His Will the very term which He > administer its affairs, coordinate its activi- Himself had chosen when refuting the > ties, promote its interests, execute its laws argument of the Covenant-breakers who > and defend its subsidiary institutions. had challenged His right to interpret the > Severally,, each operates within a clearly utterances of Bahi'u'llih. "After him," > defined sphere of jurisdiction; each is He adds, "will succeed the first-born of his > equipped with its own attendant in- lineal descendants." "The mighty strong- > stitutionsinstruments designed for the hold," He further explains, "shrzll remain > effective discharge of its particular responsi- inzpregnable and safe through obedience to > bilities and duties. Each exercises, within him who k the Guardian of the Cause of > the limitations imposed upon it, its powers, God." "It is incumbent upon the nzembers > its authority, its rights and prerogatives. of the House of Justice, upon all the > These are neither contradictory, nor detract A&_hsn'n, the Afndn, the Hands of the Caa~se > in the slightest degree from the position of God, to show their obedience, submis- > which each o f these institutions occupies. siveness afzd subordination anto the Gaard- > Far from being incompatible or mutually ian of the Cause of God." > destructive, they supplement each other's "It is incumbent upon the members of > authority and functions, and are perma- the House of Justice," Bahi'u'llih, on the > nently and fundamentally united in their other hand, declares in the Eighth Leaf of > aims. the Exalted Paradise, "to take coansel to- > Divorced from the institution of the gether regarding those things which have > Guardianship the World Order of Bahi'- not outwardly been revealed in the Book, > u'116h would be mutilated and permanently and to enforce that which is agreeable to > deprived of that hereditary principle which, them. God will verily inspire them with > as 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has written, has been in- whatsoever He willeth, and He verily is > variably upheld by the Law of God. "In the Provider, the Onmiscient." "Unto the > all the Divine Dispensations," He states, Most Holy Book" (the Kitib-i-Aqdas), > in a Tablet addressed to a follower of the 'Abdu'l-Bahi states in His Will, "every one > Faith in frin, "the eldest son bath been must turn, and all that is not expressly re- > given extraordinary distinctions. Even the corded therein must be referred to the > station of prophethood bath been hh birth- Universal House of Justice. That which > right."' Without such an institution the this body, whether unaninlously or by a > integrity of the Faith would be imperilled, majority doth carry, that is verily the truth > and the stability of the entire fabric would and the purpose of God Himself. Whoso > be gravely endangered. Its prestige would doth deuiate therefrom is verily of them > suffer, the means required t o enable it to that love discord, bath shown forth malice, > take a long, an uninterrupted view over a and turned away from the Lord of the > series o f generations would be completely Covenant." > lacking, and the necessary guidance to de- Not only does 'Abdu'l-Bah6 confirm in > fine the sphere of the legislative action of His Will Bahi'u'llih's above-quoted state- > THE W O R L D O R D E R OF BAHA'U'LLbH 237 > > ment, but invests this body with the revealed utterances. He interprets what > additional right and power to abrogate, has been specifically revealed, and cannot > according to the exigencies of time, its own legislate except in his capacity as member > enactments, as well as those of a preceding of the Universal House of Justice. He is > House of Justice. "I~zasmuchas the House debarred from laying down independently > of Justice," is His explicit statement in His the constitution that most govern the or- > Will, "bath power to enact laws that are ganized activities of his fellow-members, > not exkessly recorded in the Bwk and bear and from exercising his influence in a man- > upon daily transactions, so also it hath ner that would encroach upon the liberty > power to repeal the same . . . This it can of those whose sacred right is t o elect the > do because these laws form no pavt of the body of his collaborators. > divine explicit text." It should be borne in mind that the in- > Referring to both the Guardian and the stitution of the Guardianship has been > Universal House of Justice we read these anticipated by 'Abdu'l-Bahh in an allusion > emphatic words: "The sacred and yonthful He made in a Tablet addressed, long before > Branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, His own ascension, to three of His friends > as well as the Universal House of Justice in frin. T o their question as to whether > to be universally elected and established, there would be any person to whom all the > are both under the care and protection of Bahi'is would be called upon to turn after > the Ahha' Beauty, under the shelter and zm- His ascension He made the following reply: > m i n g guidalzce of the Exalted One (the "As to the question ye have asked me, know > Bib) (may m y life be offered up for them verily that this is a well-gwded secret. It > both). Whatsoever they decide is of God." is even as a gem concealed within its shell. > From these statements it is made in- That it will be revealed is predestined. The > dubitably clear and evident that the Guard- time will come when its light will appear, > ian of the Faith has been made the when its evidences will be made manifest, > Interpreter of the Word and that the and its secrets unravelled." > Universal House of Justice has been in- Dearly-beloved friends! Exalted as is the > vested with the function of legislating on position and vital as is the function of the > matters not expressly revealed in the teach- institution of the Guardianship in the > ings. The interpretation of the Guardian, Administrative Order of Bahh'n'llih, and > functioning within his own sphere, is as staggering as must be the weight of re- > authoritative and binding as the enactments sponsibility which it carries, its importance > of the International House of Justice, whose must, whatever be the language of the Will, > exclusive right and prerogative is to pro- be in no wise over-emphasized. The > nounce upon and deliver the final judgment Guardian of the Faith must not under any > on such laws and ordinances as Bahi'u'llih circumstances, and whatever his merits or > has not expressly revealed. Neither can, his achievements, be exalted to the rank > nor will ever, infringe upon the sacred and that will make him a co-sharer with > prescribed domain of the other. Neither 'Abdu'l-Bahi in the unique position which > will seek to curtail the specific and un- the Center of the Covenant occupies-- > doubted authority with which both have much less to the station exclusively or- > been divinely invested. dained for the Manifestation of God. So > Though the Guardian of the Faith has grave a departure from the established > been made the permanent head of so august tenets of our Faith is nothing short of open > a body he can never, even temporarily, blasphemy. As I have already stated, in > assume the right of exclusive legislation. the course of my references to 'Abdu'l- > He cannot override the decision of the Bah6's station, however great the gulf that > majority of his fellow-members, but is separates Him from the Auihor of a Divine > bound to insist upon a reconsideration by Revelation it can never measure with the > them of any enactment he conscientiously distance that stands between Him W h o is > believes to conflict with the meaning and the Center of Bahi'u'llih's Covenant and > to depart from the spirit of Bahb'u'llih's the Guardians who are its chosen ministers. > 238 THE B A H A. ' f WORLD > > There is a far, far grater distance sepa- ity with which He Himself has been > rating the Guardian from the Center of the invested. > Covenant than there is between the Center > of the Covenant and its Author. A word should now be said regarding the > No Guardian of the Faith, I feel in my theory on which this Administrative Order > solemn duty to place on record, can ever is based and the principle that must govern > claim to be the perfect exemplar of the the operation of its chief institutions. I t > teachings of Bahi'u'llih or the stainless would be utterly misleading to attempt a > mirror that reflects His light. Though comparison between this unique, this > overshadowed by the unfailing, the uner- divinely-conceived Order and any of the > ring protection of Bahi'u'llhh and of the diverse systems which the minds of men, at > Bib, and however much he may share with various periods of their history, have con- > 'Abdu'l-Bahh the right and obligation to trived for the government of human > interpret the Bahi'i teachings, he remains institutions. Such an attempt would in > essentially human and cannot, if he wishes itself betray a lack of complete appreciation > to remain faithful to his trust, arrogate to of the excellence of the handiwork of its > himself, under any pretence whatsoever, great Author. How could it be otherwise > the rights, the privileges and prerogatives when we remember that this Order con- > which Bahi'u'llih has chosen to confer stitutes the very pattern of that divine > upon His Son. In the light of this truth civilization which the almighty Law of > to pray to the Guardian of the Faith, to Bahi'u'llih is designed t o establish upon > address him as lord and master, to designate earth? The divers and ever-shifting sys- > him as his holiness, t o seek his benediction, tems of human polity, whether past or > to celebrate his birthday, or to commemo- present, whether originating in the East or > rate any event associated with his life would in the West, offer no adequate criterion > be tantamount to a departure from those wherewith t o estimate the potency of its > established truths that are enshrined within hidden virtues or to appraise the solidity > our beloved Faith. The fact that the of its foundations. > Guardian has been specifically endowed with The Bahl'i Commonwealth of the future, > such power as he may need to reveal the of which this vast Administrative Order is > purport and disclose the implications of the the sole framework, is, both in theory and > utterances of Bah6'n'Ilih and of 'Abdu'l- practice, not only unique in the entire his- > Bahh does not necessarily confer upon him a tory of political institutions, but can find > station co-equal with those Whose words no parallel in the annals of any of the > he is called upon to interpret. He can world's recognized religious systems. No > exercise that right and discharge this obli- form of democratic government; no system > gation and yet remain infinitely inferior to of autocracy or of dictatorship, whether > both of them in rank and different in monarchical or republican; no intermediary > nature. scheme of a purely aristocratic order; nor > To the integrity of this cardinal prin- even any of the recognized types of > ciple of our Faith the words, the deeds of its theocracy, whether it be the Hebrew Com- > present and future Guardians must abun- monwealth, or the various Christian eccle- > dantly testify. By their conduct and siastical organizations, or the ImImate or > example they must needs establish its truth the Caliphate in Islhm-none of these can > upon an unassailable foundation and trans- be identified or be said to conform with the > mit to future generations unimpeachable Administrative Order which the master- > evidences of its reality. hand of its perfect Architect has fashioned. > For my own part to hesitate in recog- This new-born Administrative Order in- > nizing so vital a truth or to vacillate in corporates within its structure certain > proclaiming so firm a conviction must con- elements which are to be found in each of > stitute a shameless betrayal of the confi- the three recognized forms of secular gov- > dence reposed in me by 'Abdu'l-Bahh and ernment, without being in any sense a mere > an unpardonable usurpation of the author- replica of any one of them, and without > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 239 > > introducing within its machinery any of the unmitigated autocracy or as an idle imita- > objectionable features which they inherently tion of any form of absolutistic ecclesiasti- > possess. I t blends and harmonizes, as no cal government, whether it be the Papacy, > government fashioned by mortal hands has the Imimate or any other similar institu- > as yet accomplished, the salutary truths tion, for the obvious reason that upon the > which each of these systems undoubtedly international elected representatives of the > contains without vitiating the integrity of followers of BahPu'11611 has been conferred > those God-given verities on which it is the exclusive right of legislating on matters > ultimately founded. not expressly revealed in the BahPi writ- > The Administrative Order of the Faith of ings. Neither the Guardian of the Fairh > Bahi'u'llih must in no wise be regarded nor any institution apart from the Inter- > as purely democratic in character inasmuch national House of Justice can ever usurp > as the basic assumption which requires all this vital and essential power or encroach > democracies to depend fundamentally upon upon that sacred right. The abolition of > getting their mandate from the people is professional ~riesthoodwith its accompany- > altogether lacking in this Dispensation. In ing sacraments of baptism, of communion > the conduct of the administrative affairs of and of confession of sins, the laws requiring > the Faith, in the enactment of the legisla- the election by universal suffrage of all > tion necessary to supplement the laws of local, national, and international Houses > the Kitib-i-Aqdas, the members of the of Justice, the total absence of episcopal > Universal House of Justice, it should be authority with its attendant privileges, > borne in mind, are not, as BahPu'llih's corruptions and bureaucratic tendencies, are > utterances clearly imply, responsible to further evidences of the non-autocratic > those whom they represent, nor are they character of the Bahi'i Administrative > allowed to he governed by the feelings, the Order and of its inclination to democratic > general opinion, and even the convictions methods in the administration of its affairs. > of the mass of the faithful, or of those Nor is this Order identified with the > who directly elect them. They are to name of Bahi'u'llih to be confused with > follow, in a prayerful attitude, the dictates any system of purely aristocratic govern- > and promptings of their conscience. They ment in view of the fact that it upholds, > may, indeed they must, acquaint themselves on the one hand, the hereditary principle > with the conditions prevailing among the and entrusts the Guardian of the Faith with > community, must weigh dispassionately in the obligation of interpreting its teachings, > their minds the merits of any case presented and provides, on the other, for the free and > for their consideration, but must reserve for direct election from among the mass of the > themselves the right of an unfettered de- faithful of the body that constitutes its > cision. "God will verily inspire them with highest legislative organ. > zvhatsoever He willeth," is Bahi'u'llih's Whereas this Administrative Order can- > incontrovertible assurance. They, and not not be said to have been modelled after any > the body of those who either directly or of these recognized systems of government, > indirectly elect them, have thus been made it nevertheless embodies, reconciles and > the recipients of the divine guidance which assimilates within its framework such > is at once the life-blood and ultimate safe- wholesome elements as are to be found in > guard of this Revelation. Moreover, he each one of them. The hereditary authority > who symbolizes the hereditary principle in which the Guardian is called upon to exer- > this Dispensation has been made the in- cise, the vital and essential functions which > terpreter of the words of its Author, and the Universal House of Justice discharges, > ceases consequently, by virtue of the actual the specific provisions requiring its demo- > authority vested in him, to be the figure- cratic election by the representatives of > head invariably associated with the prevail- the f a i t h f u k h e s e combine t o demonstrate > ing systems of constitutional monarchies. the truth that this divinely revealed Order, > Nor can the Bahb'i Administrative Order which can never he identified with any of > be dismissed as a hard and rigid system of the standard types of government referred > 240 THE B A H A 'i WORLD > > to by Aristotle in his works, embodies and the Faith of Bahi'u'llih with the cries and > blends with the spiritual verities on which agony, the follies and vanities, the bitter- > it is based the beneficent elements which ness and prejudices, the wickedness and > are to be found in each one of them. The divisions of an ailing and chaatic world. > admitted evils inherent in each of these Witness the fear that torments its leaders > systems being rigidly and permanently ex- and paralyzes the action of its blind and > cluded, this unique Order, however long bewildered statesmen. How fierce the > it may endure and however extensive its hatreds, how false the ambitions, how petty > ramifications, cannot ever degenerate into the pursuits, how deep-rooted the suspicions > any form of despotism, of oligarchy, or of of its peoples! How disquieting rhe law- > demagogy which must sooner or later cor- lessness, the corruption, the unbelief that > rupt the machinery of all man-made and are eating into the vitals of a tottering > essentially defective political institutions. civilization! > Might not this process of steady deterio- > Dearly-beloved friends! Significant as ration which is insidiously invading so many > are the origins of this mighty administra- departments of human activity and thought > tive structure, and however unique its be regarded as a necessary accompaniment > features, the happenings that may be said to the rise of this almighty Arm of Bahl- > to have heralded its birth and signalized 'u'llih? Might we not look upon the > the initial stage of its evolution seem no momentous happenings which, in the course > less remarkable. How striking, how edify- of the past twenty years, have so deeply > ing the contrast between the process of agitated every continent of the earth, as > slow and steady consolidation that charac- ominous signs simultaneously proclaiming > terizes the growth of its infant strength the agonies of a disintegrating civilization > and the devastating onrush of the forces of and the hirthpangs of that World Order- > disintegration that are assailing the outworn that Ark of human salvation-that must > institutions, both religious and secular, of needs arise upon its ruins? > preseilt-day society! The catastrophic fall of mighty mon- > The vitality which the organic institu- archies and empires in the European con- > tions of this great, this ever-expanding tinent, allusions to some of which may be > Order so strongly exhibit; the obstacles found in the prophecies of Bahb'n'lllh; the > which the high courage, the undaunted decline that has set in, and its still continu- > resolution of its administrators have already ing, in the fortunes of the &iCih hierarchy > surmounted; the fire of an unquenchable in His own native land; the fall of the > enthusiasm that glows with undiminished Q l j i r dynasty, the traditional enemy of > fervor in the hearts of its itinerant teachers; His Faith; the overthrow of the Sultlnate > the heights of self-sacrifice which its, and the Caliphate, the sustaining pillars of > champion-builders are now attaining; the Snnni Islim, to which the destruction of > breadth of vision, the confident hope, the Jerusalem in the latter part of the first cen- > creative joy, the inward peace, the uncom- tury of the Christian era offers a striking > promising integrity, the exemplary disci- parallel; the wave of secularization which > pline, the unyielding unity and solidarity is invading the Muhammadan ecclesiastical > which its stalwart defenders manifest: the institutions in Egypt and sapping the > degree to which its moving Spirit has shown loyalty of its staunchest supporters; the > itself capable of assimilating the diversified humiliating blows that have afflicted some > elements within its pale, of cleansing them of the most powerful Churches of Christen- > of all forms of prejudice and of fusing dom in Russia, in Western Europe and > them with its own structure-these are Central America; the dissemination of those > evidences of a power which a disiIlusioned subversive doctrines that are undermining > and sadly shaken society can ill afford to the foundations and overthrowing the > ignore. structure of seemingly impregnable strong- > Compare these splendid manifestations of holds in the political and social spheres of > the spirit animating this vibrant body of human activity; the signs of an impending > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 241 > > catastrophe, strangely reminiscent of the thousai~dmartyrs who have o%ered up their > Fall of the Roman Empire in the West, lives that it may be born and flourish. The > which threatens to engulf the whole struc- axis round which its institutions revolve > ture of present-day civilizationall witness are the authentic provisions of the Will and > to the tumult which the birth of this Testament of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6. Its guiding > mighty Organ of the Religion of Bahl- principles are the truths which He Who > 'u'llih has cast into the world-a tumult is the unerring Interpreter of the teachings > which will grow in scope and in intensity of our Faith has so clearly enunciated in > as the implications of this constantly evolv- His public addresses throughout the West. > ing Scheme are more fully understood and The laws that govern its operation and > its ramifications more widely extended over limit its functions are those which have > the surfnce of the globe. been expressly ordained in the Kitih-i- > A word more in conclusion. The rise Aqdas. The seat round which its spiritual, > and establishment of this Administrative its humanitarian and administrative activi- > Order-the shell that shields and enshrines ties will cluster are the Mahriqu'l-A&kL > so precious a gem---constitutes the hall- and its Dependencies. The pillars that sus- > mark of this second and formative age of tain its authority and buttress its structure > the Bahi'i era. I t will come to be regarded, are the twin institutions of the Guardian- > as it recedes farther and farther from our ship and of the Universal House of Justice. > eyes, as the chief agency empowered t o The central, the underlying aim which > usher in the concluding phase, the consum- animates it is the establishment of the New > mation of this glorious Dispensation. World Order as adumbrated by Bahi- > Let no one, while this System is still in 'u'llih. The methods it employs, the stand- > its infancy, misconceive its character, he- ard it inculcates, incline it t o neither East > little its significance or misrepresent its nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither > purpose. The bedrock on which this rich nor poor, neither white nor colored. > Administrative Order is founded is God's Its watchword is the unification of the > immutable Purpose for mankind in this day. human race; its standard the "Most Great > The Source from which it derives its in- Peace"; its consummation the advent of > spiration is no one less than Bahi'u'llih that golden millennium-the Day when the > Himself. Its shield and defender are the lringdoms of this world shall have become > embattled hosts of the Abhi Kingdom. the Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom > Its seed is the blood of no less than twenty of Bahi'u'llih. (February 8 , 1934.) > > THE UNFOLDMEN'T OF WORLD CIVILIZATION > > A S your co-sharer in the building up of in a mysterious manner, are heralding the > the New World Order which the mind of birth of that World Order, the estahlish- > Bahi'u'llih has visioned, and whose features ment of which must signalize the Golden > the pen of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, its perfect Archi- Age of the Cause of God, are growing and > tect, has delineated, I pause to contemplate multipljing day by day. No fair-minded > with you the scene which the revolution observer can any longer fail to discern > of well-nigh fifteen years after His passing them. He cannot be misled by the painful > unfolds before us. slowness characterizing the unfoldment of > The contrast between the accumulating the civilization which the followers of > evidences of steady consolidation that ac- Bah6'u'llih are laboring to establish. Nor > company the rise of the Administrative can he be deluded by the ephemeral mani- > Order of the Faith of God, and the forces festations of returning prosperity which at > of disintegration which hatter at the fabric times appear to be capable of checking the > of a travailing society, is as clear as it is disruptive influence of the chronic ills > arresting. Both within and outside the afflicting the institutions of a decaying age. > Bahi'i world the signs and tokens which, The signs of the times are too numerous > 242 T H E BAHb'f W O R L D > > and compelling to allow him t o mistake lective efforts o f mankind may yet devise > their character or t o belittle their signifi- can ever hope t o achieve anything above > cance. He can, i f he be fair i n his judg- or beyond that "Lesser Peace" t o which the > ment, recognize i n the chain o f events Author o f our Faith has Himself alluded i n > which proclaim on the one hand the irre- His writings. " N o w that ye have refused > sistible march of the institutions directly the Most Great Peace," He, admonishing > associated with the Revelation of Bahl- the kings and rulers o f the earth, has > 'u'llih and foreshadow on the other the written, "hold ye fast unto this the Lesser > downfall of those powers and principalities Peace, that haply ye ?nay i n some degree > hat have either ignored or opposed it- better yuuv own condition and that of your > he can recognize i n them all evidences of dependents." Expatiating on this Lesser > the operation o f God's all-pervasive Will, Peace, He thus addresses i n that same Tah- > the shaping o f His perfectly ordered and let the rulers of the earth: "Be reconciled > world-embracing Plan. among yourselves, that ye may seed no > "Soon," Bahi'u'llih's own words pro- more ar7naments save i n a measwre t o safe- > claim it, "will the $resent day Order be guard your territories and dominions ... > rolled up, and a sew one spread out i n its Be united, 0 kings of the earth, for thereby > stead. Verily, t h y Lord speaketh the truth wzll the tempest of discord be stilled > and is the Knower of things unseen." "By amongst you, and your peo$les fi~zd rest, if > Myself," He solemnly asserts, "the day is ye be of them that conzpehe7zd. Shoz~ld > approaching when W e will have rolled up any one among you take up arms against > the world and all that is therein, and spread another, rise ye all against him, for this is > out a new Order i n its stead. He, verily, naught but manifest justice." > is powerfi~lover all things." "The world's The Most Great Peace, on the other hand, > equilibrizcm," He explains, "bath been z~pset as conceived b y BahB'u'llih-a peace that > through the vibrating influence of this must inevitably follow as the practical con- > Most Great, this new World Order. Man- sequence of the spiritualization of the world > Rind's ordered life bath been revolutionized and the fusion o f all its races, creeds, classes > through the agency of this unique, this and nations-can rest on no other basis, and > wondrous System, the like of which mortal can be preserved through no other agency, > eyes have never witnessed." "The signs of except the divinely appointed ordinances > impending convzrlsio7zs and chaos," He that are implicit i n the World Order that > warns the peoples of the world, "can now stands associated with His holy name. In > be discerned, inasmuch as the prevailing His Tablet, revealed almost seventy years > Order ajpeareth t o be lamentably de- ago t o Queen Victoria, Bahi'u'llih, alluding > fective." t o this Most Great Peace, has declared: > Dearly-beloved friends! This N e w "That which the Lord bath ordained as the > World Order, whose promise is enshrined in sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument > the Revelation o f Bah6'u'116h, whose funda- for the healing of all the world is the union > mental principles have been enunciated i n of all its peoples i n one universal Cause, > the writings o f the Center o f His Covenant, one common Faith. This can i n no wise > involves no less than the complete nnifica- be achieved except t h o u g h the power of a > tion o f the entire human race. This unifi- skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Phy- > cation should conform t o such principles sician. This, verily, ,is the truth, and all > as would directly harmonize with the spirit else naught but error ... Consider these > that animates, and the laws that govern the days i n which the Ancient Beauty, He W h o > operation o f , the institutions that already is the Most Great Name, bath been sent > constitute the structural basis of the down t o regenerate and unify mankind. > Administrative Order of His Faith. Behold how w i t h drawn swords they rose > N o machinery falling short o f the stand- against Him, and committed that which > ard inculcated b y the Bahi'i Revelation, caused the Faithful Spirit t o tremble. And > and at variance with the sublime pattern whenever W e said unto them: 'Lo, the > ordained i n His teachings, which the col- World Reformer is come,' they wade reply: > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 243 > > 'He, i n truth, ic one of the stirrers of mis- eventual fulfilment of its high destiny. > chief."' " l t beseemeth all men i7z this Such a stage of maturity in the process of > Day," He, in another Tablet, asserts, "to human government must, for all time, if > take firm hold on the Most Great Name, we would faithfully recognize the tremen- > and t o establish the unity of all monkind. dous claim advanced by Bahi'u'llih, remain > There is no place t o pee to, no refuge that identified with the Revelation of which He > any one can seek, except Him.." was the Bearer. > I n one of the most characteristic passages > Hunzanity's Coming of Age H e Himself has revealed, H e testifies in a > The Revelation of Bah6'u'116h, whose language that none call mistake to the > supreme lnission is none other but the truth of this distinguishing principle of > achievement of this organic and spiritual Bah6'i belief: "It hath been decreed by > unity of the whole body of nations, should, Us that the Word of God and all t b poten- > if we be faithful t o its implications, be tialities thereof shall be manifested unto > regarded as signalizing through its advent men i n strict conformity with such condi- > the coming of age of the entire human rare. tions as have been fore-ordained b y H i m > I t should be viewed not merely as yet W h o is t h e All-Knowing, the All-Wise > another spiritual revival in the ever-chang- . . . Should the Word be allowed t o release > ing fortunes of mankind, ]lot only as a suddenly all the energies latent within it, > further stage in a chain of progressive no man could sustain the weight of so > Revelations, nor even as the culmination of mighty a revelation . .. Consider that > one of a series of recurrent prophetic cycles, which bath been sent down unto Muham- > but rather as marking the last and highest mad, the Apostle of God. T h e measure of > stage in the stupendous evolution of the Revelation of which H e was the Bearer > man's collective life on this planet. The had been clearly fore-ordained b y H i m > emergence of a world community, the con- Who is the Almighty, the All-Powerful. > sciousness of world citizenship, the found- T h e y that heard H i m , however, could > ing of a world civilization and culture--all apprehend His pzrrpose only t o the extatt > of which must synchronize with the initial of their station and spiritual capacity. He, > stages in the unfoldment of the Golden in like manner, zrncovered the Face of Wis- > Age of the BahB'i Era-should, by their dom i7z proportion to their ability t o swtaiu > very nature, be regarded, as far as this the b c r d a of His Message. N o sooner had > planetary life is concerned, as the further- mankin,d attained the stage of maturity, > most limits in the organization of human than the Word revealed t o men's eyes the > society, though man, as an individual, will, latent energies with zvhich it had been en- > nay must indeed as a result of such a con- dozued-energies which manifested them- > summation, continue indefinitely t o pro- selves i n the plenitcde of their glory when > gress and develop. the Ancient Benzrtji appeared, in the year > That mystic, all-pervasive, yet indefin- sixty, i n the person of 'Ali-Muhammad, > able change, which we associate with the the Bib." > stage of maturity inevitable in the life of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, elucidating this funda- > the individual and the development of the mental verity, has written: "All created > fruit must, if we would correctly appre- things have their degree or stage of matur- > heud the utterances of Bahl'u'lllh, have its ity. The period of maturity i n the life of > counterpart in the evolution of the organ- a tree is the time of its fruit-bearing . . . > ization of human society. A similar stage The aninral attains a stage of full growth > must sooner or later be attailled in the and completeness, and i n the human king- > collective life of mankind, producing an dom man reaches his maturity when the > even more striking phenomenon in world light of his intelligence attaius its greatest > relations, and endowing the whole human power and development . . . Similarly > race with such potentialities of well-being thwe are keriods and stages i n the collective > as shall provide, throughout the succeeding life of humanity. A t one time it was pass- > ages, the chief incentive required for the ing through its stage of childhood, at > 244 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD > > another its period o f youth', but ?tow it k s the geographical limits of that nation, be > entered its long-predicted phase of matur- imagined, though the highest destiny of its > i t y , the evidences of which are everywhere ~eople, as a constituent element in a still > apparent . . . That which was applicable larger entity that will embrace the whole > to human needs during the early history of of mankind, may still remain unfulfilled. > the race can %either meet nor satisfy the Considered as an isolated unit, however, > demands of this day, this period of new- this process of integration may be said to > ness and const~?nmntion. Humanity has have reached its highest and final consum- > emerged from its former state of limitation mation. > and preliminary training. Man ntust noau Such is the stage to which an evolving > become imbued with new virtues and humanity is collectively approaching. The > powers, netu moral standards, new cnpaci- Revelation entrusted by the Almighty > tip.!. New boz~7zNes,perfect bestowals, are Ordainer to BahB'u'lMh, His followers > awaiting a77d already descending npon him. firmly believe, has been endowed with such > The gifts and blessbgs of t h ~period of potentialities as are conlmensurate with the > youth, althongh timely and s7rAfcienf dur- maturity of the human race--the crowning > ing the adolesce7zce of n7ankind, arc 7zow and most momentous stage in its evolution > incapable of meeting the requirenzents of from infancy to manhood. > its maturity." The successive Founders of all past Re- > ligions Who, from time immemorial, have > The Process of 172tegration shed, with ever-increasing intensity, the > Such a unique and momentous crisis in splendor of one common Revelation at the > the life of organized mankind may, more- various stages which have marked the > over, be likened to the culminating stage in advance of mankind towards maturity may > the political evolution of the great Ameri- thus, in a sense, be regarded as preliminary > can Republic-the stage which marked Manifestations, anticipating and paving the > the emergence of a unified community of way for the advent of that Day of Days > federated states. The stirring of a new when the whole earth will have fructfied > national consciousness, and the birth of a and the tree of humanity will have yielded > new type of civilization, infinitely richer its destined fruit. > and nobler than any which its component Incontrovertible as is this truth, its chal- > parts could have severally hoped to achieve, lenging character should never be allowed > may be said to have proclaimed the coming to obscure the purpose, or distort the prin- > of age of the American people. Within ciple, underlying the utterances of Bahi- > the territorial limits of this nation, this 'u'lllh-utterances that have established for > consummation may be viewed as the cul- all time the absolute oneness of all the > mination of the process of human govern- Prophets, Himself included, whether be- > ment. The diversified and loosely related longing to the past or to the future. > elements of a divided community were Though the mission of the Prophets pre- > brought together, uuitied and incorporated ceding Bahi'u'llih may be viewed in that > into one coherent system. Though this light, though the measure of Divine Reve- > entity may continue gaining in cohesive lation with which each has been entrusted > power, though the unity already achieved must, as a result of this process of evolu- > may be further consolidated, though the tion, necessarily differ, their common origin, > civilization to which that unity could alone their essential unity, their identity of pnr- > have given birth may expand and flourish, pose, should at no time and under no cir- > yet the machinery essential to such an un- cumstances be misapprehended or denied. > foldment may be said to have been, in its That all the Messengers of God should be > essential structure, erected, and the impulse regarded as "abiding i n the same Taber- > required to guide and sustain it may be nacle, soaring i n the same Heaven, sented > regarded as having been fundamentally im- nporr the same Throne, uttering the same > parted. No stage above and beyond this Speech, and proclaiming the same Faith" > consummation of national unity can, within must, however much we may extol the > measure of Divine Revelation vouchsafed i n the annals of the past, nor will future > to mankind at this crowning stage of its ages witness its like." > evolution, remain the unalterable founda- 'Abdu'l-Bah6's authentic pronouncements > tion and central tenet of Bahi'i belief. should, likewise, he recalled as confirming, > Any variations in the splendor which each in no less emphatic manner, the unexampled > of these Manifestations of the Light of God vastness of the Bah6'i Dispensation. "Cen- > has shed upon the world should be ascribed tz~ries," He affirms in one of His Tablets, > not to any inherent superiority involved in "nay, countless ages, inust pass away ere > the essential character of any one of them, the Day-Star of T r u t h shineth again i n its > but rather to the progressive capacity, mid-summer splendor, or appeareth once > the ever-increasing spiritual receptiveness, more i n the radiafzce of its vernal glory > which mankind, in its progress towards . . . The mere contemplation of the Dis- > maturitv. has invariablv manifested. bensation inaunzwated h/ the Blessed > Beauty would have sufficed to ovevwhclm > The Final Consi~inn~atzo7r the saints of bygone ages-saints who > Only those who are willing to associate longed to partake, for one moment, of its > the Revelation proclaimed by Bahi'u'llah great glory." "Concer.ning the Manifestn- > with the consummation of so stupendous tions thnt will come down in the future > an evolution in the collective life of the ' i n the sh~dowsof the cloz~ds,'" He, in a > whole human race can grasp the signifi- still more definite language, affirms, "know, > cance of the words which He, while allud- verily, that i n so far as their relation t o the > ing to the glories of this promised Day and Source of their inspiration is concerned, > to the duration of the Bahi'i Era, has they are under the shadow of the Ancient > deemed fit to utter. "This is the King of Beauty. I n their relation, however, t o the > Days," He exclaims, "the Day thnt bath age In which they appear, each and every > seen the coming of the Best-Beloved, H i m one of them 'doeth whatsoever He > W h o , through all eternity, hath been ac- willeth."' "This holy Dispe~zsation," He, > claimed the Desire of the World." "The alluding to the Revelation of Bahh'u'llih, > Scriptures of past Dispensations,)) He fur- explains, "is illumined with the light of the > ther asserts, "celebrate the great jubilee that Sun of T r n t h shining from its most exalted > must needs greet this nzost great Day of statbiz, and in the plenitude of its re- > God. Well is it with him that hath lived t o splendency, its heat and glory." > see this Day and bath recognized its sta- > tion." ' 7 t is evident," He, in another Pangs of Death mid Birth > passage explains, "that every age i n which Dearly-beloved friends: Though the > a Manifestation of God hath lived is Revelation of Bahi'u'llih has been delivered, > divinely-ordained, and nzay, i n a sense, be the World Order which such a Revelation > characterized as God's appointed Day. must needs beget is as yet unborn. Though > This Day, however, is unique, and is t o be the Heroic Age of His Faith is passed, the > distinguished from those that have peceded creative energies which that Age has re- > it. T h e designation 'Seal of the Prophets' leased have not as yet crystallized into that > fully revealeth its high station. T h e Pro- world society which, in the fulness of time, > phetic Cycle bath verily ended. The Eternal is to mirror forth the brightness of His > T r z ~ t his now come. He bath lifted a ) the glory. Though the framework of His > ensign o f pmver, and is now shedding upon Administrative Order has been erected, and > the world the unclouded splendov of His the Formative Period of the BahCi Era has > Revelation." "In this most mighty Reve- begun, yet the promised Kingdom into > lation:' He, in categorical language, de- which the seed of His institutions must > clares, "all the Dispeizsations o f the past ripen remains as yet uninaugurated. > have attained their highest, their final con- Though His Voice has been raised, and the > summation. T h t which bath been made ensigns of His Faith have been lifted up > manifest i n this pre-eminent, this most in no less than forty countries of both the > exalted Revelation, standeth unparalleled East and the West, yet the wholeness of > 246 T H E B A H A 'i WORLD > > the human race is as yet unrecognized, its Faith announced by Aahi'u'116h this New > unity unproclaimed, and the standard of its World Order may be said to have been > Most Great Peace unhoisted. conceived. We can, at the present mo- > "The heights," Bahi'u'116h Himself testi- ment, experience its stirrings in the womb > fies, "which, through the most gracious of a travailing a g e a n age waiting for the > favor of God, mortal nzan can attain in this appointed hour at which it can cast its > Day are as yet unrevealed to his sight. The burden and yield its fairest fruit. > world of being hath never had, nor doth "The whole earth'," writes Bah&'u'116h, > it yet possess, the capacity for snch a revela- "is pzow in a state of pregnancy. The daj~ > tion. The day, however, is approaching is approaching when it tudl have yielded > whew the potentialities of so great a favor its noblest fruits, when from it will have > will, by virtzre of His behest, be manifested sprz~ng forth the loftiest trees, th most > unto men." enchanting blossoms, the most heavenly > For the revelation of so great a favor a blessings. Immeasurably exalted is the > period of intense turmoil and wide-spread breeze that wafteth from the garment of > suffering would seem t o be indispensable. thy Lord, the Glorified! For lo, it hath > Resplendent as has been the Age that has breathed its fragrance and made all things > witnessed the inception of the Mission with new! Well is it with then* that conzpre- > which Bahi'u'llbh has been entrusted, the bend." "The onrushing winds of the grace > interval which must elapse ere that Age of God," He, in the Shratu'l-Haykal, pro- > yields its choicest fruit mast, it is becoming claims, "have passed over all things. Eveuji > increasingly apparent, be overshadowed by creatz~rebath been endowed with all the > such moral and social gloom as can alone potentialities it can cawy. And yet the > prepare an unrepentant humanity for the peoples of the world have denied this grace! > prize she is destined t o inherit. Every tree bath been endowed with the > Into such a period we are now steadily chmcest fruits, evevy ocean enriched with > and irresistibly moving. Amidst the shad- the most luminous gems. Man, bi7nself, > ows which are increasingly gathering about bath been invested with the gifts of undcr- > us we can faintly discern the glimmerings standi~zgand knowledge. The whole crea- > of Bahi'u'llbh's unearthly sovereignty ap- tion hath been made the recipient of the > pearing fitfully on the horizon of history. revelation of the All-Merciful, and the > T o us, the "generation of the half-light," earth the rtpository of things inscrutable > living at a time which may be designated to all except Go$ the Truth, the Knower > as the period of the incubation of the of things unseen. The time is appoaching > World Commonwealth envisaged by Bah6- when every created thing will have cast its > 'u'lllh, has been assigned a task whose high burden. Glorified be God Who hnth > privilege we can never sufficiently appreci- vozrchsnfed this grace that enco7npasseth all > ate, and the arduousness of which we can things, whether seen or unseen!" > as yet but dimly recognize. We may well "The Call of God," 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has > believe, we who are called upon t o experi- written, "when raised, breathed a nau life > ence the operation of the dark forces into the body of mankind, and ilzfused a > destined to unloose a flood of agonizing new spirit into the whole creation. I t is > afflictions, that the darkest hour that must for thir rraron that the world hath been > precede the dawn of the Golden Age of moved to its depths, and the hearts a~zd > our Faith has not yet struck. Deep as is consciefzcesof men been quickened. Erelong > the gloom that already encircles the world, the evidences of this regeneration will be > the afflictive ordeals which that world is to revealed, and the fast asleep will be > suffer are still in preparation, nor can their awakened." > blackness be as yet imagined. We stand > on the threshold of an age whose convnl- Universal Fermentation > sions proclaim alike the death-pangs of the AS we view the world around us, we are > old order and the birth-pangs of the new. compelled to observe the manifold evidences > Through the generating influence of the of that universal fermentation which, in > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 247 > > every continent of the glohe and in every hesive power, and their own inherent cor- > department of human life, be it religious, ruption. A few have been swept away by > social, economic or political, is purging and the onrushing forces which the Bahi'i > reshaping humanity in anticipation of the Faith has, at the hour of its birth, so mys- > Day when the wholeness of the human race teriously released. Others, as a direct re- > will have been recognized and its unity sult of a vain and feeble resistance to its > established. A two-fold process, however, rise in the initial stages of its development, > can be distinguished, each tending, in its have died out and been utterly discredited. > own way and with an accelerated momen- Still others, fearful of the pervasive influ- > tum, to bring to a climax the forces that ence of the institutions in which that same > are transforming the face of our planet. Spirit had, at a later stage, been embodied, > The first is essentially an integrating had mobilized their forces and launched > process, while the second is fundamentally their attack, destined to sustain, in their > disruptive. The former, as it steadily turn, after a brief and illusory success, an > evolves, unfolds a System which may well ignominious defeat. > serve as a pattern for that world polity > towards which a strangely disordered world This Age of Transition > is continually advancing; while the latter, I t is not my purpose to call to mind, > as its disintegrating influence deepens, tends much less to attempt a detailed analysis of, > to tear down, with increasing violence, the the spiritual struggles that have ensued, or > antiquated barriers that seek to block to note the victories that have redounded > humanity's progress towards its destined to the glory of the Faith of Bah6'u'llih > goal. The constructive process stands since the day of its foundation. My chief > associated with the nascent Faith of Bah6- concern is not with the happenings that > 'u'llih, and is the harbinger of the New have distinguished the First, the Apostolic > World Order that Faith must erelong estab- Age of the Bah6'i Dispensation, but rather > lish. The destructive forces that character- with the outstanding events that are tran- > ize the other should be identified with a spiring in, and the tendencies which char- > civilization that has refused to answer to acterize, the formative period of its de- > the expectation of a new age, and is con- velopment, this Age of Transition, whose > sequently falling into chaos and decline. tribulations are the precursors of that Era > A titanic, a spiritual struggle, uuparal- of blissful felicity which is to incarnate > leled in its magnitude yet unspeakably glori- God's ultimate purpose for all mankind. > ous in its ultimate consequences, is being To the catastrophic fall of mighty king- > waged as a result of these opposing tenden- doms and empires, on the eve of 'Abdu'l- > cies, in this age of transition through which Bahi's departure, Whose passing may be > the organized community of the followers said to have ushered in the opening phase > of Bahi'u'llih and mankind as a whole are of the Age of Transition in which we now > passing. live, I have, in a previous communication, > The Spirit that has incarnated itself in briefly alluded. The dissolution of the Ger- > the institutions of a rising Faith has, in the man Empire, the humiliating defeat inflicted > course of its onward march for the redemp- upon its ruler, the successor and lineal de- > tion of the world, encountered and is now scendant of the Prussian King and Em- > battling with such forces as are, in most peror to whom BahPu'116h had addressed > instances, the very negation of that Spirit, His solemn and historic warning, together > and whose continued existence must inev- with the extinction of the Austro-Hun- > itably hinder it from achieving its purpose. garian Monarchy, the remnant of the once- > The hollow and outworn institutions, the great Holy Roman Empire, were both pre- > obsolescent doctrines and beliefs, the effete cipitated by a war whose outbreak signal- > and discredited traditions which these forces ized the opening of the Age of Frustration > represent, it should be obscrvcd, have, in destined t o precede the establishn~entof the > certain instances, been undermined by vir- World Order of Bahl'u'llBh. Both of these > tue of their senility, the loss of their co- momentous events may be viewed as the > 248 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > earliest occurrences of that turbulent Age, verily, that an unforeseen calamity follow- > into the outer fringes of whose darkest eth yon, and grievous retribution awniteth > phase we are now beginning to enter. yo?&. Think not that which ye have com- > To the Conqueror of Napoleon 111, the mitted bath been effaced i n M y sight." And > Author of our Faith had, on the morrow of again: " W e have a fixed time for yon, 0 > the Icing's victory, addressed, in His Most peoples. If ye fail, at the appointed hour, > Holy Book, this clear and ominous warn- to tavn towards God, He, verily, will lay > ing: "0 King of Berlin! . . . Take heed violent hold on you, and will cause grievous > lest pride debar thee from recogniziag the afflictions t o assail you from every direc- > Dayspring of Divine Revelation, lest earthly tion. H o w severe, indeed, is the chastise- > desires shut thee out, as b y a veil, from the ment with which your Lord will then chas- > Lord o f the Throne above and of the earth tise you!" > below. Thus cosnselleth thee the Pen of Must humanity, tormented as she now is, > the Most High. He, verily, is the Most be afflicted with still severer tribulations ere > Gracious, the All-Bountiful. Do thou re- their purifying influence can prepare her to > member the one whose power transcended enter the heavenly Kingdom destined to be > t h y power (Napoleon 111), and whose sta- established upon earth? Must the inaugu- > tion excelled t h y station. Where is he? ration of so vast, so unique, so illumined an > Whither are gone the things he possessed? era in human history be ushered in by so > Take warning, and be not of t h a n that great a catastrophe in human affairs as to > arc fast asleep. He it was who cast the recall, nay surpass, the appalling collapse of > Tablet of God behind him, when W e made Roman civilization in the first centuries of > known unto hius what the hosts of tyranny the Christian Era? Must a series of pro- > had caused Us to suffer. Wherefore, dis- found convulsions stir and rock the human > grace assailed him from all sides, and he race ere Bahi'u'llih can be enthroned in the > went down t o dust i n great loss. T h h k hearts and consciences of the masses, ere > deeply, 0 King, concerning him, and con- His undisputed ascendancy is universally > cevning thenz who, like unto thee, have con- recognized, and the noble edifice of His > quered cities and ruled over men. T h e World Order is reared and established? > All-Merciful brought them down from their The long ages of infancy and childhood, > palaces ro their graves. Be zuarned, be of through which the human race had to pass, > them who reflect." have receded into the background. Hu- > "0 banks of the Rhine!" Bahh'u'llih, in manity is now experiencing the commotions > another passage of that same Book, prophe- invariably associated with the most turbu- > sies, " W e have seen yon covered with gore, lent stage of its evolution, the stage of ado- > inasmuch as the swords of retribution were lescence, when the impetuosity of youth > drawn against you; and so you shall have and its vehemence reach their climax, and > another turn. And W e hear the laanenta- must gradually be superseded by the calm- > tions of Berlin, though she be today i n con- ness, the wisdom, and the maturity that > spicsous glory." .. . characterize the stage of manhood. Then > will the human race reach that stature of > Divine Retribution > ripeness which will enable it to acquire all > The whole of mankind is groaning, is the powers and capacities upon which its > dying to be led to unity, and to terminate ultimate development must depend. > its age-long martyrdom. And yet it stub- > bornly refuses to embrace the light and World Unity the Gosl > acknowledge the sovereign authority of the Unification of the whole of mankind is > one Power that can extricate it from its the hall-mark of the stage which human > entanglements, and avert the woeful calam- society is now approaching. Unity of fam- > ity that threatens to engulf it. ily, of tribe, of city-state, and nation have > Ominous indeed is the voice of Bahi'u- been successively attempted and fully es- > '116h that rings through these prophetic tablished. World unity is the goal towards > words: r'O ye peoples of the world! Know, whiph a harassed humanity is striving. Na- > THE WORLD O R D ER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 249 > > tion-huilding has come to an end. The resources of all the component nations, and > anarchy inherent in state sovereignty is will enact such laws as shall be required > moving towards a climax. A world, grow- to regulate the life, satisfy the needs and > ing to maturity, must abandon this fetish, adjust the relationships of all races and > recognize the oneness and wholeness of hu- peoples. A world executive, hacked by an > man relationships, and establish once for international Force, will carry out the deci- > all the machinery that can best incarnate sions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted > this fundamental principle of its life. by, this world legislature, and will safe- > "A neiv life," Babi'u'llhh proclaims, "is, p a r d the organic unity of the whole com- > ifz this age, stirring within all the peoples monwealth. A world tribunal will adjudi- > of the earth; and yet none bath discovered cate and deliver its compulsory and final > its cause, or perceived its motive." "0 ye verdict in all and any disputes that may > childuen of men," He thus addresses His arise between the various elements consti- > generation, "the fundamental purpose arzi- tuting this universal system. A mechan- > nwting the Faith of God and His Religion ism of world inter-communication will be > is t o safegnaid the interests and promote devised, embraciug the whole planet, freed > the unity of the human race. . . . This is from national hindrances and restrictions, > the straight path, the fixed and immovable and functioning with marvellous swiftness > foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this and perfect regularity. A world metropo- > foundation, the changes and chances of the lis will act as the nerve center of a world > world can never impair its strength, nov civilizatio~l, the iocus towards which the > will the revolution of countless cefzturics unifying forces of life will converge and > undermine its structure." "The well-being from which its energizing influences will > of mankind," He declares, "its pence and radiate. A world language will either be > security are nnattainable unless and until invented or chosen from among the existing > its unity is firmly established." "So power- languages and will be taught in the schools > ful is the light of unity," is His further of all the federated nations as an auxiliary > testimony, "that it can illuminate the whole to their mother tongue. A world script, > earth. The orze true God, H e W h o h?zow- a world literature, a uniform and universal > eth all things, Himself festifieth to the system of currency, of weights and ineas- > . > truth of these words . . This goal excel- ures, will simplify aud facilitate intercourse > leth every other goal, and this aspirntion is and understanding among the nations and > the nzonavch of all aspirations." " H e W h o races of mankind. In such a world society, > is your Lord, the All-Merciful," He more- science and religion, the two most potent > over, has written, "cherishath i n His heart forces in human life, will be reconciled, will > the desire of beholding the entire human cooperate, and will harmo~liously develop. > race as one soul and one body. Haste ye The press will, under such a system, while > t o win your share of God's good grace and giving full scope to the expression of the > mercy i n this Day that eclipseth all other diversified views and convictions of man- > created days." kind, cease t o he mischievously manipulated > The unity of the human race, as en- by vested interests, whether private or pub- > visaged by Bahl'u'll&h, implies the estab- lic, and will he liberated from the iduence > lishment of a world commonwealth in which of contending governments and peoples. > all nations, races, creeds and classes are The economic resources of the world will > closely and permanently united, and in be organized, its sources of raw materials > which the autonomy of its state members will be tapped and fully utilized, its mar- > and the personal freedom and initiative of kets will be coordinated and developed, and > the individuals that compose them are defi- the distribution of its products will be > nitely and completely safeguarded. This equitably regulated. > commonwealth must, as far as we can visu- National rivalries, hatreds, and intrigues > alize it, consist of a world legislature, whose will cease, and racial animosity and prejudice > members will, as the trustees of the whole will be replaced by racial amity, understand- > of mankind, ultimately control the entire ing and cooperation. The causes of religious > 210 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > strife will be permanently removed, eco- people. All will dwell i n one common > nomic harriers and restrictions will be com- fatherland, which is the planet itself." > pletely abolished, and the inordinate dis- " N o w , i n the world of being," He has > tinction between classes will he obliterated. moreover explained, "the Hand of Divine > Destitution on the one hand, and gross power bath firmly laid the fonndations of > accumulation of ownership on the other, this all-highest bounty, and this wondross > will disappear. The enormous energy dis- gift. Whatsoever is latmt i n the innermost > sipated and wasted on war, whether eco- of this holy Cycle shall gradz~allyappear > nomic or political, will be consecrated to and be made manifest, for now is but the > such cnds as will extend the range of hurnan beginning o/ its growth, and the day-spring > inventions and technical development, to of the revelation of its ugns. Ere the close > the increase of the productivity of man- of this century and of this age, it shall be > kind, to the extermination of disease, to the made clear and evident how luondrous was > extension of scientific research, to the rais- that spring-tide, and bow heavenly was > ing of the standard of physical health, to that gift." > the sharpening and refinement of the hu- No less enthralling is the vision of Isaiah, > man brain, to the exploitation of the un- the greatest of the Hebrew Prophets, pre- > used and nnsuspecced resources of the dicting, as far back as twenty-five hundred > planet, to the prolongation of human life, years ago, the destiny which mankind must, > and to the furtherance of any other agency at its stage of maturity, achieve: "And H e > that can stimulate the intellectual, the (the Lord) shall judge omong the nations, > moral, and spiritual life of the entire human and shall vebuke many people: and they > race. shall beat their swords into plowshares, and > A world federal system, ruling the whole their speavs into prnninghoohs: nation shall > earth and exercising unchallengeable author- not lift u p sword against nation, neither > ity over its unimaginably vast resources, shall they learn war any more. .. . And > blending and embodying the ideals of both there shall come forth a rod out of the > the East and the West, liberated from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out > curse of war and its miseries, and bent on of his roots .. . And he shall snzite the > the exploitation of all the available sources earth with the rod of his mouth, and with > of energy on the surface of the planet, a the breath of his lips shall he slay the > system in which Force is made the servant wicked. And righteousness shall be the > of Justice, whose life is sustained by its girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the > universal recognition of one God and by girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall > its allegiance t o one common Revelation- dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall > such is the goal towards which humanity, lie down w i t h the kid; and the calf and the > impelled by the unifying forces of life, is young lion and the fatling together. ... > moving. And the sncking child shall play on the > "One of the great events," affirms 'Ab- hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall > du'l-Bahi, -which is t o occur i n the Day put his hand on the cockatrice's den. They > o f the manifestation o f that incomparable shall not hurt nor destroy i n all nzy holy > Branch is the hoisting of the Standard o f mountain: for the earth shall be full of > God among all nations. B y this is meant the knowledge of the Lord, as the waterc > that all nations and hindreds will be gath- cover the sea." > ered together under the shadow of this Di- The writer of the Apocalypse, prefigur- > vine Banner, which is no other than the ing the millennia1 glory which a redeemed, > Lordly Branch itself, and will become a a jubilant humanity must witness, has simi- > single nation. Religions and sectarian aft- larly testified: "And I saw a new heaven > tagonism, the hostility of races and peoples, and a new earth: for the first heaven and > and differences anzong nations, will be the first earth were passed away; and there > eliminated. All men will adhere t o oae was no more sea. And I John saw the holy > religion, will have one conmmon faith, will city, new Jerusalem, coming down from > be blended into one race and become a single God out of heaven, prepared as a bride > adorned for her husband. And I heard a written in anticipation of thc goldcn age > great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, of His Faith-the age in which the face > the tabernacle o f God is with men, and he of the earth, from pole to pole, will mirror > will dwell with them, and they shall be his the ineffable splendors of the Abh6 Para- > people, and God himself shall be with them, dise? "This is the Day whereon naught can > and be their God. And God shall wipe he seen except the splendors of the Light > away all tears from their eyes; and there that shineth from the face of thy Lord, > shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor the Gracious, the Most Boz~ntifzbl. Verily, > crying, neither shall there be any more W e have caused every soul to expire by > pain: for the former things are passed virtue of Our irresistible and all-subduing > away." sovereignty. W e have then called into he- > W h o can doubt that such a consumma- ing a 7zew creation, as a token of Our grace > tion-the coming of age of the human race unto men. I am, verily, the All-Bountiful, > -must signalize, in its turn, the inaugura- the Ancient of Days. This is the Day > tion of a world civilization such as no mor- whereon the unseen world crieth out: 'Great > tal eye hath ever beheld or human mind is thy blessedness, 0 earth, for thou hast > conceived? W h o is it that can imagine the been made the foot-stool of thy God, and > lofty standard which such a civilization, as been chosen as the seat of His mighty > it unfolds itself, is destined to attain? Who thronp!' The realm of glory exclaimeth: > can measure the heights to which human 'Wozozdd that m y life could be sacrificed for > intelligence, liberated from its shackles, will thee, for He Who is the Beloved of the > soar? W h o can visualize the realms which All-Mercifzd hath established His sover- > the human spirit, vitalized by the outpour- eignty z~ponthee, through the power of His > ing light of Bahl'u'116h, shining in the name that bath been promised unto all > plenitude of its glory, will discover? thigzgs, u'hether of the part or of thc f7r- > What more fitting conclusion to this ture.' " > theme than these words o f Bah&'u'Ilih, (March 11, 1936.) > > T H E S P I R I T A N D FORM O F THE BAHA'f > ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER > "And now as I look into the future, I hope to see the friends at all times, in every land, > and of every shade of thought and characteu, voluntarily and joyously rallying row& > their local and in particular their ~zationalcenters of activity, upholding and promoting > their interests with conzplete unanimity and corztentnzent, with perfect zmderstanding, > genuine enthusiasm, and szbstained vigor. This indeed is the one joy mzd yearning of > m y life, for it is the fountain-head from which all futzrre blessings will pow, the broad > foundation upon which the security of the Divine Edifice must ultinzately rest."- > SHOGHIEFFENDI. > FOREWORD > > The 1926-1927 National Spiritual As- that known as a Voluntary Trust, a species > sembly of the Bahl'is of the United States of corporation recognized under the com- > and Canada completed a task which, while mon law and possessing a long and inter- > pertaining t o the outer and more material esting history. The famous Covenant > aspects of the Cause, nevertheless has a spe- adopted by the Pilgrim Fathers on the May- > cial significance for its spirit and inward flower, the first legal document in Ameri- > sacred purpose. This task consisted in creat- can history, is of the same nature as the > ing a legal form which gives proper sub- Declaration of Trust voted by the National > stance and substantial character to the ad- Spiritual Assembly. This Declaration of > ministrative processes embodied in the Trust, with its attendant By-Laws, is pub- > Bahh'i Teachings. The form adopted was lished for the information of the Bahl'is > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 253 > > Certificate of Incorporat~onof the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of the > United States and Canada. > > - - - - > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of > the United States and Canada. > DECLARATION OF T R U S T > By t h e National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahfr'is of the > United States and Canada > We, Allen B. McDaniel of Washington, D. C., Horace Holley of New > York City, N. Y., Carl Scheffler of Evanston, Ill., Roy C. Wilhelm of > West Englewood, N. J., Florence Morton of Worcester, Mass., Amelia > Collins of Princeton, Mass., Ali-Kuli Khan of New York City, N.Y., > Mountfort Mills of New York City, N. Y., and Siegfried Schop- > flocher of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, duly chosen by the repre- > sentatives of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada at the > Annual Meeting held at San Francisco, Calif., on April 29, April > 30, May I, and May 2, 1926, to be the National Spiritual As- > sembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, with full > power to establish a Trust as hereinafter set forth, hereby declare that > from this date the powers, responsibilities, rights, privileges and obliga- > tions reposed in said National Spirituil Assembly of the Bahi'is of > the United States and Canada by Bahi'u'llih, Founder of the Bahi'i > Faith, by 'Abdu'l-BahL, its Interpreter and Exemplar, and by Shoghi > Effendi, its Guardian, shall be exercised, administered and carried on > by the above-named National Spiritual Assembly and their duly quali- > fied successors under this Declaration of Trust. > The National Spiritual Assembly in adopting this form of associa- > tion, union and fellowship, and in selecting for itself the designation > of Trustees of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, does so > as the administrative body of a religious community which has had > continuous existence and responsibility for over. eighteen years. In > consequence of these activities the National Spiritual Assembly is > called upon to administer such an ever-increasing diversity and volume > of affairs and properties for the Bahi'is of the United .States and > Canada, that we, its members, now feel it both desirable and neces- > sary to give our collective functions more definite legal form. This > action is taken in complete unanimity and with full recognition of the > sacred relationship thereby created. W e acknowledge in behalf of > ourselves and our successors in this Trust the exalted religious stand- > ard established by Bahk'u'llih for BahH'i administrative bodies in the > 256 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > utterance: "Be ye T m t e e s of t . h M a c i f d One among men": > and seek the help of God and His guidance in order to fulfil that > exhortation. > Article I > The name of said Trust shall he the Natiolral Spiritual Assembly > of rhe Bahk'is of the United States and Canada. > > Article I1 > Sharing the ideals and assisting the efforts of our fellow BahC'is > to establish, uphold and promote the spiritual, educational and humani- > tarian teachings of human brotherhood, radiant faith, exalted char- > acter and selfless love revealed in the lives and utterances of all the > Prophets and Messengers of God, Founders of the world's revealed > religions-and given renewed creative energy and universal applica- > tion to the conditions of this age in the life and utterances of Bahi'u'l- > I&-we declare the purposes and objects of this T ~ s to t be to ad- > minister the affairs of the Cause of BahL'u'lllh for the benefit of the > BahL'is of the United States and Canada according to the principles > of Bahl'i affiliation and administration created and established by > Bahb'u'lllh, defined and explained by 'Abdu'l-BaM, and amplified > and applied by Shoghi Effendi and his duly constituted successor and > successors under the provision of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l- > Bahi. > These purposes are to be realized by means of devotional meet- > ings; by public meetings and conferences of an educational, humani- > tarian and spiritual character; by the publication of books, magazines > and newspapers; by the construction of temples of universal worship > and of other institutions and edifices for humanitarian service; by > supervising, unifying, promating and generally administering the > activities of the Bahl'is of the United States and Canada in the ful- > filment of thejr religious offices, duties and ideals; and by any other > means appropriate to these ends, or any of them. > Other purposes and objects of this Trust are: > a. The right to enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts > of every sort and kind for the furtherance of the objects of this > Trust with any person, firm, association, corporation, private, > public or municipal or body politic, or any state, territory or > colony thereof, ot any foreign government; and in this > connection, and in all transactions under the terms of this > APPENDIX 143 > Trust, to do any and all things which a co-partnership or > natural person could do or exercise, and which now or here- > after may be authorized by law. > b. To hold and be named as beneficiary under any trust estab- > lished by law or otherwise or under any will or other testa- > mentary instrument in connection with any gift, devise, or > bequest in which a trust or trusts is or are establisl~edin any > part of the world as well as in the United States and Canada; to > receive gifts, devises or bequests of money or other property. > c. All and whatsoever the several purposes and objects set forth > in the written utterances of Bahi'u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bahi and > Shoghi Effendi, under which certain jurisdiction, powers and > rights are granted to National Spiritual Assemblies. > d. Generally to do all things and acts which in the judgment of > said Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly of the > BahL'is of the United States and Canada, are necessary, proper > and advantageous to promote the complete and successful ad- > ministration of this Trust. > > Article I11 > Section I. All persons, firms, corporations and associations extend- > ing.credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trustees, > i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly, and the members thereof, of any > character whatsoever, whether legal or equitable and whether arising > out of contract or tort, shall look solely to the dunds of the Trust and > to the property of the Trust estate for payment or indemnity, or for > the payment of any debt, damage, judgment or decree o r any money > that may otherwise become due or payable from the Trustees, so that > neither the Trustees nor any of them, nor any of their officers or > agents appointed by them hereunder, nor any beneficiary or bene- > ficiaries herein named shall be personally liable therefor. > Section 2. Every note, bond, proposal, obligation or contract in > writing or other agreement or instrument made or given under this > Trust shall be explicitly executed by the National Spiritual Assembly, > as Trustees by their duly authorized officers or agents. > > Article IV > The Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly, shall adopt for > the conduct of the affairs entrusted to them under this Declaration of > THE BAHA'i WORLD > > Trust, such by-laws, rules of procedure or regulations as are required > to define and carry on its own-administrative functions and those of > the several local and other elements composing the body of the BahB'is > of the United States and Canada, not inconsistent with the terms of > this instrument and all in accordance with the explicit instructions given > us to date by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Cause of BahB'u'llLh, > which instructions are already known to the Bahi'is of the United > States and Canada and accepted by them in the government and prac- > tice of their religious affairs. > > Article V > The central office of this Trust shall be located in the City of New > York, State of New York, United States of America. > > Article V I > The seal of this Trust shall be circular in form, bearing the following > description : > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States > and Canada. Declaration of Trust, 1927. > > Article VII > This Declaration of Trust may be amended by majority vote of > the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States > and Canada at any special meeting duly called for that purpose, pro- > vided that at least thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for said > meeting a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments is mailed > to each member of the Assembly by the Secretary. > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 259 > > BY-LAWS OF THE N A T I O N A L S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY > > Article I > The National Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfilment of its sacred > duties under this Trust, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and authority > over all the activities and affairs of the Bahb'i Cause throughout the > United States and Canada, including paramount authority in the > administration of this Trust. It shall endeavor to stimulate, unify > and coordinate the manifold activities of the local Spiritual Assemblies > (hereinafter defined) and of individual Bahi'is in the United States > and Canada and by all possible means assist them to promote the one- > ness of mankind. It shall be charged with the fecognitioll of such > local Assemblies, the scrutiny of local membership rolls, the calling > of the Annual Meeting or special meetings and the seating of delegates > to the Annual Meeting and their apportionment among the various > local Bahi'i communities. I t shall appoint all national Bahb'i com- > mittees and shall supervise t'he publication and distribution of Bahi'i > literature, the reviewing of all writings pertaining to the Bahi'i Cause, > the construction and administration of the Mashriqu'l-Adhklr and its > accessory activities, and the collection and disbursement of all funds > for the carrying on of this Trust. I t shall decide whether any matter > lies within its own jurisdiction or within the' jurisdiction of any local > Spiritual Assembly. It shall, in such cases as it considers suitable and > necessary, entertain appeals from the decisions of local Spiritual As- > semblies and shall have the right of final decision in all cases where > the qualification of an individual or group for continued voting rights > and membership in the Bahb'i body is in question. I t shall furthermore > represent the BahL'is of the United States and Canada in all their > cooperative and spiritual activities with the Bahi'is of other lands, and > shall constitute the sole electoral body of the United States and Canada > in the formation of the Universal House of Justice provided for in > the Sacred Writings of the Bahi'i Cause. Above all, the National > Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek t b attain that station of unity in > devotion to the Revelation of Bahi'u'llih which will attract the con- > firmations of the Holy Spirit and enable the Assembly to serve the > founding of the Most Great Peace. In all its deliberation and action > 260 THE BAHb'i WORLD > > 146 BAHA'I A D M I N I S T R A T I O N > the National Assembly shall have constantly before it as Divine guide > and standard the utterance of Bahi'u'l1ih:- > "It behooveth them (i.e., Spiritual Assemblies) to be the trusted > ones of the Merciful among men and to consider themselves as the > guardians appointed of God for all that dwelt on earth. I t is incum- > bent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the > interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard > their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly." > > Article I1 > The BahL'is of the United States and Canada, for whose benefit > this Trust has heen established, shall consist of all persons resident in > the United States and Canada who are recognized by the National > Spiritual Assembly a s having fulfilled the requirements of voting mem- > bership in a local BahVi community. T o become a voting member > of a BahVi community a person shall > a. Be a resident of the locality defined by the area of jurisdiction > of the local Spiritual Assembly, as provided by Article VII, > Section 12, of this instrument. > b. Have m i n e d the age of 21 years. > c. Have established to the satisfaction of the local Spiritual As- > sembly, subject to the approval of the National Assembly, that > he possesses the qualifications of BahL'i faith and practice re- > quired under the following standard: Full recognition of the > station of the Forerunner (the Bib), the Author (BahL'u'llih), > and 'Abdu'l-BahA the True Exemplar of the BahC'i Cause: un- > reserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been > revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every > clause of 'Ahdul-Bahi's sacred Will; and close association > with the spirit as well as the form of present-day Bahb'i ad- > ministration throughout the world. > > Article I11 > The National Assembly shall consist of nine members chosen from > among the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, who shall be > elected by the said Bahi'is in manner hereinafter provided, and who > shall continue in office for the period of one year, or until their suc- > cessors shall be elected. > APPENDIX 147 > > Article I V > The officers of the National Spiritual Assembly shall consist of a > Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other > officers as may be found necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs. > The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the entire membership > of the Assembly taken by secret ballot. > > Article V > The first meeting of a newly-elected National Assembly shall be > called by the member elected to membership by the highest number of > votes or, in case two or more members have received the same said > highest number of votes, then by the member selected by lot from > among those members; and this member shall preside until the perma- > nent Chairman shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be > called by the Secretary of the Assembly at the request of the Chair- > man or, in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chairman, or of any > three members of the Assembly; provided, however, that the Annual > Meeting of the Assembly shall be held at a time and place to be fixed > by a majority vote of the Assembly, as hereinafter provided. > > Article V I > Five members of the National Assembly present at a meeting shall > constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of those present and consti- > tuting a quorum shall be sufficient for the conduct of business, except > as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, and with due regard to the > principle of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution > of a Spiritual Assembly. The transactions and decisions of the Na- > tional Assembly shall be recorded at each meeting by the Secretary, > who shall supply copies of the minutes to the Assembly members after > each meeting, and preserve the minutes in the official records of the > Assembly. > Article V I I > Whenever in any locality of the United States and Canada, be it > city, town o r village, the number o t Bahi'is resident therein recog- > nized by the National Spiritual Assembly exceeds nine, these may on > April 21st of any year convene and elect by plurality vote a local ad- > ministrative body of nine members, to be known as the Spiritual As- > 262 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > 148 BAHA'I A D M I N I S T R A T I O N > sembly of the Bahi'is of that community. Every such Spiritual As- > sembly shall be elected annually thereafter upon each successive zrst > day of April. The members shall hold office for the term of one year > and until their successors are elected and qualified. > When, however, the number of Bahi'is in any community is > exactly nine, these may on April axst of any year, or in successive > years, constitute themselves the local Spiritual Assembly by joint > declaration. Upon the recording of such declaration by the Secretary > of the National Spiritual Assembly, said body of nine shall become > established with the rights, privileges and duties of a local Spiritual > Assembly as set forth in this instrument. > Section I. Each newly-elected local Spiritual Assembly shall at > once proceed in the manner indicated in Articles I V and V of these > By-Laws to the election of its officers, who shall consist of a Chairman, > Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as the > Assembly finds necessary for the conduct of its business and the ful- > filment of its spiritual duties. Immediately thereafter the Secretary > chosen shall transmit to the Secretary of the National Assembly the > names of the members of the newly-elected Assembly and a list of > its officers. > Section z. The general powers and duties of a local Spiritual As- > sembly shall be as set forth in the writings of BahB'u'llPh, 'Abdul- > BahL and Shoghi Effendi. > Section 3. Among its more specific duties, a local Spiritual As- > sembly shall have full jurisdiction of all BahL'i activities and affairs > within the local community, subject, however, to the exclusive and > paramount authority of the National Spiritual Assembly as defined > herein. > Section 4. Vacancies in the membership of a local Spiritual > Assembly shall be filled by election at a special meeting of the local > BahL'i community duly called for that purpose by the Assembly. > In the event that the number of vacancies exceeds four, making a > quorum of the local Assembly impossib!e, the election shall be held > under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. > Section 5. The business of the local A s s e n ~ b lshall > ~ be conducted > in like manner as provided for the deliberations of the National As- > sembly in Article VI above. > Section 6. The IocAl Assembly shall pass upon and approve the > qualifications of each member of the EahL'i community before such > members shall be admitted to voting membership; but where an indi- > vidual is dissatisfied with the ruling of the local Spiritual Assembly > APPENDIX 149 > upon his Baha'i qualifications, such individual may appeal from the > ruling to the National Assembly, which shall thereupon take jurisdic- > tion of and finally decide the case. > Section 7. On or before the 1st day of February of each year > the Secretary of each local Assembly shall send to the Secretary of > the National Assembly a duly certified list of the voting members of > the local Bahi'i community for the information and approval of the > National Assembly. > Section 8. All matters arising within a local Bahi'i community > which are of purely local interest and do not affect the national inter- > ests of the Cause shall be under the primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual > Assembly of that locality; but decision whether a particular matter > involves the interest and welfare of the national Bahi'i body shall > rest with the National Spiritual Assembly. > Section g. Any member of a local Baha'i community may appeal > from a decision of his Spiritual Assembly to the National Assembly, > which shall determine whether it shall take jurisdiction of the matter > or leave it to the local Spiritual Assembly for reconsideration. In the > event that the National Assembly assumes jurisdiction of the matter, > its finding shall be final. > Section 10. Where any dissension exists within a local BahL'i com- > munity of such a character that it cannot be remedied by the efforts of > the local Spiritual Assembly, this condition shall be referred by the > Spiritual Assembly for consideration to the National Spiritual As- > senlbly, whose action in the matter shall be final. > Section 11. All questions arising between two or more local > Spiritual Assemblies, or between members of different Bahi'i com- > munities, shall be submitted in the first instance tw the National > Assembly. which shall have original and final jurisdiction in all such > matters. > Section 12. The sphere of jurisdiction of a local Spiritual As- > sembly, with respect to residential qualification of membership, and > voting tights of a believer in any Baha'i community, shall be the > locality included within the civil limits of the city, town or village, > but Bahi'is who reside in adjacent, outlying or suburban districts and > can regularly attend the meetings of the local Bahl'i community, may > be enrolled on the membership list of the adjacent Spiritual Assembly > and enjoy full voting rights pending the establishment of a local > Spiritual Assembly in their home community. > All differences of opinion concerning the sphere of jurisdiction of > any local Spiritual Assembly or concerning the affiliation of any BahL'i > 264 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > or group of BahP'is in the United States and Canada shall be referred > to the National Spiritual Assembly, whose decision in. the matter shall > be final. > Article VIII > The Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly at which > its members shall be elected shall be known as the National Convention > of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, and shall be held at > a time and place to be fixed by the National Assembly, which shall > give sixty days' notice of the meeting to each local BahL'i community > through its Spiritual Assembly. The National Assembly shall at the > same time inform each Spiritual Assembly of the number of dele- > gates to the Convention it has assigned to the local Bahi'i community > in accordance with the principle of proportionate representation in such > manner that the entire number of delegates composing the National > Convention shall be ninety-five. Upon receipt of this notice each local > Spiritual Assembly shall, within a convenient period and after giving > due and sufficient notice thereof, call a meeting of the voting members > on its rolls for the purpose of electing their delegate or delegates to > the National Convention; and, not later than thirty days before the > date of the Convention, the Secretary of each local Spiritual Assembly > shall certify to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly the > names and adddresses of the delegates so elected. > Section I. All delegates to the Convention shall be elected by > plurality vote of those present at their election. > Section 2. All delegates to be skated at the Convention must be > enrolled as voting members of the Bah6'i community represented by > them. > Section 3. The rights and privileges of a delegate may not be > assigned nor may they be exercised by proxy. > Section 4. The recognition and seating of delegates to the Na- > tional Convention shall be vested in the National Spiritual Assembly. > Section 5. Delegates unable to be present in person at the Con- > vention shall have the right to vote for members of the Natioual Spir- > itual Assembly by mail or telegram under such conditions as may be > indicated by the National Assembly. > Section 6. I f in any year the National Spiritual Assunbly shall ton- > sider that it is impracticable or unwise to assemble together the dele- > gates to the National Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly > shall provide ways and means by which the business of the Convention > may be conducted by correspondence or telegram. Any action taken > APPENDIX 151 > > under such circumstances shall be by a majority vote of all the > delegates. > Section 7. The presiding officer of the National Spiritual Assem- > bly present at the National Convention shall call to order the delegates, > who shall then proceed to the permanent organization of the meeting, > electing a presiding officer, a Secretary and such other officers as are > necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Convention. > Section 8. The principal business of the National Convention shall > be the election of the nine members of the incoming National Spiritual > Assembty, the consideration of the reports of the financial and other > activities of the outgoing National Assembly and its various com- > mittees, and deliberation upon the affairs of the Eahi'i Cause in gen- > eral, it being understood, however, in accordance with the principles of > BahL'i administration defined by the Guardian that all deliberation > and action of the delegates at the National Convention, other than the > election of the members of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, > shall constitute merely advice and recommendation for consideration > by the said Assembly, final decision on all matters concerning the > affairs of the Bah6'i Cause in the United States and Canada being > vested solely in that body. > Section g. The general order of business to be taken up at the > National Convention shall be prepared by the National Spiritual Assem- > bly, but any and all matters pertaining to the Cause introduced by any > of the delegates may upon motion and vote be taken up as part of the > deliberations of the Convention. > Section 10. The election of the members of the National Spiritual > Assembly shall be by plurality vote of the delegates recognized by the > outgoing National Spiritual Assembly, i.e., the members elected shall > be the nine persons receiving the greatest number of votes on the > first ballot cast by delegates present at the Convention and delegates > whose ballot has been transmitted to the Secretary of the National > Spiritual Assembly by mail or telegram. In case by reason of a tie > vote or votes the full membership is not determined on the first > ballot, then one or more additional ballots shall be taken until all > nine members a r t elected. > Section 11. All official business transacted at the National Con- > vention shall be recorded and preserved in the records of the National > Assembly. > Section 12. After the termination of the National Convention and > until the next such Annual Meeting has been called in session, the dele- > gates shall continue a s a consultative body capable of rendering a dis- > 266 T H E BAHiz'f WORLD > > 152 BAHA'I ADMINISTRATION > tinctive service to the work of the Cause, and they shaU make every > effort to contribute to the unified spirit, information and useful action > of the National Spiritual Assembly throughout the year. > Section 13. Vacancies in the membership of the National Spiritual > Assembly shall be filled by a plurality vote of the delegates composing > the Convention which elected the Assembly, the ballot to be taken by > correspondence or in any other manner decided upon by the National > Spiritual Assembly. > Article I X > Where the National Spiritual .4ssembly has been given in these > By-Laws exclusive and final jurisdiction, and paramount executive > authority, in all matters pertaining to the activities and affairs of the > Bah6'i Cause in the United States and Canada, it is understood that any > decision made or action taken upon such matters shall be subject in > every instance to ultimate review and approval by the Guardian of the > Cause or the Universal House of Justice. > > Article X > Whaterer functions and powers are not specificallg attributed to > local Spiritual Assemblies in these By-Laws shall be considered vested > in the National Spiritual Assembly, which body is authorized to dele- > gate such discretionary functions and powers as it deems necessary > and advisable to the local Spiritual Assemblies within its jurisdiction. > > Article X I > In order to preserve the spiritual character and purpose of BahB'i > elections, the practice of nominations or any other electoral method > detrimental to a silent and prayerful election shall not prevail, so > that each elector may vote for none but those whom prayer and reflec- > tion have inspired him to uphold. > Among the most outstanding and sacred duties incumbent upon > those who have been called upon to initiate, direct and coordinate the > affairs of the Cause a s members of local or national Spiritual Assem- > blies are :- > T o win by every means in their power the confidence and affection > of those whom it is their privilege to serve; to investigate and acquaint > themselves with the considered views, the prevailing sentiments and > the personal convictions of those whose welfare it is their solemn obliga- > tion to promote; to purge their deliberations and the general conduct > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F R A H A ' U ' L L A H 267 > > APPENDIX 153 > of their affairs of self-contained aloofness, the suspicion of secrecy, > the stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness and of every word > and deed that may savor of partiality, self-centeredness and prejudice; > and while retaining the sacred right of final decision in their hands, > to invite discussion, ventilate grievances, welcome advice, and foster > the sense of inter-dependence and co-partnership, of understanding and > mutual confidence between themselves and all other BahL'is. > > Article XI1 > These By-Laws may be amended by majority vote of the National > Spiritual Assembly at any of its regular or special meetings, provided > that at least fourteen days prior to the date fixed for the said meeting > a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments is mailed to each > member of the Assembly by the Secretary. > THE W O R L D O R D E R OF BAHA'U'LLAH 269 > > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of > the Bah6'is of frin. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 271 > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > I.l.3&j;/$~LI~J.;2$>(k~,/$j~;2~ > c;-;~b~~,f~;,tY~ > > <~.&?y'&;;,a< > >j;r,d>+7fi;L&;;lr', > '(i,, ."+>&,'&',J'ib+,,/ > > 'Yd. > idid<, > J&;~L+ ,;i.ti+&,?bJti$Jk+ J;!;,,,, ,uJ~JJ~ q4+w > q>:G&(v;;#d~, > du?~JoGp~;!,jd>&~ ,t.X~~+,+;;q~dbu~+~~ > > , i~~ ~ > ~ y ~ $ ~ e i / > ~ u , , ~ ~ ~ ~uGe ~ ;i. i>d,~~fb~ ~ , L>& < > 2; . > ~ * + ~ ~ ~ + ~ / ~ > t > > ~ ~,j> > , S/,~Gi ,~ ,~j,j~-,,>,+);bi,&g~+& > ~ I , > z > ', > ~*d&! > 2 V L , i ~ * , ~ ~ q ~ , > ' $ ; ; i& > :A! -;"!I > ' ? ~ ~ ; ! ~ , / ~ > ~ > ~ t i ~ ; ~ ~ ; u , ~ v ~ b , , j ~ / , j ~ ~ ~ ~ , ~ ~ d ! , > h ~ d ! > i ~ , ~ ~ ; ~ ~ $ ~ > . G,,rjJL;,J,j~-,~j.>dk;,*> t<$ > >,<,+L+; i~/4av>~u,,>~tj,,$,j:ii.- > -7yJ,bj>>;8. ,/J+" > > '+,>J >$r<*Jd$2>b,,>$sijz;8 > ~~>~f/+/!,>l!;l, > .". > - fy'x > .> y , ~ ~ ~ , , i ; r L , ' ' y $ , / ~ j b , , > d , d > "./ , . , > :c;,+ t ; 1 v ~ i ~ ~ g ~ $ ~ ; ~ / ~ M ! i ~ ~ J ~ 2 9 ~ ~ t ; / > ) ; ~ > Z?/J~~&L.;, > . t;j +jj*,,J";.Cd,, +ti > J , h s ~ t t ~ ~/d 7i ~&: i&A~ ~ , ~ ~ -~,& > ~ ~ ~ > > o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ , ~ > > . ti,, ;,G.L ~,,> > ,.i&? 2 ~ 2 > s~~~2~2>$<~$~;~~~,,~.~,~,i/~~;u~~v~+~~ > J?,J~L->,&~,.A~& > j?J$>L; > #I > > +&/d,*>,&>, ~:~;~~jd#~b~,>~~b~/idil,d,~d$~>~~~(~ -?< > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 273 > 2 74 THE BAHA'f WORLD > THE W O R L D O R D E R OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H 271 > > of the world. Careful examination ui the i~ the fulfillluent of thc idcal of Religion > Declaration and its By-Laws will reveal the in the social as well as spiritual realm. Be- > fact that this document contains no ar- cause in the Bah6'i Faith this perfect cor- > bitrary elements nor features new to the respondence exists between spiritual aud > Bah&i' Cause. O n the contrary, it repre- social laws, the Baha'is believe that admninis- > sents a most conscientious effort to reflect trative success is identical with moral suc- > those very administrative principles and ele- cess; and that nothing less than the true > ments already set forth in the letters of the Bah6'i spirit of devotion and sacrifice can > Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, and already de- inspire with effective power the world-wide > termining the methods and relationships of body of unity, revealed by Bah6'u'11611. > Bahi'i collective association. The provi- Therefore it has seemed fitting and proper > sion both in the Declaration and in the By- to accompany the Declaration of Trust with > Laws for amendments in the future will excerpts from the letters of Shoghi Effendi > permit the National Spiritual Assembly to which furnished the source whence the pro- > adapt this document t o such new adminis- visions of the Declaration were drawn, and > trative elements or principles as the Guard- which furthermore give due emphasis to > ian may at any time give forth. The Dec- that essential spirit without which any and > laration, in fact, is nothing more or less every social or religious form is but a dead > than a legal parallel of those moral and and soulless body. > spiritual laws of unity inherent in the ful- > ness of the Bahl'i Revelation and making Horacc Holley. > > DES N A T I O N A L E N GEISTIGEN R A T S DER > BAHA'I I N DEUTSCHLAND U N D > oSTERREICH > THEDECLARATION AND BY-LAW'S OF THE NATIONAL > SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLY OF THE B A H ~ ~ > OF) ~GERMANY > s AND AUSTRIA > > W R , Marta Blanche B~,inwzs-Forel, den Hijrer desselben, iibertragencn Befug- > Karlsruhe i. B.; Paul Ferdinand Gollmer, nisse, Verantwortlichlieite~~,Rechte, Vor- > Stuttgart; Max Guetwen, Bremen; Dr. Her- rechte und Pflichteu von dem vorgenannten > mann Grossnzann, Necliargemiind; Edith Nationalen Geistigen Rat und seinen ord- > Elisabeth Anna Horn, Stuttgart; Anna nungsmassig bestellten ~ a c h f o l ~ e r nge- > Maria Kbstlan, Esslingen a. N.; Dr. Adel- mass dieser Treuhands~haftserklerun~aus- > bert Friedrich Alexallder Marillus Muhl- geiibt, verwaltet und fortgefiihrt werden > schlegel, Stuttgart; Dr. Karl Eugen sollen. > Schmidt, Stuttgart; Alice Coriuna GaLriele Die Annahme dieser Form des Zusain- > Emma Amdie (Tlhirih) Schwarz-Soliwo, menscblusses, der Vereinigung und Gemein- > Stuttgart, erkliren hiermit als der dnrch die schaft, und die Zulegung der Bezeichnnng > Abgeordneten dcr Bah6'i in Deutschland als Treuhandcr dcr Bahi'i in Deutschland > uud Oesterreich anlasslich der Jahrestagung und ~ s t e r r e i c herfolgt durch den Nation- > in Stuttgart am 2 2 . April 1934 ordnungs- alrn Geistigen Rat als dem seit mehr als > missig gewahlte und mit allen Vollinachten dreiundzwanzig Jahren bestehenden und > zur Errichtung der nachfolgenden Treu- verantwortlicl~en Verwaltuugsl~orper einer > handschaft ausgestattete Nationale Geistige Religionsge~neinschaft. Infolge dieser Ti- > Rat der BahBi in Dez~tschlandzlnd dster- tigkeit erwichst dem Nationalen Geistigen > reich, dass voin heu~igenTage an die diesem Rat die Pflicht zur Verwaltung der stindig > Rate durch Bah6'u'116h, den Begriinder des mannigfacher und umfangreicher werden- > Bahl'i-Glaubens, 'Abdu'l-Bahl, den Aus- den Angelegenheiten uud Vermogenswerte > leger und das Vorbild, und Shoghi Effendi, der Bah6'i in Deutschland und ~ s t e r r e i c h , > THE WORLD ORDE > > weshalb wir als dessen Mitglieder es fur l i c h ~ n ,mensrhenfreundlichen ttnd geistigen > wunschenswert und notwendig erachten, Charakters, die Veroffentlichung von > unserer gemeinsamen Tatigkeit eine fester Buchern, Zeitschriften und Zeitungen, die > umrissene, gesetzmassige Form zu geben. Errichtung von Tempeh allgemeiner An- > Wir tun dies in volliger Einmutigkeit und betung und anderer Einrichtungen und > in voller Erkenntnis der damit geschaffenen Bauten f u r menschenfreundliche Dienste, > heiligen Bindung. Wir anerltennen fiir uns die ~berwachung, Vereinheitlich~n~, For- > und unsere Nachfolger in dieser Treuhand- de~ung und allgemeine Verwaltung der > schaft die erhabene religiose Richtschnur, Angelegenheiten der Bahl'i in Deutschland > die fur Bahb'i-Verwaltungslrorperschaften und Osterreich in Erfiillung ihrer religiosen > in dem Worte Bahl'u'llbh's zuin Ausdruck Dienste, Pflichten und Ideale, sowie jedes > kommt: ,,Seid Treuhinder des Barmherzi- sonstige diesen Zielen oder einem von ihnen > gen unter den Menschen", und suchen den forderliche Mittel dienen. > Beistand Gottes und Seine Fiihrung, damit Weiterer Zweck und Gegenstand dieser > wir dieser E r ~ n a h n u nfolgen > ~ konnen. Tre~hand~emeinschaf t ist: > a, das Recht, mit irgendwelchen Per- > sonen, Unte~nehmun~en, Vcrcinigun- > Die genannte Treuhandge~neitlschaft > fiihrt die Bezeichnung ,,der Nationale Gei- gen, privaten, offentlichen oder ge- > stige Rat der Bahi'i in Deutschland und meindlichen Korperschaften, dem Staat > ~sterreich". oder irgendwelchen seiner Linder, > Gebiete oder Kolonien oder mit > irgendwelchen fremden Regierungen > Wir teilen die Ideale unserer Mit-Bal~i'i in jeder Art und Weise Vertrige > und arbeiten mit ihnen an der Aufrichtung, abzuschliessen, zu vollziehen und zu > Erhaltung und Forderung der geistigen, er- erfullen, die zur Forderung der Ziele > ziehlichen und menschenfreundliche~~Leh- dieser Treuhandschaft dienen, und im > ren menschlicher Bruderschaft, strahlenden Zusammenhang damit und bei allen > Glaubens, erhabenen Charakters und selb- Verrichtungen, die im Rahmen dieser > stloser Liebe, wie sie im Leben und in den Treuhandschaft erfolgen, alles und > ~ n s s e r u n ~ ealler > n Propheten und Botschaf- jedes zu tun, was eine Gesellschaft > ter Gottes, der Begrunder der Offenbarungs- oder naturliche Person zu tun oder > religionen in der Welt, geoffenbart und mit auszuuhen vermag und was gcgen- > erneuter Kraft und allumfassender Geltung wartig oder kunftig vom Gesetz m- > fur die Gegebenheiten dieses Zeitalters gelassen ist, > durch das Leben und die Worte Bahi'u'llih's b. bei allen durch Gesetz oder anderswie > verkiindet worden sind. Wir erklaren als errichteten Verbanden oder Nach- > Zweck und Gegenstand dieser Treuhandge- lassen und sonstigen letztwilligen > meinschaft die Verwaltung der Angelegen- Verfugungen in Verbindung mit > heiten der Sache Bahi'u'llih's zum Besten Schenkungen, Vermichtnissen oder > der Bahi'i in Deutschland und Osterreich Auflassungen jeder Art, in welchen ein > gemass den von Bahl'u'11bh geschaffenen oder mehrere Treuhinder in irgend > und eingefArten, von 'Abdu'l-Bahi naher einem Teil, der Welt sowohl als auch > bestimmten und erliuterten und von i n Deutschland und Osterreich bestellt > Shogbi Effendi und dessen nach dem Willen werden, aufzutreten und als emp- > und Testament 'Abdu'l-Bahi's ordnungs- fangsberechtigt zu gelten und Schen- > massig eingesetzten Nachfolger und Nach- knngen, Vermichtnisse oder Auflas- > folgern erweiterten und angewandten sungen in Geld oder sonstigen > GrundsXtzeen fiir die Bahl'i-Zugehorigkeit Vermijgenswerten anzunehmen, > und -Verwaltung. c. alles und was immer in den schrift- > Der Erfiillung dieses Zweckes sollen An- lichen ~ u s s e r u n ~ e n Bahi'u'llih'o, > dachtszusammenkiinfte, offentliche Ver- 'Ahdu'l-Bahl's, Shnghi Effendi's und > sammlungen und Zusammenkiinfte erzieh- seiner ordnungsm:ssigeu Nachfnlger, > 278 THE BAHA 'i WORLD > > dnrch die den Nationalrn Geistigen ARTIKELIV > Riten gewisse Spruchrechte, Befug- Die Treuhinder, d. h, der Nationale > nisse und Gerechtsame gewahrt sind, Geistige Rat, nehmen fur die Durchfiihrung > an verschiedenen Zweclien und Zielen der ihm in dieser Treuhandschaftserklarung > niedergelegt ist, anvertrauten Obliegenheiten die zur Fest- > d. ge~neinhin alles zu tun und zu be- legung und Erledigung der eigenen Ver- > wirken, was nach Ansicht der be- waltungsaufgaben wie auch derjenigen der > nannten Treuhander d. h. des Nation- verschiedenen iirtlichen und sonstigen Glie- > alen Geistigen Rates der Bahi'i in derungen, die die Bahl'i in Deutschland und > Deutschland und Bsterreich znr Bsterreich verkiirpern, erforderlichen Satz- > Fiirderung der vollstindigen und ungen, Bestimmungen und Dienstvorschrif- > erfolgreichen Verwaltung dieser Treu- ten gemass den Zweclren dieser Einrichtung > handgemeinschaft erforderlich, ge- und in ~bereinstimmungmit den seitheri- > eignet und von Vorteil ist. gen ausdriicklichen, den Bahl'i in Deutsch- > land und Bsterreich bereits beliannten und > ARTIICEL111 von ihnen in der Fuhrung und Handhabung > I . Abrchnitt. Allen Personen, Unter- ihrer religiesen Angelegenheiten ubernom- > nehmungen, KGrperschaften und Vereinig- menen Weisungen Shoghi Effendi's, des > ungen gegeniiber, die den Treuhindern d. h. Huters des Bahi'i-Glaubens, an. > dern Nationalen Geistigen Rat nnd den > Mitgliedern desselben in ihrer Eigenschaft ARTIKELV > als solche Kredit gewihren, Vertrage rnit Die Hauptgeschaftsstelle dleser Treu- > ihnen schliessen oder irgendwelche Ans- handgemeinschaft befindet sich an dem- > pruche gegen sie, gleichviel welcher Art, jenigen Ort, der durch den Nationalen > ob rechtlich oder billig, zu Recht oder zu Geistigen Rat vorx Zeit zu Zeit bestimmt > Unrecht, haben, gilt lediglich das Treu- wird. > handvermogen und der Treuhandbesitz als ARTIKELVI > Masse fur Zahlung oder Sicherstellung > bezw. fur die Begleichung irgendwelcher Das Siegel dieser Treuhandgemeinschaft > Schulden, Ersatzan spruche, Auflagen und besitzt runde Form nnd zeigt folgende In- > Bescheide oder irgendwelcher Betrige, die schrift: > in sonstiger Weise seitens der TreuhBnder Der Nationale Geistigc Rat dev Ba- > geschuldet ader zahlbar werden kGnnten, bi'i in Deutschland zcnd ~sterreich > c. V. T~eu6andschaftseukld~z~ng 1935. > sodass weder die Treuhander, noch irgen- > deiner von ihnen, noch irgendeiner ibrer > ARTIKELVII > kraft dieses ernannten Beamten oder Beauf- > tragten, noch irgendwelche hierin genannte Diese Treuhands~haftserklirun~ kann > Berechtigte, sei es einzeln oder gemeinsam, durch absoluten Mehrheitsbeschluss des > personlich dafur haften. Nationalen Geistigen Rats der Bahl'i in > 2. Absclmift. Alle Bescheinigungen, Deutschla~id und ~sterreich in jeder be- > Schuldanerkenntnisse, Antrige, schriftlichen sonderen Versammlung, die zu diesem > Verpflichtungen und Vertrige oder sonsti- Zwecke ordnungsmassig einberufen wor- > gen Vereinbarungen und Urkunden, die im den ist, erginzt werden, vorausgesetzc, dass > Rahmen dieser Treuhandschaft getroffen mindestens dreissig Tage vor dem fur die > oder gegeben werden, werden ausdrucklich Versammlung festgesetzten Zeitpunkt eine > vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat als Treu- Abschrift der vorgeschlagenen Erganznng > hander durch dessen ordnungsmassig er- oder Erginzungen an jedes Ratsmitglied > mzchtigte Beamte und Beauftragte vollzo- durch den Sekretir mittels eingeschriebenen > gen. Briefes versandt wird. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 279 > > SATZUNG DES NATIONALEN GEISTIGEN RATS > ARTIKELI der Sache voreesehenen Universalen Hauses > Der Nationale Geistige Rat besitzt in der Gerechtigkeit. Vor allem aber soll der > Erfullung seiner geheiligten Pflichten im Nationale Geistige Rat stets jene Stufe der > Rahmen dieses Treuhandverh'altnisses aus- Einheit in Ergebenheit gegenuber der Of- > schliessliches Spruch- und Hoheitsrecht fenbarung Bahi'u'llih's erstreben, die die > uher alle Vera~lstaltungen und Angelegen- Bestitigung des Heiligen Geistes anzieht > heiten der Bahl'i-Sache in Deutschland und und den Rat zum Dienste an der Begrind- > bsterreich LLnter ~ i ~ der~Oberhoheit > ~ h lung ~ des ~Grosste~l > ~ Friedens fahig machen > in bezug auf die Verwaltung dieser Treu- "jrd. Bei a'1en seinen Beratungen und > handschaft, Er soil darnach strehen, die Handlungen soll der Nationale Geistige Rat > (nachstehend erliuterte) Arbeit der als gottlichen Fuhrer und Massstab standig > lichen Geistigen Rate sowie diejenige der die ~usserung Bah6'u'llih's vor Augen > einzelnen Bahl'i in Deutschland und s t e r - habe": > nEs geziemt ihnen (d. " den Geistigen > reich anzuspornen, zusammenzufassen und > gleichzurichten, und in jeder nur m6g- Raten), die Vertrauten des Barmherzigen > lichen weise in der Forderung der Einheit unter den Menschen zu sein und sich fur > der ~ ~ ~ unterstiitzen, > ~ ~ h Ihmh obliert > ~ i Gottes > ~ auserwahlte Hiiter von allem, was > . . .. > die Anerkennung derartiger ijrtlicher Rite, Erden zu Es obliegt > die prufung der ortlichen ~ i ~ ~ l i ~ d ihnen, ~ ~ miteinander > ~ ~ l l ~ zu~ beraten, und auf > die ~ i ~ der b~~h~~~~~~~~~ > ~ ~ oder~be. f die~ Belange ~ der > ~ Diener Gottes acht zu > sonderer ~~~~~~~l~~~~~und die ~i~~~~~~~~ hahen, um Seiner Selbst willen, wie sit > der Abgeordneten zur Jahrestagung und auf die eigenen Belange achten, und das > ihre u'ffernmassige Verteilung auf die ver- zu wihlen, was geziemend ist und schick- > schiedenen Bahi'i-Gemeinden. Er ernennt lich." > simtliche nationalen Bahi'i-Ausschiisse und ARTIKELI1 > uberwacht die Veroffentlichung und Ver- Die Bahl'i in Deutschland und Bster- > teilung von Bahi'i-Schrifttum, die ~ b e r - reich, zu deren Gunsten diese Treuhand- > prufung aller die Bah6'i-Sacbe betreffenden schaft errichtet ist, umfassen alle in Deutsch- > Schriften, den Bau und die Verwaltung des land und bsterreich wohnhaften Personen, > allgemeinen Mas_hriqu'l-AQkir's und seiner die vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat als den > Nebeneinrichtungen und die Erhehung und Erfordernissen zum stimmberechtigten Mit- > Verwendung aller Gelder zur Fortfuhrung glied einer Bahi'i-Gemeinde genugend aner- > dieser Treuhandschaft. Er entscheidet, ob kannt sind. Wer stimmberechtigtes Mit- > irgendwelcbe Angelegenheiten dem Bereiche glied einer Bahl'i-Gemeinde werden will, > seines eigenen Spruchrechtes oder demjenigen muss > eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates angehoren. a. in dem Ortsgebiet wohnen, das durch > Er nimmt in Fallen, die ihm geeignet den Rechtsbereich des ijrtlichen Gei- > und notwendig erscheinen, Berufungen aus stigen Rates gemiss dern zweiten Ab- > Entscheidungen ijrtlicher Geistiger Rite schnitt des Artikels VII dieser Satz- > an und besitzt das Recht zur end& ung bestimmt ist, > tigen Entscheidung in allen Flllen, in denen b. das einundzwanzigste Lebenrjahr vol- > die Befihigung eines Einzelnen oder einer lendet haben, > Gruppe, stindig das Wahlrecht auszuuben c. zur Zufriedenheit des ortlichen Gei- > oder Mitglied der Bahl'i-Gemeinschaft zu stigen Rates, die von der Zustimmung > sein, in Frage steht. Er vertritt die Bahl'i durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat > in Deutschland und ~sterreichiiberall, wo abh'ingt, dargetan haben, dass er den > es sich urn die Zusammenarbeit nnd geistige folgenden Bahl'i-Glaubensforderun- > Betatigung mit den Bahh'i anderer Linder gen und -briuchen genugt: > handelt, und bildet das nlleinige Wahlorgan volle Anerkemung dcr Stufe des > der Bahl'i in Deutschland und ~sterreich Vorl'iufers (des Bib), des BegrGnders > bei Schaffung des in den heiligen Schriften (Bahi'u'llih's) und 'Abdu'l-Bahl's, > 280 THE B A H A 'i WORLD > > des Erklarers und wahren Vvrbildes > des Bah6'i-Glaubens, vorbehaltlose > Der Nationale Geistige Rat ist beschluss- > Annahme von allem, was durch ihre > fahig, sobald fiinf Mitglieder desselbeu in > Feder geoffenbart ist, und Unterwerf- > einer Sitzung anwesend sind, und die durch > ung darunter, treues und standhaftes > diese gefassten, absoluten Mehrheitsbe- > Festhalten an allen Teilen des gehei- > schlusse gelten, soweit nicht diese Satzung > ligten Willens 'Ahdu'l-Bahi's und > ein Anderes bestimmt, in gebuhrendem > enge Verhundenheit sowohl mit dem > Hiubliclr auf den in der Einrichtung der > Geiste als auch mit der Form der > gcistigen Rite enthaltenen Grundsatz der > gegenwartigen Bahi'i-Verwaltung in > Einheit und aufrichtigen Gemeinschaft als > der Welt. > ausreichend zur Fiihrung der Geschlfte. > Die Verhandlungen und Entscheidungen > des Nationalen Geistigen Rates sind bei > Der Nationale Geistige Rat besteht aus jeder Sitzung durch den Sekretar zu proto- > neun aus dem Kreise der Bah6'i in Deutsch- kollieren, der den Ratsmitgliedern nach > land und Gsterreich gewahlten Mitgliedern, jeder Sitzung Abschriften der Protokolle > die von den genannten Bahi'i in der weiter zusielh und die Protokolle unter den offizi- > unten beschriebenen Weise gewahlt werden ellen Urkunden des Rates aufbewahrt. > und fur die Dauer eines Jahres oder bis zur > Wahl ihrer Nachfolger im Arnte bleiben. > Wo immer in Deutschland und 8ster- > reich, in einer Stadt oder einer landlichen > Die geschaftsfuhrenden Mitglieder des Gemeinde, die Zahl der darin wohnenden, > Nationalen Geistigen Rates bestehen nus vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat anerkannten > einem Vorsitzer, stellvertretenden Vorsitzer, Bahi'i neun ubersteigt, konnen diese am 21. > Sekretar und Rechner nnd was sonst zur April eines Jahres zusammenkommen und > geeigneten Fiihrung seiner Geschifte an nlit relativer Stirnmenmehrheit eine ortliche > amtern fiir notig erachtet wird. Die ge- Verwaltungskorperschaft von neun Perso- > schaftsfuhrenden Mitglieder werden mit nen als Geistigen Rat der betreeenden Ge- > absoluter Stimmenmehrheit durch simtliche meinde wihlen. Jeder solche Geistige Rat > Ratsmitglieder in geheimer Abstimmung wird darauf alljahrlich an jedern folgenden > gewihlt. 21. Tag des Aprils gewiihlt. Die Mitglieder > bleiben fur die Dauer eit~esJahres und bis > ARTIKELV > zur Wahl und Benennung ihrer Nachfolger > Die erste Versammlung des neugewahlten in1 Amte. > Nationalen Geistigen Rates wird durch das- Soweit dagegen die Zahl der Bahi'i in > jenige Mitglied einberufen, das bei der Wahl einer Gemeinde genau neun betragt, konnen > die hochste Stimmenzahl erhalten hat, oder, sich diese am 21. April eines Jahres und in > soweit zwei oder mehrere Mitglieder die den nachfolgenden Jahren durch gemein- > gleiche Stimme~lzahl aufweisen, durch das same Erklarang zum ortlicheu Geistigen > unter diesen ausgeloste Mitglied. Dieses Rat ernenneu. Durch Beurkundung einer > Mitglied fiihrt den Vorsitz his zur Wahl salchen Erklirung seitens des Sekretirs des > des stindigen Vorsitzers. Alle folgenden Nationalen Geistigen Rats gilt der besagte > Sitzungen werden durch den Sekretar des Neunerrat als mit allen Rechten, Vorrech- > Rates auf Ersuchen des Vorsitzers oder, hei ten und Pflichten eines ortlichen Geistigen > dessen Abwesenheit oder Verhindernng, des Rates, wie sie in dieser Satzung festgelegt > stellvertretenden Vorsitzers oder dreier be- sind, eingesetzt. > liebiger Ratsmitglieder einberufen, wobei I . Abschnitf. Jeder neugewahlte ort- > jedoch die Jabrestagung, wie weiterhin fest- liche Geistige Rat verfihrt sofort gerniiss > gelegt, in bazug auf Zeitpunkt und Ort von den in den Artikeln IV und V dieser Satz- > der Versammlung durch absoluten Mehr- ung enthaltenen Anweisungen iiber die > heitsbeschluss festgelegt wird. Wahl seiner geschaftsfuhrenden Mitglieder, > die aus eineu~ Vorsitzer, stellvertretenden lneinde zur Unterrichtung und Gutheissung > Vorsitzer, Sekretir und Rechncr und was durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat. > der Rat sonst fiir die Fuhrung seiner Ge- 8. Abschnitt. Alle sich innerhalb einer > schafte und die Erfullung seiner Geistigen Bahi'i-Gemeinde ergehenden Angelegen- > Pflichten an Amtern f u r notig erachten heiten von rein ortlichen Interessen, die > mag, bestehen. Un~nittelbardarnach iiber- nicht die nationalen Belange der Sache > mittelt der gewahlte Sekretar den1 Sekre- beriihren, unterstehen in erster Instanz dem > t a r des Nationalen Geistigen Rates die Spruchrecht des betreffenden ortlichen > N a ~ n e n der Mitglieder des neugewahlten Geistigen Rates, doch liegt, die Entscheid- > Rates und cine Liste seiner geschiftsfiihr- ung dariiber, ob in einem Fall durch die > enden Mitglieder. Angelegenheit die Belange und die Wohl- > 2. Abschnitt. Die allgemeinen Befug- fahrt der nationalen Bahi'i-Gemeinschaft > nisse nnd Pflichten eines brtlichen Geistigen heriihrt werden, beim Nationalen Geistigen > Rates ergeben sich aus den Schriften Bahi'u- Rat. > 'Ilbh's, 'Abdu'l-Bahi's und Shoghi Effendi's. 9. Abschnitt. Jedenl Mitglied einer > 3. Abschnitt. Unter die besonderen Bahi'i-Gemeinde steht ea frei, gegen eine > Pflichten eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates Entscheidung seines Geistigen Rates heim > fallt das volle Spruchrecht fiber alle Bahi'i- Nationalen Geistigen R r t Berufung ein- > Veranstaltungen und -Angelegenheiten in- znlegen, der dariiber hefindet, oh er die > nerhalb der Gemeinde, unheschadet der Sache zur Entscheidung ~ufgreifenoder sie > hierin erklirten ausschliesslichen Oberhoheit beim ortlichen Geistigen Rat zur nochmali- > des Nationalen Geistigen Rates. gen Erwigung belassen will. Greift der > 4. Abschnitt. Ausscheidende M~tglieder Nationale Geistige R a t die Sache zur Ent- > eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates werden nuf scheidung auf, so ist seine Findung end- > einer zu diesem Zwecke durch den R a t giiltig. > ordnungsmissig einberufenen, besonderen 10. Abschnitt. Bestchen innerhalb einer > Gemeindeversammlung durch Wahl erganzt. Bahi'i-Gemeinde M~inun~sverschiedenheit- > Falls die Zahl der ausscheidenden Mitglieder en, die nicht durch die Bemuhungen des > hoher als vier ist, sodass die Beschlussfihig- ortlichen Geistigen Rates beigelegt werden > keit des orlichen Rates entfallt, wird die konnen, so ist die ~ngelegenheitdurch den > Wahl unter der Oberaufsicht des Nation- Geistigen Rat dem Nationalen Geistigen > alen Geistigen Rates vorgenommen. Rate zur Erwigung zu iiberweisen, dessen > T . Absch~zitf. Die Geschifte des art- Vorgchen in der Sache dann endgiiltig > lichen Rates werden in gleicher Weise ist. > gefiihrt, wie oben in Artikel VI f u r die 11. A b s c h n i t t . A l l e S t r e i t f r a g e n > Verhandlungen des Nationalen Geistigen zwischen zwei oder mehreren ortlichen > Rates festgelegt ist. Geistigen R i t e n oder zwischen Mitgliedern > 6. Abschnitt. Der ortliche Rat uher- verschiedener Baha-'i-Gemeinden sollen in > pruft und anerkennt die Eignung jedes erster Instanz dern Nationalen Geistigen > Mitgliedes der Bahi'i-Gemeinde Tor dessen Rate unterbreitet werden, dem Lei allen > Znlassung als wahlherechtigtes Mitglied, derartigen Angelegenheiten das erste nnd > doch steht es jedem, der mit dern Befund letzte Spruchrecht eigen ist. > des ortlichen Geistigen Rates iiber seine 12. Abschnitt. Der Rechtsbereich der > Eignung als Bahb'i unzufrieden ist, frei, einzelnen ortlichen Geistigen R i t e in bezug > gegen den Befund beim Nationalen Geisti- auf die iirtliche Befindung zur Mitglied- > gen R a t Bernfung einzulegen, der den Fall schaft und Wahlberechtigung eines Glaii- > aufgreift und endgiiltig daruber entscheidet. bigen i n einer Bahi'i-Gemeinde entspricht > 7. Abschnitt. A m oder vor dern ersten der durcb die verwaltungsrechtlichen Gren- > T a g im Februar jedes Jahres sendet der zen einer Stadt oder einer landlichen Ge- > Sekretzr jedes iirtlichen Rates dern Sekretir meinde bezeichneten Gemarkung, doch > des Nationalen Geistigen Rates eine ord- k6nnen Bahh'i, die in angrenzenden, abseits > nungsmZssig heglaubigte Liste der stimnl- liegenden oder vorstidtiscben Bezirken > berechtigten Mitglieder der Bahi'i-Ge- wohnen und regelmassig an den Versamm- > 282 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > lungen der Aahi'i-Gemeinden teilzunehmen abzugehen, die dem ortlichen Geistigen Rat > vermogen, bis zur Errichtung eines ort- genugt. > lichen Geistigen Rates in ihrer Heimatge- 2. Abschnitt. Alle fur die Tagung ein- > meinde in die vom angrenzenden Geistigen zusetzenden Ahgeordneten miissen als > Rat gefiihrte Mitgliederrolle eingeschriehen stimmherechtigte Mitglieder der von ihnen > werden und volles Wahlrecht geniessen. vertretenen Bah6'i-Gemeinden 'eingetragen > Alle Auffassungsverschiedenheiten in be- sein. > zug auf das Rechtsgebiet eines ortlichen 3 . Abschnitt. Die Rechte und Vor- > Geistigen Rates oder beziiglich der Anglied- rechte der Abgeordneten konnen weder > erung irgend eines Bahi'i oder einer Gruppe ubertragen noch abgetreten werden. > in Deutschland und ijesterreich sind d e ~ n 4. Abschizitt. Die Anerlrennung und > Nationalen Geistigen Rat zu unterbreiten, Einsetzung der Abgeordneten zur National- > dessen Entscheidung in der Sache endgultig tagung erfolgt im Nationalen Geistigen > ist. Rate. > ARTIKELVIII 5 . Abschnitt. Soweit Abgeorduete nicht > personlich an der Tagung teilnehmen kon- > Die Jahresversammlung des Nationalen nen, haben sie das Recht, Mitglieder des > Geistigen Kates, auf der die Wahl seiner Nationalen Geistigen Rates schriftlich oder > Mitglieder erfolgt, fuhrt die Bezeichnung telegafisch zu den Tom Nationalen Geisti- > Nationaltapng der Bahi'i in Deutschland gen Rat festzusetzendeu Bedingungen zu > und ~sterreich. Zeitpunkt und Ort fur die wihlen. > Ahhahung bestimmt der Nationale Geistige 6. Abschnitt. H i l t der Nationale > Rat, der alle Bahb'i-Gemeinden durch ibre Geistige Rat in irgend einem Jahre die Zu- > Geistigen Rate sechzig Tage zuvor von der sammenrufung der Abgeordneten zur Na- > Versammlung in Kenntnis setzt. Der Na- tionaltagung fur undurchfiihrbar oder nicht > tionale Geistige Rat teilt jedem Geistigen geraten, so setzt der Nationale Geistige > Rat gleichzeitig die von ihm der Bahl'i-Ge- Rat die Mittel und Wege fiir die hriefliche > meinde gemass dem Grundsatz der Ver- oder telegrafische Durchfuhrung der Ge- > h i l t n i s v e r t r e t ~ n ~zugeteilte Anzahl von schafte der Nationaltagung fest. > Ahgeordneten zur Nationaltagung mit, 7. Abschnitt. Das auf der National- > wohei die Gesamtzahl der Abgeordneten, die tagung anwesende vorsitzende, geschifts- > die Nationaltagung darstellen, neunzehn fiihrende Mitglied des Nationalen Geistigen > betragen soll. Nach Empfang dieser Be- Rates ruft die Abgeordneten auf, die darauf > nachrichtigung beruft jeder ortliche Geistige zur endgultigen Ordnung der Versammlung > Rat inuerhalh eines angemessenen Zeitraumes schreiten, einen Vorsitzenden, Schriftfiihrer > und unter Beachtung ordnungsmissiger und und was weiter an dmtern fiir die geeignete > ausreichender Ankiindigung eine Versamm- Fiihrung der Geschafte der Tagung erford- > lung der in seiner Rolle verzeichneten erlich ist, wihlen. > stimmberechtigten Mitglieder zwecks Wahl 8. Abschnitt. Die Hauptaufgabe der > ihres oder ihrer Ahgeordneten zur Nation- Nationaltagung ist die Wahl der neun Mit- > altagung ein, worauf die Sekretare der glieder zum kommenden Nationalen Geisti- > einzelnen ortlichen Geistigen RBte dem Sek- gen Rate, die Entgegennahme der Berichte > retir der Nationalen Geistigen Rates spates- iiber die finanzielle und aonstige Tiitigkeit > tens dreissig Tage vor dem Zeitpunkt der des ausscheidenden Nationalen Geistigen > Tagung die Nameu und Anschriften der so Rates und seiner verschiedenen Ausschiisse > gewahlten Ahgeordneten bescheinigen. und Beratung uber die Angelegenheiten der > I . Abschvzitt. Alle Tagungsabgeordne- Bah6'i-Sache im allgemeinen, selbstverstind- > ten sind mit relativer Stimmeumehrheit zu lich in ~ h e r e i n s t i m m u n ~mit den von > wihlen. Mitglieder, die durch Krankheit Shoghi Effendi ausgedriickten Grundsatzen > oder andere unvermeidliche Griinde ver- der BahCi-Verwaltuq, wonach alle Berat- > hindert sind, an der Wahl persiinlich teil- ungen und Handlungcn dcr Abgcordneten > zunehmen, haben das Recht, ihre Stimme zur N a t i o n a l t a g u ~ ~ ausser der Wahl der > brieflich oder telegrafisch in einer Weise Mitglieder zum kommenden Nationalen > Geistigeu Rate nur R a t s c l ~ l i ~und e b n ~ p - woLei die Wahl in brieflicher odrr irgend > fehlungen zur Beachtung durch den ge- sonstiger durch den Nationalen Geistigen > nannten Rat darstellen, wahrend die Rat bestimmter Form erfolgt. > Entscheidung in allen Fragen, die die Ange- > legenheiten der Baha'i-Sache in Deutschland > und Gsterreich betreffen, ausschliesslich bei > Soweit dem Nationalen Geistigen Rat > dieser Korperschaft liegt. > durch diese Satznng in irgendwelchen, die > 9. Abschnitt. Die auf der National- > Tatigkeit und die Angelegenheiten der Ba- > tagung anzunehmende Geschiitsordnung > h$'iSache i l ~Deutschland und bsterreich > wird durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat > betreffenden Fragen aasschliessliches nnd > vorbereitet, doch konnen alle auf die Sache > hiichstrichterliches Spruchrecht sowie voll- > bezuglichen Angelegenheiten, die von irgend > ziehende Oberhoheit ubertragen ist, gilt dies > einem Abgeordneten vorgebracht werden, > mit der Weisung, dass alle hezuglich solcher > auf Antrag, uber den abzustimmen ist, als > Fragen getroffenen Ent~cheidun~enoder > Punkt der Tagungsberatungen aufgenom- > erfolgten Massnahmen in jedem Falle dem > men werden. > Hiiter der Sache oder dem Universalen > 10. Abschitt. Die Wahl der Mitglie- > Hause der Gerechtigkeit zur endgiiltigen > der des Nationalen Geistigen Rates erfolgt > Prufung und Billigung zu unterbreiten sind. > mit relativer Stim~nenmehrheit durch die > vom ausscheidenden Nationalen Geistigen > Rat anerlrannten Abgeordneten, d. h. als > gewahlt gelten diejenigen neun Personen, Soweit Aufgaben und Befugnisse durch > die im ersten Wahlgang der bei der Tagung diese Satzung nicht ausdriicklich den ort- > anwesenden Abgeordneten sowie derjenigen lichen Geistigen Riten iibertragen sind, > Abgeordneten, deren Stimme dem Sekretar gelten sie als dem Nationalen Geistigen Rate > des Nationalen Geistigen Rates schriftlich verliehen, wobei dieser Kijrperschaft das > oder telegrafisch iihermittelt worden ist, die Recht zur Ubertragung solcher beliebiger > grosste Anzahl Stimmen erhalten haben. Verrichtungen und Befugnisse zusteht, die > Falls infolge Stimmengleichheit die volle sie innerhalb ihres Spruchrechtes als fur > Mitgliedszahl nicht im ersten Wahlgang ortliche Geistige Rate erforderlich und > erreicht wird, finden ein oder mehrere ratsam erachtet. > weitere Wahlginge statt, bis samtliche neun > Mitelieder eewihlt sind. > 1 7 . ~ b s l b x i t t . Alle bei der National- > Zur Wahrung des geistigen Charakters > tagnng offiziell behandelten Angelegenheiten > und Zweckes der Bahi'i-Wahlen soll weder > sind nnter die Protokolle des Nationalen > der Branch der Wahlvor~chli~e noch irgend > Geistigen Rates aufznnehmen und mit > ein sonstiges, eine stille und yon Gebeten > diesen zu bewahren. > 12. Abschnitt. Nach Schluss der Na- getragene Wahl beeintrachtigendes Wahl- > verfahren aufkornmen, sodass jeder Wahler > tionaltagnng und bis zur Einberufung der > fur niemanden stimmen soll, als wen ihm > nachsteu Jahrestapng wirken die Abge- > ordneten als zu besonderem Dienste in der Gebet und Uberlegung eingegeben haben. > Arbeit fur die Sache befahigte beratende Zn den hervorragendsten und geheiligts- > ten Pflichten derer, die herufen werden, die > Korperschaft fort, in jeder Weise bemiibt, > Angelegenheiten der Sache als Mitglieder > zum einheitlichen Geiste und zu frucht- > ortlicher oder nationaler Geistiger Rite auf- > bringender Tatigkeit des Nationalen Geisti- > gen Rates wahrend des Jahres beizu- zugreifen, zu fuhren und gleichzurichten, > gehiirt: > traeen. > 13. Abschnitt. FreigewordeneMitglieds- auf jede nur mogliche Weise das Ver- > sitze des Nationalen Geistigen Rates werden trauen und die Zuneigung derer zu ge- > mit relativer Stimmenmehrheit seitens der winnen, denen zu dienen sie das Vorrecht > Abgeordneten der Nationaltagung, die den haben; die Meinungen, vorherrschenden > Rat seinerzeit gewahlt haben, neu besetzt, Empfindungen und die perdnliche ijber- > 284 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > r e u g u n g drrjnngen, dcren Wohlergehen AKTIKELXI1 > zu fordern ihre feierliche Pflicht ist, zu > Diese Satzung kann vom Nationalen > erforschen und sich mit ihnen vertraut > Geistigen Rat in jeder r e g e l m i ~ s i ~ eoder > n > zu machen; ihre Erwigungen und die all- hesonderen Sitzung mit absoluter Stimmen- > gemeine Fuhrung ihrer Angelegenheiten > mehrheit erganzt werden, vorausgesetzt, > von verschlossener Teilnahmslosigkeit, > dass mindestens vierzehn Tage vor dem f u r > dem Anschein der Heimlichkeit, dem > die betreffende Versammlung festgesetzten > erstickenden Duustkreis diktatorischer > Zeitpunkt eine Abschrift der vorgeschlag- > Bestimmungen und von allen Worten und > enen Erginzung oder Ergan~ungenan jcdrs > Handlungen zu reinigen, die den Ein- > Ratsmitglied durch den Selrretir mittels > druclr von Parteilichlreit, Selbstsucht und > Einschreibebriefes versandt wird. > Vorurteilen erweciren konnen, und un- > In allen Fallen, in denen iiber den durch > ter Vorbehalt des geheiligten Rechtes > den Wortlaut ausgedriicliten Sinn dieser > endgiiltiger Entscheidung znr Besprech- > Treuhandschaftserklarung und Satzung > ung einzuladen, Beschwerden nachzu- > Unklarheit besteht, ist der englische Wort- > gehen, Ratschlage zu begriissen und das > laut der Declaration of Trust and By Laws > Gefuhl der gegenseitigen Abhingigkeit > der Bahi'i der Verein~gten Staaten und > und Mitbeteiligung, des Verstandnisses und > Kanadas z u Rate zu ziehen. > wechselseitiaen Vertrauens unter sich und > allen iibrigen Baha'i zu pflegen. Stuttgart, den 10. Februar 1931 > > DECLARATION OF TRUST, MEMORANDUM > OF ASSOCIATION A N D BY-LAWS OF T H E > N A T I O N A L S P I K I T U A L ASSEMBLY O F > T H E BAHA'fS OF INDIA A N D > BURMA, 1 9 3 2 - 3 3 > Registered under Act X X I of 1860 > DECLARATION O F TRUST > B y the Natioval Skiritual Aswmbly of the Bahd'is of India and Bz~rvza > > W E ,N. R. Vakil of Surat, S. M. Roumie its Guardian, shall be exercised, adminis- > of Mandalay, Pritam Singh of Lahore, tered and carried on by the abovenamed > Hishmatullah Koreshi of Delhi, Isfandiar National Spiritual Assembly and their duly > Bakhtiari of Karachi, Aspandiar Behram of qualified successors under this Declaration > Bombay, Mahfuzu'l-Haq Ilmi of Delhi, of Trust. > Hormuzdyar Khodabaksh of Poona, and The National Spiritual Assembly in > Ormsby Mollier of Bombay, duly chosen by adopting this form of association, union and > the representatives of the Bah6'is of India fellowship, and in selecting for itself the > and Burma in Ridvin of 1 9 3 2 t o be the designation of Trustees uf the Bahi'is of > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is India and Burma, does so as the administra- > of India and Burma, with full power t o tive body of a religious community which > establish a Trust as hereinafter set forth, has had continuous existence and responsi- > hereby declare that from this date, the bility for over thirty years. I n consequence > powers, responsibilities, rights, privileges of these activities the National Spiritual As- > and obligations reposed in said National sembly is called upon t o administer such an > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India ever-increasing diversity and volume of > and Burma by Bahi'u'llih, Founder of the asairs and properties for the Bahi'is of > Bahi'i Faith, by 'Abdu'l-Bah6, its Inter- India and Burma that we, its members, now > preter and Exemplar, and by Shoghi Effendi, feel it both desirable and necessary t o give > our collective functions more definite legal and promote the spiritual, educational and > form. This action is taken in complete humanitarian teachings of human brother- > unanimity and with full recognition of the hood, radiant faith, exalted character and > sacred relationship thereby created. We ac- selfless love revealed in the lives and utter- > linowledge in behalf of ourselves and our ances of all the Prophets and Messengers of > successors in this Trust the exalted religious God, Founders of the world's revealed reli- > standard established by Bahi'u'llih for gions-and given renewed creative energy > Bah6'i administrative bodies in the utter- and universal application to the conditions > ance: "Be ye Trustees of the Merciful One of this age in the life and utterances of > among men" and seek the help of God and Bahd'u'llbh-we declare the purposes and > His guidance in order to fulfil that exhorta- objects of this Trust to be, to administer > tion. the affairs of the Cause of Bahi'u'll5.h for > > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India and Burma, 193s-1936. > > MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF the benefit of the Bahi'is of India and > THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL Burma according to the principles of Bah6'i > ASSEMBLY affiliation and administration created and > established by Bahi'u'llih, defined and ex- > plained by 'Abdu'l-Bahh and amplified and > The name of the Trust shall be the Na- applied by Shoghi Effendi and his duly con- > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of stituted successor and successors under the > India and Burma. provision of the Will and Testament of > 'Abdu'l-Bahl. > ARTICLE2-OBJECTS These purposes are to be redized by > Sharing the ideals and assisting the efforts means of devotional meetings; by public > of our fellow Bah6'is to establish, uphold meetings and conferences of an educational, > 286 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is > of India and Burma. > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 287 > > humanitarian and spiritua! character; by the against the Trustees, ie., the National Spir- > publication of books, magazines and news- itual Assembly, and the members thereof, of > papers; by the construction of temples of any character whatsoever, whether legal or > universal worship and of other institutions equitable and whether arising out of con- > and edifices for humanitarian service; by tract or tort, shall loolr solely t o the funds > supervising, unifying, promoting and gen- of the Trust and to the property of the > erally administering the activities of the Trust estate for payment or indemnity, or > Bahi'is of India and Burma in the fulfil- for the payment of any debt, damage, judg- > ment of their religious offices, duties and ment or decree or any money that may > ideals; and by any other means appropriate otherwise become due or payable from the > to these ends, or any of them. Trustees, so that neither the Trustees nor > Other purposes and objects of this Trust any of them, nor any of their officers or > are: - agents appointed by them hereunder, nor > (a) The right t o enter into, make, per- any beneficiary or beneficiaries herein named > form and carry out contracts of every sort shall be personally liable therefor. > and kind for the furtherance of the objects Section 2. Every note, bond, proposal, > of this Trust with any person, firm, associa- obligation or contract in writing or other > tion, corporation, private, public or munici- agreement or instrument made or given > pal or body politic or any state, territory or under this Trust shall be explicitly executed > colony thereof, or any foreign government; by the National Spiritual Assembly as Trus- > and in this connection and in all transac- tees by their duly authorized officers or > tions under the terms of this Trust, to do agents. > any and all things which a co-partnership or > ARTICLE 4-RULES A N D PROCEDURE > natural person could do or exercise, and > which now or hereafter may be authorized The Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual > by law. Assembly, shall adopt for the conduct of > (b) T o hold aud be named as beneficiary the affairs entrusted t o them under the > under any trust established by law or other- memorandum such by-laws, rules of pro- > wise or under any will or any other testa- cedure or regulations as are required to de- > mentary instrument in connection with any fine and carry on its own administrative > gift, devise, or bequest in which a trust or functions and those of the several local and > trusts is or are established in any part of the other elements composing the body of the > world as well as in India and Burma, t o Bahi'is of India and Burma, not inconsist- > receive gifts, devises or bequests of money ent with the terms of this instrunlent and > or other property. all in accordance with the explicit instruc- > (c) All and whatsoever the several pur- tions given us t o date by Shoghi Effendi, > poses and objects set forth in the written Guardian of the Cause of Bahi'u'llih, which > utterances of Bahi'u'lkh, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and instructions are already known t o the > Shoghi Effendi, under which certain juris- Bahi'is of India and Burma and accepted by > diction, powers and rights are granted to them in the government and practice of > National Spiritual Assemblies. their religious affairs. > (d) Generally t o do all things and acts > ARTICLE5-OFFICE > which in the judgment of said Trustees, > i.,, the National Spiritual Assembly of the The Central Office of this Trust shall he > Bahl'is of India and Burma, are necessary, located in the city of Lahore, Punjab, India, > proper and advantageous to promote the or in such place as may be decided upon > complete and successful administration of from time to time by the National Spiritual > this Trust. Assembly. > > ARTICLE 3 ARTICLE.6-SEAL > Section I . All persons, firms, coryora- The seal of this T r ~ i s tshall be circular in > tions and associations extending credit to, form, bearing the following description:- > contracting with or having any claim "National Spiritual Assembly of the > 288 T H E B A H A '1 WORLD > > Bahi'is of India and Burma. Declaration decisions of Locd Spiritual Arse~nblierand > of Trust 1932-33." shall have the right of final decision in all > cases where the qualification of an individ- > ual or group for continued voting rights > and membership in the BahPi body is in > This memorandum may be amended by question. I t shall furthermore represent the > majority vote of the members of the Na- Bahi'is of India and Burma in all their co- > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of operative and spiritual activities with the > India and Burma at any special meeting Bahi'is of other lands, and shall constitute > duly called for that purpose, provided that the sole electoral body of lndia and Burma > at least 3 0 days prior t o the date fixed for in the formation of the Universal House of > said meeting a copy of the proposed amend- Justice provided for in the sacred writings > ment or amendments is mailed to each of the Bahi'i Cause. Above all, the Na- > member of the Assembly by the Secretary. tional Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek t o > attain that station of unity in devotion t o > BY-LAWS the revelation of Baha'u'llih which will at- > O F T H E NATIONAL SPIRITUAL tract the confirmations of the Holy Spirit > ASSEMBLY and enable the Assembly t o serve the found- > ing of the Most Great Peace. In all its > ARTICLE 1 > deliberation and action the National Assem- > The National Spiritual Assembly, in the bly shall have constantly before it as Divine > fulfilment of its sacred duties under this guide and standard the utterance of Bahi- > Trust, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and ,u ,116h:- > authority over all the activities and affairs "It behooveth them ( i . c., Spiritual As- > of the Bahi'i Cause throughout India and semblies) t o be the trusted ones of the > Burma, including paramount authority in Merciful among men and to consider them- > the administration of this Trust. I t shall selves as the guardians appointed of God > endeavour to stimulate, unify and co-ordi- for all that dwell on earth. I t is incumbent > nate the manifold activities of the Local upon them to take counsel together, and t o > Spiritual Assemblies (hereinafter defined) have regard for the interests of the servants > and of individual Bahi:is in India and of God, for His sake, even as they regard > Burma and by all possible means assist them their own interests, and ro choose that > t o promote the oneness of mankind. It which is meet and seemly." > shall be charged with the recognition of > such Local Assemblies, the scrutiny of local ARTICLE 2 > membership rolls, the calling of the Annual The Bahh'is of India and Burnla, for > Meeting or special meetings and the seating whose benefit this Trust has been estab- > of delegates to the Annual Meeting and lished, shall consist of all persons resident in > their apportionment among the various India and Burma who are recognized by > Local Bahi'i communities. I t shall appoint the National Spiritual Assembly as having > all National Bahi'i Committees and shall fulfilled the requirements of voting mem- > supervise the publication and distribution of bership in a local BahPi community. T o > Bahi'i literature, the reviewinn of all writ- become a voting member of a Bahi'i com- > ings pertaining t o the Bahi'i Cause, the munity a person shall- > construction and administration of the (n) be a resident of the locality defined > Mahriqu'l-A&kir and its accessory activi- by the area of jurisdiction of the Local > ties, and the collection and disbursement of Spiritual Assembly, as provided by Article > all funds for the carrying on of this Trust. VII, Section 12, of this instrument. > I t shall decide whether any matter lies with- (6) have attained the age of 2 1 years. > in its own jurisdiction or within the juris- ( c ) have established t o the satisfaction > diction of any Local Spiritual Assembly. It of the Local Spiritual Assembly, subject t o > shall, in such cases as it considers suitable the approval of the National Assembly, > and necessary, entertain appeals from the that he possesses the qualifications of Bahi'i > faith and practice, ~equiredunder he fol- Awr1u.s 6 > lowing standard: Full recognition of the > Five members of the National Spiritual > station of the Foreruuner (the BLh), the > Assembly present at a meeting shall consti- > Author (Bah6'u'llih) , and 'Abdu'l-Bahi > tute a quorum, and a majority vote of > the True Exemplar of the Bah6'i Cause: > those present and constituting a quorum > unreserved acceptance of, and submission > shall he sufficient for the conduct of busi- > to, whatsoever has been revealed by Their > ness, except as otherwise provided in these > pen; loyal and steadfast adherence t o every > By-Laws, and with due regard to the prin- > clause of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi's sacred Will; and > ciple oL unity and cordial fellowship in- > close association with the spirit as well as > volved in the institution of a Spiritual > the form of present-day Bahi'i administra- > Assembly. The transactions and decisions > tion throughout the world. > of the National Spiritual Assembly shall he > recorded at each meeting by the Secretary, > who shall supply copies of the minutes to > The National Spiritual Assembly shall the Assembly members after each meeting, > consist of nine memhers chosen from among and preserve the minutes in the official > the Bahh'is of India and Burma, who shall records of che Assembly. > be elected by the said Bahi'is in manner > hereinafter provided, and who shall con- > tinne in oifice for the perlod o i one year, or > Whenever in any locality of India and > until their successors shall be elected. > Burma, be it city, town or village, the num- > ber of Bah6'is resident therein recog~lized > by the National Spiritual Assembly exceeds > The officers of the National Spiritual nine, these may on April 21st of any year > Assembly shall consist of a Chairman, Vice- convene and elect by plurality vote a local > Chairman, Secretary, Joint Secretary and administrative body of nine members, to be > Treasurer, and such other officers as may be known as the Spiritual Assembly of the > found necessary for the proper conduct of BahB'is of that community. Every such > its affairs. The officers shall be elected by Spiritual Asselnbly shall be elected annually > a majority vote of the Assembly taken by thereafter upon each successive 21st day of > secret ballot. April. The members shall hold office for > the term of one year and until their suc- > cessors are elected and qualified. > The first meeting of a newly-elected When, however, the numher of Bahi'is in > National Spiritual Assembly shall be called any community is exactly nine, these may > by the member elected to membership by on April 21st of any year, or in successive > the highest numher of votes or, in case two years, constitute themselves the local Spir- > or more members have received the same itual Assembly by joint declaration. Upon > said highest number of votes, then by the the recording of such declaration by the > member selected by lot from among those Secretary of the National Spiritual Assem- > members; and this member shall preside bly, said body of nine shall become estah- > until the permanent Chairman shall be lished with the rights, privileges and duties > chosen. All subsequent meetings shall he of a local Spiritual Assembly as set forth in > called by the Secretary of the Assembly at this instrument. > the request of the Chairman or, in his Sectiofz 1. Each newly elected local > absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chair- Spiritual Ashmhly shall at once proceed in > man, or of any three members of the the manner indicated in Articles IV and V > Assembly; provided, however, that the of these By-Laws t o the election of its > Annual Meeting of the Assembly shall be officers, who shall consist of a Chairman, > held a t a time and place to be fixed by a Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, > majority vote of the Assembly, as herein- and such other officers as the Assembly > after provided. finds necessary for the conduct of its busi- > 290 THE BAHA'f WORLD > ness and the fulfilment of its spiritual interests uf the Cause shall be under the > duties. Immediately thereafter the Secre- primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assem- > tary chosen shall transmit to the Secretary bly of that locality; but decision whether > of the National Assembly the names of a particular matter involves the interest and > the members of the newly elected Assembly welfare of the national Bahi'i body shall > and a list of its officers. rest with the National Spiritual Assembly. > Section 2. The general powers and duties Section 9. Any member of a local > of a local Spiritual Assembly shall be as set Bahi'i community may appeal from a de- > forth in the writings of Bahl'u'llih, cision of his Spiritual Assembly to the > 'Abdu'l-Bahi and Shoghi Effendi. National Assembly, which shall determine > Section 3. Among its more specific whether it shall take jurisdiction of the > duties, a local Spiritual Assembly shall have matter or leave it to the local Spiritual > full jurisdiction of all Bahi'i activities and Assembly for reconsideration. In the event > affairs within the local community, subject, that the National Assembly assumes juris- > however, to the exclusive and paramount diction of the matter, its iinding shall be > authority of the National Spiritual Assem- final. > bly as defined herein. Section 70. Where any dissension exists > Section 4. Vacancies in the membership within a local Bahl'i community of such a > of a local Spiritual Assembly shall be filled character that it cannot be remedied by > by election at a special meeting of the local the efforts of the local Spiritual Assembly, > Bahi'i community duly called for that pur- this condition shall be referred by the Spir- > pose by the Assembly. I n the event that itual Assembly for consideration to the > the nurnber of vacancies exceeds four, mak- National Spiritual Assembly, whose action > ing a quorum of the Local Assembly im- in the matter shall be final. > possible, the election shall be held under the Sectjon I I. All questions arising be- > supervision of the National Spiritual As- tween two or more local Spiritual Assem- > sembly. blies, or between members of different > Section 1. The business of the local Bahi'i communities, shall be submitted in > Assembly shall he conducted in like man- the first instance to the National Assembly, > ner as provided for the deliberations of the which shall have original and final jurisdic- > National Assembly in Article VI above. tion in all such matters. > Section 6. The local Assembly shall pass Section 12. The sphere of jurisdiction > upon and approve the qualifications of each of a local Spiritual Assembly, with respect > member of the Bahi'i community before to residential qualification of membership > such members shall be admitted to voting and voting rights of a believer in any Bahi'i > membership; but where an individual is community, shall be the locality included > dissatisfied with the ruling of the local within the civil limits of the city, town or > Spiritual Assembly upon his Bahh'i qualifi- village, but Bahl'is who reside in adjacent > cations, such individual may appeal from outlying or suburban districts and can > the ruling to the National Assembly, which regularly attend the meeting of the local > shall thereupon take jurisdiction of and Bahi'i community may be enrolled on the > finally decide the case. membership list of the adjacent Spiritual > Section 7. On or before the 1st day of Assembly and enjoy full voting rights > February of each year the Secretary of each pending the establishment of a local Spir- > local Assembly shall send to the Secretary itual Assembly in their home community. > of the National Assembly a duly certified All differences of opinion concerning the > list of the voting members of the local sphere of jurisdiction of any local spiritual > Bahh'i community for the information and Assembly or concerning the affiliation of > approval of the National Assembly. any Bahi'i or group of Bahh'is in India and > Section 8. All matters arising within a Burma shall be referred t o the National > local Bahl'i community which are of purely Spiritual Assembly, whose decision in the > local interest and do not affect the national matter shall be final. > THE WORLD ORDER > Spiritual Assembly by mail or telegram > under such conditions as may be indicated > The Annual Meeting of the National by the National Assembly. > Spiritual Assembly at which its members Section 6 . If in any year the National > shall be elected shall be known as the Spiritual Asseinbl~shall consider that it is > National Convention of the BahL'is of impracticable or unwise to assemble to- > India and Burma, and shall be held at a gether the delegates to the National Con- > time and place to be fixed by the National vention, the National spiritual Assembly > Assembly, which shall give sixty days' shall provide ways and means by which the > notice of the mccting t o each local Bah6'i business of the Convention may be con- > community through its Spiritual Assembly. ducted by correspondence or telegram. > The National Assembly shall at the same Section 7. The presiding officer of the > time inform each Spiritual Assembly of the National Spiritual Asseinbl~ present at > number of delegates to the Convention it the National Convention shall call to > has assigned to the local Babi'i community order the delegates, who shall then proceed > in accordance with the principle of propor- to the permanent organization of the meet- > tionate representation in such manner that ing, electing by ballot a presiding officer, a > the entire number of delegates composillg Secretary and such other officers as are > the National Convention shall be nineteen. necessary for the proper conduct of the > Upon receipt of this notice each local Spir- business of the Convention. > itual Assembly shall, within a convenient Section 8. The principal business of the > period and after giving due and sufficient National Convention shall be the election > notice thereof, call a meeting of the voting of the nine members of the incoming > members on its rolls for the purpose of National Spiritual Assembly, the considera- > electing their delegate or delegates to the tion of the reports of the financial and > National Convention; and, not later than other activities of the outgoing National > thirty days before the date of the Conven- Assembly and its various committees, and > tion, the Secretary of each local Spiritual deliberation upon the affairs of the Bah6'i > Assembly shall certify to the Secretary of Cause in general, it being understood, how- > the National Spiritual Assembly the names ever, in accordance with the principles of > and addresses of the delegates so elected. Bahi'i administration defined by the Guard- > Section I. All delegates to the Conven- ian that all deliberation and action of the > tion shall be elected by plurality vote. delegates at the National Convention, other > Members who for illness or other unavoid- than the election of the members of the > able reasons are unable to be present at the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, shall > election in person shall have the right to constitute merely advice and recommenda- > transmit their ballots by mail or telegram tion for consideration by the said Assembly, > under conditions satisfactory to the local final decision on all matters concerning the > Spiritual Assembly. aifairs of the Bahi'i Cause in India and > Section 2. All delegates to be seated at Burma being vested solely in that body. > the Convention must be enrolled as voting Section 9. The general order of business > members of the Bahi'i community repre- to be taken up at the National Convention > sented by them. shall be prepared by the National Spiritual > Section 3 . The rights and privileges of Assembly, but any and all matters pertain- > a delegate may not be assigned nor may ing to the Cause introduced by any of the > they be exercised by proxy. delegates may upon motion and vote be > Section 4. The recognition and seating taken up as part of the deliberations of the > of delegates to the National Convention Convention. > shall be vested in the National Spiritual Section 10. The election of the members > Assembly. of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be > Section 5 . Delegates unable to be present by plurality vote of the delegates recog- > in person at the Convention shall have the nized by the outgoing National Spiritual > right t o vote for members of the National Assembly, i.e., the members elected shall be > 292 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > the nine persons receiving the greatest num- each elector may vote for none but those > ber of votes on the first ballot cast by whom prayer and reflection have inspired > delegates present a t the Convention and him t o uphold. > delegates whose ballot has been transmitted Among the most outstanding and sacred > to the Secretary of the National Spiritual duties incumbent upon those who have been > Assembly by mail or telegram. I n case by called upon t o initiate, direct and co- > reason of a tie vote or votes the full mem- ordinate the affairs of the Cause as members > bership is not determined on the first ballot, of local or National Spiritual Assemblies > then one or more additional ballots shall be are :- > taken until all nine members are elected. T o win b y every means in their power > Section 11. All official business trans- the confidence and affection of those whom > acted at the National Convention shall be it is their privilege to serve; t o investigate > recorded and preserved in the records of the and acquaint themselves with the considered > National Assembly. views, the prevailing sentiments and the > Section 1 2 . Vacancies in the member- personal convictions of those whose welfare > ship of the National Spiritual Assembly it is their solemn obligation t o promote; > shall be filled by a plurality vote of the to purge their deliberations and the general > delegates colnposing the Convention which conduct of their affairs of self-contained > elected the Asselnbly, the ballot t o be taken aloofness, the suspicion of secrecy, the > by correspondence or in any other manner stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertive- > decided upon by the National Spiritual ness and of every word and deed that may > Assembly. savor of partiality, self-centeredness and > prejudice; and while retaining the sacred > ARTICLE 9 > right of final decision in their hands, to > Where the National Spiritual Assembly invite discussion, ventilate grievances, wel- > bas been given in these By-Laws exclusive come advice, and foster the sense of > and final jurisdiction, and paramount ex- inter-dependence and co-partnership, of > ecutive authority, in all matters pertaining understanding and mutual confidence be- > to the activities and affairs of the Bahi'i tween thernsel~resand all other Bahi'is. > Cause in India and Burma, i t is understood > that any decision made or action taken ARTICLE 1 2 > upon such matters shall be subject in every These By-laws may be amended by > instance t o ultimate review and approval lnajority vote of the National Spiritual > by the Guardian of the Cause or the Uni- Assembly at any of its regular or special > versal House of Justice. meetings, provided that at least fourteen > days prior to the date fixed for the said > meeting a copy of the proposed amendment > Whatever functions and powers are not or amendments is mailed to each member > specifically attributed to local Spiritual of the Assembly by the Secretary. > Assemblies in these By-Laws shall be con- (Sd.) N. R. VAKIL, > sidered vested in the National Spiritual Chairman and Treasurer. > Assembly, which body is authorised t o dele- " S. M. ROUMIE, > gate such discretionary functions and Vice-chairman. > powers as it deems necessary and advisable " PRITAMSINGS, > t o the local Spiritual Assemblies within its Secretary. > jurisdiction. " HISHMATULLAH, > Joint Secretary. > " MAHFUZU'L-HAQILMI, > I n order t o preserve the spiritual char- " I~FANDIAR BAKHTIARI, > acter and purpose of Babi'i elections, the " ASPANDIARBEHRAM, > practice of nominations or any other elec- " HORMUZDYAR > KHODABAKSH, > toral method detrimental t o a silent and " ORMSBY > MOLLIER, > prayerful election shall not prevail, so that Members. > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > . - , > > . ~ ~,$l;ZJ k ,0 'u, > .L > 2))&bJ&JLJ')~~ 2 > > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Natio~lalSpiritual Assembly of > the Bahl'is of 'Irbq. > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 291 > 296 THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H 297 > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 299 > THE E A H ~ W > ' ~O R L D > THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Text of Authorization Issued for Registration by rhe Mixed Court in Egypt of the > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of Egypt. > Declarat~onof Trust of the Nat~onalSpir~tualAssembly of the Bah6'is of Egypt. > > - - - > THE BAHA'I WORLD > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 301 > > BY-LAWS OF THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF > THE BAHA'IS OF T H E C I T Y > OF NEW YORK1 > ARTICLEI Splritual Assembly as defined in the By- > Laws adopted by the National Spiritual > T H E Bahi'is of the City of New York > adopt this Corporation in order to supply Assemhly and published by that body for > the information and guidance of Bah6'is > proper legal status t o the conduct of the > affairs of a rcligiou:, communi~ywhich has throughout the United States and Canada. > had continuous existence for more than > thirty years, being one of the first two > local Bahi'i communities established in The Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfill- > North America. During this period the ment of its obligations and responsibilities > community has been recognized, encouraged under this Corporation, shall have exclusive > and instructed in letters and commuoica- jurisdiction and authority over all the > tions addressed t o i t by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, who local activities and affairs of the Bah6'i > in one com~nuuication designated New community of the City of New York, > York "The City of the Covenant." I t was including paramount authority in the > in this city that 'Abdu'l-Bahi devoted the adn~inistrationof this Corporation. I t shall > larger portion of His American visit in be responsible for maintaining the integ- > 1912. The Assembly has been recognized rity and accuracy of all Bahi'i teaching, > since the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in whether written or oral, undertalcen > letters addressed t o it by the Guardian of throughout the local community. I t shall > the Bahi'i Faith. The New Yorls Bah6'i make available the published literature of > community has been continuously and un- the Faith. I t shall represent the com- > interruptedly represented by delegates in munity in its relations to the National > the Annual Meetings held by the recognized Spiritual Assembly, in its relation to the > national Bah6'i body of North America Guardian of the Bahl'i Faith, t o other local > since the formation of that body in 1909. Bahi'i communities, and to the general > The Spiritual Assembly is at present en- public in the City of New York. I t shall > rolled in the list of Local Spiritual Assem- be charged with the recognition of all appli- > blies recognized by the National Spiritual cants requesting membership in the local > Assembly. Bahi'i community. I t shall pass upon the > The Trustees, i.e., the Spiritual Assem- right of any and all members of the com- > bly, recognize that this action has been munity whose tnenlbership is in question > taken in fill1 unanimity and agreement. to retain their status as voting members > They acknowledge for themselves and on of the community. I t shall call the meer- > behalf of their successors the sacred mean- ings of the con~munity, including the > ing and universal purpose of the Bahi'i Bahi'i Anniversaries and Feasts, the meet- > Faith, the teachings and principles of which ings of consultation, the Annual Meeting > fulfil the divine promise of all former re- and the meeting for the election of dele- > vealed religions. gates to the Annual Meeting of the > National Spiritual Assen~bly. I t shall ap- > point and supervise all committees of the > I n administering the affairs of the Bahb'i Baha'i community. I t shall collect and > Religion under this Corporation for the disburse all funds intended for the main- > benefit of the Bah6'is of the City of New tenance of this Corporation. I t shall have > York in accordance with the religious full and complete custody of the headquar- > teachings and administrative principles of ters or meeting place of the Bahi'i com- > this Faith, the Spiritual Assembly shall act munity. I t shall report to the National > in conformity with the functions of a Local Spiritual Assembly annually, or when re- > 'The pattern for all local Bahi'i constitutions. quested, the membership roll of the Bahl'i > 306 THE B A H A ' ~ WORLD > community, for the information and ap- local Spiritual Assemblies throughout North > proval of the national Bahi'i body. The America in all matters declared by the > Spiritual Assembly, however, shall recognize National Spiritual Assembly to be of gen- > the authority and right of the National eral Bahl'i importance and concern. I t > Spiritual Assembly t o declare at any time shall rigorously abstain from any action or > what activities and affairs of the Bahi'i influence, direct or indirect, that savors of > community of the City of New York are intervention on the part of a Bahi'i body > national in scope and hence subject t o the in matters of public politics and civil juris- > jurisdiction of the national Bahi'i body. diction. It shall encourage intercourse be- > I t shall likewise recognize the right of any tween the Bah6'i community of the City > member of the community to appeal to the of New York and other recognized Bahh'i > National Spiritual Assembly for review and communities, issuing letters of introduction > decision of any matter in which the pre- to Bahi'is traveling from New York and > vious decision of the local Spiritual Assem- passing upon letters of introduction issued > bly is felt by the member t o be contrary by other Bahi'i Assemblies. I t shall regard > t o the explicit teachings of the Bahi'i its authority as a means of rendering serv- > Faith or opposed to its best interests. I t ice to Bahi'is and non-Bahh'is and not as a > shall, on the other hand, have the authority source of arbitrary power. While retaining > and right to appeal from the decision of the the sacred right of final decision in all > National Assembly t o the Guardian of the matters pertaining t o the Bahi'i com- > Bahl'i Faith for review and final decision munity, the Spiritual Assembly shall ever > of any matter related t o the Faith in the seek the advice and consultation of all > City of New York. members of the community, keep the com- > munity informed of all its affairs, and > ARTICLE IV > invite full and free discussion on the part > The Spiritual Assembly, in administering of the community of all matters affecting > tlus Corporation, shall ever bear in mind the the Faith. > ideals upheld in the Sacred Writings of the > ARTICLE V > Bahl'i Faith respecting the relationships of > a Spiritual Assembly to its Bahh'i com- The Bahl'is of the City of New York, > munity, respecting the relations of Bah6'is for whose benefit this Corporation has been > to one another in the community, and the established, shall consist of all persons resi- > relationships of Bahi'is t o all non-Bahi'iv, dent in the City of New York who are > without prejudice of race, creed, class or recognized by the Spiritual Assembly as > nationality. The Assembly shall therefore having fulfilled the requirements of voting > above all recognize its sacred duty t o main- membership in this local Bahi'i community. > rain full and complete unity throughout T o become a voting member of this Bahi'i > the Bahi'i community, to relieve and com- community a person shall: > fort the sick and distressed, to assist the a. Be a resident of the City of New York > poor and destitute, t o protect the orphans, as defined by the area of jurisdiction of the > the crippled and the aged, to educate the Spiritual Assembly, as provided hereinafter > children of Bahl'is according t o the highest in this instrument. > religious and intellectual standards, to corn- 6. Have attained the age of 21 years. > pose differences and disagreements among c . Have established t o the satisfaction of > members of the community, t o promulgate the Spiritual Assembly, subject to the ap- > the principles of Divine Civilization re- proval of the National Spiritual Assembly, > vealed by Bahi'u'llih, and to promote in that he (or she) possesses the qualifications > every way possible the Bahi'i aim of the of Bahh'i Faith and practice required under > oneness of mankind. I t shall faithfully the following standard: Full recognition > and devotedly uphold the general Bahl'i of the Station of the Fore-runner (the > activities and affairs initiated and sustained B i b ) , the Author (Bahi'u'llih) , and > by the National Spiritual Assembly. I t 'Abdu'l-Bahb, the Exemplar of the Bahb'i > shall co-operate wholeheartedly with other religion; unreserved acceptance of, and sub- > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of New York. > > -p- > ~p ~ - - -- > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Certificate N? 1220 B > > STATE OF NEW YORK > COUNTY OF NEW.YORK > > I, ALBERT MARINELLI, Clerk of the Counryof N e w Yo& and also > Clcrk of the Supreme Court in and for said c o u n ~ , > > and I do further certify, that such photographic copy is a correct transcripr > of such record and of the whole of said original. > In WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto sct my hand > thc srlin id ronrt d county at o City af New Yo-k, this.... > day of .&.& ., q3 2. > > The Fee charged for > > 7 6 2 'was > THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHATIS > O F m C m o F m Y m > > Pursuant t o Section 193 of the Religious > Corporation Lm of the State of New York > > CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATIOll > > TEE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BBHA'IS > > OF THE CITY OF NEW Y O N > > Re, the undersigned, a l l being of f u l l age, and citizens of the > United States, and residents of the State of New York, desiring t o form > a corporation purswnt to Section 193 of the Religious Corporation Law > of the State of Hew York, do hereby mabe, sign, and aclmowledge t h i s > c e r t i f i c a t e as follows: > > FIRST: The p u r p s e and objects for which the corporation i s formed > are t o administer tbe a f f a i r s of the Bahali Religion for the benefit of > the Baha'is of the City of N e w York i n accordance with the religious > teachings and administrative principles of t h i s Faith. > > SECOND: The name of the corporation is t o he "The Spiritual Assembly > of the Baha'is of the City of New Pork," > > THIRD: The t e r r i t o r y i n which i t s a c t i v i t i e s are principally t o be > conductei' i s New York City and vicinity. > > FOURTB: The p i n c i p a l place of worship i s t o be located i n the City > of New York, County of New York, State of New York. > > FIFTR: The number of trustees i s t o be nine. > SIXTH: The names and places of residence of the persons t o be trustees > u n t i l the f i r s t annual meet* are as follows: > > - > NAldE PLACE OF RESIDENCE > Ophelia Crum 101 West 55th Street, A m York City > Horace Holley 125 East 10th Street, New Pork City > Bertha Herklotz 1810 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, N.Y. > Booper Aarris 162 West 15th Street, New York City > J u l i a Threlkeld 101 West 55th Street, New York City > & d i e A. Mathews 430 East 57th Street, New Pork City > Marie B. Moore 41 Convent Avenue, New York City > Marion L i t t l e 485 Park Avenue, New York City > Edrard B. Kinney 204 West 56th Street, New Pork City > > SEWNTX: The tlme f o r holding i t s annual meeting I 8 t o be on the > twenty-first day of April i n each year. > 310 THE B A H A ' i WORLD > > The f i r s t meeting was held on March 30,1952, a t Bnhnli Center, > U 9 West 57th S t r e e t , New Pork City. > > I N WITNESS IRIWEOF, We have made, signed and acknowledged t h i s > c e r t i f i c a t e in t r i p l i c a t e . Dated t h i s t h i r t y - f i r s t day of March,1932. > > Before me on t h i s t h i r t y - f i r s t day of March,l932, personally appeared > Horace Holley, Ophelia Crum, and Bertha Herklotz, who being by me severally > sworn did acknowledge t h a t they had executed t h e written c e r t i f i c a t e of > > COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS. > N E W YORK C I T Y > N e w York Co. Clrrk's NP. SO > N t r York Co. R e p l s l r i l N o 1 0 5 1 > b o . r n i . . ~ a n Esplr.. F e b 1, 193. > > mission to, whatsoever has been revealed by ARTICLEVI > Them; loyal and steadfast adherence to The Spiritual Assembly shall consist of > every clause of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's sacred Will nine Trustees chosen from among the > and Testament; and close association with Baha'is of the City of New York, who shall > the spirit as well as the form of BahP'i be elected by these Baha'is in a manner > administration throughout the world. hereinafter provided and who shall continue > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 311 > > T E SPIAITIIAL AS > SmT OP THE BAHA'IS > L > > OF TBE CITY OF NEW Y O M eI.F?apy LSSlJED > > in office for the period of one year, or until Secretary and Treasurer, and such other > their successors shall be elected. officers as may be found necessary for the > ARTICLE VII proper > shall beconduct of its affairs. The officers > elccted by a majority vote of the > The officers of the Spiritual Assembly entire membership of the Assembly taken > shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, by secret ballot. > 312 THE BAHA'I WORLD > ARTICLEVIII suburban districts and can regularly attend > ~h~ first meeting of a newly-elected the meetings of the local Bahh'i com- > Assembly be by the member munity, mgY be enrolled on the membership > elected t o membership by the highest nu,n- list of the Spiritual Assembly and enjoy full > her of votes, or, in case or more mem. voting rights pending the establishment of > hers have received the same said highest a local Spiritual Assembly in their home > number of votes, then by the member > selected Ly lot from among those members; ARTICLEX > and this member shall preside until the > chairman shall be chosen, All Section I. In the evenL t h a ~any decision > subsequent meetings shall be called by the the is to > Secretary of the Assembly at the request member Or members Of the > of the chairman, or, in his or the Assembly shall after endeavoring to > incapacity, of the Vice-Chairlnan, or of any compose the differences of opinion invite > three members of the Assembly; provided the said Or members make appeal > bowever that the Annual Meetillg of to the national Bahi'i body and notify that > ~ ~ held on > ~ shall be ~ April ~21st, inb body lof the condition > ~ of the matter and the > accordance with the administrative prin. readiness of the Assembly to become party > ciples recognized by all Bahd'i Assemblies. the > section 1. ~i~~ members of the Assem- Sectiou 2. In the same manner, if any > bly present at a meeting shall a difference arises between the Assembly and > quorum, and a majority vote of those another local Assembly, or Assemblies, in > present and constituting a quorum shall be North America, the > sufficient for the conduct of business, ex- the matter to the national Bahh'i body and > cept as provided in these By-Laws, inform Of its readiness to make > > and with due regard to the principles of joint appeal together with the other As- > unity and cordial fellowship involved in sembly Or > the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. 3. If, however, the of > ~b~ transactions and decisions of the As- such appeal is unsatisfactory to the Spiritual > sembly shall be recorded at each meeting Assenlbly or the Assembly at any time has > by the secretary, who shall have the reason to believe that actions of the > minutes adopted and approved by the National Spiritual Assembly are affeciing > Assembly, and preserve them in the official adversely the welfare and the > records of the Assembly. Bahh'i community of the City of New > Section 2, Vacancies in membership York, it shall, after seeking to compose its > of [he Assembly shall be filled by difference of opinion with the national body > election at a special meeting of the local in direct consultation, have the right t o > ~ ~ b hcommunity > 'i duly called for [hat pur- make appeal to the Guardian of the Faith. > pose by the ~ ~ ~ ~the ~ > eventb l ~ Section > , 4. The Assembly shall likewise > the number of vacallcies exceeds four, have the right to make complaint to the > makillg a quorum of the spiritual ~ ~ National > ~ Spiritual > ~ Assembly > ~ in > b the event > l ~ > impossible, the election shall be under the that matters of local Bah6'i concern and > supervision of the National Spiritual As. influence are referred to the national body > semblv. by a member or members of the local com- > ... > ...- > ,. mnnity without previous opportunity for > ARTICLEIX > action by the local Assembly. > The svhere of iurisdiction of the Sviritual > Assembly, with respect to residential quali- ARTICLEXI > fication of membership, and voting rights The Annual Meeting of the Corporation > of a believer in the Bah6'i community, at which its Trustees shall be elected shall > shall be the locality ~ncluded within the be held on April 21st at an hour and place > civil limits of the City of New York, but to he fixed by the Assembly, which shall > BahP'is, who reside in adjacent, outlying or give not less than fifteen days' notice of the > T H E WORLD ORDER OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H 311 > > meeting to all members of the local BahB'i of delegates to be assigned t o the Bahi'i > community. community of the City of New York in > Section 1. The Assembly shall accept accordance with the principle of propor- > those votes transmitted to the Assembly tionate representation controlling the an- > before the election by members who by nual election of members t o the National > reason of sickness or other unavoidable Spiritual Assembly. > reason are unable t o be present at the elec- Section 1. When informed of the num- > tion in person. ber of delegates assigned to the local com- > Section 2. The election of members to munity, the Spiritual Assembly shall call a > the Spiritual Assembly shall be by p l ~ ~ r a l i t y special meeting of the community for the > vote. purpose of electing said number of delegates > Scctioa 3. All voting members of the t o represent the community at the Annual > local Baha'i community are eligible for Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly. > election as members of the Spiritual As- Section 2. The election of delegates to > sembly. the Annual Meeting of the National > Section 4. The Assembly shall prepare Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality > an agenda for the Annual Meeting in which vote. > shall be included reports of the activities of Section 3 . All voting members of the > the Asselnbly since its election, a financial local Bahi'i community are eligible for > statement showing all income and expendi- election as delegates to the Annual Meeting > ture of its fund, reports of its committees of the National Assembly. > and presentation of any other matters Section 4. The result of the election > pertaining to the aff~irsof the Bahi'i com- shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly > munity. The Assembly, both preceding t o the National Spiritual Assembly, and the > and following the annual election, shall in- Spiritual Assembly shall meet all the con- > vite discussion and welcome suggestions ditions laid down by the national Bahh'i > from the community, in order that its body for the recognition of local Spiritual > plans may reflect the community mind and Assemblies and the participation of local > heart. Bahi'i communities in the annual election > Section T. The result of the election of the national Bahi'i body. > shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly > to the National Assembly. ARTICLEXIV > The seal of this Corporation shall be cir- > A ~ ~ r c 1 .XI1 > a cular in form, bearing the following de- > I n addition ro the Annual Meeting, the scription: The Spiritual Assembly of the > Assembly shall arrange for regular meetings Bahi'is of the City of New York, Cor- > of the Bahi'i community throughout the porate Seal. > year at intervals of nineteen days, in ac- > cordance with the calendar incorporated in > the teachings of the Bahi'i Faith. These By-Laws may be amended by ma- > jority vote of the Spiritual Assembly at any > ARTICLEXI11 of its regular or special meetings, provided > The Spiritual Assembly, on notice from that at least fourteen days prior t o the date > the National Spiritual Assembly, shall re- fixed for the said meeting a copy of the > port the number of voting members in the proposed amendment or amendments is > local community, that the national Bahi'i mailed t o each member of the Assembly > body may be duly informed of the number by the Secretary. > Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Teaneck, > New Jersey, U. S. A. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 311 > > Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Teaneck, > New Jersey, U.S. A. (page 2 ) . > Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Teaneck, > New Jersey, U. S. A. (page 3 ) . > 318 THE BAHb'i WORLD > Certificate of Incorporat~on,the Splntual Assembly of Ch~cago(page 3 ) . > > - -- - -- - > 320 THE B A H b ' f W O R L D > > Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of Washington, D. C., > U.S. A. > Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Washington, > D. C . , LJ,S. A. (page 3 ) . > > - > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 323 > > TO HIS HONOUR THE LIEUTENANT > G O V E R N O R OF THE P R O V - > INCE OF QUEBEC > THEPETITION OF Elneric Sala, importer, 2. The Bahb'is of the City of Montreal > 194 Riverside Drive, St. Lambert, Quebec, adopt this Corporation in order to supply > William Sutherland Maxwell, architect, proper legal status to their conduct of the > 1548 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Ernest affairs of a religious community which has > Vernon Harrison, clerk, 3411 Northcliffe had continuous existence for more than > Avenue, Montreal, Miss Anne Savage, thirty years, being the first local Bah6'i > spinster, 99 Guilbault Street, Montreal, community established in Canada. During > Mrs. May Maxwell, wife of William this period the community has been recog- > Sutherland Maxwell, 1148 Pine Avenue nized, encouraged and instructed in letters > West, Montreal, Mrs. Rosemary Sala, wife and communications sent by 'Abdu'l-Bahb, > of Emeric Sala, 194 Riverside Drive, St. who, in one communication dated at Haifa, > Lambert, Quebec, Miss Mary Sutherland Palestine, February 21, 1917, and addressed > Maxwell, writer, 1548 Pine Aveuue West, "To the believers of God and the maid- > Montreal, Siegfried Schopflocher, manu- servants of the Merciful in the Dominion of > facturer, 1904 Van Horne Avenue, Mon- Canada," expressed the wish "that in the > treal, and Rowland Ardouin Estall, sec- future Montreal may become so stirred, > retary, 2072 St. Luke Street, Montreal, that the melody of the Kingdom may travel > respectfully showeth as follows:- t o all parts of the world from that Do- > The undersigned petitioners are desirous minion and the breaths of the Holy Spirit > of obtaining Letters Patent under the Pro- may spread from that center t o the East > visions of Part Three of the Quebec Com- and West of America." 'Abdu'l-Baha > panies' Act, (1920) and Amendments, himself spent several days in this City dnr- > without share capital, constituting your ing the course of his visit to America in > petitioners and such others as may become 1912. The Assembly has been recognized > members in the corporation thereby created since the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in > a body corporate and politic under the name letters sent by Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian > of "CORPORATION OF T H E SPIR- of the Bahb'i Faith. The Montreal Bah6'i > ITUAL ASSEMBLY OF T H E BAHA'IS Community has been continuously and > OF T H E CITY OF MONTREAL" or such uninterruptedly represented by delegates in > other name as shall appear to you to be the Annual Meetings held by the recognized > proper in the premises. national Bahb'i body of North America > The undersigned have satisfied them- since the formation of that body in 1909. > selves and are assured that the proposed The Spiritual Assembly is at present en- > corporate name of the corporation under rolled in the list of local Spiritual Assem- > which incorporation is sought is not the blies recognized by the National Spiritual > corporate name of any other known cor- Assembly of the Bahl'is of the United > poration, incorporated or unincorporated, States and Canada. > or any name liable to be confounded there- 3. The Trustees, i e . , the Spiritual As- > with or otherwise on public grounds ob- sembly, recognize that this action has been > jectionable. taken in full unanimity and agreement. > Your petitioners are of the full age of They acknowledge for themselves and on > twenty-one years. behalf of their successors the sacred mean- > The purposes for which this incorpora- ing and universal purpose of the Bahb'i > tion is sought by the petitioners are:- Faith, the teachings and principles of which > 1. T o administer the agairs of the Bahl'i fulfil the divine promise of all former re- > Faith for the benefit of the Bahl'is of the vealed religions. > City of Montreal in accordance with the 4. In administering the affairs of the > religious teachings and administrative prin- Bahl'i Religion under this Corporation for > ciples of this Faith. the benefit of the Bahl'is of the City of > 324 T H E B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > CANADA > PROVINCE OF QUEBEC > - - - > GEORGE THE FIFTH. b y t k ( i r ( i r ( i r ~ j C a l . d C r ( i r d B r i I ~ i n . l n n I d d I k I h i I ~ h M S ~ > nlmr t + y d Ih<.'.lS Kme, hjmd" 01fkFa115 E l l W d > rnde > > TO .I1 W .bm m a pne." .WI hLhc "me w c o r m . > .c . > > GREETING: > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Bahi'is of Montreal, Canada. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 325 > > IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, we ham m u d Ua. Ow Ulm to > Ir nu& hmt. a d t b Great S u l d (lumid Rovlon ol w to > Irt h t ~ . ~ , > > Letters Patent > THE BAHA'I: WORLD > A F F I D A V I T > > The undersigned solsmnly mhkes oath that a l l > M e Saots U e g e d l a t h e Memorandum of Agreement are trne. > > ARD I HAVE SIGNED > > Montreal in accordance with the religious National Spiritual Assembly, in its relation > teachings and administrative principles of to the G u a r d i a ~of the Bahl'i Faith, to > this Faith, the Spiritual Assembly shall act other local Bahi'i communities, and t o the > in conformity with the functions of a local general public in the City of Montreal. > Spiritual Assembly as defined in the By- I t shall be charged with the recognition of > Laws adopted by the National Spiritual all applicants requesting membership in the > Assembly of the Bahb'is of the United local Bahi'i community. I t shall pass upon > States and Canada and ~ublished by that the right of any and all members of the > body for the information and guidance of community whose membership is in ques- > Bahl'is throughout the United States and tion t o retain their status as voting mem- > Canada. bers of the community. I t shall call the > 5 . The Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfil- meetings of the Community, including the > ment of its obligations and responsibilities Bahi'i Anniversaries and Feasts, the rneet- > under this Corporation, shall have exclusive ings of consultation, the Annual Meeting > jurisdiction and authority over all the local and the meeting for the election of dele- > activities and affairs of the Bahl'i com- gates to the Annual Meeting of the > munity of the City of Montreal, including National Spiritual Assembly. I t shall ap- > paramount authority in the administration point and supervise all committees of the > of this Corporation. I t shall he responsible Bahi'i community. I t shall collect and > for maintaining the integrity and accuracy disburse all funds intended for the main- > of all Bahl'i teaching, whether written or tenance of this Corporation. I t shall have > oral, undertaken throughout the local com- full and complete custody of the head- > munity. I t shall make available the pub- quarters or meeting place of the Bahl'i > lished literature of the Faith. I t shall rep- community. I t shall report to the National > resent the community in its relations t o the Spiritual Assembly annually, or when re- > T H E WORLD ORDE > quested, the membership roll of the Bahl'i Divine Civilization revealed by Bahi'u'llbh, > community, for the information and ap- and to promote in every way possible the > proval of the national Bahi'i body. The Bahi'i aim of the oneness of mankind. I t > Spiritual Assembly, however, shall recognize shall faithfully and devotedly uphold the > the authority and right of the National general Bahi'i activities and affairs initiated > Spiritual Assembly to declare at any time and sustained by the National Spiritual > what activities and affairs of the Bahi'i Assembly. I t shall co-operate whole- > community of the City of Montreal are heartedly with other local Spiritual Asseni- > more than local in scope and hence subject blies throughout North America in all > to the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual matters declared by the National Spiritual > Assembly. I t shall lilcewise recognize the Assembly t o be of general Bahi'i impor- > right of any member of the community to tance and concern. I t shall rigorously > appeal t o the National Spiritual Assembly abstain from any action or influence, direct > for review and decision of any matter in or indirect, that savours of intervention on > which the previous decision of the local the part of a Bahi'i body in matters of > Spiritual Assembly is felt by the member political and civil jurisdiction. I t shall > to be contrary t o the explicit teachings of encourage intercourse between the Bah6'i > the Bahb'i Faith or opposed t o its best in- community of the City of Montreal and > terests. I t shall, on the other hand, have other recognized Bahb'i communities, issu- > the authority and right to appeal from the ing letters of introduction to Bahh'is > decision of the National Assembly to thc traveling from Montreal and passing upon > Guardian of the Bahb'i Faith for review and letters of introduction issued by other > final decision of any matter related to the Baha'i Assemblies. I t shall regard its > Faith in the City of Montreal. authority as a meails of rendering service t o > 6 . The Spiritual Assembly, in adminis- Bahi'is and non-Bahk'is and not as a source > tering this Corporation, shall ever bear in of arbitrary power. While retaining the > mind the ideals upheld in the Sacred sacred right of final decision in all matters > Writings of the Bah6'i Faith respecting the pertaining to the Bahl'i community, the > relatio~lshipsof a Spiritual Assembly to its Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek the > Bahh'i community, respecting the relations advice and consultation of all members > of Bahi'is to one another in the community, of the community, lreep the community > and the relationships of Baha'is t o all non- informed of all its affairs and invite > Bahi'is, without prejudice of race, creed, full and free discussion on the part of > class or nationality. The Assembly shall the co~nmunityof all matters affecting the > therefore above all recognize its sacred duty Faith. > t o maintain full and complete unity The Head Office of the Corporation shall > throughout the Bahh'i community, to re- be at Room No. 214, 1231 St. Catherine > lieve and comfort the sick and distressed, Street West in the City and District of > t o assist the p w r and destitute, t o protect Montreal. > the orphans, the crippled and the aged, to The amount ro which the value of the > educate the children of Babl'is according immovable property which the Corporation > to the highest religious and intellectual is t o possess is to be limited is $2YO,OOO.OO. > standards, t o compose differences and dis- The following are the names in full and > agreements among members of the com- the address and profession or calling of each > munity, to promulgate the principles of of the petitioners: > > PETITIONERS PROFESSION OR CALLING ADDRESS > Emeric Sala Importer 194 Riverside Drive, > St. Lambert, Que. > William Sutherland Maxwell Architect 1 j 4 8 Pine Avenue W., > Montreal, Que. > Ernest Vernon Harrison Clerk 341 1 Northcliffe Ave., > Montreal, Que. > 328 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > PETlTIONIRS PROFESSION OR CALLING ADDRESS > > Miss Anne Savage Spinster 99 Guilbault Street, > Montreal, Que. > Mrs. May Maxwell Wife of William Sutherland 1148 Pine Avenue W., > Maxwell Montreal, Que. > Mrs. Rosemary Sala Wife of Emeric Sala 194 Riverside Drive, > St. Lambert, Que. > Miss Mary Sutherland Writer 1>48 Pine Avenue W., > Maxwell Montreal, Que. > Siegfried Schopflocher Manufacturer 1904 Van Horne Avenue, > Montreal, Que. > Rowland Ardouin Estall Secretary 2072 St. Luke Street, > Montreal, Que. > > The said E~nericSala, William Sutherland members of the Corporation a body ~ o l i t i c > Maxwell, Ernest Vernon Harrison, Miss and corporate without share capital for the > Anne Savage. Mrs. May Maxwell, Mrs. purposes above set forth. > Rosemary Sala, Miss Mary Sutherland Max- Emeric Sala, > well, Siegfried Scho~flocher,and Rowland William Sutherland Maxwell, > Ardouin Estall will be the first o r pro- Ernest Vernon Harrison, > visional Trustees of the Corporation. Anne Savage, > A Memorandum of Agreement by the May Maxwell, > petitioners under seal and in accordance Rosemary Sala, > with the Act has been executed in dupli- Mary Sutherland Maxwell, > cate, one of the duplicates being trans- Siegiried Schopflocher, > mitted herewith. Rowland Ardonin Estall. > The undersigned therefore request that a > charter may be g a n t e d constituting them Dated at Montreal this twentieth day of > and such other persods as hereafter become December 1934. > > MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT > (To be executed in duplicate, one duplicate to be transmitted with the > application) > CORPORATION O F T H E SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF T H E BAHA'IS > O F T H E CITY O F MONTREAL > > W E , the undersigned, do hereby sever- ARTICLE1 > ally covenant and agree each with the other > The name of the Corporation > t o become incorporated as a corporation, > shall be Corporation of the Spiritual Assem- > without share capital, under the provisions > of part of the Companies' Act, bly of the Bahi'is of the City of Montreal. > 1920, and Amendments, under the name of > Corporation of the Spiritual Assembly of > the Bahi'is of the City of Montreal or such Pwrpose of I~zcorporation. The Bahb'is > other name as the Lieutenant-Governor of of the City of Montreal adopt this Cor- > the Province of Quebec may give to the poration in order to supply proper legal > Corporation. status t o their conduct of the affairs of a > And we do hereby severally agree to be- religious community which has had con- > come members of the Corporation and tinuous existence for more than thirty > subject t o the By-Laws containing the fol- years, being the first local Bahi'i com- > lowing provisions. munity established in Canada. During this > period the community has been rccognizcd, > encouraged and instructed in letters and > communications sent by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, who Powers and Drtics. The Spiritual As- > in one communication dated at Haifa, sembly, in the fulfilment of its obligations > Palestine, February 21, 1917 and addressed and responsibilities under this Corporation, > "To the believers of God and the maid- shall have exclusive jurisdiction and author- > servants of. the Merciful in the Dominion ity over all the local activities and affairs > of Canada" expressed the wish "that in the of the Bahi'i community of the City of > future Montreal may become so stirred, Montreal, including paramount authority in > that the melody of the Kingdom may travel the administration of this Corporation. It > to all parts of the world from that shall be responsible for maintaining the in- > Dominion and the breaths of the Holy tegrity and accuracy of all Bahh'i teach- > Spirit may spread from that center to the ing, whether written or oral, undertaken > East and West of America." 'Ahdu'l- throughout the local community. I t shall > Bahi himself spent several days in this city make available the published literature of > during the course of his visit t o America in the Faith. I t shall represent the com- > 1912. The Assembly has been recognized munity in its relations t o the Guardian of > since the Ascension of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi in the Bahi'i Faith, to other local Bahi'i > letters sent by the Guardian of the Bahi'i communities, and to the general public in > Faith. The Montreal Bahi'i Community the City of Montreal. I t shall be charged > has been continuously and uninterruptedly with the recognition of all applicants re- > represented by delegates in the Annual questing membership in the local Bahi'i > Meetings held by the recognized national community. I t shall pass upon the right > Bah6'i body of North America since the of any and all members of the community > formation of that hody in 1909, The Spirit- whose membership i s in question t o retain > ual Assembly is at present enrolled in the list their status as voting members of the com- > of local Spiritual Assemblies recognized by munity. I t shall call the meetings of the > the National Spiritual Assembly of the community, including the Bahi'i Anni- > Bah6'is of the United States and Canada. versaries and Feasts, the meetings of con- > The Trustees, i.e., the Spiritual Assembly, sultation, the Annual Meeting and the > recognize that this action has heen taken meeting for the election of delegates to the > in full unanimity and agreement. They Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual > acknowledge for themcelves and on behalf Assembly. I t shall appoint and supervise > of their successors the sacred meaning and all committees of the Bah6'i community. > universal purpose of the Bahi'i Faith, the I t shall collect and disburse all funds in- > teachings and principles of which fulfil the tended for the maintenance of this Cor- > divine promise of all former revealed re- poration. It shall have full and complete > ligions. custody of the headquarters or meeting > place of the Bahl'i community. I t shall > I-eport to the National Spiritual Assembly > Policy of Corkoratiotz. I n administering annually, or when requested, the member- > the affairs of the Bah6'i Religion under this ship roll of the Bahi'i community, for the > Corporation for the benefit of the Bah6'is information and approval of the na~ional > of the City of Montreal in accordance with Bzhi'i hody. The Spiritual Assembly, > the religious teachings and administrative however, shall recognize the authority and > principles of this Faith, the Spiritual As- right of the National Spiritual Assembly t o > sembly shall act in conformity with the declare at any time what activities and > functions of a local Spiritual Assembly as affairs of the Bahi'i community of the City > defined in the By-Laws adopted b y the of Montreal are more than local in scope > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bshi'is and hence subject t o the jurisdiction of > of the Unitcd States and Canada and pub- the National Spiritual Assembly. I t shall > lished by that body for the information likewise recognize the right of any member > and guidance of Bahl'is throughout the of the community to appeal t o the National > United States and Canada. Spiritual Assembly for review and decision > 'i WORLD > of any matter in which the previous Je- traveling from Montreal and passing upon > cision of the local Spiritual Assembly is letters of introduction issued by other > felt by the member to be contrary to the Bahl'i Assemblies. I t shall regard its > explicit teachings of the Bahi'i Faith or authority as a means of rendering service > opposed t o its best interests. I t shall, on LO Bahi'is and non-Bah2is and not as a > the other hand, have the authority and source of arbitrary power. While retaining > right t o appeal from the decision of the the sacred right of final decision in all > National Assemhly t o the Guardian of the maLters pertaining t o the Bihl'i com- > Bahi'i Faith for review and final decision munity, the Spiritual Assembly shall ever > of any matter related to the Faith in the seek the advice and consultation of all > City of Montreal. members of the community, keep the com- > munity informed of all its affairs, and invite > ARTICLE I full and free discussion on the part of the > Powers and Dzcties. The Spiritual Assein- community of all matters affecting the > bly, in administering this Corporation, shall Faith. > ever bear in mind the ideals upheld in the ARTICLE6 > Sacred Writings of the Bahh'i Faith respect- Voting Menzbms: The Bahi'is of the > ing the relationships of a Spiritual Assem- City of Montreal, for whose benefit this > bly to its Bahi'i con~munity,respecting the Corporation has been established, shall con- > relations of Bahi'is to one mother in the sist of all persons resident in the City of > community, and the relationships of Bahi'is Montreal who are recognized by the Spir- > to all non-Baha'is, without prejudice of itual Assembly as having fulfilled the re- > race, creed, class or nationality. The As- quirements o i voting membership in this > sembly shall therefore above all recognize local Bahi'i communi~y. T o become a > its sacred duty to maintain full and com- voting member of this Bahi'i community a > plete unity throughout the Bahi'i com- person shall > munity, to relieve and comfort the sick a. Be a resident of the City of Montreal > and distressed, t o assist the poor and as defined by the area of jurisdiction of the > destitute, t o protect the orphans, the Spiritual Assembly, as provided hereinafter > crippled and the aged, to educate the chil- in this instrument. > dren of Bahi'is according t o the highest b. Have attained the age of 21 years. > religious and intellectual standards, to com- c. Have established t o the satisfaction of > pose ditkrer~ces and disagreements anlong the Spiritual Assembly, subject to the ap- > members of the community, t o promulgate p o v a l of the National Spiritual ~ s s e m b l y , > the principles of Divine Civilization re- that he (or she) possesses the qualifications > vealed by Bahi'u'116h, and t o promote in of Bahi'i faith and practice required under > every way possible the Bahh'i aim of the the following standards: Full recognition > oneness of mankind. I t shall faithfully and of the Station of the Fore-runner (the > devotedly uphold the general Bahi'i activi- Bib), the Author (Bahh'u'llih) , and > ties and affairs initiated and sustained by 'Abdu'l-Bahl the Exemplar of the Bahi'i > the National Spiritual Assembly. I t shall religion; unreserved acceptance of, and sub- > co-operate whole-heartedly with other local mission to, whatsoever has been revealed by > Spiritual Assemblies throughout North Them; loyal and steadfast adherence t o > America in all matters declared by the every clause of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's sacred Will > National Spiritual Assembly t o be of gen- and Testament; and close association with > eral Bahh'i importance and concern. I t the spirit as well as the form of Bahi'i > shall rigorously abstain from any action or administration throughout the world. > influence, direct or indirect, that savours o i > intervention on the part of a Baha'i body ARTICLE 7 > in matters of political and civil jurisdiction. Board of Trustees. The Spiritual Assem- > I t shall encourage intercourse between the bly shall consist of nine Trustees chosen > Bahi'i c o n ~ n ~ u n i tofy the City of Montreal from among the Bahi'is of the City of > and other recognized Bah6'i communities, Montreal, who shall be elected by these > issuing letters of introduction t o Bahl'is Bahl'is in a manner hereinafter provided > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 331 > > and who shall continue in office for the impossible, the election shall be under the > period of one year, or until their successors supervision of the National Spiritual As- > shall be elected. sembly. > AKTICLE 8 ARTICLE 10 > Oficerr. The officers of the Spiritual N o Re?nl~nerationfor Services. N o re- > Assembly shall consist of a Chairman, Vice- muneration of any kind shall accrue to any > Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and officer or member of the Spiritual Assembly > such other officers as may be found neces- in recognition of any services rendered or > sary for the proper conduct of its affairs. t o be rendered by him (or her) in rhe per- > The officers shall be elected by a majority fonnince of his (or her) official duties as > vote of the Assembly taken by secret ballot. a member of the Assembly. > > ARTICLE9 ARTICLEI 1 > Meetings of Board, Vacancies. The first Auditing of Books. The Spiritual As- > meeting of a newly-elected Assembly shall sembly shall arrange for the regular auditing > be called by the member elected to member- of its books by an auditor or auditors to be > ship > . by. the highest number of votes or. in appoi~lted by the Assembly. > case two or more members have received ARTICLE 1 2 > the same said highest number of votes, then > Sphere of Juvisdiction. The sphere of > by the member selected by lot from among > jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly, with > those members; and this member shall pre- > respect t o residential qualification of mem- > side until the permanent Chairman shall be > bership, and voting rights of a believer in > chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be > the Bahi'i community, shall he the locality > called by the Secretary of the Assembly at > included within the civil limits of the City > the request of the Chairman, or, in his > of Montreal, but Bahi'is who reside in > absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chair- > adjacent, outlying or suburban districts and > man, or of any three members of the > can regularly attend the meetings of the > Assembly; provided however, that the > local Bahi'i community, may be enrolled > Annual Meeting of the Assembly shall be > on the membership list of the Spiritual > held on April 21, in accordance with the > Assen~bly and enjoy full voting rights > administrative principles recognized by all > pending the establishment of a local Spir- > Bahi'i Assemblies. > itual Assembly in their home community. > Section I. Five members of the Assem- > bly present at a meeting shall constitute a ARTICLE I 3 > quorum, and a majority vote of those Appeals. Section I. I n the event that > present and constituting a quorum shall be any decision of the Assembly is unac- > sufficient for the conduct of business, ex- ceptable to any member or members of the > cept as otherwise provided in these By- community, the Assembly shall after en- > Laws, and with due regard t o the principle deavouring t o compose the difference of > of unity and cordial fellowship involved in opinion invite the said member o r members > the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. to make appeal to the National Bahi'i > The transactions and decisions of the As- body and notify that body of the condition > sembly shall be recorded at each meeting of the rnattcr and readiness of the Assem- > by the Secretary, who shall have the bly t o become party t o the appeal. > minutes adopted and approved by the Section 11. I n the same manner, if any > Assembly, and preserve them in the official diAerence arises between the Assembly and > records of the Assembly. another local Assembly, or Assemblies, in > Section 11. Vacancies in the membership North America, the Assembly shall report > of the Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by the matter to the national Bahi'i body and > election at a special meeting of the local inform that body of its readiness t o make > Bah6'i community duly called for that pur- joint appeal together with the other Assem- > pose by the Assembly. I n the event that bly or Assemblies. > the number of vacancies exceeds four, mak- Section 111. If, however, the result of > ing a quorum of the Spiritual Assembly such appeal is unsatisfactory t o the Spir- > 332 THE BAHA'f WORLD > itual Assembly, or the Assen~blv at any ARTICLEI f > time has reason to believe that actions of > the ~ ~spiritual~ p,ssemb~y > i are afiect- > ~ ~ Ge7zeral > ~ Meetings. > l In addition to the > ir~gadversely the welfare and unity of the Meeting, the Assembly ar- > ~ ~ h d comlnunitv > 'i of the citv ~ ~ range ~ for regular > ~ .meetings > ~ of the~ Bahb'i ~ l , > - , ~ - comnlunity > ~ throughout the year at intervals > it shall, after to compose its differ: > ence of opi,lion with the body in of nineteen days, in accordance with the > direct have right to make calendar in the teachings > appeal to the Guardian of the Faith. the Bahi'i Faith. > Section IV. The Assembly shall like- > wise have the right to make complaint to > the National Spiritual Assembly in the Election of Delegates to Nntional Con- > event that matters of local Bahl'i concern ventiolz. Thc Spiritual Assembly, on notice > and influence are referred to the national from the National Spiritual Assembly, shall > body by a member or members of the local report the number of voting members in > community without previous opportunity the local community, that the national Ba- > for action by the local Assembly. ha'i body may be duly informed of the > number of delegates to be assigned t o the > ARTICLE14 Bahl'i community of the City of Montreal > Annual Meetings and Methods of Elcc- in accordance with the principle of propor- > tion. The Annual Meeting of the Corpora- tionate representation controlling the an- > tion at which its Trustees shall be elected nual election of members to the National > shall be held on April 21, at an hour and Spiritual Assembly. > place to be fixed by the Assembly, which Section I. When informed of the num- > shall givc not less than fifteen days' notice ber of delegates assigned to the local com- > of the meeting to all members of the local munity, the Spiritual Assembly shall call a > Bahi'i community. special meeting of the community for the > Section I. The Assembly shall accept purpose of electing said number of dele- > those votes transmitted to the Assembly be- gates to represent the community at the > fore the election by members who by reason Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual > of sickness or other unavoidable reason are un- Assembly. > able to be present at the election in person. Section 11. The election of delegates to > Section 11. The elcction of rne~nbcrsto the Annual Meeting of the National Spirit- > the Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality ual Assembly shall be by plurality vote. > vote. Section 111. All voting members of the > Section 111. All voting members of the local Bah6'i community are eligible for > local Bahl'i community are eligible for elec- election as delegates to the Annual Meet- > tion as members of the Spiritual Assembly. ing of the National Assembly. > Section IV. The Assembly shall prepare Section IV. The result of the election > an agenda for the annual Meeting in which shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly > shall be included reports of the activities of to the National Spiritual Assembly, and the > the Assembly since its election, a financial Spiritual Assembly shall meet all the condi- > statement showing all income and expendi- tions laid down by the national Bah6'i body > ture of its funds, reports of its commit- for the recognition of local Spiritual Assem- > tees and presentation of any other matters blies and the participation of local BahB'i > pertaining to the affairs of the Baha'i communities in the annual election of the > community. The Assembly, both preceding national Bahl'i body. > and following the annual election, shall in- > vite discussion and welcome suggestions > from the community, in order that its plans Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall > may reflect the community mind and heart. be circular in form, bearing the following > Section V. The result of the election description: CORPORATION OF T H E > shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF T H E BA- > to the National Assembly. HkfS OF THE CITY OF MONTREAL. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 333 > > ARTICLE18 IN WITNESS WHEREOF WE H A Y ~ SIGNED > > Amendments. These By-Laws may be Emeric Sala, > amended by majority vote of the Spiritual William Sutherland Maxwell, > Ernest Vernon Harrison, > Assembly at any of its regular or special > Anne Savage, > meetings, provided that at least fourteen May Maxwell, > days prior to the date fixed for the said Rosemary Sala, > meeting a copy of the proposed amendment Mary Sutherland Maxwell, > or amendments is mailed to each member Siegfried Schopflocher, > of the Assembly by the Secretary. Rowland Ardouin Estall. > > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Great Britain and Ireland. > > B Y - L A W S O F THE S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY OF > THE BAHA'IS O F E S S L I N G E N , G E R M A N Y > 1. NAMENUND ZWECK. 2. Snz. > Die Bahi'i-Arbeitsgemeinschaft Esslingen Der Sitz ist Esslingen a m . > a/N, ist ein Glied der Bahi'i-Bewegung. Ihr > Zweck ist die Fiirderung, Verbreitung und 3. EINTRAGUNG. > Verwirklichung der Bahi'i-Ideen gemass Die Eintragung in das Vereinsregister ist > den Lehren Bahb'u'lllh's und 'Abdu'l-Bahb's > 4. M~TGLIEDSCHAPT. > und ihrer Fortentwicklung durch deren von > zu beantragen. I. Edwevh der Mifglicdsrhaft. > der Allgemeinheit der BahVi in der Welt Mitglied kann jede in der Gemeinde Ess- > anerkannten Nachfolger (Huter) . lingen ansissige v o l l j ~ h r i ~naturliche > e Per- > -P!IS xaq3eju!a iFm q3![~ye!l[e Bun~urmes > -aaaaapa!18a!~q rap uon pa!^ p r r e a s ~ or a~ a > 'saaNvzsnoA s s a 3 ~ n a - g '9 > .uasse$ > n z assplqasag raqnaa!q uassepaqn 8unlurm.e~ > ' 1 ~ 6 1'padv '01 uap ' U ~ ~ U ! I S S ~ -ranrapaq81!~$ rap q a l q s a .uayasa2ron > 'nz . w n H map a=? aal ~ q ~ ! uIS! lq~!~ds8e11!ag awaqasaq au!g > -!aMZ II-ua8ugsg u! a d d n ~ gua8!pueasasqlas .3vauxg > aau!a S u n p u n r % n e ~m z s!q .na aaS1oj .sraanH sap xapo ~a4ojqaaus1qaax > -qaeuslqJax uassap .Mzaq lelleuo!leN-!,eq uassap .Mzaq ler~euo!leN-!c~qeg uaq~slnap > -eg uaqJstnap map su!araA sap 8unsopn.ii > nap q x n p l u n S ! l p s a ~ .zap pun lap > !aq 11lef ua3omransu!a~a~sallanauaaa u!g > -a!lS'!~ rap qaqlqaurlaaJa!A!aIa rap sa p e p > 'Nit3Ou'IXEIASNIaX?lA '6 -aq ssnlqassng m n z ~ a p u n q a 8as!rj aapo > .lqaua8spa!q~~uapuamrauxa nz ra%[ojy~eu m ~ o $axmm!3saq au!aq ue IS! aqrasnv a a a > -slqJax uassap 'Mzaq ler~euo!~e~-!,eqeg . s s n ~ q a s s nqarnp > ~ 'p > uaqasmap uon mau!a xapa!121!~ a!p q a ~ s '1lfJIsnv qaxnp 'J > uapamJalun ual!aq2!1!a~ls uapua8a8~aqa!s > .POL uJa"P '4 > sutaraA sap yJamZ map sne r a p u a 8 a ~ 'PJTM lranauaa I ~ J ! U > 'LH3IXa3SQIZH3S '8 a!s sllej saxqel sama f n e p a h q3eu 'e > ,1ssep8 a~aqxqauruaururpgx a q q :lyss!~~a~jzg~spa~%a!!,q a!a > -u!a l!tu uapaaM assnlqasag a!a 'uauqJ!az '?jeq2spa?14??~nap ?snpan '11 > - ~ a ? u nnz reaaaqas map pun uapuazlrsroh > wapaam lxanaura B!qa!laq > map UOA pu!s assn[qJsag a!a ~uaqa!aqasa8ron > uueq pun lye[ u!a sl!a~a[ lranep afeqaspar[8 > lqs!u IS! mi06 aaapuosaq autt .uajnraqu!a > -a!N a!a .IS! a%!a~saqJaralz$aI uon pun > ralarqas map 'Mzaq r a l a ~ a a a n ~ ~ auassap ls > y q e ~ a 8 r a 8 [ o f q 3 e ~ ual!~sem$yJa.z u a n p > 'Mzaq uapuazl!sroA map uon pepag qaeu > xapo (~e~leuo!le~-;'eqeg) lfeq~su!amaS > uapraa ua8un~mmes~ah1apa!18a~~a!a > -sl!aqr~-?,gqeg uaTeuo!leN uaqaslnap uaS > .3Nnssvxssn?H3sag a N n oNn? -!ssemlqJar aap ua8uuz1eg uap ss~ma% .&zaq > - y u ~ v s x ~ n a x a a r ~a x~a~ 3q ~q n s n n z g' L uaqayua8o~da3:,eqeg nau!ama41~e uap ssew > ~8un~mmesaan -a% (!'eqeg) sralnH UalurreyJaue sap pun > -rapa!lSq~ rap assnlyssag lap Bunrqnfsnv S.eqeg-lcnpqv, pun ~.qe11.n~eq-eara2u~yu.ii > arp 18a!lqo my1 xauyaag map pun leaax ua%!ssesue ua8u!)ssx u! a!p qarnp pun uaua!p > uassap 'uapuazqsJoA nz ua8u![ss~ afeqasu!aura8s~!aq~v-{'~?yeg > -yaS map cra$a~ara~11a3S > map sne lqalsaq pun l l q e ~ a 8a!aqaqaurnam rap qaaMZ map 'IS! I!axaq a!p 'uapraa uos > 336 T H E B A H K ' ~W O R L D > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is > of Karachi, India. > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is > of Calcurta, India. > > -- -- - - - > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is > of Delhi, India. > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Asse~nblyof the Bah6'is of Rangoon, Burma. > 340 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > Certificate of Registration of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Daidanaw, Burma. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 341 > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of > Mandalay, Burma. > 342 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of Auckland, > New Zealand. > DOCUMENTS RELATED T O THE INCOR- > PORATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLY O F T H E BAHA'IS OF T H E U N I T E D > S T A T E S A N D C A N A D A AS A R E C O G N I Z E D > RELIGIOUS SOCIETY I N PALESTINE > ( 1 ) TEXT OF APPLICATION T O THE 2 . Membership. > PALESTINE GOVERNMENT The Association is composed of Shoghi > Haifa the 8th of April, 1930. Effendi Rabbani or whoever may lawfully > succeed him as the Guardian of Bahl'i > To the District Commissioner, > Faith, RG1d Afnin and such other persons > Haifa. > as may be appointed from time to time by > Sir, Shoghi Effendi Rabb6ni or his lawful suc- > In conformity with the notice dared the cessors with consent of the National Spir- > 26th of August, 1919, regarding registra- itual Assembly of the Bah6'is of the United > tion of Societies I beg to request that "The States and Canada organized and existing > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is under the Declaration of Trust adopted on > of the United States and Canada-Pales- the 4th of April, 1927, New York City, > tine Branch" be registered as a Society un- New York, U.S.A. > der the Ottoman Law of the 3rd of Aug- > ust, 1921. > T h e address of the Society is: Persian Col- > ony, C/o Ruhi Afnln, Haifa. The Association is formed in order to > T h e objects of the Society are stated in hold and to administer various movable and > the attached Articles. inlnlovable properties belonging to the Na- > T h e Management of the Society is vested tional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of > in Shoghi Effendi Rabbini; RGhi Afnin is the United States and Canada in Palestine, > acting as Secretary of the Society. and generally to act on behalf of and to > Two copies of the Society's Regulations represent the said Assembly. > are attached. > Yours faithfully, 4. Management. > Shoghi Rabb6ni (President) Shoghi Effendi Rabbini or whoever may > K5hi Afnan (Secretary) lawfully succeed him as the Guardian of > Seal of Baha'i Faith or any other person appointed > National Spiritual by Shoghi Effendi Rabblni or his lawful > Assembly of the successors with approval of the National > Baha'is of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the > United States and United States and Canada shall be entitled > Canada-Palestine to act on behalf of the Association, to sign > Branch. any deeds or documents, to represent the > ( 2 ) ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF Association in any dealings or transactions, > "THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL AS- to enter into any agreements, to receive > SEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE moneys and to give effectual receipts or dis- > UNITED STATES AND CANADA charges, to appear before the Courts and > -PALESTINE BRANCH." Government Offices, to acquire properties, > lands, houses, and other immovables in the > 1 . The Name. name of the Association and to dispose of > The name of the Association shall be: any such properties, lands, houses and im- > "The National Spiritual Assembly of the movables by way of sale, mortgage, gift, > Bahi'is of the United States and Canada- partition or otherwise and generally to do > Palestine Branch" (hereinafter called the validly any acts which may be lawfully > Association). done by the Association. > 3 44 THE BAHb'f WORLD > > Certificate of the Palestine Government Incorporating the National Spiritual Assembly > of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, Palestine Branch, as a Religious Society > in Palestine. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 341 > > TEXT OF APPLlCATION T O T H E PALESTINE > GOVERNMENT FOR INCORPORATION OF > T H E PALESTINE BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL > S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY OF T H E B A H A ' I S O F > I N D I A A N D BURMA > > Haifa 2nd. December, 1934. OBJECT: TO hold and administer vari- > ous lnovable and immovable properties be- > His Excellency, longing t o the National Spiritual Assembly > Dlstrict Commissioner, of the Bahi'is of India and Burma in Pales- > Northern District, tine and generally t o act on behalf of and > IIaifa. represent the said Assembly. > > Your Excellency, ADDRESS: Haifa, Persian Colony, c/o > Shoghi Effendi Rabbini. > The application is hereby made for regis- > tration as a Society under the provisions of MANAGEMENT: Shoghi Effendi Rabbini, > the Ottoman Law of August 3rd, 1925, of Haifa, Persian Colony, as president; R6hi > the National Spiritual AssernLl~of the Ba- Afnin, Haifa, Persian Colony, as Secretary. > hl'is of Indis and Burma-Palestine Branch. > I have the honour to be. > Your Excellency's > THENAME: The National Spiritual As- Your Obedient Servants, > sembly of the Bahi'is of India and Burma- > Palestine Branch. PRESIDENT SECRETARY > 346 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > Certificate of the Palestine Government Incorporating the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of India and Burma, Palestine Branch. > Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the United States Government covering the > word "Bahh'i!' > THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > Registered Aug. 7, 1928. Trade-Mark 245,271 > > UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. > HATIOIAL SPIBITUAL ASBEIBLE OF THE BABA'IE OF TEE UNITED ETATES AND > CANADA, o s NEW Y o a x , rr. Y. > > ACT 01 l t P P U b B Y W . 1906. > > Applloatlon ffled March 10, 1 1 8 . Be141 lro. 8 1 . W . > > BTATEMENT. > To tL Commiseioner of Patents: Applicant hereby appoints Lintun IieI. > Nationalspiritual Assembly of theBaha'is $f, Robic & Bastien a firm Lanlpo&d of > of the United States and Canada, n com- 1 ilam C. Linton, ~ i i b u F.r Kellogg, 1t;ty. > mon-law corporation orgsniaed and oper- mond A. Robic and Alfred Bastien, of 724 > ated under declaration of trust, and doing Ninth Street, Northwest, Wasllington, 0. > businevr at 129 East 10th Street, New York, C., re istration 11584, its attorneja to pros,!. > N.Y., has adopt4 and usqd the trade-mark cute ifis applicat:on to registrat~on,to I~avc > shown in the aecompanylno drawin on full power of substitution and revocation > ~ A G M I N E SAND P B I N ~ F D, R O ~ I C S tllersm, to make slterations and anlend- > In Clnss 38 I'rints and publsntlons, and ments, to recave the certificate and to t m , . > presents llerkith live specilirens showing the act all business in the Patent Ofice connected > trade- nark us actually ~ ~ s eby d a plrcant therewith. > upon tlta goods and requests that .tfe san~e > be registered ih the United Stntes l'atent NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMLT OF THE > Office in accortlsoce \\.it11 the act ~ r fFebru- BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND > ary 20, 1905. The trade-mark hns been con- CANADA, > tinuously used and applied to said g m l s in 5 HORACE HOLUT, > applicant's business slnce 1900. The trndc- rieol(rtary. > mark is applied or uttixed to the goods by > printing the sune thereon. > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 349 > > Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the United States Government covering the > symbol of the Greatest Name. > > - - - > THE BAHA'I: WORLD > > Registered Aug. 28, 1934 Trade-Mark 3 16,444 > > UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE > National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of > the Unitcd States and Canada, Weat Engle- > wood, N. J. > - > A& of Feb- 20,1905 > > AmUcatlon Asdl 12, 1934. Serial No. 249,883 > > STATEMENT > To the Commissioner of Patents: same thereon. The English translation of the > National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Arabic symbol shown on the drawing means "The > the United States and Canada, a common-law Greatest Name". > corporation organized and operated under decla- The undersigned hereby appoints Mr. William > ration of trust, and doing business a t Evergreen C. Linton, of 1319 B Street, N. W., Washington, > Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey, has adopted D. C., U. S. A,, registration No. 10.109,its attorney, > and used the trade-mark shown in the accoh- with full power of substitution and revocation, to > panying drawlng, on PERIODICAL LITEFA- prosecute this application, to make alterations > TURE AND PRINTED BOOKS, in Class 38, and amendments therein, to sign the drawing, to > Prints and publications, and presents herewith receive the certificate of registration and to > five specimens showing the trade-mark rts actual- transact all b u s h e s in the Patent Officeconnect- > ly used by apulicant upon the goods, and requests ed therewith. > that the same be registered in the United Stites > Patent Office in accordance with the act of Feb- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > ruary 20.1905. The trade-mark has been contin- OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED > uously used and Bpplied to said goods in appli- STATES AND CANADA, > cant's business since 1909. The trade-mark is By HORACE H o r n y , > applied or affixed to the goods by printing the Seoretaru. > APPLICAPION FOR REGISTiULTICN O F > > u *br mt.4 > TRADE > The undersigned > s > t > . > * > " > - > .a4 > M d X K > > LtLlyl. ~pwitua~ > O h . -n-L.r . > l o r n ofr tp. > ~ > o m m r a t i a a ~ a m i u 4and o p e r a t e d u n d e r d e a l a r a t i o n of t r u a t . > > a > and having i t s P r i n c i p a l p l a c e of > b u s i n e s s a t E v e r g r e e n Oabin. R a t E W l ~ o o d . Il.r J s r e e y , > hereby n p p l i a s r o r t h e > r e g i s t r a t i o n o r t h e Trade Nark h e r e a f t e r d a s c r i b a d -pursunnt t o t h e > U n i a l r Competition ~ c t . > The mark o f whioh r e g i s t r a t i o n i s d e s i r e d i s a word > Mark c o n s i s t i n g of t h e f o l l o w i n g l e t t e r s i n t h e following grouping, > > . B A H A ' I . > The a p p l i c a n t h a s usad t h e a a i d mark s i n c e > 1pg0 > on w a r e s o r d i n a r i l y and commercially deboribed by t h e > > .". > applicant a s p l e M a l l i ? a r a t w m ma plntml b o b . > > . Such u s e h a s been > principally i n the rollowing oountries, U ~ W . > a > 0Ul.C.. > > I n n d d i t i o n t o w a r e s o f t h e klnd d e s c r i b e d t h e ap- > p l i c a n t i s c o m 2 e r o i a l l y concerned w i t h mDmm > Boon. > The a p p l i c a n t h a s no o r r i o e o r p l a c e o r b u s l n e s s i n > Canada end a p p o i n t s J. ALFRD BASTIF&', a member of t h e r i m of > MARION 6 m o N . 1260 U n i v e r s i t y S t r e e t . E o n t r e e l . Cenada. t o whom > any s e r v i c e i n r e s p e c t o r t h e r e g i s t r e t i o n may be s e n t and upon > s e r v i c e o r m y p r o o e e d i n g s i n r e s p e o t of t h e r e g i s t r a t i o n may b e > made w i t h t h e same e i f e o t a s i f t h e y had been served upon t h e a p p l i . > Cant itssli. > The a p p l i c a n t a o n s i d e r s t h a t having r e g a r d t o t h e > p r o v i s i o n s of t h e s t a t u t e e i o r a s a i d it was and i e e n t i t l e d t o adopt > rind u s e t h e m r k i n Canada i n a s s o c i n t l o n w i t h t h e a a r e a upon which > ~t h a s used I t a s above s e t o u t . > > ' 1 r J i n t h e - p r e a e n o e o f t h e twc u n d e r s i y o d w i t n e s s e s . > WIlTiEsss: > ILaOlX,~RUuAmYB > Olr m UIU'II OP 1P > klz.l n Y 011sU. > md > > OTTAWA. CANADA. 1 > T r a d e Mark Certificate obtained from t h e Canadian G o v e r n m e n t covering > t h e n a m e "Bahl'i." > > - - > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > TRADE MARK No. NS, 4120 > REGISTER 19 > > Rcdstmnt: ~ T I O I I L SPIRITUAL MS~XBLY OF THE -'IS OF TE4 > UAITED STATES MD C U ~ D I . a comnon-law aorporation > and under declsratlon of trust. > klrlmr &ergreen cariin. wa.t ~nglerood. NOW Jersey. United > Stettla of Insriea. > > Date of Redatration: 4 Jannmry . 1935. e First use: > ~ n t of 1900. > > Application Seriel ~a 165 3 2 6 . mid: 4 Jenusry. 1935. > > .Agent f0rScrvi.x: I. Nrrsd Bastien. a member 0 s the firm Oi > Merion & Marloo. > 1260 Univgrsity Street. > Montreal, "JleboQ. Cmsda. > ~srk; * B ABI'I". > > Warns: Periodical Literature and Printed Beok~. > > Chang of Ownership: > > ,WIYJ > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 313 > > CANADA > > Zbie: ie: to Certifp > that the TRADE MARK identified on the Register Sheet attached and > forming part of this Certificate has been registered in T H E TRADE M A R K > REGISTER, under the number and date, in the name of the person, and > for use in association with the wares within specified. > > 3n Zeetimonp PtQlbereof > I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Patent Office > to be hereunto affixeda t the City of Ottawa, in the Dominion of Canada, > this 13th day of Yoveeber . > in the year of Our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-five.. > Oanda. to whom aw marvier in rrmaot of tho r w i r t r a i i o n > rq br .ant an6 nmn earria* of any proos.(ilym i n rargaot > or thr raeistration m y M u ( r with thr I..* rir.ot ar ir > t h q hJ b a a rrna6 npoa the appliomtr t h r n l r a r . > > SIGNED AT m n t r r d . o . r ~ a . thia ..Xf..F. > Rovrbu. 1956. in p r r r a r or thr tro ~ 6 r r r i m . d > a y or > > wltnarara: > THE BAHA'f WORLD > > TRADE MARK No. N.S. 4L45 > REGISTER 1 3 > Relibnut: IUTIOBU SPIRITUAL m Y OF TK6 BULA'IS OF THC > IJUITLD STATES AND CANAM. > > Addreu: h.rc..n Cabin. Wart Ewlrwood. new Jerme).. Ua1t.d > s t a t e * o r )JIerie*. > > Dstc olRcpiltntion: 4 January. 19JS. Datr of First Use: 1909. > > - > Application Scri.1 No. 166.II27. riled: 4 Jsnmary. 1935. > > AecntforSe~ie: J . Alfred B P s t i e n , ncaber of t h e f l r m of > m r i o n & uarion, > 1260 Ualver.ity street. > > Mwk: . .. > Montreal, m e b e o , Canada. > ARABIC UYHBOL > > Wsrer: P.riodie.1 > w > L i t e r a t u r e and P r i n t e d Books. > > Clnsng of OMcmltip > > ,O"" > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 317 > > CANADA > > abn > i r ig to Ctctifp > that the TRADE MARK identified on the Register Sheet attached and > forming part of this Certificate has been registered in THE TRADE MARK > REGISTER, under the number and date, in the name of the person, and > for use in association with the wares within specified. > > %n QCerrtirnonp Wlfieceof > I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Patent Office > to be hereunto affixed a t the City of Ottawa, in the Dominion of Canada, > this 3rd day of December. > in the year of Our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-five. > > Commissioner of Patanta . . ......................... > Registrar > > (L.S.) > 318 THE BAH6'f WORLD > > The First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of Australia and > New Zealand, 1734.1931. > > j. The affairs of the Association shall be ever may lawfully succeed him as the > conducted in conformity with such direc- Guardian of Bahh'i Faith with approval of > tions and instructions as may be given by the National Spiritual Assembly of the > the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada. > Bah6'is of the United States and Canada. > Certified true copy of regulations sub- > 6. Dissolution. mitted t o the District Commissioner's > In the event of dissolution of the Asso- oflices for registration. > ciation 211 and any properties movable or (Sigd) E. MacLaren, > immovable and all and any assets of the for District Commissioner. > Association shall be disposed of in such a Haifa 11.1.30. > manner as may be decided by the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahk'is of the Seal of > United States and Canada. National Spiritual > Assembly of the > 7. Alteration of Articles. Bahi'is of the > The present Articles can be altered by Unitcd States and > decision of Shoghi Effendi Rabbhni or who- Canada-Palestine Branch. > Bahl'i Marr~ageCertificate adopted and enforced by the Nat~onalSpiritual Assembly > of the Bahi'is of fr6n. > > - - > 3 60 T H E B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > Bahri Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Baha'is of Egypt. > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 361 > > Bahi'i Marriagc Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spilitual > Assembly of the Bah6'is of 'Irlq. > THE B A H A ' i W O R L D > > -.>. 8 1 > d > .,.j:ia...:;s. . , ,5J,,$p > I > > " > , > > # ',!D.&>,&l,t;'-k,,l'q > . "' > > tt;: '94;~,Jrp.342;,,u<,~/$,M &;;'"'jh,&> > . . .1 , L... j&...>../. , i.I ;.) & > . ., > /k&;l;LH > ~k$ 9 > > j ;u;.5?.1Lk;>,gi &!,;<' & gJ(j). " > , > ', > & I > , > ; c'+ > - ..i > ~+ > )'>;& > lt/ G ~ I~ > , ; ~ , ~ ~ J & ~ ~ ~ ~ j ~ ~ , ~ ! , l > > * e;,Q,i, > ,~>1;,>,,,!7->,;~ ((&l&i~i123;7 > ?4,6,i/b;G;~d~;~ > <;, ;J>&>y/ > Kg; > . q;1 > . . . . . <,;&p . . . &3;dG$ > ~&G,,$CJ;". , > > Bahi'i Divorce Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bah6'is of frin. > '1 > I - > galL-.- - > * > W & C / . I ~ J > Outline of Baha'i Laws regarding matters of Personal Status submitted for recog- > nition to the Egyptian Government by the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bah6'is of Egypt. > THE BAHb'f WORLD > 3 66 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > gY( > > &Wj > > csOl, @YIP 13j,,W j l ((GI &Is i l J 4 > dX ...... I+, *l+I .LYl q iA-b C;il > p ,& r& ';*,I 93 &\: y 3 991 b1c > f+ + > y .,GI *d9 > ( u - ~ Y I ~t v ~- tI ~ ~- > 1'y &+ &GJ.i.'y > I . i!i) > > ~ldl,+l U Ll irjJJl j&JI j J* Jj 4;l > > -+*I, e-)kJb+ ;Zy,YI j i L O W133 J&JI s\C'1> > w9Yljg4.d,6+i + > e J @ ~U,.I;DL?l, > (I r )+Tlf&l) > > 3-xYl&l , > .+ &Ul@4,j~ .\A4 Yl $,I ALL-Y ( 1 ;,b ) > ('1 +,jhc,J\'y'y ;J~,,J~,&.!w > $.,$I I$ l,k%c,jl \$I IP, > > j i 4, $ 1 3 ( 0* ) > ' > A &\~~)u,;M~~J~,(&L~$~~(~-)~>LI > t r ) (&@I, > ~I iA, c .Aii ( fall.) > ~ g " ~ ~ i ~ &JLII ~,a A > ,,, J~IL > ,A > ., > I , , 4, &, 9 I - ( f 0,L ) > '')&F' & > +I jlyl JJ *Ji > J) +-kLll j~ (1) ~ ~ ~ J l j - + l Srr - -I > - ( Jk L,A L>+ ~ > J I , > aw 4E > 368 THE B A H A ' ~ W O R L D > ji J; ;wYI e, ;jL, j L &IJ > &A. f LU, > ,I & + + ~ J l $ J b~-, > &'d L iz k+. > 4 ~ 5 1 JIW p +. > &SJ~*!~GL~W.k, 5]l,G+ *\;?jjp- > &Wl& j'd jU. > ,YI c; j K d i C + . ; U%Y& ~LL$ > ( t j r I r-tr i!Tdbf) is,+JJJI 3ji 3 > THE BAHA'I WORLD > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LZAH 371 > 372 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH > > +Ir 43 j! 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Iy.j 31I,+J > +,L;,/! ,+\:!Y ,y*!, > ?.I !~ Y k l > > 2, > . > > J-IP Jdl JIAM yL, > > 2.4Y~ I L~LL 2 a> 4 2< 1, LL. hs (rr ~ J L ) > J*I~ dl V JI,Al j. J,;~I > > +iu,i +>; ,4 e ~ ~ ,& ,jA!, ha ( y o i,~) > P+ &? j,Al pi, > b,i , 1 - jWF;. > $ j UCAI, > I f~.i;L jr (n)&,I > (' AIJ~ ri iya > J > UIJ~J JI; ,U( t ) > R ____I] > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH > > 1 -d > f" ,+,I ;I31 qj -I;;, +;, il;, L; ,* ( W > jtJ>l 9 > 1JI fL Uij&IJjI fl 4 +A LA $.'dl Jl > > , & 9, L (yh LL.) > J\cj).>,iAl > > ;IYl,Y. 5 I > . . > , I > ,L,J > > " I > @I > > ( yq ),I; > '""usul, " 9 $1 ,, > b > > iz 41 > - ~ & I ~ ~ + ~ Y ~ Y I ~(i.I ;;,L.) > A, > L > L > . > s?Jl > l bkUIFA "YsYI;&i 1;1du~~~,jl U l > (Y) AL,]+lJ UI c,<, > Y; > I i Y I I ( i J L) > * > ~w,i~ $ 4 GK I;[, +,A p+ > iv) +;d A e,i- > ,-I +j LS > (t) 74,; TMzL?-JL GI > b4 1 I; fy ;,L) > JlcII & ,Y,Y f i LC dx b,Al4-! YI, &,CAI JJI ( i f i , ~ ), > 151 Y\&dl +>L+MY~ &~llb,;dI $$ Y, &uj$d > (a) '34 XJI A;/ > * ~ I ~ I J , ~ ~ ~ ( O ~ > ) ~l jZ *I ~~ q > , , q \t) - > I - -- -- ---- > - -- .-4 > -- > 378 THE BAHA'I: W O R L D > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 3 79 > . ..~ . : > ..-- > .O.~L:.J,:~\.~,~~~>,.~- ~ > > --.* > 'y > '* > ... ~.%:%5=~.:,- *% > >. > ..:-*:?y .- > e... -. > A > u". > ..* > . , ~~-~<.>.>;-&&.:*- > -- $?a,',.~>.3:-. > ~+:"-:.::. > . - . .: > -- --- - > ->..:. > , > ~' > .> > .* > .. ~- .>.-&.:.~ .:..-... - > . > u > .---h'l"":~ > ~' > > ~... i > : > ; > : > ~ > ~ ' > > :>k< > -~a > . . > . > '+.rr-.;;,=r;.:L-L:*.cQ.~ib >..- =-*- ,ii > AS.,+>.' -.hLx,.L-a< > --*--:I > > .*%< +: > :- > - > .<.~-?:.#-.:&-.\, .- > ,k > ~* > A > . > >. > w > < > : > L. > , > : > . > > > -- > ,... > -.*Li++.y > ., ' . ...+ : > - > A \: > . > > - > ~ > , > -'-'?- ' > > .-:.--- > . , .<- .:.\. > .;L .-L-Q.><;.; :-.-? > 4%.12 > . -- > K. <-+ > ~ > < > -> > > .-J. > -,: > > .:-.> > - > 4 % - - . ... i > ,.Q > , > A.. > <. .,.' > -;. >%~ ...?,.-:-+-+-c- > -.,<.:--:<+.: .-: > . .-.: > :..::-* <,+-: ..L- > . > :*, > * . > . *,*-+.:*: -. .5 > > >-.- .-'.&.'&.G :-c > .' - > +'<.%W4b > "C,I.,* r.4 l.u...i n l n 0 . 1 4. I . , .."T > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F BAHA'U'LLAI-I 381 > > Text of the Resolution presented t o President Franklin D. Roosevelt by the National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of the United States and Canada. > THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 383 > THE BAHA'f WORLD > T H E B A H A ' ~W O R L D > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 387 > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 389 > > Map showing section of route followed by Bahi'dllih on His journey from > Baghdld to Constantinople. > > - - - > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 391 > > Facsimile of Tablet addressed by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 to the Chicago "House of Justice." > T H E I N S T I T U T I O N OF T H E > MASRIQU'L-ADHKAR > Visible Enzbodinzent of the Universality of the Faith of Bahri'u'lldh > FOREWORD > > M A N Y discerning minds have testified Bahi'i institution, we must lay aside all > to the profoundly significant change which customary ideas of the churches and cathe- > has taken place during recent years in the drals of the past. The Ma&riqu'l-A&kir > character of popular religious thinking. Re- fulfills the original intention of religion in > ligion has developed an entirely new empha- each dispensation, before that intention had > sis, more especially for the layman, quite become altered and veiled by human inven- > independent of the older sectarian divi- tion and belief. > sions. The Mahriqu'l-A&kir is a channel re- > Instead of considering that religion is a leasing spiritual powers for social regenera- > matter of turning toward an abstract creed, tion because it fills a different function than > the average religionist today is concerned that assumed by the sectarian church. Its > with the practical applicatiolls of religion essential purpose is to provide a community > to the problems of human life. Religion, in meeting-place for all who are seeking to > brief, after having apparently lost its in- worship God, and achieves this purpose by > fluence in terms of theology, has been re- interposing no man-made veils between the > stored more powerfully than ever as a spirit worshiper and the Supreme. Thus, the > of brotherhood, an impulse toward unity, Ma&iqu'lLA&k6r is freely open to people > and an ideal making for a more enlightened of all Faiths on equal terms, who now realize > civilization throughout the world. the universality of Bahii'u'llih in revealing > Against this background, the institution the oneness of all the Prophets. Moreover, > of the Mahriqu'l-A&kk stands revealed as since the Bahi'i Faith has no professional > the supreme expression of all those modern clergy, the worshiper entering the Temple > religious tendencies animated by social ideals hears no sermon and takes part in no ritual > which do not repudiate the reality of spirit- the emotional effect of which is to estah- > ual experience hut seek to transform it into lish a separate group consciousness. > a dynamic striving for unity. The Mahri- Integral with the Temple are its accessory > qu'l-A&khr, when clearly understood, gives buildings, without which the Mahriqu'l- > the world its most potent agency for ap- A&kir would not he a complete social in- > plying mystical vision or idealistic aspiration stitution. These buildings are to be devoted > to the service of humanity. I t makes visible to such activities as a school for science, a > and concrete those deeper meanings and hospice, a hospital, an asylum for orphans. > wider possibilities of religion which could Here the circle of spiritual experience at last > not he realized until the dawn of this uni- joins, as prayer and worship are allied di- > versal age. rectly t o creative service, eliminating the > The term "Ma&riqu31-Ad_hk6r3' means static subjective elements from religion and > literally, "Dawning-place of the praise of laying a foundation for a new and higher > God." type of human association. > T o appreciate the significance of this HORACE HOLLEY. > 39'2 > INSTITUTION OF T H E MACRIQU'L-ADHKAR 393 > > THE SI'IKITUAL S I G N I F I C A N C E OF THE > MASHRIQU'L A m K k R > > The Beloved of the Lord and the Hand- high places among the hitherto sceptical > maids of rhe Mercifrl throughout the and indiflerent towards the merits and the > United States and Canada. practicability of the Faith proclaimed bv > Bahb'u'llih. Neither do I need t o expatiate > MTi well-beloved friends: > Ever since that remarliable manifestation > upon the hopes and fears of the Greatest > Holy Leaf, now in the evening of her life, > of Bahi'i solidarity and self-sacrifice which with deepening shadows caused by failing > has signalized the proceediilgs of last year's eye-sight and decliiling strength swiftly > memorable Convention, I have been expect- gathering about her, yearning to hear as the > antly awaiting the llews of a steady and one remaining solace in her swiftly ebbing > continuous support of the Plan which can life the news of the resumption of work on > alone ensure, ere the present year draws to an Edifice, the glories of which she has, > its close, the resumption of building opera- from the lips of 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself, > tions on our beloved Temple. learned t o admire. I cannot surely over- > Moved by an impulse that I could not rate a t the present juncture in the progress > resist, I have felt impelled to forego what of our task the challenging character of > may be regarded as the most valuable and these remaining months of the year as a > sacred possession in the Holy Land for the swiftly passing opportunity which it is in > furthering of that noble enterprise which our power t o seize and utilize, ere it is too > you have set your hearts to achieve. With late, for the edification of our expectant > the hearty concurrence of our dear Bahi'i brethren throughout he East, for the vindi- > brother, Ziaoulldh Asgarzadeh, who years cation in the eyes of the world at large of > ago donated it to the Most Holy Shrine, this the realities of our Faith, and last b a t not > precious ornament of the Tomb of Bahi- least for the realization of what is the Great- > 'u'llih has been already shipped t o your cst Holy Leaf's fondest desire. > shores, with our fondest hope that the pro- As I have already intimated in the course > ceeds from its sale may at once ennoble and of my conversations with visiting pilgrims, > reinforce the uunumhered offerings of the so vast and significant a11 enterprise as the > American believers already accumulated on construction of the first Mas_hriqu'l-A&k6r > the altar of Bahi'i sacrifice. I have longed of the West should be supported, not by the > ever since to witness such evidences of spon- mu~lificenceof a few but by the joint con- > taneous and generous response on your part tributions of the entire mass of the con- > as would tend t o fortify within me a confi- vinced followers of the Faith. I t cannot > dence that has never wavered in the inex- be denied that the emanations of spiritual > haustible vitality of the Faith of Bahi'u'llih power and inspiration destined t o radiate > in that land. from the central Edifice of the Mas_hriqu'l- > I ueed not stress at this moment thc high A&kir will t o a very large extent depend > hopes which so startling a display of un- upon the range and variety of the contribu- > sparing devotion to our sacred Temple has ting believers, as well as upon the nature > already aroused in the breasts of the multi- and degree of self-abnegation which their > tude of our brethren throughout the East. unsolicited ofieriugs will entail. Moreover, > Nor is it I feel necessary t o impress upon we should, I feel, regard it as an axiom and > those who are primarily concerned with its guiding pri~icipleof Bahl'i administration > erection the gradual change of outloolc that in the conduct of every specific Bahh'i > which the early prospect of the construction activity, as different from undertakings of > of the f ar-famed Mahriqu'l-A&k& in a humanitarian, philanthropic, or charitable > America has unmistakably occasioned in character, which may in future be con- > General View of the Mabriqu'l-A&kir a t Wilmette, Ill., U. S . A. > INSTITUTION OF THE > ducted under Ba116'i auspices, orlly ~huar conflicting interests with which they are > who have already identified themselves with surrounded. This note of warning may not > the Faith and are regarded as its avowed he thought inappropriate at a time when, > and unreserved supporters should be invited inflamed by a consuming passion to witness > to join and collaborate. For apart from the the early completion of the Magriqu'l- > consideration of embarrassing complications A&kir, we may not only be apt to acqui- > which the association of non-believers in the esce in the desire of those who, as yet un- > financing of institutions of a strictly Bahi'i initiated into the Cause, are willing to lend > character may conceivably engender in the financial assistance to its institutions, but > administration of the Bahb'i community of may even feel inclined to solicit from them > the future, it should be remenlbered that such aid as it is in their power to render. > these specific Bahh'i institutions, which Ours surely is the paramount duty so to > should be viewed in the light of Bahi'n'll6h's acquit ourselves in the discharge of our > gifts bestowed upon the world, can best most sacred task that in the days to come > function and most powerfuly exert their neither the tongue of the slanderer nor the > influence in the world only if reared and pen of the malevolent may dare to insinuate > maintained solely by the support of those that so beauteous, so significant an Edifice > who are fully conscious of, and are unre- has been reared by anything short of the > servedly subinissive to, the claims inherent unanimous, the exclusive, and the elf- > in the Revelation of Bahi'u'lkh. In cases, sacrificing strivings of the small yer deter- > however, when a friend or sympathizer of mined body of the conviuced supporters of > the Faith eagerly insists on a monetary con- the Faith of Bahi'u'116h. How delicate our > tribution for the promotion of the Faith, task, how pressing the responsibility that > such gifts sbo~ild be accepted and duly weighs upon us, who are called upon on > acknowledged hy the elected representatives one hand to preserve inviolate the integrity > of the believers will, the express understand- and the identity of the regenerating Faith > ing that they would he utilized by them only of Bahi'u'llih, and to vindicate on the > to reinforce that section of the Bahi'i Fund other its broad, its humanitarian, its all- > exclusively devoted to philanthropic or char- embracing principles! > itable purposes. For, as the Fairh of Bah6- True, we cannot fail to realize at the pres- > 'u'llih extends in scope and in influence, ent stage of our work the extremely limited > and the resources of Bahb'i com~nunities number of contributors qualified to lend > correspondingly multiply, it will beconle in- financial support to such a vast, such an > creasingly desirable to differentiate between elaborate and costly enterprise. We are fully > such departments of the Bahi'i treasury as aware of the many issues and varied Bahi'i > minister to the needs of the world at large, activities that are unavoidably held in abey- > and those that are specifically designed to ance pending the successful conclusion of > promote the direct interests of the Faith it- the Plan of Unified Action. We are only > self. From this apparent divorce between too conscious of the pressiug need of some > Bahi'i and humanitarian activities it must sort of befitting and concrete embodiment > not, however, be inferred that the animat- of the spirit animating the Cause that would > ing purpose of the Faith of Bahi'u'llhh stand in the heart of the American Conti- > stands at variance with the aims and objects nent both as a witness and as a rallying cen- > of the humanitarian and philanthropic in- ter to the manifold activities of a fast grow- > stitutions of the day. Nay, it should be ing Faith. But spurred by those reflections > realized by every judicious promoter of the may we not bestir ourselves and resolve as > Faith that a t such an early stage in the evo- we have never resolved before to hasten by > lution and crystallization of the Cause such every means in our power the consumma- > discriminating and precautionary measures tion of this all-absorbing yet so meritorious > are inevitable and even necessary if the a task? I beseech you, dear friends, not t o > nascent institutions of the Faith are to allow considerations of number, or the con- > emerge triumphant and unimpaired from sciousness of the limitatio~~of our resources, > the present welter of confused and often or even the experience of inevitable setbacks > 'f WORLD > > which every ulighty undertaking is Lou~ld Edifice itself will be converted into a con- > to encounter, to blur your vision, t o dim glomeration of religious services conducted > your hopes, or to paralyze your efforts in along lines associated with the traditional > the prosecution of your divinely appointed procedure obtaining in churches, mosques, > task. Neither, do I entreat you, to suffer synagogues, and other temples of worship. > the least deviation into the paths of ex- Its various avenues of approach, all con- > pediency and compro~niseto obstruct those verging towards the central Hall beneath > channels of vivifying grace that can alone its dome, will not serve as admittance to > provide the inspiration and strength vital those sectarian adherents of rigid fnrmulx > not only to the successful conduct of its and man-made creeds, each bent, according > material construction, hut to the fulfill- to his way, t o observe his rites, recite his > ment of its high destiny. prayers, perform his ablutions, and display > And while we bend our efforts and strain the particular symbols of his faith within > our nerves in a feverish pursuit t o provide separately defined sections of Bah6'u'llAh's > the necessary means for the speedy construc- Universal House of Worship. Far from rhe > tion of the Mahriqu'l-A&liir, may we not Mahriqu'l-A&kir offering such a spectacle > pause for a moment to examine those state- of incoherent and confused sectarian ob- > ments which set forth the purpose as well servances and rites, a condition wholly in- > as the functions of this symbolical yet so compatible with the provisions of the Aqdas > spiritually potent Edifice? I t will be readily and irreconcilable with the spirit it incul- > admitted that at a time when the tenets cates, the central House of Bahi'i worship, > of a Faith, not yet fully emerged from enshrined within the Mas_hriqu31-A@ir, > the fires of repression, are as yet improp- will gather within its chastened walls, in a > erly defined and imperfectly understood, serenely spiritual atmosphere, only those > the utmost caution should be exercised in who, discarding forever the trapping? of > revealing the true nature of those institu- elaborate and ostentatious ceremony, are > tions which are indissolubly associated with willing worshippers of the one true God, > its name. as manifested in this age in the Person of > Without attempting an exhaustive survey Bab6'u'IIih. T o them will the Mabriqu'l- > of the distinguishing features and purpose A&kir symbolize the f~mdamental verity > of the Mas_hriqu'lLAd&k6r, I should feel con- underlying the Bahi'i Faith, that religious > tent at the present time to draw your atten- truth is not absolute but relative, that Di- > tion to what I regard as certain misleading vine Revelation is not final but progressive. > statements that have found currency in va- Theirs will be the conviction that an all- > rious quarters, and which may lead grad- loving and ever-watchful Father Who, in > ually t o a grave misapprehension of the true the past, and at various stages in the evo- > purpose and essential character of the Mas& lution of mankind, has sent forth His > riqu'l-A@<&-. Prophets as the Bearers of His Message and > I t should be borne in mind that the cen- the Manifestations of His Light t o man- > tral Edifice of the Ma&riqu3l-A&klr, kind, cannot at this critical period of their > round which in the fulness of time shall civilization withhold from His children > cluster such institutions of social service as the Guidance which they sorely need amid > shall afford relief t o the suficring, sustenance the darkncss which has bcsct them, and > t o the poor, shelter t o the wayfarer, solace which neither the light of science nor > t o the bereaved, and education to the igno- that of human intellect and wisdom can > rant, should be regarded apart from these succeed in dissipating. And thus having rec- > Dependencies, as a House solely designed and ognized in BahYu'116h the source whence > entirely dedicated to the worship of God this celestial light proceeds, they will irre- > in accordance with the few yet definitely sistibly feel attracted t o seek the shelter of > prescribed principles established by BahB- His House, and congregate therein, unham- > 'u'116h in the Kirhb-i-Aqdas. I t should not pered by ceremonials and unfettered by > be inferred, however, from this general creed, t o render homage to the one true > statement that the interior of the central God, the Essence and Orb of eternal Truth, > and to cxalt and magnify thc namc of His into closc and daily communion with those > Messengers and Prophets Who, from time spiritual agencies centering in and radiating > immemorial even unto our day, have, under from the central Shrine of the Mahriqu'l- > divers circun~stances and in varying meas- A&kir. Nothing short of direct and con- > ure, mirrored forth t o a dark and wayward stant interaction between the spiritual forces > world the light of heavenly Guidance. emanating from this House of Worship cen- > But however inspiring the couception of tering in the heart of the Mahriqu'l- > Bahi'i worship, as witnessed in the central A&klr, and the energies consciously dis- > Edifice of this exalted Temple, it cannot be played by those who administer its affairs > regarded as the sole, nor even the essential, in their service to humanity can possibly > factor in the part which the Ma&riqu'l- provide the necessary agency capable of > A&klr, as designed by Bahi'u'llih, is des- removing the ills that have so long and so > tined to play in the organic life of the Bahl'i grievously afflicted humanity. For it is as- > community. Divorced from the social, hu- suredly upon the consciousness of the effi- > manitarian, educational and scientific pur- cacy of the Revelation of Bahi'u'llih, rein- > suits centering around the Dependencies of forced on one hand by spiritual communion > the Mahriqu'l-Aakir, Bahh'i worship, with His Spirit, and on the other by the > however exalted in its conception, however intelligent application and the faithful exe- > passionate in fewor, can never hope to cution of the principles and laws He re- > achieve beyond the meager and often transi- vealed, that the salvation of a world in > tory results produced by the contemplations travail must ultimately depend. And of > of the ascetic or the communion of the all the institutions that stand associated with > passive worshipper. I t cannot afford lasting His Holy Name, surely none save the insti- > ' satisfaction and benefit to the worshipper tution of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hlrlr can most > himself, much less to humanity in general, adequately provide the essentials of Bahl'i > unless and until translated and transfused worship and service, both so vital to the > into that dynamic and disinterested service regenelation of the world. Therein lies the > to the cause of humanity which it is the secret of the loftiness, of the potency, of the > supreme privilege of the Dependencies of unique position of the Ma&riqn31-A&klr > the Mahriqu'l-A&kir to facilitate and pro- as one of the outstanding institutions con- > mote. Nor will the exertions, no matter ceived by Bah6'u'llih. > how disinterested and strenuous, of those Dearly-beloved friends! May we not as > who within the precincts of the Ma&riqu'l- the trustees of so priceless 3. heritage, arise > A&lrlr will be engaged in administering the to fulfill our high destiny? > affairs of the futnre Bahi'i Commonwealth, Haifa, Palestine, > fructify and prosper unless they are brought October 21, 1929. > > THE BAHA'i TEMPLE > Why Built Near Chicago? > BY SHAHN > T H E Columhian Exposition or World's who beheld it a never-to-be-forgotten joy > Fair, held in Chicago in 1893, stands peer- and inspiration. > less and unique in the realm of world ex- When approached by water on Lake > positions. Its location unexcelled for Michigan, especially when lighted at night, > beauty, built in a spacious park with over- the electric lights outlining the buildings > shading trees and wide green lawns, and and silhouetting them against the sky > on the shore of Lake Michigan, each build- seemed like n heavenly vision-like the vi- > ing of white stucco, an architectural gem, sion of St. John's of the "Holy City beside > it stood in all its majestic beauty, to all the tideless sea." > Exterior Ornamentation of the Ma&riqu21-A&kir at Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A. > INSTITUTION OF THE MAERIQU'L-AEKAR 399 > > Throughout thc grounds flowed entranc- ary of Tripoli, Syria in 18 56. Wan removed > ing lagoons which were fed from Lake to Beirut in 1860. Author of 'The Moham- > Michigan, the water passing under a great medan Missionary Problems.')" > peristyle which rose high above the water The subject of Dr. Jessup's paper, which > and formed the entrance to the Fair from was read by Reverend George A. Ford of > the Lake, facing the East. Entering the Syria, was as given above and the following > Fairgrounds at this point in a launch, one excerpts are taken from it: "The four ele- > rode under this great colonnade and entered ments which make up the power for good > the "Court of Honor" of the Exposition. in the English Speaking Race, and fit it to > At the top of this arched gateway was a be the divine instrument for blessing the > laree > " " - - > zrouv of fizures.. of chariots and horse- > men, at the base of which was in letters of > world are: > 1-The Historic Planting and Training. > gold: "Ye shall know the Truth and the > 2-The Geographic Position. > Truth shall set you free." These words > 3-The Physical, Social and Political > were readable from the inside of the "Court > traits of the English spealri~~gpeople. > of Honor"; the fact that it faced the West > was most significant in that one must face 4-The Moral and Religious character > and training of those nations." > the East when reading it, and one saw the > (Each was discussed at some length.) > promise of the corninn of the Truth from > the East. > I n the midst of all this beauty and per- The paper ended thus: "This then is our > fection of art and the gathering together mission; that we who are made in the image > of all the races and nations of the earth, of God, should remember that all men are > was held the first "World's Parliament of made in God's image. T o this divine knowl- > Religions" ever held in America. For the edge we owe all we are, all we hope for. > first time the different races and religions We are rising gradually toward that Image > met on a common footing and each listened and we owe it to our brother men to aid > with a respect and open-mindedness to his them in returning to it in the Glory of > brother's presentation of his religious Faith. God, and the Beauty of Holiness. I t is a > The scene of a Catholic Cardinal (Cardinal celestial privilege and with it comes a high > Gibbons) and a Hindu Swami (Swami responsibility, from which there is no es- > Vivelrananda) walking arm in arm into the cape. > hall where the Parliament was held, fore- "In the palace of Bahji, or Delight, just > shadowed the coming of the "Great Day outside the Fortress of 'Alrkl, on the Syr- > of God" when the "Knowledge of the Glory ian coast, there died a few months since a > of God shall cover the earth as the waters famous Persian Sage, the Blbi Saint named > cover the sea," foretold by Prophets of old, Bahi'u'lllh, the 'Glory of God,' the head > when unity and love shall reign upon this of that vast reform party of Persian Mos- > earth. lems, who accept the New Testament as > The following excerpt taken from the the Word of God and Christ as the Deliv- > official record of the "Proceedings of the erer of men, who regard all nations as one, > World Parliament of Religion," held in and all men as brothers. Three years ago > Chicago, 1893, Vol. 11, page 1124, is of he was visited by a Cambridge scholar, and > vital interest to all Bahh'is. I t reads: gave utterance to sentiments so noble, so > "On the thirteenth day of this Parlia- Christ-like, that we repeat them in our > ment, the afternoon session September 23rd, closing words: > a paper on the 'Religious Mission of the "'That all nations should become one in > English Speaking People' by Reverend H. Faith and all men as brothers; that the bond > Jessup, D.D. of Beirut, Syria was read; Rev- of affection and unity between the sons of > erend L. C . Mercer (Swedenborgian) in the men should be strengthened; that diversity > chair. (Foot note--Henry Harris Jessup, of religion should cease and differences of > born 1832. Director of Presbyterian Mis- race be annulled; what harm is there in > sionary operations in North Syria; Mission- this? Yet, so it shall be. These fruitless > T H E BAHA 'f WORLD > strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, ment, having purified and sa~lc~iilrclthe > and the "Most Great Peace" shall come. Do heart from every thought, they are occu- > not you in Europe need this also? Let not pied with the promulgation of the Teach- > a man glory in this that he loves his coun- ings of God. Hence the Call of praise is > try; let him rather glory in this that he uninterruptedly raised from the Supreme > loves his kind.' " Concourse. > At this session of the Parliament, on Sep- "Third-During the American journey > tember 23, 1893, the name of Bahh'u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 several times passed through > the Glory of God, was first heard in the Chicago and associated with the friends of > Western world, and to those who today God. For some time He sojourned in that > realize the Station of Bahi'u'llih, this fact is city. Day and night He was occupied with > surrounded with spiritual significance. I t the mention of the True One and sum- > would seem that the whole Fair had been moned the people to the Kingdom of God. > prepared by God to be a Throne upon which "Fosrth-Up to the present time every > the "Glory of God" descended, and the movement initiated in Chicago, its effect > golden letters on the face of the peristyle was spread to all parts and to all directions; > held a divine and prophetic meaning: "Ye just as everything that appears in and mani- > shall know the Truth and the Truth shall fests from the heart influences all the organs > set you free." For the Spirit of Truth and structures of the body. > which should lead mankind "into all "Fiffh-The first Ma&riqu'l-A&klr in > Truth," manifested through Bahi'u'llih had America was instituted in Chicago, and this > upon that day been proclaimed. Thus Chi- honor and distinction is infinite in value. > cago was the chosen city to he crowned Undoubtedly out of this Mas_hriqu'l-A&kir > with this great honor. thousands of Mahriqu'l-A&kirs will be > Of Chicago, in a Tablet to the believers born." > of the Central States of America, 'Abdu'l- Also 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has said: "All the in- > Bahk wrote, in part: habitants of the world are in these days en- > "God specializes for His Mercy wbom- gaged in warfare and strife, but the friends > soever He Willeth." "0 ye old believers of God are striving with heart and soul to > and intimate friends! lay the basis of the Palace of the Kingdom; > "These twelve States are like the heart of so that the call of prayers and supplications > America, and the heart is connected with may ascend to the heights of heaven. The > all the organs and parts of man. If the flowers of material and divine civilization > heart is strengthened all the organs of the shall grow in the Ma&riqu31-A&k6r per- > body are reinforced, and if the heart is fuming the nostrils with the Fragrances of > weak all the physical structures are suh- Truth. Its doors will be opened before the > jected to feebleness. face of all nations, religions and sects. Who- > "Now praise be to God that Chicago and soever enters therein is welcomed. Bahl- > its environs, from the beginning of the dif- 'u'116h is the Universal Shepherd. All man- > fusion of the Fragrances of God, have been kind are His sheep, and the adherents of all > a strong heart. Therefore, through Divine religions are welcomed in the Mahriqu'l- > Bounty and Providence it has become con- Ad&kir, to worship the Father of all hu- > firmed in certain matters. manity with perfect freedom, reverence and > "Pirst-The Call of the Kingdom was obedience." > in the very beginning raised in Chicago. Another interesting fact which seems to > This is indeed a great privilege, for in the be correlated with the Bahh'i Temple of > future centuries and cycles, it will be an the Ma&riqu'L-Ad&k6r spiritually, and > axis around which the honor of Chicago showing why it should be built in the en- > will revolve. virons of Chicago, is found in a book > "Second-A number of souls with the entitled "Reminiscences of Early Chicago" > utmost firmness and steadfastness, arose in by E. 0. Gale, in which we find this quota- > that blessed spot in the promotion of the tion from a letter written by the grave and > Word of God, and even to the present mo- distinguished Explorer, Robert Cavalier de > INSTITUTION OF THE > La Salle, to a friend in Francc in 1682 which roads and ~~avigation > lines; to all the world > reads: "After many toils I came to the head she exports material foods, and is fast be- > of the great Lake and rested for some days coining a center of sciences, arts and educa- > on a bank of a river of feeble current, now tional institutions. A Spiritual Reality is > flowing into the Lake, but which occupies back of this material reflection, and thus > the course that formerly these great Lakes the Temple with its accessories will mani- > took as they flowed southward to the Mis- fest these truths Spiritually. I t will "act > sissippi River. This is the lowest point in all around," with its nine avenues of ap- > the great divide between two great valleys proach to its sacred heart, or hub. Within > of the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi. this Temple all peoples will be welcomed re- > The boundless regions of the West must gardless of color, race or creed, and there > send their products to the coast through they may commune with God, coming away > this point. This will he the 'Gate of the reinforced and putting forth the fruits of > Empire,' this the seat of Commerce. Every- that holy communion in Deeds. For one > thing invites to action. The typical man of the fundamental principles of the Teach- > who will grow up here must be enterpris- ings of Bahh'u'llhh is that "Work is wor- > ing. Each day as he ariqes he will exclaim ship," and "Man is judged by his deeds and > "I act, I move, I push" and there will be not his words." > spread before him a boundless horizon, an The accessories or surrounding buildings > illimitable field of activity. A lin~itless connected with the Temple, and which as > expanse of plain is here. T o the East is a whole constitute the Ma&riqu'l-A&kk6r, > water and at all other points land. If I will be an outward expression of this truth; > were to give the coming city a name I would here the "fruits of the Spirit" in material > derive it from the nature of the place and expression will be manifest. From these > the naturc of the man who will occupy accessories will be given forth knowledge, > this place; A g e 1 Act, and Circum-al! comfort, healing and enlightenment along > around, Circago." all lines, free to all. Not only spiritual food > This prophecy of La Salle's given in 1 6 8 2 , will be given forth from the Temple, but > when "wilderness was king" has, as all material help to those in distress, regardless > who have seen or read about Chicago know, of race or religion. > been literally fulfilled and the spiritual sig- The Temple will stand high above all > nificances of his words ever grow greater the other buildings which surround it and > as one considers them. Truly no city in when completed can be seen by all out- > the world could so materially express all going and incoming mariners. Ac this > that the Baha'i Temple stands for as does point is the drainage canal's entrance > Chicago, or the name given to it by the through which the pure waters of Lake > French Explorer: "Circago,-I Act all Michigan flow to purify the c i t y a n o t h e r > Around." symbol of the Spiritual Reality of the Water > One point he emphasizes means much, of Life, or Word of God, which will flow > "To the East is water and at all other points forth from this Sacred Edifice to give new > land." What a deep spiritual truth is here Life to the world. > symbolized. Water, the symbol of Spirit; As Chicago is the "melting pot" of all > and the East, the Rising Point of the Sun nations, so will the Temple be the great > of Truth. All other points are but material "Spiritual Melting Pot" of Divine Love. > ones and are refreshed and enlightened from Consuming all racial and religions differ- > the One Point. ences and intolerances, all prejudices and > Again he states that, "It is the lowest bigotry, and melting the hearts into one > point in the great divide." The lowest substance and remolding them into spirit- > point in a circle of existence is next to the ual realities which recognize only the per- > first point of ascent, and from the manger fect brotherhood of man, the oneness of > comes forth the Christ-Child Consciousness. the world of humanity, wherein all are > Chicago stands like a great hub in a children of the One Everlasting Father > wheel; from every side are incoming rail- whose Name is Love. > 402 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Interior Decoration of Center of Dome of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hlrir > at Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A. > > Ncver do the eyes of the writer rest upon spheres seems to have been drawn into con- > the model of the Temple designed by the crete expression, to bless the lives of men. > inspired architect, Louis Bourgeois, that she Its beauty is so ethereal, yet so majestic and > does not how her head as before a sacred sublime, that one stands before it in silence, > shrine in profound and dccp reverence. The for words fail to describe its spiritual per- > emanation of the "Holy Presence" is so fection, its divine loveliness. I t carries one > truly felt, the Reality of the Manifestation to realms which "rise above world and let- > so apparent, that it is like a great chord of ters and transcend the murmur of syllables > heavenly music, the "Lost Chord" found and sounds." > again, which lifts the soul t o higher realms On first beholding a picture of the model > above all that is petty and sordid, discord- it impressed me as being formed like a great > ant and unreal, into the very "Court of the Bell, and upon writing to Mr. Bourgeois > Almighty," and attunes the heart with the of this fact he replied: "I am glad you > Infinite. Its perfection of form is, in itself, caught this vision of the Temple. A bell > a glorious symphony; the very music of the is the most wonderful of all musical instru- > INSTITUTION OF THE M A- > SHRIQU'L-AD > - > HKAR 403 > > mcnts; it rings throughout man's life from fingers of the Will of thy Lord, the IHigh, > the cradle to the grave. I t rings at a chris- the Supreme, ring I t in the world of > tening, it calls a child to its meals, to school Eternal Power, through His Most Splendid > -to church later in life. It rings in time Name." > of danger, for fire and to warn the sailors at The invisible Bell of the Temple is the > sea. It rings for a wedding and it tolls for Voice of Bahh'u'llih, calling t o the hearts > a funeral. I t rings from the town clock of men to unite the world over, and mani- > marking off the hours of each day and fest the Love of God, calling man to that > night. I t calls one to his front door, to his "Reality of Unity" of which our beloved > telephone and to numerous other activities. 'Abdu'l-Bahi so often spoke. > I t rang for the Declaration of Indepen- There are so many deep emotions which > dence-the Great Liberty Bell-and I too this marvelous creation calls forth from > feel that the Temple is a great Bell one's innermost being, that new symbolisms > calling humanity to unity and reconcili- are daily being revealed which lead the soul > ation, to brotherhood and ideal common- into the very "Holy of Holies" and into > wealth. Proclaiming the liberation of hu- the Court of which Bahi'u'116h has written: > manity from the bondage of superstition "The pen cannot step into this Court and > and ignorance, and announcing his spiritual the ink gives no result hut blackness." > freedom." Truly this Temple is the one foreseen by > This brought to the writer's mind the the Prophets of old; the one promised in > words of Bahh'u'llhh addressed to Napoleon this "Great Day of God"---the Temple > 111-"0 King of Paris! Tell the priests not B e a u t i f u k h e vision of the Holy Ones of > to ring the bells. By God the True One! all religions, "come true." Blessed are they > The Most Glorious Bell hath appeared in the who arise to obey Its Call, and assist in Its > Temple of the Most Glorious Name, 311d the erection. > > T H E FIVE BILLION C A R A T GEM BAHA'I > TEMPLE AT WILMETTE, ILLINOIS > > Published ifz T ~Mineralogist, > P Jamuary, 1936 > > I N the January, 1934 issue of The Mi?%- and beneath the quartz tracery the dome is > eralogist, attention was called to the Bahi'i encased in glass. Two varieties of quartz > Temple, located at Wilmette, Illinois, both are being used in the construction, one a > to the mineralogical interest and architec- clear crystal and crystalline and the other > tural beauty of this noted structure. This of darker opalescent type. The crystalline > beautiful edifice is rapidly nearing comple- quartz is reduced to sizes equivalent to > tion as shown in the accompanying photo- about eight carat gem stones, while the > graphs. I t might be justly referred to as opaque quartz is ground much finer. These > the world's mogt gorgeous and largest "gem two materials are then mixed t o make > stone" as the entire structure is being faced Earley's concrete, a inaterial lighter than > with quartz crystal. Some 743 tons of stone, stronger than concrete and impervi- > quartz will be required to face the dome of ous to the elements. The nature of the > the Temple and an additional amount used material and construction will in the future > to face the remainder of the lower portions. not require the periodical cleaning as is the > The Temple is equivalent in height to a case with many similar edifices. > fifteen story building, the dome being one The crystalline quartz facing of the > of the five largest in the world. structure givea a beautiful sparkling rffrcr > The Temple architect, Louis Bourgeois, either in direct sunlight or under artificial > designed the structure as a Temple of Light light, making the Temple visible for many > The Dome of the Mdriqu'l-Ad_hkir a t 'Ishqibid, > Turltistin. > > The Dome of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkir at Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A. > INSTITUTION OF T H E > > miles. The cry was obtained at King's Creek, Spartanburg, tween earth and sky. I t is necessary then > South Carolina, and the opalescent material for your advisory board to place themselves > from Moneta, Virginia. at once in an attitude of respect for this > The decorative design of the completed beautiful idea and applying the fruits of > Temple embodies the curved lines described experience, bend the practical to the esthetic, > by the planets moving through their orbits with sympathetic understanding, in the en- > and a far-seeing feature of construction deavor to assist to the utmost the realization > given consideration by the architect is the of the creator's dream." > appearance of the Temple when viewed I t is not at all beyond conception to > from aircraft. The Temple appears as a assume that this beautiful Temple marks > huge scintillating star and will act as a bea- a new era in architectural beauty, which > con for airplanes stopping at Chicago. will eventually be used universally and that > I n the geometric forms of the ornamenta- it is creating national attention is indicated > tion are represented religious symbols used by the thousands of visitors who have > by all peoples of the world, including the signed the Temple register. > Swastika cross, the Circle, the Triangle and A new and inspiring approach to the so- > the double Triangle or Six-Pointed Star lution of Universal Peace is made possible > (Solomon's Seal-the magic symbol of through the teachings of Bahi'u'llih so it is > necromancers of old). But more than this, said, and the Temple is being erected to > the noble symbol of the spiritual orb, or send forth the message of love and peace to > sun behind the Savior of mankind; the five- all mankind. With a war ridden world > pointed Star, representing the man Savior- struggling to recuperate from the many > Christ or Buddha or Muhammad; the Greek past conflicts and nations again ready to > Cross, the Roman or Christian Cross, and spring at the throats of their neighbors, the > supreme above all is the nine-pointed Star, Bahi'i Temple stands as a monument of > figured in the structure of the Temple it- hope to all mankind. May the light of this > self, and appearing again and again in its brilliant architectural gem, radiate to the > ornamentation as significant of the spiritual darkest corners of the earth and instill an > glory of the world today. understanding in the hearts of all men, > Mr. H. Van Buren Magonigle, past presi- both rich and poor, that War does nor > dent of the American Federation of Arts, pay. > writes of the Temple as follows: "It har "We desire but the good of the world and > been necessary for me as the architectural the happiness of the Nations; that all > member of your advisory board, to ndjust Nations shall become one in faith and all > myself to an unusual point of view. Mr. men as brothers in the bonds of affection; > Bourgeois has conceived a Temple of light and unity between the sons of men shall be > in which structure as usually understood is strengthened; that diversity of religion shall > to be concealed, visible support eliminated cease and differences of race be annulled. > as far as possible, and the whole fabric to So it shall be, these fruitless strifes, these > take on the airy substance of a dream; it is ruinous wars shall pass away, and the Most > a lacy envelope enshrining an idea, the idea Great Peace shall come."-Babd'z~'1ldh. > 406 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > TEMPLE ECHOES FROM THE WORLD'S FAIR > BY DR. ZIA BAGDADI > The Bahd'i Temple: "A befitting and concrete embodiment of the spirit anhnating the > Canse standing in the heart of the American continent both as a witness and as a rally- > ing center to the manifold actiwties of a fast growing Faith."--SHQGHI EFFENDI. > > W H E N the Century of Progress Expo- science to human endeavors only, unaware > sition was opened in Chicago a year ago, the of the Source of all inspiration. In their > Bah6'is used this opportunity t o acquaint exhibit, accordingly, the Bahh'is had only > the people with the significance of the one aim,-to convey a heavenly message > Bahi'i Faith, first, by giving occasional lec- which brings true happiness, real prosperity, > tures at the Hall of Religions, and later by and permanent security to all mankind. > placing an exhibit in a prominent place in This heavenly message was embodied in a > the heart of the Hall of Religions. As the small model of the beautiful Bah6'i Temple, > writer was one of the many volunteers who made by Mr. Louis Voelz of Kenosha, Wis- > had the privilege of assisting in this service consin. The chaste beauty of this minia- > he wishes to set forth a few of the features ture temple held the attention of many and > which distinguished the Bahb'i exhibit from a Baha'i was always at hand to explain how > the others; to repeat some of the questions the principles of world unity and hrother- > often asked by thousands of visitors and to hood for which the Temple wands, are, > give brief answers to them; and to report through the power of BahB'u'lllh, the rem- > some incidents observed and remarks re- edy for the sick world. > peatedly heard, all of which indicate public > reaction toward the Bahi'i Movement and "What is the purpose of the Bahi'i Tem- > its Temple. In this way the readers of the ple?" was one of the first questions asked by > Bahl'i Magazine may get a comprehensive those who paused to examine the Temple > idea of the fulfillment of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's model. To this we answer in Abdu'l-Bahh's > promises, especially in regard to the influ- own words: > ence of the Temple on mankind during t h e "Temples are the symbols of the reality > days of the greatest exposition ever known and divinity of God-the Collective Center > to man. of mankind. Consider how within a temple > every race and people is seen and repre- > To the Bahd'is the World's Fair means a sented; all in the presence of the Lord, cove- > century of spiritual progress as well as ma- nanting together in a covenant of love and > terial progress; to others it means material fellowship; all offering the same melody, > progress only. Bahi'is demo~~strated the prayer and supplication to God. Therefore > instruments of universal peaceremedies it is evident that the church is a collective > for all human ailments and problems, the center of mankind. For this reason thcrc > means for the establishment of Divine Civ- have been churches and temples in all the > ilization. Others demoi~strated the newest divine religions." > machines and most modern devices of in- At one time 'Abdu'l-Bahi impressed upon > dustry, agriculture and transportation. me the importance of building the Temple. > BahB'is attributed this century's miraculous I t was in the year 1920, in the city of > progress and achievements to no other rea- 'Akkl in the Holy Land, as we were passing > son than the coming of the Promised One in front of a very old church. He stopped > of all nations-the Glory of God, Bahi- suddcnly and pointing to it called my atren- > 'u'116h. Others attributed success, discov- tion to the fact that were it not for that > eries, inventions and the advancement of little church not one of the followers of the > INSTITUTION OF THE > Christian Faith could be found or seen in essential spiritual elements of all religions > the city. No other power on earth than and all philosophies." Explaining further > this humble church could protect and unite he says: "Into this new design, then, of the > such a small community of Christians for Temple, is woven, in symbolic form, the > more than thirteen hundred years in a Mu- great BahCi teaching of unity-the unity > hammadan land under fanatic and despotic of all religions and of all mankind." > rulers. The BahCi Temple, so exquisite and per- > Another question con~monly asked was: fect in all the details of its conception and > "Why build such a costly building when the execution, so perfectly symbolic of unity, > huge sum of money now being spent on ~ t s is a most powerful influence in bringing the > ornamentation could be used for material people into a consciousness of the need of > benefits to mankind?" To this we reply world unity and of the vitalizing power of > that it is for the benefit of all mankind and the teachings of Bahi'u'llih. Shoghi Effendi > for nothing else that the Temple has been helps us to understand this when he says, > built in the utmost beauty. BahCu'llih has "it is assuredly upon the consciousness of > said: "0 Concourse of Creation! 0 Peo- the efficacy of the Revelation of Bahl'u'llhh, > ple! Construct homes (or Houses of Wor- reinforced on the one hand by spiritual > ship) in the most beautiful manner possible communion with His spirit, and on the > in every city, in every land, in the name of other by the intelligent application and the > the Lord of Religions. Then commemorate faithful execution of the laws He revealed, > thy Lord, the Merciful. . . . Verily by this that the salvation of a world in travail must > commemoration, the breasts shall be dilated, ultimately depend." > the eyes illuminated, the hearts gladdened." > Few people yet realize that the remedy "How is the building of the Temple > for this sick world must have a spiritual financed?" Many of the Fair visitors who > foundation. In speaking of the erection of went to Wilmette to see the BahCi Temple > this Temple 'Abdu'l-Bahi has said: "Its and attended the meetings, found to their > building is the most important of all things. amazement that there was no such thing > This is the spiritual foundation; for that as a money collection, returned to us with > reason it is the most important of all foun- this question, "Who pays for the building > dations; from that spiritual foundation will of the Temple and from where does the > come forth all manner of advancement and money come to run the affairs of the > progress in the world of humanity." Movement?" > Our answer is simply this: That the > This leads us to another question often BahCis throughout the world have the rep- > asked: "In what way does the Bahi'i Tem- utation of being a self-sacrificing people. > ple differ from other temples and churches, They do not ask material rewards for their > and bow can one expect more benefit from services rendered for the sake of God and > this one temple than from others?" Those humanity. They have no priesthood and > who give only a passing glance at the Tem- clergy to support. Therefore joyously and > ple may carelessly speak of the design as generously they are ready at all times to > oriental, but those who inspect it even contribute according to their best ability to > briefly see that the design is new and unique. carry on their transactions and support the > Indeed, according to the master minds of administration of the Cause. > world famed architects and engineers the "Truly I say," 'Ahdu'l-Bahi once wrote, > Bahl'i Temple is "the first new idea in "the friends of God (that is, the Bahh'is) > architecture since the thirteenth century." display wonderful generosity in regard to > The idea behind it and for which it stands the contributions for the Ma&riqu'l-A&kir > is equally new-the idea of the unity of (the Temple)." This spirit of sacrifice has > mankind and of the essential oneness of all been especially noteworthy among the > religions. In the words of the architect of friends in the Orient. I n regard to this > the Temple, the late Mr. Louis Bourgeois, 'Abdu'l-Bahh said, "Until this day an event > "the Bahi'i Movement is the fusing of the of this character has never transpired, that > 408 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD > > The Masbriqu'l-A&kir at 'Is_hqlbbd, Turkistin > > from the East and Asia contributions were Soon after I saw the light through the dome > forwarded t o the West for the building of a of the Bahi'i 'Temple. Then I knew where > temple. Verily this is a cause of astonish- I was." > ment for the people of perception." One Sunday afterno00 a family of three > came from some distance to attend the > "Do the Bahi'is believe in Christ?" was Service in the Foundation Hall of the Tem- > another question asked many times. To ple. They had heard about the Temple and > those who are familiar with the Bahi'i wished to know for what it stood. After > Teachings this query seems strange indeed. the service they expressed their extreme > We assure all that the Bahi'is believe in happiness over what they had heard and > Christ and in all the divine Messengers of wished to come again as they had missed > God. "Bahb'u'llbh established Christ in the part of the talk. One of the group added > East," said 'Abdu'l-Bahl. "He has praised that he had been a seeker all his life and his > Christ, honored Christ, exalted Him, called soul was hungry for just such a message as > Him 'the Word of God,' 'the Spirit of God,' he had heard. The next Sunday they were > raised the name of Christ to supreme sum- present again and this same man publicly > mits of glorification. Throughout the Ori- announced, with sincere devotion and great > ent Bahi'is have illumined the lamp of happiness, his faith in the BahB'i Cause. > Christ and spread His mention." Since then the members of this family of > three have been rendering important serv- > Besides these and other questions which ices to the Cause. > were asked many interesting incidents oc- During the past sulnnler a gentleman > curred. One of the most striking was as from a distant city heard that "sun wor- > follows: One day a handsome young man shippers are building a temple at Wihette, > stopped and after gazing at the model his near Chicago!" When he &ally went to > face flushed, his eyes sparkled and with a Chicago, just for curiosity's sake, he went > voice itltense with emotion he said, "Do you to see the Temple. He was so impressed by > know that this Temple has saved my life! the Temple and the Bah6'i teachings that > You see I am a flier, and once while return- after further investigation he declared > ing to Chicago during a severely stormy himself a believer in the BahPi Revela- > night I was lost because nothing below was tion. > visible. I became desperate and prayed. In short, many are those who through > The Ma&riqu'l-A&kir a t Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A. > 410 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > their visit to the Telnple are now studying commotion, what a spiritual attraction, > the Bahl'i teachings, wherein they have what a heavenly inspiration, what eternal > found their hopes and all their heart's de- bestowals are emanating from this sacred > sires. With the World's Fair in full sway sanctuary, this House of Worship, this > the rush of visitors and tourists may be Bahi'i Temple! Blessed are those who > compared t o the waves of the sea. What a know. > > THE B A H A ' I TEMPLE-AN APPRECIATION > NEWCOMB > BY DR. REXFORD > Dealt of College of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Illinois > ARCHITECTURE is, and always has of human experience nine great doorways > been, an index to the life and thought of an which beckon men and women of every race > age or a race. Throughout history the aims, and clime, of every faith and conviction, of > the ambitions, the ideals of mankind have every condition of freedom or servitude to > been built into those structures which enter here into a recognirion of that kinship > man in his strength has reared to sym- and brotherhood without which the mod- > bolize his relationship to his fellow man ern world will be able to make little further > or his relationship t o what he considered progress. > God. Entering these portals, one comes pres- > Man is, and always has been, incurably ently into a great lofty central space, the > religious and prodigiously inventive. His aspiring structural lines of which, reaching > earliest monuments were shelters to shield from the lower planes of human relation- > his body from the elements, but almost as ship, as symbolized by the outlying wings > early came some sort of a sanctuary in the of the temple, gracefully, yet with assur- > sacred precincts of which he attempted ance, contrive to define the triumphantly > through certain rites of propitiation to make beautiful dome that crowns the struc > whatever contact he might with those un- tnre. > seen forces which he felt ruled and guided The dome, pointed in form, aiming as > his destinies. Thus the early house sym- assuredly as did the aspiring lines of the > bolized the brotherhood of man, the temple medieval cathedrals toward higher and bet- > the sonship of man t o whatever God may ter things, achieves not only through its > he. symbolism but also through its structural > I n the design of the Bah6'i Temple on the propriety and sheer loveliness of form, a > shores of Lake Michigan1 the late Louis beauty not matched by any domical struc- > Bourgeois, beloved of man generally and of ture since the construction of Michel- > artists and architects in particular, has con- angelo's dome on the Basilica of Saint Peter > ceived a temple which at once symbolizes in Rome. > the brotherhood of man and his kinship t o Thus this building points out through its > God. Framed of steel, the cot~structivema- symbolism that out of the yearnings, the > terial of modern architecture, but clothed hopes, the aspirations of man there comes > with a protective covering of concrete to the recognition of the essential oneness of > withstand the ravages of the elements, this mankind, the oneness of Godhead, and the > essential continuity and unity of all human > - > "Temple of Light" opens upon the terrain > W,Imette > 1 near Chicago, 111. expcrience. > A TEMPLE OF UNIVERSAL RELIGION > BY D. M. NORTHCROFT > In The Inquirer, LIondon, Jan. 19, 1935 > A L T H O U G H very little notice has been When the Temple is completed a series > taken of the event by the Press of this of buildings will be erected in the surround- > country, a significant epoch in the trend ing park, a hospital, an orphan asylum, a > towards Universalism in Religion took place hospice or house of hospitelity, a University, > in America early in 1930. etc., demonstrating that "religion is an atti- > This was the opening of the first Bahi'i tude towards God reflecred in life2'--only > Temple of Worship for all Religions, in the worship can be voiced in the Temple itself; > western world, the foundation of which but the results of such worship are t o be > was laid a few years ago by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, evidenced in the surrounding buildings > the interpreter and expounder of the Bahi'i where all activities of the community will > teachings t o the western race. meet in comradeship inspired by mutual > The Temple is situated in the city of counsel. > Wilmette, on the beautiful shores of Lake Entering one of the nine doors, the visitor > Michigan, a short distance from Chicago. I t passes through a hall-way into the central > is a noble edifice and original in form. . . . dome-shaped auditorium, capable of seating > The Temple ctands 1 8 6 feet high, and is about 700 people. Looking upward towards > composed of a steel, reinforced concrete and the dome, two galleries, one above the other, > glass framework, over which is a lacelike are visible. Above the second (or singers') > design, sculptured from quartz stone, mixed gallery is a nineteen foot clerestory, from > from a medium of white cement. The re- which springs the dome. > sult is a surface harder and more enduring O u t of the main hall open radially (sepa- > than rock, and at the same time carrying an rated by the hall-ways) nine smaller rooms, > intricate design as delicate as lace. comparable to chapels in a cathedral, and > The glass roof ond sides protect the in- able to hold about 100 people in each. > terior from the wearher, and the light enters I n the geometric forms with which the > through the open design of the ornamenta- interior of the Temple is decorated, all the > tion. When flood-lit and viewed from an religious symbols of the world are repre- > aeroplane at night the Temple appears as a sented-the five-pointed star embodying the > gigantic nine-pointed star. Man Saviour (Christ, Buddha, Muhammad), > Nine is the number of perfection and the Greek and Roman crosses, the swastika > the basic principle of Unity, the keynote of cross, the circle, the triangle, and the double > the Bahi'i teachings, consequently the Tem- triangle or six-pointed star, and supreme > ple is a nine-sided building standing in nine over all and constantly recurring through > acres of parlr land, planted with trees and the schelne of decoration, the great nine- > flowers. Each of the nine sides of the Tem- pointed star, emblem of the unification of > ple is in the form of a circular arc, with a all religions. > large doorway in the centre, the whole edi- This beautiful and impressive building is > fice giving the appearance of extending wel- a universal house of worship built by the > coming arms t o worshippers of all nations Bahl'is of the United States of Canada, > approaching from every direction. with the help of Bahh'is from practically > Surely the nine entrances symbolize the every race and nation in the world. The > various pathways by which man travels in Temple will be open t o people of all reli- > his search after Truth, but which can all gions, sects and races, and is dedicated t o > converge in the Universal Focal Point. the Oneness of God and the oneness of man- > Interior Ornamentation of the Mas_hriqu'l-A@lr at 'Ishqibid, Turkisthn. > > Exterior Ornamentation of the Mas_hriqu'l-A&kBr at Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A > > INSTITUTION OF T H E M A E R I Q U ' L - A D H K A R 413 > > kind, the union of science and religion, to per entering the Temple will hear only the > universal education and the fundamental words of Bahi'u'llih chanted or read. There > unlty of religions. will be no sermons and no ritual. > Its essential purpose is to provide a A wonderful prophecy concerning the > community meeting-place for all who are future of Religion was made by the son of > seeking to worship God, and achieves this Bahi'u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bah6, when he laid the > purpose by interposing no man-made veils foundation stone of this Temple: "The ages > between the worshipper and the Supreme. of darkness have passed away and the Cen- > Thus, the central hall is freely open to peo- tury of Light has arrived. The differences > ple of all Faiths on equal terms, expressing which exist among the nations and the peo- > in this the universality of Bah6'u'116h, the ples are soon to pass away, and the funda- > Founder of the BahCi faith, who affirmed mentals of the divine religions, which are > the fundamental oneness of all the prophets. no other than the solidarity and the oneness > Since there are to be no priests the worship- of the human race, are to be established." > > "CONCRETE FULFILLS A PROMISE" > BY JOHN J. EARLEY,ARCHITECTURAL > SCULPTOR > > Published in a 1934 issue of "Architectural Concrete" > A T the same time that the building for When concrete is rationally and skillfully > the Department of Justice was being done used, there can he no doubt of its economy. > in our Washington studio, the great dome Economy is of the nature of concrete. I t > of the Baha'i Temple at Wilmette, Ill., was is a plastic material and the principle is gen- > being done in our Rosslyn plant. This tem- erally recognized that it takes less force, less > ple, designed by Louis Bourgeois, was in- work, less money or whatever term you > tended by him to be the symbol of a new will, to form a plastic than to form a solid > religion founded in Persia some seventy years material. > ago. Mr. Bourgeois wished to design a tem- A plastic material requires a mold to give > ple as new in form and treatment as the it form. This mold or form is the great > religion that it symbolized. He did not test of ingenuity of the craftsman in the > wish it to be reminiscent of other styles of use of concrete. About a business genera- > architecture associated with other and older tion ago, a few engineers designed struc- > faiths. tural elements which could be duplicated in > He designed a nine-sided temple with a the same form. This permitted one set of > perforated dome, as intricate in design and forms to be used for several stories of con- > as delicate in execution as a piece of lace. struction, and it effected an economy that > In doing this, he called for the skill of gave a real impetus to the use of concrete > the best craftsmen and for a material of in industrial buildings. Now we are in an- > marvelous flexibility. This dome is now other period, and again the practice of a > completed; why concrete was used and few shows the -way t o methods that will > how it was used is a story in itself. Suffict in turn become general practice. Further > it to say here that the dome was executed economy in forming has been effected by > beautifully and faithfully with architec- using plastic materials for the forms them- > tural concrete and with economy pos- selves and by the still more radical departure > sible only through the use of a plastic of omitting the forms. Let me emphasize > material. the fact that such methods of forming are > 414 THE BAHA'i WORLD > not just something to be discussed, nor of this structure were made of plaster of > something to be desired, nor something to paris, or calcined gypsum, a plastic material > be expected in the future; on the contrary, which by proper technique could be made > they are an accomplished fact. to meet all the requirements of such a > In the Department of Justice building complicated design. They were made with > the concrete finish rompvised the forms in economy, with a minimum of labor, and > zuhdch the structural beams and slabs of the were maintained in such good working con- > ceiling were placed. I n this way the finish dition that all necessary duplication for the > for the structure was the form for the construction of the dome was made in one > structure and was thereby integrally incor- set of forms. > porated in it. Remember, this is not theory, In closing, permit me to state that in > but practice. presenting this thesis I have been uncon- > For the dome of the Bahi'i Temple, the scious of any effort to appeal to emotion. > problem was to build an intricate, lace-like I have, on the contrary, endeavored to pre- > design in concrete. The forming of such a sent simple facts and examples to show that > structure with wood or similar materials concrete is beautiful, that beautiful con- > would have placed on concrete a handicap crete is economical and that it is an archi- > of cost such as in all probability it would tectural material. Finally, I have stated > never have been able to carry. The molds that such an architectural material should > > Airplane View of Ma&riqu'l-A&kir at Wimette, Ill., U. S. A. > 416 THE BAHb'f WORLD > > be in the hands of all architects because Bahd'i Temple, symbol of n new religion, > with concrete they may bring into reality is crowned w i t h a concrete dome as intricate > ideas and dreams that have wanted only the in design, as beautiful as fine lace. Louis > proper medium in which to execute them. Jean Bourgeois, Architect. > BAHAI CALENDAR AND > FESTIVALS > FOREWORD > > From Bahri'u'lldh and the New Era > A M O N G different peoples and at differ- t o adjust the calendar to the solar year. The > ent times many different methods have been Bib named the months after the attributes > adopted for the measurement of time and of God. The Bahi'i New Year, like the > fixing of dates, and several different calen- ancient Persian New Year, is astronomically > dars are still in daily use, e.g., the Gregorian fixed, commencing a t the March equinox > in Western Europe, the Julian in many (March 21st), and the Bahh'i era com- > countries of Eastern Europe, the Hebrew mences with the year of the Bib's declara- > among the Jews, and the Muhammadan in tion (i. e., 1844 A.D., 1260 A.H.). > Muslim countries. I n the not far distant future it will be > The Bib signalized the importance of necessary that all peoples in the world agree > the dispensation which H e came to herald, on a common calendar. > by inaugurating a new calendar. I n this, I t seems, therefore, fitting that the new > as in the Gregorian Calendar, the lunar age of unity should have a new calendar > month is abandoned and the solar year is free from the objections and associations > adopted. which make each of the older calendars un- > The Bahh'i year consists of 19 months of acceptable t o large sections of the world's > 19 days each (i.e., 361 days), with the ad- population, and it is diacult to see how any > dition of certain "intercalary daysm (four in other arrangement could exceed in simplic- > ordinary and five in leap years) between the ity and convenience that proposed by the > eighteenth and nineteenth months in order Bib. > > BAHA'I FEASTS, ANNIVERSARIES > A N D DAYS O F FASTING > Feast of Ridvin (Declaration of Bahh'u'llih), April 21-May 2, 1863. > Feast of Naw-Ruz (New Year), March 21. > Declaration of the Bib, May 23, 1844. > The Day of the Covenant, November 26. > Birth of Bahi'u'llih, November 12, 18 17. > Birth of the Bib, October 20, 1819. > Birth of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6, May 23, 1844. > Ascension of Bahi'u'llih, May 29, 1892. > Martyrdom of the Bib, July 9, 1810. > Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahb, November 28, 1921. > Pasting season lasts 19 days beginiling with the first day of the month of 'A16, > March 2-the feast of Naw-Rliz follows immediately after. > BAHA'I HOLY DAYS ON W H I C H WORK > S H O U L D BE S U S P E N D E D > The first day of Ridvhn, > The ninth day of Ridvin, > The twelfth day of Ridvin, > The anniversary of the declaration of the Bib, > The anniversary of the birth of Bahi'u'llih, > The anniversary of the birth of the Bib, > The anniversary of the ascension of Bahi'u'llih, > The anniversary of the martyrdom of the Bib, > The Feast of Naw-R6z. > NOTE: Xbdu'l-Bahi, in one of His Tablets addressed t o a believer of Nayriz, frin, has > written the following: "Nine days in the year have been appointed on which > work is forbidden. Some of these days have been specifically mentioned in the > Book. The rest follows as corollaries to the Text. ... Work on the Day of > the Covenant (F&te Day of 'Abdu'l-Bahi), however, is not prohibited. Cele- > bration of that day is left to the discretion of the friends. Its observation is > not obligatory. The days pertaining to the Abhi Beauty (Bahi'u'llih) and > the Primal Point (the Bib), that is t o say these nine days, are the only ones > on which work connected with trade, commerce, industry and agriculture is > not allowed. I n like manner, work connected with any form of employment, > whether governmental or otherwise, should bc suspended." > > As a corollary of this Tablet it follows that the anniversaries of the birth and > ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi are not to be regarded as days on which work is > prohibited. The celebration of these two days, however, is obligatory. > > Bahi'is in East and West, holding admiuistrative positions, whether or > private, should exert the utmost effort t o obtain special leave from their > superiors to enable them to observe these nine holy days. > > A D D I T I O N A L M A T E R I A L G L E A N E D FROM > NABiL'S NARRATIVE (VOL. 11), REGARD- > I N G T H E B A H A ' ~C A L E N D A R > T H E Bad? Calendar (Bahi'i Calendar) the Bib took place on the evening preceding > has been taken by me from the "Kitdb-i- the fifth day of Jamidiyu'l-Avval, of the > ArmP," one of the works written by the year 1260 A.H. I t has been ordained that > Bib. As I have observed in these days that the solar calendar be followed, and that the > certain believers are inclined to regzrd the vernal Equinox, the day of Naw-Rliz, be > year in which Bahi'u'llih departed from regarded as the New Year's Day of the > B a a d h d to Constantinople as marking the Badi' Calendar. The year sixty, in which > beginning of the Badi' Calendar, I have re- the fifth day of Jamidiyu'l-Avval coin- > quested Mirzi A q i Jin, the amanuensis of cided with the sixty-fifth day after Naw- > Bahi'u'llih, to ascertain His will and desire Ruz, has accordingly been regarded as the > concerning this matter. Bahi'u'llhh an- first year of the Badi' Calendar. As in that > swered and said: 'The year sixty A.H. year, the day of Naw-Rhz, the vernal Equi- > (1844 A.D.), the year o i the Declaration of uox, preceded by sixty-six days the date of > the Bib, must he regarded as the beginning the Declaration of the Bib, I have therefore, > of the Badi' Calendar.' The Declaration of throughout my history, regarded the Naw- > 420 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD > > R r i ~01 the year sky-one A.H. (the Naw- of Malik, in that city, IIe comn~andedme > Rbz immediately following the Declaration to transcribe the text of the Badi' Calendar > of the Bib) as the first Naw-Ruz of the and to instruct the believers in its details. > Badi' Calendar. I have accordingly consid- O n the very day in which I received His > ered the Naw-Rbz of this present year, the command, I composed, in verse and prose, > year 1306 A.H., which is the 47th solar year an exposition of the main features of that > after the Declaration of the Bib, as the Calendar and presented it to Him. The > 46th Naw-R6z of the Badi' Calendar. versified copy, being now unavailable, I am > Soon after Baha'u'll6h had left the fort- herein transcribing the version in prose. > ress of 'Akki and was dwelling in the house The days of the week are named as follows: > > Days Arabic Name English Name Translation > 1st Jalkl Saturday Glory > 2nd Jamil Sunday Beauty > 3 rd Kan161 Monday Perfection > 4th Fid61 Tuesday Grace > rth 'Id61 Wednesday Justice > 6th Istijlil Thursday Majesty > 7th Istiqlil Friday Independence > > The names of the months, which are the same as the days of each month, are as > follows: > Month Ambit Nnnze Translatioiz First Days > 1st Bahi Splendor March 21st > 2nd Jalil Glory April 9th > 3rd Jamil Beauty April 28 t h > 4th 'A~amat Grandeur May 17th > 5th N6r Light June 5th > 6th Rahmat Mercy June 24th > 7th Kalimit Words July 13th > sth Kamil Perfection August 1st > 9th Asmi' Names August 20th > 10th 'Irzat Might September 8th > 11th Ma&iyyat Will September 27th > 12th 'Ilm Knowledge October 16th > 13th Qudrat Power November 4th > 14th Qawl Speech November 23rd > 15th Masi'il Questions December 12th > 16th Saraf Honor December 3 1st > 17th Sulfin Sovereignty January 19th > 18th Mulk Dominion February 7th > 19th 'A16' Loftiness March 2nd > > Ayyim-i-Hi (Intercalary Days) February 26th to March 1st inclusive- > four in ordinary and five in leap years. > The first day of each month is thus the days. He has named the New Year's Day, > day of Bahi, and the last day of each month which is the Day of Naw-Rbz, the day of > the day of 'Ali'. Bah6, of the month of Bah6. He has or- > The Bib has regarded the solar year, of dained the month of 'Alh' to be the month > 365 days, 5 hours, and fifty odd minutes, of fasting, and has decreed that the day of > as consisting of 19 months of 19 days each, Naw-R6z should mark the termination of > with the addition of certain intercalarp that period. As the Bib did not specifically > R A N D FESTIVALS > > dcfi~trl l ~ r lor ~ l r clour days ancl the 1. AliI A. > fraction of a day in the Badi' Calendar, the 2. B6' B. > people of the Baydlz were at a loss as t o how 3. Ab Father. > they should regard them. The revelation 4. D61 D. > of the Kitdb-i-Aqda.7 in the city of 'Akk6 I . Bib Gate. > resolved this problem and settled the issue. 6. V6v V. > Bahfi'llbh designated those days as the 7. Abad Eternity. > "Ayyim-i-Hi" and ordained that they 8 . J6d Generosity. > should immediately precede the non nth of 9 . Bah6 Splendor. > 'Ali', which is the month of fasting. H e 1 0 . Hubb Love. > enjoined upon His followers to devote these 1 1 . Bahhij Delightful. > days to feasting, rejoicing, and charity. 12. Javib Answer. > Immediately upon the termination of these 13. Al?ad Single. > intercalary days, Bahi'u'116h ordained the 14. Vahh6h Bountiful. > month of fasting to begin. I have heard it 1 5. Vidid Affection. > stated that some of the people of the Baydn, 16. Badi Beginning. > the followers of Mirzi Yahyi, have re- 17. Bahi Luminous. > garded these intercalary days as coming im- 18. Ahhd Most Luminous, > mediately after the month of 'Alk', thus 19. Vbhid Unity. > terminating their fast five days before the > day of Naw-RGz. This, notwithstanding Each cycle of nineteen years is called > the explicit text of the Bajidtz which states Vihid. Nineteen cycles constitute a period > that the day of Naw-Ruz must needs be the called Kull-i-say'. The numerical value > first day of the mouth of Babi, and must of the word "Vihid" is nineteen, that of > follow immediately after the last day of the "Kull-i-&ay"' is 361. "Vlhid" signifies > month of 'A16'. Others, aware of this con- unity, and is symbolic of the unity of God. > tradiction, have started their fasting on the The B i b has, moreover, stated that this > fifth day of the month of 'All', and in- system of His is dependent upon the ac- > cluded the iotercalary days within the pe- ceptance and good-pleasure of "Him Whom > riod of fasting. God shall make manifest." One word > Every fourth year the number of the from Him would suffice either to establish > intercalary days is raised from four to five. it for all time, or t o annul i t forever. > The day of Naw-RGz falls on the 21st of For instance, the date of the 21st of > March only if the vernal Equinox precedes April, 1930, which is the first day of > the setting of the sun on that day. Should Ridvin, and which according to the Kitdb- > the vernal Equinox take place after sunset, i-Aqdas must coincide with the "thirteenth > Naw-RGz will have t o be celebrated on the day of the second Bahl'i month," and > following day. which fell this year ( 1 9 3 0 ) o n Monday, > The Bib has, moreover, in His writings, would, according to the system of the > revealed in the Arabic tongue, divided the Badi' Calendar, he described as follows: > years following the date of His Revelation, "The day of Kam61, the day of Qudrat, > into cycles of nineteen years each. The of the month of Jalbl, of the year Bahhij, > names of the years in each cycle al-e as of the fifth Vnhid, of the first Kull-i- > follows: &ay'." > HISTORICAL DATA GLEANED FROM NABiL'S > NARRATIVE (VOL. 11) REGARDING > BAHA'U'LLAI-~ > Works Revealed Houses Occupied > During This During This > Period Period > arrival latter part JamIdiyu'&- Qullu't-Ta'im House of H i j i 'Ali- > n 6 n i , 1269 A.H. Madad > March 12-April 10, 1813 A.D. (in old B a d d i d ) > > departure for Sulayminiyyih on House of Sulaymin-i- > Wednesday, April 10, 1854 A.D.- G_hannIm > Rajab 12, 1270 A.H. > > , > B. SULAYMAN~YYIH Prayers > Before reaching zulaymlniyyih, H e > lived for a time on the Sar-Gal6 > mountain. > During His absence from Ba&dld, Saqiyas-Ehayb-i- > His family transferred their resi- Bqi > dence from House of H i j i 'Ali- > Madad to that of Sulaymin-i- > Ghannim. > Nabil arrived at B a d d i d 6 months > after Bahl'u'lllh's departure for > Solaymlniyyih. > Tafsir-i-Hur6f 6t-i- > C . BACSD~D Muqa~ta'ih > arrived from SulaymIniyyih on Sal?ifiy-i-Sattiyyih > Wednesday, March 19, 1816 A.D.- Haft-V6di > Rajab 12, 1272 A.H. (Seven Valleys) > Tafsir-i-H& > Lawh-i-Huriyyih > Kitib-i-fqin > Kalimit-i-Maknhih > (Hidden Words) > departure from Mazra'iy-i-Va&- Subhina-Rabbiya'l- > &6&: Thursday, March 26, 1863 A'16 > A.D.-S_havvII 1, 1279 A.H. S_hikkar-Sikan- > Tablet of the Holy Mariner revealed Savand > while in the Mazra'iy-i-Vash&6s_h. HSr-i-'Uj6b > Halih-Halih-Yi > Bi&lrat > G_hulimu'l-chuld > Az-Bid-i-Ilihi > > departure from B a d d i d for Con- Bizivu-Bidih-Jlmi > stantinople, Wednesday afternoon > (first day of Ridvln), April 22, > 1863 A.D.-D_hYI-Qa'dih 3 , 1279 > A.H. 1 > BAHA'I CALENDAR A N D FESTIVALS 423 > > Works Revealed Houses Occupied > C . BAGHDAD-continued During This During This. > Period Period > S6riy-i-Sabr revealed on first day of Mallihu'l-Quds > Ridvin. (Holy Mariner) > arrival at Garden of Najibiyyih > (Garden of Ridvin), April 22, > 1863 A.D.-Rhi'l-Qa'dih 3 , 1279 > A.H. > arrival of Bahi'u'll6h's Family at > Garden of Ridvin on eighth day > after first of Ridvin. > departure from Garden of Ridvin > for Constantinople last day of > Ridvin, at noon on Sunday, May > 3, 1 8 6 3 A.D.-D&il-Qa'dih 14, > 1279 A.H. > length of overland journey from > Garden of Ridvin t o Samsun on > Black Sea: 110 days. > > Firayjit, (arrival early afternoon- Mirdin, > stayed seven days) arrived on Sun- Diyir-Bakr, > day, May 3 , 1 8 6 3 A.D.-xhi'l- Ma'dan-Mis, > Qa'dih 14, 1279 A.13. (Firayjit Khirput, (stayed 2 or 3 days) > is about 3 miles distant from Ma'dan-Nuqrih, > Baddid) Dilik-T&&, > Jidaydih, Sivis, > Dili-'ALhis, Thqit, > Qarih-Tapih, Amasia, (stayed 2 days) > Salihiyyih, (stayed two nights) 116hiyyih, (while approaching S6m- > DGst-Lhhunnitri, sun, "Lawh-i-Hawdaj" was re- > Tdwuq, vealed), (last day of overland > Karkhk, (stayed two days) journey) > Irbil, Simsun, (stayed 7 days) Black Sea > Z6b River, port. Sailed in a Turkish steamer > Bartallih, about sunset for Constantinople > Mosul, (stayed 3 days) Sinope, (arrived next day about > Zikhil, noon) Black Sea port. Stayed few > Jazirih, hours > Nisibin, Anyibuli, (arrived next day). > Hasan-bql, > 424 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur- > D. CONSTANTINOPLE ing This Period ing This Period Duration > arrival at noon on Subhhnika-Y6-HG House of S_hamsi Big 1 month > Sunday, August 16, Lawh-i-'Ahdu'l-'Aziz (2-story, near Khir- > 1863 A.D. Va-Vukali gih Sarif Mosque) > Rabi'u'l-Avval 1, > 1280 A.H. > Lenith of sea voyage House of Visi Pl&6 3 months > from SImsirn to (3-story, near Sul- > Constantinople 3 fln M u h a m m a d > days. Mosque) > Length of journey > from Constintinople > to Adrianople 12 > days. > -- > I. Kir&ik-C_hakma&il~ (3 hours from Constantinople-spent one night) > 2. BuyGk-C_hakma&ih (arrived about noon) > 3 . Salvari 4. Birkbs ?. Bbbi-iski > > Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur- > E. ADRIANOPLE ing This Period ing This Period Duration > arrival on Saturday, SGriy-i-AshLb 1 . Gin-i-'Arlb 3 nights > December 12, 1863 (caravanserai, two- > A.D.-Rajab 1 , 1280 story, near house > A.H. Lawh-i-Hajj I of 'Izzat-Aga) > Length of stay: 4 > years, 8 months, 2 2 > << days. I1 > Length of overland Kitlb-i-Badi' 2. House in Muidiyyih 1 week > journey from Con- Sbriy-i-Muluk quarter, near Tak- > stantinople to Adri- (Tablet of the yiy-i-Mawlavi > anople: 12 days. Kings) > Departure from Adri- 3. House in Murldiyyih 6 months > anople on Wednes- SGriy-i-Amr quarter, near house > day, August 12, SGriy-i-Damm 2 > 1868 A.D.-Rahi- Alvbh-i-Laylatu'l- 4. Khlniy-i-Amru'llbh > ' ~ ' 6T -h i n i 22, Quds (several stories, > 1 2 8 1 A.H. Munbjithly Siylm near Sultan-Salim > (Prayers for Fast- Mosque) > > Lawb-I-Sayyih I. House of Rid6 Big 1 year > L a ~ h - i - N 6 ~ u l ~ G In 6 . House of Amru'llhh 3 months? > (First Tablet to (3 -story. North > Napoleon 111) - > of Sultan Salim > Mosque) > Lawh-i-Sulyln 7. House of 'Izzat- 11 months > (Tablet to the &6h Aqd > of Persia) > Lawh-i-Nuqtih > 1. Uzlin-Kupri > 2. Kahinih, (arrived about noon. Lawh-i-Ra'is (Tablet of Ra'is) was revealed > in this place) > (length of journey from Adrianople to Gallipoli about 4 days) > 3. Gallipoli > (after a few days' stay sailed before noon in Austrian steamer for > Alexandria, Egypt) > 4. Madelli, (arrived about sunset-left at night) > I. Smyrna, (stayed 2 days, left a t night) > 6 . Alexandria, (arrived in the morning, transshipped and left at night for Haifa) > 7. Port Said, (arrived morning, left the same day at night) > 8. Jaffa, (left at midnight) > 9. Haifa (arrived in the morning, landed and after a few hours left on a sailing > vessel for 'Aliki) > > arrival on Monday, > Kit6b-i-Aqdas > Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur- > ing This Period > I > ing This Period > 1. Barracks > Duration > 2 years, 2 > August 31, A.D. Lawh-i-Nhpulyfin I1 months, > 1868-Jamhdiyu'l- (Second Tablet a 5 days > Avval 12, 1281 Napoleon 111) > A.H. Lawh-i-Malilrib 2. House of Malik 3 months > (Tablet to Queen 3. House of Rbbi'ih > Victoria) > Purest Branch dicd on Lawh-i-Malik-i - RG! 4. House of Mansur 2 or 3 > Thursday, June 23, ( T a b 1 e t to the months > 1870 A.D.-RabiC- Czar) > u'l-Avval 23, 1287 Suriy-i-Haykal I . House of 'Abbud > A.H. Lawh-i-Burhin (where Kitlh-i- > Lawh-i-Ru'yi Aqdas was re- > Lawh-i-I&-i-D_h?h vealed) > (Epistle to Son of 6 . Mazra'ih > the Wolf) > Passed away May 29, Lawh-i-Pip 7. Qasr > 1892 A.D. ( T a b l e t to the (Mansion, where > Pope) He passed away) > YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > B A H ~ Y' O~ U T H > AIZEstimate and Survey of Ii~ternationalEve~zts > 1934 t o 1936 > > BY MARIONHOLLEY > T O D A Y it is no longer necessary to de- stale, a sterile period; yet may it not be the > fine the world's condition. The pressure of propitious moment for deliverance-for the > years, now almost seven, of steady social challenge of this extreme futility by a > disintegration accompanying and feeding sound and vital program? > upon our economic chaos, has weighed upon Three years ago in the summer of 1933, > the native optimism of us all, until in the National Spiritual Assembly of the > honest dismay we have come to admit a Bahi'is of the United States and Canada > predicament. The privileges which seemed appointed a Youth Committee which, in an > o u r f n r the taking have vanished; neither advisory capacity, was t o aid in the spread > desire nor urgent need seem likely to re- and consolidation of the Bahi'i Faith among > store them. The universe, once so friendly, young people. The scope of its work as > evinces a marked disinterest in our affairs, later defined by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian > ignores our suggestions, proceeds calmly to of the Cause, was extended to the inter- > its own destiny while we writhe in oars. national field, for he wrote: "You should > Clearly, human society has an existence not confine your activities to the national > of its own, a power of choice apart from sphere but should strive to create under the > the necessity of nature which, underesti- supervision of 'your National Spiritual > mated and abused, has attained sudden Assembly an international body of active > prominence by leading us into our present young Bah6'i men and women who, con- > unhappy state. I n an environment poten- scious of their manifold and sacred responsi- > tially adequate, with unique equipment of bilities, will unanimously arise t o spread the > intellect and energy, we of the human race Holy Word." (August, 1 9 3 3 ) > are nevertheless free t o starve, kill, and mis- This Committee, in its first general letter, > use our fellows and ourselves. I t is a named the dynamic which has motivated > situation we should brand as improbable each subsequent act, that stirring ideal of > except that it surrounds us. world change which Bahi'u'llib, the Mani- > In this confusion of 1936, all are victims festation of the power and authority of > alike, for the disruption and perversion of God, released to reshape and renew our > social institutions proceeds as virulently in troubled society. "The world's equilib- > Europe as in America, in Asia, Africa, and rium," BahPu'llhh affirmed, "hath been > in most of the countries of the world. upset through the vibrating influence of > Scarcely a single constructive idea stands this most great, this new World Order. > out against the prevailing drift. Young Mankind's ordered life hath been revolu- > people, who are not historically patient, tionized through the agency of this unique, > seem at as great a loss as their elders for an this wondrous System-the like of which > impulse toward the proper action. I t is a mortal eyes have never witnessed." > Y O U T H ACTIVITIES T H R O U G H O U T T H E BAHA'I WORLD 427 > Tu thr buyport o l this s t a r ~ l i r challerlge > l~ in particular stand out as measures of youth > ,-for Bahi'u'llih's enunciation constitutes work, and in these past two years every > a mighty claim-the Youth Committee effort has been thwarted or confirmed ac- > called its contemporaries. "We have grown cording t o its conformity with them. > firmly convinced that our destiny is indeed The first standard imposed by Bah6'u'llah > t o live in the construction of a new world was that of character. "Whoso ariseth > order, an order which must rise from and among yon to teach the Cause of his Lord, > displace this helpless and decadent civiliza- let him, before all else, teach his own self, > tion. . . . Surely none of us would now that his speech may attract the hearts of > deny that i t is the task of this generation, them that hear him." The transformation > of this BahCi generation, to build the of one's own life and the expression in deeds > framework for that wonderful conception." of that faith which is verbally professed is > (Bahl'i News, November, 1933 .) the primary obligation of every Bahi'i. I n > The record of the response from Baha'i 1934, Shoghi Effendi addressed the youth > youth will form the substance of this conference at Louhelen in these words: "A > survey. Because of the shortness of time tremendous responsibility has been laid upon > since 1933, and the barriers of language and you, and nothing short of a pure, a virtu- > space which still intervene between Ameri- oui, an active and truly exemplary life can > can youth and international groups, the enable you t o fulfill your high destiny." > record is incomplete. O n the other hand, This goal, so difficult of attainment, so > the diverse activities of young Bahi'is alien to the prevailing customs and habits > throughout the world cannot be attributed of society, was at first neglected by Bahi'i > t o the efforts of one committee. The an- youth. Perhaps it is fairer t o say that i t > nouncement, be it remembered, was Bahi- was overloolced, in their eagerness to win > 'u'lldh's and it has roused not only His the attention and cnmradeship of other > immediate followers, but all those who are young people. Some felt even a certain > contributing in any way to the unfoldment shyness at the thought of creating a sense > of this destined plan. of difference. > Today, however, that hesitance has passed > BAHA'f STANDARDS AFFECTING and in its place is a growing sentiment in > YOUTH favor of frank, unqualified faithfulness t o > The process of growth in the Bahi'i com- the ideals of BahCi conduct. Bah6'u'lIih > munity presents an interesting study, for it forbade the use of intoxicants and 'Abdu'l- > assumes characteristic patterns and develops Bah6 recommended the renouncing of > through phases of vitality which are orig- tobacco. More important, the virtues of > inal, demanding, but absolutely necessary. honesty, courtesy, justice, dignity, toler- > There are periods in the process which, to ance, and kindliness were enjoined. I n a > o~ltwardseeming, are unproductive; yet in tablet t o an American believer, 'Abdu'l- > these times certain ideals are implanted Bahi emphasized the importance of chastity, > which nourish the whole action that is to "because in the ocean of divine knowledge > follow. There are insistent patterns which one particle of chastity is greater than ten > appear to limit and constrict growth; yet thousand years of adoration." And always > ultimately these form a solid base from hc spokc of that greatest characteristic, love, > which the community rises t o unforeseen the crown of human perfection. "The > achievement. first bounty from the True One is love, > That Bah6'i youth are subject to the unity and harmony," he said, "and without > same conditions which govern the Bahi'i these all the deeds pass in vain and give no > community was one of the first discoveries result." > of local youth committees. I t was soon A g r a d u ~ lawakening to the profound im- > found that neither efficient nor ingenious port of these instructions of the Manifesta- > plans for organization and teaching can tion is the most significant present trend > ensure group success, apart from adherence among young BahCis. I n articles for the > t o the will of Bah6'u'Ilih. Two standards bulletin Bahd'i Youth, in letters, in discus- > 428 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > sion groups and on the public platform, a r u d y i ~ l ~hem and no inlitation can assist > these ideals are being stressed and this fact in a solution. Rather what is demanded of > will surely hasten the day when "the Bahl'i young Bahl'is is a fresh imagination, a pro- > youth of America,'' in fulfillment of the found and mature originality, that they > National Assembly's urgent hope, "can be may conceive a new relationship for youth > a source of inspiration to the numberless and age, and create, by identifying their > young people who are groping for a light aims with the larger ideals of the com- > in the darkness of the present chaos, and munity, a new integration. Thus their > seeking a sure foundation upon which to work will advance, not retard, the develop- > build their lives." (Letter to the Youth ment of an original society-Bahi'u'llhh's > Committee, November 5, 193 5 . ) conception of an organic, all-embracing, > The second standard set forth by Bah6- world community. > 'u'llah was unity. "In this wondrous Revel- Local groups have approached this prob- > ation, this glorious century, the foundation lem in various ways, sometimes failing al- > of the Faith of God and the distinguishing together, their expansion undoubtedly de- > feature of His Law is the consciousness of layed; yet one cannot study their efforts > the Oneness of Mankind." This principle without gaining confidence that finer rela- > extends into every aspect of society, uniting tions are being continuously established as > in a common destiny every class, race, reli- each group strives toward a fuller consulta- > gion, nation and temperament. I t is the tion and more steadfast individual service > basis for the new institutional life of man under the leadership of its local Spiritual > and it determines the form into which all Assemblv. > institutions must develop. Yet at the time > of the appointment of the Youth Commit- A N ASSEMBLY OF YOUNG PEOPLE > tee, no one suspected its chief p~oblerns The spirit of the Bahi'i Faith has, > would be contributed by the operations of throughout its history, exerted a special at- > this standard. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 had written traction over young people. In Nabil's > that "universality is of God and all limita- great narrative of the early days of the > tions earthly." No one associated this movement, The Dawn-Breakers, although > divine principle with the mechanics of a no emphasis is laid upon youth, it is evi- > youth movement. dent upon every page that the first follow- > I n a sense the establishment of youth ers of the Bib, most of whom sealed their > groups in the midst of Bahi'i community sincerity with martyrdom, were men under > life is incongruous. The rivalry of youth thirty. The B6b Himself, described as a > with age has enjoyed a long history and a "Youth of radiant countenance," was but > peculiarly sterile one; it was not the intent twenty-five when He announced His mis- > of the National Assembly to perpetuate it. sion. Nor is i t unusual that His Cause > ~ d m eemphasis of teaching work among should have found its chief champions among > young people was required, however, to- younger people, for the message of the Bab > gether with a more consistent effort to shattered traditions, evoked a deep idealism, > initiate Bah6'i youth into community re- and required daring for its spread. > sponsibility. So the Youth Committee was Each of the Founders of the Faith was > created, but its energies for several months supported by 2 group of persons whose lives, > were diverted by an attempt first to define activities, and ambitions were centered in > and later to abolish a conception of age the Prophet's will. The Bib, in six brief > limit. Although that struggle is now past, years, created His heralds and sent them > the necessity for constant interpretation of forth to rouse frln. By 1 8 5 2 , they had ac- > function and adjustment remains. complished their destiny and joined their > For the problem which confronts Bahl'i Master. (He was martyred in 1 8 5 0 . ) The > youth is one unknown t o other youth or- generation of believers in the Manifestation > ganizations. The methods which bring suc- of Bahb'u'lllh formed another group who, > cess to these groups betray our deepest pur- for half a century, labored to establish His > poses. No pidance can be obtained by Cause. When in 1892, Bah6'u'llih passed > YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT T H E BAHA'I: WORLD 429 > > on, His work was cantinucd by 'Abdu'l- lievers to eighteen. God is good, and > Bahl; it was the latter's special privilege to BahL'n'116h lives, today and always!" > extend the influence of the Bah6'i Faith into In Flint the exhilaration which is felt in > the western world. In France, Germany, those words has been translated into thrill- > England, and in America the news of this ing motion. A dozen plans of teaching are > personage spread, exciting a great enthusi- used; there are afternoon and evening study > asm in the hearts of innumerable men and classes; each week at least one open discus- > women. These, too, were often young; to- sion is scheduled "where anyone is welcome > day they continue to breathe into the local to give his viewpoint in exchange for ours"; > Assemblies a sense of the greatness of the On Saturday night the community joins in > Cause, teaching by their example that de- recreation; nationally known teachers are > votion and reverence, that patient service invited to assist, and for them "we arrange > which 'Abdu'l-Bahl Himself so patiently public meetings, group meetings, and pri- > taught to them. vate consultations, ahead of time so that > But today is another day and a new there is a definite program to fill in every > epoch in the advance of the Cause. I t is hour of their stay." This wide scope of > the time which belongs, in history, to Shoghi activity bespeaks a vitality and singleness > Effendi, first Guardian and grandson of of purpose which will teach the Cause > 'Abdu'l-Bah6. It is the period of consoli- around the world. > dation, of the establishment of that Ad- > ministrative Order which "will, as its THE NEW HOUR IN TEACHING > component parts, its organic institutions, There are, perhaps, few local Assemblies > begin to function with efficiency and vigor, where a group of young Bahi'is, by its > assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity own unaided efforts, has obtained the suc- > t o be regarded not ouly as the liucleus but cess of the Flint Assembly. There are, > the very pattern of the New World Order however, innumerable local communities in > destined to embrace in the fulness of time which youth groups exist and prosper. I n > the whole of manlcind." And Shoghi Ef- a survey made in the fall of 1935, twenty- > fendi, like his predecessors, is the center for eight organized groups were discovered in > the ardent hopes, the devoted services of a America. In addition, in a total of sixty- > generation. Youth! Today's youth, like one localities there were young Bahi'is from > the generations which have gone before, sixteen to twenty-five years of age. In > has found its destined field of ~ction-the most cases, these young pcople carry, aside > building of a world community. from their youth activities, a responsible > I t is, therefore, worthy of note that in share in the general life of the community. > Flint, Michigan, an Assembly has been or- They serve on committees, lead classes, take > ganized which is composed solely of young eager part in Feast consultations, are rap- > people. "We have not felt a need for a idly qualifying as public speakers, and as- > special Youth Committee as our Flint Ba- sist in the organization of inter-Assembly > h6'i Assembly is made up entirely of yonng and teaching conferences. > people, except for one member who has But their chief opportunity lies in that > just been elected to the Assembly to fill a special phase of teaching which is planned > vacancy. . . . Being n small community, we for youth. No other part of the Baha'i > have set no age limits, because the rhree community is so fitted to undertake this > young people who exceed the age of twenty- work, for no one else understands quite so > five years, by two or rhree years, are quite intimately the problems and modes of > naturally a part of the youth group. There thinking of yonng people. > are nine BahCis who are between the ages In this field the BahCi youth of London > of twenty-one and twenty-five." This was seem to have achieved an outstanding suc- > in September, 1931. In November of the cess. The N e w s Letter from the Bahd'is > Fame year a letter was received: "Recently, of the British Isles makes frequent mention > we added six new believers to our commu- of their programs which, during 1934 and > nity, which brings the total resident be- 1931, included a monthly series of discus- > 430 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D > sion groups, a monthly series of public talks, gave a finc talk of six or seven m i n u t e on > and frequent social meetings. There are 'The Three Great Figures of the Bahi'i > now twenty-five active Bahi'is and their Faith'; Mardiyyih Carpenter finished with > numbers will no doubt increase as they de- general remarks and led a very interesting > vise fresh attractions. I n April, 1934, one discussion. There are many advantages t o > hundred and fifty guests were entertained this type of teaching work. I n the first > with a play and a brief exposition of the place, the guests and sincere inquirers are > Faith. In August, a Summer School for not bored with a talk of half an hour or > youth was held. This group has also tried longer on the part of one speaker; also there > methods of publicity, the latest being a cir- are presented several different points of > cular letter t o a number of youth which view." Other teams speak with enthusiasm > included these sentences: "We believe that of the unity which is developed among the > everyone looks today for a better order of members, a unity which lends courage to > things. Many hopes and aspirations have each and is, for the listeners, convincing. > . > sadly come t o no result. . . Our organi- I n America the use of the inter-group > zation is young, but it is born and bred on conference has imparted great stimulation to > solid principles given to us more than sixty the activities of individual Bahb'is and youth > years ago. A t a time when no one thought groups. Perhaps the most outstanding meet- > of International Cooperation, Bahb'u'llih ing of this type, one which has become al- > arose in iran, as the Promised One of all most an institution, is the youth dinner held > the Faiths, speaking of a world state and during each National Convention. I n 1934, > federation of mankind. H e proclaimed the the participants, numbering seventy-three, > basic oneness of all religions, and ordained held a lively round-table discussion of teach- > equality of sexes, equal opportunity for all, ing methods for young people, the report > universal education, and a fair solution of of which, carried in the international Bul- > economic di6culties. We are following in letin, reached Bahgi youth throughout the > His footsteps. . . . You will find us a group world. > of people who know what they want, and Several localities are especially suited to > with faith in their work for making this these inter-group meetings. New York, > earth a saner and more congenial place to with outlying suburbs, neighboring com- > live." munities, and Assemblies not too far away, > I t has been the privilege of local youth scheduled a regional teaching conference in > groups, ill the few years of their existence, October, 1935, on the occasion of Ruhi > to inaugurate a number of original teaching Effendi's visit t o America. This proved so > methods. One which was initiated during valuable that another conference was > 1731, with real success was the teaching planned for the Christmas holidays, and > team. Today there are three such teams, invitations were sent t o twenty-five Assem- > the first begun in Los Angeles, followed by blies. Both San Francisco and Los Angeles, > teams in San Francisco and New York. The on the west coast, on several occasions > method has been vividly described by Mr. sponsored this same type of discussion with > Joseph Bray of San Francisco: "We call i t Bahl'i youth from neighboring cities. But > the miniature symposium and it is working no region is so adapted t o the inter-Assembly > beautifully. The way it works is this: meeting as the central states and on the > some friend, a non-Bahi'i, asks friends in North Shore of Lake Michigan a number of > to hear of the New World Order. Usually conferences have occurred. The participat- > four of us arrive and after everyone is ing groups include Chicago, Kenosha, Ra- > settled, I start off with a talk of six o r cine, Winnetka, Wilmette, Evanston, Ur- > seven minutes on, say 'The Signs and Need bana, Peoria, Flint, and Milwaukee; in > of a New World Order.' Of course that's 1931, they met a t the Louhelen Summer > an easy subject because all one needs do is School, in Winnetka in September, and in > to read yesterday's or today's newspaper Peoria. Situated as these youth groups a r e > for material. A t our last symposium Sylvia in the near vicinity of the Mahriqu'l- > Ioas took up where I finished; Joyce Lyon A&kir, their increasing strength is of > YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE BAHA't WORLD 431 > > great promise, bearing, it would seen?, testi- slavia, who is teaching a class of six Rus- > mony to the Guardian's cabled message that sian students, and of Miss Alexander who, > the "forces which progressive revelation of in Tokyo, is gradually reaching young peo- > this mighty symbol of our Faith is fast re- ple through the medium of an English con- > leasing in heart of a sorely-tried continent versation class. > no one of this generation can correctly ap- I t is manifestly impossible to comment > praise." (October, 193 1.) upon the activities of Bab6'i youth in every > From Assemblies throughout the world Bahi'i community throughout the world. > reports come of other youth groups, each But surely, in this scant survey, one may > with its specialized program and each con- glimpse the power and energy of the Faith > tributing life to this far-flung Cause. Al- of Bahb'n'llbh, may perhaps be convinced > ready the units of the New World Order that, as the Guardian has said, "the new > are assuming tangible form in these Assem- hour has struck in (the) history of our > blies; their youth are a guarantee of their beloved Cause." > perpetuation. > In Paris a group of irbnian students holds, THE SUMMER SCHOOLS > according to one observer, "brilliant meet- With the increased interest in youth > ings." In December, 1934, this union work, partly as a result of the appointment > sponsored its fifth annual conference where of a National Youth Committee, and the > the following subjects were considered: ( 1 ) wide expansion of functioning groups, it > The Bah6'i Faith and World Politics, ( 2 ) has become necessary to divide the United > The BahVi Faith in Present-Day i r h , States and Canada into three large regions, > ( 3 ) Discipline, the Basis of Liberty, and thus better to understand and assist local > (4) Patriotisn~and World Cooperation. action. This division, made by the National > The B a d d i d Youth Committee has Committee to expedite its own business, > "weekly study classes where the Kitdb-i- grew naturally out of the fact that Bahi'is > Aqdas and the iqdn are discussed, and talks have already concentrated their attention > on important subjects are given.'' upon three centers: the Summer Schools at > I n 1934, a new group was organized in Green Acre, Louhelen and Geyserville. > Sydney, Australia, by a former member of Just as the Bah6'i communities have drawn > the Montreal Youth Group, Mrs. Poppoea fresh vigor each year from these institu- > Rickman. tions, so now Bahi'i youth are taking more > On the island of Maui, in the Hawaiian part and receiving as a consequence more > group, a study class of thirty young people training and inspiration. > meets, and a large proportion of these youth In 1934, for the first time, a special > are Japanese. Hawaii, even more than the youth conference was planned at Central > United States, is by virtue of its diverse States Summer School. Twenty-six young > races a unique laboratory for the proving Bahi'is sponsored the move and the sessions > of Bahi'u'lllh's teachings on the oneness of were attended by almost fifty. This group, > mankind. before its dispersion, elected a Youth Coun- > Although frinian youth activities form cil which, with the Summer School Com- > the subject of a later section of this paper, mittee, was made responsible for the follow- > the news from Massoud Rassikh, a Bahi'i ing year's meeting. In reply to an > student in the American University of Bei- announcement of these facts, Shoghi Ef- > rut, is appropriate here. In the summer of fendi sent instn~ctionsin words which are > 1934, Mr. Rassikh and several friends of significance not only to the youth of > formed in Qazvin a club of young people, Louhelen, but to all Bahi'i young people > Bahi'is and others, for physical recreation. who are making efforts in the path of > A tennis court was built in the garden of Bahi'u'llBh. "The work in which you are > the Ha~irat'l-Quds, thus making this Ba- engaged is dear and near to my heart and > hi'! center a point of general attraction. constitutes one of the most vital aspects > Mention should be made, too, of the ef- of the manifold activities of our beloved > forts of Mrs. Gregory in Belgrade, Jugo- Faith. The highest standards of purity, of > 432 THE BAHA ' f WORLD > > integrity, of detachment and sacrifice must dearest hopes. Rrst ~ssured,and persevere. > be maintained by the members of your however great the obstacles which yon may > group in order to enable you to play a de- have t o face in the future or the disappoint- > cisive part in the spread and consolida- ments which you must necessarily experi- > tion of the Faith. A tremendous responsi- ence. Your work will assuredly triumph." > bility has been laid upon you, and nothing The Summer Schools of Green Acre and > short of a pure, a virtuous, an active and Geyserville have not as yet adopted the pro- > truly exemplary life can enable you to cedure of a separate conference for youth. > fulfil your high destiny. I will pray that However, each of them has arranged cer- > you may be guided and strengthened to tain specialized sessions and in each, young > render the most effective service to the BahPis have made notable contributions to > Cause and by your example lend a fresh the program. I t is still a question, at least > impetus to the onward march of its new- in Geyserville, as to whether a Youth Con- > born institutions." ference is desired; a feeling strong with > The Youth Conference of 1931, four many is that in some way, new and so far > days in length and attended by sixty young untried, youth may win an important place > people, carried forward the spirit set the in the program, discover especial functions, > preceding summer. We quote from the and enrich both themselves and the main > letter sent by the Youth Council to Shoghi body of the school by creating this higher > Effendi: "It is with great joy that we re- integration. > port the completion of a most successful At any rate, Geyserville holds a great > and happy Youth Conference. . . . The challenge, for in 193 1, a large group of > spirit of joy and cooperation among us has children and youth were in attendance. > been continually present, with a deepening There were, between the ages of fifteen and > sense of responsibility and devotion to our twenty-five, some fifteen young people, > beloved Faith. seventeen who were from ten to fourteen > "The mornings have been devoted to years, and thirteen from seven to nine years. > classes. We opened with a devotional, in These children represent a potential reservior > which various people were given an oppor- which, in the next few years, may be de- > tunity to serve; Mrs. Bishop Brown led the veloped to the honor of the Faith. At > class on the 'Bahl'i Approach to World present, plans are already on foot to issue > Problems'; Mrs. Dorothy Baker spoke in- a small bulletin of Geyserville news for > spiringly on 'The Bahb'i Life.' The two circulation among the Bahb'i youth in west- > classes which were held during the last ern Assemblies. Such a paper will intensify > period in the morning dealt with the Guard- interest, and may lead to the type of pro- > ian's letters, for those who were well ac- gram so deeply desired. > quainted with the Bah6'i teachings, and At Green Acre a weekend was devoted > 'What is the BahPi Movement?' for those during the Summer School of 1934, t o > who were less familiar with them. The youth meetings. Three sessions were held > afternoons and evenings were mostly spent for the discussion of world problems, as > in recreation and informal gathering-an solved by Bahi'u'llhh. A costume ball and > excellent opportunity to become better ac- beach picnic were also arranged, and on > quainted and to speak more intimately in Sunday morning the regular meeting was > regard to those Bahi'i problems which lie conducted by young Bahi'is. A t this school > closest t o our hearts." three of the adult courses were taught by > Under date of August 3, 1931, the Bahi'i youth: Mary Maxwell on "The > Guardian replied: "I am overjoyed to learn Dawn-Breakevs," Bahiyyih Lindstrom on > of the splendid work you have achieved, and "The Iqa'n," and David Hofman with a > particularly of the determination with discussion on "Proposed Solutions of the > which you have arisen to promote the best Economic Problem." > interests of our beloved Faith. I will, from In 1 9 3 f , although 1 second youth confer- > the depths of my heart, pray for the early ence was planned, it was not carried > and complete realization of your highest and through, due to the small numbers who > YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE BAHA'f WORLD 433 > > were able to attend. Green Acre is more SOME OTHER ACTIVITIES > expensive than the other two schools and > more remote. However, thirteen of the A major problem confronting any inter- > young people held an impromptu meeting national movement is that of communica- > for consultation, adopting a firm resolution tion and the young Bahi'is have doubtless > to sponsor a program in 1936. been impeded in their program by it. How- > America is not the only country to have ever, various means are now in existence > established Bahi'i Summer Schools. Pre- which, except for the language barriers, > vious mention has been made of the Sum- show good promise. Bertram Dewing has > mer School arranged by the London Youth for three years edited a Youth Section in > Group. An account has also been received the Herald of tbe Soetb. If Assemblies > of the "Summer-Week in Esslingen, Ger- subscribed more widely to this magazine > many, from which the following extracts it could become a most valuable medium. > are taken. It must be remembered, how- The Bahd'i News has published frequent > ever, that as Helen Bishop has written, "In articles and news of the Youth Committee, > Gern~anythe law prohibits or does not per- and during 1934-31, no issue passed with- > mit any youth organizations because they out some mention of youth activity. > have an elaborate political . . . organization The National Youth Committee has it- > in which youth is practically cornpelled to self issued an occasional bulletin, and in its > participate." third issue has adopted a new format and > Dr. Hermann Grossmann prepared this name. Henceforth it is hoped that Bahd'i > report, which has been translated from his Yozcth, An International Bulletin, will ap- > German. "There is no youth work of the pear quarterly, carrying to youth in all > Bah6'is in Germany and Austria at this parts of the world news and help from their > time. The young Bahi'is attend the com- contemporaries. > mon Bahi'i meetings. The yearly Bahi'i Finally, with the help of Victoria Be- > Summer School in Esslingen (on the Neckar diluan, a world-wide interchange of cor- > River) takes place in the Esslingen Bahi'i respondence has begun. > Home. This summer school has been cre- One project yet remains to be noted > ated by the young generation to represent which carries more significance than almost > a center of systematic study of the Teach- any other; its success will ensure the con- > ings and for social contact. . . . tinuity of our whole program. In July, > "The first summer-school week in Ess- 1934, the National Spiritual Assembly of > lingen took place from August 13 to Aug- the United States and Canada asked all > ust 21, 1932. . . . The fourth Bahi'i local Assemblies to encourage young people > Summer-week held from August 24 to Sep- from sixteen to twenty-one years of age > tember 1, 1935, dealt with these themes: to declare "their interest in the Cause and > 'Mankind in the New Era' and 'Bah6- their intention to become voting members. > 'u'llih's Message.' . . . . . ." To these youth was accorded the > "All the meetings mentioned are in the privilege of attending Nineteen Day Feasts. > form of social worlr-gatherings. A con- The Youth Committee studied this mat- > stantly growing number of attendants of ter and in its second Bulletin suggested a > all ages is registered. The young Bahi'is study outline by the use of which young > also attend these meetings with sincere in- people might acquire a sufficient knowledge > terest. The age mostly represented in of the Faith to determine their own inter- > speakers and participants, as well as that est. Undoubtedly a campaign must be > of most of the volunteers in kitchen-work, entered upon to enroll the children of Ba- > is the age between twenty-five and forty hl'is and all those who manifest a sincere > years. conviction. Each youth group, by its very > "Concluding the summer school session nature, has a special obligation in this re- > there was a Fall meeting in Esslingen on gard and a special opportunity to prepare > October 6 , 1934. This meeting was espe- its younger members for this prime, essen- > cially devoted to the Bahl'i youth." tial step. > 434 T H E BAHb'f WORLD > FOR T H E FUTURE of a movement which today has won secur- > ity on a solid basis of philosophy and accom- > Bahi'i youth, three years ago, stood at > plishment, > the threshold of service t o their Faith. There Today the promise is all ahead, ~~d~~ > were individuals among them who had par- the New World Order exists in the minds > ticipated fully in the community tasks; youth, not dimly, ,lot as a fantastic hope, > sporadic attempts a t organization had oc- but in a real form which is vivid, sure, and > curred; but no unity of consciousness, no ours to be demonstrated. n a t mankind > group dedication of will, no "international will demonstrate it upon the field of civi- > body of active youllg BahP'i Inell and lization none of us doubts. That young > women" had been envisioned or achieved. ' i ~ lead the way is our utmost > ~ ~ h 6 shall > In the light of these facts, the story of desire. Bur only the grace of Bahi'u'llih > progress since 1933 is no slight one; it can bestow such a priceless favor, and only > represents the initial steps, maneuvered at our lives, when surrendered t o the pur- > the bidding of the Guardian, with the steady pose of the Guardian, will render us worthy > support of the National Spiritual Assembly, of His trust. > > BAHA'I YOUTH I N i R A N > BY MARD~YYIH > CARPENTER > U N T I L the summer of 1935, when the hours' notice they can transform an audi- > Government ordered women of fran to un- torium into a palace hung with rugs, bright > veil and appear in public, the term "youth with candelabra, and serve several hundred > group" as applied t o Baha'i activities in guests a perfectly appointed banquet-their > fr6n referred t o separate groups composed ability in this adequately emphasizing that > of young men and women respectively. For cardinal frinian principle of hospitality. > centuries the veil has made of f r i n virtually Regarding teaching activities carried on > two separate nations; hampered by its re- by these young people, a number of factors > strictions, women of f r i n were unable fully illustrative of the difficulties they meet and > to cooperate with the men in directing overcome along this line are worthy of > Bahi'i activities; at present it is obvious note. Present-day Muslims have as a rule > that after gradual adjustment t o the new been brought up t o disregard the Bahi'is, > way of living, young Bahi'i women will in for adverse propaganda has been so strong > cooperation with the men play a still more that it has effectively throttled any effort > significant rble in establishing a new Bahi'i a Muslim might make toward impartial in- > civilization throughout frbn. vestigation of this Cause. A Muslim hear- > A n investigation of the Tihrin Youth ing of some achievement on the part of a > Group will serve t o illustrate the activities Bahh'i is apt to say, "How can such a man > of young Bah6'is of frbn as a whole. This be e Bahi'i"; which is similar t o the Ameri- > group has an enrollment of several hundred can's commenting on a Negro's achieve- > members, who among other duties direct a ment, "But he has white blood!" or t o the > library and maintain a number of classes European's saying of an American achieve- > in public speaking, Bahi'i history and prin- ment, "But his ancestors were European!" > ciples; they engage in athletics, their teams Those who remember the hate engendered > competing with others throughout the city. by propagandists in the last war, a hate > They write and produce enthusiastically which made impartial thinking criminal, > attended plays illustrative of Bah6'i prin- will understand this phase of the present > ciples. Visitors t o f r i n long remember the situation in frln. The average modern > work of the two Service Committees, com- Muslim is incidentally not interested in re- > posed largely of young men and women ligion; from Europe he has imported cyni- > whose function it is t o prepare general meet- cism, along with champagne and the rhumba; > ings, receptions, feasts and the like; at a few of religion he retains only the dregs of > YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUtZHOUT THE B A H A ~WORLD 431 > > faith: fanaticism. Other difficulties be- Cause throughout the W e a ~haa nut yet > setting the young Bah6'i teacher are the been introduced into frhn, partly no doubt > fact that the Cause is revealed parlly in for transportational and climatic reasons. > Arabic, virtually a foreign language to A day's excursion into the country or a > frinians; that many fr6nians are ill'~terate; short trip to welcome or bid good-by to > that the Government has forbidden the some visitor, in the course of which meet- > entry of Bahh'i books into frhn, so that ings may be held, are prhaps the nearest > such facilities as a p b l i c reading room with parallel to the summer schools of the West. > a wealth of available literature, are un- I t is probable that with the increasing mo- > achievable; that transportational difficulties torization of f r l n the s ~ ~ m m eschool > r will > widen the distances, and living conditions be established here. > curtail leisure; that so recently as the winter I t would seem, incidentally, that the > of 1934, Bahl'is were compelled by the youth of frhn are not especially "youth- > authorities to pledge that they would hold conscious." Age in the East has always > no meetings. Obviously teaching the Cause been confused with wisdom, and a suc- > in fr6n is not so simple as in such a coun- cessful youth is one who gives an impression > try as the United States, where one has of age. ("Pir-shi"-"May you become old" > only to reach for an Esslemont, place it in is a phrase sometimes used in expressing > the inquirer's hands and send him away, thanks.) Moreover, there is perhaps no > happy in the knowledge that he will now Youth Group in irhn similar to that in the > make a Bah6'i of himself. West, where a college career prolongs ado- > With reference to educational facilities lescence; for example, frhn has as yet no > for Bahh'i youth of irhn, as it is known the university for women, and for them as a > Government closed all Bahh'i schools in the rule marriage and the csres of family life > country during the winter of 1934-31. The immediately follow the secondary educa- > curriculum in these was uniformly that tion. On the other hand, the young men > laid down by the Ministry of Education; it are very frequently educated abroad, and > is probably accurate that French ~nfluence, the years of separation from their elders > stressing theory rather than practice, pre- tend to obliterate any feeling of differentia- > dominated in the system adopted; subjects tion based on age. > were secular, and a large percentage of the Regarding the Guardian's injunction to > students were often non-Bah6'i. The offi- build up an "international body of active > cially recognized superiority of these schools young BahDi men and women," it would > consisted in their discipline and idealism, as seem that a first step in accomplishing this > well as in their academic equipment. Sup- with reference to frhn would be to estab- > plementary to the secular education re- lish regular correspondence with various > ceived in the schools, Bahi'i youth attend members of the youth group of irhn. I t > weekly classes in character training-the might not be amiss to exchange question- > well-known "Dars-i-Aallq" course of naires (always bearing in mind that the > study composed of teachings of the various Eastern method of collecting information > Manifestations-and later take up the in- is to "by indirections find directions out"). > tensive study of such works as the fqdn Obviously, in future a considerable amount > and Some Answered Questions. These of traveling will he necessary to enable Ba- > classes meet at the homes of parents at dif- h6'is in different countries to meet face to > ferent points throughout the city and are face and discuss their work around con- > frequently visited by members of the Spir- ference tables; to lay the foundations of > itual Assembly and others; opportunities are such meetings and to dispatch their pre- > given the students ro speak in general meet- liminaries by means of regular correspond- > ings and yearly examinations are "publicly" ence would seem advisable at present. The > held at which prizes are distributed. Com- personal contact established through letters > mittees composed of young men and women is indispensable in chis connection; mere > respectively, direct instruction in all these text-book information on the countries to > classes. The summer school which is prov- be represented at such conferences would > ing so effective a means of teaching the prove insufficient. > PLAYS AND PAGEANTS > STORY OF T H E P A G E A N T , > "THE G A T E OF D A W N " > (Arranged by Mrs. Harold Bowditch with suggestions by Mr. Kenneth > Christian and presented with the assistance of a large committee in > Green Acre, Maine, in the summer of 1934.) > > BY NANCYBOWDITCH > T H E summer of 1934 marked the be- versa1 principles of World Unity and human > ginning of a new activity ainong the Ba- fellowship which the Faith of Bahau'llbh > hi'is of the United States and Canada. A reveals, so after the reading of prayer and > new group called "The Green Acre Com- of the sacred writings of Bahi'u'llbh and > rnittee for Plays and Pageants" was formed 'Abdu'l-Bah6 they embarked upon this im- > whose purpose was to develop a ineans of portant enterprise. Great credit is due to > presenting the Bahi'i Teachings through the membership of the Committee as well > some form of dramatics, particularly in as t o Mr. Randolph Bolles, Mr. Sutherland > representing scenes from the early history Maxwell, Dr. Ambrose of Washington, > of the Faith. This undertalring was the D. C., Mrs. E. N. Jones (who though not a > outcome of the eilthusiasrn raised in the declared Bah6'i made a special trip from > hearts of some of the devoted believers in Washington in order t o assist), and t o Mr. > the Revelation who were assisted by a nurn- Max Miller who trdned the choruses and > ber of generous and interested friends who, who wrote a special song called "The Val- > though in some cases not listed among the ley of Search" especially for the occasion. > ranks of the believers, lent most valuable An interesting lecture given at Green > assistance. After consultation it was de- Acre by Ali-Kuli Khan on the significance > cided that t o present a series of tableaux of colors in the art of ir6n proved the in- > would be the most practical, as well as the spiration upon which the costumes for the > most dignified way to hegin the work, and "Attributes" and others were designed. > the Green Acre Summer School in Eliot, This first effort resulted in the presenta- > Maine, was selected as the best place. tion of tableaux froin "The Dawn-Break- > Through the generosity of the National ers" with prologue and epilogue of pageantry > Spiritual Assembly, the studio of Mrs. and music and reading of the Holy Words. > Mary Lucas was secured for the work. Mrs. The following is a brief description of > Lucas was one of the first women pilgrims the way in which the tableaux were pre- > to visit 'Abdu'l-Bahi in the "Mast Great sented. A small stage was erected at the > Prison" in 'Akki, Palestine, and thus her end of the auditorium in the Inn. Across > home was converted into a busy workshop the proscenium arch were stretched two > where members of the Summer School as layers of gauze netting which were at- > well as the Committee worked together in tached t o a square framework. This frame > arranging for the pageant and tableaux, was lighted at the top, bottom and sides > I n the beginning the Committee felt great and created the illusion of a large painting. > responsibility in undertaking a work that Color filters were made by stretching col- > presented such possibilities, but they dedi- ored paper over a light framework of wood. > cated their services with love for the uni- These were in sets of different colors, so > Plan of Bahb'u'llbh's IHouse in B a d d i d , 'Irlq. > 43 8 T H E B A H A 'i WORLD > > that the general lighting of the stag? could "0 my God, strengthen my hands to take > represent early morning or noon or sunset Thy Book with such steadfastness that the > as required, and were changed for each hosts of the world shall not prevent them. > scene. Then protect them, 0 my Lord, from dis- > I n front of the center of the stage a posing of anything not owned by them. > small dais was placed which was "top- Verily, Thou art the ~ o w e r f u l ,the Mighty!" > lighted" by a "spot" suspended in the beams Then the Angel speaks: > of the room. After the audience was as- "The Sun of T r u t h is the Word of God > sembled all the lights in the hall were ex- upon which depends the training of the > tinguished with the exception of this "spot- people of the country o i ihought. I t is > light," then the soft strains of violin and the Spirit of Reality and the Water of Life. > piano were heard. A t this point there All things owe their existence t o It. Its > came slowly from the back of the audi- manifestation is ever according t o the ca- > torium two angels, one a small girl with pacity and coloring of the mirror through > white wings, dressed in soft pink draperies which it may reflect. For example, Its > and carrying in her hand a three-branched Light, when cast on the mirrors of the wise, > lighted candle. Behind her came the angel gives expression t o wisdom; when reflected > Gabriel clad entirely in white with wings, from the minds of artists I t produces mani- > holding in his hands a large illuminated festations of new and beautiful arts; when > book. A few paces behind the angel came I t shines through the minds of students I t > a poet of f r l n . When they reached the reveals knowledge and unfolds mysteries. > dais the angel stepped upon it, having the . . . All the good names and lofty qualities > poet on one hand and the small angel on are of the Word. . . . This is the Water > the other. which giveth life t o all things. . . ." > Leaning forward the Angel Gabriel held The poet answers: > out the book to the poet (the music muted "We beg of God that we may partake of > SO that the speaking voices became clearly this Life-Giving Water of Heaven, and > audible), a t the same time repeating these quaff from the spiritual chalice of rest, and > verses from the "Hidden Words" of Bahb- thus be free from all that tends to withhold > 'u'116h: us from approaching His Love. > "This is that which hath descended from "Glory be upon the people of Glory!" > the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue Now the music becomes louder, the two > of power and might, and revealed unto the angels continue slowly through the hall and > Prophets of old. We have talren the inner exit. The poet withdraws to one side of the > essence thereof and clothed it in the gar- stage and places his book on the reading > ment of brevity as a token of grace unto stand. Meantime a procession of some of the > the righteous, that they may stand faithful "Attributes" of God-Sovereignty, Lofti- > unto the Covenant of God, may fulfil in ness, Love, Glory, Death and Life-form at > their lives His trust, and in the realm of the back of the hall and move slowly for- > spirit obtain the gem of Divine Virtue." ward, each very far apart, so that only one > The poet, raising his face to Gabriel, held at a time is in view of the audience. > out his hands for the book saying: Love enters garbed in long robes of pink > "0 God! my God! Thy call has at- and rose colors, carrying in her arms a spray > tracted me and the Voice of T h y Pen of of roses. She mounts the dais and, turning > Glory has awakened me; the stream of Thy toward the audience repeats from the "Hid- > Holy U t t e r a ~ ~ c ehas > s enraptured me, and den Words"- > the Wine of 'Thy Inspiration entranced me." "0 Friend! I n the garden of the heart > "Thou srest me, 0 Lord, detached from plant naught but the rose of love, and from > all things but Thee, clinging t o the cord the nightingale of affection and desire > of T h y Bounty and craving the wonders of loosen not thy hold. Treasure the compan- > T h y Grace. . . ." ionship of the righteous and eschew all fel- > Then taking the boo% from the Angel lowship of the ungodly." > Gabriel he repeats: "0 Son of Love! Thou art but one step > PLAYS A N D PAGEANTS 439 > > away from rhe glorious heights above and tentively receiving his instructions. The > from the celestrial tree of love. Take thou curtains are lowered and then drawn aside > one pace, and with the next advance into again, t o show the picture twice. When > the immortal realm and enter the pavilion the curtains are lowered the last time the > of eternity. Give ear then t o that which poet begins t o read from the book the rert > hath been revealed by the Pen of Glory!" of the story which is here given briefly- > After Love has left the room, each of the H e tells how the fire of Belief and Faith > others in turn, on reaching the dais, step spread rapidly throughout the dark land of > up, and facing the audience, recite further f r i n and how a New Dawn is spreading its > from the "Hidden Words." light over all the country. One day when > When the "Attributes" have made their Siyyid Kaqim was teaching his pupils be- > exit, the poet opens his book and begins neath the shade of a palm tree there ap- > t o read: peared to him a shepherd who came t o tell > "0 my friends! I shall your ears delight of a dream that he had had. He dreamed > with the wondrous tale of the Day wherein that he saw the Prophet Muhammad who > you live. History, in destiny's wind again told him that he would find the Siyyid in > is stirred, once more the clarion of dawn the vicinity of the mosque in the shade of > comes t o rejoice the hearts of men; two this tree, and that he was to give him the > stars first caught its Light;-an aged man, following message: > a S_hayk_h of 'Arabi, arose and called men to "Rejoice, for the hour of your depart- > prepare for the advent of that Promised ure is at hand. When you shall have per- > One Whose Name for a thousand years they formed your visits in Kdzimayn and shall > had invoked. King and peasant of frdn did havc returned to Karbili, there, three days > he stir and at length, nearing his journey's after your return, on the day of 'Arafih, > end, he passed on the leader's torch t o Siyyid you will wing your flight t o Me. Soon > Kiqim. I n these words be bade him carry after shell He, Who is the Truth, be made > on: manifest. Then shall the world be illu- > "You have no time to lose. Every fleet- minated by the light of His Face." (Na- > ing hour should be fully and wisely utilized. bil's Narrative, page 44.) > You should gird up the loins of endeavor Again the curtains are drawn aside and > and strive day and night to rend asunder, a scene of the shepherd kneeling before Siy- > by the Grace of God, and by the hand of yid Kizim is shown. > wisdom and loving-kindness, those veils of The poet reads on. H e reads of the death > heedlessness that have blinded the eyes of of Siyyid K6zim and how one remained of > men. For verily I say, the Hour is draw- his disciples, a youth, one Mu116 Husayn, > ing nigh, the Hour I have besought God t o who was mindful of his teacher's words. H e > spare me from witnessing, for the earth- had told him to detach himself from earthly > quake of the Last Hour will be tremendous! things and t o seek with determination and > "You should pray to God to be spared prayer his true Guide and Master. > the overpowering trials of that Day, for Mu116 Husayn traveled from city t o > neither of us is capable of withstanding its city until finally, on the outskirts of the > sweeping force! Others of greater endur- city of s i r 6 2 he met a radiant Youth Who > ance and power have been destined to bear took him home and entertained him. There > this stupendous weight; men whose hearts he sat all night enraptured by the words of > are sanctified from all earthly things, and his Host, in a room filled with fragrant > whose strength is reenforced by the potency blossoms, whilst fruits and delicious drink > of His Power!" (Nabil's Narrative, page were served to him by an Ethiopian servant. > 16.) H e was made so happy that he put his feel- > A t the closing of this reading of the poet ings into these words: > the curtains of the stage are parted dis- "Methinks I was i n , a place of which it > closing a living picture of S_hoyk_hAhmid- can be truly said-'Therein no toil shall > i-Alxi'i seated cross-legged on the floor reach us, and therein no weariness shall > with his pupil, Siyyid Kizim near him, at- touch us; no vain discourse shall they hear > 440 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > therein, nor any falsehood, but o ~ ~ lthe y were called for t o ascend and give the call > cry,-"Peace! Peace!" ' Then his Host to prayer. The first youth who ascended > addressed him saying: to the roof had no sooner proclaimed the > " '0 thou who art first t o believe in Me! opening "God is the Most Great" when a > Verily, I say, I am the B i L t h e Gate of ballet from the enemy shot him down. Im- > God, and thou art the Bib'u'l-Bib, the Gate mediately a second youth ascended, taking > of the Gate. Eighteen souls must, in the up the prayer where the first left off, only > beginning, spontaneously and of their own t o be stricken down as his predecessor. I n > accord, accept Me and recognize the Truth this way the prayer was continued until > of My Revelation. Unwarned and unin- the end, each youth cheerfully offering > vited, each of these must seek independently himself in the place of the one gone be- > to find Me.' " fore. When the curtain is lifted upon this > From this state of ecstasy Mu116 Husayn scene the third youth is revealed continu- > was awakened by the voice of the priest ing the prayer with the first two lying dead > calling the people to early morning prayer. at his feet. > ( A t this point appears a tableau of These six scenes will serve to show how > Mulli Husayn showing the fruit being of- the tableaux were presented. A brief ont- > fered t o him by the servant. A pink light line of the rest follows: > is diffused over the scene and vases of Scene seven represents the little Sifter of > flowers are set on the floor in different Wheat, who, hurrying away from the mar- > places.) ket-place with his sieve in his hand, an- > The next scene is the public punishment swered those who called after him inquiring > of Quddus and Mull6 Sidiq, the two first where he was going so hurriedly, "I have > victims of the enemies of the New Revela- arisen t o join the glorious company of the > tion. Mulli Sidiq say7 of this punishment: Defenders of the S_hay!ih-Tabarsi." O u t of > "The first seven strokes were severely that great city of I ~ f i h i nonly one person > painful, t o the rest I seemed t o have grown went forth t o find the Light of the New > indifferent. I was wondering whether the Day-a humble sifter of wheat! > strolres that followed were being actually Scene eight represents the farewell of > applied t o my own body. A feeling of joy- Qudd6s and Mulli Husayn. This event oc- > ous exaltation had invaded my soul. I was curred just before one of the great defenses > trying t o repress my feelings and to restrain of Fort Tabarsi when they had been holding > my laughter. I can now realize how the the army of the & i h at bay for eleven > Almighty Deliverer is able, in the twinkling months. > of an eye, t o turn pain into ease and sor- Scene nine shows Mirzi Qurbin-'Ali > row into gladness. . . ." (Nabil's Narra- bending over, pleading with the executioner, > tive, page 148.) while his arms are about the body of the > The next picture is that of Tibirih, that first glorious martyr who was the uncle of > great woman disciple, casting off her veil the Bib. His words were: "Approach and > in the presence of Quddhs, the famed Bibi, strike your blow, for my faithful compan- > defender of the Faith. This took place at ion is unwilling t o release himself from my > the conference of Badaht. These were her embrace and calls me to hasten together > words in part: with him to the court of the Well- > "This is the Day of festivity and univer- Beloved!" > sal rejoicing, the Day on which the fetters Scene ten shows the valiant girl soldier, > of the past are burst asunder! Let those Zaynab, who, not being able to witness the > who have shared in this great achievement sufferings of her companions in the fortress > arise and embrace each other!" of Zanjin, begged t o be allowed to have a > The next picture represents that scene sword and dress in men's clothing. This > in the Caravanserai where three hundred brave "Jeanne $Arc" is shown mounting > youths had banded together in defenbr: of the battlements sword in hand. > their Faith, led by Mull* Husayn. When it Scene eleven s l ~ o a ~the > s bride and groom > became time for evening prayer volunteers who were married during one of the great > Facsimile of Autograph Letter addressed by Prof. E. G . Browne to 'Abdu'l-Bahi, > dated Sept. 11, 1890 > > 442 T H E B A H A ' ~WORLD > sicgcs of Fort Tabarsi. They are being bearers of the Name of God in this Day! > torn from each other's arms as the cry of You have been chose11 as the repositories of > "Yi Shihu'z-Zamln" ( 0 Lord of the His mystery. I t behooves each one of you > Ages!) summons the bridegroom t o the de- to manifest the attributes of God and t o > fense of the Faith. While a soldier is lead- exemplify by your deeds and words the > ing the bridegroom away a friend of the signs of His righteousness, His power and > bride is trying to console her. glory. The very members of yonr body > Scene twelve shows Tihirih, arrayed in must bear witness t o the loftiness of yonr > purest white, handing a green kerchief t o purpose, the integrity of your life, the re- > the boy who has escorted her, in order that ality of your faith, and the exalted charac- > he may hand it t o the executio~lerwho is ter of your devotion. . . ." (Nabil's Nar- > to strangle her. rative, page 92.) > The last scene shows the "Attributes of With these closing words the Attributes > God" re-entering the hall and forming of God begin softly to chant the Greatest > themselves in two groups, one on each side Name.' Then, as they form in procession > of the stage. The curtains part disclosing the chant becomes gradually louder as the > an anRel with great white wings who recites entire cast joins in and passing through the > the farewell message of the Glorious Bib t o room in single file the whole audience rises > His disciples which begins: and intones the chant in glorious crescendo. > - > "0 my beloved friends! You are the IArranged t o m u s ~ cby Saffa Kilmey. > > THE DRAMA OF THE KINGDOM > A M O N G the all-too-rare dramatic adap- inspiring. The music becomes soft, while > tations of the episodes and teachings con- the Herald proclaims the coming of the > tained in the early history of the Bahi'i Kingdom. He holds a trumpet t o his > Faith there appears from the pen of "Par- mouth. > vine" (Mrs. Basil Hall of London) an ex- "The curtain rises. The sedge is crowded > quisite and faithful dramatization under the with men and women. All are asleep. A t > title of "The Drama of the Kingdom" the sound of the trumpet they begin to > which took form in consequence of a Talk awake. > given in the home of her mother, Lady "Sudde~~lythe music breaks forth. The > Blomfield, by 'Abdu'l-Baha. Mrs. Hall relates people hear and wonder. They rise and > the history of the occurrence in the follow- question one another, saying, 'What is this? > ing nlanner and uses the story as a Foreword Whence comes this music?' Some return t o > to the Drama itself. She says: their occupations, unheeding. First a few > I t was during 'Abdu'l-Bahi's visit to talk together, then one ceases his work, and > London in 1913, that he said to one whom proceeds t o make inquiries. A merchant, > he called "Hamsayeh" (Neighbor) : "I will leaving his stall, comes t o ask the meaning > give you a play. I t shall be called "The of the eager group. A soldier, who is prac- > Drama of the Kingdom." tising arms, withdraws from his comrades > The circle of friends, who were pthered and joins those who are wondering. > round him that evening, held a tense silence, "Here, a banker is seen counting his > while, in his deep, sonorous voice, 'Abdu'l- money; his attention is attracted. H e pauses > Bahi unfolded the pageant of his sublime in his calculation, and asks, 'What is the > imagination thus: news?' > ' "The Herald of the Kingdom stands be- "There are seen dancers and others hold- > fore the people. Wonderful music swells ing revelry. Some of them come forth and > from an unseen orchestra, movinn and soul- ask the news,. questioninr the Herald. > A > > "Now those who come t o ask are more > 'The above are the words of 'Ahdu'l-Bahl 'Abbis, > down by Or less divided into the groups. > by an inrerprerer > Parvine as they were spoken. First those who, having heard of the Com- > PLAYS A N D PAGEANTS 443 > > ing of the Promised One, frown and shrug were mystical. The prophecies concerning > their shoulders, returning t o their work, the Second Coming are also mystical. The > scoffing and disbelieving. The second type earthquakes and unrest, the darkening of > are those who hear the music, strain their the sun and moon, the falling of the stars- > ears t o catch the meaning of the Message. all these foretell the humiliation of those > and their eyes t o discern the Mystery. whom the world considers great. Theolo- > "The blind receive their sight, the deaf gians wrapped in blind traditions, the bigots > their hearing, and those who were dead arise and the hypocrites: such will fall. > and wallc, still wrapped in the garments of "Now these sayings will be divided be- > death. tween different people, altogether forming > "Then there are those who will not be- a conversation, questions, answers, excla- > lieve until they have had signs revealed t o mations of wonder, and so forth. > them, who crave for proof, saying: 'But "Now a procession passes. The Pageant > we want to see the eartlxqualre. If the of the World. Grand nobles and kings, > Promised One is indeed come, the sun should high priests and dignitaries of the Churches, > not give his light, the moon should be dark- jewelled and gorgeously dressed. They look > ened, and the stars should fall. We await with scorn on those who believe, saying, > our Promised One till these signs be ful- 'Why should we leave oui ancient religions?' > filled. We expect to see him descend from They look like devils of malice and oppres- > heaven in clouds of great glory.' sion. Yet each is miserable. One falls, the > "Those who believe shout, 'The Promised others pass on. One is dying, the others > One has come!' take no heed. Another breathes his last. > "Those who doubt cry, 'What proof is They do not stop by the way. > there? Show us a proof!' "The poor who have believed look on > "They who understand explain: 'Whence sadly. > did Christ come? H e came from heaven, "The scene changes. A banquet hall. > though they who scoffed at Him said, "We The table is spread with all delicious foods. > know this man, he comes from Nazareth." The orchestra is playing heavenly music. > This is the real meaning: His spirit came The lights become gradurlly more brilliant, > from heaven, while His body was born of until the whole hall is shining. Round the > an earthly mother. As it was then, so is table sit the very poor in torn garments. > it with the Second Coming.' An Oracle arises and cries: 'The Kingdom > "'But we await the signs,' say the doubt- of God is 11ke a feast! Reinember what > ing ones. 'How, otherwise, shall we know? Christ said! Here we see the Kingdom! > The earth must shake, the mountains be The greatest and the worldly wise are not' > rent asunder. The Promised One shall con- here, but the poor are here!' > quer the East and the West.' "Each sings from the joy of his heart, and > "One arises and tells the people that there is great rejoicing. Some dance, one > these signs did not come outwardly, nor plays the flute, everyone is radiantly happy. > will they again. Those who look with the Someone addresses the people. While this > eyes of Truth shall see that these portents man is speaking they say: 'Hear him! Hear > are of the Spirit. his eloquence! We know him. H e was > "The Eternal Sovereignty descends from poor and ignorant, and now he is wise!' > heaven, the body is of the earth. The And so they wonder and question one an- > mountains are men of high renown, whose other. A woman rises and speaks, laugh- > famous names sink into insignificance, when ing and happy. The people are surprised, > the dawn of the Manifestation fills the saying: 'But what has happened? Yester- > world with light. The pomp of Annas and day this woman was sad, and angry. Her > Caiaphas is outshone by the simple glory heart was full of sorrow and disappoint- > of the Christ. The earthquake is the wave of ment. Why is she so joyous?' > spiritual life, thot moves through all living "A man enters with a sack of gold and > things and makes creation quiver. begins to offer it t o the people, but they > "The prophecies of the Coming of Christ refuse, one saying, 'I am rich, I do not need > 444 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > your gold.' 'Nor I,' 'Nor I.' The m a n everlasting glory! The illun~i~ration of the > with the gold is surprised and says, 'We Spirit is yours. God hath chosen you for > know you are poor and starving. Why do His service!' They take their crowns and > you not accept my gold?' kiss them, and again place them on their > "Then a teacher comes and speaks on a heads. > high plane of philosophy and science. All "Then they hegin to pray and supplicate: > those who listen wonder, for he had been "'0 God! 0 Almighty! > ignorant and accounted of no importance. " 'We give Thee thanks for these proofs > H o w is he now so learned? of T h y bounty! Thou hast given us > "Another comes with shining eyes, gaz- Life! Make us faithful, so that the fire > ing with joy on the beautiful surroundings. of T h y Love may fill our hearts, that > The people wonder and say, 'How is this? T h y Light may illumine our faces! Suf- > Yesterday he was blind.' fer us to be firm unto Christ, Who gave > "Another hears beautiful music and he up His life for us!' > tells the people that a few hours ago he "The curtain falls. > was deaf to all sound. "In the last scene one of those who be- > " 'A miracle! A miracle! Here is one lieve is taken by the persecutors. 'We mean > who was dead, and now he is walking be- to kill you,' they say. 'I am ready. I am > fore us!' happy," he answers. With hands raised t o > "One arises and says: 'You know the Heaven, he cries, '0 God, 'make me ready!' > cause of these miracles? I t is the Heavenly Then he gives himself up to death. An- > food! Everlasting life is for him who par- other is taken, and dies praising God and > takes of it.' His mercy t o mankind. > "When the people hear this they shout "The third is a beautiful girl in a white > with one will, 'Glad tidings! Glad tidings! garment, wearing a heavenly crown upon > Glad tidings!' her head. Everyone gazes at her in wonder. > "Each one is supremely happy. They sulg She is seated, apart. A messenger comes > an Alleluia. from the king with an offer of great riches > u '0 God, we were poor, Thou hast if she will but give up the Cause which she > made us rich! has embraced. She answers: 'I have not > we were hungry, ~h~~ hast made us accepted this Cause blindly through tradi- > satisfied! tion. I have seen Reality with mine own > eyes. The Truth is in my heart. How > Athirst were we, and Thou hast > given us the Water of Life! should I renounce my faith thus lightly?' > Our eyes were blinded, ~h~~ hast "Her father comes and entreats her t o > given us sight! give up her faith. She answers: 'Can you > we were dead, ~h~~ has given unto Say there is no sun, when you have seen > us Life Eternal! the light? I have seen the sun. You are > We were of the earth, Thou hast blind. > . . .. Awake! The sun is shining! > *\uake!' > made us the children of Heaven! > We were outcasts, Thou hast made Another messenger comes. This time > us beloved! from a great prince who wishes to wed her > We were helpless, Thou hast made on condition that she gives up her Faith. > us powerful! We praise Thee, 0 " 'I know no prince save God. I will not > Lord!' close mine eyes t o the glory of the King > of Kings!' > "After this song, glorious diadems de- "They bring her jewels and an earthly > scend from Heaven and rest on each head. crown. 'Take these!' they say. > They shine with the radiance of Heavenly " 'They to me are so many pebbles. The > jewels. All wonder and ask questions. One jewels I treasure are the jewels of the > arises and says: 'These are the crowns of the Knowledge of God. Those earrhly stones > Kingdom! Ye are all Heavenly rulers! Ye may be broken or lost. Behold my crown! > shall have eternal dominion! Ye shall have These are eternal gems! For those earthly > PLAYS AND PAGEANTS 445 > > stones that ace doonled to ~erish,shall I shrouds, and after a grcat silence, people > give up this everlasting diadem?' enter and lift the coverings in awe and > "They say, 'We shall imprison you.' reverence. They stand wondering, as lights > " 'I am ready.' appear and shine upwards from the pros- > " 'We shall beat yon.' trate forms. Some question as to the mean- > " 'I am ready.' ing of this. 'These are the spirits of those > " 'You shall be killed.' martyred ones, freed from their bodies. > " 'Is that true? Do you mean it? Good Now they enjoy eternal liberty. See, they > news! Good news! For then I shall be ascend to the Kingdom!' > free. My soul will escape like a bird at "Realizing this, the people are wonder- > liberty from this earthly cage of my body. struck and amazed. They cry: 'What > Then shall I he free. Now am I in chains. bounty God has bestowed on them! They > These bonds shall be broken. Kill me! Kill are so free and joyful! Now can they wing > me!' their way to the Sun of Reality! Their > "They slay her. One after another is souls return to the Sun from which they > martyred. Their bodies are covered with came!" > > P A G E A N T R Y AS A F A C T O R I N E D U C A T I O N > BY CLARA WEIR > T H E idea of the pageant, which I here a vehicle for the education of the youth of > describe, gradually evolved during my trav- his time. "The modern pageant is the direcc > els through Egypt, Palestine, and Syria outgrowth of the mystery of the later > when I had exceptional opportunities to middle ages," writes Linwood Taft in his > make interesting contacts, and later, book on pageantry. "The mystery play > when I joined the International Students concerned itself with those rare moments > Union while I was associated with the of human experience when existence was > Bahh'i Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland. I transformed and glorified through contact > was so deeply impressed by my experiences with the divine. The sort of event that > that I decided upon my return to the makes suitable and convincing pageant ma- > schoolmom to convey to my pupils my deep terial, is the unusual event, the kind of > conviction of the essential oneness of hu- thing that happens only in exalted moments > manity. I t was then that I chose the when men are inspired by lofty and un- > pageant as a means of giving a message. selfish motives." l > An educator said to me after hearing of We called our presentation "A Pageant > this pageant, "A pageant to be of value of Nations." A spectator might have de- > must grow out of the heart of the author, scribed it as follows: A prologue consisting > and the need of the times." I had a mes- of a dialogue between an old sea-captain and > sage to give and I felt that the need for it his grandson prepared the audience for the > had arisen. It was begun as a simple pro- pageant that followed. The Captain relates > gram presented in observance of Interna- his experiences in foreign lands, dwelling > tional Goodwill Day, before a Junior High upon the similarities of people as a factor > School audience, but has since been given for unification, and upon their differences > for adults to whom it appealed as much as as a means of enhancement; the need of > to the youth, which proves that the realm acquiring better understanding so that > of the heart is "ever-young." prejudice may not enter and, also, of culti- > The history of pageantry is an interesting vating not only the international mind hut > one. I t sprang from pantomime, the first the international heart as well. > means of communication, and became the The notes of a flute furnish the signal f o r > mother of drama. Primitive man probably > 'The Technique of Pageantry (1921), Introduc- > found in pageantry, crude as it might be, ,ion, plgos I 6. > 446 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD > > be opening of the pagcant, the sea-captoin to delnonrtr~tethar if fl.iendqhip is possible > and boy remaining at the left of the stage among these closely associated and rebated > as spectators. The opening of the curtain nations, then friendship is also possible > reveals the Spirit of Progress with out- among all nations. It was a brief, yet color- > stretched arms before the altar of civiliza- ful and convincing scene. > tion. The altar is placed before a stone wall The Spirit of Progress then introduced > above which appear the dome and minarets Part IS, before the curtain. A mu'adhhin's > of a mosque, the tower of a Christian call is heard in the distance. Upon the > church, and the top of a synagogue, with opening of the curtain, he gives the call > shrubbery and ~ a l mtrees, the scene typical again, and then the Muhammadans are seen > of an eastern Mediterranean port. The or- passing t o the mosque. A t the ringing of > chestra is la ping an oriental melody, "In a the church bells a priest and his flock are > Persian Market." The Spirit of Progress shown on their way to mass; later, a rabbi > turns and talces her lace "down right." and his followers pass t o worship-this to > There she tells the story of civilization as show that there is a place for every religion > each nation, race, or religion places its con- in the scheme of things. A typical oriental > tribution upon the altar. street scene is then enacted. Arabs, Jews, > Part I contains nineteen episodes, begin- Hindus, frdnians, American and English > ning with the col>tributions of the Egyp- tourists, Chinese, and American sailors, pre- > tians and Babylonians t o science, and of sent a colorful panorama. Native women > the Hebrews t o religious literature. Since carrying water jugs and baskets, boys bear- > the main thread of continuity is furnished ing huge trays of bread on their heads, and > by the theme of the "oneness of humanity" a man leading a white donkey suggest con- > the episodes are strung upon this theme, sistently the picturesqueness of such a scene. > with equality as the unifying idea. The I n the meantime the sea-captain has again > Spirit of Progress shows that many great resumed the dialogue with the boy, explain- > religious leaders have arisen from time to ing some of the customs in Eastern cities. > time, presenting as the highlight of Part I The pageant proper was then resumed > the contribution of Palestine with its gift with the contribution of the Arabs. Part I1 > of the Prince of Peace,-this scene presented (in eleven episodes) has a number of very > by a $1 who recites some of the Beatitudes, dramatic moments such as the unveiling of > using as a climax, "Blessed are the peace- Thhirih, the noted woman martyr of frin, > makers for they shall be called the children emancipator of women of fr6n; the gift of > of God,"-followed by the contribution of Spain in the discovery of America, the > Rome in the spread of Christianity; of the Spirit of Progress reading these lines of > Crusades as a factor in the greater unifica- Joaquin Miller: > tion of mankind; of the gifted and heroic H e gained a world; > Joan of Arc; and of Lafayette, who ce- He gave that world its grandest lesson: > mented the friendship between France and "On and on." > America; of Scotland and Robert Burns, the > poet of brotherhood, who enters t o the tune And then to the tune of "Columbia, the > of "Auld Lang Syne," and reads the lines, Gem of the Ocean," occurs the dramatic > entrance of the framers of the Constitution; > For a' that and a' that > It's comin' yet for a' that, and while the music continues faintly, a > colored boy struggles "center stage" with > That man to man, the world o'er > his hands tied. After several futile attempts > Shall brothers be for a' that. > t o free himself, the tall, familiar figure of > And the curtain closes upon Part I with the Abraham Lincoln enters and seeing the > joyous dancing of an Irish jig. slave's anguish releases the bonds. The con- > Then followed a short interlude called tributions of the negro race then follow. > "A Pledge of Friendship" in which Colum- One of these is the spirit of reverence as it > bia, as hostess, welcomes Canada, Mexico reveals itself in his beautiful spirituals, sung > and the South American Republics. This is by a negro quartet. This scene is followed > PLAYS A N D PAGEANTS 447 > > by the contribution of the American Indian, charm t o t h e garden. If all were of the > climaxed by the entrance of an Indian chief same color the effect would be monotonous > who lays his pipe of peace upon the altar as and depressing. The world of humanity > a symbol of brotherhood. Part I1 ends with is like a garden, and the various races are > the gift of Switzerland: the city of Geneva, the flowers which constitute its adorn- > the home of the League of Nations. ment."' Here the orchestra plays a beaa- > The Spirit of Progress then resumes her tifnl strain and the Spirit of Peace enters > recital. She says, in brief, that the nlost dancing joyously from one nation to an- > important contributions have been made to other, joining the hand of each with the > civiliz~iion during the past eighty years, hand of ~ t sneighbor. Then the Spirit of > improvements in the means of transporta- Progress pronounces the following words: > tion and communication drawing the ends "Me thinlrs in the stillness of the ecstasy of > of the world together. When Morse flashed this hour I hear wafted t o earth, upon the > those dramatic words through space in breath of peace, this message: 'Ye are all the > 1844, a new era was begun, and that, Leaves of one tree, the drops of one ocean, > "America has been the leader in furnishing and the children of one God!' " " > the means for the unification of mankind, A pageant of this kind, planned as a > but that it is self-evident that unity and means to an end-a phase in the education > conciliation of the human world cannot be of youth-proved a most interesting experi- > accomplished through material means alone. ment. When we realize that upon the > To establish these principles a propelling youth of today rests the responsibility of > power is needed which will bring about a rescuing the world from chaos, of active > change in the hearts of all men. Unity is participation in the reconstruction of to- > possible among individuals; it is also possible morrow, and the establishment of a new > among nations." "When God created the world order, then no effort is wasted, for > earth there were no restricted boundaries. the soil is fertile, and results are cer- > H e did not apportion a certain area to Ger- tain. > many, o r t o France, or to England, but He The combined effect of the words of the > apportioned the whole earth to humanity. Spirit of Progress, the music by an orchestra > Then let us strive again to bring about such of forty pieces, which supported the theme > a condition so that when one is asked, 'To and added to the emotional appeal, and the > which nationality do you belong?' the an- colorful costumes, made a lasting impres- > swer will be, 'To the nationality of human- sion on the youthful audience; and those in > ity.' I n other words, we shall be one family, the pageant expressed a joyousness that was > one country, one world of humanity; and refreshing. Each one felt that he had lost > these wars, hatreds and strifes will pass his identity in that of a nation, a race, a > away." religion, or a quality. Joan of Arc was the > The last scene shows the uniting of the personification of the spirit of Joan of Arc; > nations. All participants are gathered on Abraham Lincoln spoke but one line, "The > the stage at the rise of the curtain. In the white race should be just and kind t o the > center stands a sleuder white pole sur- colored race," but that line was imbued > mounted by a white dove, with wings out- with the spirit of Lincoln. The girl who > spread, and bearing in its bill an olive represented the lady of frdn said t o me: > branch. Colored streamers suspended from "I feel that I am TQhirih and that the words > the pole are held by some of the representa- she speaks are my words," and of this one > tives of the nations and races who form two could have no doubt. So virjid was her > circles about the pole. A t the right stands pantomime that when she unveiled her face > Tihirih, the lady of i r l n , who is saying to and wallred off the stage with beclroning > them: "In a flower garden, the very fact gesture, one could almost supply these > that there is difference and variety lends a words: "0 women of the world, follow in > my footsteps-work for the advallcement > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Promulgation of Universal Peace - > (192!), I, 9, Ibid., I, 42. > {bid., I, 114. 51bid., 11, 316. > THE BAHA'f WORLD > > of human kind, m d lift the veils of preju- lishing unity and understanding. Associat- > dice." ing itself with sound, color, action, and > A t a time of social, economic, and polit- music, with all the realm of art, history, > ical unrest, the pageant furnishes a very and literature at its command, pageantry > effective, if not an ideal means for estab- holds an indisputable place in education. > REFERENCES TO T H E > BAHA'I FAITH > Alphabetical List of Authors > Archduchess Anton of Austria Angela Morgan > Charles Baudouin A. L. M. Nicholas > President Eduard BeneS Prof. Yone Noguchi > Prof. Norman Bentwich, Hebrew Univer- Rev. Frederick W. Oakes > sity, Jerusalem H.R.H. Princess Olga of Yugoslavia > Princess Marie Antoinette de Broglie Sir Flinders Petrie, Archeologist > Aussenac Prof. R. F. Piper > Prof. E. G. Browne, M.A., M.B., Cambridge Prof. B. Popovitch > University Charles H. Prisk > Luther Burbank Dr. Edmund Privat, University of Geneva > Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter, D.Litt., Ma?zchester Herbert Putnam, Congressional Library, > College, Oxford Washington, D. C. > General Renato Piola Caselli Eugen Relgis > Rev. T. K. Cheyne, D.Litt., D.D., Oxford Ernest Renal? > University, Fellow of British Academy Prof. Dr. J. Rypka > Sir Valentine Chirol Rt. Hon. Sir Herbert Samuel, G.C.B., M.P. > Rev. K. T. Chung Emile Schreiber, Publicist > Right Hon. The Earl Curzon of ICedleston Prof. Hari Prasad Shastri, D.Litt. > Prof. James Darmesteter, Bcole des Hautes Rev. Griffith J. Sparham > etudes, Paris Ex-Governor William Sulzer > Rev. J. Tyssul Davis, B. A. Shri Purohit Swami > Dr. Auguste Forel, University of Zurich Leo Tolstoy > Dr. Herbert Adams Gibbons Prof. Arminius Vambiry, Hungarian Acad- > Arthur Henderson emy of Pesth > Dr. Henry H. Jessup, D.D. Sir Francis Younghusband, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E. > President David Starr Jordan > Prof. Jowett, Oxford University > Psof. Dimitry Kazarov, University of Sofia > Miss Helen Keller > Prof. Dr. V. Lesnv > Harry Charles Lukach > Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania A WOMAN brought me the other day > a Book. I spell it with a capital letter because > Alfred W. Martin, Society for Efhical Cul- > ture, New YorR it is a glorious Book of love and goodness, > President Masaryk of Czechoslovakia strength and beauty. > Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, Doyen of Juris- She gave it to me because she had learned > prudence of Japan I was in grief and sadness and wanted to > Mr. Renwick J. G. Millar help. . . . She put it into my hands saying: > Prof. Herbert A. Miller, Bryn Mawr College "You seem to live up to His teachings." > The Hon. Lilian Helen Montagu, J.P., And when I opened the Book I saw it was > D.H.L. the word of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, prophet of love > Arthur Moore Miss Martha L. Root.-Editor > REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'I FAITH 451 > > 2nd kindness, and of his father the great 2nd death with a shrug and 2 "rhat ends it > teacher of international good-will and un- all; nothing comes after." > derstanding--of a religion which linlis all But how difficult ~t 1s so t o dismiss the > creeds. universe, our world, the animal and vege- > Their writings are a great cry toward table world, and man. How clearly one sees > peace, reaching beyond all limits of fron- a plan in everything. How unthinkable it > tiers, above all dissension about rites and is that the miraculous development that has > dogmas. I t is a religion based upon the inner brought man's body, brain and spirit t o > spirit of God, upon the great, not-to-be- whar it IS, should cease. Why should it > overcome verity that God is love, meaning cease? Why is it not logical that it goes > just that. I t teaches that all hatreds, in- on? Not the body, which is only an instru- > trigues, suspicions, evil words, all aggressive ment, but the invisible spark or fire within > patriotism even, are outside the one essen- the body which malies man one with the > tial law of God, and that special beliefs are wider plan of creation. > but surface things whereas the heart that My .words are lame, and why should I > beats with divine love knows no tribe nor grope for meanings when I can quote from > race. one who has said it so much more plainly, > I t is a wondrous Message that Baha'u'llih 'Abdu'l-Bahi, whom I know would sanction > and his son 'Abdu'lLBah6 have given us. the use of his words: > They have not set it up aggressively, know- > ing that the germ of eternal truth which "The whole physical creation is perish- > lies at its core cannot but take root and able. Material bodies are composed of atoms. > spread. When these atoms begin to separate, decom- > There is only one great verity in it: Love, position sets in. Then comes what we call > the mainspring of every energy, tolerance death. > toward each other, desire of utlderstanding "This composition of atoms which con- > each other, knowing each other, helping stitutes the body or mortal element of any > each other, forgiving each other. created being, is temporary. When the power > It is Christ's Message taken up anew, in of attraction which holds these atoms to- > the same words almost, but adapted to the gether is withdrawn, the body as such ceases > thousand years and more difference that lies to exist. > between the year one and today. No man "With the soul it is different. The soul is > could fail to be better because of this Book. not a combination of elements, is not com- > I commend it to you all. If ever the posed of many atoms, is of one indivisible > name of Bahi'u'llih or 'Abdu'l-Bah6 comes substance and therefore eternal. > to your attention, do not put their writings "It is entirely out of the order of physi- > from you. Search out their Boolis, and let cal creation; it is immortal! The soul, being > their glorious, peace-bringing, love-creating an invisible, indivisible substance, can suf- > words and lessons sink into your hearts as fer neither disintegration nor destruction. > they have into mine. Therefore there is no reason for its coming > One's busy day may seem too full for t o an end. > religion. O r one may have a religion that "Consider the aim of creation: Is it pos- > satisfies. But the teachings of these gentle, sible that all is created t o evolve and de- > wise and kindly men are compatible with velop through countless ages with merely > all religion, and with no religion. this small goal in view-a few years of > Seek them, and be the happier. man's life on earth? Is it not unthinlcable > (From the Toronto Daily Star, May 4, that this should be the final aim of ex- > 1926.) > - istence? Does a man cease t o exist when he > leaves his body? If his life comes to an end, > then all previous evolution is useless. All has > 2. been for nothing. All those eons of evolu- > Of course, if you take the stand that tion for nothing! Can we imagine that > creation has no aim, it is easy to dismiss life creation had no greater aim than this? > 452 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > "The very existence of mzn's intelligence bring God t o him, to sharpen the realization > proves his immortality. His intelligence is of the existence of the true God. Those > the intermediary between his body and his voices sent to us had to become flesh, so > spirit. When man allows his spirit, through that with our earthly ears we should be able > his soul, t o enlighten his understanding, t o hear and understand. > then does he contain all creation; because Those who read their Bible with "peeled > man being the culmination of all that went eyes" will find in almost every line some > before, and thus superior t o all previous revelation. But it takes long life, suffering > evolutions, contains all the lower already- or some sudden event t o tear all at once > evolved world within himself. Illumined the veil from our eyes, so that we can truly > by the spirit through the instrumentality of see. . . . > the soul, man's radiant intelligence makes Sorrow and suffering are the surest and > him the crowning-point of creation!" also the most common instructors, the > Thus does 'Abdu'lLBah6 explain to us the straightest channel t o God-that is t o say, > soul-the most convincing elucidation I to that inner something wlthin each of us > know. which is God. > (From the Torogzto Daily Star, September Happiness beyond all understanding comes > 2 8 , 1926.) with this revelation that God is within us. > if we will but listen t o His voice. We need > not seek Him in the clouds. H e is the All- > Father whence we came and t o whom we > shall return when, having done with this > A t first we all conceive of God as some- earthly body, we pass onward. > thing or somebody apart from ourselves. If I have repeated myself, forgive me. > We think H e is something or somebody There are so many ways of saying things, > definite, outside of us, whose quality, mean- but what is important is the truth which > ing and so-to-say "personality" we can grasp lies in all the many ways of expressing it. > with our human, finite minds, and express (From the Philadelphia " E v e n k g Bulletin," > in mere words. Monday, September 27, 1926.) > This is not so. We cannot, with our > earthly faculties entirely grasp His meaning > -no more than we can really understand > the meaning of Eternity. "Lately a great hope has come t o me > God is certainly not the old Fatherly gen- > from one, 'Abdu'l-Bah6. I have found in > tleman with the long beard that in our His and His Father, Bahi'u'llBh's Message of > childhood we saw pictured sitting amongst > Faith all my yearning for real religion satis- > clouds on the throne of judgment, holding > fied. If you ever hear of Bahl'is or of the > the lightning of vengeance in His hand. > Bahl'i Movement which is known in Amer- > God is something simpler, happier, and > ica, you will ltnow what that is. What I > yet infinitely more tremendous. God is All, > mean: these Books have strengthened me > Everything. H e is the power behind all > beyond belief and I am now ready to die > beginnings. H e is the inexhaustible source > any day full of hope. But I pray God not > of supply, of love, of good, of progress, of > t o take me away yet for I still have a lot > achievement. God is therefore Happiness. > of worlr t o do." > His is the voice within us that shows us - > good and evil. > But mostly we ignore or misunderstand > this voice. Therefore did H e choose his Elect > t o come down amongst us upon earth to "The Bah6'i teaching brings peace and > make clear His word, His real meaning. understanding. > Therefore the Prophets; therefore Christ, "It is like a wide embrace gathering to- > Muhammad, Bahi'u'll6h, for man needs gether all those who have long searched > from time to time a voice upon earth to for words of hope. > REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA.1 FAITH 413 > > "It accepts all great prophets gone before, Bibiism can reckon then1 by thousands?" > it destroys no other creeds and leaves all The answer, to my mind, is plain as the sun > doors open. at midday. Western Christianity, save in the > "Saddened by the continual strifc amongst rarest cases, is more Western than Christian, > believers of many confessions and wearied more racial than religious; and by dallying > of their intolerance towards each other, I with doctrines plainly incompatible with > discovered in the Bahi'i teaching the real the obvious meaning of its Founder's words, > spirit of Christ so often denied and mis- such as the theories of "racial supremacy," > understood: "imperial destiny," "survival of the fittest," > "Unity instead of strife, hope instead of and the like, grows steadily more rather > condemnation, love instead of hate, and a than less material. Did Christ belong to a > great reassurance for all men." "dominant race," or even to a European or > "white race"? . . . I am not arguing that > the Christian religion is true, but merely > that it is in manifest conflict with several > other theories of life which practically regu- > "The Bah6'i teaching brings peace to the late the conduct of all States and most > soul and hope to the heart. individuals in the Western world, a world > "To those in search of assurance the which, on the whole, judges all things, in- > words of the Father are as a fountain in the cluding religions, ~nainlyby material, or to > desert after long wandering." use the more popular term, "practical," > 1934. . > standards. . . There is, of course, another > factor in the success of the B6hi propagan- > dist, as compared with the Christian mis- > sionary, in the conversioll of Muhammadans > to his faith: namely, that the former admits, > "More than ever today when the world > while the latter rejects, the Divine in- > is facing such a crisis of bewilderment and > spiration of the Qur'in and the prophetic > unrest, must we stand firm in Faith seeking > function of Muhammad. The Christian > that which binds together instead of tearing missionary must begin by attacking, ex- > asunder." > plicitly or by implication, both these beliefs; > "To those searching for light, the Bahi'i too often forgetting that if (as happens but > Teachings offer a star which will lead them rarely) he succeeds in destroying them, he > to deeper understanding to assurance, peace > destroys with them that recognition of > and good will with all men." former prophetic dispensations (including > 1936. > the Jewish and the Christian) which Mu- > hammad and the Qur'in proclaim, and > converts his Muslim antagonist not t o > Christianity, but to Skepticism or Atheism. > What, indeed, could be more illogical on > the part of Christian missionaries t o Mu- > Introduction to Myron H. Phelps' 'Abbis hammadan lands than to devote much time > Effendi,pages xv-xx; 1703 rev. 1912- and labor to the composition of controver- > I have often heard wonder expressed by sial works which endeavor to prove, in one > Christian ministers at the extraordinary suc- and the same breath, first, that the Qur'Qn > cess of Blbi missionaries, as contrasted with is a lying imposture, and, secondly, that it > the almost complete failure of their own. bears witness t o the truth of Christ's mis- > "How is it," they say, "that the Christian sion, as though any value attached t o the > doctrine, the highest and the noblest which testimony of one proved a liar! The B6bi > the world has ever known, though sup- (or Bahi'i) propagandist, on the other > ported by 111 the resources of Western civil- hand, admits that Muhammad was the > ization, can only count its converts in Mu- prophet of God and that the Qur'ln is the > hammadan lands by twos and threes, while Word of God, denies nothing but their > 454 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D > finality, 2nd does not discredit his own 3. > witness when he draws from that source > A Traveller's Naruative, page 309- > arguments t o prove his faith. T o the West- > ern observer, however, it is the complete The appearance of such a woman as > sincerity of the Blbis, their fearless disre- Qurratu'l-'Ayn is in any country and any > gard of death and torture undergone for the age a rare phenomenon, but in such a coun- > sake of their religion, their certain convic- try as Persia i t is a prodigy-nay, almost > tion as to the truth of their faith, their a miracle. Alilie in virtue of her lnarvelous > admirable conduct towards man- beauty, her rare intellectual gifts, her fervid > kind and especially towards their fellow- eloquence, her fearless devotion and her > believers, which constitutes their strongest glorious martyrdom, she stands forth in- > claim on his attention. comparable and immortal amidst her coun- > trywomen. Had the Bibi religion no other > claim to greatness, this were sufficient-that > it produced a heroine like Qurratu'l-'Ayn. > > Introduction t o Myron H. Phelps' 'Abbds > Efenlli, pages xii-xiv- > I t was under the influence of this en- > Introduction to A Traveller's Narrative, > thusiasm that I penned the introduction to > pages ix, x- > my translation of the Traveller's Narrative. > . . . This enthusiasm, condoned, if not Though I dimly suspected whither I was > shared, by many kindly critics and review- going and whom I was to behold (for no > ers, exposed me to a somewhat savage attack distinct intimation had been given to me), > in the O x f o r d Magazine, an attack conclud- a second or two elapsed ere, with a throb > ing with the assertion that my Introduction of wonder and awe, I became definitely con- > displayed "a personal attitude almost incon- scious that the room was not untenanted. > ceivable in a rational European, and a style I n the corner where the divan met the > unpardonable in a university teacher." (The wall sat a wondrous and venerable figure, > review in question appeared in the Oxford crowned with a felt head-dress of the kind > Magnzine of May 2 5 , 1892, page 394, . . . called t l j by dervishes (but of unusual > "the prominence given t o the Bib in this height and make), round the base of which > book is an absurd violation of historical was wound a small white turban. The face > perspective; and the translations of the of him on whom I gazed I can never forget, > Tmveller's Narratzve a waste of the powers though I cannot describe it. Those piercing > and opportunities of a Persian Scholar.") eyes seemed to read one's very soul; power > Increasing age and experience (more's the and authority sat on that ample brow; while > pity!) are apt enough, even without the as- the deep lines on the forehead and face im- > sistance of the Oxford Magazine, t o modify plied an age which the jet-black hair and > our enthusiasm; but in this case, at least, beard flowing down in indistinguishable > time has so far vindicated my judgment luxuriance almost t o the waist seemed to > against that of my Oxfovd reviewer that he belie. N o need to ask in whose presence I > could scarcely now maintain, as he formerly stood, as I bowed myself before one who is > asserred, that the Blhi religion "had affected the object of a devotion and love which > the least important part of the Muslim kings might envy and emperors sigh for in > World, and that not deeply." Every one vain. > who is in the slightest degree conversant A mild, dignified voice bade me be seated, > with the actual state of things (September and then continued: "Praise be t o God, that > 27, 1903), in Persia now recognizes that . > t h o u hast attained! . . T h o a hast come > the number and influence of the Bibis in t o see a prisoner and a n exile. . . . We > that country is immensely greater than it desire b u t the good of the world and the > was fifteen years ago. happiness of the nations; yet t h e y deem zrr > REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'f FAITH 411 > > a s t j i ~ e ~ - zof~ pstrife and sedrtzon wovthy of trotion, more intimately acquainted with > bondage and banishnzent. . . . That all na- the sacred boolis of the Jews, the Christians > tions should become one il* faith and all men and the Muhammadans, could, I should > as brothers; that the bonds of affection and think, be scarcely found even amongst the > unity between the sons of men shoz~ld be eloquent, ready and subtle race to which he > strengthened; that diversity of religion belongs. These qualities, combined with a > should cease, and differences of race be an- bearing at once majestic and genial, made > n u l l e d l u h a t harm is there in this? . . . me cease t o wonder at the influence and > Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, esteem which he enjoyed even beyond the > these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the circle of his father's followers. About the > 'Most Great Peace' shall co~ne.. . . Do not greatness of this man and his power no one > you in Eurote need this also? Is not this who had seen him could entertain a doubt. > that iuhich Christ fol,etold? . .. Yet do > iue see ljoza h i n ~ sand rulers lavishinfi their > treasures more freely on means for the de- > Excerpts from Comkarative Religions, pages > struction of the hnn*an race than on that > 70, 71- > zuhich would conduce to the ha$piness of > . > mankind. . . These strifes and this blood- From that subtle race issues the most > shed and discord mzut cease, and all .inen be remarkable movement which modern Mu- > as one kindred and one fa?nily. . . . Let hamn~adanismhas produced. . . . Disciples > not a nzan plory in this that he loves his gathered round him, and the movement was > country; let him rather glory in this; that not checked by his arrest, his imprisonment > he loves his kind. . . ." for nearly six years and his final execution > Such, so far as I can recall them, were in 1810. . . . It, too, claims to be a uni- > the words which, besides many others. I versal teaching; it has already its noble > heard from Bahi. Let those who read them army of martyrs and its holy books; has > consider well with themselves whether such Persia, in the midst of her miseries, given > doctrines merit death and bonds, and birth to a religion which will go round the > whether the world is more likely to gain world? > or lose by their diffusion. > BY THE REV. T. K. CHEYNE, > D.LITT., D.D. > Excerpts from The Reconciliation of Races > and Relipions.. (1914)- > . , > Introduction t o A Traveller'r Narrative, > There was living quite lately a human > pages xxxv, xxxvi- > being of such consummate excellence that > Seldom have I seen one whose appearance many think it is both permissible and in- > impressed me more. A tall, strongly built evitable even t o identify him mystically > man holding himself straight as an arrow, with the invisible Godhead. . . . HisZcom- > with white turban and raiment, long black bination of mildness and power is so rare > locks reaching almost t o the shoulder, broad that we have t o place him in a line with > powerful forehead, indicating a strong in- . > super-normal men. . . We learn that, at > tellect, combined with all unswerving will, great points in his career after he had been > eyes keen as a hawk's, and strongly marked in an ecstasy, such radiance of inight and > but pleasing features-such was my first majesty streamed from his countenance that > impression of 'Abbis Effendi, "The Master" none could bear t o look upoil the effulgence > ('A&i) as he par excellence is called by of his glory and beauty. Nor was it an > the Bibis. Subsequent conversation with uncommon occurrence for unbelievers in- > him served only to heighten the respect with voluntarily t o bow down in lowly obeisance > which his appearance had from the first a n beholding His Holiness. > inspired me. One more eloquent of speech, > Bahi'ull.411. > more ready of argument, more apt of illus- 2 Bib. > T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > The gentle spirit of the Bib is surely high > up in the cycles of eternity. Who can fail, > Testimonial to the Religion of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > as Professor Browne says, t o be attracted > (Published in Egyptian Gazette, Sept. 2 4 , > by him? "His sorrowful and persecuted life; > 1913, by Mrs. J. Stannard.)- > his purity of conduct and youth; his cour- > age and uncomplaining patience under mis- I forward this humble petition t o the > fortune; his complete self-negation; the dim sanctified and holy presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahb > ideal of a better state of things which can 'Abbis, who is the center of knowledge, > be discerned through the obscure mystic famous throughout the world, and loved by > utterances of the Bayin; but most of all, his all mankind. 0 thou noble friend who art > tragic death, all serve t o enlist our sympa- conferring guidance upon humanity-May > thies on behalf of the young prophet of my life be a ransom to thee! > Sirlz." The loving epistle which you have con- > "I1 sentait le besoin d'une reforme pro- descended t o write t o this servant, and the > fond H introduire dans les moeurs publiques. rug which you have forwarded, came safely > . . . I1 s'est sacrifi6 pour I'humanit6; pour to hand. The time of the meeting with > elle il a donne son corps et son Bme, pour your Excellency, and the memory of the > elle il a suhi les privations, les affronts, les benediction of your presence, recurred to > injures, la torture et le martyre." (Mons. the memory of this servant, and I am long- > Nicolas.) ing for the time when I shall meet you > If there has been any prophet in recent again. Although I have traveled through > times, it is t o Bahi'u'llbh that we must go. many countries and cities of Isllm, yet have > Character is the final judge. Bahi'u'llih I never met so lofty a character and so > was a man of the highest class-that of exalted a personage as your Excellency, and > prophets. But he was free from the last I can bear witness that it is not possible t o > infirmity of noble minds, and would cer- find such another. O n this account, I am > tainly not have separated himself from hoping that the ideals and accomplish- > others. H e would have understood the ments of your Excellency may he crowned > saying: "Would God all the Lord's people with success and yield results under all > were prophets!" What he does say, how- conditions; because behind these ideals > ever, is just as fine: "I do .lot desire lordship and deeds I easily discern the eternal wel- > over others; I desire all men t o be even as fare and prosperity of the world of hu- > I am." manity. > The day is not far 08 when the This servant, in order to gain first-hand > details of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's missionary jour- inforniation and experience, entered into the > neys will be admitted t o be of histori- ranks of various religions, that is, out- > cal importance. How gentle and wise he wardly, I became a Jew, Christian, Muham- > was, hundreds could testify from per- madan and Zoroastrian. I discovered that > sonal knowledge, and I, too, could perhaps the devotees of these various religions do > say something. . . . I will only, however, nothing else but hate and anathematize each > give here the outward framework of 'Ab- other, that all their religions have become > du'l-Bahi's life, and of his apostolic the instruments of tyranny and oppression > journeys, with the help of my friend in the hands of rulers and governors, and > Lutfullih. . . . that they are the causes of the destruction > During his stay in London he visited Ox- of the world of humanity. > ford (where he and his party--of Persians Considering those evil results, every per- > mainly-were the guests of Professor and son is forced by necessity t o enlist himself > Mrs. Cheyne), Edinburgh, Clifton and on the side of your Excellency, and accept > Woliing. I t is fitting to notice here that with joy the prospect of a fundamental > the audience at Oxford, though highly aca- basis for a universal religion of God, being > demic, si-emcd t o he deeply interes~ed,and laid through your efforts. > that Dr. Carpenter made an admirable I have seen the father of your Excellency > speech. . . . from afar. I have realized the self-sacrifice > and noble courage of hib son, and I am lost Persia is no longer subject to such violent > in admiration. perturbations. A t least, as far as we are > For the principles and aims of your Ex- concerned, the appearances of peace prevail, > cellency, 1 express the utmost respect and and few of us care or have occasion t o look > devotion, and if God, the Most H ~ g h ,con- beyond the appearances. But for the Persians > fers long life, I will he able to serve you themselves, have the conditions very much > under all conditions. I pray and supplicate changed? Do they not witness one day the > this from the depths of my heart. sudden rise of this or that favorite of for- > Your servant, tune and the next day his sudden fall? > (Mamhenyn.) Have they not seen the Atibak-i-A'zam > V A M B ~ K Y . twice hold sway as the &6h's all-powerful > Vazir, and twice hurled down from that > pinnacle by a bolt from the blue? How > many other ministers and governors have sat > Quotation iron1 T h e Frhzge of t h e East > for a time on the seats of the mighty and > (Macmillai~& Co., London, 19 13 .) - > been swept away by some intrigue as sordid > Bah6'ism is now estimated to count more as that t o which they owed their own exal- > than two million adherents, mostly com- tation? And how many in humbler stations > posed of Persian and Indian a i ' i h s , but in- have been in the meantime the recipients of > cluding also Inany Sunnis from the Turkish their unworthy favors or the victims of > Empire and North Africa, and not a few their arbitrary oppression? A village which > Brahmans, Buddists, Taoists, Shintoists and but yesterday was fairly prosperous is beg- > Jews. I t possesses even European converts, gared today by some neighboring landlord > and has made some headway in the United higher up the valley, who, having duly pro- > States. Of all the religions which have been pitiated those in authority, diverts for the > encountered in the course of this journey- benefit of his own estates the whole of its > the stagnant pools of Oriental Christianity, slender supply of water. The progress of a > the strange survivals of sun-worship, and governor o r royal prince, with all his cus- > idolatry tinged with Mubainmadanism, the tomary retinue of ravenous hangers-on, eats > immutable relic of the Suinerians-it is the out the countryside through which i t passes > only one which is alive, which is aggressive, more effectually than a flight of locusts. > which is extending its frontiers, instead of The visitation is as ruinous and as unac- > secluding itself within its ancient haunts. countable. I s it not the absence of all > I t is a thing which may revivify Islim, and visible moral correlation of cause and effect > make great changes on the face of thc Asi- in t h e ~ ephenomena of daily life that has > atic world. gone far to produce the stolid fatalism of > the masses, the scofing skepticism of the > more educated classes, and from time t o > time the revolt of some nobler minds? Of > Quotations from T h e Middle Eastern Qzrcs- > such the most recent and perhaps the no- > ti08 or Some Political Problents of Ifzdian > blest of all became the founder of Bibiism. > Defense, chapter X I , page 116 (The Re- > Chapter XI, page 120- > vival of B6biism.)- > The Bib was dead, but not Bibiism. H e > When one has been like Sa'di, a great per- was not the first, and still less the last, of a > sonage, and then a common soldier, and long line of martyrs who have testified that > then a prisoner of a Christian feudal chief; even in a country gangrened with corrup- > when one has worked as a navvy on the tion and atrophied with indifferentism like > fortifications of the Count of Ancioch, and Persia, the soul of a nation survives, inar- > wandered back afoot t o S_hir6z after infinite ticulate, perhaps, and in a way helpless, hut > pain and labor, he may well be disposed to still capable of sudden spasms of vitality. > thinlr that nothing that exists is real, or, at Chapter XI, page 124- > least, has any substantial reality worth Socially one of the most interesting fea- > clinging to. Today the public peace of tures of Blbiism is the raising of woman to > 'i WORLD > a much higher plane than she ia usually ad- roll of martyrs fop the cause for which it > mitted to in the East. The Bbh himself had stands, twenty thousand in Persia alone, > no more devoted a disciple than the beauti- proving it t o be a movement worth dying > ful and gifted lady, known as Qurratu'l- for as well as worth living by. > 'Ayn, the "Consolation of the Eyes," who, From its iuception i t has been identified > having shared all the dangers of the first with Bahi'u'llbh, who paid the price of pro- > apostolic missions in the north, challenged longed exile, imprisonment, bodily suffering, > and suffered death with virile fortitude, as and mental anguish for the faith he cher- > one of the Seven Martyrs of Tihrin. No ished-a man of imposing personality as > memory is more deeply venerated or kindles revealed in his writings, characterized by > greater enthusiasm than hers, and the influ- intense moral earnestness and profound spir- > ence which she yielded in her lifetime still ituality, gifted with the selfsa~nepower so > inures to her sex. conspicuous in the character of Jesus, the > power to appreciate people ideally, that is, > BY ~ R o m s s o nJOWETT of Oxford to see them at the level of their best and to > make even the lowest types thinli well of > Quotation from Heroic Lives, pages 30Y- > themselves because of potentialities within > Prof. Jowett of Oxford, Master of Balliol, them t o which he pointed, but of which > the translator of Plato, studied the move- they were wholly unaware; a prophet whose > ment and was so impressed thereby that he greatest contribution was not any specific > said: "The Bibite [Bahb'i] movement may doctrine he proclaimed, but an informing > not impossibly turn out t o have the promise spiritual power breathed into the world > of the future." Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter through the example of his life and thereby > quotes Prof. Edward Caird, Prof. Jowett's quickening souls into new spiritual activ- > successor as Master of Ralliol, as saying, "He ity. Surely a movement of which all this > thought Bibiism (as the Bahi'i movement can be said deserves-nay, compels-our > was then called) might prove the most im- respectful recognition and sincere apprecia- > portant religious movement since the foun- tion. > dation of Christianity." Prof. Carpenter . . . Taking precedence over all else in > himself gives a sketch of the Bahi'i move- its gospel is the message of unity in reli- > ment in his recent book on Comjarative gion. . . . I t is the crowning glory of the > Religions and asks, "Has Persia, in the midst Bahi'i movement that, while deprecating > of her miseries, given birth t o a religion that sectarianism in it? preaching, it has faith- > will go around the world?" fully practised what it preached by re- > fraining from becoming itself a sect. . . . > Its representatives do not attempt to im- > pose any beliefs upon others, whether by > Excerpts from Comparative Religiotz and > argument or bribery; rather do they seek > the Rclrgjon of the Future, pages 81-91- > to put beliefs that have illumined their own > Inasmuch as a fellowship of faiths is at lives within the reach of those who feel > once the dearest hope and ultimate goal of they need illumination. No, not a sect, not > the Bahi'i movement, it behooves us to take a part of humanity cut off froin all the rest, > cognizance of it and its mission. . . . To- living for itself and aiming to convert all > day this religious movement has a million the rest into material for its own growth; > and more adherents, including people from no, not that, but a leaven, causing spiritual > all parts of the globe and representing a fermentation in all religions, quicliening > remarkable variety of race, color, class and them with the spirit of catholicity and > creed. I t has been given literary expression fraternalism. > in a veritable library of Asiatic, European, . . . Who shall say but that just as the > and American works t o which additions are little company of the Mayflower, landing > annually made as the movement grows and on Plymouth Roclr, proved to be the small > grapples with the great problems that grow beginning of a mighty nation, the ideal > out of its cardinal teachings. I t has a loug germ of a denlocracy which, if true t o its > REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'I FAITH 419 > > principles, shall yet overspread the habitable IIIJ~L and in elevating him exalts woman > globe, so the little company of Bahi'is up to his level. Bibiisni, which dieused > exiled from their Persian home may yet itself in less than five years from one end > prove to be the small beginning of the of Persia to another, which was bathed in > world-wide movement, the ideal germ of 1852 in the blood of its martyrs, has been > democracy in religion, the Universal Church silently progressing and propagating itself. > of Mankind? If Persia is t o be at all regenerate it will be > through this new faith. > > Excerpt from Art in "Persia: A Historical > and Literary Sketch" (translated by Excerpts from Contrmpaunry Studies, Part > G. K. Nariman), and incorporated in 111, page 1J 1. (Allan & Unwin, Lon- > Persia and Pmsis, Part I, edited by G. K. don, 1924.1- > Nariman. Published under patronage of > We Westerners are too apt t o imagine > the ir6n League, Bombay, 1921. (The > that the huge continent of Asia is sleeping > Marker Literary Series for Persia, No. > as soundly as a mummy. W e smile a t the > 2.)- > vanity of the ancient Hebrews, who be- > The political reprieve brought about by lieved themselves to be the chosen people. > the S6fis did not result in the regeneration We are amazed at the intolerance of the > of thought. But the last cenrury which Greeks and the Romans, who looked upon > marks the end of Persia has had its revival the members of all races as barbarians. > and twofold revival, literary and religious. Nevertheless, we ourselves are like the > The funeral ceremonies by which Persia Hebrews, the Greeks and the Romans. As > celebrates every year for centuries-the Europeans we believe Europe to be the only > fatal day of the l o t h of Muharram, when world that matters, though from time to > the son of 'Ali breathed his last at Karbili time we may turn a paternal eye towards > -have developed a popular theater and America, regarding our offspring in the > produced a sincere poetry, dramatic and New World with mingled feelings of con- > human, which is worth all the rhetoric of descension and pride. > the poets. During the same times an Nevertheless, the great cataclysm of 1914 > attempt at religious renovation was made, is leading some of us to undertake a critical > the religion of Bhbiism. Demoralized for examination of the inviolable dogma that > centuries by ten foreign conquests, by the the European nations are the elect. Has > yoke of a composite religion in which she there not been of late years a demonstration > believed just enough t o persecute, by the of the nullity of modern civilization-the > enervating influence of a nlystical phi- nullity which had already been proclaimed > losophy which disabled men for action and by Rousseau, Carlyle, Ruslrin, Tolstoy, and > divested life of all aim and objects, Persia Nietzsche? We are now inclined t o listen > has been maliing unexpected efforts for the more attentively t o whispers from the East. > last fifty-five years t o re-make for herself Our self-complacency has been disturbed > a virile ideal. B6biism has little of orig- by such utterances as that of Rabindranath > inality in its dogmas and mythology. Its Tagore, who, lecturing at the Imperial Uni- > mystic doctrine takes its rise from Slifism versity of Tokio on June 18, 1916, fore- > and the old sects of the Aliides formed told a great future for Asia. The political > around the dogma of divine incarnation. civilization of Europe was "carnivorous and > But the morality it inculcates is a revolu- cannibalistic in its tendencies." The East > tion. I t has the ethics of the West. I t was patient, and could afford t o wait rill > suppresses lawful impurities which are a the West, "hurry after the expedient," had > great barrier dividing Isllm from Christen- t o halt for want of breath. "Europe, while > dom. I t denounces polygamy, the fruitful busily speeding t o her engagements, disdain- > source of Oriental degeneration. I t seeks fully casts her glance from her carriage > t o reconstitute the family and it elevates window at the reaper reaping his harvest in > 460 THE B A H A 'i WORLD > > the field, and in her inroxic.~tion u l speed, 'Ilih is ~ n ~ u c s t i o n a b l yone of the most > cannot but think him as slow and ever re- comprehensive of these, one of the most ex- > ceding backwards. But the speed comes to alted, one of the most satisfactory t o the > its end, the engagement loses its meaning, modern mind. . . . > and the hungry heart clamors for food, till That is why Bahi'u'116h is a severe critic > a t last she comes t o the lonely reaper reap- of the patriotism which plays so large a > ing his harvest in the sun. For if the office part in the national life of our day. Love > cannor wait, or the buying and selling, or of our native land is legitimate, but this > the craving for excitement-love raits, and love lnust not be exclusive. A man should > beauty, and the wisdom of suffering and love his country more than he loves his > the fruits of patient devotion and reverent house (this is the dogma held by every > meelrness of simple faith. And thus shall patriot) ; but Bahi'u'llih adds that he > wait the East till her time comes." should love the divine world more than he > Being thus led t o turn our eyes towards loves his country. Erom this standpoint, > Asia, we are astouished to find bow much patriotism is seen to be an intermediate > we have misunderstood it; and we blush stage on the road of renunciation, an in- > when we realize our previous ignorance of complete and hybrid religion, something we > the fact that, towards the middle of the have to get beyond. Throughout his life > nineteenth century, Asia gave birth to a Bahi'u'llih regarded the ideal universal > great religious movement-a movement peace as one of the most important of his > signalized for its spiritual purity, one which aims. . . . > has had thousands of martyrs, one which . . . Bahi'u'llih is in this respect enunci- > Tolstoy has described. H. Dreyfus, the ating a novel and fruitful idea. There is a > French historian of this movement, says better way of dealing with social evils than > that it is not " 2 new religion," hut "re- by trying to cure them after they have > ligion renewed," and that it povides "thc come to pass. We should try to prevent > only possible basis for a mutual understand- them by removing their causes, which act > ing between religion and free thought." on the individual, and especially on the > Above all, we are impressed by the fact child. Nothing can be more plastic than > that, in our own time, such a manifestation the nature of the child. 'The government's > can occur, and that the new faith should first duty must be to provide for the care- > have undergone a development far more ful and efficient education of children, > extensive than that undergone in rhe same remembering that education is something > space of time nearly two thousand years more than instruction. This will be an > ago, by budding Christianity. enormous step towards the solution of the > .. . A t the present time, the majority social problem, and t o take such a step will > of the inhabitants of Persia have, to a vary- be the first task of the Baytu'l-'Ad'l (House > ing extent, accepted the Bibiist faith. In of Justice). "It is ordained upon every > the great towns of Europe, America, and father to rear his son or his daughter by > Asia, there are active centers for the propa- means of the sciences, the arts, and all the > ganda of the liberal ideas and the doctrine commandments; and if any one should neg- > of human community, which form the lect to do so, then the members of the > fou~ldationsof Bah6'ist teaching. council, should the offender be a wealthy > We shall not grasp the full significance man, must levy from him the sum neces- > of this tendency until we pass from the sary for the education of his child. When > description of BahB'ism as a theory t o that the neglectful parent is poor, the cost of > of Bahi'ism as a practice, for the core of the necessary education must be borne by > religion is not metaphysics, but morality. the council, which will provide a refuge > The Bahi'ist ethical code is dominated by for the unfortunate." > the law of love taught by Jesus and by all The Baytu'l-'Ad'l, likewise, must prepare > the prophets. In the thousand and one de- the way for the establishment of universal > tails of practical life, this law is subject t o peace, doing this by organizing courts of > manifold interpretations. That of Bahi'u- arbitration and by influencing the govern- > 462 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > mmrs. Long beforc the Esperantists had he rethought hy minds schooled in the > begun their campaign, and more than Western mode of thought. But, in its > twenty years before Nicholas I1 had sum- existing form, Bahb'ist teaching may serve, > moned the first Hague congress, Bahi'u- amid our present chaos, to open for us a > '116h was insisting on the need for a uni- road leading t o solace and to comfort; may > versal language and courts of arbitration. restore our confidence in the spiritual des- > He returns to these matters again and tiny of man. I t reveals t o us how the > again: "Let all the nations become one in human mind is in travail; i t gives us an > faith, and let all men be brothers, in order inkling of the fact that the greatest hap- > that the honds of affection and unity be- penings of the day are not the ones we were > tween the sons of men may be strengthened. inclined to regard as the most momentous, > . . . What harm can there he in that? . . . not the ones which are making the loudest > I t is going t o happen. There will be an end noise. > t o sterile conflicts, t o ruinous wars; and the > Great Peace will come!" Such were the DR. HENRY > H . JESSUP, D.D. > words of Bahb'u'lliih in 1890, two years be- > From the World's Pailianzent of Religion; > fore his death. > \Tolume 11, 13th Day, under Criticism > While adopting and developing the Chris- > and Discussion of Missionary Methods, > tian law of love, Bahi'u'llih rejected the > page 1122. A t the Columbian Expo- > Christian principle of asceticism. H e > sition of 1893, a t Chicago. Edited by > discountenanced the macerations which > the Rev. John Henry Barrows, D.D. > were a nightmare of the Middle Ages, and > (The Parliament Publishing Company, > whose evil effects persist even in our own > days. ... Chicago, 189 3 . ) - > Bahh'ism, then, is an ethical system, a This, then, is our mission: that we who > system of social morality. But i t would be are made in the image of God should re- > a mistake t o regard Bahi'ist teaching as a member that all men are made in God's > collection of abstract rules imposed from image. T o this divine knowledge we owe > without. Bahh'ism is permeated with a sane all we are, all we hope for. We are rising > and noble mysticism; nothing could be gadually toward that image, and we owe > more firmly rooted in the inner life, more t o our fellowmen to aid them in returning > benignly spiritual; nothing could speak to it in the Glory of God and the Beauty > more intimately to the soul, in low tones, of Holiness. I t is a celestial privilege and > and as if from within. . . . with it comes a high responsibility, from > Such is the new voice that sounds t o us which there is no escape. > from Asia; such is the new dawn in the I n the Palace of Bahji, or Delight, just > East. We should give them our close atten- outside the Fortress of 'Akki, on the Syrian > tion; we shonld atandon our customary coast, there died a few months since, a > mood of disdainful superiority. Doubtless, famous Persian sage, the Bdbi Saint, named > Bahi'n'llhh's teaching is not definitive. Bahh'u'llih-the "Glory of God"-the > The Persian prophet does not offer it to us head of that vast reform party of Persian > as such. Nor can we Europeans assimilate Muslims, who accept the New Testament > all of it; for rnodern science leads us t o as the Word of God and Christ as the De- > make certain claims in matters of thought liverer of men, who regard all nations as > -claims are cannot relinquish, claims we one, and all men as brothers. Three years > should not try t o forego. But even ago he was visited by a Cambridge scholar > though Bahi'u'll6h's precepts (like those of and gave utterance t o sentiments so noble, > the Gospels) may not fully satisfy a11 these so Christlike, that we repeat them as our > intellectual demands, they are rarely in con- closing words: > flict with our scientific outlooks. If they "That all nations should become one in > arc to become our own spiritual food, they faith and all men as brothers; that the > must be supplemented, they must be re- bonds of affection and unity between the > lived by the religious spirits of Europe, must sons of men should he strengthened; that > REFERENCES TO T H E BAH6'1 F A I T H 463 > > diversity of religions should ccase and in the cemetery have beco~neplaces d pil- > differences of race be annulled. What harm grimage where many a tear is shed over > is there in this? Yet so it shall be. These the fate of the "Martyrs of Isf6hbn." . . . > fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall I t is these little incidents, protruding from > pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall time to time their ugly features, that prove > come. Do not you in Europe need this Persia to be not as yet quite redeemed, and > also? Let not a man glory in this, that he that somewhat staggers the tall-talkers > loves his country; let him rather glory in about frinian civilization. If one conclu- > this, that he loves his Irind." sion more than another bas been forced > upon our notice by the retrospect in which > I have indulged, it is that a sublilne and > murmuring [ ? ] devotion has been incul- > Excerpts from Persia, Vol. I, pages 496-504. > cated by this new faith, whatever it be. > (Written in 1892.)- > There is, I believe, but one instance of a > Beauty and the female sex also lent their Bibi having recanted under pressure of > consecration t o the new creed and the hero- menace of suffei-ing, and he reverted to the > ism of the lovely but ill-fated poetess of faith and was executed within two years. > Qazuin, Zarrill-T&j (Crown of Gold) or Tales of magnificent heroism illumine the > Qurrat~t'l-'Ayn (Solace of the Eyes), who, bloodstained pages of Bibi history. Igno- > throwing off the veil, carried the ~nissionnry rant and unlettered as many of its votaries > torch far and wide, is one of the most are, and have been, they are yet prepared > affecting episodes in modern history. ... t o die for their religion, and fires of Smith- > The lowest estimate places the present num- field did not kindle a nobler courage than > ber of Bibis in Persia a t half a million. 1 has met and defied the more refined torture- > am disposed to think, from conversations mongers of Tihrin. Of no small account, > with persons well qualified to judge, that then, must be the tenets of a creed that can > the total is nearer one million. They are to awaken in its followers so rare and beautiful > be found in every walk of life, from the a spirit of self-sacrifice. From the facts > ministers and nobles of the Court to the that Bibiism in its earliest years found > scavenger or the groom, not the least arena itself in conflict with the civil powers and > of their activity being the Mussulman that an attempt was made by Bibis upon > priesthood itself. I t will have been noticed the life of the &ah, it has been wrongly > that the movement was initiated by Siyyids, inferred that the movement was political in > H i j i s and Mullis, i.e., persons who, either origin and Nihilist in character. It does > by descent, from pious inclination, or by not appear from a study of the writings > profession, were intimately concerned with either of the B i b or his successors, that > the M&ammadan creed; and it is among there is any foundation for such a suspicion. > even the professed votaries of the faith that . . . The charge of immorality seems to > . > they continue t o make their converts. . . have arisen partly from the malignant in- > Quite recently the Bibis have had great ventions of opponents, partly from the > success in the camp of another enemy, much greater freedom claimed for women > having secured many proselytes among the by the Bib, which in the oriental mind is > Jewish populations of the Persian towns. scarcely dissociable from profligacy of con- > I hear that during the past year (1891) duct. .. . If Bibiism continues t o grow > they are reported t o have made 1 5 0 Jewish at its present rate of progression, a time > converts in Tihrin, 100 in Hamadin, 50 may conceivably come when it will oust > in Kbhbn, and 75 per cent of the Jews at Muhammadanism from the field in Persia. > . > Gulpiyigin. . . The two victims, whose . . . Since its recruits are won from the > names were H l j i M i r z i Hasan and H i j i best soldiers of the garrison whom it is > Mirzi Husayn, have been renamed by the attacking, there is greater reason t o believe > Bibis: Sulfinu'sl-Suhadl', or King of that it may ultimltely pevail. . . . The > Martyrs, and MahbSbu'&-Suhadi', or Be- pure and suffering life of the Bib, his igno- > loved of Martyrs-and their naked graves minious death, the heroism and martyrdom > 464 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD > > of Ilia followers, will appeal to many others God-man. Of the sincerity of his convic- > who can find no similar phenomena in the tion that he was God-appointed, the man- > contemporaneous records of Isl61n. . . . ner of his death is the amplest possible > proof. I n the belief that he would thereby > save others from the error of their present > beliefs he willingly sacrificed his life. And > Excerpts from The Glcaii~. (1923.)- of his power of attaching men to him, the > passionate devotion of hundreds and even > thousands of men who gave their lives in > The story of the Bab, as Mirza 'Ali Mu- . > his cause is convincing testimony. . . > hammad called himself, was the story of H e himself was but "a letter out of that > spiritual heroism unsurpassed in Svabhava's most mighty book, a dewdrop from that > experience; and his own adventurous soul limitless ocean." The One to come would > was fired by it. That a youth of no social reveal all mysteries and all riddles. This > influence and no education should, by the was the humility of true insight. And it > simple power of insight, be able t o pierce has had its effect. His movement has > into the heart of things and see the real grown and expanded, and it has yet a great > truth, and then hold on to it with such future before it. > firmness of conviction and present it with During his six years of ministry, four of > such suasion that he was able t o convince which were spent in captivity, he had per- > men that he was the Messiah and get them meated all Persia with his ideas. And since > to follow him to death itself, was one of his death the movement has spread t o > those splendid facts in human history that Turltcy, Egypt, India and even into Europe > Svabhava loved to meditate on. This was and America. His adherents are now num- > a true hero whom he would wish to emu- bered by millions. The spirit which per- > late and whose experiences he would profit vades them, says Professor Browne, "is > by. The Bib's passionate sincerity could such that it cannot fail to affect most > not be doubted, for he had given his life for powerfully all subject t o its influence." > his faith. And that there must be some- > thing in his message that appealed t o men > and satisfied their souls, was witnessed to > b y the fact that thousands gave their lives > in his cause and millions now follow him. For many years I have been interested in > If a young man could, in only six years the rise and progress of the Baha'i Move- > of ministry, by the sincerity of his purpose ment. Its roots go deep down into the past > and the attraction of his personality, so and yet i t loolis far forward into the > inspire rich and poor, cultured and illiterate, future. I t realizes and preaches the one- > alike, with belief in himself and his doc- ness of mankind. And I have noticed how > trines that they would remain staunch, ardently its followers work for the further- > though hunted down and without trial sen- ance of peace and for the general welfare > tenced t o death, sawn asunder, strangled, of mankind. God must be with them and > shot, blown from guns; and if men of high their success therefore assured. > position and culture in Persia. Turkey and > Egypt in numbers to this day adhere to his > doctrines, his life must be one of those > Excerpt from Modern Mysfics. (1935, p. > events in the last hundred years which is > 142.) > really worth study. And that study for- > 3. > tunately has been made by the Frenchman > Gobineau and by Professor E. G. Browne, This martyrdom of the B6b took place > so that we are able t o have a faithful rep- on July 9, 1810, thirty-one years from the > resentation of its main features. . . . date of his birth. > Thus, in only his thirtieth year, in the His body was dead. His spirit lived on. > year 18 10, ended the heroic career of a true Husayn had been slain in battle. Quddlis > hsd heen don? to death in rzptivity. But (meaning door or gate, through which men > BahA'u'llih lived. The One who shall be could arrive at the knowledge or truth of > made manifest was alive. And in him and God), and who commenced teaching in > in others had been engendered such love for Persia in the year 1844. The purity of his > the Bib and what he stood for as, in the character, the nobility of his words, aroused > words of the chronicler, no eye had ever great enthusiasm. H e was, however, sub- > beheld nor mortal heart conceived: if jected to great hostility by the authorities, > branches of every tree were turned into who secured his arrest and imprisonment, > pens, and all the seas into inlc, and Earth and he was finally executed in 1810. But > and Heaven rolled into one parchment, the the movement went on, and the writ~ngsof > immensity of that love would still remain the Bib, which had been copious, were > untold. This love for the Cause still widely read. The movement has been > survived. And it was sufficient. Bahi- brought into India, Europe, and the United > ' d l l i h was, indeed, despoiled of his pos- States. I t does not seek to create a new > sessions, deserted by his friends, driven sect, but to inspire all sects with a deep > into exile from his native land and, even fundamental love. The late Dr. Jowett > in exile, confined to his house. But once said to him that he had been so deeply > in him the Cause was still alive-and impressed with the teachings and character > more than alive, purified and ennobled by of the B i b that he thought Bibiism, as the > the fiery trials through which i t had present movement was then known, might > passed. become the greatest religious movement > Under the wise control, and direction of since the birth of Christ. > Bahi'u'llih from his prison-house, first at > B a d d i d and then at 'Akki in Syria, there BY REV. J. T y s s u ~DAVIS,B.A. > grew what is now linown as the Bahi'i > Quotation from A L e n g t ~ e of Religions. > Movement which, silently propagating it- > Excerpts from Chapter X: NBahi,ism- > self, has now spread to Europe and America > The Religion of Reconciliation.,, (The > as well as t o India and Egypt, while the > Lindsey Press, London, England.)- > bodily remains of the BBb, long secretly > guarded, now find a resting-place on Mount The Bahi'i religion has made its way > c a m e l in a Tomb.shrine, which is a place . . . because it meets the needs of its day. > of to visitors from all over the I t fits the larger outlook of our time better > world. than the rigid exclusive older faiths. A > - characteristic is its unexpected liberality > and toleration. I t accepts all the great re- > ligions as true, and their scriptures as > Excerpt from The Chrisfian Common- > wealth, January 22, 1 9 1 3 : ,Abdu,,- inspired. The Bahi'ists bid the followers > of these faiths disentangle from the wind- > Bahl at Oxford"- > ., > ines of racial.. uarticularist.. local ureiudices.. > 'Ahdu'l-Bahi addressed a large and deeply the vital, immortal thread, the pure gospel > interested audience at Manchester College, of eternal worth, and to apply this essential > Oxford, on December 3 1. The Persian element to life. Instances are quoted of > leader spolce in hie native tongue, Mir7i people being recommended to work within > Ahmad SohraL interpreting. Principal the older faiths, to remain, vitalizing them > Estlin Carpenter presided, and introduced upon the principles of the new faith. They > the speaker by saying that they owed the cannot fear new facts, new truths as the > honor and pleasure of meeting 'Abdu'l- Creed-defenders must. They believe in a > Bahi to their revered friend, Dr. Cheyne, progressive revelation. They admit the > who was deeply interested in the Bah6'i cogency of moderu criticism and allow that > teaching. The movement sprung up dur- God is in His nature incomprehensible, but > ing the middle of the last century in Persia, is to be known through His rnanifesta- > with the advent of a young Muhammadan tions. Their ethical ideal is very high and > who took to himself the title of the Bib is of the type we Westerners have learnt > 466 T H E BAHA '1 WORLD > to designate "Christlike." "What doen ~ ~ t estimngeqt claim on h i s > r o ~ ~ ~ r i rtheir > he do to his enemies that he makes them attention." > his friends?" was aslced concerning the late "By their fruits shall ye lcnow them!" > leader. What astonishes the student is not We cannot but address to this youthful re- > anything in the ethics or philosophy of this ligion an All Hail! of welcon~e. We cannot > movement, but the extraordinary response fail to see in its activity another proof of > its ideal has awakened in such numbers of the living witness in our own day of the > people, the ~ o w e r f u linfluence this standard working of the sleepless spirit of God in the > actually exerts on conduct. I t is due to hearts of men, for He cannot rest, by the > four things: (1) I t makes a call on the necessity of His nature, until He hath made > Heroic Element i n man. I t offers no bribe. in conscious reality, as in power, the whole > I t bids men endure, give up, carry the cross. world His own. > I t calls them to sacrifice, to bear torture, > to suffer martyrdom, to brave death. ( 2 ) BY HERBERT PUTNAM > I t oflers liberty of thought. Even upon Librarian of Congress > such a vital question as immortality it will The dominant impression that survives in > not bind opinion. Its atmosphere is one of my memory of 'Abdu'lLBahi is that of all > trust and hope, not of dogmatic chill. ( 3 ) extraordilzary nobility: physically, in the > Ir is a religion of love. "Notwithstanding > head so massive yet so finely poised, and > the interminable catalogue of extreme and > the modeling of the features; but spir- > almost incredible sufferings and privations > itually, in the serenity of expression, and > which this heroic band of men and women > the suggestion of grave and responsible > have endured-more terrible than many > meditation in the deeper lines of the face. > martyrdoms-there is not a trace of resent- > But there was also, in his complexion, car- > ment or bitterness t o be observed among > riagc, and expression, an assurance of the > them. One would suppose that they were > con~plete health which is a requisite of a > the most fortunate of the people among > sane judgment. And when, as in a lighter > whom they live, as indeed they do certainly > mood, his features relaxed into the playful, > consider themselves, in that they have been > the assurance was added of a sense of humor > permitted to live near their beloved Lord, > without which there is no true sense of pro- > beside which they connt their sufferings as > portion. I have never met any one > nothing" (Phelps). Love for the Master, > concerned with the philosaphies of life > love for the brethren, love for the neigh- > whose judgment might seem so reliable in > bors, love for the alien, love for all human- > matters of practical conduct. > ity, love for all life, love for God-the old, > My regret is that my meetings with hirn > well-tried way trod once before in Syria, > were so few and that I could not benefit by > trodden again. (4) I t is a religion in har- > a lengthier contact with a personality com- > mony with science. I t has here the > bining a dignity so impressive with human > advantage of being thirteen centuries later > traits so engaging. > than Islim. This new dispensation has been > I wish that he could he multiplied! > tried in the furnace, and has not been found > wanting. I t has been proved valid by the > lives of those who have endured all things > on its behalf. Here is something more Translated from a letter to Mme. Isabel > appealing than its logic and rational philos- Grinevskaya, Oct. 22, 1903 > ophy. "To the Western observer'' (writes > Prof. Browne), "it is the complete sincerity I am very glad that Mr. V. V. Stassov > of the Bibis, their fearless disregard of has told you of the good impression which > death and torture undergone for the sake of your book has made on me, and I thank you > their religion, their certain conviction as to for sending it. > the truth of their faith, their generally I have ki~ownabout the Bhbis for a long > admirable conduct toward mankind, espe- time, and have always been interested in > cially toward their fellow-believers, which their teachings. I t seems t o me that these > REFERENCES TO T HE B A H 6 ' f FAITH 467 > > teachings, as well as all the rationalistic in which somc thoughts upon the nature of > social religious teachings that have arisen God are included. In my opinion if we > lately out of the origillal teachings of Brah- were to free ourselves from all false con- > manism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity ception of God we should, whether as > and lslhm distorted by the priests, have a Christians or Muhammadans free ourselves > great future for this very reason that these entirely from picturing God as a personality. > teachings, discarding all these distorting in- The conceptioll whlch then seems to me to > crustations that cause division, aspire to be the best for meeting the requirements > unite into oue common religion of all man- of reason and heart is found in 4th chap. > kind. St. John, 7-12-lf that means God is Love. > Therefore, the teachings of the Bibis, I t therefore follows that God lives in us > inasmuch as they have rejected the old according t o the measure or capacity of > Muhammadan superstitions and have not each soul to express His nature. This > established new superstitions which would thought is implicit more or less clearly in > divide them from other new superstitions all religions, and therefore in Muham- > (unfortunately something of the kind is madanism. > noticed in the exposition of the Teachings Concerning your second question upon > of the Bhh), and inasn~uchas they keep to what awaits us after death I can oldy reply > the principal fundamental ideas of brother- that on dying we return to God from whose > hood, equality and love, have a great future Life we came. God, however, being Love > before them. we can on going over expect God only. > I n the Muhammadan religion there has Concerning your third question, I answer > been lately going on an intensive spiritual that so far as I understand Islhm, like all > movement. I know that one such move- other religions, Brahmanism, Buddhism, > ment is centered in the French colonies in Confucianism, etc., it contain? great basic > Africa, and has its name ( I do not remem- truths but that these have become cor- > ber i t ) , and its prophet. Another move- rupted by superstition, and coarse interpre- > ment exists in India, Lahore, and also has tations and filled with unnecessary legendic > its prophet and publishes its paper "Review descriptions. I have had much help in my > of Religions." researches t o get clear upon Mul?ammadan- > Both these religious teachings contain ism by a splendid little hoolr "The sayings > nothing new, neither do they have for their of Muhammad." > principal object a changing of the outlook of The teachings of the BBbis which come > the people and thus do not change the re- to us out of Islhm have through Bahi'u- > lationship between the people, as is the case 'Ilhh's teachings been gradually developed > with BAbiism, though not so much in its and now present us with the highest and > theory (Teachings of the Bhb) as in the purest form of religious teaching. > practice of life as far as I know it. I there- > fore sympathize with Bibiism with all my BY DR. EDMUNDPRIYAT > heart inasmuch as it teaches people brother- The practical and spiritual understand- > hood and equality and sacrifice of material ing between nations, the realization of the > life for service t o God. unity of mankind above all barriers of > language m d religion, the feeling of re- > Translated from a letter to Frid ul Khan sponsibility towards all who suffer from > Wadelbekow grief or injustice, are only different > branches of the same central teaching which > (This communication is dated 1908 and is > gives the Bahi'i Movement such a faithful > found among epistles written to Cauca- > and active family of workers in so many > sian Mul?an~madans.) > countries. > . . . I n answer t o your ietter which > questions how one should understand the BY DR. AUGUSTEFOREL > term God. I send you a collection of ". . . J'avais Bcrit les lignes qui prBc&- > writings from my literary and reading club, dent en 1912. Que dois-je ajouter aujour- > REFERENCES T O T H E B A H A ' ~ FAITH 469 > > prmpernos Scot belonging to Wigtonshire, universal religion, universal brotherhood, > who is in the building trade. H e is an universal education, and the union of > ex-president of the St. Andrew's 'Society. science and religion. Meantime the Chi- > Mr. Falconer and other Scots friends were cagoans are seemingly indifferent to all its > present, and they were all exceedingly kind spiritual significance; but some day they > and comnplimmtary. I could not, in short, will wake up t o a realisation of the fact > have been treated with more distinction if that its symbolism will mark the city as > I had been a prominent Minister of State one of destiny in the world. > instead of a humble Scottish journalist out > on a mission of fraternity and good wlll. > O n the same day I met by appointment > Editor, Pasadelza Star News > Mr. Albert R. Windust with whom I went > out to see the Bahi'i Temple which is in Humanity is the better, the nobler, for > course of being erected at Wilmette, a the Bahi'i Faith. I t is a Faith that en- > suburb of Chicago on the shore of Lake riches the soul; that t a b s from life its > Michigan. I t is about an hour's ride out on dross. > the elevated railway. Only the founda- I am prompted thus t o express myself > tion and basement have so far been con- because of what I have seen, what I have > structed, and the work was meanwhile heard, what I have read of the results of > stopped but, we understand, is now shortly the Movement founded by the Reverend > to be resumed. I have no hesitation in say- Bahb'u'llih. Embodied within that Move- > ing that when completed this Temple will ment is the spirit of world brotherhood; > be one of the most beautiful pieces of archi- that brotherhood that makes for unity of > tecture in the world. I had the privilege thought and action. > of an introduction t o the architect, a Though not a member of the BahVi > Frenchman, M. Bourgeois, who speaks Faith, I sense its tremendous potency for > English fluently. We spent a considerable good. Ever is it helping t o usher in the > time with him in his beautiful studio over- dawn of the day of "Peace on Earth Good > looking the Lalce, and he did me the honour Will to Men." By the spread of its teach- > of showing me the plans of the Temple, ings, the Bahi'i cause is slowly, yet steadily, > drawings which cost him years of toil, and making the Golden Rule a practical reality. > they are far beyond anything I could have With the high idealism of Bahi'u'116h as > imagined in beauty and spiritual signifi- its guide, the Bahb'i Faith is as thc shining > cance. M. Bourgeois, who is well advanced light that shineth more and more unto the > in years, is a genius and mystic-a gentle- perfect day. Countless are its good works. > man of charming personality. In all that For example, t o the pressing economic prob- > I had the pleasure of seeing in his studio I lems it gives a new interpretation, a new > had a privilege that is given t o few. My solution. But above all else it is causing > signature is in his personal book, which peoples everywhere to realize they ace as one, > contains the names of some of the great by heart and spirit divinely nnited. > ones of the earth! Mr. Windust, who is a And so I find joy in paying this little > leading Bahi'i in the city, is a quiet and tribute to a cause that is adding to the > humble man, but full of fine ideas and sweetness, the happiness, the cleanness o l > ideals. H e treated me with the utmost life. > brotherly courtesy. How is it, I kept ask- > ing myself, that it should be mine to have > all this privilege and honour? There was > no reason save that they told me I had My contact with the Bahi'i Movement > touched the chords of truth and sincerity and my acquaintance with its teachings, > in referring t o and reviewing the Bahi'i given by Hadrat-i-Bahi'u'llih, have filled > writing? and principles in n few short me with real joy, as I see that this Move- > articles in this Jozbmal. The Temple is ment, so cosmopolitan in its appeal, and so > designed t o represent these principles- spiritual in its advocacy of Truth, is sure > 'i WORLD > > to bring peacc and joy to the hcarts of BY TIIE RT. HON.SIR HERBERT SAMUEL, > millions. G.C.B., M.P. > Free from metaphysical subtleties, prac- In John O'London's Weekly, > tical in its outlook, a b ~ v eall sectarianisnl, March 25th, 1933. > and based on God, the substratum of the "It is possible indeed to pick out points > human soul and the ~henomenalworld, the of fundamental agreement among all creeds. > Bahi'i Movement carries peace and illu- That is the essential purpose of the Bahi'i > mination with it. Religion, the foundation and growth of > As long as it is kept free from orthodoxy which is one of the most striking move- > and church-spirit, and above personalities, it ments that have proceeded from the East in > will continue to be a blessing to its fol- recent generations." > lowers. > > "Last summer upon my return from a > I am in entire sympathy with all of the visit to Japan, I had the pleasure of meeting > ~rinciplesthat the Bahi'i Movement stands Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler on the boat. I t > for; there is nothing which is contrary to was learnt that this lady is a teacher of the > what I am preaching. I think at this stage Bahi'i Cause, so we conversed upon various > of the world such teachings are needed inore subjects of human life very thoroughly. I t > than anything else. I find the keynote of was soon found that what the lady imparted > the Teachings is the spiritual regeneration to me came from the source of Truth as I > of the world. The world is getting more have felt inwardly all along, so I at once > and more spiritually bankrupt every day, realized that the Bah6'i Faith can offer > and if it requires anything it requires spir- numerous and profound benefits to man- > itual life. The Bahi'i Movement stands kind. > above all caste, creed and color and is based "My senior, Mr. Y, S. Tsao, is a well-read > on pure spiritual unity. man. His mental capacity and deep experi- > ence are far above the average man. He > often said that during this period of our > country when old beliefs have lost their > In World Unity Magazine > hold upon the people, it is absolutely neces- > The central drive of the Bahi'i Move- sary to seek a religion of all-embracing > ment is for human unity. I t would secure Trnth which may exert its powerful influ- > this through unprejudiced search for truth, ence in saving the situation. For the last > making religion conform to scientific dis- ten years, he has investigated indefatigably > covery and insisting that fundamentally all into the teachings of the Bahi'i Cause. > religions are alike. For the coming of uni- Recently, be has completed his translations > versal peace, there is great foresight and of the book on the New Era and showed me > wisdom as to details. Among other things a copy of the proof. After carefully read- > there should be a universal language; so the ing it, I came to the full realization that > Bahi'is take a great interest in Esperanto the Trnth as imparted to me by Mrs. > though they do not insist on it a7 the nlti- Ransom-Kehler is veritable and unshakeable. > mate language. No other religious move- This Truth of great value t o mankind has > ment has put so much emphasis on the been eminently translated by Mr. Tsao and > emancipation and education of women. now the Chinese people have the oppor- > Everyone should work whether rich or poor tunity of reading it, and I cannot but > and poverty should be abolished. . . . express my profound appreciation for the > What will be the course of the Bahh'i . > same. . . Should the Truth of the Bahi'i > Movement no one can prophesy, but I think Faith be widely disseminated among the > it is no exaggeration to claim that the pro- Chinese people, it will naturally lead to the > gram is the finest fruit of the religious con- coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. Should > tribution of Asia. everybody again exert his efforts towards > REFERENCES T O THE BAHA'I FAITH 471 > > the extension of this beneficent influence rPaliser une union roujours grandissant > throughout the world, it will then bring parmi les hommes. > about world peace and the general welfare Le Bahi'isme est un des enseignements > of humanity." qui cherche a 6veiller chez nous-n'importe > (From Rev. K. T. Chung's Preface to the i quelle religion nous appartenons-juste- > Chinese version of Dr. Esslemont's ment cette conscience de notre nature spiri- > Book.) tuelle. > I1 y a plus de 20 ans un groupe d'hommes > et femmes de differentes nationalites et > religions, animks par le desir de travailler > University, Sofia, Bulgaria > pour l'union des peuples, ont commence i > Une des causes principales de la situation publier un journal en esperanto sous le titre > actuelle du monde c'est que l'humaniti est "Universals Unigo." Le premier article du > trop en arriere encore dans son developpe- premier Nnmero de ce journal ttait consacre > ment spirituel. Voila pourquoi tout en- au Bahi'isme et h son fondateur. I1 me > seignement qui a pour hut i Pveiller et semble que ce fait est une preuve Ccla- > fortifier la conscience morale et religieuse tante de ce que C j viens de dire sur le > des lomtnes est d'we importance capitale Behi'isme. > pour I'avenir de notre race. Le Bah6'isme > est un de ces enseignements. I1 a ce mCrite > qu'en portant des principes qui sont com- > muns de toutes 1es grands religions (et Highgate Hill Unitarian Christian Church, > sptcialement du christianisme) cherche B London, England > les adapter a u conditions de la vie actuelle In his book "A League of Religions," the > et i la psychologie de l'homme moderne. Rev. J. Tyssul Davis, formerly minister of > En outre il travail pour l'union des hommes the Theistic Church in London, and at > de toute nationalit6 et race dans une con- present minister of a Unitarian Church in > science morale et religieuse commune. I1 Bristol, England, the writer sets out to > n'a pas la prCtention d'itre autant une demonstrate that each great religious move- > religion nouvelle qu'un trait d'union entre ment in the world has contributed some- > les grandes religions existants: ce sur quoi il thing of peculiar importance to the spiritual > insiste surtout ce n'est pas d'ahandoner la life of man. Thus, he says, the great con- > religion h laquelle nous appartennons dCji tribution of Zoroastrianism has been the > pour en chercher une autre, mais i faire une thought of Purity; of Brahmanism that of > effort pour trouver dans cette mCme religion Justice; of Muhammadanism that of Sub- > l', , > element qui nous uuit aux autres et d'en mission; of Christianity that of Service; > faire la force dkterminante de notre con- and so on. I n each instance he lays his > duite route entiere. Cet Clement (commun finger on the one thing par excellence for > B toutes les grandes religions) c'est la con- which the particular religious culture > science que nous sommes avant tout des seemed to him to stand, and tries to catch > ltres spirituels, nnis dans une meme entite its special contribution in an epigrammatic > spirituelle dont nous ne sommes que des phrase. Corning, in this way, to Bahh'ism, > parties-unies entre elles par l'attribut fonda- he names it "the Religion of Recancilia- > mental de cette entiti spirituelle-h savoir tion." I n his chapter on Bahb'ism he > l'anzour. Manifester, realiser, dCvrlopper says: > chez nous et chez les autres (surtout chez "The Bahi'i religion has made its way > les enfants) cette conscience de notre because it meets the need of the day. I t fits > nature spirituelle et I'amour comme son the larger outlook of our time, better than > attribut fondamental c'est la chose prin- the rigid older faiths. A characteristic is > cipale que nous devons poursuivre avant its unexpected liberality and tolerance. I t > tout et par toutes les manifesntions de notre accepts all the great religions as trus and > activith. C'est en meme temps le seule their scriptures as inspired." > moyen par lequel nous pouvons esperer de This, then, as he sees Bahi'ism, is its > 472 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > essential features: liberality, toleration, the BY ERNESTRENAN > spirit of reconciliation; and that, not in the > Passage tire! de Renan "Les ApBtrcs, P." > sense, as Mr. H. G. Wells has it in his "Soul > Edition Levy, Paris, 1 8 6 6 > of a Bishop," of making a "collection" of > approved portions of the world's varied and Notre siecle a vu des mouvemeuts re- > differing creeds, but in the sense, as he also ligieux tout anssi extraordinaires que ceux > puts it in the same booli, of achieving a d'aatrefois, mouvements qui ont provoque > great "simplification." autant d'entbousiasme, qui ont eu dijii, pro- > "Bahi'ists," says Dr. Davis, "bid the fol- portion gardee, plus de martyrs, et dont > lowers of these (that is, the world's) faiths l'avenir est encore incerrain. > disentangle from the windings of racial, Je ne park pas des Mormons, secte ii > particularist, local prejudices, the vital, im- quelques Cgards si sotte et si abjecte que Yon > mortal thread of the pure gospel of eternal hesite B la prendre au serieux. > worth, and to apply this essential element I1 est instructif, cependant, de voir en > t o life." plein 196me siecle des milliers d'hommes de > That is Dr. Davis's interpretation of the notre race vivant dans le miracle, croyant > genius of Bahrism, and that it is a true one, avec une foi aveugle des merveilles qu'ils > no one who has studied Bahh'ism, even disent avoir vues et touchies. I1 y a d i j i > superficia'lly, can question, least of all the toute une littirature pour montrer l'accord > outsider. Indeed one may go further and du mormonisme et de la science; ce qui vaut > assert that no one who has studied mieux, cette religion, fondee sur de niaises > Bahi'ism, whether superficially or other- impostures, a su accomplir des prodiges de > wise, would wish to question it; particularly patience et d'abnigation; dans cinq cents > if he approaches the subject from a liberal ans des docteurs prouveront sa divinitC par > and unprejudiced point of view. I n the last les merveilles de son itablissement. > act of his "Wandering Jew," Mr. Temple Le Bdbisme, en Perse, a i t 4 un phinomPne > Thurston puts into the mouth of Matteos, autrement considirable. U n homme doux > the Wandering Jew, himself, the splendid et sans aucune pretention, une sorte de > line, "All men are Christians-all are Jews." Spinoza modeste et pienx, s'est vu, presque > H e might equally well have written, "All malgr6 lui, Clevi au rang de thaumaturge > men are Christians-all are Bahi'is." For, #incarnation divine, et est devenu le chef > if the sense of the Unity of Truth is a pre- d'nne secte nombreuse, ardente et fanatique, > dominant characteristic of liberally-minded qui a failli amener une rivolntion com- > people, whatever may be their religious parable h celle de 1'Islim. Des milliers de > tradition, it is predominantly a character- martyrs sont accourus pour lui avec l'allC- > istic of Bah6'ism; since here is a religious gresse au-devant de la mort. U n jour sans > system based, fundamentally, on the one, pareil peut-2tre dans l'historie du monde > simple, profound, comprehensive doctrine f u t celui de la grande boucherie qui se fit > of the unity of God, which carries with it, des Bibis, 3. TihCran. "On vit ce jour-li > as its necessary corollary and consequence, dans 1es rues et les bazars de Teheran, dit > the parallel doctrine of the unity of un narrateur qui a tout su $original, u n > Man. spectacle que la population semble devoir > Tnis, at all events, is the conviction of n'oublier jamais. Quand la conversation > the present writer; and it is why, as a Uni- encore aujourd'hui se met sur cette matikre, > tarian, building his own faith on the same on peut juger ]'admiration melee d'horreur > basic principles of divine and human unity, que la foule Cprouve et que les annies n'out > he has long felt sympathy with and good pas dirninuee. O n vit s'avancer entre les > will toward a religious culture which stands bourreaux des enfants et des femmes les > on a foundation identical with that of the chairs ouvertes sur tout le corps, avec des > faith he holds. And a religion that aftirms meches allumies, flambantes, fichCes dans les > the unity of things must of necessity be a blessures. O n tratnait les victimes par des > religion of reconciliation; the truth of which cordes et on les faisait marcher ii coups de > in the case of Bah6'ism is clear. fouet. Enfants et femmes s'avancaient en > REFERENCES T O THE BAHA'f FAITH 473 > > chantant un verset qui dit: En vkviri nous Un disciple qui fut le campagnon de > venons de Dieu et nous retournons a Lui. supplice du Bib, suspendu i wti de lui aux > Leurs voix s'ilevaient, iclatantes, nu-dessus remparts de Tabriz et attendant la mort, > du silence profond de la foule. Quand un n'avait qu'un mot i la bouche "Es-tu con- > des supplici4s tombait et qu'on le faisait tent de mnoi, maitre?" > relever 1 coups de fouet on de baiounette, > your peu que la perte de son sang qui ruis- BY HON. LUIAN HELEN MONTAGUE, > selait sur tous ses membres Iui laissit encore J.P., D.H.L. > un peu de force, il se mettait a danser et > criait avec un surcroit d'enthousiasme: As a Jcwess I am interested in the BahP'i > "En vPriti nous sommes B Dieu et nous Community. The teaching lays particular > retournous i lui." Quelques-uns des en- stress on the Unity of God and the Unity > fants expirerent pendant le trajet; les of Man, and incorporates the doctrine of > bourreaux jererent leurs corps sous les pieds the Hebrew Prophets that the Unity of God > de leurs pPres et de leurs soeurs, qui marcher- is revealed in the Unity of men. Also, we > ent fiPremnent dessus et ne leur donnerent pas seem to share the conception of God's mes- > sengers as being those people who in their > denx regards. Quand on arriva au lieu > deep reverence for the attributes of God, > d'exbcution, on proposa encore aux victimes > la vie pour leur abjuration. Un bourrean His beauty, His truth, His righteousness > imagina de dire 21 un pere que, s'il ne cedait and His justice, seek t o imitate Him in their > imperfect human way. The light of God is > pas, il couperait la gorge B ses deux fils sur > reflected in the soul of him who seeks to > sa poitrine. C'ktaient deux petits garEons > be receptive. Like the members of the > dont Pain4 avait 14 ans et qui, rouges de > Bahi'i community, we Jews are scattered > leur sang, les chairs calcinies, Ccoutaient > all over the world, but united in a spiritual > froidement le dialogue; le pPre repondit, en > brotherhood. The Peace ideal enumerated > se couchant par terre, qu'il 6tait prCt et > by the Hebrew Prophets is founded on faith > I'aln6 des enfants, rkclamant avec emporte- > in the ultimate triumph of God's justice > lnent son droit d'alnesse, de~nanda B dtre > and righteousness. > igorgi le pre1nier.l Enfin tout f u t > ached. La nuit tomba sur un amas de > chairs informes; les tCtes Ptaient attachies > en paquets au poteau justicier et les chiens "Palestine may indeed be now regarded > des faubourgs se dirigeaient par troupes de as the land not of three h u ~ > of four faiths, > ce cbt6. because the BahCi creed, which has its cen- > Cela se passait en 1 8 5 2 . La secte de ter of faith and pilgrimage in Acre and > Mozdak sous Chosroks Nousch f u t ttouffhe Haifa, is attaining to the character of a > dans un pareil bain de sang. Le divoue- world-religion. So far as its influence goes > ment absola est pour les nations nai'ves la in the land, it is a factor making for in- > plus exquise des jouissances et une sorte de ternational and interreligious understand- > besoin. Dans I'affaire des Bibis, on vit des ing." > gens qui Ctaient i peine de la secte, venir (From "Palestine," by Norman Bentwich, > se dCnoncer eux-m@mesafin qu'on les ad- p. 231.) > joignit aux patients. I1 est si doux A > l'homme de souifrir pour quelque chose, que > dans hien des cas l'appit du martyre suffit > pour faire croire. > - Trois prophetes > Un nutre dCtail que je tiens de source premiere > Queiques sectaircs, au'on ~ 0 u l a i tamcner > c s t celui-ci: AlorS que Ie marxislne sovietique pro- > B r&tractation, furent ztrachCs i la gueule de canons > amarc~s daune ,,,Ache langue er brfillne lentunent. clame le matdrialisme historique, que > On leur propasait de couper la m i h e , s'ilr reniaienr les jeunes ghn&rations sionistes sont &gale- > le Bib. Eux, les bras rendus vers l e feu, le sup- merit de en plus indiffbrentes ault > pliaient dc sc h3ter at de venir bien vitc consomrncr > leur bonheur. croyances Ctablies, une nouvelle religion est > REFERENCES T O TH E B A H A ' ~ F A I T H 475 > > nbe en Orient, et sa doctrinc prcnd, dans diqur: unr prcaiience ttunnante des ivtne- > les circonstances actuelles, un int6ri.t d'au- ments qui se sont dkroulCs depuis: la guerre > tant plus grand que, $&cartant dn domaine d'ahord, la crise ensuite. I1 mourut peu > purement philosophique, elle pricooise en apres la guerre, ayant vu la realisation de la > economie politiqne des solutions qui coi'n- premiere partie de ses propheties. > cident cnrieusement avec les preoccupations L'originalitC du Bahi'isme est de chercher > de notre Cpoque. h faire passer dans le domaine pratique, et > Cette religion, de plus, est par essence plus particuliPrement dans le domaine social, > antiraciste. Elle est nee en Perse, vers 1840, les principes essentiels du juda'isme, du ca- > et les trois prophltes successifs qui I'ont tholicisme et de l'islamisme, en les combi- > prechke sont des Persans, c'est-h-dire des nant et en les adaptant aux hesoins de notre > musulmaus de naissance. Ppoque. > Le premier, le crkateur, s'appelait le Bbb. Le Bahi'isme proclame que les rapports > I1 precha vers 1850, et priconisa, outre la sociaux deviement fatalement impossibles > riconciliation des diffCrents cultes qui divi- dans une socittC oh l'idealisme individuel ne > sent l'humanitb, la libbration de la femme, donne pas une base certaine aux engagements > rkduite aujourd'hui encore a un quasi escla- qui lient les hommes entre enx. > vage dans tout l'Islam. L'individu se sent de plus en plus isole > Une Persane d'une race beaut&, et qui, au milieu d'une jungle sociale qui menace, i > chose rare chez les musulmanes, etait douee beaucoup d'kgards, sou bien-stre et sa sC- > d'un grand talent oratoire, repondant an curit&. La bonne volontC et l'honfittete, ne > nom difficile B prononcer de Qourratou-'I- produisant plus dans sa vie et dans son tra- > ' f i n , l'accompagna dans ses reunions, n'hesi- vail le rksultat qu'il attend, tendent h perdre > tant pas, en donnant elle-m8me I'exemple, i pour lui toute valeur pratique. De 1h nais- > priconiser la suppression du voile pour les sent, selon les caracteres, I'indiffkrence et le > femmes. dkcouragement, ou l'audace, le manque de > Le B6b et elle rtussirent 4 convaincre, B scruples qui tendent B se procurer par tous > l'dpoque, des dizaines de milliers de Persans les moyens, mCme les plus rCprthensibles, > et le shah de Perse les emprisonna l'un et les bknkfices materiels necessaires B l'exist- > l'autre, ainsi que la plupart de leurs partisans. ence. > Le Bbb fut pendu. Sa belle collaboratrice fut La socikte, n'etant plus soumise i aucum > ktranglCe dans sa prison. Leurs disciples contr&le, ni politique ni moral, devient un > furent exiles & Saint-Jean-$Acre, devcnue, vaisseau sans gouvernail oh personne ne peut > temple du "Bahhlsme." C'est ainsi que plus rien prevoir et qui est sujet h des crises > j'ai visit4 la maison du successeur du Bib, de plus en plus frkquentes et de plus en plus > Bahyu'llih, transformhe anjonrd'hni en violeutes. L'dpoque actnelle, dCclarent les > temple du "Bahai'sme." C'est ainsi que prophPtes persans, marque la fin d'une civili- > s'intitule cette religion, qui est plutht une sation qui ne sert plus les intkrSts de l'hu- > doctrine ph~losoph'i~ue, car elle ne comporte maniti. > ni culte dkfini, ni surtout de clergi. Les Elle aboutit h la faillite complbte des in- > prttres, disent les Bahiistes, sont tent& de stitutions morales et materielles destinkes Q > fausser, dans un but de lucre, l'idkalisme assurer le bien-Stre et la ~ecuritedes hommes, > dksintbressk des crCateurs de religions. c'est-&-dire l'fitar, l'hglise, le Comtnerce et > Bahi'u'llih, le principal des trois proph- 1'Indnstrie. Le principe fondamental d'oh > etes, ripandit sa doctrine non seukn~enten peut venir le salut de la civilisation engag&e > Orient, mais dans beaucoup de pays #Europe, dans des voies qui conduisent 21 sa destruction > et surtout aux Etats-Unis oh son influence est la solidarite des nations et des races. Car > f u t telle que le nombre des Bahii'stes attient l'interpinktration des penples est devalue > aujourd'hui plusieurs millions. I1 fut perse- telle qu'il leur est impossible de trouver isolC- > cut4 par les Perses et mourut en exil. ment la voie de la prospkrit8. > Son fils, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, lui succCda et for- Ces prophities, qui pouvaient paraltre > mula, d'aprhs les principes de son pbre, la excessives et quelque peu pessimistes & > doctrine konomique du Bah6i'sme; elle in- l'Cpoque oh elles ont Ctd faites, vers 1890, > 476 THE BAH6'f WORLD > ne sont pas, les Bvenements l'ont prouve, de dont l'influrnce et les e~lsei~ne~nents rcnou- > simples jkremiades. I1 reste iexaminer com- vellent la vie intirieure de l'homme et font > ment, partant de ces donnies, qui ne sont deferler h travers le monde une nouvelle > que trop exactes, le Bahiisme, concu dans vague de progrks. > la Perse lointaine et si arrieree i l'epoque, "Chaque nouveau cycle ditruit les croy- > aboutit aux mCmes conclusions que la plu- ances et les institutions uskes du cycle price- > part des economistes modernes qui, dans les dent et fonde sur d'autres croyances, en > diffirents pays de civilisation occidentale, Ctroite conformiti, celles-li, avec les besoins > proclament qu'en dehors d'une collaboration actuels de I'humanite, une civilisation nou- > internationale il n'y a pas d'issue possible 1 velle. > la crise actuelle entrainant tous le peuples "L'influence de chaque prophbte s'est, dans > h une misere toujours plus grande. le passe, limitic i une race ou iune religion, > (From LES ~ C H O S , Paris, France, Septem- en raison de I'isolement g6ographique des > ber 27, 1933.) regions et des races, mais le siecle dans lequel > nous entrons necessite la creation d'un ordre > i. organique s'Ctendant au monde entier. Si le > vieiI esprit de tribu persiste, la science dPt- > Uue religion "~couomigue" > ruira le monde, ses forces destrnctrices nc > Les principes du BahGsme, formulis par pouvant itre contrBlies que par une hu- > son principal propht.te, Bahl'u'llih, peuvent manit6 unie travaillant pour la pl-osperiri et > paraitre sirieasement compromis en un temps le bien commun. > oh la frenisie nationaliste, ricemment ag- "La loi de la lutte pour la vie n'existe plus > gravee de racisme, semhle en eloigner de pour l'homme dbs qu'il devient conscient de > plus en plus l'application. ses pouvoirs spirituels et moraux. Elle est > Toute la question est de savoir si ceux alors remplac&e par la loi plus haute de la > qui sont en faveur aujourd'bui, dans rant coop&ration. Sous cette loi, l'individu jouira > de pays, sont susceptibles de rbsoudre le pro- d'un statut beaucoup plus large que celui > bkme non pas de la prosperiti, mais simple- qui est accord6 aux citoyens passifs du corps > ment du logement et de la Saim, dans les politique actuel. L'administration publique > differentes nations qui nient par leurs thio- passera des mains de partisans politiques qui > ries et tous leurs acres la solidariti des communiste plus ou moins th60rique, mals > peuples et des races. d'hommes capables de considerer une charge > Une nouvelle guerre mondiale sera sans publique comme une mission sacrec. > doute nCcessaire pour que l'humanite, qui "La stabilite economique ne depend pas > n'a pas encore compris la l e ~ o nde 1914, se de l'application de tel plan socialiste ou > rende enfm compte que les solutions de vio- communiste plus ou moi'ns thkorique, mais > lence et de conqutte ne peuvent engendrer du sentiment de la solidarite morale qui unit > que la mine g&ndrale,sans profit pour aucun tous les hommes et de cette conception que > des belligerants. les richesses ne sont pas la fin de la vie, mais > Quoi qu'il en soit, les principales pensies seulement un moyen de vivre. > economiques de Bahi'u'llih, telles qu'elles "L'important n'est pas en une aveugle > ont kt&formulees il y a un demisibcle, prou- soumission genkrale B tel systbme politique, > vent que la sagesse et le simple bon sells ont A tel ri.glement, qui ont pour effet de sup- > cela de commun avec les icrevisses, c'est primer chez l'individu tout sentiment de > qu'il leur arrive frkquemment de marcher 2 responsibilitO morale, mais en un esprit > reculons. d'entr'aide et de cooperation. Ni le principe > Voici les principaux prdceptes de ce dt4mocratique, ni le principe aristocratique > moderne Marc-Aurele: ne peuvent fournir separement i la societe > "L'ivolution huinaine se divise en cycles une base solide. La democratie est impuis- > organiques, correspondant h la dude d'une sante contre les querelles intestines et l'aris- > religion, laquelle est d'environ un millier tocratie ne subsistc que par la guerre. Une > d'annies. Un cycle social nouveau com- combinaison des deux principes est donc > mence toutes les fois qu'apparait un prophbte n6cessaire. > REFERENCES TO T H E BAHA'i FAITH 477 > > "En cette period? de transition entre le > vieil Bge de la concurrence et I'ire nouvelle > Malgri les tristesses de notrc dpoque et > de la coop&ration, la vie m&ne de I'hums- > peut-&tre mCme a cause d'elles, je reste > nit4 est en peril. Les amhirions nationalistes, > convaincue que les idtes h la fois divines et > la lutte des classes, la peur et les convoitises > humaines qui sont l'essence du BahB'isme > Cconomiques sont autant de forces qui > finiront par triomyher, pourvu que chacun > ponssent i une nouvelle guerre intemation- > de ceux qui en comprennent l'immense > ale. Tous les Gouvernements du monde > interst continue quoi qu'il advienne h les > doivent soutenir et organiser une assemblke > d4fendrc e t Q les plopager. > dont les membres soient ~111spar i'tlite des > (Excerpt from a letter dated October 29, > nations. Ceux-ci devront niettre au point, > 1934.) > au-dessus des igoismes particuliers, le nou- > veau statut economique du monde en > dehors duquel tons les pays, mais surtout > I'Europe, seront conduits aux pires catas- "The Japanese race is of rational mind. > trophes." No superstition can play with it. Japan is > Ahdu'l-Bahf, son successeur, reprenant la the only country in the world where re- > doctrine de son yere, coucluait dans un dis- ligious tolerance has always existed. The > cours prouonc& i New-Yorlc en 19 12: Japanese Emperor is the patron of all re- > "La civilisation matirielle a atteint, en ligious teachings. The Bah6'i publications > Occident, le plus haut degri de son develop- now form part of His Majesty's Library as > pement. Mais c'est en Orient qu'a a pris accepted by the Imperial House. . . . > naissance et que s'est diveloppee la civilisa- "The search for truth and universal edu- > tion spirituelle. Un lien s'etablira entre ces cation inculcated by the Bahl'i Teachings, > deux forces, et leur union est la condi- if soundly conducted, cannot fail to interest > tion de I'immense progris qui doit @treac- the Japanese mind. Bahf'ism is bound to > compli. permeate the Japanese race in a short time." > "Hors de 18, la securitd et la confiance > feront de plus en plus defaut, les luttes et > les dissensions s'accroitront de jour en jour > et les divergences entre nations s'accentue- The philosophy of Bahf'u'l16h deserves the > ront davantage. Les pays augmenteront best thought we can give it. I am return- > constammeot lenrs armements; la guerre, ing the boolr so that other blind people who > puis la certitude d'une autre guerre mondiale have more leisure than myself may be > angoisseront de plus en plus les esprits. "shown a ray of Divinity" and their hearts > L'unitB du genre humain est le premier be "bathed in an inundation of eternal > fondement de toutes les vertus." love." > Ainsi parla 'Abdu'l-Bah6 en 1912, et tout I take this opportunity to thank you for > se passa cornme il l'avait pr4dit. your % i d thought of me, and for the in- > Mais ces paroles n'ont pas vieilli; elles spiration which even the most cursory read- > pourraient, sans le moindre changement, ing of Bahi'u'llih's life cannot fail to im- > dtre rCpCtCes en 1933. Aujourd'hui, comme part. What nobler theme than the "good > il y a vingr a m , la menace de la guerre esr of the world and the h~ppinessof the na- > de nouveau suspendue au-dessus de nos tetes tions" can occupy our lives? The message > et les causes de haines et de conflits s'accumu- of universal peace will surely prevail. I t is > lent tel point que, s'il existe vraiment un useless to combine or conspire against an > flux et un reflux des idCes, on peut presque idea which has in it potency to create a > conclure, avec une certaine dose d'opti- new earth and a new heaven and to quicken > misme, que nous n'avons jamais 4t6 si pris human beings with a holy passion of service, > de venir aux idCes de cooperation qui, seules, (In a personal letter written to an American > peuvent nous sauver. Bah6'i after having read homething from > (From LES ~ C H O S ,Paris, France, Septem- the Braille edition of "BahPu'llfh and > ber 28, 1933.) the New Era.") > 478 T H E BAHA 'i WORLD > > (Exccrpt from prsonal letter dated May > 18, 1 9 3 4 . ) > The Bahi'i Movement of Persia should be > a welcome adjunct to true Christianity; we BY H . R . H. PRINCESS > OLGAOF JUGOSLAVIA > must always remember how artificial the H. R. H. Princess Olga, wife of H. R. H. > growth of Latin Christian ideas has been as Prince Regent Paul of Jugoslavia, daughter > compared with the wide and less defined of H. R. H . Prince Nicholas of Greece and > beliefs native t o early Christian faith. cousin of His Majesty King George I1 of > (In a letter to the "Daily Sketch," London, Greece, is deeply interested in religion and > England, December 16, 1932.) in education, and her wonderful kindnesses > to every one have been commented upon > beautifully in several English boolrs and > magazines as well as b y the Balkan press. > Continue t o do what you are doing, "I like the Bahh'i Teachings for universal > spread these principles of humanity and do education and universal peace," said this > not wait for the diplomats. Diplolnats alone gracious Princess in her charming villa on > cannot bring the peace, but it is a great the Hill of Topcidor, Belgrade, on Janu- > thing that officlal people begin t o speak ary sixteenth, 1936; "1 like the Bah6'i > about these universal peace principles. Take Movement and the Young Men's Christian > these principles to the diplomats, to the uni- Association, for both are programs to unite > versities and colleges and other schools, and religions. Without unity no man can live > also write about them. I t is the people who in happiness." Princess though she is, she > will bring the universal peace. stressed the important truth that every man > (In an audience with an American Bahb'i ?must do his job! "We are all sent into this > journalist in Praha, in 1928.) world for a purpose and people are too apt > to forget the Presence of God and true > religion. I wish the Bahi'i Movement every > Archduchess Anton of Austria, who be- success in the accomplishn~znt of its high > fore her marriage was Her Royal Highness ideals." > Princess Ileana of Rumania, in an audience > with Martha L. Root, June 19, 1934, in > Vienna, gave the following statement for Excerpt from Cor?no?~zktapolis, 193 1, > The Bahd'i World, Vol. V: "I like the pp. 108-109 > Bahb'i Movement because i t reconciles all Nous avons trace dans ces pages seule- > Faiths, and teaches that science is from God ment la signification du Bahiisme, sans > as well as religion, and its ideal is peace." examiner tous ses principes et son pro- > gramme pratique dans lequel sont harmoni- > BY DR. HERBERTADAMSGIBBONS sees avec I'idkal religicux "les aspirations et > American Historian les objectifs de la science sociale." Mais > I have had on my desk, and have read on doit attirer l'attention de tous les esprits > several times, the three extracts from 'Ab- libres sur ce mouvement, dont les promo- > du'l-Bah6's Message of Social Regeneration. teurs ont le merite d'avoir contribue a la > Taken together, they form an unanswerable clarification de I'ancienne controverse entre > argument and plea for the only way that la religion et la science-et d'avoir donnP > the world can be made over. I t we could a maint homme un peu de lear tolerance et > put into effect this program, we should in- de leur optimisme: "L'humanite etait > deed have a new world order. jusqu'ici restee dans le stade de I'enfance; > "The morals of humanity must undergo elle approche maintenant de la maturiti" > change. New remedy and solution for hu- ('Abdu'l-Bahi, Washington, 19 1 2 ) . > man problems must be adopted. Human Qui osera repeter aujourd'hui, dans la > intellects themselves must change and be mOl4e des haines nationales et socialzs, cette > subject to the universal reformation." In sentence de progres? C'est un Oriental qui > these three sentences we really have it all. nous a dit cela, a nous, orgueilleux ou scep- > REFERENCES T O THE BAHA'I FAITH 479 > > Bahb'i Friends gathered in Convention, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1934. > > ticlues Occidentaux. Nous voudrions voir stroyed the barriers between nations, that > aujourd'hui, dans P~lremagnehitlkriste, dans the world needs a uuiting force, a kind of > les pays terroris& par le fascismne, paralysis super-religion. I think Bahi'ism could de- > par la dictature politique,-un spectacle velop to such a kind of religion. I am > dicrit par le suisse Auguste Forel d'aprbs quite convinced of it, so far as I know the > I'anglais Spragne qui a vue en Birmanie et Teachings of Bahb'u'llih. . . . There are > en Inde, des bouddhistes, des inahomCtans, modern saviors and Bahi'u'llbh is a Savior > des chretiens et des juifs, qui allaient bras- of the twentieth century. Everything must > dessus bras-dessous, comme des frkres, "au be done on a democratic basis, there must > grand 6tonnement de la population qui n'a be international brorherhood. We must > jamais vu une chose pareille!" learn to have confidence in ourselves and > then in others. One way to learn this is > BY ARTHURHENDERSON through inner spiritual education, and a > Excerpt fmm a letter dated way to attain such an education may be > January 2 6 , 193Y through Bahi'ism. > I have read the pamphlet on the "New 2. > World Order" by Shoghi Effendi. It ic an I srill of the opinion that I had four > eloquent expression of the doctrines which years ago the ~ ~ h i M~~~~~~~ > 'i call > I have always associated with the Bahgi form the best basis for international good. > Movement and I would like to express my will, ~ ~ h i ' ~ q~1 6i ~ ~ is ~the ~ l f > great sympathy with the aspirations towards Creator of an eternal bond between the > world unity which underlie his teaching. ~~~t and the west. . . , ~h~ ~ ~ h ireach, > ' i > BY PROP.DR. V. LESNY ing is a living religion, a living philoso- > 1. > . > phy. . . > I do not blame Christianity, it has done > The conditions are so changed now, since a good work for culture in Europe, hue > the technique of the present time has de- there are too many dogmas in Christianity > 480 THE B A H A. ' f WORLD > > at the present rime. . . > . Buddhism was > very good for India from the sixth century The Bahi'i Teaching carries in its Mes- > B.C. and the Teachings of Christ have been sage a fine optimism-we must always in > good for the whole world; but as there is spite of everythmg be optimists; we must > a progress of mind there must be no stop- he optimists even when events seem to prove > ping and in the Bahi'i Faith one sees the the contrary! And Bah6'is can be hopeful, > continued progress of religion. for there is a power in these Teachings to > bring to humanity tranquillity, peace and a > higher spirituality. > A cette Cpoqne oh I'humanitC semble > sortie d'un long sommeil pour revivre a > While sectarians squabble over creeds, the > I'Esprit, conscietninent ou inconsciemment, > Bahi'i Movement goes on apace. I t is grow- > l'homme cherche et s'blance B la poursuite > ing by leaps and bounds. I t is hope and > de l'invisihle et* de sciences qni nous y > progress. I t is a world movement-and it > conduisent. > is destined t o spread its effulgent rays of > L'angoisse religieuse aussi n'a jamais it4 > enlightenment throughout the earth until > plus intense. > every mind is free and every fear is ban- > Par sa grande &volutiou l'homme actuel > ished. The friends of the Bahb'i Cause be- > est prCt B recevoir le grand message de Ba- > lieve they see the dawn of the new day- > h6'u'Ilbh dans son mouvement synthetique > the better day-the day of Truth, of Jus- > qui nous fait passer de l'ancienne compre- > tice, of Liberty, of Magnanimity, of Uni- > hension des divisions i la comprChension > versal Peace, and of International Brother- > moderne oh nous cherchons i suivre les > hood, the day when one shall work for > ondes qui se propagent traversant t o u e > all, and all shall work for one. > limitation humaine et de la creation. > (Excerpt from the Rogc~.ofiMagazine) > Chaque combat que nous livrons i nos > penchants nous degage des voiles qui sepa- BY LUTHERBURBANK > rent le monde visible du monde invisible et > augmente en nous cette capaciti de percep- I am heartily in accord with the Bah6'i > tion et de s'accorder aux longeurs d'ondes Movement, in which I have been interested > les plus varikes, de vihrer au contact des for several years. The religion of peace is > rythmes les plus divers de la creation. the religion we need and always have needed, > Tout ce qni nous vient directement de la and in this Bahi'i is more truly the religion > nature est toujours harmonie ahsolue. Le of peace than any other. > tout est de capter l'iquilibre de route chose > BY PROF.YONENOGUCHI > et lui donner la voix au moyen d'nn instru- > ment capable d'dmettre les mOmes harmo- I have heard so much about 'Abdu'l-Bah6, > nies que notre %me, ce qui nous fait vibrer whom people call an idealist, but I should > et devenir le lien entre le passe et l'avenir like to call Him a realist, because no ideai- > en attaignant une nouvelle &tape corre- ism, when it is strong and true, exists with- > spondant 2 l'4volution du monde. out the endorsement of realisn~. There is > En religion, la Cause dc Bahi'u'llih, qui nothing more real than His words on truth. > est la grande r4vCIation de notre ipoque, His words are as simple as the sunlight; > est la mdme que celle du Christ, son temple again like the sunlight, they are universal. > et son fondement les memes mis en har- . , . No Teacher, I think, is more important > > monie avec le degre de maturite moderne. today than 'Abdu'l-Bahh. > > BY DAVIDSTARRJORDAN BY PROFESSOR FRANKPIPER > RAYMOND > Late President of Stanford University These writings (Bahi'i) are a stirring fu- > 'Abdn'l-Bahl will surely unite the East sion of poetic beauty and religious insight. > and the West: for He treads the mystic way I, like another, have been "struck by their > with practical feet. comprehensiveness." I find they have ex- > REFERENCES T O 1' H E B A H P ; ' ~ F A I T H 481 > > traordkrary power t o pull aside the veils ritice. Faithfully they fulfill their oflice > that darken my mind and to open new vi- and professional duties. Long ago they > sions of verity and life. already solved the problem of the Eastern > woman; their children are carefully edu- > BY ANGELAMORGAN cated. They are sometimes reproached for > One reason I hail with thanlc~givin~ the their lack of patriotism. Certainly, as spe- > interpretation of religion known as the cifically frinian as the S_hi'ih Faith, the > BahCi Faith and feel so deep a kinship with Bahi'i Faith can never become; but the > its followers is that I recognize in its Revel- BahCi Religion like Christianity does not > ation an outreach of the Divine to stum- preclude the love of one's fatherland. . . . > bling humanity; a veritable thrust from the Are the Europeans not sufficiently patriotic! > radiant Center of Life. According to my experiences, the Bahi'is > Every follower of this faith that I have in that respect, are very unjustly criticized > ever met impressed me as a living witness by their Muhammadan brothers. During > to the glory at the heart of this universe. the centuries the S i ' i h Religion has de- > Each one seemed filled with a splendor of veloped a deep national tradition; with this > spirit so great that it overflowed all bnunda- the universal Babi'i Faith will have a hard > ries and poured itself out upon the world battle. Nevertheless, the lack of so great > here in this moment of time, by some con- numbers is richly recompensed by the fer- > centrated act of love toward another hu- vor and the inner spirit of the ir6nian Ba- > man being. h6'i Community. The Bahl'i world com- > munity will educate characters which will > BY ARTHURMOORE appear well worthy of emulation by people > The lovely peace of Carmel, which still of other Faiths, yes, even by the world of > attracts mystics of different faiths, domi- those now enemies of the Bahi'i Cause. > nates Haifa. On its summit are the Druses The experience acquired in the West, for > in their two villages; at its feet the German me was fully verified also in the frdnian > Templars, whose avenue leads up to the Orient. The Bah6'i Faith is undoubtedly > now large and beautiful terraced property an immense cultural value. Could all those > of the Persian Bahi'is on the mountainside. men whose high morality I admired and still > Here the tombs of the Bib and of 'Abdu'l- admire have reached the same heights only > Bah6, set in a fair garden, are a place of in an another way, without it? No, never! > international pilgrimage. On Sundays and Is it based only on the novelty of the > holidays the citizens of Haifa of all faiths Teachings, and in the freshness of its closest > come ior rest and recreation where lie the followers? > bones of that young prophet of S_hiriz who > nearly a hundred years ago preached that BY A. L. M. NICOLAS > all men are one and all the great religions Je ne sais comment vous remercier ni > true, and foretold the coming equality of comment vous exprimer la joie qui inonde > men and women and the birth of the first man coeur. Ainsi donc, il faut non seule- > League of Nations. ment admettre mais aimer et admirer le > Bib. Pauvre grand Proph6te nk au fin fond > BY PROF. DR. JAN RYPKA de la Perse sans aucun moyen #instruction > The Bahi'is of i r l n are resolutely firm in et qui seul au monde, entour4 d'ennemis, > their religion. Their firmness does not arrive par la force de son genie a creer une > have its roots in ignorance. The irinian religion universelle et sage. Que Bahi- > inborn character causes them to see things 'u'116h lui ait, par la suite, succ6d4, soit, mais > somewhat too great, slightly exaggerated, je veux qu'on admire la sublimitk du Bhh, > and their dissensions with the ruling Isldm qui a d'ailleurs pay6 de sa vie, de son sang la > make them a little bitter towards it. Every- rkforme qu'il a prtchke. Citez-moi un au- > thing else in their characters is accounted tre example, semhlahle. Enfin, je puis > for as due to their Teachings; they are mourir tranquille. Gloire i Shoghi Effendi > wonderfully ready to help and happy to sac- qui a calm6 mon tourment et mes inqui6- > 482 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD > > tudes, gloire B lui qui reconnais la valeur London ro the Firsc Races Congress in > de Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad dit le Bib. July, 1911, when I heard for the first time > Je snis si content que je baise vos mains of the Bahi'i Movement and its summary > qni ant tracC mon adresse sur I'enveloppe of the principles for peace. I followed it > qni m'apporte le message de Shoghi. Merci, during the war and after the war. The > Mademoiselle. Merci du fond du coeur. Bahi'i Teaching is one of the spiritual > forces now absolutely necessary to put the > spirit first in this battle against material > forces.... The Bahi'i Teaching is one of > I have followed it (the Bahi'i Cause) the great instruments for the final victory > with deep interest every since my trip to of the spirit and of humanity. > IN MEMORIAM > A B A H ~ P' I~O N E E R O F E A S T A N D W E S T - > DOCTOR SUSAN I. MOODY (THE HAND- > MAID OF T H E MOST HIGH) > Amatu'l- A'li > BY JESSIE E. REVELL > " I N reality," says 'Abdu'l-Bahh, "faith whose teaching Dr. Moody was always ex- > embodies three degrees: to confess with the ceedingly grateful. > tongue; to believe in the heart; to give evi- The first BahVi Sunday School in Chicago > dence in our actions." In writing a brief was conducted by Dr. Moody and later > account of the life of Dr. Susan I. Moody she was one of the group of Bahl'i sisters > the real faith, as quoted here, is outstanding. who traveled up and down the outskirts of > She was born November 20, 1851 in Chicago's north side in search of the best > Amsterdam, New Yorlr, of Scotch-Cove- location for the now famous BahVi Temple > nanter parents. Here she received the usual in Wilmette, Illinois. > schooling and orthodox religious training of About 1908 a party of American Bahl'is > the "best" families of the day. After traveled to frhn to visit the Bahh'is in that > graduating from Amsterdam Academy, she land, and while there some friniau doctors > taught school, later entered the Women's asked if it would be possible to induce an > Medical College in New York City. After American woman doctor to come to Tihrhn, > her parents passed away, she made her home frhn, to live, for the purpose of caring for > with her brother in Chicago where she the women of frin who at that time were > studied music. Still later, Dr. Moody so deprived of skilled medical care. Stop- > studied painting and sculpture at the Art ping in 'Akki, Palestine, on their return, > Institute of Chicago, then for three years the Americans communicated this wish to > in the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadel- 'Abdu'l-Bahh who asked them if they knew > phia, then under the great painter Chase, in of such a doctor. The name of Dr. Moody > New Yorlc and finally, in the art schools was presented, and she received word with- > and studios of Paris, but she was not, how- out delay from 'Ahdu'l-Bahi telling her > ever, to make art her life work for instead she had been chosen for this great medical > of following the professional art career, for work in frln. "I knew then," Dr. Moody > which she was well qualified, she finally often remarked, "why I had felt the urge > yielded to the conscantly increasing urge so strongly to study medicine; I was obliged > which she felt and concluded her study of to study medicine in order to come to frin." > medicine, graduating from a Chicago medi- When the call came from 'Abdu'l-Bahl, > cal college. she proceeded immediately on her journey. > During those early days of her life in Enroute to frln, Dr. Moody stopped in > Chicago, she met friends who were attend- the Holy Land to see 'Abdu'l-Bahl and re- > ing the first classes formed for the study of ceive from Him the necessary instructions > the Bahi'i Revelation, which classes she and encouragement for the work ahead of > joined but did not become a confirmed be- her. At the time of parting He said, "You > liever until 1903, after making an inten- will need patience." He also further stated > sive study of the teachings with Mrs. Isa- that He was sending her t o frhn and > bella D. Brittingham, for the privilege of whether living or dead He would always > THE BAHA'i WORLD > > Dr. Susan I. Moody, 18F1-1934. > > he with her. During that visit with 'Ab- determination to accomplish what 'Ahdu'l- > du'ldahl, Dr. Moody made a vow which Bahd wished her to do. > was, "All that I am and have, and all that Often she prayed for the supreme pa- > I hope to be and have, I dedicate to Thee, tience which 'Abdu'l-Bahl had prescribed. > 0 God." She also said that those three She soon became fluent in the irinian lan- > days in the Holy Land with the Master, guage. Frequent were her letters to Amer- > 'Abdu'l-Bahl, were all her life. ica, explaining her work, enclosing photo- > Dr. Moody arrived in Tihrin November graphs and telling of the lack of freedom > 26, 1909. 'Ahdu'l-Bahd mentioned to some and education of the irdnian women, of the > pilgrims the great love with which the custom of wearing the veil, etc., of the > Bahi'i of f r l n had greeted Dr. Moody when Bahi'i work of establishing a hospital, a > she arrived in frhn, saying that between girl's school and a Ma'riqu'l-A@ir there. > Enzeli, on the Caspian Sea, and Tihrln there In a Tihrin newspaper in 1910 appeared > were nineteen relay stations and at sixteen the following: > of these there were Bahi'is gathered to "DOCTOR MOODY-AMERICAN LADY- > greet the western Bahi'i. Soon after her not only does she know medicine, but also > arrival a reception was given to her and gynecology, obstetrics and women's dis- > Dr. Moody then knew she had an eter- eases. Her good qualities and kind attri- > nal home in the hearts of these dear butes, her love for her Persian orientaI > friends. sisters, are all equal. Every day from morn- > During her fifteen years of service to ing till noon shc is in her office, No. 10 Ave- > the Cause in irln, many were her difficulties nue Aladauleh, receiving her patients for > and hardships but she had an inflexible consultation, examination and treatment, ex- > cepting Friday and Sunday afternoons, when and self-sacrificing life was the fact that it > she goes t o the Hospital Sebat (Hospital of was built on the solid foundation of the > Health), where she meets the patients of Word of God. She had a keen spiritual > the higher and wealthier class. perception, a pure and undefiled conception > "We give the utmost thanks and grati- of the Bahi'i teachings, and a desire to > tude to such a noble woman, to such a re- render instant obedieiice. She was humble, > spected person, whose presence here is a selfless, and her sense of justice was out- > great privilege to the country of Persia. standing. > O n account of the great care of this blessed After fifteen years of unique service in > person, the sick of all nationaliries, Moslem, i r i n , Dr. Moody returned to America until > et al., become well. We beg of God to conditions in Tihrin would improve and > keep this blessed and respected person with enable her t o resume her work. Accom- > US.)' panied by Miss Elizabeth H . Stewart she > Aside from her ~nedicalwork, there was inade a visit in Haifa and there the writer > ever present in her mind the most impor- joined them. Dr. Moody was the first of > tant question of the education of girls. the four American Bahl'i women t o go t o > Often she would say, "My heart aches for fran and survived the longest. > the neglected ones." She found that many Dr. Moody, Miss Stewart and the writer > of the Bahl'i men were in full sympathy arrived in New Yorli City in January, > with her views and through Bahl'i co- 1921, where the Bahi'is had arranged a > operation and consultation a girl's school reception at the Hotel Waldorf Astoria. > was started with an attendance of thirty Calmly, yet with the dramatic emphasis > pupils. It has now an enrollment of sev- which always surrounds one who has actu- > eral hundred and is known as the Tarbiyat ally participated in stirring events, Dr. > School for Girls. Someone has declared it Moody related her experiences in Tihrhn. > to he "the greatest among all the schools After this reception she remarked t o the > in Tihrhn." One of the activities most dear writer, "To return to America and receive > t o the heart of Dr. Moody was the raising such love from the friends, is worth more > of funds for an additional building. She than any sacrifice one could make." > wished this fund to be known as the "Kap- That the remarkable work of Dr. Susan > pes Memorial Fund" in memory of Miss I. Moody in Tihrhn had made her a public > Lillian Kappes, the first American Bahb'i figure in this country was well illustrated > teacher who died in frill after giving nine by extensive articles which appeared in the > years of untiring service t o the School. Dr. press. While in Oakland, California, she > Moody not only started the Tarbiyat School took a short trip in an aeroplane and the > for the secular education of girls, she also press published her picture with her pilot > founded the Baha'i study classes for girls and an article in part as follows: "Accord- > and herself visired these classes every Fri- ing to Dr. Moody, who contrasts her entry > day. These study classes were managed by into Tihrin, the capitol of frill, in a coach > trained teachers and in these classes many and four where she went t o spread the > who started years ago in the first course gospel of hygiene t o the Muhammadan > are now teaching others. women, and her exodus in a "flivver" of > Dr. Moody was loved and honored by doubtful vintage twenty years later, she > thousands of people in her life time, among sees no reason why aerial transportation > them being Major Robert W. Imhrie, who should hold any fears for the women of > offered protection to the Bahl'is and who today." > suffered martyrdoin b y fanatical Muham- During her stay in America from Jann- > madans. During the epidemic of influenza, ary, 192!, t o November, 1928, Dr. Moody > the famine and a variety of dreadful con- was interesting friends t o help with the > ditions, Dr. Moody wrote to America, "Oh, work she, together with the Tihrhn friends, > what a mercy that we are alive and awalr- expected to continue an her return to f r i n , > ened and trying to serve in the Kingdom of the Kappes Memorial School. She was a > Abhl." The secret of Dr. Moody's noble member of the Revell household in Phila- > 486 T H E BAHA'i WORLD > delphia for ahout 2 year and during that instructing Persia rear monument perpetu- > time although she was then past 75 years ating memory (of) her noble mission. (1) > of age, yet young in spirit and progressive am gladly defraying whatever expense in- > and active, she studied Esperanto with a curred as token (of) my admiration for > class. community (i.e., America) to which she > In 1928, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of originally helonged and on which her sacred > the Bahh'i Cause, sent the following in- life shed imperishable lustre. Advise hold- > structions t o Dr. Moody: "I pray that you ing befitting Memorial gathering (in) > may soon in the company of a capable and Temple Foundation Hall." > devoted American co-worker, resume your Her funeral was attended by hundreds of > historic labors for our beloved Cause in BahPi friends. Scores of school girls, with > Tihrin." Following this suggestion on No- flowers in hand walked in procession > vember 17, 1928, Dr. Moody, then 77 years through the city' for at least one mile to > of age, left for irin, accompanied by Miss Gulastin-i-Javid (Perennial Garden), the > Adelaide Sharp of San Francisco, California, burying ground of the Bahh'is. > who volunteered her services at the Tarbi- BahPu'116h in one of His Tablets says: > yat School in Tihrin. To Dr. Moody's bis- "The soul that hath remained faithful to > toric career in Tihrln was now to be added the Cause of God and stood unwaveringly > the final chapter of complete consecration firm in His path shall, after his ascension, > t o Bahh'i service. They conferred with be possessed of such power that all the > Shoghi Effendi in Haifa en route to fran. worlds which the Almighty hath created > Dr. Moody, named by 'Abdu'lLBahh can benefit through him." > "Amatu'l-PIC' which means the handmaid > of the Most High, wrote of the welcome in > Tihr6n in part as follows: "The friends > came singly, in groups, committees, assem- > blies, more than seven hundred the first With the passing of our dearly beloved > week, and still we are greeting many new BahPi brother, Hooper Harris, from this > and old friends, both women and men. phenomenal world to the invisible eternal > Words fail t o express the joy of our 'home- realm, the world-wide Bahh'i Community > coming.' I wish you might have seen how sustained the loss of one more of those faith- > that love overflowed in gifts, potted vines, ful and devoted souls who gave the best > plants, flowers, silver vases, confectionery, years of their lives to the promotion and > sweets of all kinds. Do you wonder why establishnent of the F a ~ t hof Bahi'u'lltih > the two Americans were overwhelmed?" in the West and in the East. > After her return to Tihrin, due to age, her William Hooper Harris was horn in > health gradually weakened but she con- New York City, December 14, 1866. All > tinually worked for the Kappes Memorial his early years, however, were spent in > School, and the friends called on her con- Nashville, Tenn. After finishing High > stantly. At the end of her life when asked School, financial difficulties at home pre- > for some statement from her regarding her cluded his intended study of law at Col- > service to keep for posterity, Dr. Moody lege. He therefore worked by day, studied > said, "Let it go, let it pass into the Infinite." law at night and was admitted to the bar > Shoghi Effendi cabled to America as fol- in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1893. In > lows: "Passing dearly beloved Susan Moody 1887, he married Sarah Gertrude Rawls of > deprives BahCi world (of the) far-famed Birmingham and in 1894, they came to > pioneer who, through her indomitable spirit, New York City to live, where he became > ceaseless services, earned unique distinction. an expert court reporter, doing work of > (She) forged first link in (the) chain unusually high quality till the very day of > uniting (the) spiritual destinies (of the) his death. > cradle of our faith (i.e., Persia) and (the) In New Yorli City, in 1899, his wife, > community (of its) stalwart defenders in ever persistent in her desire and search for > (the) great American Republic. (I am) Truth, was told, by Mrs. Archie Fisk, of the > I N MEMORIAM > > Hooper Harris, 1866-1934. > > Bahi'i Faith and Mrs. Harris soon realized request for specific instructions as to how > it to be the object of her search. Hooper to teach in India, 'Abdu'l-Bahh's only reply > Harris accompanied her to hear the Bahh'i was, "Face the people with a smile on your > Message and ere long he, too, realized the face and the love of God in your heart and > Light and Bounty of the Revelation of rely wholly upon the Holy Spirit." 'Abdu'l- > Bahi'u'llih. Bahi sent with Mr. Harris and Mr. Ober, > Thereupon he became a faithful and de- as companions and teachers, two frinian > voted student of the BahB'i Revelation and teachers neither of whom could speak Eng- > of all the previous Revelations of Truth to lish. One was Janabi Ibn Abhar, an > mankind, especially those parts of the vari- elderly frinian who had suffered for years > ous Books which prophesied this Great Day in prison and in chains for his Faith, the > of Light. His continuous study and un- other Mirzi Mahmfid, a young man whom > tiring efforts to know the Truth spiritually we knew later when he came to America > as well as mentally proved to be a timely with 'Abdu'l-BahP in 1912. > preparation which enabled him to answer From the time of the first address given > the call of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 in 1906 for an aboard the ship by request of the Captain, > American to go to India to teach the Cause. just before reaching Naples, Mr. Harris > On November 10, 1906, Mr. Harris, ac- was engaged continuously, day by day, for > companied by Harlan Ober of Beverly, a period of seven months, in promulgating > Mass., left New York City for 'Akki to the Faith. The letters which he sent from > receive the blessing and instructions from the East t o the friends in America form > 'Abdu'l-Bahi. In answer to Mr. Harris' a large volume and give most vivid descrip- > 'f WORLD > > tions of his activities in Bombay, Poona, thr Cause can be rncasurcd only by the All- > Lahore, Calcutta, Rangoon and Mandalay. Seeing Eye of God Himself. We see and > He was privileged to address large audi- know but a few of the traces of his spirit; > ences of the Brama Somaj and Arya Somaj Balli'u'llAh knows the full record. > movements, Theosophical Societies, The Na- Our prayer is that ~ a h P u ' l l i hmay eter- > tional Association of Indian Women, and a nally shower His love and bounty upon our > Conference of Religions held at Lahore. He beloved brother in the Faith, Hooper Harris. > was interviewed by many interested seek- From a letter received by Mrs. Harris > ers individually. He wrote a series of six from Shoghi Effendi, dated September 20, > articles upon the Faith for the Zoroastrian 1934, the following excerpt is quoted: "His > daily newspaper and other articles for the passing in these early days of the formative > "Bombay New Thought Magazine" and the period of our Faith is, indeed, a severe loss > "Times of India." not only to his friends and relatives but also > His work in India was well done and and mainly to ail the American followers > time alone will reveal the harvest from the of the Movement who had found in his > seeds planted so carefully and prayerfully person not only a real and sincere fellow- > in the fertile soil of India. believer hut also an active and capable ex- > Mr. Harris returned to New York in ponent of the teachings and principles of > 1907 and continued ceaselessly to set forth the Cause." From the same letter, the post- > the teachings, stressing the logical fulfill- script written by the Guardian: "The irre- > ment of the successive Covenants of God parable loss of your very dear husband has > and bearing witness to the inspiration, removed a distinguished figure from the > glory, and responsibilities of living in this community of the American believers and > Day of fulfillment. inflicted a severe blow to its best interests. > His constant and efficient work in teach- The share he has had in lending fresh impe- > ing caused him to be appointed by the tus to the teaching activities of its members, > National Spiritual Assembly as Chairman of the contributions he has made to the ad- > the National Teaching Committee of the vancement of its institutions, the example > Northeastern States, and the Conventions he has set by his single-mindedness, his elo- > and Conferences arranged by him proved quent presentation of the essentials of God's > a great benefit to those privileged to attend. Faith and his exemplary devotion to its > He served as a faithful, conscientious and cause will long be remembered after hi. > active member of thr New York Spiritual He w a s indeed one of the leading apostles > Assembly for all but a few scattered years of Bah6'u'llih." > from 1901 till his death on July 27, 1934, > and the present Spiritual Assembly feels > deeply the loss of his sincere and disinter; > ested counsel. > A t one time, in the early years of the The friends of the New York Assembly > Cause in America, the Harris home served as were deeply grieved to read the following > headquarters for the "Board of Counsel"; in despatch from London to "The New York > fact, his home was open at all times to the Times" of the passing of Harry Houston > friends. Many of the teachers of f r i n sent Romer on April 1 3 , 193 5 . > to America by 'Abdu'l-Baha were his guests. "On April 13, 1935, Harry Houston > Mr. and Mrs. Harris were rejoiced to have Romer, member of the Associated Press, > 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself spend an afternoon domestic and foreign staffs, died today of > and night in their home in 1912. heart disease, aged 64 years. A native of > The many Tablets which Hooper Harris Westchester County, N. Y., Mr. Rorner was > received from 'Abdu'l-Bahi-now preserved a member of an old American family. Dur- > in the National Archives in Chicago-were ing the war he held important posts in the > a constant stimulant toward ever greater news organization. He became Chief For- > effort to serve. eign News Editor and later was placed in > Hooper Harris' life of loving devotion to charge of the Berlin Bureau. Subsequently > IN MEMORIAM > > Harry H. Ronler, 1870-1931. > > he was a member of the London Staff where ings and lectures at the New York Center, > his experience and background in United at "The Bahi'i Congress," and at the Ethical > States and international affairs aided him ~n Culture Society, etc. The program for this > handling the swiftly moving events of the work at the Center was essentially planned > post-war era. Mr. Romer carried on his for the purpose of presenting to the people a > duties through the present European crisis coniprehensive outline of Bahh'u'llbh's great > until physicians ordered him to bed two principles laid down for the New World > weeks ago. Surviving him are his widow Order and to study the most efficient propa- > and a son, Professor Alfred S. Romer, of ganda for this worlc. > Harvard University." First Mr. Romer conceived the idea of > I t was in 1922 that Mr. Romer became a publishing each week (Saturday) in the > member of thc New York Community. On Leading newspapers unique and attractive > April 21, 1924, Mr. Romer was elected to advertisements which included quotations > the Spiritual Assembly and after February from the words of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l- > 19, 1921, was its chairman. On April 21, Bahh. This was the first time such a thing > 1921, he was again elected to the Spiritual ever had been done and it was found to > Assembly and made chairman. O n June 11, be a most effective way to publish the > 1921, he was a delegate to the Convention "Word of God." See page 490 for an > at Greenacre. example. > I t was the writer's happy privilege to be The plan resulted in capacity audien?es > closely associated with Mr. Romer during throughout the entire series. For two years > the period of establishing the public meer- Mr. Romer took the responsibility of adver- > 490 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > the sense of the i r ~ i ~ o r t a ~of~ c the > e thcn > THE FORCE BEHIND > THE NEW CIVILIZATION little-known BahPi Movement. I t was > The Moving Power of the Present Marvelous largely through his efforts that much of the > World Dweloprnent Revealed by the > Baha'i Message publicity was obtained at the time of 'Ab- > Next iu the Senes of Free Ledules o n > the Basic BahB'i Princ~pler, at the du'l-Bahb's passing. He heralded the news > BAHA'i LIBRARY > 250 W e t 57th Street, to the press, and leading newspapers pub- > Sunday, Nav. 16, 4 P. M . , by lished reports which in some cases gave his- > MARY HANFORD FORD > Subject: > torical data of the Cause and an outline of > '"HE TEMPLE OF MAN" 'Abdu'l-Bahi's visit to the United States. > "In this dav he who seeks t h e lizht of the We consider that Mr. Romer rendered > Sun > ~b';,.f,;hes~.\;g,";p;J 2; :;: > Truth must free his lnlnd f r o m t h c > & > & > d > :;h signal service to the Cause in his association > of virtue Then shall he arrive at the with the New York Assembly during a pe- > ocean of 0ncnesr."-Behb'u'ilph. > All Cordially Invrted. riod when it was emerging into a new phase > Library open daily, 10 A. M. t o 4 P . M. of Bahd'i activities after the passing of > 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > tising and printing for this work, including ~ i , qualities were his > Bahi'i meetings on other platforms. straightforwardness, uncompromising loy- > Mr. Romer's devoted and inspiring service alty to truth, keen perception, clear vision, > never flagged; always his thought enter- simplicity and humility. w i t h him -word > tained the broad, universal scope of Bahi- and deed alike one color bore," H~ lived > 'u'llih's teachings and was the basic view- and dwelt in the steadfastness of his shining > point from which all activities emanated. faith, very kind in life, naturaland > His very presence of radiant cheer was a simple, with an unerring instinct for the > pervading influence at' all gatherings-a finest and best, especially in and lit- > presence which banished all fears-strength- erature, he attracted all him by = > ened our hope and faith in the power of benevolent equity and tenderness of soul. > BahB'u'll6h to overcome all difficulties which > might arise. I t was a thrilling experience in I t was in 1926, that Mr, and Mrs. Romer > that we were privileged to witness the "Sun arrived in London, and at once became > of Truth" dispersing all clouds. known to the friends. The presence of these > No thought of self or personal advantage two sincere and earnest Bahb'is has had an > ever dimmed the light of his clear vision. influence on the Cause that cannot be esti- > Like all illumined aouls he exhaled the frag- mated till the secrets of all hearts are dis- > rance of humility. He had but one all- closed. Mr. Romer was prevented by his > embracing desire-the advancement of the professional obligations from taking the > Cause and the promulgation of its Teach- active part in the work of the Movement, > ings. Nothing could depress his buoyant which his wife undertook so faithfully; but > spirit or lessen the fervor of his vital efforts his influence was deeply felt. His sincerity > in this work. He had indeed caught a and selflessness gave great value to his coun- > glimpse of the Glorious Splendor and it grew sel, and his simple faith was an inspiration > upon him as he witnessed the result of ear- to all who knew him. He was beloved for > nest effort evolving steadily and increasingly his kindIy generous nature, and when he > as the months passed. We fel-c it to be a entered a gathering an added warmth and > great appreciation when our dear departed light seemed perceptible. He was always > brother, Mr. Hooper Harris, said, "You've reluctant to speak in public, or to take a > established a great work and it will go on prominent part in meetings; but when he > forever." could be prevailed on to do so, his words > Mr. Romer was the only professionaI carried great weight, for they were backed > newspaper man in the Bahi'i community by a life lived on the purest Bahi'i ideals. > and he spread the knowledge of the Bah6'i A young friuian was once heard to remark > Movement throughout the News Association that they looked on him as the exemplar of > with which he was connected, thus estab- what a Bahi'i should be. I n 1929 great > lishing in the minds of many foreign editors efforts were made to give the Movement a > I N MEMORIAM 49 1 > better setting in London. It was felt that HOWARD LUXMORECARPENTER > a Center for work and meetings should be \-- > ( 1 9 0- 6- - ---', > 193%) > acquired; and a room at Walmar House, > Dr. Howard Carpenter became a BahPi > Upper Regent Street, was rented. Mr. Romer > through conversations with Howard Mac- > did good work on the Committee formed to > Nutt when the latter was lecturing in > bring this into operation. Later, in 1933-34 > California, and shortly afterward he matric- > he served on the London Spiritual Assembly, > and Finance committee; but the exactions of ulated at Stanford University, graduating > his profession gave him very httle strength from the Stanford Medical School in 1932. > or leisure for other thmgs, and it was his During his uliveraity years he attended > strong sense of BahPi obligations that led Bahl'i meetings at Stanford and in San > him often to tax his strength unduly. Francisco, and served on the San Francisco > Though averse to public speaking, Mr. Assembly in various capacities including > Romer was never backward in speakine of that of Chairman. He was present at the > - u > > the faith that was in hinl, and in his daily ~essiousof the Geyserville Summer School, > life he found cou~tless opportunities to and was the first to build a cabin on land > speak of the Cause. offered to Bah6'is by John Bosch for that > In matters of policy he always deprecated purpose. A t Stanford he exemplified the > any t e l ~ d e n c to > ~ rigidity or sectarianism; Bah6'i principle of race oneness-inciden- > and his clear, direct vision always led him to tally startling his university contemporaries > a clear and logical conclusion. There was no by rooming with Yoshio Okumoto, a Jap- > compromise with truth as he saw it. anese fellow-student. > I t was with great gief that the friends He married Mardiyyih Nabil in 1929, and > heard of his sudden illness a l ~ dthat the doc- in 1932 he and his wife left San Francisco > tors had ordered him to have complete rest. for Vielma, where he toolc a medical course, > His brave cheerfulness had concealed from 2nd afterward at the Guardian's direction > most of them how heavily the weight of traveled through Central Europe and the > business cares had pressed on him, undermin- Balkans. With Martha Root in Vienna, > ing his health. No one was prepared, how- Budapest and Belgrade, he then spent five > ever, for the sudden call, "Friend, go up weeks in Sofia, Bulgaria, assisting Miss > higher." Marion Jack, after which he stopped briefly > His outward presence was quietly with. in Saloniki and went on to Tirana, Albania, > drawn, without stress or undue sufiering, to visit Refo Chapar~. He then left for > but he was coi~sciousto the last. Haifa, where he stayed three weeks on his > His earthly form rests in the beautiful way to TihrAn. > cemetery at Hainpstead close to his last In frln, notwithstanding the efforts of > home. the Assembly, he was prevented for more > A Bahb'i Service was held in the Chapel than one year from obtaining a medical > there; and as the friends gathered round the license. His health failed, and he was bed- > grave, passages from the Hidden Words were ridden for many months. At last his ~ h ~ s - > recited. " 0 Son of Spirit, with the joyful ical condition improved, he resumed activi- > tidings of light I hail thee. Rejoice! To ties as a member of the Unity of the East > the Court of holiness I summon thee, =bide and West Committee, and the authorities > therein that thou Inayest live in peace for granted him a license to practise medicine. > evermore," seemed to fill the hearers with At this time he was stricken with paralysis. > solemn joy, for truly they felt that his spirit He lay seven months in a hospital, after > was with his Lord. His lovable, kindly which Mr. and Mrs. Rahmat 'Alh'i invited > nature, his sensitive artistic soul, and above him to their home, surrounding him with > all his uncompromising straightness remain the same loving care which they had given > with a fragrant memory and inspiration, Keith Ransom-Kehler the year before. His > while we believe that hc is called to worli in doctors advised a return to the United > a higher station in the presence of Bah6- States as his only hope for recovery; he > 'u'116h. braved the long journey across the desert > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Dr. Howard Luxmoore Carpenter, 1906-193: > > by motor, the presence of the 'Ali'is, who brilliance, his almost surgical frankness, his > escorted him to Haifa, helping him to sur- hatred of sentimentalism, his intellectual ap- > vive it. proach to the Cause of Bahl'u'llih, his utter > After nine days in Haifa, during which devotion t o the furtherance of Bahl'i insti- > the Guardian visited him daily, he tooli a tutions, were a light and guide to those who > ship for New York where he was greeted accompanied him through his brief life. O n > by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the occasion of his passing, the following > then left by way of the Panama Canal for cable was sent his family by the Guardian: > San Francisco. Here he had recourse t o the "Griefstricken sudden loss beloved precious > best medical authorities, but was pronounced soul. Meinory his interrupted historic serv- > incurable. He passed away November 24, ices in Persia imperishable. Assure . . . > 1 9 3 1. He is buried at Sunset Memorial Park relatives profound sympathy ardent prayers > in Berkeley. The Bal~l'i service held for Holy Shrines-Shoghi." > him was conducted by Leroy Ioas of San > Francisco; Bahl'is of Berkeley, Oakland, As it was the privilege of Howard Car- > Geyserville, San Francisco and Santa Paula penter to achieve his greatest tribulation in > were present, and the words of Bahi'u'116h the land of BahA'u'lUh, one is reminded in > on immortality radiated such power as to this connection of the words addressed by > efface all thought of death. Bahi'u'llih to Tihrin: "0 Land of T i ! > Those who remember Howard Carpenter Thou art still, through the grace of God, > are especially grateful for certain of his a center around which His beloved ones have > qualities of mind, qualities which served to gathered. Happy are they; happy every > enrich the lives of those near to him. His refugee that seeketh thy shelter, in his suf- > I N MEMORIAM 493 > > Dr. Edward C. Getsinger, 1866-1935. > > ferings in the path of God, the Lord of this -"Gleanings From The Writings of Bahi- > wondrous Day!" 'u'llhh," translated by SHOGHI EFFENDI. > "Thou hast, moreover, asked Me concern- > ing the nature of the celestial spheres. T o > comprehend their nature it would be neces- > "Give ear, 0 My servant, unto that which sary to inquire into the meaning of the allu- > is being sent down unto thee from the sions that have been made in the Boolis of > Throne of thy Lord, the Inaccessible, the old to the celestial spheres and the heavens, > Most Great. There is none other God but and to discover the character of their rela- > Him. He hath called into being His crea- tionship to the physical world, and rhe influ- > tures, that they may know Him, Who is ence which they exert upon it. Every heart > the Compassionate, the All-Merciful. . . ." is filled with wonder at so bewildering a > 494 THE BAHA 'f WORLD > > theme, and every mind is perplcxed by its interest. His interpretation of the science > mystery. God, alone, can fathom its im- of celestial mechanics was to remain to him > . > port. . ."-]bid. a fascinating branch of the great scientific > tree of astronomy. > "These holy ones have, moreover, an- In the year 1893, Dr. Getsinger is found > nounced that when He Who is the Day at Chicago, as he writes: "Was appointed > Spring of the manifold grace of God mani- one of the state's (Michigan) delegates to > festeth Himself, all the Prophets and Mes- World's Congress of Scientists, Chicago > sengers, including the QB'im, will gather World's Fair." And it was at this Fair, in > together beneath the shadow of the sacred another World's Congress, rhe "World's > Standard which the Promised One will raise. Congress of Religions," that the Baha'i > That hour is now come."-Ibid. Faith, the greatest of all the interests that > was later to gain and hold the attention of > Within the above quotations, one can per- Dr. Getsinger, was first mentioned in > ceive the heavenly skies that hounded the America. > life history of Dr. Edward C. Getsinger. T o As its distinguished Guardian Shoghi > his many friends, who recall the spirit of Effendi has written: "Of pomp and circum- > Dr. Getsinger's interests and Faith, both stance, of any manifestations of public re- > the problems that attracted his attention joicing, or of popular applause, there was > and the final success of his life are therein none to greet this first intimation t o Amer- > clear and evident. ica's citizens of the existence and purpose > Dr. Getsinger was born at midnight, Jan- of the Revelation proclaimed by Bah6'u'IlBh. > uary 7-8, 1866, in the town of Franken- Nor did he who was its chosen instrument > muth, Saginaw County, Michigan. He died profess himself a believer in the indwelling > in Hollywood, California, March 12, 1935. potency of the tidings he conveyed, or sus- > The name of his parents is given as Goet- pect the magnitude of the forces which so > singer or Goetzinger, but he, himself, always cursory a mention was destined to release." > wrote his name as Getsinger. Whether, or not, "the magnitude of the > At the early age of seven, the child, forces" released by the mention "of the > Edward, had left the home of his parents Revelation proclaimed by Bahi'u'llkh" at > and disappeared into a neighboring town. this great World's Fair in Chicago in 1893 > Five years were to elapse before he was again had, in some way not as yet understood, an > seen by his parents; for in this town he had effect upon Dr. Getsinger, certain it is that > been talcen into the home of a former pro- Thornton Chase, confirmed by the Center > fessor of Heidelberg University and there of its Covenant, 'Abdu'l-Bah6, as "the first > he contentedly remained. At this early age BahS'i in America," heard of the BahCi > he is fascinated by the mystery of the lumi- Faith within a year (June 1, 1894), and > nous bodies in stellar spaces, and often Dr. Getsinger is listed as certifying t o his > climbs to the roof to gaze at the illimitable wish to be counted a believer in the Bah6'i > heavens. Cause on October 27, 1897. (At this time > A t a later date he feels himself a disciple the early believers considered the giving of > of Hahnemann, who passed away in 1843, the Greatest Name as the symbol of ac- > and takes to reading medicine with such ceptance.) > success that, at 2 2 , he is admitted to prac- I n his own chronology of events, Dr. Get- > tice in the state of Michigan, having served singer is d e n t as to the years after the Fair > the required year in a hospital, and is classed in 1893, until the year 1896. Dr. Getsinger > as a homeopath. writes: "It (the Bah6'i Faith) was first > But with Dr. Getsinger, the practice of brought to my attention in Chicago in 1896, > medicine as the object of his life, beautiful and after hearing the Message as delivered to > and important as this profession is, when me by a Syrian, I returned to my home in > united with the Love of God, soon gave way Detroit, Michigan, and there studied the > to the more preponderant appeal which the matter for months in absolute fairness to > stars in their orbits exerted in attracting his truth." By 1897, he had accepted the Reve- > ORIAM 495 > lation of Bahi'u'llih. And, also, in 1897, and all to the principles for which He stands > he married Lua A. Moore. in the world." > Again quoting Dr. Getsinger: "Mrs. According to his own account, before > (Phoebe) Hearst read of me in the news- becoming assured of the existence of God > papers in 1897, and called me to her Haci- because of the clear logic in the Bahb'i Faith, > enda. She was regent of the University of Dr. Getsinger had been an atheist. This > . . > California . gave her the Message." (Of statement he makes in a lecture written by > the Bahb'i Faith.) In response to this call him and from which he read in 1902, and > Dr. and Lua Getsinger went to California he goes on to ask his audience, reading from > together, and not many months elapsed be- the same lecture, "What power or glory of > fore Mrs. Hearst expressed the wish to visit any belief can bring atheists back when once > 'Abdu'l-Bahb in His home in 'Akkb, the they turn from hope? Only the sensible > Prison City of Palestine. She invited Lua truth, rational religion, scientific exposition, > and Dr. Getsinger to be her guests on that clear interpretation of' symbolic prophecy as > trip. Late in the year 1898, they all de- given by the Bahi'is can accomplish this." > parted for the Holy Land, via Paris, France. An old friend of Dr. Getsinger writes > To quote from the letter of an early be- of him: "His early writings show him to > liever: "She (Mrs. Hearst) took them .. . have been a student. . . . And even then > to 'Abki and they were the very first he warred upon worldliness, a~nb'itiou,pride > pilgrims to the Prison City, from Amer- and strife. . . . He was ,. . . not an egoist, > ica." for he did not regard self-development and > "Mrs. Hearst and her guests went first t o self-satisfaction as the supreme end of ex- > her home in Paris, France; she took her col- istence." > ored butler from there ... to 'Akki, and As one sympathetically reviews Dr. Get- > the Master, as you probably know, was very singer's life, its two strong foundations are > loving and kind to Robert." his zealous attention to research along scien- > From the account of still another early tific lines, and his, but for a short interval, > believer, it is ascertained that Mrs. Hearst continuous, unfailing service to the Faith of > remained for a time in Paris, France, sending Bahl'u'llbh. Dr. Getsinger's aim, and his- > Dr. and Lua Getsinger ahead of her to torians of the Faith will probably record > 'Akkb, where she joined thein later. these matters in detail, was the search for > In Lua's written account of this first additional truths that seemed unquestionably > pilgrimage of Americans t o the "Most Great related to the central truth of all truths to > Prison" city of 'Akki, Palestine, the state- him, the great Revelation of Bahi'u'llih. > ment is made that she and Dr. Getsinger Those in position to know state that he > arrived in Haifa, Palestine, Thursday, De- left volu~nesof manuscripts completed only > cember 8, 1898, about 10:30 P.M. The day three or four days before his death, of re- > after the next day, of December lo, 1898, search into the ancient truths of the Old > in the morning, they left Haifa, and in a Testament and in relation to his theories of > short time they had arrived at 'Akkh, passed celestial mechanics. At one time he had > through its gate and had gone directly t o toured the universities and had been invited > the home of 'Abdn'l-Bah6. They then met to Carnegie Institute in relation to these > 'Abdu'l-Bahi. subjects. > Dr. Getsinger writes: "When I first saw Of his early services to the Bahl'i Cause > 'Abbis Effendi ('Abdu'l-Bahi) the Servant there is much of historic importance. In > of Bahb, at 'Akki, in spite of my former cn-operation with Mrs. Fannie G. Lesch, > belief I still had enough spiritual perception who had collected the material, and with the > witb(in) my living Tomb to see at once, a financial assistance of Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, > holy man, a divine character, a most humble as reported by Mrs. Lesch, he published the > yet profound spirit and intellect, a heart as first book of the Tablets of Holy BahP'i > great as human weakness, a mercy as wide as Writings ever to be printed in America. > justice, s soul that I could not comprehend Likewise, Mrs. Lesch states, he published the > and at that moment I consecrated my life first volume of "Hidden Words" translated > 496 T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD > in this country. With the approval of lishment; the child was wit-hdrawn from > 'Abdu'l-Bahb, he published, as he told this religious instruction at the request of her > writer, the Album of beautifully colored Nonconformist parents. This experience of > photographs of Bahi'i Holy Places in Pales- withdrawal was a sore trial to the sensitive > tine-these photographs had been taken by child, but its effect was t o make her search > a Greek photographer. The beautiful Tab- for causes and think for herself. This gave > let, the first which 'Abdu'l-Bahi chanted rise in her immature mind to what later > into a phonograph to he retained in record developed into a wholehearted and unfet- > form, was chanted after continued solicita- tered search for Truth. I t was during her > tion by Dr. Getsinger that He grant such a school days that Sarah Andrews heard fainr > request, and the record was brought to echoes of the terrible religious persecutions > America by Dr. Getsinger in 1899. in irin, which later she identified with the > I n that pamphlet of glorious promise and Blbis. She remembered vividly wondering > encouragement to American Bahi'is writtell why such deeds should be perpetrated be- > by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, cause of religion. She was an intelligent > in the year 1933, and called "America and student and before leaving school at the age > The Msst Great Peace," the Bahh'i Faith is of eighteen she was among the first group > divided into four decades to include the of young ladies permitted to enter for a > forty years, from 1893 to 1933, of its devel- Cambridge University Examination-a sign > opment in America. I n each of these decades in those days of the colning advancement of > Dr. Getsinger had lived as a Bahb'i accord- women. > ing to his ever growing understanding and In her early thirties Mrs. Blundell received > development. He was an old and tried a definite spiritual awakening. Such an ex- > believer. A friend has written of him: "My perience can never be adequately described > memorier of him are very precious of a by words. When speaking of it t o the > firm, faithful believer who gave all that he writer, she said, "I thought I was in Heaven. > had of Bah6'i treasures, his knowledge and Texts of scripture poured into my mind > anything he could do to serve the glorious with new meaning." In the light of this > Cause of Bahl'u'llih." awakening she received such deep spiritual > joy and strength that the material troubles > Note-The author wishes to acknowledge she was at that time encountering became as > assistance, in furnishing data upon which nothing. So having received "oil for her > this article is based in part, from Mrs. Fannie lamp" she continued her journey in the > G. Lesch, Miss Leone Basnitz, and W. F. "Valley of Search" with unwavering faith > Lucus. 2nd hope. Some years later in a state of per- > plexity, she took her problem to God in > prayer. She heard a voice which said, "Can > One of the pioneers of the Bahi'i Cause you go through poverty?" Her trustful re- > in New Zealand-Mrs. Sarah Blundell- ply was, "Through anything or anywhere > passed away at her home in Auckland on with Thee, Lord." > December 20, 1934, at the advanced age of In 1887, when Mrs. Blundell with her > eighty-four years. She was born at Burwell, husband and family of seven children ar- > Cambridgeshire, England in 18 10-the year rived in New Zealand, her faith was put to > sacred in Bah6'i history as that of the Bib's the test. Here she experienced for a time, > martyrdom. not only lack of material wealth, and the > Mrs. Blundell received her early religious comforts of life to which she was accus- > training from her father, Mr. Henry tomed, bur also lack of friends, for she came > A n d r e w k a Nonconformist of strong con- as a stranger to a strange country. She > victions and high principles. passed through these years of trial and test- > Before the age of seven she had acquired ing with cheerful courage, firm in her belief > a knowledge of Bible history and a desire in God's help and guidance. > "to be good." A t this time little Sarah was In her search for Truth she passed through > sent to boarding school-an orthodox estab- many fields of thought, emerging through > I N MEMORIAM > > Sarah Blundell, 1850-1934. > > the mists of dead creeds and dogmas, always Whilst in London, she said to the late > following the light, and helping doubtful Mrs. Claudia Coles, "For me, the search is > and troubled souls to set their feet on the over." > path of spiritual endeavour. From her acceptance of the Bahh'i reveIa- > From the "Christian Commonwealth" tion till the end of her life she experienced > Mrs. Blundell first heard of 'Abdn'l-Bahh's complete spiritual joy and contentment. > visit to London in 1911. There she read of The words of 'Abdu'l-BahB were fully ex- > His life and teachings, and was at once at- emplified in her life: "Sacrifice all thy tal- > tracted. She sent for literature which she ents at the feet of that heart-enkindling > read with an open mind and prepared heart, Beloved and characterize thyself with such > so when in 1922, Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn deeds and words that thou mayest become > came to Auckland to spread the Bahk'i mes- the cause of the guidance of others." She > sage, Mrs. Blundell invited them to her worked unsparingly for the Cause of Bahl- > home and there the first BahPi meeting was 'u'llih in New Zealand until her failing > held. physical powers could no longer reflect her > In 1925, Mrs. Blundell was one of the first loving spirit and her body was laid aside as > party of Pilgrims from Australia and New a wornout tool. She passed away peacefully > Zealand who were privileged to visit Haifa in the presence of members of her family, > -The Holy Family-The Shrines of the who ,received comfort and strength through > Bib, Bahh'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bah6, and t o the spirit of triumphant joy which filled the > come into personal contact with many con- room and which took away the sting of > firmed Bahi'i-a "crowning gift" to one death. Truly for her death was as "glad > whose spiritual path had been traveled alone. tidings." I n the hearts of New Zealand > -196 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Khalil Qamar. > > Bahl'is she will ever be a shining example of for those who gathered at her home for that > a beautiful and consecrated life. event. (The day the accompanying photo- > Mrs. Blundell's fathcr, Mr. Henry graphwas taken.) > Andrews, in the days of his early manhood > was one of a group of young men who met Slyym ~ A L I LEL-QAMAR OF 'AVASEQ > each day at midday for prayer and Bible > study in a room at the business house of Siyyid Lhahalil El-Qamar was born in > Messrs. Hitchcock & Williams, St. Paul's 1867 A.D. at 'Avl&iq, a village situated > Church Yard, London. Mr. Williams, one sixty-five miles from B a d d i d . After a > of the heads of the firm, on hearing of this long period of insistent and continuous re- > meeting was greatly impressed, and the idea sistance he was attracted to the Cause and > was born of forming the organization which wholeheartedly embraced the Faith and has > is known all over the world as the Young been f o r twenty-five years a famous and ac- > Men's Christian Association. tive Bahi'i. > -. During the whole period of his new Bahl'i > Mrs. Blundell's gift as a pianist was above life he was well known by his activities in > the average. Her music master in Germany the Cause not only at his birth-place bur > wished her to enter the profession, but this also at B a d d i d and in most parts of 'Irlq. > her parents did not agree to. All her life Although he was a villager by birth, illit- > she used her talent, giving pleasure to many. erate and very far from schoIastic life, an > Her soul qualities spoke through her fingers, agriculturist and landlord by calling, yet > uplifting her hearers with the spirit in the through the sublime spiritual influence of > music. O n her eightieth birthday she played the Cause he could eloquently present proofs > IN MEMORIAM > > Hiji Mhammad Yazdi. > of the Cause confirmed by Verses from the elected a member of it, which post he held > Qnr'6n and H a d i h to all classes of people, until the end of his life. > in such convincing manner that they became He was privileged twice during his life to > surprised by his inspired and effective speech. be honored by visiting our belove& Guard- > He was one of the few old believers who ian and was a recipient of his loving kindness > attended the court as a witness while the and appreciations, which increased consider- > case of the houses of Bah6'u'llih was under ably his activities and self-sacrifice. > trial. Amidst the infuriated populace he His tragic death occurred on January 9, > pushed his way to the court and very cour- 1936, in consequence of a falling down of a > ageously and boldly declared his faith and section of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Ba&did > gave the necessary testimony and paid no where he was sleeping with his eldest son > heed t o the menaces aqd intimidations, Isma'il and both of them died immediately. > though his life was exposed to inevitable This sad news was communicated to the > death under such critical circumstances. Guardian, who immediately sent a telegram > He was the real mover of the Friends of of deep sy~npathyand hearty condolences to > 'AvQ&iq and the one to whom they came the Friends of 'Avi&iq whicl~was followed > for help, guidance and counsel. He was an by a letter in appreciation of his brilliant > important factor in erecting the Haziratu'l- services, the translation of an extract of > Quds of his locality, which was the first of which, written by his secretary, is as fol- > its kind in 'Irlq. lows:- > He was secretary to che Spiritual Assem- "That zealous servant of God has ren- > bly, and on formation of the National Spir- dered excellent and sublime services t o the > itual Assembly of 'Iriq in 1931, he was tl~resholdof his merciful God. That digni- > I00 T H E BAHh'f WORLD > > Led m a l ~was the sign of firmncss and the or returning they would be the gnests of the > essence of steadfastness and rectitude, hold- Alexandria friends. > ing fast t o the teachings of God and cling- Meanwhile, in addition to the Alexandria > ing unto His brilliant and sacred command- interests, Muhammad Yazdi opened a store > ments. He never let any opportunity pass in 'Akki with his close friend the late Siyyid > without manifesting his self-sacrifice and 'Ali Yazdi and the two carried on business > sincerity and let no chance slip away with- there. In 1882, as a consequence of the > out showing his gallantry and solemnity. So rebellion of 'Arribi Pi&&, the occupation > it is no wonder if this sudden and unex- of Alexandria by Great Britain, the great > pected incident caused a deep grief and fire and the general confusion, he left for > intense sorrow to the Guardian who enter- the Holy Land, returning some seven > tained so great an attachment to him, was months later. > utterly satisfied with him, and had complete When in 1872, the life of every Bahi'i > confidence in him." was darkened by the ascension of Bahi- > 'u'llhh, he, suffering bitterly from separation > from his Beloved, in accord with the Will > and Testament of BahB'u'llih turned toward > The late y a j i Muhammad Yazdi, the son the Center of the Covenant, and, fully > of 'Abdu'l-Rahim-i-Yazdi, was born about obedient to 'Abdu'l-Bahh, remained firm in > 1810 in Yazd, and at the same time as his the Cause. At that period he was instru- > elder brother, the late &ay&-'Ali, he mental in establishing a Spiritual Assembly > achieved in early youth the privilege of be- which achieved renown. He later made of > coming a Baha'i. He then became the re- his residence in Ramlih (Alexandria) a gath- > cipient of blessed Tablets from Bahi'u'llih ering place for the believers, it being his > and was singled out for especial grace. To custom to hold regular Sunday meetings > such a degree was he set aflame that he spent lasting from afternoon till nearly midnight, > most of his time either in teaching the Cause at which occasions the believers would come > to his friends and kindred, in holding Bahi'i together, partake of refreshments and chant > feasts and gatherings in his home or in the holy prayers and Tablets. Whenever the > chanting the Tablets and prayers. At last, Master and members of the Household > however, he could no longer eudure his long- would visit that city, he exerted every effort > ing for the presence of Bahi'n'llhh; he set in carrying out the Master's behests. Previ- > out with the late H i j i Amin on his first ous to this he married Jamilih Khhnurn, > journey to the Holy Land, and there, in daughter of the late 'Ali Man&6diy-i- > 'Akki, he attained to meeting with the Yazdi, and believers from various parts of > Blessed Beauty. Egypa, from Port Said and Alexandria came > Afterward, with the permission of Bahi'u- to Ramlih for the wedding. > 'llih, Muhammad Yazdi went to Alexandria During the World War, from 1914 to > in Egypt and settled there. I n Alexandria 1717, Muhammad Yazdi carried on business > around the year 1870, he and the late Hiji in Beirut and Damascus, and also in Haifa > Siyyid Javid-i-Yazdi undertook the postal with my brother, Aqb Mirzi Husayn. > despatch of tablets from Bahi'u'llih t o the When the ascension of the beloved Master > Bah6'is of frhn and of letters from the had plunged the believers into sorrow, he > latter to the Holy Land. Within a few turned, obedient to the Master's Testament, > years some of the Baha'is who had come to the Guardian of the Cause, remaining > together in Alexandria established a trading staunch and steadfast. Around 1925, he > company, and conducting their affairs with went back to Port Said, engaging in business > great and spiritual harmony, they prospered. in the store of his brother, Ahmad Yazdi, > A t that period all the 'Akkl pilgrims trav- and almost yearly he would journey t o visit > eled by way of Alexandria; from the frinian the Guardian and pray at the Holy Shrines. > Gulf, from India, from the Caucasus and I n his eighty-fourth year, M4ammad Yazdi > Turkey, frinian and other believers would was struck by a motor cycle and passed > come t o the Holy Land, and whether going away September 1, 1933. He is survived > I N MEMORIAM SO1 > > by his widow, four sons and one daqhter Oil Company in fran; Rawhin, attending > as follows: say@-'Ali, now a resident of the School of Medicine at Lyons, France; > Berkeley, California; 'Abdu'l-Rahim, Port Fitirnih-Sultin, now living with her mother > Said; 'Aziz, employed by the Anglo-idnian in Port Said. > > E X T R A C T S FROM BAHA'f NEWS > I N MEMORIAM Christ Jensen, Racine, Wisconsin. > Owen Mead Snyder, Seattle, Washington. > Dmth proffereth m t o every confident Mrs. Bertha Bruss, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. > believer the cup that is life indeed. I t Mrs. Sophie Wagner, Milwaukee, Wiscon- > bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. sin. > I t conferreth the gift of everlasting life. Mrs. Mada Longmeyer, Chicago, 111. > As to those thrzt huzie tasted the fruit of Mr. W. M. Cline, Sr., Verdugo City, > man's earthly existence, which is the recog- Calif. > nition of the one true God, exalted be His Mr. A. I. Truesdell, Santa Monica, Calif. > glory, their life heyeafter is such as We are Dr. Howard Carpenter, Berkeley, Calif. > unable to describe. The knowledge thereof Mr. John Stoeffel, Baltimore. > is with God, alone, the Lord of all wo~1ds.- Mrs. Iva Johnson, Urbana, Ohio. > Bah6'u'lIih. Mrs. Annie E. McKinney, Providence, > Mrs. Lily Wiggins, Phoenix. R. I., and Eliot, Maine. > Frederick Diehl, Pasadena. Mr. Weaver vor~Kirtley, Glendale, Calif. > Mrs. Pauline Ayres, Trenton, N. J. Mrs. Clara Hillhouse, New Haven, Conn. > Mrs. George Busey, Urbana. Mrs. Frances A. Moore, Lima, Ohio. > Mrs. Angela Lynch, San Francisco. Mrs. Rose Hilty, Topeka, Kansas. > J. T. Reddin, Marstock, N. S. Dr. Edward C. Getsinger, Los Angeles, > Mrs. W. H . Repogle, Bakersfield, Calif. Calif. > Lorene Neville, Glendale, Calif. Mrs. Mathea Larsen, Racine, Wis. > Henry Blankenbecker, Mrlwauliee, Wis. Miss Mary Hudd, Washington, D. C. > Mrs. C. B. Anderson, New York City. Mrs. Lillian A. Kendall, Phoenix, Ariz. > Mrs. C. L. Lincoln, Brooklyn. Mrs. Nellie A. Rahn, Detroit, Mich. > Mrs. Frank Moxey, Newark. Mr. George Russell Monroe, Vancouver. > Mrs. Mary Isabel Marshall, Washington, Mrs. C. E. Cuddeback, San Francisco. > D. C. Mrs. Helen M. Babo, Chicago. > Charles F. Coles, Washington, D. C. Miss Rhoda Nichols, Troy, N. Y. > Otto Weiss, Teaneck, N. J. Mr. Leslie Calhoon, Racine, Wisc. > Hooper Harris, New York City. Dr. Clement Woolson, St. Paul, Minn. > Mrs. Julia McCormick, Everitt, Wash. Mrs. Dora Smith, Seattle. > Mrs. Sarah J. Swift-Hardy, Richmond Charles Belyea, Milwaukee. > Province, Quebec, Canada. Mrs. Caroline Brown, Chicago. > Otto Weiss, Closter, N. J. H. De Vogh Wright, Orange Springs, > Mrs. Harriet Schwartz Lebman, Colum- N. Y. > bus, Ohio. Mrs. Hulda Mecher, Muskegon. > Dr. Susan I. Moody, Tihrhn, i r k . Marshall Humphrey, Phoenix. > Samuel Angus Roberts, Kelvin, Arizona. George Monroe, Vancouver. > Fay Swain, Portland, Oregon. Miss Ella J. Abeel, Pasadena. > Mme. Frieda Stjerna, Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Eleanor Terry, Atlantic City. > Mrs. Mabel F. Geary, Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Fred Hale, New York. > Mrs. Evora Ella Jones, Worcester, Massa- Mr. E. B. Rabb, San Francisco. > chusetts. Col. Henry S. Culver, Eliot. > Mrs. Emma Hanson, Racine, Wisconsin. Mrs. Ellen M. Glines, Washington, D. C. > 102 T H E BAHA'i WORLD > Mrs. Gertrude Mattcrn, Washington, Mme. Marie Beck, February 10, 1915, > D. C . Lausanne, Switzerland. > George E. Witte, Willcox, Arizona. Miss Elsie Lea, Whit-Monday, June 1 0 , > Mrs. Thursa Morwood-Clark, Vancouver. 193 5, London, England. > William B. Remey, Bremerton, Wash- Mrs. Edith Burr, June, 1935, Florence, > ington. Italy. > Mrs. Maverette Fisher, Three Rivers, Mr. Kustner, June 1935, Stuttgart, Ger- > Massachusetts. many. > George Steiner, in April 1934, Gyar, Jinib-i-F6dil-i-&irhzi. > Hungary. MirzI T6&i W i n Bahin-Ayin. > PART THREE > B A H A I DIRECTORY, 1 y j l - 1 y j 6 > 9 2 OF THE B A H A ' I ERA > > BAHK'f NATIONAL S P I R I T U A L > ASSEMBLIES > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New Zealand, > Care of Miss Hilda Brooks, Box 447 D, Adelaide, SOUTHAUSTRALIA. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Caucasus, > Care of Mr. Diyl'u'lllh Asdarzidih, > 4 Victoria Avenue, Bishopsgate, London, E. C. 2, ENGLAND. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt, > 1'. 0. Box 1 3 , Daher, Cairo, EGYPT. > Telegraphic Address: Bahabureau, Cairo. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Babi'is of Germany and Austria, > Care of Dr. Eugen Schmidt, Reinsburgstrasse 198, Stuttgart, GERMANY. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Great Britain and Ireland, > Bahb'i Center, 86 Lancaster Gate, London, W. 2. > Telegraphic Address: National, As&arzidih, London. > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India and Burma, > Care of Mr. 'Abbis-'Ali Butt, 86/1, the Mall (Middle Flat), Simla, INDIA > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of 'Iriq, > P. 0. Box 5, Baddid, 'IRAQ. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of frln, > Care of Dr. Y. Afrb&tih, Avenue Barg, Tihrln, IRAN. > Telegraphic Adhess: Rawhini, Pirsiyin, Tihrin. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Turkistin, > Care of Mr. I?iyh'u'llbh As&are6dih, > 4 Victoria Avenue, Bishopsgate, London, E. C. 2, ENGLAND. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, > Secretariat, 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, N. J., U. S. A. > Telegraphic Address: BahS'i, New York. > > International Bahl'i Bureau, > Case 181 Stand, Geneva, SWITZERLAND. > Telegraphic Address: Bahh'i, Geneva. > Facsimile of Letter addressed by N&iri3d-Din S_hih t o 'Abbis-Quli sin-i-Lirijini > (dated 1280 A.H.) rewarding him for his share in the persecution inflicted upon he > B6bis. (See "The Dawn-Breakers,'' Chapters IX and XX.) > BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 1935-1956 > > B A H A ' i LOCAL S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLIES > AND GROUPS > This list has been compiled by the International Bahd'i Bureau of Gaeva, Switzer- > land. Omissions, errors and changes should be reported imnsediately to the Bureuu, > address Case I S 1 Stand, Geneva. > > Denotes Local Spiritual Assembly. > > ABYSSINIA- Plovdiv: Mr. Luca Konstantinof. (Plovdiv > Addis-Ababa: Sabri Elias, P. 0. Box 193. Gare.) > :>Sofia: C/O Miss M. Jack, Union Palace > ALBANIA- > Gjinokaster: Mr. Refo Chapari, State 130s- > Stara Zagora: Mme. Lesseva. > pital. > Turnova: Mrs. Dora Bour~noff. > AUSTRALIA- Varna: Mr. Nicholas Avramof, 30 Polk, > "Adelaide: Box 447 D. G. P. 0. Svychtara. > Brisbane: Mr. John B. Bedgood, Isaac St., > BURMA(see India and Burma)- > Paddington. > Goldsborough: Miss E. Baker, c/o Mrs. M. CANADA(see United States and Canada)- > Baker, Victoria. P. 0. Goldsborough. > Hobart: Miss Greta Lamprill, "Newlands," CAUCASUS- > Tooralr Ave., Newton, Tasmania. 'Bikil. > Melbourne: Miss M. Stephens, Box L, 1237, 'B616-KJ~bni. > Elizabeth St. P. O., Victoria. BitGm. > Nelson, N. 2.: Mrs. E. Watkin, Stoke. "Burdi. > Perth: Mrs. Annie 0. Miller, 71 Berwick St., Ghini. > Victoria Park. Darband. > 'Sydney: Mr. Guy M. Tnrnan, Kembla Bldg., Erivan. > Margaret St. '>Ganjih. > Khilli. > AUSTRIA- iGgc_hiy. > "Vienna: Mr. Franz Pollinger, Josefstadter- Naft616n. > str. 37, VIII. Petrovki. > Graz: Herr Adolf Fontana, Kirchengasse, 14. 'Si1iy6n. > Deutsch-Wagram: Herr L. Pundl. Shakki. > iijami!&i. > BELGILTM- > S_hiravin. > Antwerp: Mme. Steinmann, 13 Ave. Van > *Tinis. > Peet. > CHINA- > BRAZIL- Canton: Mr. C. S. Liu, Bureau for the Im- > Bahia: Miss Leonora Holsapple, Rua Alfonso provement of Sericulture, Department of > Celso 16. Reconstruction, Honglok. > Hong Kong: Mr. Pei Tswi, Manager, Bank > BULGARIA- > of China. > Bourgas: Mr. Nichola Vassileff, UI. Strurna > Shanghai: Mirzi H. A. Ouskonli, Box 5 5 1 . > 3 1. > Brenitza-BeloslatinsIra: Mr. Bentcho Chris- CZECHOSLOVAKIA- > toff. Bmno: Mr. Mahm6d Lhamsy, u. Dr. TuFka. > Dubnitza: Mr. Alexander Lyaptchev. 17. > 508 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD > > Praha: Mr. Vnk Echtner, c/o Bruckner, u. Frankfurt 2.M.: Friulein Edith Horn, Bur- > Pujcovny 2. nitzstr. 8. > Fiirth i.B.: Herr u, Frau Adolf Lorey, Krie- > DENMARK- gerheimstr. 16. > Copenhagen: Miss Johanne Sorensen, Bran- Geislingen/Steige: Herr Hans Kraiss, Geis- > nersvej 17 Charlottenlund hei Copen- lingen/Altenstadt/Steige, Oelweg 22. > hagen. Goppingen: Frau Anna Schoch, Ulrichstr. > 24. > EGYPT- Graal: Herr Karl Klitzing, Friedrich- > *Alexandria: P. 0. Box 1865. > Franzhaus. > Assiut: Mr. Muhammad 'Abdu'llih, E. S. > *Hamburg: Friulein Anna Bostelmann, > Railways. > Hamburg 24, Uhlandstrasse 43. > Beni-Suef: Mr. Fathi Kamil. > Heidelberg Friulein Fried1 Bleck, Mozart- > '*Cairo: P. 0. Box 13. Daher. > str. 9a. > Fayom: Mr. Muhammad Anis. > Heilbronn: Frau Marie Ott, Rabeweg. > 'Isma'iliyyih: Mr. KhaIil 'Ay6d, Suez Canal > Heppenheim: Herr Hans G. Schmidt, Post- > Co. > schliessfach 41. > Kantara: Mr. Muhammad 'Avaydb, Customs > ')Karlsruhe-Riippur-Gartenstadt: Frau Marca > Dept. > Brauns, Resedenweg 70. > Kawmu's-$aCiyidih: Mr. Hasan Mulmmmad > Leipzig C 1: Frau Lina Benke, Antonstr. 21. > Basan. > Mannheim: Herr Fritz Winter, N 3, 12. > Nagh Hamadeh: 'Abdu'l-Jalil Bey Sa'ad. > Neckarsulm: Herr F. Hiibner, i. Hagelich. > '*Port Said: P. 0. Box 213. > Rostock: Frau Margaretbe Walcker, Schil- > Rashid: Migd'il Ydsuf, E. S. Railways. > lerstr. 23. > Risi'l-Lhalij: Mr. Fu'id Yazdi. > Schwerin/M.: Frau Frieda Reuter, Sand- > Sibini'l-Kawm: Mr. Ibribim Stefanos. > str. 1. > Suez: Mr. Alexander Hanna, Customs Dept. > 'iStuttgart-Zuffenhausen: Frau Anna Marie > Tanta: Mr. Ibrhhim, 'Abdu'l-Masih Tele- > Schweizer, Karlstr. 26. > graph Office. > Ulm: Herr Karl Nagel, Gartenstr. 21. > FRANCE- 'iWarnemiinde: Herr Emil Jorn, Reuter- > Lyon: Mme. Marie Borel, 1 Quai C. Bernard. str. 31. > Marseille: Mme. Marie Soghomonian, 17 Ch. Wurzburg: Herr Walther Kreutzfeldt, > St. Trone, Ste. Marguerite. Enzelinstr. 20. > Nanterre (Seine) : Mr. H. Saffa, 66 Ave. G. > Clemencean. GREATBRITAINAND IRELAND-- > :'Paris: Mr. C. N. Kennedy, 104, Ave. de Altrincham, Cheshire: Mr. C. Craven, 15 > ' Versailles. Norman Road. > Vance: A. M.: Mine. Adele Routszteiu, Villa Ashhurton, Devon: Mrs. Violet McKinley, > Simone, Ste. elizabeth. Riselands. > Bath: Miss Isabel Carey, "Newlands," > GERMANV- Bloomfield Road. > Bamberg: Herr u. Frau Carl Wiirtenberger, Birmingham 8: Mr. Marshall, 67 Nansen > Kunigundendamm 46. Road, Alum Rock. > *Berlin: Herr Theo Lehne, Dallgow- Blackburn Nr.: Mrs. Harold Cooper, Fenis- > Diiberitz, Parkstr. 24. cowles, Old Hall, Pleasington. > Bremen: Herr u. Frau Max Greeven, Unter :tBournemouth: Miss Grace Challis, "Riz- > den Eichen 2. wan," Broadstone, Dorset. > Dresden A: Herr Paul Kohler, Feldschlos- Bradford: Mr. Arthur Norton, Marithur, > schenstr. 22/2. Cranbourne Road, Chellow Dene. > ':-Esslingen: Frau Liesel Rommel, Oberess- Bramhall: Mr. and Mrs. Busby, 2 Norwood > lingen, Kepplerstr. 10. Avenue, Cheshire. > Fellbach/Stuttgart: Herr S. Hafner, Bahn- Bristol: Mrs. Dora Weeks, 4 Filton Grove, > hofstr. 69. Horfield. > B A H A ' ~DIRECTORY, 1935-1936 109 > > Bruckless, Ireland: Mrs. Fforde, Brucltless Chapra (Saran): Mr. Ahmad-'Ali, v. Raw- > House, Co. Galway. dih. > Farnham, Surrey: Mrs. Leitch, Fairfield Chitragong: Aniiru'l-Islirn, Divin-Bizir. > Lodge. "Daidanaw-Kalazoo: KO B i Sein, P. 0. > Framfield, Sussex: Miss Cheape, Great Kugyangon (Hanthawiddy) . > Street. "Delhi: Mr. M. A. Samadini, c/o The > Hounslow: Mr. Charles Cole, Sutton Villa, Bahi'i Magazine, S h ~ d i p u r i . > Sutton Road. Hlpur (Meerut) : Siyyid Irtid6 Husayn, 42, > Ilford, Essex: Mrs. Helen A. Long, 93 Em- Nai Abadi. > press Ave. Hyderabad (Deccan) : Mr. 'Abdu'l-'Aziz, > "London: 86 Lancaster Gate, W. 2, B.A., B.T., Vice-Principal, N6mpally, > "Manchester: Mr. J. Lee, 392 Northenden Shihkimosh. > Road, Sale Moor, Sale, Cheshire. Jamser (Bikanir State): Mr. Sami'ul Ha- > Newcastle-on-Tyne: Mr. and Mrs. Busby, san Zaydi, Station Master, Bikanir State > 21 Rothhury Tee, Heaton. Railway. > Northumberland: Mr. Buzby, Y South +Karachi: BahB'i Hall, Pires St., New > Croft, Forest Hall. Bunder Road. > Okehampton, Devon: Mrs. Scarramucci, Kawlin (Upper Burma): Mr. Lhuda- > Oker Junet, South Zeal. Ba!&sh. > Orpington, Kent: Miss A. Evelyn Baxter, Khinpur (Bahawalpur State): Muhammad > "Timherscombe," Station Hill. Ishbq, B.Sc., Atnin-Manzil. > Sonthampton: Miss Plact, St. Rournons, Bit- Lahore: Prof. Pritam Sin&, M.A., 39 > terne. Temple Road. > Totnes: Mr. Mark Tobey, Dartington Hall Lucknow: Siyyid AkJtar Jihin, 84 Dr. Mo- > (Devonshire) . tilal Bose Road. > York: Mrs. Eliza P. Keoworthy, 24 Second Madras: Mr. Ishiq Pahlavln, Triplicane > Ave., Heworth. Chowk. > "Mandalay: Miss Hla Hla, 9/34th St., > HAWAIIANISLANDS(see United States and Koyandin, > Canada) - '"oona: P. 0. Box 8. > HOLLAND- ':Rangoon: P. 0. Box 299. > Berlicum, N. B.: W. E. M. Grosfeld. Simla: Mr. 'Ahbas-'Ali Butt, 86/1, The > Brummen, Gclderland: IIerr and Frau Middle 'la'). > Epple, Zutphenscheweg 74. Sirsi (Hissar) : Dr. 'Abdu'l S&akGr, Sabzi > Enschede: Herr G. J. Bertelinck, Hoog- > stratt 3 . Snrat: Mr. N. R. Vakil, Khapitla, > Haarlem: Frl. KBthe Braun, Spruit en Chakli' > Boschstr. 1Y. Tawnggyi (Burma) : Siyyid 'Abdu'l-Ra- > &id, Yawama Road. > HUNGA~Y- Toungoo (Burma): Mr. M. A. 'Aziz, No. > Budapest: Mr. Polgar, Trombitas u. 2. 261, Burma Railways. > Gyor: Mrs. George Steiner, Apitur u. 8. > f~dN- > INDIAAND BURMA- frln (see sub-section "Bahi'i Administra- > Agra: Mr. 'Uthmin C h a d , Telegraph tive Divisions in frin"). > Master, Sadar Blzir. > Aligarh: Dr. M. S. Burney, &&hphphrb. 'Id- > Allahabad: Mr. ' U a m i n G_hani, Dy. Supdt. :>Ad_hybbih: Mr. 'Ali Faraj, c/o 'Abbbs > Telegraphs. Ganji Gahrabin. > Amritsar: Mr. G_hullm Muhammad Slni, "'Av&&iq: c/o 'Abbis Ganji, $ahrabin. > 113/154 Parji St. Hlthi Darw6zi. B a a d i d : P. 0. Box 5. > "Bombay: P. 0. Box 470. Basrih: c/o Zakariyy6 Doccat, Port Direc- > "Calcutta: P. 0. Box 8940. torate, Ashar. > Lhiniqin: POLAND- > - > Karbili: Mr. Adib R. Bazhdidi, Sec- Warsaw: Miss L. Zamenhof, Krblewska 41. > ondary School. > *Mosul: Mr. Jamil Hanna, c/o Mull: > Ahmad H, St, Bucarest: Comitetul Bahi'i stn. Dr. Istrate > 10. > ISLANDS- > Society Islands: Papeete, Tahiti, Mr. and > Leningrad: Isabel Grinevskaya, Prospect Na- > Mrs. Georg Spitze. > himson, No. 10, log. 32. > ITALY- > Florence: Signora Campani, Viale Duca di > Cape Town: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fraetas, > Genova, 24. > Livorno: R. Mouzun, Allievo Ufficiale, R. O' Box I2O5' > Academia Navale. Heidelberg: Prof. C. Y. Spruyt, Lower > Rome: General Piola-Caselli, Grottafer~.at~. Market St' > R ~ M ~~ ~l~~~~~~ > ~ ~. : pallenberg, v i a N ~ - Johannesburg: Mrs. A. Kemp, 30 Welling- > mentana 3 1 1 . ton Road, Parktown. > Pretoria: Mrs. F. A. Carey, 220 Tohann St. > JAPAN- Southern Rhodesia: Mr. Jack Dee, Salisbury. > Kobe: Mr. Daiun Inouye, Sairinji, 42 Nishi- Roudebaseh, C. P.: Mr. and Mrs. Walter > miyauchi cho, Hyogo. Hinton, 9 Edingight, Duke Rd. > Kyoto: Mr. Tokujiro Torii, c/o Kyoto > School for the Blind. S~DAN- > Tolcyo: Miss Agnes B. Alexander, 16-6, D6rf6r: Mr. Gabra 'Abdu'lllh, Senior Trans- > Nichome, Kudan. lator, Dirfur Province, Sudin Govern- > Yokohama: Prof. K. D. Koyama, c/o Yoko- ment. > hama City College of Commerce. SWEDEN- > JUGOSLAWA- > Rammen: Mrs. Rudd-Palmgren, Villa Bster- > Belgrade: Miss Draga Ilic', Kneginje Ljubice vik. > 26. Stockholm: Miss A. Zetterlund, Kocksgatan > Petrinja: Mr. Phi. P. O~atchitch(Carpag). 3 1 B. > Uddevalla: Mr. W. J. Kielmann. > NEWZEALAND- > "Auckland: Miss Margaret Stevenson, 3 SWITZERLAND-- > Altstetten b/ Ziirich: Prof. Volkart, Stamp- > Cowie Road, Parnell. > fenbrunnen Str. 2 1. > Nelson: Mrs. E. Watkin, Stolre. > Gebr. Paul and Otto Eichernberger (as > Wellington: Mrs. Jessie McQuarrie, "Ulva" > above). > Oban St. Highland Park. > Geneve: International Bahi'i Bureau, 20 bis, > Yaninee: Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne. > rue General Dufour, or Case 1 8 1 Stand. > NORWAY- Kilchberg, b/ Zurich: Mrs. Vautier, Monch- > Fjosanger: Mr. L. Anjkr, Case 96. hofstr. 32. > Oslo: Miss Johanna Schubarth, Stromsveien Monte S/Mendrisio, Ticino: E. Mundwyler. > 20, Apart. 42. Obersommeri, b/ Amriswil: Mr. Fritz Semle, > Kinderheim Holdergarten. > PALESTINEAND TRANSJORDANIA- Pully (Lausanne) : Mme. Liberrnann, Villa > "'Adasiyyih: P. 0. Box 1 1 , SamaG. Carina Dent d'oche. > '+'Akk6: Mr. Fawzi Jarrih. Tarasp: Mr. J. Wihchli, Rainstrasse 2, Zii- > Beersheba: R. A. Halabi. rich. > Gaza: Mr. Misbhh Murhd. Ziirich: Brunaustr. 61: Mr. Leo Bernhard. > *Haifa: P. 0. Box 23. > Jaffa: Mr. Mans6r Nahhhs frlni. SYRIA- > Salt, Transjordania: Mr. Hasan H. Rbhi, '*Aleppo: Post Box 445. > Salt Secondary School. 'iBeirut: P. 0. Box 774. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 193r-1936 > "Damascus: s a y @ 'Abdu'r-R&min Hindi. 'bBul&irh. > Mahqara (Lebanon) : Mr. Zaynu'l-'Abidin Ghirju. > BaAdddi. *Gul-Tapih. > Mersine: Mr. IsmnCil fr6ni. "'Idlqibid. > TUNISIA- Khawqand. > Tunis: Rue Hoche 39, Mr. A. A. Hayylini. Kislavodski. > Marqilin. > TURHEY- *Marv. > Adana: 'Abdu'l-Vahhib NBji frbni. *Qahqahii. > Antep: Mr. Jamll 'Ali, c/o Mr. Najjir Su- > laymdn Aqi, Najjir Bizir. > Biridjik: Mr. 'Abdu'l-Qbdir Lizib. > ., > '>Samarqand. > :i ' > ajan. > Talk&-i-Bdzir. > Istanbul: Dr. S, Tomassian, Yeni Dogan, 'iTls_hkand. > Bey Oglu, Feri-Koy Hama~ni89. Y ultln. > Izmir: Mr. David Norlin, P. K. 388. > UNITEDSTATESAND CANADA(see sub-sec- > tion 4)- > WEST INDIES,BRITISH- > Barbados: Miss Ella Robarts, c/o Mrs. Hy- > man, Woodside Bay Street, Bridgetown. > > OFFICERS A N D COMMITTEES OF T H E > N A T I O N A L S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY O F THE > BAHA'IS OF T H E U N I T E D STATES > AND CANADA > Mr. Mountfort Mills, Chaiv~nan Mr. Leroy C. Ioas > Mr. Carl Scheffler, Vice-Chuirman Mrs. Nellie S. French > Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, Treasurer Mr. George Orr Latimer > Mr. Horace Holley, Secvctary Mr. Alired E. Lunt > Mr. Allen B. McDaniel > > Address: 1 3 0 EVERGREEN > PLACE,Weest Englewood, New Jersey > COMMITTEES > OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY > SPIRITUAL > ARCHNES- Mrs. Anna Kunz. > Mrs. Edwin W. Mattoon, Chai~maiz Mrs. Mabel Paine. > Mrs. Carl Schefiler, Secvctavy J. V. Matteson. > 1821 Lincoln St., Evanston, Ill. Mrs. Joel Stebbins. > Mr. Wilfred Barton > BAHk'i WORLD,VOLUMEVI, EDITORIAL- > ANNUAL SOUVENIR OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA. HOlley, ChniT?nan, > (1936). Willialn de Forge, Chairman, Cur- M ~ S.~ W. > . prench, s ~ ~ > Belle- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ > tis Kelsey, Dr. Wilbur, Miss 0. B. Crum, fontaine st,, pasadena, california, > Mrs. Grace Krug, Mrs. Carrie Kinney, Miss ~~~h~~B ~ ~ ~ ~ . > Bertha Herklotz. Mrs. Ruth Brandt. > B A H INDEX- > ~ ~ Mrs. Elsa Russell Blalxeley. > Mrs. H . A. Hatding. Chairman. Miss Marion Holley. > Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Secretary, Mrs. Victoria Bedikian, Assistant Photo- > 815 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, Mich. g a p h Editor. > BAHA'I: DIRECTORY, 1935-1936 513 > BRAILLETRANSCRWTIONS- Mrs. Clara R. Wood, Secretary, P.O. Box > Mrs. S. W. French, Chairman, 501 Belle- 348, Grand Central Annex, New York, > fontaine St., Pasadena, California. N. Y. > Mrs. Samuel Rodman. Roy C. Wilhelm. > Miss Ella C. Ouant. Mrs. Marie B. Moore. > CONTACTS- Miss Bertha Herklotz. > Miss Sophie Loeding, Chairman, 43 18 Green- Siegfried Schopflocher. > view Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, for Cen- Miss Martha Woodsum, Library Division. > tral States. Mrs. Wesley Bastedo, Editorial Division. > Miss Ethel Revell, for Eastern States. RACEAMITY- > Mrs. Emmeric Sala, for Canada. Mrs. E. R. Mathews, Chairman, Pine Val- > Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, for Southern States. ley, Colorado Springs, Colorado. > Miss Lucy Marshall, for Western States. Mrs. Thurston Vaughn. > Mrs. M. B. Trotman. > EDITINGTABLETS O F 'ABDu'L-BAH~- > Mrs. Corinne True, Chairman, 418 Forest REVIEWING- > Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Dr. Genevieve L. Coy, Chairman. > Dr. Zia Bagdadi. Mrs. Horace Holley, Secretary, 119 Wa- > Mrs. Edward D. Struven. verly Place, New York, N. Y. > Miss Edna True. Mrs. Marie B. Moore. > Albert Windust. STUDYOUTLINES- > FREELITERATURE- Mrs. Rex Collison, Chairmas, 681 Castle > George 0. Latimer, Cbair?na7z, 1927 N.E. Street, Geneva, New York. > 40th Ave., Portland, Oregon. Mrs. M. Firouzi. > Mrs. Louise Caswell. Mrs. Willard McKay. > TEACHING- > HISTORYOF THE BAH.~'~ CAUSEIN > Leroy C. Ioas, Chairman. > AMERICA- > Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Secretary, 376 60th > Bishop Brown, Chairvaan, P.O. Box 9, ln- > Street, Oakland, California. > gomar, Pa. Prof. N. Forsythe Ward. > Mrs. Sutherland Maxwell. > George 0. Latimer. > Mrs. Mariam Haney. > Mrs. Ella G. Cooper. REGIONAL TEACHINGREPRESENTATIVEJ- > Charles Mason Remey. Mrs. F. Morton, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Wor- > cester, Mass. For Northeastern States. > LEGAL- R. C . Collison, 681 Castle Street, Geneva, > Alfred E. Lunt, Chairnzan, 89 State Street, New York. For Upper New York State. > Boston, Mass. Philip Sprague, c/o Bahi'i Library, 119 > Mountfort Mills. > West 57th Street, New York City. For > George 0. Latimer. Lower New York State. New " Tersev, and > P~BLI~I~Y- Eastern Pennsylvania. > Mrs. Ruth Randall-Brown, Chair,nan, P.O. Prof. Stanwood Cobb, 17 Grafton Street, > Box 9, Ingomar, Pa. Chevy Chasc, Md. For Maryland, Dela- > Miss Alice N. Parker, Secretary. ware, Virginia and West Virginia. > Mrs. Nina Matthisen. Dr. E. Lenore Morris, Route 2, Box 141, > Dr. A. Lawrence Morris. McCord Road, Toledo, Ohio. For Michi- > Mrs. S. W. French. gan and Indiana. > Mrs. Soraya Chamberlain. Dale S. Cole, 9124 La Salle Boulevard, De- > Louis G. Gregory. troit, Michigan. For Ohio and Western > Mrs. Helen Inderlied. Pennsylvania. > Mrs. Harry E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon Street, > PUBLISHING- Chicago, Illinois. For Wisconsin, Minne- > Horace Holley, Chairman. sota, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. > 114 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > Mrs. E. R. Mathews, Pine Valley, Colorado WORLDORDERMAGAZINE- > Springs, Colorado and EditoreStanwood Cobb. > Mr. Leslie Hawthorne, Winterhaven, Texas. Horace Holley, 119 Waverly Place, New > For Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, York, N. Y. > Utah, Texas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Business Manager-C. R. Wood, 13 I East > Mrs. Georgie Wiles, R.D. 1, West Nash- 10th Street, New York, N. Y. > ville, Tennessee. For Kentucky, Tennes- > see and North Caralina. YOUTH- > Dr. Walter B. Guy, $2 Central Avenue, St. Kenneth Christian, Chairnzan. > Augustine, Florida. For Florida, Georgia, Miss Marlon Holley, Secretary, 675 WesL > South Carolina, Alabama. Arden Avenue, Glendale, California. > Mrs. Marion Little, Covington, Louisiana. Paul Haney. > For Louisiana, Missouri and Arkansas. Miss Mary Maxwell. > Mrs. Emmeric Sala, 194 Riverside Drive, St. Miss Gertrude Gewertz. > Lambert, P. Q., Canada. For Eastern Douglas Strnven. > Canada. Mrs. Emmeric Sala. > Mrs. Thomas H. Collins, 14954 Corona Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee. > del Mar, Pacific Palisades, California. For David R. Hofman. > Arizona, Nevada and California. > SUMMERSCHOOLPROGRAM FOR 193 f > Mrs. Louise Caswell, 2379 N.W. Overton > Street, Portland, Oregon. For Oregon SEASON- > Green Acre-Eliot, Maine, Dr. Genevieve > and Washington. > Rowland Estall, 1 5 34 Harwood Avenue, > I. Coy, Chairman. > Vancouver, B. C. For Western Canada. Glenn A. Shook. > Mrs. Samuel Baldwin, 36 Bates Street, Hono- Mrs. Mary Coristine. > Central States-Louhelen Ranch, Davison, > lulu, Hawaii. For Territory of Hawaii. > Michigan. > TEACHING AND TRAINING CHILDREN- L. W. Eggleston, Chairman. > Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, Chairman. Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Secretary. > Mrs. Leroy C. Ioas, Secretary, 640 46th Mrs. Frank Baker. > Avenue, San Francisco, California. Bishop Brown. > Mrs. 'Ali M. Yazdi. Dale S. Cole. > Miss Ella M. Bailey. Pacific State+Geyersville, California. > Mrs. Viola Tuttle. John D. Bosch, Chairmaa. > Miss Elizabeth Hackley. Leroy C. Ioas, Secretary. > TEMPLE LIBRARIANAND PHOIOGRAPHS- Mrs. Thomas H . Collins. > IHarry E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon St., Chi- George 0. Latimer. > cago, Illinois. Mrs. Ella G. Cooper. > TEMPLEPROGRAM- > GREENACREARTSAND CRAFTS- > Carl Scheffler, Chairman. > Miss Agnes O'Neil, Chai~man. > Mrs. Clarence Ullrich, Secretary, 904 North > Mrs. Harold B. Bowditch. > Hays Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois. > Mrs. Harold Bowman. > Mrs. Enos M. Barton. > Mrs. Ivy Edwards. > Mrs. Corinne True. > Mrs. Harry Walrath. GREEN ACRE PLAYSAND PAGEANTS- > Monroe Ioas. Mrs. Harold B. Bowditch, Chairnzan. > Dr. Robert D. Pettet. Raphael Pumpelly. > Mrs. Anne Bartholomew. Mrs. Magda Polivanov. > Mrs. Edris Carson. Max Miller. > UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE- Dr. Amhrose. > James F. Morton, Chairman, Paterson Mu- Philip Sprague. > seum, Paterson, New Jersey. Miss Peggy Crandall. > Mrs. Patrick Quinlan. Lionel Loveday. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 1931.1936 > > L O C A L B A H A ' ~S P I R I T U A L A S S E M B L I E S , > GROUPS A N D ISOLATED BELIEVERS > I N THE U N I T E D STATES A N D > CANADA > Phoenix, Arizona, Mrs. Ruth Humphrey, Evanston, Illinois, Mrs. Inez B. Ford, 2645 > Box 2174. Girard Avenue. > Berkeley, California, Mrs. Laura Kelsey Al- Park Ridge, Illinois, Miss Elizabeth Collum, > len, F37 Santa Barbara Road. 116 N. Prospect Avenue. > Geyersville, California, Mrs. Edith Whit- Peoria, Illinois, Mrs. Evelyn D. Siefert, 112 > ton. Ravine Avenue. > Glendale, California, Mrs. Dorothy M. Springfield, Illinois, Mrs. Rieke Jurgens, 201 > Porter, Apt. 201, 1123 E. Acacia Street. W. Calhoun Avenue. > Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Oni A. Finks, Urbana, Illinois, Mr. H. J. Snider, 106 W. > 413 E. Avenue 28. Pennsylvania Avenue. > Oakland, California, Miss Gladyce Linfoot, Wilmette, Illinois, Mrs. Anne W. Barrholo- > 376 60th Street. mew, 1627 Forest Avenue. > Pasadena, California, Mrs. Nellie S. French, Winnetka, Illinois, Mrs. Enos M. Barton. > 501 Bellefontaine Street. 978 Euclid Avenue, Hubbard Woods. > San Francisco, California, Miss Nadeen G. Indianapolis, Indiana, Mrs. Lorraine Barlet, > Cooper, 291 Broderick Street, Apt. 4. 3 127 Evergreen Avenue. > Santa Barbara, California, Mrs. Marie Low- South Bend, Indiana, Miss Nayan F. Hart- > ell, 1825 Grand Avenue. field, 222 North Scott Street. > Montreal, P. Q., Canada, Miss Anne Savage, Topeka, Kansas, Mrs. Mae Minor, 1125 > 99 Guilbault Street. Tyler Street. > Vancouver, B. C., Canada, Mrs. S. B. Kemp, Eliot, Maine, Miss Louise Thompson. > 1261 Beach Avenue. Baltimore, Maryland, Mrs. F. W. Hipsley, > Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mrs. E. R. 2803 Allendale Road. > Roberts, 1326 No. Wahsatch Street. Cabin J o h ~ ,Maryland, Mr. Paul Hanen. > Denver, Colorado, Mrs. G. N. Clark, 6307 Boston, Mass., Mrs. Helen L. Archambanlt, > W. 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colo. 38 Mansfield Street, Everett, Mass. > New Haven, Conn., Mrs. Jeanne Bolles, Worcester, Mass., Miss Fanny M. Holmes > Washington, Conn. 103 Webster Street. > Washington, D. C., Mr. Joseph F. Harley, Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. L. W. Eggleston, > 111, 13 10 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. 2 0 1 East Kirby Avenne. > Jacksonville, Florida, Miss Kathryn L. Ver- Flint, Michigan, Mr. Charles Dunkel, 727 > non, 707 Post Street. Liberty Street. > Miami, Florida, Miss Alice Halverson, 11 Lansing, Michigan, Miss Viola Evans, Route > S.E. Sixth Street. 4, Box 8. > St. Augustine, Florida, Mrs. F. W. Shaw, Muskegon, Michigan, Mrs. Iva Smack, 132 > 39 Central Avenue. Allen Avenue. > Augusta, Georgia, Mrs. Esther S. Sego, 132 1 Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mrs. Helen W. > Baker Avenue. Frink, 12 16 Nicollet Avenue. > Maui, T. H., Mrs. Mary T. Fancom, ' St. Paul, Minnesota, Mrs. Gayle Woolson, > Sprecklesville. 1$13 Portland Avenue. > Honolulu, Hawaii, Mrs. Elma Adolpbson, Kansas City, Missouri, Miss Opal Howell, > 712 17th Avenue. 1 3 01 Brush Creek Blvd. > Chicago, Illinois, Miss Julia Sobel, 4034 N. Montclair, N. J., Miss A. E. Van Blarcum, > Keystone Avenue. 19 Walnut Crescent. > 516 T H E B A H A ' ~W O R L D > Newark, New Jersey, Mr. G . Ithiel Volz, Rochester, New York, Miss ~Lizabeth > 48 Salter Place, Maplewood, N. J. Brooks, 49 Rowley Street. > Teaneck, N. J., Mrs. Louise Lux, 7 Oak Yonkers, New York, Mrs. Lillian Stoddard, > Street, Ridgefield Park, N. J. ' 1 0 0 Saratoga Avenue. > Binghamton, New York, Mrs. P. A. Fern- Akron, Ohio, Mrs. Roy E. Browne, 792 W. > ald, 641 Chenango Street. Market Street, Apt. 5. > > Site of the First Mahriqu'l-A&khr of fr6n recently purchased by the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bah6'is of frin. > > Buflalo, New York, idr. E. C. McCurdy, Cincinnati, Ohio, Miss Hilda Stauss, 3648 > 144 Cottage Street. Epworth Avenue, Westwood. > Geneva, New York, Miss May Williams, Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Dale S. Cole, 3174 > 185 Lewis Street. Corydon Road. > New York City, N. Y., Miss Bertha L. Herk- Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Margaret H. Acebo, > lotz, Room 611, 119 W. 57th Street. Route 1, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 1935 -193 6 117 > > Lima, Ohio, Mrs. E. J. Miessler, 319 West- Mollrue, Washington, Mrs. Rosamond Bays. > wood Drive. Seattle, Washington, Miss Doris Foye, 4721 > Toledo, Ohio, Mrs. Cecile Hill, 312 Ol~io Fifth Avenue, N.E. > Street. Spokane, Washington, Mrs. Isabelle M. > Portland, Oregon, Mr. J. E. Latimer, 1927 Campbell, 1427 So. Madison Street. > N.E. 40th Avenue. Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mr. Louis J. Voelz, > Philadelphia, Pa., Miss Jessie E. Revell, 253 1 6108 Sheridan Road. > North 19th Street. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mrs. Jean Clark, > Pittsburgh, Pa., Mrs. Ruth Randall Brown, 1814 N. Cambridge Avenue. > Box 9 , I~xgomar,Pa. Racine, Wisconsin, Mr. Harold R. Olson, > Nashville, Tennessee, Mrs. Elva H. Peebles, 1332 Russet Street. > 2144 Oakland Avenue. > > CALIFORNIA- MINNESOTA- > Burlingame, Mrs. Geo. Kuhlman, 8 1 1 Al- Duluth, Mr. E. Bauers, 624 Arlin~tonAve. > pine Aye. > Clearlake Highlands, Mrs. Flora M. Clark. > NEw HAMpsHIRE- > Sacramento, Miss Elizabeth L. Duffy, 1416 Portsmouth, Mr. Louis G. Gregory, 47 > 11th st. South St. > Santa Monica, Mrs. Anna Isles, 91 1 Idaho NEW JERSEY- > St. Ashury Park, Miss Jane Durand, 1 3 0 1 Com- > Southgate, Mrs. Josephine F. Clark, 81 18 stock St. > San Juan Ave. Jersey City, Mr. Fred G. Hale, 218 Wood- > Verdugo Hills, Mrs. J. A. Erickson, Box lawn Ave. > 184, Verdugo City. > NEW YORK- > CONNECTICUT- Capital District, Miss Zeah Holden, 48 Ter- > Hartford, Miss Gladys J. Palmer, 148 Grove race Ave., Albany. > St., Rockville, Conn. Ithaca, Miss H. B. Townley, 241 Cayuga > FLORIDA- St. > Orlando, Mrs. D. Tornstrom, Pine Castle, Jarnestown, Mrs. Doris McKey, 833 Pren- > Fla. dergast Ave. > Syracuse, Dr. Mildred Blackmer, 501 Uni- > M~ss~c~ussrrs- versity Place. > Provincetown, Mrs. Ralph Harlow, Box 301. > Springfield, Mrs. R. A - ~ a t e s ,99 Princeton OHIO- > St. Dayton, Mr. Josef McCoy, 24 Lexington > Three Rivers, Mrs. Wendell E. Bacon. Ave. > MICHIGAN- WISCONSIN- > Ann Arbor, Mrs. Wm. M. Parker, 1601 Madison, Mrs. Joel Stebbins, Observatory > Pontiac St. Hill. > > REGISTERED > ISOLATEDBELIEVERS > ARIZONA- Willcox, Mr. George E. Witte, Box 448; > Buckeye, Mrs. Edith Edgar. Mrs. Alletta B. Martin. > Florence, Richard N. Burrows, Box B. > Kelvin, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Cochran CALIFORNIA- > Mail. Alma, Miss Julia Culver, Chemeketa Park. > Payson, Mrs. H. B. Davis. Arroyo Grande, Dr. B. C. Smith, c/o E. R, > Tombstone, Mrs. Jonathan Gordon. Rhyne, Star Route. > 118 T H E BAHhi 'f WORLD > > Aptos, Miss Lillie Kendall, Box 101. > Carmel, Mrs. John O'Shea, Box 166, A~B~RT~-Vermilion,Mrs. J. M. Pine. > R.R. 1. > Escondido, Mrs. Carl Steinhauser, R.R. 1, NEW BRUNSWICK-Rothesay, Miss Mabel > Box 14. G. Thomson and Miss M. Louise Culver. > Exeter, Miss Myriam F. Partridge, 219 > ON~RIO-Farron Point, Dr. Anna D. > Clarence St. > Sheets. > Glen Ellen, Mrs. 0. M. Small, Box 17. > West Gravenhurst, Mrs. Caroline Leh- > Healdsbur~,Mrs. W. M. and Miss Madeline > pann. > Stout, 427 Matheson St. > Toronto, Miss Helen Grand, 46 Oriole > Hinkley, Dr. Doris Goodrick, Route 1. > Gardena; C. G. Norris, 2174 Queen > Knightsen, Mr. Arthur Somerhalder and > East; Mrs. Muriel Rucker, 1471 A > Mr. Irvin Somerhalder. ' > Yonge St.; Mrs. Violet Rumney, 13 > Laguna Beach, Mrs. Grace Vollmer, P.O. > Winchester St.; Mrs. Laura R. Davis, > Box 12. > 13 Winchester St.; Mr. Gerrard Sleeter. > La Jolla, Miss Mary Fenn, General Deliv- > 27 Wheeler St., Room 23. > ery. > Lakeport, Mrs. Clark Rood. PRINCZ EDWARDISLAND -Charlottetown, > Lindsay, Mrs. Mary Carr, R.F.D. 1, BOX Chas. N. Murray, 140 Water St. > 109. > Manhattan Beach, Miss Sarah M. Smoot, S A ~ K A T C H E W A N - C ~Mr. > ~ ~ ~Edward > C~~~~, > Box 191, Hermosa Beach; Mrs. Lyda D. Harris. > Conover, 321 5th St. BRITISHC O L U M B I A - A I ~ S ~Mrs. > ~O~ F.~E. > , > Mariposa, Mrs. Frances Carre, General De- Collins; Mrs. G. E. Joyce. > livery; Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Gibson, Gen- > eral Delivery; Mrs. Inglis J. Carre, Gen- COLORADO- > eral Delivery. Cripple Creek, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis W. > Minnelnsa, Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Wells, Min- Frink, Box 163; Mrs. Gladys Fnnk; Dr. > nelusa P.O., Big Bear Lake. John H. Austin, 309 E. Bennett. > Oakley, Mr. Max F. Schober, Route 1, BOX CONNECTICUT- > 129. Danbury, Donald Kinney, R.F.D. No. 4. > Pacific Beach, Miss Esther Davis, Box 29B. > Paradise, Mr. Robert L. Gulick. CUBA- > Reprisa, Mrs. Barnet H u e . Isle of Pines, Santa Fe, - > San Diego, Mrs. Catherine E. Hall, 4471 F r o n m ~ - > Thorn St. Fernandina, Mr. J. Stone, P.O. Box 423; > Santa Maria, Mrs. S. D. Montgomery, 612 Mr. Gordon Hall, 3 11 Calhoun St. > S. Lincoln St. Lakeland, Mr. and Mrs. Byron S. Lane, 708 > Santa Paula, Mrs. C. E. Carpenter, 411 N. Iowa. > North 6th St. Miami Beach, Mrs. Carolyn Harlin, 7120 > Santa Rosa, Mrs. Hazel Tomlinson, 1011 Harding Ave. > Royal St. Ruskin, Mrs. Cora L. Jones, P.O. Box 27. > St. Helena, Mrs. Emma H. Harmon. O'Brien, Mrs. Elva H. Peebles, Rte. 1, Box > Turlock, Mrs. Maude Fisher, 332 North 104. > Center St. GEORGIA- > Whittier, Miss Jane Coulter and Mrs. Ann > Atlanta, Dr. J. C. Oakshette, Nassau Hotel, > Burch, 102 W. Broadway. > 162 Luckie St. > Visalia, Mrs. Daisy G. Frye, 240 N.E. 4th > Savannah, Mrs. L. C. Haskell, 211 E. Vic- > Aye. tory Drive. > Yuba City, Mrs. Cordie C. Cline, 778 Olive > St.; Miss Ads L. Chandon, 778 Olive U I AHO- > St. Coeur d'Alene, Mr. J. F. Behrens, 21 1 1 > Woodlake, Mrs. Estelle Wacaser. Sherman Ave., R. 4. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 1931-1936 519 > > Koorkia, Mr. George W. Stewart, R. 1, Box Gardiner, Rev. Willis A. Moore, 43 Lincoln > 22. Ave.; Fred L. Kelly. > Wallace, Mrs. Edwin J. P. Dwelly, P.O. Portland, Mrs. Melissa J. Toms, 170 West- > Box 251. brook St. > ILLINOIS- MARYLAND- > Alton, Ida L. Dixon, 1229 Alby. Salisbury, Mr. and Mrs. L. Hammond, Care > Elmburst, Miss Mary Fischer, 300 North Mr. 0. S. Winfree. > York. MASSACHUSETT~-- > Freeport, Miss Ella Bokhof, 118 W. Galena > Hampdon, MISS Mary Isham, R.F.D. No. > Ave.; Miss Lillian Bokhof, 518 W . Galena > 2. > Ave.; Mr. David H . Bokhof, 118 W. > Salem, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Crowley, 18 Mt. > Galena Ave.; Mrs. H. S. Brandt, 430 > Vcrnon; Mrs. Annie B. Walker, 18 ML. > Nursery Ave. Vernon. > Magnolia, Mrs. Lucy B. Swindler, R.F.D. > Mattoon, Miss Bertha B. Newby, 1618 MICHIGAN- > Charleston. Edmore, Earl H . Kaley, R.F.D. No. 3. > Naperville, Mrs. R. W. Patrick, R. 3, Box Grand Rapids, Mrs. Gladys Keith, 449 > 90. James Street, S.E. > Robinson, Miss Emma Borchardt, Care Greenville, Miss Alma Albertson, R.F.D. > 0. T. Bierson, Woodworth Block. No. 2. > Quincy, Miss Helen Greenman, 1100 Pay- Lawrence, Mrs. John F. Hay, Route 2 . > son Ave. Kalamazoo, Miss Elizabeth Dickerman, > Rockford, Dr. Edward L. Fernald, Room 2026 S. Burdick; Mrs. Mary Dickerman, > 607, Stewart Building. 2026 5. Burdick. > Marysville, Mrs. Oscar Kitels. > INDIANA- Olivet, Mrs. J. E. Kirkpatrick. > Fowler, Mrs. Dana Wells, 2nd St. Van Dyke, Mrs. Esther Neall, Firebush, > IOWA- Box 274. > Burlington, Mrs. Edytha H. Bloom, 621 N . MINNESOTA- > 3rd St. Preston, Miss Frances Moore, 220% 1st > Centerville, Mr. Frank Bibby, 808 Haynes Ave., S.W. > Ave. > Correctionville. Mrs. Sophie L. Haynes, 1Mrsslssrp~l- > Box 8 3 . Greenwood, Mrs. H. W. Bivins, 1000 Park- > Davenport, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Bolton, Box way. > 56, P. S. C.; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Piney Woods, Miss Olga Finke, Piney > Smith, Columbia Hotel. Woods School. > > KENTUCKY- MISSOURI- > Cave City, Mr. Edward White. Jefferson, Bruce Beck, R. No. 1, Box 178. > Hopkinsville, Mrs. Nettie J. La Prade, 193 0 Joplin, Miss Beulah Magruder, R.F.D. No. > Oak St. (May be registered with Nash- 1, Box 190. > ville, Tennessee Group.) St. Louis, Louis M. Hudson, 2831 Park > Louisville, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Wheeler, 2014 Ave.; Wm. C. Hudson, 2013 DeKalb > Grinsted Drive; Mrs. Gertrude Christine. St.; Mary Wall, 4647 Margaretta St.; > Frank Zykan, 15 1 7 Picker > ~ St. > > Covington, Mrs. Marion M. Little, Box 61. > Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Eden. Butte, Miss Edith Kingold Rowand, 1110 > W. Porphyry St.; Mrs. Betty Nelson, 315 > MAINE- W. Granite; Mr. and Mrs. Matthew H. > Auburn, Miss Georgia Barker, General De- Caldwell, Box 1018. > livery. Haugan, Dr. Grover Burnett. > Helena, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Q. Adams, OHIO- > 33 1j/, State St.; Mrs. Chas. M. Bryan, Bethesda, Mrs. Cora M. Jenkins, P.O. BOX > $07 6th St. 240. > Winifred, John H. Wilcott. Bexley, Miss Charlotte Lindenberg, 2112 > Bryden Road; Mrs. Florence M. Reeb > NEBRASKA- 2112 Bryden Road. > Waterbury, Mrs. Henry Luehr, R. 1, Box Bryan, Alice A. Motter, 603 S. Beech St. > 43. Bncyrus, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Pettit, 412 > NEWHAMPSHIRE- River St. > Ashuelot, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram 0. Bolton, Circleville, Mrs. Maye Ruth Graham, 310 > Box 11. E. Mound St. > Hisdale, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kendrick, Eaton, Miss Alice M. Button, Vine and > Northfield St. Israel St. > New Ipswich, Mr. Paul Chandler, Gibson Elba, Mrs. Nate D. Gill. > Corners. Fremont, Dr. and Mrs. W. B. Cooper, 1013 > Groghan St. > NEWJERSEY- Loveland, Mr. Rudolph Stauss, R.R. NO. 3. > .. Mrs. Eva Allen Batey. 21 > Atlantic Citv. > N. Ohio Ave. OREGON- > Morristown, Mrs. Wm. H . Hoar, 26 Maple McMiville, Mrs. Dora Dunbar Maule, > Ave.; Miss Dorothy Hoar, 26 Maple Ave. 741 13th St. > Jersey City, Mrs. L. F. Grant, 2140 Boule- Rogue River, Mrs. C. A. Jensen, Route 1. > vsra. > , > Trenton, Mr. J. Newell Ayres, 403 Em- PENNSYLVANIA- > meline Ave., R.F.D. No. 1. Erie, Mr. and Mrs. Hilbert E. Dahl, 2108 > Chestnut. > NEWIIIExIco- > Las Vegas, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Bressett, RHODEISLAND- > Montezuma Route. Providence, Mrs. A. E. McKinney, 199 > NEWYORK- Friendship St. > Batavia, Mrs. C. M. Rodman, 24 Ross St. TENNESSEE- > Dunkirk, Miss C. H. Philipphaar, 727 Memphis, Mrs. Thos. H. Watkins, 733 N. > Washington Ave. Bellevue; Mrs. Mary Ann Blackwell, 237 > Herkimer, Mr. and Mrs. Edvard Lind- N. Bellevue. > strom, 404 W. German St. > Jamestown, Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay, TEXAS- > 8 3 3 Pendergast Ave.; Mrs. Lucy M. Wil- Austin, Miss Anna Reinke, 4410 Avenue > son, 8 Beverly Place. C; Miss M. B. Herrick, 1513 N. Locust > Larchmont, Mrs. J. E. Mills, 5 Highwood St. > Way. Winter Haven, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie R. Haw- > Lima, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Tollis, Lake thorn. > Ave. > Malone, Kenneth Christian, 17 Jane St. VERMONT- > Oriskany, Miss A. R. Phipps, Care 0. E. S. Burlington, Mrs. Olga K. Mills, 83 Sun%- > Home. mit St. > Patterson, Mr. Howard Kinney, R.F.D. VIRGINIA- > Potsdam, Miss Gretchen Westervelt, 16 cartersville, M ~ A. > ~ .D. ~~i~~ R.D. N ~ . > Garden St. 2, BOX3 9 . > Stratford, Mrs. Emily Gustin. Darlington Heights, Mrs. A. T. Johns. > Utica, Mrs. A. E. Stewam, 1641 Kemhle ~ , M~~~~ ~ ~ hR.~ 1,l ~ , > M ~ John > St. Box 49. > NOR^ CAROLINA- Petersburg, Mrs. E. A. Fields, 2 0 8 ~ > Halifax > Canton, Milton W. Zim. St. > B A H A ' ~DIRECTORY, 1937 -193 6 121 > WASHINGTON- Steilconm, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Layman, > Bellingham, Mrs. Elizabeth Rudisilo, Route Box 210. > 3, Box 674. > Chelan, Mrs. Charlotte C. Gillen; Mrs. WISCONSIN- > June Harris, BOX 3 3 3 . Appleton, Mrs. E. W. Turley, 114 W. 5th > Ferndale, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Swope. St. > Olympia, Mr. Arthur M. Jones, 2422 Co- Delevan, Mrs. Dallas Strellen, 119 So. Sth. > lumbia St. Greenbush, Mrs. James Parker Hall. > Omak, Mr. J. D. Hilts. Mantiowac, Miss Elcore Gmrgensen, 929 > Richmond Beach, Miss Blanche E. Hillmsn. N. 14th. > - > BAHA'I ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS > I N IRAN > I. DISTRICT;T 1 ~ x . i ~ 26. Qal'ih-SaC6datiyyih. 27. Kalik, 28. > 1. TIHRAN, 2. Hasanibid, 3. Garm-Darh, 29. Ridbibid, 3 0 . Qal'ih- > mih-%&hi, 4. Ja'faribhd, I. 'Aliyibbd, Hasan-&in, 31. Jawqin, 32. Fahandak, > 6. Ismi'ilib&d, 7. Sarifhbhd, 8. 'Abdu'l- 3 3 . Sahrak, 34. Awrizin, 35. Safja- > lih-ibid, 9. Maqshdhbid, 10. Jalbliyyih, &6naj, 36. Justin, 37. KarkabSd, 38. > 11. Kamiliyyib, 12. Qal'ih-Nay, 13. Gatihdih, 39. Sahr-i-Qum. > > Front View of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Tihrin, frin. > > Hadrar-i-'Abdu'l-aim, 14. G i n i y i - 11. DISTRICT:A B ~ I H > bid, 11. Kabiribid, 16. 1)iyi'ibid. 17. 1. ABAD~H, 2. Isfmd6b&d, 3. rqfid, 4. > 'Adlibid, 18. Mu~affariyyih, 19. ShlGr, Idrisibid, I. Bahman, 6. Bav6nbt, 7. > 20. Chihir-Tiqi, 21. Varbmin, 22. Tajin Ghinir, 8. @mami, 9. D u d , 10. > (?), 23. Pala&, 24. Qulhak, 25. Tajri&, Dir&&, 11. S u b i d , 12. 'Aliyibid-i- > 'f WORLD > > Sufli, 13. Firighih, 14. Kuhkak, 15. 39. sabastar, 40. Saysin, 41. Mafanaq, > Najafibhd-i-S~di, 16. Himmatibhd, 17. 42. Diznib, 43. Bibikandi, 44. Miyinaj, > Vaziribid, 18. 'Abbisibid-i-Bahman, 45. Sarlb, 46. Qidijhn, 47. Ardabil, 48. > 19. 'Abbisibid-i-Hij-'Ali-mn, 20. Hirawibid-i-K_haI!&il, 49. KJGjin, 50. > Sivinj-i-Bavinit, 21. Bazm-i-Bavinit, Al-i-Hihim, 51. Ahar, 52. Haddidin, > 22. Munj-i-Bavinit, 23. Maziyjiu-i- 13. Girdhlqin, 54. @inbighi, IS. > Bavinit, 24. Suryin-i-Bavinit, 25. Sur- Qiv&Sq, 56. Qarah-sirin. > maq, 26. Cbir-i-Bavinit, 27. Sarvistin- VII. DISTRICT:YAZD > i-BaviinAr, 28. FirGzi. > 1. YAZD, 2. Ardakin, 3. Amiribid, 4. > 111. DISTRICT:K ~ s _ N ~ N Husaynibid, 5. 'Izzibid, 6. 'Aliyibid. > 1. KASBAN, 2. ~ m i r i n ,3. NG&ibid, 7. S&arafbbid, 8. Mihdiybbhd-i-Rustiq, > 4. Yazdil, 1. Mashkin, 6. Vidiqin, 7. Na- 9 . 'Asribid, 10. Mariyamibid, 11. > riq, 8. Jisb, 9. Jaw&iqin, 10. Qamsar; Kithihbayk, 12. @urram&ih, 13. > 11. Mizgin, 12. Barzuk, 13. Kbiyinih, Mihdiyibid-i-HGmah, 14. Taft, I I . > 14. Qaziin, 15. Rabit-i-Turlc, 16. Arin, Nirsiyibid, 16. Nasribid-i-Pihkith, 17. > 17. Girlgin-i- Jisb, 18. Mirq. Khudibid-i-Pihkuh, 18. Manhad, 19. > Hurmuzak, 2 0 . Marvast, 21. Dahaj, 22. > IV. DISTRICT:K I R M ~ N Qisimibid, 23. Mayhud, 24. Hasanibid- > 1. KIRMAN, 2. Rafsinjin, 3. Bandar- i-Qutbibid, 21. Ahmadibid-i-Ardakin, > 'Abbis, 4. Sirjin, 5. ban^, 6. Anir, 7. 2 6 . Sadribid, 27. Ilbhibid, 28. Nusrad- > Rivar, 8 . Gurramibid, 9. Zarand, 10. bid, 29. MahmGdibid, 30. Abrandibid, > chatrhd, 11. Bi&ayn, 12. Rhbur, 13. 31. Kasnaviyyih, 32. Na'imibid, 33. > Hiitak, 14. Jibi1-i-Biriz, 11. Jiruft, 16. R&mathbid, 34. Mhammadibid-i- > NGq, 17. Piriz, 18. DivarLu, 19. Qanit- e i h a k , 3 I. Hasanibid-i-HGmah, 36. > i-Chasshn, 20. Qaryatu'l-'Arab. 21. &ha- Khahavidak, 37. Fahraj, 38. Saqrazd, 3 9 . > braqti, 22. Bandar-i-Langah, 23. KGhan- Mihriz, 40. Havazm, 41. Givaf&id, 42. > bin, 24. Langar, 25. Hasanhbid, 26. Hanzl', 43. Hidish, 44. Banidak-i-Sidbt, > Hurmuzdbbid, 27. Jupir, 28. TGq, 29. 41. G a y r i b i d , 46. Mazra'ih-Sayd- > Pirin. Mirzi, 47. Biyibinik, 48. Anlrak, 49. > Sahr-i-Bibak, 50. Hirit, 51. Hiribar- > V. D r s r ~ l c r :QAZV~N > AND Z A N J ~ N > jin, 52. Ahristin, 53, Mubirakah, 14. > 1. QAZVfN, 2. Qadimibid, 3. Aminh- Far@&, J1. S_hamsi, 16. Sanhivid, 57. > bid, 4. Nusratibid, I. Muhammadibid, S_hGruk, 18. C_hbvur&iy-i-&ahr-i-Bi- > 6. S_hahristin, 7. Gulkin, 8. 'Ali-Ridi- bak, F9. Qanit-i-Nbh-i-aahr-i-Blbak, > ibid, 9. Kulah-Darrih, 10. I&tihird, 11. 60. Givar-i-Man&id, 61. Yaadin-i- > Sirhs, 12. Ritdbir, 13. Sarkhin, 14. BulGk, 62. Bafr6. > Zanjin. > VIII. DISTRICT:I S F ~ H ~ N > VI. DISTRICT:A B I R B ~ Y J ~ N 1. ISFAHAN, 2. Najafibid, 3. Ardistin, > 1. TABRfZ, 2. Milin, 3. UskG, 4. 4. Zavirih, S . Burhjin, 6. Qahfirukh, 7. > Bivayl-i-'Ulyi I. Bivayl-i-Sufli, 6. Dastjird-i-Imimzidih, 8. Simin, 9. > fl!&i&i, 7. Mamaqin, 8. Givgin, 9. Dihiqin, 10. Jaz, 11. Dizaj, 12. LhGIin- > Dihghrqin, 10. &i&avln, 11. 'Ajab- jin, 13. Isgandazi, 14. Afls, 15. Tirin, > &etr, 12. Mihribid, 13. Hirawibid, 14. 16. M~&ammadiyyih,17. Ki&ib, 18. Rus- > Ruvuht, 15. Munib, 16. Maridih, 17. tam, 19. Mbsiyibid, 20. Mihdiyabid, > 'Alaviyin, 18. Lhurmizad, 19. Aqjah- 21. Kati, 22. Dihaq, 23. Kurd-i-Sufli, > dizaj, 20. Malik-Kandi, 21. Qijill, 22. 24. Dfirgah, 21. K_hurzdq, 26. Laftuvin, > Miylnduib, 23. Qurah-C_hhbl, 24. Naw- 27. s a y d i n , 28. Qal'ih-&&h, 29. &ah- > rbz16, 21. SivujbuUgh, 26. RidCiyyih, rak, 30. Til&Gn&ih, 31. Damanu ( ? ) , > 27. QahraminlG, 2 8 . S_hibpAr, 29. QGy, 32. Varnimkhi?, 33. Sidih-Linjin, 34. > 30. V i g a q , 31. Pirkandi, 32. ivivuqli, Bi&bahldurin, 3 5. Ch6dig6n, 3 6. Ad- > 33. Julfi, 34. Marand, 3 F. ZunGz, 36. jbn, 37. QSdanak-Faridan, 38. Ghay- > Kundulaj, 37. Yagln, 38. KJirnnah, gin, 39. &ahrid&, 40. NPin, 41. cham- > BAHA'i DIRECTORY, 1931-1936 123 > > gawdin, 42. Riz, 43. Hamgin, 44. Siyahkal, 10. Sangar, 11. Rhdhhr, 12. > &ahr-i-Kurd, 45. Misinan, 46. Tirin-i- Minjil. > Gardan, 47. Mh&&arin, 48. S a d i n , 49. > Kamiram, 50. Tu&iz, 5 I. FarAdminih, [IV. DISTRICT: ~ ~ Z I S T ~ N > 12. Jarquviyyih, 13. Sanidgin, 54. 1. AHVAZ, 2. &li&tar, 3. Dizful, 4. > Dumanih, 11. Adirjin, 16. Surinjin, 17. Ahidin, I . K&rram&ahr, 6. Qusvih > Qadark&bn, 18. Vis_higbn, 19. Marasin, (?), 7. Manyithi, 8. Silil?ihid, 9. Masjid- > 60. N i k i n . i-zulaymhn, 10. Haftgil, 11. TGf- > IX. DISTRICT:FAns C_hi&mih, 12. Bahbahan, 13. Rimhur- > 1. S s f R A Z , 2. Nayriz, 3. Sarvistin, 4. muz, 14. Cham-&half-'fsi, 11. Safiiy- > Diriyin, I. Sa'di, 6. Q u l i t , 7. Zilhirz, yih, 16. Fayliyyih, 17. Chamtang, 18. > CJihil-Masni, 19. Jabribid, 20. Hindi- > 8. Zarqin, 9. Kinirih-Marvda&t, 10. > 'Imidibid-i-MarvdaGt, 11. Kksak-i- jin, 21. Kurrihpi, 22. Chamtangu, 23. > @am&a'bln. > Marvdasht, - 12. Firuq, 13. ShamshbAd-i- > Burzit, 14. ath hi bid; 15. Shamsibid-i- > T a G t , 16. Jahrum, 17. Bitbihr, 18. XV' KIRMLFZLH > D i r i b , 19. Kiziritn, 20. Fassi ( ? ) , 21. 1. KIR-NSAH, 2. K_rramibid, 3. > Baydi, 22. Qasr-i-Marvdadt, 23. I&ayri- BurGjird, 4. Sanandaj, 5. Sunqur, 6. > bid-i-Baydi, 24. Ibrihimibid-l-Baydi, Karand, 7. &ihibid, 8. Qag, 9. Dinvar. > 25. Qal'ih-Naw-i-BaydA, 26. Qisnnibhd- > i-Baydb, 27. Milylin. XVI. DISTRICT:KSGSAN > X. DISTRICT:HAMADAN 1. MASHHAD, 2. S&arifbh6d, 3. > SaraGs, 4. Kalht, 5. Bulin, 6. Chah- > 1. HAMADAN, 2. Maliyir, 3. Jfirib, 4. > 'aha, 7. Nasribid-i-Jim, 8. TurLat-i- > Avarzaman, 1. Tuysargin, 6. Nahivand, > Jbm, 9. Tayyibit, 10. B i a a r z , 11. > 7. Amzijird, 8. Bahir, 9. Lblijin, 10. > Husaynibld, 12. Q6&in, 13. Bijgirhn, > Husayuib6d, 11. Uqc_hulit, 12. a u - > 14. a i r v i n , 1 I. Mubammadibid-i-Dari- > puqlir, 13. Qurvah-Kurdistin, 14. Slri- > gaz, 16. L u ~ f i b i d , 17. B u j n k d , 18. > Qami&, 15. Mirzakandi, 16. bc_htappih, > Jijar~n, 19. Ruvin, 20. Isfari'in, 21. > 17. Jam&idibhd, 18. Uqbuliq, 19. > Qariyiy-i-Amand-Turkaman-Sabri, 22. > Latgi, 20. Qiziljahkand, 21. Qarabbuliq, > Sahr-i-Mirhvih, 23. N i d b b 6 r (Rid- > 22. I L h l n b i d i , 23. Kajah-Gunbad, 24. > v6n), 24. Ma'mGri, 21. Farrukh, 26. > issibuliq, 25. SirihAbid. 26. Nadirblh, > Dastgird, 27. Ishaqibid, 28. RGhbbld, > 27. Akinlit, 28. Pirtij. > 29. Sarvalhyat, 30. Ma'dan, 31. Sabzavir, > XI. DISTRICT:Q ~ I N ~ T 32. Sitdaar, 33. ICithk-Bigh, 34. Rabhf- > 1. BfRJAND, 2. Kundur, 3. Isqarir, 4. i-Gaz, 35. Zarqin, 36. Safiyibld, 37. > Bidiiag, 5. Nawfirist, 6. Sarhhh, 7. Ja'faribid, 38. Juvin, 39. Kithmid, 40. > Asiyibln, 8. Durn&&, 9 . Dastjird, 10. Dhvarzan, 41. Turbat-i-Haydariyyih, 42. > Samulibid, 11. Shd, 12. Nawl~and, 13. Pitraw, 43. Zivih, 44. Mar&zir, 45. > Kh&sf, 14. Tufib, 11. a u v a n y a k , 16. Dawlathbid, 46. Gulbu, 47. Ra&t!&k, > Sikin, 17. Qal'ih-KGh, 18. Zirlr, 19. 48. Khurq, 49. Murtadaviyyih, 10. > Nitk, 20. Nawzid, 21. Khin. Dit&ibAd ( F u r h a ) , 5 I . Hasanbbid, > 12. Mihnah, 13. K_hayrhbid, 14. Miyhn- > XII. DISTRICT:'IRAQ dihi, 51. &amsibid, 16. 'Ali, 17. Zahiri- > 1. 'IRAQ, 2. Snlqbnibid, 3. KJalajhbhd, bid, 18. 'Abdu'libAd, 19. A z d a n d , 60. > 4. Gulplygin, I. &hhibbd, 6. Madhad, Furdah, 61. Nhy, 62. Yitnis, 63. Hisir, > 7. Husaynhbid, 8. Varqi, 9. Amirih. 64. Nkmaq, 61. Katahtal&, 66. Qari- > &ah, 67. K a h a r , 68. M a b i n , 69. > XIII. DISTRICT: G i ~ h K_halilibid, 70. &aficibid, 71. Jliymind, > 1. RASBT, 2. Bandar-i-Pahlavi, 3. 72. K6@, 73. Sahr-Gunihid, 74. > G_hhziyin, 4. Lihijin, 5. Langarud, 6. Raws_hsnivand, 75. Firdaws, 76. Bl&is- > Rlidsar, 7. S a h v h r , 8. Diyi'bar, 9. t i n , 77. Busfiq, 78. SihqaFih, 79. Burhn, > 124 T H E BAH6'f WORLD > 80. Gazin, 81. SarQyin, 82. Sarand, 8 3 . Kulhh, 7. iimirih, 8. Rawhankilh, 9. > Bijistin, 84. Bus_hruviyyih, 81. a a y r u ' l - fval, 10. Ahraf-KGhhhn. > Quri, 86. Tabas, 87. Bi&dihak, 88. > BANDAR-l-GAZ > Zihidiu, 8 9 . Zbbul, 90. Mirjivah, 91. > Khh&, 92. Sarivin, 93. irins_hahr. 1. BANDAR-I-GAZ, 2. Bandar-i-&6h, > 3 . Gurgin, 4. Gunbad-Qiblis, I. Gum- > XVII. DISTRICT:SANGSAR ih-Tappih, 6. Da&-i-Gurgin. > I. SANGSAR, 2. &ahmirzid, 3. S h h - > XX' D1sTRICT:BdrBUL > rGd, 4. Aftar, I . Simnhn, 6. D i m d i n . > 1. BABUL, 2. 'Arabgayl, 3 . Bahnamir, > XVIII. DISTRICT:S k i 4. Dayrkali, I. Bandar-i-Mahhadsar, 6. > 1 . SARf, 2. Mahfurczak, 3. Arafi, 4. Bandar-i-Firayd5n-Kink, 7. N6r, 8. > ghilih-Zamin, I. &&hi, 6 . Kafs_hgar- Tikur, 9. Amul, 10. Kip6rcJi.l. > > 6. > ADDRESSES OF C E N T E R S O F B A H A ' I > ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS > IN IRAN, 1935-7936 > A B ~ D I H&lil: Thihit, care Muhammad- K~RM~S Na:h r i y i r Aryhni, Sady-i-Valril. > Hasan Hamidi & Co. Telegraphic ad- Telegraphic address: Rawhini, care > dress: Rawhini, care Dr. Badi'u'llhh Ary6ni, Vakil, Kirmin. > Aghh, Abidih. KIRMANS&H: Dr. Habib Mu'ayyad. Tele- > AHVAZ: Mihrabin Paymhniyin, care graphic address: Rawhhni, care Mu'ay- > Bistini Co. Telegraphic address: Raw- yad, Kirman&ih. > hini, care Bistini, Ahvhz. MA*H.~D: R~i!p~'llih BurhBni, Customs > B~BUL:Dr. Furfig& Ba~shri. Telegraphic Dept. Telegraphic address: Rawhini, > address: Rawhhni, care Dr. Bas&, care Burhini Customs, Mahhad. > Bibul. QAZV~N: Muhammad Taslimi. Telegraphic > BANDAR-I-JAZ:Muhammad-Rid6 I'timid- address: Rawhini, care Taslimi, Qazvin. > Zidih. Telegraphic addreas: Rawhhni, RASHT: Ardihir Hiziri, Sariy-i-Muhta- > care Muhammad-Ridi I'timhd-Zhdih, &am. Telegraphic address: RawhPni, > Bandar-i-Jaz. care Ardi&ir, Muhta&am, Rayht. > B~RJAND: Tarizu'llih Ridvini, care H6ji SANGSAR:'Ali-Akbar Ra!lminiy6n, care > Muhammad-'Ali fzadi. Telegraphic ad- Mirzi Al16h-Vardi Paymini. Telegraphic > dress: Rawhhni, care fzadi, Bir- address: Rawhini, care Paymini, Sang- > jand. sar. > HAMAD~N: M6si Ihsbni, Sariy-i-Hhji S k i : Muhammad-Hasan Hagigi, care > $afar. Telegraphic address: Rawl>ini, Hasan-Agi Hagigi, Maliyyih. > care Ihshni, Safar, Hamadin. S H ~ R ~ Amir > + > Z: Ag6 Hidmi, care Paymin > 'IRAQ: Salmin Targar-Zidih, care F. Co. Telegraphic address: Rawhini, care > Daraehin, Sariy-i-Gulhan. Tele- H i d m i Inhisir, S_hirhz. > graphic address: Rawhini, care D a r a a - TABR~Z: Ihrihim Mignif, care Salimi & > &in, Sariy-i-Guls_han, 'frbq. Co. Telegraphic address: Rawhhni, care > 1 s ~ b H . i ~ :Muhammad-'Ali Faydi, care Migniy, Tabriz. > Paymin Co. Telegraphic address: Raw- T I H ~ N&mad > : Yazdhni, Avenue Pahlavi, > hani, care Faydi, Paymin, I g f h i n . Firdaws Street 9. Telegraphic address: > K ~ S S ~ N : 'Abdu'r-Rid6 FurG&i, care Rawhini, care Ahmad Yazdini, Tihrin. > Fur&& & Co., Sarhy-i-Chihir-G6&. YAZD:Isfandiyhr Majz6b. Telegraphic ad- > Telegraphic address: Rawhhni, care dress: Rawhini, care MajzGh Paymhn, > F u r u d i , Ki&in. Yazd. > BAHA'I IIIRECTORY, 1931-1936 125 > > 7. > ALPHABETICAL LIST OF BAHA'U'LLAH'S > BEST-KNOWN WRITINGS > Alvih-i-Laylatu'l-Quds. Lawh-i-Ibn-i-Khi'b (Epistle to the Son of > Asl-i-Qullu'l-K_hayr. the Wolf). > Az-Bid-i-flihi. Lawh-i-Ittihid, > Biz-Av-u-Bidih- Jimi. Lawh-i- Jambl. > B i h i r i t (Glad-Tidings) . Lawh-i-Karim. > G i h i r - V i d i (Four Valleys). Lawh-i-Karmil. > ~hulimu'l-@uld. Lawb-i-Kullu'f-Ta'im. > Haft-Vbdi (Seven Valleys). Lawh-i-Malikih (Tablet to Queen Victoria). > Halih-Halih-Yi-Bi&irat. Lawh-i-Malik-i-Rhs (Tablet to the Czar of > Hhr-i-'Ujkb. Russia). > Hurhfit-i-'Allin. Lawh-i-Mallihu'l-Quds (Tablet of the > I&riqit (Effulgences) . Holy Mariner). > Kalimit-i-Firdawsiyyih (Words of Paradise). Lawh-i-Manikai-Sihib. > Kalimht-i-Malm6nih (Hidden Words). Lawh-i-Maqs5d. > Kitib-i-'Ahd (Book of Covenant). Lawh-i-Maryam. > Kitib-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book). Lawh-i-Mawl6d. > Kitih-i-Badi'. Lawh-i-Muhihilih. > Kitib-i-Iqdn (Book of Certitude). Lawh-i-Nisir. > Kitib-i-Sulrin (Tablet t o the &i11 of Lawh-i-Nasir. > . > Persia) Lawh-i-N6puly6n I (First Tablet to Napo- > Lawh-i-'Abdu'l-'Aziz-Va-Vuka16. leon 111). > Lawh-i-'Ahdu'l-Vahhib. Lawh-i-Nipulyhn I1 (Second Tablet to Na- > Lawh-i-'Abudu'r-Razz6q. poleon 111). > Lawh-i-Ahbib. Lawh-i-Nuqfih. > Lawh-i-Ahmad (Tablet of Ahmad), Lawh-i-Pip (Tablet to the Pope). > Lawh-i-Amvij. Lawh-i-Pisar-'Amm. > Lawh-i-Anta'l-Kifi. Lawh-i-Qinl'. > Lawh-i-Aqdas. Lawh-i-Quds. > Lawh-i-Ahraf. Lawh-i-Rafi'. > Lawh-i-'A&iq-va-Mac&Gq, Lawh-i-Ra'is (Tablet to Ra'is) . > Lawh-i-Ayiy-i-Nhr. Lawh-i-Raq&B'. > Lawh-i-Bahi. Lawh-i-Rashl. > Lawh-i-Baqk. Lawh-iLR5h. > Lawh-i-Basifatu'l-Haqiqih. Lawh-i-Ru'yi. > Lawh-i-Bismilih. Lawh-i-Sahib. > Lawh-i-Bulbulu'l-Firiq. Lawh-i-Salm6n I. > Lawh-i-Burhin. Lawh-i-Salmin 11. > Lawh-i-Dunyi (Tablet of the World). Lawh-i-Sbmsiin. > Lawh-i-Fitnih. Lawh-i-Sayyih. > Lawh-i-G_hulimu'l-Lhuld. Lawh-i-&ayk&-Fini. > Lawh-i-Vabib. Lawh-i-Tawhid. > Lawh-i-Haft-Pursih. Lawh-i-Tibb. > Lawh-i-Haqq. Lawh-i-Tuql. > Lawh-i-Hawdaj. Lawh-i-Yhsuf. > Lawh-i-vikmat (Tablet of Wisdom). Lawh-i-Zaynu'l-Muqarrahin. > Lawh-i-Hirtik. Lawh-i-Ziylrih. > Lawh-i-Hhriyyib. Madinatu'r-Ridl. > Lawh-i-Husayn. Madinatu't-Tawhid. > 126 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > Mahnavi. Siuiy-i-I;Iif f. > Munijithiy-i-Siy6m. SGriy-i-Hijr. > Qad-Ihtaraqa'l-Muk&li$n. SGriy-i-'Ibid. > Qasidiy-i-Varqi'iyyih. SGriy-i-Ism. > Rashh-i-'Aml. shriy-i-~smuna'l-Mursil. > Ridvinu'l-'Adl. S6riy-i-Javid. > Ridvinu'l-Iqrir. SGriy-i-&hirib. > Sahifiy-i-&at~iyyih. SGriy-i-Ma'ini. > Salif-i-Mayyit (Prayer for the Dead). SGriy-i-Man'. > Siqi-Az-Ehayb-i-Baqb. Shriy-i-Muluk. > Shikkar-&&an-savand. Suriy-i-Nidh. > Subhina-Rabbiya'l-A%. S6riy-i-Nqh. > Subhanaka-Yi-Hfi. SGriy-i-Qadir. > Sdratu-'llih. SGriy-i-Qahir. > Sdriy-i-Krib. SGriy-i-Qalam. > Shriy-i-Ahzin. SGriy-i-Qamiy. > Sririy-i-Amin. Shiy-i-Sabr. > SGriy-i-Amr. Shriy-i-Sultin. > SGriy-i-Azhib. SGriy-i-Vaf i. > Shriy-i-Asmi. Shriy-i-Ziyhrih. > SGriy-i-Baybn. Suriy-i-Zubur. > SGriy-i-Burhbn. Sdriy-i-Zhhiu. > SGriy-i-Damm. Tafsir-i-HG. > Shiy-i-Dhabih. Tafsir-i-Ijimif it-i-Muqaffa'ih. > Suriy-i-Bibh. Tafsir-i-SGriy-i-Va'&-shams. > SGriy-i-DJhikr. Tajalliyit (Revelations). > Shriy-i-Fadl. Tarizit (Ornaments). > S~iriy-i-Fath. Ziyirat-Nimih (The Visiting Tablet). > SGriy-i-Fu'id. ~i~irat-Nimi~-i-AwliyP. > Si-riy-i-@qn (Tablet of the Branch). Ziy6rat-Nimiy-i-Bibu31-Bib va Q u d d ~ s . > SGriy-i-Hajj I. Ziyirat-NBmiy-i-Bayt. > S6riy-i-IfIajj 11. Ziy6rat-N6miy-i-Maryam. > SGriy-i-Haykal. Ziyirat-Niimiy-i-SiyyiduU&-Shuhadi. > > 8. > LIST OF THE BAB'S BEST-KNOWN WORKS > 1. The irinian Bayin. 1 r. Risiliy-i-Fiqhiyyih. > 2. The Arabic Bayhn. 16. RisAliy-i-Xhahabiyyih. > 3. The QayyGmu'l-Asmi'. 17. Gthbu'r-RGh. > 4. The Sal?ifatu'l-Haramayn. 18. SGriy-i-Tawhid. > I . The Dal6'il-i-Sab'ih. 19. Lawh-i-HurGfit. > 6. Commentary on the SGrib of Kaw&ar. 20. ~afsir-i-Nubuwat-i-&izs;h. > 7. Commentary on the SGrib of Va'l-'Asr. 21. Risa'liy-i-Furs-i-'Adliyyih. > 8. The Kitib-i-Asml'. 22. Lhasi'ly-i-Sab'ih. > 9. Sahifiy-i-Ma@d_hfimiyyih. 23. Epistles to Muhammad $ih and H i j i > 10. Sahifiy-i-Ja'fariyyih. Mirzb Aqisi. > 11. Z'iybrat-i-&bh-'Abdu'l-Wim. > 12. Kirib-i-Panj-Sa'n. N. B.-The B6b Himself states in one > 13. Sahifiy-i-Radav'yyih. passage of the frhnian Bayhn that His writ- > 14. Rishliy-i-'Adliyyih. ings comprise no less than S00,OOO verses. > BAHAI BIBLIOGRAPHY > 1 . Bahi'i Publications of America. 20. Bahl'i Literature in Spanish. > (a) Books About the Bahi'i Faith. 21. Bahi'i Literature in Norwegian. > (b) Writings of the Bib. 22. Bahl'i Literature in Croatian. > (c) Writings of Bahi'n'lldh. 23. Bahb'i Literature in Oriental Languages. > (d) Writings of 'Ahdu31-Bahzi. (a) irinian. > (e) Writings of Shoghi Effendi. (b) Urdu. > (f) Prayers. (c) Arabic. > (g) Bahi'i Literature in Pamphlet (d) Turkish. > Fnnn. (e) Burmese. > (h) Compilations. ( f ) Chinese. > (i) Outlines and Guides for Bahl'i (g) Hebrew. > Study Classes. (h) Tatar. > 2. Bahi'i Publications of England. (i) Gnjrati. > 3. Bahi'i Literature in French. (j) Japanese. > 4. Bahi'i L~teraturein Italian. (k) Armenian. > 5 . Bahi'i Literature in Dutch. (1) Tamil. > 6 . Bahh'i Literature in Danish. (m) Kurdish. > 7. BahPi Literature in Swedish. (n) Sindhi. > 8 . Bahb'i Literature in Portuguese. (0) Bengali. > 9. Bahi'i Literature in Albanian. (p) Hindi. > l o . Bahl'i Literature in Esperanto. (q) Abyssinian. > 11. Bahi'i Literature in Russian. 24. Bahi'i Literature in Braille (for the > 12. Bahl'i Literature in German. Blind). > 1 3 . Bahi'i Literature in Bulgarian. 25. Bahi'i Periodicals. > 14. Bahi'i Literature in Rumanian. 26. References to the Bahi'i Faith in Books > 11. Bahl'i Literature in Czech. and Pamphlets by Non-Bahi'i Authors. > 16. Bahl'i Literature in Serbian. 27. References to the Bahi'i Faith in Maga- > 17. Bahi'i Literature in Hungarian. zines by Non-Rahi'i Writers. > 1 8 . Bahi'i Literature in Greek. 28. References to the Bahi'i Faith by Ba- > 1 9 . Bahl'i Literature in Maori. hl'is in Non-Bah6'i Publications. > > 1. > The book.! and Ilumphlets in this section have been published under Bahi'i azspices or > approved by a recognized Bahk'i body. > > BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS OF AMERICA > Published and Distributed b y the Publishing Committee of the > National Spiritaal Assembly > P. 0. Box 348,Grand Central Annex, New York, N. Y., > with the exception of the older publications (marked by an asterisk ')), > which are now out of print. > > (a) BOOKS ABOUT THE BAHb'l FAITH this great Oriental scholar, philosopher > Bahi'j Pvoofs, The, by Mirz6 'Abu'l-Fadl and disciple of Bahl'u'llzih translated into > of Gulpbyigin. The best-known book of English. I t presents the truth of the Ba- > 528 T H E B A H A ' ~WORLD > hA'i Revelation from manifold points of nial series of Bahi'i records continuing > view, and also contains a biographical recent historical developments of the > outline of the lives of the Bib, Bah6'u'- Cause throughout the world. Besides the > 116h and 'Abdu'l-Bah6. 288 pp. Crown many excellent illustrations, this volume > avo., 4% x 6 5 4 . Bound in blue cloth. contains a reproduction of a hand illumi- > Bahd'i Revelation, The, by Thornton Chase. nated Tablet of Bahi'u'll6h in 'Abdu'l- > This book contains a most excellent com- Bah6's handwriting. 378 pp., 7 x 10. > pilation of the teachings of Babl'u'llhh, Bound in red cloth. > pthered from various translations and BahBi World, The (April 1930-April > arranged so as to be consecutive as to sub- 1932). In addition to a conlprehensive > jects. A clear account of the evolution report of Bahl'i activities during this > of spiritual conscionsness showing the two-year period, the fourth volume in > oneness of purpose of all the great reli- this series of publications devotes gener- > gions of the world, and culminating today ous space to the presentation of the > in the fulfillment of all the religions of World Order of Bahl'u'llih through the > > Exhibit of Baha'i Literature in Public Library, Racine, Wis. > > the past. 182 pp. Crown ~ v o . , I % present-day Administration of the BahCi > x 8. Bound m green cloth. Faith. The frontispiece is a facsimile of > Bahd'i: Spirit of the Age, The, by Horace appreciation of the teachings written by > Holley. Presenting the Bahi'i Movement the Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania. > and teachings as the synthesis of all mod- 548 pp., 7 x 10. Bound in blue cloth. > ern movemenrs. 212 pp. Crown avo., Bahd'i World, The (April 1932-April > 6 x 8. Bound in blue cloth. 1934). This volume presents the further > Bahd'i World, The (April 1926-April spread of the Bah6'i Faith and estab- > 1 9 2 8 ) . A biennial record giving a com- lishment of the World Order of Bahl- > prehensive account of the activities of the 'u'llih. The frontispiece, a photograph of > Baha'i Cause throughout the world. Con- Bahiyyih Lhinum, and the loving tributes > tains many interesting illustrations show- to her memory form a special feature of > ing the universal growth of this move- this volume. 712 pp., 7 x 10. Bound in > ment. 304 pp. 7 x 10. Bound in blue brown cloth. > cloth. Bahd'i Yeav Book (April 19ZT-April 1926). > BahBi World, The (April 1928-April Volume I, a record of current activities > 1930). The third volume in the bien- with articles on various Baha'i institu- > BAHA'f BIBLIOGRAPHY 129 > > tions, newly translated tenchings, photo- " N e w Day, The, by Charles Mason Remey. > graphs, etc. Bound in green cloth. 174 BahCi Publishing Society. Chicago, 1919. > pp., 7 x 10. For Volume 11, see The .'New Revelation: Its Mnivelous Message, > Bahd'i World. The, by Nathan Ward Fitzgerald. Ta- > "BahBism-the Modevn Social Religion, by coma, 1901. > Horace Holley. Mitchell Kennerly, New "Oriental Rose, The, by Mary Hanford > York, 1913. Ford. A vivid presentation of historical > Bah2a~'lldhand the New Era, by J. E. Essle- aspects of the Bahb'i Movement. 214 > mont. An authoritative and comprehen- pp. Post Uvo., f % x 7%. Bound in > sive survey of Bahi'i history and the blue cloth. > teachings as related to present religious, 'Peace of the World, The, by Charles Ma- > scientific and social conditions in Europe son Remey. Bahi'i Publishing Society, > and America, with many quotations from Chicago, 1919. > the writings. New edition. 308 pp. Promise of All Ages, The, by Christophil. > Post avo., 7 x 7. Bound in green cloth. An important contribution to the litera- > In paper. ture expounding the significance of the > Coming of the Glory, by Florence E. Bahi'i Faith. The author traces the true > Pinchon. An interesting narrative giving spiritual content of religion through the > the spirit and the principles of the Bahi'i Dispensations of the past, to culminate > Movement. 144 pp., Post avo., 455 x in che World Order revealed by Bahl'u- > 6%. Bound in blue cloth. '116h. Originally published in London, > Dawn-Breakers, The. Nabil's Narrative of England. American edition, 254 pp. > the Early Days of the Baha'i Revelation Bound in cloth. > translated and edited by Shoghi Effendi. Religions of the Ernpire. Edited by W. Lof- > 736 pp., 6 % x 9%. 200 pp. of illustra- tus Hare. (Published by Duckworth, > tions. Reproductions of twenty tablets London.) The addresses delivered by > written by the Bib. Standard edition representatives of the several religions in- > bound in green leather. Limited edition vited to participate in the conference on > bound in morocco. Some Living Religions within the British > Do'a: The Call to Prayer, by Ruth Ellis Empire held at the Imperial Institute, > Moffett. A study of the mystical science London, England, from September 22 to > of prayer and meditation, with a compila- October 3, 1924. Includes the two papers > tion of prayers chosen froin a number of read on the Bahl'i Cause. Bound in red > ' religions. 126 pp. Bound in paper. cloth. S19 pp. Royal Svo., 6 % x 9%. > "Lessons on the Bahli'i Rez~elation,by W. Secret of Life, The, by Mary Hanford > Hooper Harris. Ford. San Francisco, 1933. > "Life and Teachings of 'Abbh Efendi, The, Security for a Failing World, by Stanwood > by Myron H . Phelps. Puiblished by Put- Cobb. A careful and scholarly diagnosis > nam & Sons. of the social problems of modern civiliza- > My Pilgrimage to the Land of Desire, by tion, with an exposition of the spirirual > Marie A. Watson. The story of Mrs. Wat- education afforded by the Bah6'i Faith > son's visit to Haifa in 1921, with an and its culmination in a World Order by > interesting account of her healing by which alone universal peace can be se- > 'Abdu'l-Bahi. 24 pp., 6 x 9%. Paper cured. 202 pp. Bound in cloth. > cover. *Social Principle, The, by Horace Holley. > Mysticism and the Bahi'i Revelation, by Laurence J. Gomme, New York, 191x. > Rtihi Afn6n. An essay which analyzes Traveller's Nawative, A, translated into > in the light of the teaching of Bahl'u- English by Edward G. Browne, M.A., > '116h the mystical tradition of the soul's M.B. Written to illustrate the Episode of > union with God: demonstrating that the B6b. 448 pp. New edition from > the Prophet or Manifestation is the original plates in the possession of Cam- > intermediary between God and man. bridge University Press. Bound in blue > 80 PP. cloth. > 130 THE BAHA'f WORLD > "Truth of It, The, by Arthur Pillsbury he Prophets. 51 pp., 16 mo., 14% x > Dodge. Mutual Publishing Company, 16%. Three editions: black leather, blue > New York, 1901. cloth, and paper cover. > '*Unity Triumphant, by Elizabeth Herrick. Works of Bahd'u'llih, ed. A. H. Tumansky, > The Revelation of Bahi'u'llbh as the ful- St. Petersburg, 1892. > filment of Christianity, with extensive Kitib-i-Aqdas, ed. A. 13. Tu~nansky,Mi- > quotations and bibliography. 226 pp. moires de l'hcademie Impiriale de St. > Royal Svo., 6% x 9. Bound in red cloth. Petersburg 1899 Vm serie vol. 111, No. 6 . > Uniuwsal Religion, The, by Hippolyte ')Seven Valleys. Translated by 'Ali-Quli- > Dreyfus. An introductory work on the Khln. Bahl'i Publishing Society, Chi- > Bahb'i Cause by a French Orieutalist, cago. > who has translated many of the writings 'iSource of Spiritual Qualities, The. Four > of Bahi'u'lllh. 176 pp. Crown avo., page leaflet. Bahb'i Publishing Commit- > 1 % x 8. Bound in black cloth. tee, 1924. > Whenre Comes the Light? by Loulie A. *Sliratu'l-Haykal. Translated from the > Mathews. The author gives a clear under- Arabic by Antun Haddhd. Bahb'i Pub- > standing in this brief outline of the a p - lishing Society, Chicago, 1900. > proach to the Bahi'i Cause and the noble Tablets of Bahd'u'llrih (Tarizlt, The Tab- > grandeur of its founders. The quotations let of the World, Kalimht, Tajalliyit, > from Bahh'i writings throw light upon Bi$hrit, I$rBq6t), social and spiritual > every phase of life. 84 pp., I x 6 . principles of the new age. 138 pp., 6% x > Bound in paper. 10. Bound in b h e cloth. > Tablets of Bahd'u'lldh and 'Abdu'l-Bahd to > i.b ,) WRITINGS OF THE BAB the Greatest H o l ~Leaf. > (See Bahb'i Literature in French.) Three Tablets o j ~aihd'u'lidh (Tablet of the > Branch, Kitib-i-'Ahd, Law1~-i-Aqdas) , > (c) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Bahb as the > Bahd'i Scriptures. Compiled by Horace Hol- interpreter of the teachings of Bahl'u- > ley, Brentano's, New York, 1923. Bahi'i 'llhh, the Testament of Bahi'u'116h, and > Publishing Committee, New York, 1929. His message to the Christians. 168 pp. > Book of Certitude, The (Kit6b-i-fqin), re- Post avo., 1 '/4 x 7 % . Bound in paper. > vealed by Bahb'u'llbh. Translated by > Shoghi Effendi. BahFi Publishing Com- (a) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAG > mittee, 1931. This work reveals the one- 'Abdzl'l-Baha' on Divine Philosophji (com- > ness of all the Prophets and their signifi- piled by Isabel F. Chamberlain). Tudor > cance as the expression of the Will of Press, Boston, 1916. > God. Ir/B x 8%. Bound in blue cloth. 'Abda'l-Bahd in London, edited by Eric > Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, translated Hammond. A record of public and pri- > by Julie Chanler. A work written by vate addresses delivered in 1911. 134 pp. > Bahi'u'11611 in His last years, addressed to Post 8vo., I x 7%. Paper binding. > the son of a prominent Persian who had 'Abdz6'l-Bahd in New Yovk. Bahi'i Assem- > been a savage enemy of the Cause. This bly, New York, 1922. A new edition > Tablet recapitulates many teachings Ba- containing selected addresses delivered > hl'u'llbh had revealed in earlier works. at Columbia University and various > 140 p p Royal Svo., 6 % x 9%. Bound churches and at public meetings by > in blue cloth and white parchment. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 while in New York. Also > Gleanings from the Writings of Bai56'u'lldhih, Tablets written to the New York Spir- > translated by Shoghi Effendi. This work, itual Assembly by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Bound > consists of selections from Tablets. 354 in sapphire blue paper 4 % x 6%. > pp. Bound in dark blue fabrikoid; also in BahPi Peace Program, The. A compilation > dark blue cloth. containing a letter from 'Abdu'l-Bahi > Hidden Words, translated by Shoghi Ef- pertaining to a plan of peace and a letter > fendi. The essence of the teachings of all to Dr. Forel entitled "God and His Uni- > BAHb'i BIBLIOGRAPHY 131 > verse," a scienrific statement of the laws is the cunsummation of the ideals of all > governing the world and showing the religionists, scientists and humanitarians. > necessity of absolute harmony in the re- 232 pp. Imperial avo., 6 % x 934. Bound > lations of all mankind united under one in black cloth in two volumes. > spiritual law. Bound in blue leather with Reality of Man, The. A compilation from > gold stamping. Also bound in green paper the words of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 explaining the > with dark green ?tamping. relations of mind, soul and spirit. Com- > Bahi'i Scriptures. Compiled by Horace piled by Horace Holley. Bound in dark > Holley, Brentano's, New Yorlr, 1923. red paper. Size 4 % x 6%. > Bahb'i Publishing Committee, New York, "Reality of Religion -Tablet of 'Abdu'l- > 1929. Bahd, The. Four-page leaflet. Bah6'i Pub- > "Definition of Love, by 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Re- lishing Committee, 1924. > ceived at New York, December 7, 1902. Some Answered Qrestions, edited by Laura > Divine Secret for Human Civilization, by Clifford Barney. An expression of funda- > Josephine D. Storey. A charmingly mental spiritual and philosophic prob- > bound book, compiled from the words of lems. 370 pp. Royal avo., 6 % x 9%. > 'Abdu'l-Bahi showing the relation of the Bound in black cloth. > Twelve Basic Principles of the Bahi'i 'tTablet on Universal Peace, a letter written > Cause to the foundation ol the new world by 'Abdu'l-Bahl in 1919 to the Central > order of the future. 96 pp., 16 mo., 4 % Organization for a Durable Peace. > x 6. Bound in white parchment stamped "Tablet to the Beloved of God in Anzerica. > in gold. Also bound in paper. Translated by 'Ali-Quli-Gin. Cam- > Foundations of World Unity, The. Selected bridge, Mass., January 3 , 1906. > addresses delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahb at "Tablet to the Beloved of God of the Occi- > Universities, Churches, Synagogues, Peace dent. Translated by Ahnlad I ~ f b h i n i > Societies and similar public meetings dur- (Alunad Suhrhb), Washington, D. C., > ing His journey through America in September 8, 1906. > 1912. 112 pp. Royal Evo., 6 x 9. Paper Tablets by 'Abdu'l-Bahd 'Abbds to the > covers. House of Justice of Chicago, to the > "Letter fronz S t . Jean D'Acre, A, The Unity Ladies' Assembly o f Teaching, and others. > Press, 1906. Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahk compiled by Al- > ""Letta of Love" fifonz 'Abdu'l-Babd 'Ab- bert R. Windust. Intimate letters writ- > 66s t o the Beloved in America. Bahb'i ten in reply to quesrions addressed by > Publishing Society, 1902. individuals and groups. Three volumes. > "Letter and Tablet to the Central Organi- Volume one and three (new edition) > zation for a Durable Peace: The Hague. bound in blue cloth. Volume two bound > Bahi'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1920. in black cloth. > "Letters to the Friends in Persia. Babl'i 'Tablets to the East and West. Translated > Publishing Society, Chicago, January 21, by Ahmad Isflhlni (Ahmad Suhrlb). > 1906. The Baha'i Assembly of Washington, > Mysteriws Forces of Civilizntion. A work D. C., 1908. > addressed to the people o f Persia nearly "Tablets Containing Instructions. Trans- > forty years ago to show the way to true lated by M. A. E. Washington, D. C., > progress. 132 pp. Royal avo., 6% x August 29, 1906. > 9%. Bound in black cloth. 'iTablets Containing Geneva1 Instructions. > ':.Prayersand Tablets. 1906. Translated by Ah~nadI~f6h6ni ( A h a d > Promulgation of Universal Peace, edited by Suhrlb). The Baha'i Association of > Howard MacNutt. Public addresses de- Washington, D. C., 1907. > livered throughout the United States and 'iTablets to Japsn. Compiled by Agnes > Canada in 1912. This work contains Alexander. New York, 1928. > 'Abdu'l-Bahl's spiritual message to the "Tablets to Some American Believers in the > American people, whom he summoned to Year 1900. The Board of Council, New > establish the "Most Great Peace" which York. 1901. > 'f WORLD > "Tablets from 'Abdzb'l-Baha 'Abbds to E. E. ing out the provisions of the Will and > Wrestling Brezustev. Bahi'i Publishing Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi concerning > Society, 1902. the organic development of the Bah6'i > The Garden of the Heart. A compilation of community. This volume constitutes the > passages on nature from Bahi'i Sacred authoritative interpretation of that Will > Writings and from the Bible, selected by and of Bahi'u'lliih's teachings on the sub- > Frances Esty. Bound in colored linen. ject of the principles determining the > '+Unveiling of the Divine Plan. Translated character of the Faith as an evolving re- > by Ahmad Subrih. Tudor Press. Boston, ligious society. These letters, which de- > 1919. fine the institutions of local, national and > "Utterances to Two Yonng Mcn. Board of international Bahi'i administrative bodies > Council, New York, 1901. forming the nucleus of the new world > '*Visiting Tablets for Martyrs Who Suf- order of Bahh'u'llbh, include communi- > fered i n Perria. Translated by 'Ali-Quli cations explaining the new world order > Lhan. Bahi'i Board of Council, New and clarifying the problems of the post- > York, 1901. war years. The volume also contains > "Will and Testurrtent of rAbd~'l-Bahd, The. excerpts from 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Will, and > National Spiritual Assembly, 1925. an Appendix consisting of the Declara- > Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Edited by Lady tion of Trust and By-Laws of the Na- > Blomfield. Previously published under the tional Spiritual Assembly, and By-Laws > title of Paris Talks, a brief but compre- for local Spiritual Assemblies. 286 pp. > hensive presentation of His Message. 172 Bound in cloth. > pp. Post avo., f x 7% paper covers. "Letters from Shoghi Effendi, selections > Bound in green cloth. from letters written by the grandson of > "Wisdom Talks of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Chicago. 'Ahdu'l-Bahi, appointed Guardian of the > Bahi'i News Service. Cause by Him, regarding details of ad- > "Woman's Great Station. An address given ministering the affairs of the Movement. > in New York in 1912. (The complete letters are included in > Bahd'i Administuafion.) Bahi'i Pnblish- > (e) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI ine Committee. New York., March. - . > '>Bahd'i Administratios. A work compiled 1929. > by the National Spiritual Assembly to World Order of Bahd'u'llih, The. A sup- > present the original sources of instruction plement t o the volume Bahd'i Adnzinis- > on the duties and responsibilities of be- tration. Bahi'i Publishing Committee. > lievers, in their relations to the local, New York, March, 1929. > national and international bodies of the World Order of Bahl'u'lldh, The: Further > Cause. Part One, Excerpts from the Considerations. A supplement to the > Will and Testament of ' Abdu'l-Bahi; volume BahBi Administration. Bahi'i > Part Two, Letters from Shoghi Effendi Publishing Committee. New York, > to the American National Spiritual As- 1930. > sembly and the body of American believ- The Goal of a New World Order. In this > ers from January 21, 1922 to October communication (dated November 28, > 18, 1927; Part Three, Declaration of 1931) the Guardian anslyzes the existing > Trnst by the National Spiritual Assem- international political, economic and so- > bly; Index. I f f pp. Royal avo., 6 x cial problems, points to the signs of im- > 954. Bound in blue cloth. Bahi'i Pub- pending chaos, and emphasizes the guid- > lishing Committee, New York, 1928. ing principles o f world order established > BahBi Administrafion. The letters writ- by Bahi'u'llbh. The goal of world feder- > ten by Shoghi Effendi to the American ation is upheld, and 'Abdu'l-Bahi's proph- > Bahi'i community, from January, 1922, ecy of the failure of the present civiliza- > to July, 1932, in his capacity of Guard- tion is called to the attention of Bahh'is. > ian of the Bahi'i Cause, to encourage, (Reprinted from Bahl'i Administration.) > guide and instruct the believers in carry- 3 2 pp. Paper covers. > BAHK'f BIBLIOGRAPHY 133 > The Golden Age of the Canxe of Bahd'n'lldh. hPu'llih, the BBb, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and the > The Guardian's letter (Dated March 21, nature of the World Order which Bah6- > 1932) referring to the spiritual impor- 'u'llbh established. In this statement, pre- > tance of America in the new world order, pared by the one authorized in 'Abdu'l- > the progressive character of divine Revel- Bahl's Will and Testament t o be the sole > ation, the station of the Bib, the release interpreter of Bahh'i writings, students > of spiritual forces for human regenera- of the Cause possess the first complete > tion, and the non-political character of and authentic outline and summary of > the Bah6'i Faith. (Reprinted from Ba- the Bahl'i Faith in its development from > hl'i Administration.) 24 pp. Paper the Announcement of the Bib in 1844 > covers. to the Administrative Order defined by > > Youth Conference, Louhelen Ranch, 193 Y. > > America and the Most Great Peace. A let- 'Abdu'l-Bahi for the era following His > ter addressed to American Bahi'is, dated departure from this world in 1921. 66 > April 21, 1933 (not included in the pres- pp. Bound in cloth and also bound in > ent edition of Bahi'i Administration.) blue paper. > This communication summarizes the The World Religion. A brief oueline of the > forty years of American Bahi'i Hisrory aims, teachings and history of the Bahi'i > (1893-1933), and develops in greater de- Faith. > tail than in the preceding letter, the re- > sponsibility laid upon America in the > ( f ) PRAYERS > divine plan for the establishment of uni- "Bahd'i Prayrs. The Bib, Bahl'u'llih and > versal peace. 28 pp. Paper covers. 'Abdu'l-Bahi. A large collection of > The Dispensation of Bahri'u'llih. A letter prayers, newly compiled, t o meet the > addressed to the Bahl'is of the West, needs of the spiritual life of today. 210 > dated February 7, 1934 (not included in pp. 1 6 mo., 3% x 6 . Bound in blue > the present edition of Bahi7'i Administra- cloth and also bound in blue paper. > tion.) I n this letter the Guardian of the 'Bahd'i Prayers by Bahd'u'llih and 'Abdu'l- > Bahi'i Faith clarifies, with numerous Baha'. 16 pp., 3 % x 5. Gray paper cover. > quotations from Bahl'i sacred writings, ')Prayers, Tablets, Instructions, etc., gath- > the spiritual station and mission of Ba- ered by American visitors in 'Akki, 1900. > THE BAHA'i WORLD > '$Prayers Revealed by Bahd'z~'l1dh. Contain- *BahBi Indexes, by Charles Mason Remey. > ing also prayers revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Newport, R. I., 1923. > 108 pp., 3 x 5 1/2. Black paper cover. 'iBahd'i Manuscripts, by Charles Mason Re- > BahBi Prayers. Prayers revealed by Bah6'- mey, Newport, R. I., 1923. > u'llhh and 'Abdu'l-Bahh. 34 pp. Paper 'iBaha''i Martyrdoms in Persia in the Year > covers. 1903 A. D., by Haji Mirz6 Haydar-'Ali. > Translated by Y6nis Khhn. Bah6'i Pub- > ( g ) BAHAI LITERATURE IN lishing Society, Chicago, 1907. > PAMPHLET FORM '*Bahri'i Movement, The. Articles originally > published in Vedic Magazine of Lahore. > cAbdu'l-Bahd's First Days in America, inti- J. L. Zuahlen, Vesey, 1916. > mate and beautiful glimpses of the Mas- *Bahd'i Movement, The: Its Spirit~lalDy- > ter, from the diary of Juliet Thompson. namic, by Albert Vail, reprint of a maga- > 40 pp. Printed by The Roycrofters. Pa- zine article. > per cover. Bahd'i Movement, The. A pamphlet outlin- > '>Addresses, by Jindb-i-Fadil. Booklets, 5 ing the history and aims of the Cause, > Nos. Translated by Ahmad Suhrib. with a statement on BahPi Administra- > Seattle, 1921. tion and many quotations from the Writ- > 'iAddresses delivered before tbe New York ings. > and Chicago Assemblies, by 'Abdu'l- '"ahd'i Movement in Its Social Econonzic > Karim Effendi. Translated by Ahmad Aspect, The, by Helen Campbell. BahPi > Suhrhb. Persian-American Publishing Co., Publishing Society, Chicago, 191 5 . > Los Angeles, 1924. *Bahd'i Movement, The, by Charles Mason > *'Akkd Lights, by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H . Remey. Washington, D. C., 1912. > Hanneu. '*BahBi Per.secutioias in Persia, reprint of > BahPi Benediction, The. Music and words letter written to the S h h of Persia, Rid6 > by Louise R. Waite. &6h Pahlavi, July, 1926, by the Nationai > ':.Baha"i Calendar for 1932. Consisting of Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of the > twelve sheets of colored cardboard stock, United States and Canada. > one for each month, with BahPi dates, +Bahd'i Religion, The, a reprint of the two > feasts, anniversaries and quotations in ad- Bah6'i papers presented at the Confer- > dition to the monthly calendar. Com- ence on Some Living Religions within the > piled and arranged by Doris Holley. 9 x British Empire. Paper, 24 pp. > 12. BahPi Revelation, The, by Thornton Chase. > *BahPi Census. U. S. Government pam- Bahi'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1909. > phlet showing the registration of the : i ~ ~ h L >Revelation > i and Reconstrziction, > Bahi'is as an organized religious body. The, by Charles Mason Remey. Bahi'i > "Bahd'i Faith, The, by a Methodist Lay- Publishing Society, Chicago, 19 19. > man, questions and answers suggested by '?Bahd'i Teachings, by Charles Mason Re- > personal experience. mey. (Seven bound pamphlets.) Wash- > BahPi Faith, The, by Horace Holley. An ington, D. C., 1917. > explanation of the nature of the world- "Bahd'u'lldh and His Message, by J. E. Essle- > wide BahPi community. monr, briefly outlining the spiritual mes- > The Bahd'i Howe of Worship. A brief de- sage of the New Day. > scription of the Bahi'i Temple at Wil- ')Before Abraham Was I Am, by Thornton > mette, Illinois, quoting words of 'Abdu'l- Chase, an explanation of the Station of > Bahi on the spiritual significance of the Prophet. > Bahh'i Houses of Worship, with an out- "Bird's Eye View of the World in the Yea7 > line of Bah6'i history and 'Abdu'l-BahPs 2000, a reprint of article by Orrol Har- > summary of Bah6'i teachings. Illustrated. per in The Bahi'i Magazine. > 8 PP. ')Brief Account of My Visit to ?Akkd, A, > +Bahd'i Hymnal, words and music by Louise by Mary L. Lucas. BahPi Publishing So- > R. Waite. Paper. ciety, Chicago, 1905. > B A H A ' ~ BIBL I O G R A P H Y 535 > ':Brilliant Proof, T ~ P by , Mirz6 'Abu'l Mrs. J. W. Gifc) , an outline for the study > Fad1 of Gulpiyigin, a refutation of an of such Bahh'i topics as the need of a > attack on the Cause by a Protestant mis- Manifestation, the signs of His appear- > sionary. Contains both English and irk- ance, His influence upon civilization, the > nian text. proofs of His cause, etc. Paper covers. > "Call o f God, The, by George Latinrer, the "Green Acre, a reprint of article published > significance of the return of the Mes- in the Bahb'i Magazine. > senger. "Heavenly Feast, A, by Charles and Mariam > ';-Chapteron Strikes, a supplement to "Some Haney. > Answered Questions." "Heavenly Vista, A, by Louis G. Gregory. > ':-Comfilation, No. 9, available in: English, Homoculta~re,by Stanwood Cobb. > Esperanto, French, German, Italian, Span- Index for Bahd'i News. > ish, Chinese, Hungarian, Yiddish. "In Spirit and in Truth, by A. S. Agnew. > "Constrnctive Principles of the Bahd'i *Knock and I t Shrzll Be Opened Unto Y o 4 > Movement, by Charles Mason Remey. by Roy and M. J. M. > BahPi Publishing Society, Chicago, 1917. " I n Memoriam (Miss Lillian F . Kappers and > "Daily Lessons Received at 'Akkri--1908, Dr. Sarah Clock), by Dr. Susan I. > by Helen S. Goodall and Ella G. Cooper. Moody, Union Press, Camp Karachi. > Bahl'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1908. ' I n Galilee, by Thornton Chase. An inter- > Principles o f the Bahd'i Faith. The new edi- esting account of a visit to Haifa in 1907. > tion of the little blue "No. 9" Compila- "Knowing God T h ~ o w g hLove, by 'Abu'l- > tion. Fadl. Farewell address. Bahl'i Assembly, > "Dawn of Knowledge and the Most Great Washington. > Peace, by Paul Kingston Dealy. The Ba- "Lectures b y Jinkb-i-Fkdii, a series of lec- > hh'i Cause and ancient prophecy. tures by a Persian scholar appointed by > Declaration of Trust, and By-Laws of the 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 to teach the principles of > National Spiritual Assembly of fhe Ba- the Bahi'i Cause in America. Vols. 2, 3, > h i l s of the United States aed Canada, 4, and I only. > with amendments adopted to April 1, Lessons i n Religion, by %ay& Muhammad- > 1933. The legal instrument defining the 'Ali Qi'ini, prepared especially for chil- > nature and functions of the institutions dren. Translated by Edith Ruhiyyih > existing in the American Bahi'i commu- Sanderson. > nity, with the By-Laws approved for use *Letter from Honolalu, by Charles Mason > by Local Spiritual Assemblies. (Re- Remey. Privately printed. February 17, > printed from Bahl'i Administration.) 1917. > 24 pp., 6 x 9 . Paper covers. "Letter written on behalf of the "Friends" > "Divine Revelation, the Bast of Civiliza- o f Isfdhkn, Pe~sia, t o the American Be- > tion, by Anfun Haddld. Board of Coun- lievers, by Mirzi 'Abdu'l-Husayn. > cil, New York, 1902. "Light of the World, by a Group of Pil- > '+EarlyPilgrimage, A n , 18 9 8, by May Max- grims. The Tudor Press, Boston, 1920. > well. Bahl'i Publishing Society, Chicago, "Martinists' Report, by M. Gabriel Sasi. An > 1917. address concerning the Bahb'i Religion > 'iEpisodes i n M y Life, by Munirih Khinun,. delivered at the Paris Exposition of > Translated by Ahmad Suhrlb. Persian- 1900. > American Publishing Co., Los Ang&, "Martyrdoms ilz Persia i n 1903, by Hiji > 1924. Mirzi Haydar-'Ali, relating the circum- > First Obligation, The, by Lady Blomfield. stances in which seventy Persian Bahgis > "Plowers Culled from the Rose Garden of were martyred. > 'Akkd by Three Pilgrims i n 1908. " M a p Showing Travels of the B i b and Ba- > "From the World's Greatest Prisoner t o His hi'u'llih. Drawn by J. F. Clevenger, > Priron Friends, by Israel Fraser-Chamber- 1927, 11% x 14%. > lain. Tudor Press, Boston, 1916. "Maxims of Bahd'ism, by Antun waddid. > 'God and His Manifestations (compiled by Board of Council, New York. > 536 T H E BAHA'I: W O R L D > "Message of the kingdom of God, The, by Bahi'i classes and rneerings, compiled by > James F. Brittingham. 1907. Louis G . Gregory. Mimeographed. > "Message from 'Akhd, Antun Haddid. '"aces of Men-Many or One, The, com- > Most Great Peace, The, by Marion Holley. ~iledby Louis G. Gregory. 40 pp., paper > ')Notes Taken at 'Ahkd, by Corinne True. covers. > Bahl'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1907. '$Rays from the Sun of Truth, Ida Fmch. > 'iObservations of a Bahd'i Traveler, by "Revelation of Bahd'u"zl'llih,The, Isabella D. > Charles Mason Remey. Washington, Brittingham. Bahb'i Publishing Society, > D. C., 1914. Chicago, 1902. > Oneness of Mankind, The, selections from ')Spirit of World Unity, The, selections from > words of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in America on re- > on interracial amity, compiled by Louis ligious, racial and scientific subjects. 24 > G. Gregory and Mariam Haney. 64 pp., pp. Paper covers. > paper covers. "Spiritual Opportunities of the Bahd'is of > Outlines of Study of Christ, compiled by the United States and Canada, selections > the Outline Bureau of the National Ba- from words of 'Abdu'l-Bahh. The Na- > hi'i Teaching Committee. Mimeo- tional Spiritual Assembly. > graphed. "Star of the West, November, 1921, Peace > Bahd'i Study Course, an aid for individual Number. > students of the teachings and for Bahi'i *Statiolz of Manifestation, by AnCun Had- > Communities who desire to follow a defi- did. > nite course of study. (Reference books " S h d y of Owtlines of Science, compiled by > needed with this course: Bahi'u'llrih and the Outline Bureau of the National > the New Era, W'isdom of 'Abdzb'j-Bahd Babi'i Teaching Committee. Mimeo- > and Foundations of World Unity.) Mi- graphed. > meographed. 'iTable Talks. Regarding Reincarnation > Study Outlke for Kitdb-i-fqd* (Book of and other subjects. > Certitude). Mimeographed. '>Table Talks at 'Ahkd, by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 > Study Guide for The Dawn-Breakers. Mim- 'Abbhs, by Arthur S. Agnew. Bahi'i > eographed. Publishing Society, Chicago, 1907. > Bahi'i Lesson Outlines for Children, a series "Table Talks with 'Abddl-Baha', by Mr. > of 36 lessons in four sections. Mimeo- and Mrs. George Winterburn. Bahi'i > graphed. Publishing Society, Chicago, 1908. > Twenty Lessons in the Bahd'i Revelation, a 'Tablet on Universal Peace, a letter written > supplen~ent to the Bahd'i Study Cowrse. by 'Abdn'l-Bahi in 1919 to the Central > Mimeographed. Organization for a Durable Peace. > Material and Divine Civilization, compiled "Tablets to Japan, a collection of letters > by the Outline Bureau of the National written by 'Abdu'l-Bahb t o Japanese and > Teaching Committee, 1930. Mimeo- to Americuls serving the Cause in Japan. > graphed. Foreword by Agnes Alexander. > Bahd'i Teachings Concerning Christ, com- *Through Warring Countries to the Mow- > piled by the Outline Bureau of the Na- tain of God, by Charles Mason Remey. > tional Teaching Committee, 1928-1929. Private printing. > Mimeographed. "True Gardener, The (from notes by L.H. > "02ctlines for Study of Scriptuv~s,compiled C.B.). Rangoon Standard Press, 1930. > by the Outline Bureau of the National "Ten Days in the Light of 'Akkd, by Julia > Bahh'i classes and meetings, compiled by M. Grundy. Bahi'i Publishing Society, > Louis G. Gregory. Mimeographed. Chicago, 1907. > 'iPassi~gof 'Abdu'l-Bahd, The, by Lady "Twelve avticles introductory to the study > Blomfield and Shoghi Effendi. of the Bahd'i teachings, by Chades Mason > Princi&s of the Bahri'i Faith, Small com- Remey. > pilation. "Unity Through Love, by Howard Mac- > "Questions and Topics for Discussion in Nutt. > 138 T H E B A H A ' ~WORLD > '$UniversalPrinciples of the Bahd'i Move- individual research of advanced Bahh'i > ment-Social, Economic, Governmmtal, students. > Persian-American Bulletin, 1912. Study Outline for Kitdb-i-fqdn. (Book of > "Views of Haifa, 'Akkd, Mt. Carmel ard Certitude.) > Other Places. Bahl'i Publishing Society, St& Guide for The Dawn-Breakers. An > Chicago. aid for classes and individuals in making > a careful study of this historical work. > (;) OUn~~ES AN^ FOR Material aud Divine Civilization. Com- > BAHd'f STUDY CLASSES piled by the Outline Bureau of the Na- > tional Teaching Committee, 1930 . > BahBi Study Course. An invaluable aid BahB'i Teachings on Economics. A com- > for individual students o f the Teachings, pilation prepared by the National Teach- > and for Bahh'i Communities and Groups ing Committee. 16 pp. > who desire t o follow a definite course of BahPi Teachings Concerning Chist. Com- > study. The Course may be obtained with piled by the Outline Bureau of the Na- > or without the three books needed for tional Teaching Committee, 1928-1929. > reference. Study Course with Bahd'u- Bahl'i Lesson Oz~tlines for Children. A > 'llih and the New Era, Wisdom of 'Ab- series of thirty-six lessons in four sec- > du'l-Bahd and Foundations of World tions, for teachers holding Bahl'i study > Unity. and discussion classes for children. The > Tzuenty Lessons in the Bahd'i Revela- course has been pla~lned for weekly > tion. A valuable supplement to the classes over a ~eriod of nine months. > Bahh'i Study Course and for the Complete series (four sections). > > 2. > BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS OF ENGLAND > 'AGddl-Bahd in London. Addresses deliv- Life and Teachings of 'Abbris Effendi, The, > ered by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 during His visit in by Myron H. Phelys. Published by Put- > London, with description of His life and nam & Sons. > activities. Meditations of a BahBi Chuistian, by E. T. > Bahd'i Fajth, The, by G. Palgrave Simpsou. Hall. C. E. Bennett & Co., Manchester, > BaM'i: Sjirit of the Age, Tbe, by Horace 1912. > Holley. (See list one.) Published by Modern Social Religion, The, by Horace > Kegan, Paul. Holley. Published by Sidgwick & Jack- > Bahl'u'lldh and The New Era, by J . E. son. 1912. > Esslemont. (See list one.) Published by Mysterious Porces of Civilization, The. > George Allen & Unwin, Ltd. (See list one.) > Brief Account of the BaMi Movement, by Paris Talks. (See list one, "The Wisdom of > Ethel J. Rosenberg. Published by Bum- 'Abdu'l-Bahi.") Published by G. Bell & > side, Ltd. Son. > Coming of "The Glory,"' The, by Florence Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahd, The. (See list > E. Pichon. Published by Simpkin, Mar- one.) > shall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd., Lon- Promise of All Ages, The, by "Christophil." > don. Published by Simpkin, Marshal, Ltd., > Drama of the Kingdom, The, by Mrs. Basil 1934. > Hall, London, 1933. Universal Religion, The, by Hippolyte > God's Heroes, by Laura Clifford Barney. Dreyfus, an introductory work on the > (See list one.) Bah6'i Cause by a Frepch orienralist who > Hidden Words of BahBu'lldh. (See list has translated many of the writings of > one.) Bahl'u'll5h. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 139 > > Uniq~ersal Religion, The, by E. T. I-Iall. tober 3, 1924. Includes two papers read > National Spiritual Assembly of the Ba- on the Bahl'i Cause, 519 pp. Cloth > hCis of the British Isles, 1927. cover. > Unity Triumphant, by Elizabeth Herrick. Some Answered Qzcestions. (See list one.) > The Revelation of Bahi'u'llih as the ful- Published by Kegan, Paul. > fillnent of Christianity, with extensive Traz~eller's Narrative, A. The Episode of > quotations and bibliography. Published the Bib translated by Prof. E. G. Browne, > by Kegan, Paul. M.A., F.B.A., M.R.A.S. Cambridge Uni- > Reconciliation of Races and Religiofzs, The, versity Press. > by Thomas Kelly Cheyne, Dr. Lit., D. D. What Is a Bahd'f? by J. E. Esslemont, a re- > Religions of the Empire, edited by W. Lo£- print of chapter three of his larger work. > tus Hare. Published by Duckworth Published by Burnside, Ltd. > (London). Addresses delivered by repre- Wise Mnn from The East, A, by Felicia R. > sentatives of the several religions invited Scatchard. The Unity Press. London, > to participate in the Conference o a Some 1912. > Living Religions Within the British Em- Year with the Bahd'is in lndia and Burma, > pire, held at the Imperial Institute, Lon- A, by Sidney Spmgue. Thc Priory Press, > don, England, from September 22 to Oc- London, 1908. > > 3. > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N FRENCH > Bahd'u'llib et L'Bre nmivelle. Gcnive, 1932. Les Lecons de Saint-Jea?z d'Acrc (Somr An- > Du Rdgne de Diee et de l'Agneau, par Ga- swered Questions). Recueillies par > briel Sacy. 12 Juin, 1902 (brochure). Laura Clifford Barney. Traduction frau- > Essai sur le Bdhd'is?ne, son Histoire, sa Por- ~aisepar Hippolyte Dreyfus. > tie sociale, par Hippolyte Dreyfus. Prdceptes dn Bahiisme, traduit par > 26me 6dition. Librairie Ernest Leroux, Et Dreyfus et H. Ghirazi. 1906. > Paris, 1934. Le vrai Bahd'i. Le c i n q z ~ i h eChapitre de > Le Baydn Arabe, traduit par A. L. M. Nico- Bnhd'z~'l1dh and The New Era. Traduc- > las. Librairie Ernest Leroux, Paris. tion par Edward Roscoe Mathews (bro- > Le Bayin Persan, traduit par A. L. M. Nico- chure) . > las. Librairie Geuthner, Paris. 4 vol- L'Oenvre de BahBn'lldh, traduction fran- > umes: 1911 i 1914. ~aisepar Hippolyte Dreyfus: Tome I: > Le But d'un Nouvel Ovdre Mondial, lettre La t&s sainte Tab1ette.-Les Paroles > de Shoghi EBendi. Traduction de Leon cach6es.-Les Sept ValMes du Voyage > Karalreya. Librairie Ernest Leroux, Paris, vers Dieu.-La Lettre sur le Bayin. Tome > 193 6 (brochure). 11: Le Temple de Dieu.-Les Lettres aux > L'Bconomie Mondiale de Bahri'u'lldh, par Souverains. Tome 111: Le Livre de la > Horace Holley. Traduction de Gabriel Certitude (Kitabou'l Iqan) . Librairie > des Hons. 2ime bdition. Paris, 1936 Ernest Leroux, Paris. > (brochure). *Paroles Cachies, 190 S . > Le Machreqou'l-Askar, d'lchqabad, par Tabktte de Bnhd'bllih, icrite i Andrinople > A. L. M. Nicolas. Paris, 1902. pour un des Croyants de Qazoin (bro- > Le Machreqodl-Azkar, d'Achqabad, par chure). > Hippolyte Dreyfus. Librairie Ernest Le- Trois Lettres d des Persans, par 'Abdu'l- > roux, Paris, 1909 (brochure). Bahi, Juin- Juillet, 1907 (brochure). > L'fipitre au Fils dn Lonp, par Bahi- Vers I'ApogPe de la Race Humaine, lettre > 'u'llih. Traduction fran~aisepar Hippo- de Shoghi Effendi traduite de I'anglais. > lyte Dreyfus. Librairie Ernest Leroux, Librairie Ernest Leroux, Paris, 1936 > Paris. (brochure). > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N ITALIAN > Bahl'u'lldh e la N u o v a Era. Translation of Bahl'i Principles as given by 'Abdu'l- > J. E. Esslemont's book. Bahh at various times, taken from Paris > "Che Cosa e il M o v i m m t o Bahd'i?" (Leaf- Talks and other sources. 1921. Florence. > let.) Parole Velate (Hidden Words). Florence, > Discorsi di 'Abdu'l-Bahd (Paris Talks). 1926. > I Principii Bahd'i. Booklet translation o f the Some A~csweredQuestdons (in prepar~tion). > > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N DUTCH > Alegmeene Beginselen der Bahd'i Beweging. De Verborgen Woorden (Hidden Words), > Amsterdam, 1914. Rotterdam, 193 5 . > "Bah2u'lldh aand the New Era." Rotter- Pamphlets and Leaflets in Dutch Taal pub- > dam, 1933. lished in Pretoria, S. A. > > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N DANISH > Bahd's'lldh ag bans Budskab (Bahh'u'llih H v a d er Bahi'i Bevagelsen (What is the > and His Message), by J. E. Esslemont. Bahl'i Movement?), by J. E. Esslcmont. > Translated into Danish by Johanne Sbr- Translated into Danish by Johanne Sbren- > ensen. Copenhagen. December, 1926. sen. Copenhagen. April, 1926. > "Bahd'u'lldb and the N e w Era." Nyt > Nordisk Forlag. Copenhagen, 193 2. > > 7. > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N SWEDISH > Bahd'u'lldh and the N e w Era, 1932. Kitdb-i-fqdn (in manuscript). > > B A H A ' ~L I T E R A T U R E I N P O R T U G U E S E > BahBu'lldh E La Nova Era, por Dr. J . E. A Maior Paz. Santos, 1922. > Esslemont. Officinas Graphicas de Fonseca Paris Talks. Para, Brazil, 1923. > Filbo & Co., Rna Cruzeiro de S. Fran- Q u e P o Movimento BahBi (pamphlet). > cisco No. 16, Bahia, Brazil. Principles of Bahd'i Faith (pamphlet 9 ) . > > B A H A ' I L I T E R A T U R E I N ALBAN1,AN > FjalB TZ Fshelrura (Hidden Words), New Detyrat e Domosdoshe Besnikvet Bahd'i, > York. 1932. Libri i Beses, TiranE, 1932. > Bahl'u'lldh and t h e N e w Era, Tirane, 193 3. > Kit&-i-fqdn, Tirane, 1932. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 541 > > 10. > BAHA'i LITERATURE IN ESPERANTO > Bahi'u'llih: Kaiitaj vortoj, el la perso lingvo Miihlschlegel, Adelbert: Parolado en la dz~a > tradukis Lutfu'llhh S. Hakim, John E. Bahaa kunveno du7n la XVIIIa Univer- > Esslemont, London, Brita Esperantista sala Kongreso de Eskevanto en Genevo, > Asocio, jaro ne indikata, U O , 39 pp. Stuttgart, 1921, g o , 4 pp. > Kafitaj vortoj, el la angla liugvo tradukis Root, Martha: Bahnaj sciencaj jruvoj d e > Vasily J. Eroseldco, Japanujo, loko kaj vrvo post morto. Praha, 1927, U O , 7 pp. > jar0 ne indikataj, So, 23 pp. Bahaaj p n v o j de vivo post morto, Wands- > 'Abdu'l-Bah6: Bahaj (Bahaaj!) instruoj, bek, Germany, Bahaa Esperanto-Eldonejo, > loko kaj jar0 ne indikataj, U O , 16 pp. 1928, U O , 8 pp. > Kompilaio, vortoj de Baha'u'llah kaj 'Ab- S.S.: La Historio de 1'Bahaj'a (Bahaa!) Mo- > du'l-Bah6, Wandsbek, Germany, Bahaa vado, Universala Fido, esperantigita de > Esperanto-Eldonejo, jar0 ne indikata, 8', William W. Mann, London, the Priory > 16 PP. Press, 1907, XO, 24 pp. > Esslemont, Dr. J. E.: Bahd'n'lldh kaj la nova Lidja Zamenhof: Homo, Dio, Profeto, Wein- > epoko, el la angla orlginalo traduklta de heim, Bahaa Esperanto-Eldonejo, 193 1, > Lidja Zamenhof, Weinheim (Germany), g o , 8 pp. > Bah6'i Esperanto-Eldonejo, 1930, go, 191 Kio estas la Bahna movado? Genf, 192 1, go, > PP. 8 PI'. > Religio b j Scienco lad la luqno de la Ba- Kio esdas la Bahaa movado? Wandsbek, jar0 > haja (bahaa!) rivelajo, London, Brita Es- ne indikata, go, 4 pp. > perantista Asocio, 1919, U O , 28 yp. La Nova Tago. La internucia bahaa esper- > BahBu'llih kaj Lia Misio, Hamburg, Es- anto-gazeto. Weinheim (Germany), Ba- > peranto Komitato de la Bahaa Movado. haa Esperanto-Eldonejo. Quarterly since > 1926, So, 22 pp. 1921. > Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: La esaco de Paris Talks of 'Abdn'l-Baha'. Weinheim, > PBahaismo, Wandshek, Bahaa Esperanto- Baden, 1932. > Eldonejo, 1929, 8 " , 8 pp. > Historio, inslrsoj kaj valoro de la Bnha'i- For information on German and Esperanto > movado. Hamburg, Esperanto Komitato Bahh'i literature 3nd magazines please ad- > de la Bahaa-movado, 1925, XO,8 pp. dress Dr. Herinann Grossmann, Weinheim > Kliemke, Dr. Ernst: Bahaismo kaj politirko, (Bergstrasse) , Friedrich-V~~lerstrasse, 4, > la stata idealo laB la instruoj de Bah6'u- Germany. > '116h, Wandsbek, Germany, Bahaa Esper- > anto-Eldonejo, 1929, 8", 8 pp. > > 11. > BAHA'I LITERATURE IN RUSSIAN > BahBu'lldh and fhe New Era. Printed in KZtib-i-iqdn. Riga, Pds iela 14, 1933. > Latvia, 1930. Tablet fron; 'Abdu'l-Baha'. Bik6, 1909. > Lessons in Religion, by g a y & Mubarnmad- Talk about Babi'i Faith. Blk6. > 'Ali Ql'ini. 'Ishq6b6d, 1912. Talk of 'Abdu'l-Baha' in New York. 'Is_hq6- > Bahd'u'lla'h, by Isabel Grinevskaya. Lenin- bid, 1922. > grad, 1912. T6blet t o the Hague, by 'Abdn'l-Bahl. > Bah'iyyat, by M. Blanovsky. Moscow, 1914. London, 1922. > Hidden Words of BahBu"1dh. Riga, 1934. No. 9. (Compilation.) New Yock, N. Y. > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > B A H A ' ~L I T E R A T U R E I N G E R M A N > Baha'u'llih: Tablett von Is_hrciqdt, Tablett in Ba&dbd. Aus dem Englischen von > von Tardzdt, Worte des Paradieses, Tab- W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der > left von Tajalliybt, Frohe Botschaften. Baha'i-Vereinigung, 1911, X O , 8 p. > Aus dem Englischen von A. Braun und E. Bahi'u'llih: Das Tablett vonz Zweig. Aus > Ruoff. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der Bahi'i- den Englischen von Fr. Schweizer. He- > Vereinigung. 1912, go, 73 p. rausgegeben von den Bahi'is in Zuffen- > Bahi'u'llih: Frohe Botscbaften, Worte des hausen. Ohne Jahr, go, 8 p. > Paradieses, Tablett Tardzat, Tablett Ta- 'Abdu'l-Bahi: Evangelium der Liebe nnd des > jalliydt, Tablett I&rdqdt. Nach der eng- Friedens fiir unsere Zeit (Ansprachen in > glischen Uebersetzung von 'Ali-Quli Paris). Aus dem Englischen van W. > > A Baha'i Youth Group of GI:rmany with their Teachers. > > ILhan, deutsch t.on W. Herrigel. Stutt- Herrigel. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der > gart, Verlag des Dentschen Bahl'i- Bahi'i-Vereinigung. 1914, go, 172 p. > Bundes, 1921, So, 123 p. 'Abdu'l-Bah6: Ansprachen, gehalten irn > Bahi'u'llih: Verborgene Worte, Worte der Herbst 19 11 im Paris. Aus dem Engli- > Weisheit und Gebele. Aus dem Engli- schen von W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Verlag > schen von A. Braun und E. Ruoff. Stutt- des Deutschen Bahi'i-Bundes, 1921, X O , > gart, Verlag der Bahi'i-Vereinigung, 196 p. > 1916, So, 104 p. 'Abdu'l-Bah6: Beantwortete Eragen. Nach > Baha'u'llih: Verborgene Worte, Worte der der englischen Ausgabe von L. Clifford > Weisheit und Gebete. Nach der engli- Barney, deutsch von W. Herrigel. Stutt- > schen Uebersetzung von Shoghi Effendi, gart, Verlag des Deutschen BahL'i- > deutsch von Alice Schwarz und W. Bundes G.m.b.H. 1929, g o , VIII und > Herrigel. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen 392 p. > BahS'i-Bundes, 1924, go, 109 p. 'Abdu'l-Bahi: Eine Botschaft an die Juden. > Baha'u'llih: Das heilige Tablett, geoffenbart Aus dem Englischen von W. Herrigel. > BAHA'f BIBL I O G R A P H Y 143 > > Stuttgart, im Selbstvcrlag der Bahi'i- Hemgel. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen > areinigung. 1913, 8 O , 1T p. Bahb'i-Bundes, 1920, 8', 40 p. > 'Abdu'l-Bah6: Tabelle (Tablets) allgemeiner Dreyfus, Dr. Hippolyre: Bdbismz~s und > Belehrung. Deutsch von Fanny Knobloch. Bah6'ismus. Deutsch yon Margarete > 1906, ohne Angabe des Ortes, so, 12 p. Platte. Franlcfurt a.M. Neuer Frank- > 'Abd~il-Bahl:Tabelle (Tablets) an die Ge- furter Verlag G.m.b.H., 1909, 8', 6 1 p. > Iiebten Gottes des Abendlandes. Deutsch Esslemont, Dr. John E.: Babi'z~'l1dh und das > von Fanny A. Knobloch. 1906, ohne Neue Zeitalter. Deutsch von H . K. und > Angabe des Ortes, S o , 8 p. W. H. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen > Bahd'iperlen (Worte von Bahb'u'llih und BahL'i-Bundes, 1927, So, VIII + 431 p. > 'Abdu'l-Bahi) . Stuttgart, Verlag des Esslenlont, Dr. John E.: W a s iit ein Ba- > Deutschen Bahb'i-Bundes, 1921, g o , 16 p. hd'i? Aus dem Englischen iibersetzt und > 'Abdu'l-Bah6: Relixion und Philosophie, herausgegeben van der Bahh'i-Arheitsgr- > 1911, Paris. meinscbaft Esslingeu. Ohne Jahr. (ver- > Shoghi Effendi: Die Weltorduung von Ba- vielf5ltigt), 4 O , 20 p. > hi'u'lldh. Aus dem Englischen. Heraus- Esslemont, Dr. John E.: Der W e g z u m > gegeben vorn Deutschen Iiahi'i-National- Fricder. Sonderdruclr des Kapitels X aus > rat, Stuttgarc, Marz 1930, 8', 15 p. "Bahb'u'llih und das Neue Zeitalter." > Shoghi Effendi: An die Gelirbten des Werrn Herausgegeben vou der Bahl'i-Arheitsge- > und an die Dienerinnen dm Barmherzigen meinscaft Esslingen. Ohne Jahr, S o , 8 p. > in der ganzen Welt. Aus dem Englischen. Fadl, Mirzii Abu'l: Geschirhte uud Wahr- > Herausgegeben vom deutschen Bahb'i- heitsbcweise der Bahi'i-Religion. Nach > Nationalrat, Stuttgart, April 1930 (ver- der englischen Uebersetzung von 'Ali- > vielfaltigt) , Folio, 17 p. Quli-K_hin, deucsch von W. H. Stuttgart, > Bahiyyih B i n u r n : Brief an die Frez~nde Verlag des Deutschen Balii'i-Bundes G.m. > Gottes und an die Dienerinnen des Barm- b.H. 1919, S o , XXIV + 291 p. > herzigen i m Abendland. Aus dem En- Fadl, Mirzi Abu'l: Gllnzender Bewek > glischen von A. Schwarz. Ohne Angabe (Burhine Lame). Aus dem Englischen > des Ortes und des Jahres. so, 4 p. von Fr. Schweizer. Herausgegeben von > Blomfield, Sitirih und Shoghi Effendi: Das der Bahl'i-Vereinignng Zuffenhausen, > Hinscheirden 'Abdu'l-BuhBs. Ohne An- ohne Jahr, So, 4 1 p. > gabe des Ortes und des Jahres, 8O, 32 p. Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Die sozialo Frage > Brittingham, Isabella D.: Die Oflenburung and ihre Losung i m Sinne der BahBi- > von Bnhd'u'lldh. Aus dern Englischen von Lehve. Stuttgarr, Verlag des Deutschen > W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Selhstverlag der Bahi'i-Bundes, 1923, So, 12 p. > Bahh'i-Vereinigung, 1910, So, 47 p. Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Die Bahd'i-Be- > Carpenter, Marion: M ~ j n z i n und Layld. wegung, ihvc Geschichte, Lehren und Be- > Nach Bahi'u'llih's Erzahlung in den deutung. Herausgegeben von der Baltl'i- > "Sieben Tilern." Deutsch Ton E. M. Gr. Bewegung. Hamburg, 1926, 8', 8 p. > und Dr. H . Gr. Wandsbek, Weltgemein- Grossmann, Dr. Hemann: Das Wesen der > schaft 1926, 8', 8 p. BahBi-Lehre. Ohne Angabe des Ortes > Chase, Thornton: Die Bahd'ioffenbarung. und des Jahres. 8", 8 p. > Aus dem Englischen von W. Herrigel. Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Bahi'i-Erzie- > Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Bahi'i- hung. Waudsbek, Weltgemeinschaf t, > Bundes, 1925, So, X V 1 4 168 p. Deutscher Zweig, 1924, So, 8 p. > Chase, Thornton: Ehe Abraba7n war, war Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Rosengdrtlein- > Ich. Aus dem Englischen von W. Lehrstunden. Lehrproben zur Bahl'i-Er- > Herrigel. Stnttgart, Verlag der Bahi'i- ziehung. Herausgegeben von der Weltge- > Vereinigung. Ohne Jahr, S o , 8 p. meinschaft, Wandsbek, ohne Jahr, g o , > Dreyfus, Dr. Hippolyte: Einheits-Religion. 12 p. > Ihre Wirkung auf Staat, Erziehung, So- Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Chanan. Eine > zialpolitik, Frauenrechte und auf die ein- Enahlung aus unserer Zeit. Wandsbek, > zelne Persiinlichkeit. Deutsch von W. 1927, So, 8 p. > 144 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: ATIZ Morgen dem E ~ ~ l i s c h cvon > n Fr. Schweizr. Stutt- > einer nesen D i f , Verlag Streclrer und gart, Selbstverlag der Bah6'i-Vereinigung, > Schroder. Stuttgart, 1932. 1908, So, 8 p. > W. H.: Universaler Friede, Universale Re- S. S.: Ein jahr unter den Bahd'i in I d i e n > ligion. Die Bahh'i-Bewegung, ihr Zweck und Birnut. Aus dem Englischen von > und Ziel. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der Ba- W. H. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der BahPi- > hh'i-Vereinigung. 1911, go, 30 p. Vereinigung, ohne Jahr, 8', 46 p. > Hartmann, Pauline: Bah2i-Weltanschauung. S. S.: Die Geschichte der Bahd'i-Bewegang. > Verlag des Geistigen Nationalrats der Aus dem Englischen von W. H . Stutt- > deutscheu Bahi'i. E. V., go, 24 p. gart, Selbstverlag der Bahi'i-Verein~gung, > W . H.: Die Bahd'i-Bewegung i m Allge- 1913, Zweite auflage, 1913, S o , 22 p. > meinen und ihre grossen Wirkungen in A. Dritte auflage, 1919, So, 22 p. > Indien. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Schwarz, Alice: Die universale Weltreligion. > Bahi'i-Bundes, 2922, EO, 56 p. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Bah6'i- > W. H.: Die Zeichen unserer Zeit i m Lichte Bundes, 1919, go, 31 p. > der Bibel zmd deu Bah2i-Lehre. Stuttgart, Wright, A. H.: Bdb snd seine Secte in Per- > Verlag der Baha'i-Vereinigung. 1916, So, sien, Leipzic. > I6 p. Religiose Lichblicke. E i i g e Erlauterungen > Holley, Horace: Die Wellwivtschaft van zur Bahh'i-Bewegung. Aus dem Franzii- > Bahi'u'lldh. Aus dem Englischen. 30 p. sischen von Albert Renftle. Stuttgart, > Geneva, 1934. Verlag der BahA'i-Vereinigung, 1916, 8 ', > Kliemke, Dr. Ernst (Heinrich Nienlcamnp) : 16 p. > Babd'i-Lehre und PolitiR. Das Staatsideal Edweiterte Auflage, Stuttgart, 1928, Ver- > nach den Lehren Bah6'u'llib's. Ohne lag des Deutschen Bah6'i-Bundes, go, > Angabe des Ortes und des Jahres. aO, 8 y . 24 p. > Maxwell, May: Jos, dev Scbaferknabe, ' A b - Die Geschichte vom Kleinen Vogel und an- > du'l-Bahri nacherzihlt. Aus dem Engli- dere Erzahlungen az~sdem Leben 'Abdzl'l- > schen von Dr. H. Gr. Wandsbek, Welt- Bahd's. Wandsbek, Weltgemeinschaft, > gemeinschaft, Deutscher Zweig, 1924, go, Deutscher Zweig, 1921, go, 8 p. > 8 P. Aus Leben und Lehre des BahBismus. Ham- > Miihlschlegel, Adelbert: Melodram zwm burg, Bahh'i-Verlag, 1918, a', 42 y. > dritten Deutschen Bahd'i-Kongress 8 0 . Die BabBi-Bewegz~ng. Flugblatt. Stutt- > Ohne Angabe des Ortes, September 1924, gart, Vedag des Deutschen Bah6'i-Bundes, > go, 8 p. ohne Jahr, so, 4 p. > Muhlschlegel, Adelbert: Ridva'n 8 I , Pest- Was ist die Bahd'i-Bmuegung. Flugblatt. > spiel. Stuttgart, Baha'i-Bund, Deutscher Ohne Angabe des Ortes und des Jabres. > Zweig, 1925, go, 8 p. (2 Ausgaben: Hamburg und Wien), 8', > Najmajer, Marie von: Qzarratu'l-'Ayn. Ein 8 bezw. 10 p. > Bild aus Persiens Neuzeit. Wien, 1894. Die Bahd'i Lehre, 1933, Schmal go, 4 p. > Phelps, Myron H.: 'Abdzc'l-Bahi 'Abbas, A n d m Schwelle eines neues Zeitalterr. > Leben und Lehren. Aus den1 Englischeu Flugblatt. Stuttgart, W . H. Ohne Jahr. > von W. H. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deut- aO, 10 p, > schen Bahi'i-Bundes, 1922, S o , 248 p. Bericht v o m ersten Deutschen Bahd'i-Kolt- > Remey, Charles Mason: Das n e w Zeitalter. gress 192Z. Herausgegebeu von der Ba- > Die Bahh'i-Offenbarung. Deutsch von h6'i-Arbeitsgemeinschaft Esslingen (ver- > W. H., Verlag des Deutschen Bahb'i- vielfiltigt) 4', 54 p. > Bundes, Stuttgart, 1923, go, 32 p. Weihnachtsbeilage fiir Kinder. Dezember > Remey, Charles Mason: Einheit. Die Of- 1921. Beilage zur Sonne der Wahrheit, > fenbarung des Baha'u'llih. Deutsch yon go, 8 p. > Fanny A. Knobloch. Ohne Angabe des Treuhand~chaftserklirun~ und Satzung des > Ortes und des Jahres. 8P, 8 p. Nationalen Geistigen Rates der Bahl'i in > Rosenberg, Ethel J.: Die BahPi-Lehre, Deutschland und Oesterreich nebst Satz- > dereu ethische und soziale Begrife. Aus ung des Geistigen Rates der BahB'i in > Stuttgart. Heraqegeben vom Nationalen und Oesterreich e. V., Stuttgart, 1935 , > Geistigen Rat der Bah6'i in Deutschland So, 32 p. > > 13. > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N BU1,GARIAN > Bahd'n'lldh and the N e w Era, Sofia, 1932. Words of Wisdom (in manuscript). > Hidden Words (in manuscript). Seven Valleys (in manuscript). > > 14. > B A H A ' ~L I T E R A T U R E I N R U M A N I A N > BahPn'lldh and the N e w Era, Bucharest, Ce Este Miscarea BahPi, Bucharest, 1934. > 1934. > > 11. > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N CZECH > Bahd'n'lldh and the N e w Era, Prague, 1932. Pamphlets, 1934. > > 16. > B A H A ' ~L I T E R A T U R E I N S E R B I A N > Bahd'u'lldJJ and the N e w Era, Belgrade, Hidden Words, Belgrade, 1936. > 1933. Book of Prayers, Belgrade, 1936. > > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era, Budapest, > 1933. > > 18. > BAHA'f L I T E R A T U R E I N GREEK > Bahl'n'lldh and the N e w Era, Athens, 1934. > > 19. > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N MAORI > T e Whakatikenga Pahai, Pamphlet by G. G . > Paul, Auckland, New Zealand, 1933. > BAHb'i BIBLIOGRAPHY > > 20. > BAHA'i LITERATURE I N SPANISH > Bahd's'lldh and the New Era, Bahia, 1934. Qnt Salisteis A Ver? Dr. Carlos A. Stoppel's > The Kitdb-i-fqdn (in preparation). translation of What Went Y e Out for to > Bahd'u'llrih y la Nueva Era. Traduccion See? by Thornton Chase. Published by > espariola por Leonora Stirling Holsapple. La Sociedad Teodfica de Mendoza, Argen- > Bahia, Brazil, 1933. tina, 1920. > Qzid es el Movimiento Bahd'i. Booklet. > > 21. > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N NORWEGIAN > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era, Oslo, 193 1. > > 22. > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N CROATIAN > Pamphlet. > Some Answcved Questions (in manuscript). > > 23. > BAHA'I LITERATURE I N ORIENTAL > LANGUAGES > iPdNIAN Prayers from 'Abdu'l-Bahri. Tihrin, 1930. > Muduniyyih, The, by 'Abdu'l-Bahh. Cairo > Book of Mubin, Tablets of Bahd'u'lldh, The. and Bombay. > Bombay. Natijata'l-Baydn, compiled by Mirz6 Na'im. > Book of Iqtiddr, Tablets of Bahd'u'lldh, The. Tablet to the ' d h of Persia. Cairo. > Bombay. Siydsiyyih, The, by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Bombay. > Kalimdt-i-Maknzinih (Hidden Words). Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahd, The. > IslJrdqdt,Tarhdt, Tajalliydt, The. Bombay. Bombay and Cairo. > Lazoh-i-Ahmad, Tihkand. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, The. 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Vol. I m d I , > Mirzi Mahmud Zarqini. Bombay. > Al-Mrya'rn's-Sahib. 1910. > Early Tablets of Bahd'u'lldh, The, compiled > ablet t o the Hague. Haydar-Abad, 1923. > b y Baron Rosen, St. Petersburg. > Memorinls of the Paithful, fAbdu'l-Bahd. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ > Haifa. > Ajz-Ndj,u'l-Abhd-Fi-Mafawaddt-i-'A~n~l- > Kitdbu"-Znhzir. > a h Table talks collected b y Laura C. ~ ~ $ ~ ~ ~ i o ~ $ d , W $by~ M ~ n; I, D. > Barncy. Kcgan, Paul, London, 1908. > Ma.$uiqn'l-Agkk. Twenty-two page book- Brittingham' 1902' > Javdb-i-Qddiydnihd. Rangoon, 1908. > let written i n Persian on the Bahi'i Tem- > ple. Published b y the Bah6'i Assembly o f Bnrhdnii-SariE' Agra' > Ihqdqn'l-Haqq, b y Mirzl Mahmud Zarqini. > Washington, D. C . > 1908-9. > Hadiqatu'l-Bahd'i~ih. Bombay, 1927. Uszil-i-Bahd,i. Delhi, > Kavdkibu'd-Durriyyih. Cairo. > Epistle t o the Son of the W o l f , The. Delhi. > Irtibdt-i-Sharq va Gharb. Tihrln, 193 1. > Ddwr-iLBahd'i' > ~nestio7zs . > i-Aqdds) Tihrin. > Bahd'u'lla'h and the N e w Era. Lahore, > Bahd'isnz and Socialisnz. 'Is_hqibid. > 1931. > Mund~ivatn'&Dinij,yih. Cairo. > Answered Qsestiolzs ( i n press). > ~ ~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ '( d - L~ inj ~~~ ~~ ~l ~ij ~, $i ~~ ~ )~ . ~ ~ > Cairo and Tihrin. > ARABIC > Ma@navi (Nabil's chronological poem). > Cairo. Kitrib-i-Aqdas. Bombay, Cairo, Persia. > Poems b y Nayyir. TihrBn, 1930. I&rdqdt, Tajalliydt, Tara'zdt, and Kalimdt, > Istidldliyyih, I and 11, by Na'im, Tabriz, The. Cairo. > 1911 and 1912. The Dawn-Breakers. Nabil's Narrative ( i n > Magdliy-i-Bahd'i. Delhi, 1911. manuscript). > Poems, b y Na'im. Tabriz, Tihrln, Cairo Talks of 'Abrlu'l-Bahd i n Europe, The. > and Bombay. Translation anonymous. Cairo. > The I9 Talks. Cairo. Bahd'n'lldh and the N e w Era, b y Dr. J. E. > U~zil-i-Tadris. Tibrln. Esslemont. Cairo, 1930. > Bahd'i Faith and Socialism. 'f&qibid. Some Amwered Questions. Cairo, 1930. > Fara' 'idu'd-Diniyyih. Madhad. Bahd'i Principles; Summary of Bahd'i Teach- > Tubfiy-i-Ta'hirih. Delhi, 1933. ings. Cairo, 1928. > T h e Passing of Abdu'l-Bahd. Delhi, 1933. Prayers from BahBu'lliih. Tabriz, 1911. > T h e Bahd'i Calendar. Tihrin. Traveller's Narrative, A. > BahBi Pearls, by Mirz6 Abu'lLFadl. Cairo, Indcx to Some Answered Qz~esfions. Shang- > 1900. hai, 1933. > Bahd' Proofs, by Mirzi Abu'l-Fadl. Cairo, Some Answered Questions (in preparation). > 1921. > Tablct to the Hague. HEBREW > Risa'liy-i-Amriyyih, by M u ~ t a f i . Cairo. > Bahi's'lldh and the New Era. Haifa, 1931. > Kitrib-i-fqdn. Cairo, 1934. > TARTAR > TURKISH > Vahdat, by 'Abdu'l-Bah6. TiGkand, 1918. > Bahd'u'lldh and 'Ahdu'l-Babd. Biku, 191 5. > Talk About the Bahd'i Faith. B6ku. GUJRATI > Talk in New York. B6116, 1922, 'ishqibid, > 1916. Pardmin-Bahi, by Mirzi Abu'l-Fadl. Bom- > Bahd'i Hareketi. Istanbul, 1930. bay, 1921. > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. Istanbul, Bahd'dlldh and thr New Era. Bombay, > 1932. 1932. > BURMESE > JAPANESE > Some Answered Questions. Mandalay, 1915. > What Is Bahd'isnz, by Dr. G. J. Augur. > Revelation of Bahd'z~'1ldh. Mandalay, 1907. > 1916. > Nujjatu'lla'hu'l-Bdli&ih. Rangoon, 1927. > A Letter to the Women of Inpan, by Agnes > What Is the Bahd'i Movement. Rangoon. > B. Alexander. 1916. > Durzis-i-Ak_hldqiyyih. Mandalay, 1930. > Religion of Love. 1917. > ~uqziqu'l-insdniyyih. Mandalay, 1928. > The Most Great Peace, translated by Dr. > Mizdnu'l-Fzhrga'n. Mandalay, 1908. > Inouye. 1917. > Dunisu'd-Diyanih. Mandalay, 1922. > Mas_hriqu'l-Agkdr, translated by Dr. > Tablet of Love. Mandalay, 1922. Inouye. 1918. > Bahd'i Pvinciples. Mandalay, 1919. > The Bahd'i Revelation, translated by Dr. > To Live the Life. Mandalay. > Inouye. 1920. > @ajaratu'l-Adydn. Rangoon, 1909. > The Call, translated by T. Torii. 1920. > Su'al va Javdb. > What Is the Bahd'i Movement, translated > 'Aqd'id-i-Bahd'iydn. > by T. Inouye. 1929. > The Bahd'i Short Thesis. Mandalay, 1913. New Civilization, by K . Torikai. 1917. > Ni~dm-Ndmih: 1907. Bahl'u'lldh and the New Era. Tokyo, 1932. > Short History of the Chuse, A. 1913. > Divine Laws. ARMENIAN > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. Mandalay, > 1933. Hidden Words (in manuscript). > CHINESE What Is the Bahd'i Movement? 1933, > Prag. > Bahd'dlldh and the New Era. Shanghai, Pamphlet. 1920, Cairo. > 1931. Pamphlet. 1928, Iatanbul. > The Most Great Peace. Shanghai, 1931. Bahd'u'llrih and the New Era. 1933, > Light of the Age. Shanghai, 1926. Aleppo. > The Valuable Contributio7z of the Bahd'i Some Answered Questions (in manuscript) . > Cause ( I , 11) . Shanghai, 1932. Kitdb-i-fqdn (in preparation). > The Bahd'i Cause in China. Shanghai. Book- > let No. 9. TAMIL > Paris Talks. Shanghai, 193 1. > Kitdb-i-fqdn. Shanghai. The Revelation of Bahd'r'lldh, by I. Brit- > The Goal of a Nezu World Order. Sbagghai, tingham, translated by V. M. Swami. > 1931. Rangoon, 1906. > 550 T H E BAH6'i W O R L D > KURDISH HINDI > Bahd'u'lldh and the N e w Era. B a a d i d , l d hthe N~ > ~ ~ h d j ~ ysand E~~ (in press). > 1934. > SINDHI > ABYSSINIAN ( A M H A R I C ) > Bahd'u'lldh and the N e w Era ( i n press). > Baha"u'l1dh and the New Era. Addis Ababa, > BENGALI -.... > 1 9 1 ~ > > Bahd'n'lldh and the N e w Era ( i n press). Pamphlet. > > 24. > BAHA'I LITERATURE IN BRAILLE > ( F O R T H E BLIND) The Hidden Words, b y Bahi'u'llhh. > Words of Wisdom. Book of Prayers. > A Letter t o the Blind W o m e n i n Japan, b y Seven Valleys, b y Bahh'u'llih. > Agnes B. Alexander. Tokyo, 1917. The Kitdb-i-fqdn, b y Bah6'u'llhh. > Seek and i t shall be given you, b y Tokijira Is_hrdqdt, b y Bahi'u'llih. > Torii. Tokyo, 19 17. Sziratu'l-Haykal, b y BahPu'll&h. > W h a t Is the Bahd'i Movement? b y T . Some Answered Questions, b y 'Abdu'l-Bah6 > Inouye. 1929. ( i n part). > La Bahaa Rwelacio. 1929. Bahd'u'lldh and the N e w Era. California. > Goal of a N e w World Order. Golden Age of the Cause of BahBu'lldb. > Divine Philosophy. BahBi Economics. > > 25. > BAHA'I PERIODICALS > Bahd'i Magazine, Star of the West, The. Kawkab-?-Hind: a monthly Indian Urdz~ > Official magazine o f the Bahi'is of the Magazine. Edited and published i n Delbi, > United States and Canada, from its be- India, b y Jinih-i-"Mawlavi-FidiI" Siyyid > ginning i n Chicago i n 1910 until its Mahf6zu'l-Haqq 'Ilmi under the auspices > merger with World Unity, April, 1935. o f the National Spiritual Assembly of the > For official Bahi'i magazine see World Bahl'is o f India and Burma. Address: > Order. Karol Bagh, Delhi, India. > Bahd'i News. T h e bulletin of the National La Nova Tago (The N e w Day). T h e In- > Spiritual Assembly o f the Bahi'is o f the ternational Bahi'i-Esperanto Magazine, > United States and Canada. published four times a year b y the Esper- > Bahd'i News Letter. T h e Bulletin o f the anto Committee o f the National Spiritual > National Spiritual Assembly of the Assembly o f the Bahh'is o f Germany. > Baha'is o f Egypt. Address: Gliringstr. 37, Neckargemund, > Bahd'i News Letter. T h e bulletin o f the Germany. > National Spiritual Assembly o f the News Letter from Bahi'is of the British > Bahh'is o f India and Burma. Isles. 19 Grosvenor Place, London, > Bulletin, International Bahk'i. Bureau, Case S.W. 1. > 181 Stand, Geneva, Switzerland. Sonne der Wabrheit, Organ des Deutschen > Herald of the South, The. T h e Bahi'i Bahi'is. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen > magazine for N e w Zealand and Australia. Bahh'i-Bundes, monthly since March, > Address: P.O. Box 447D, Adelaide, Aus- 1921. 3. Alexanderstr., Stuttgart, Ger- > tralia. many. > Ruins of the Bath visited by the Bib in Ur6miyyih, irin. > > Relatives of the Bib. (Seated in the center is H i j i Mirzi Vakilu'd-Dawlih, the Bib's > cousin and chief builder of the MasJtiqu'l-Ad&k6r at 'I&qibhd.) > 152 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > UnUy of the Eart and the West Comwzittee. Published monthly in New York. Edi- > c/o Dr. Y . A f r d a t i h , Avenue Bar&, tors, Stanwood Cobb and Horace Holley. > Tihrln, frln. Editorial oilice, 119 Waverly Place, New > World Order. Official magazine of the York, N . Y . > Bahl'is of the United States and Canada. > > REFERENCES TO T H E BAHA'f F A I T H I N > B O O K S BY N O N - B A H A ' f A U T H O R S > AMERICAN Gazvini, M . J.: A Brief History of Bahd- > 'u'lldh, the Founder of the Bahd'i Re- > Adams, Rev. Isaac: Persia by a Persian, ligion. San Diego, Calif., 1914. > 1900. Gibbons, Herbert Adams: Wider Horizons. > Annual Report, by Near East College Century Co., New York, 1930. > Association, 1930-1931. Harmon, W . W . : Microcosm, Macrocosm. > Atherton, Gertrude: Julia Prance and Her By the Author, Boston, 1911. > Times. Stokes & Co., New York, 1912. Harry, Myriam: A Springtide in Palestine. > Atkins, Gaius Glenn: Modern Religious Houghton Mifflin,Boston, 1924. > Cults and Movements. Fleming Revell, Historv,o,f the Nineteenth Centurv Year bv > New York, 1923. Year. 3 Vols. (See page 1131.) P. F. > Barrows, Rev. John Henry: The World's Collier &Son, New York, 1902. > Parliament of Religions. 2 Vols. The Holmes, John Haynes: Palestine: Today and > Parliament Publishing Co., Chicago, 1893. Tomorrow. Macmillan, New York, 1929. > Baudouin, Charles: Contemporary Stabdies. Hoover, W . I. T.: Religionisms and Chris- > Fr. trans., E. and C. Paul. E. P. Dutton, tianity. The Stratford Co., Boston, 1924. > New York, 1921. Hubbard, Elbert: Selected Writings. Vol. X. > Bell, Archie: The Spell of the Holy Land. Jewett, Mary: Retniniscences o f My Life il: > The Page Co., Boston, 1911. Pmsia. Torch Press, Cedar Rapids, 1909. > Benjamin, S. G. W.: Persia and the Persians. Jordan, Rev. F. M.: The Muhammadan > Ticknor & Co., Boston, 18 8 6 . World of To-day, 129. > Bentwich, Norman: The Religious Founda- Keyserling, Hermann: Travel Diary of a > tions of Internationalism. George Allen Philosopher. Harcourt, Brace & Co., > & Unwin, London, 193 3 . New York, 1921. > Bibesco, Princess G. V.: The Eight Para- Kohn, Hans: A History of Nationalism in > dises. English translation. E. P. Dutton, the East. Harcourt, Brace, New York, > New York, 1923. 1929. > Cowles, Alton House: The Conquering Linton, Bishop J. H., D.D.: Persian > Horseman. Christopher Publishing Co., Sketches. London. > 1923. Martin, Alfred W . : Comparative Religion > Donaldson, Dwight M., D.D., Ph.D.: The and the Religion of the Future. Appleton > Shi'ite Religion. Luzac Co., London, Co., New York, 1926. > W.C. 1, 1933. Matthews, J. B., and Duvall, Sylvanus M.: > Ehrenpreis, Marcus: The Soul of the East. 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I , pp. 434, 448. > Schoenaich, General von: Palastinu, Halber- Religions zzcgr/&rigkeit in Baden, herausg- > stadt, H . Meyer's Buchdruclrerei, 1926, geben vom Badischen Statistischen Lande- > pp. 103-105. samt, Freiburg i.B., Herder u. Co., 1928, > Klotzel, C. 2.: Die Strasse der Zehntausend, p. 131. > Hamburg, Gebruder Enoch Verlag, 1925, Allgewceines I pp. 191/96. Verlag fiir Wissen und Bildung, 1928. > Faut, Adolf: Romantik oder Reformation, Artikel: B6bi, BahP'ismus. > Gotha, Leopold Klotz-Verlag, 1921, pp. Meyers Konverratio?~r-Lexikon, 2. Auf- > 49f. lage van 1866, vol. 12, p. 787. Artikel: > Rosen, Friedrich: Persien i n W o r t und Bild, Persien. > Berlin, Franz Schneider-Verlag, 1926, pp. 7. Auflage 1924, Artilrel: Bbbi, BahP'is- > 11/16. mus. > Das Reich Gottes auf Erden, herausgegeben Vambery, Hermann: Meine Wandernngen > von Rudolf Burkert, Niemes, Druclc von und Erlelmisre i n Persien, Budapest, > A. Bienert, 1929, p. 27. 1867. > Graham, John W.: Der Glauhe eines Kremer, A. von: Geschichte der herrschen- > Quiikers, Leipzig, Quaker-Vedag, 1926, den Ideen des Isldms, Leipzig, 1868. > p. 48. Polak, Dr. Jakob: Persien, des Land und > Strothmann, R.: Die Zwolfer-Schi'a, Leip- seine Bewohner, Leipzig, 18 6 5. > zig, Otto Harrassowitz, 1926, pp. 54, Ethe, Dr. Hermann: Essays und Studi.cn, > 163. Berlin, 1872. > Freda, Dr. Ludwig: Uer den Sozialisnzus, Kayserling, Hermann, Graf: Reisfag~buch > Stuttgart, Herold-Verlag, 1921, p. 86. eines Philosophen. > Kriegsdienstuerweigerer i n vielen Ldndern, Stuehe, Prof. H.: Geschichte der Weltre- > Bericht iiber die internationale Konferenz ligbnen in: Die neue Volkshochschule, > 'i W O R L D > Lcipzig, E. G. Weimilnn, 1925, vol. I, p. Hayek, Max: "Der Bahi'ismus" in Vossische > 54. Artikel: der Bibismus. Zeitung. vom 13, Juni, 1920. > Thielman, Baron Max von: Journey in the Huart, Cl., in: E~zzyklopidiedes Islams von > Caucasus, Persia and Turkey. Houtsma. p. 5661, 569f., Leiden, 1911. > Najmajer, Marie von: Poems on Qurratn'l- Artikel: "Bib," "Bihi." > 'Ayn. Vienna, 1874. Huart, C1.: Allgemeine Missionszeitschrift, > Wege zum Frieden: Paul Riechert, Heide en 1894, p. 327; 1903, p. 242. > Holstein, 19 3 2. H u r t , Cl.: Evangelisches Missi0.n~-Magazin, > Andreas, Dr. F. C. in: der Zeitschrift "Der 1894, p. 128. > Export," Jahrg. 13, Nr. 24-29. Ibrahim Beg, in: Zustande im heutigen > Andreas, Dr. F. C.: Die Bdbis in Persien. Persieia wie sie das Reisebuch Ibrahim Begs > Leipzig, 1896, g o , 68 p. enthiillt. S. IV, V, 210-14, 330. Her- > Zur Beek, Gottfried, in: Die Geheimnisse der ausgegeben von Dr. Walter Schulz, Leip- > Weisen von Zion, herausgegeben von zig. Verlag von Karl W. Hirsemann, > Gottfried zur Beek, Verlag "Auf Vor- 1903. > posten," Charlottenburg 4, 1919. Jeremias, D. Dr. Alfred, in: Allgemeine > Berli~zerTageblatt: Bericht des Konstanti- Religionsgeschichte. P. 109, Verlag R. > nopler Korrespondenten vom 10. Mai Piper & Co., Miinchen, 1924 (zweite > 1896 uber Scheich Dschemaleddin, den Auflage) . > Urheber der Errnordung Nasireddin Kaim, Dr. Julius Rudolf, in: Geist des Mor- > Schahs im Berliner Tageblatf vom 1 5. genlnndes. P. 66f. Dessau, C. Diinn- > Mai 1896. haupt Verlag, 1927. > Christliche Kommunisten in: Manifest der Kyber, Manfred, in: Okkultismus wale Aes- > Internationalen Bewegang fiir christlichen gabe. > Kommuniamus, S. 10 (ErwYhnung Bah6- Mader, Wilhclm, in: Mittrilungen ans der > 'u'llih's) Verlag Neu-Sonnefelder Jugend Kar~nelmission e.V. "Bericht vom Kar- > (Quiker-Siedlung) Sonnefeld b/Coburg mel." Haifa, den 24. 7. 1921. Heft 5, > (ohne Jahr) . p. 59. > Ewers, Hanns Heinz, in: Ameisen, 494 p. Mann, Trangott, in: Orientalische Literatur- > Miinchen, Verlag Georg Miiller. zeitz~ng1909, p. 22f. Besprechung iiber > Forster, Friedrich Wilhelm, in: Weltkolitik Laura Cligord Barney: Abd'oul Beha, > und Weltgewissen. 1919. Les Lecons de St. Jean d'Acre. Felix E. > Gciger und Kuhn, in: Guz'ndri~s dm iran- Peiser, Leipzig. > ischen Philosophie. I1 Strassburg, 1896 . Mann, Traugott, in: Orientalische Liferatur- > Goldziher, Ignaz, in: Vorlesungen ubm den Zeitung. 1911, p. 35. Felix E. Peiser, > Islam. p. 291-305. Heidelberg, 1910. Leipzig. > Goldziher, Ignaz, in: Die Religionen des Meyer, Superintendent a.D.: D a Bn'birmas > Orients in: Die Kultsr der Gegenwart, in Persia. P. 327-333. (Clmrch at > herausgegeben von Paul Hinneberg, Teil home m d abroad, Vol. 14.) > I, Abt. 111, 1, I, p. 138-141. Leipzig, Muralt, Dr. Alex v., in: August Forel. > B. G. Teubner, 1923 (zweite Auflage, Schweizerkopfe Heft 4/5, p. 52. Zurich > zweiter Abdruck) . und Leipzig, Orell Fiissli Verlag, > Grosch, Dr. phil, jur, et rer. pol. G., in: 1931. > Neugestaltung, Aphorismen zur Erneuer- Noldeke, Theodor, in: Deutsche Rundschazc, > ung der Kultur in: Jahrbzcch fiir Volker- Band 18 "Orientalischer Sozialismus." P. > recht und Friedensbeweguug, herausge- 284, 1879. In: Pazifistischer Zitanten- > geben von Dr. G. Grosch, 11. Band schatr, Ludwigsburg, Vedag. "Friede > Leipzig, Neuer Geist-Vedag 1924. durch Recht." G.m.b.H., 1921. > Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Artikel "Die Rnemer, Dr. Hermann: Die Bdbi-BabB'i. > Bahi'i-Bewegung" in Allfstrebende Kul- Potsdam. Verlag der Deutschen Orient- > turbewegungen und ihre Vorkintpfer. Mission 1912, 8', VII. 192 p. > Herausgegeben von Karl Dopf, p. 3 5-3 8. Rasmussen, Dr. E. in: Zeitschrift fiir Re- > Hamburg, Signal-Vedag, 1927. ligionspsychologie,"Der BahCsmus" Band > B A H A ' ~BIBLIOGRAPHY 117 > > I, p. 383-389. Dr. Joh. Breslauer, Halle in: "Reich Christi" (Dr. Leppius-Pots- > a.d. Saale, 1908. dam). 19 11, Bericht der Kornmission IV, > Richter, J., in: Mission und Evangelisation "Islam," p. l l f . > inz Orient. P. 214-219. Giitersloh, 1908. Wright, A. H. in: Zeitschrift der Deutschen > Relgis, Eugen, in: Wege z74m Frieden, eine morgenlandischen Gesellschaft 18 11. > internationale Rundfrage. Heide i. Hoist., Artikel: "Bib und seine Sekte in Persien." > Verlag Paul Riechert, 1932. p. 384f. > Ritter, Prof. Dr. H., in: Der Islam, Jahr- IRANIAN > gang XIII, 1/2 p. 134. C. H. Becker > und H . Ritter, 1923. NdsikJn't-TavMe, The. > Roda Roda, in: Morgensonne, Morgenland. NLr-i-Haqiqat, The. > Pp. 44-14, Volksverband der Bucher- > freunde, Wegweiser Verlag G.m.b.H., ICELANDIC > Berlin, 1922. > ~ o H ~ ~ in: ~ ~j~ ~~ propaganda > ,~ fiir~ Th6rdason > ~ Th6rburger: > ~ , AlphjddamB og > nsiatische Religionen im Abendla7%d. p. Mdlle~sur (InternaHonal Languages and > 41ff., Basel, 1910. Bad Languages), 1933. > Romer, Hermann, in: Evangelischcs Mis~rons > Maaazin 1908. "Der Behaismus." P. 91f. LITHUANIAN > ~osenyV.: ~endschreiben des Bahd'u'lldh. > Salcius Matas: "SveEiuose Pas 40 Tautw" > Petersburg, Akadernie, 1908, Vol. I. > ( A Guest of Forty Nations). Vol. 11, > von Sigsfeld, Viktoria, in: Der Werdegang > chap. "The Bahb'i Sanctuary"; vol; 111, > der Menschen des neuen Tages. Finster- > pp. 174-77, chap. "Impressions of Bahl'is > lingen i/B. Oberlicht-Vedag. > in Hamadin and Tihrin," 193 1. > Simon, Gottfried, in: Die Religiofz in Ge- > schichte nnd Gegenwart. "Bibismus," > "Bahiismus," Band I, von Alfr. Bertholet, RUMANIAN > Herm. Hont, FaLer, Stephen, herausgeg. Eugen Relgis: Cosmomdtapolis. Cultura > von Herm. Gunkel, Leop. Zscharnach. Poporului B, dul Academici 2, Bucharest, > Tubingen, Verlag J. C. B. Mohr. Paul 1935. > Siebert, 1927. > Spengler, Oswald, in: Der Untergang des DANISH > Abendlandei. Salmonsens Konversationsleksikon, Copen- > Tisdall, D., in: der Zeitschrift "Reich hagen, 1894, 1911. > Chvistl' (Dr. Lepsius-Potsdam) . 1908. Benedictsen, Aage Meyer: Vore Dages > Artikel: "Der Islam in Persien," p. 17Sf. Persien, Copenhagen, 190 3 . > Tolaoj, Leo, in: Tolstoj und dm Orient. Christensen, Arthur: Hinsides det Kaspiske > Herausgegeben voll Paul Birnkog. Pp. Hav, Copenhagen, 19 18, pp. 127-143. > 86, 91-99, 120, 123, 262, 264, 261. Christensen, Arthur: Det Gamle ag det nye > Zurich und Leipzig, Rotapfel-Verlag, PersQn, Copenhagen, 1930. > 1921. Illustrwet Dansk Konversationsleksikon, > Warneck, D. Gustav, in: Allgemeine Mis- Copenhagen, 193 3. > sions-Zeitschrift X X I . Missionsrundschau. Hagerwps Konvcrsationsleksikon, Copen- > P. 137, Gutersloh, 1894. hagen, 1920. > Wegener, Armin T., in: Anz Kreuzweg dcr > Welten. Pp. 183-199, 318f, 344. Berlin, HUNGARIAN > Volksverband der Bucherfreunde, Weg- > weiser-Verlag, G.rn.b.H., 1930. Ligeti Paul: The W a y h t of Chaos, Buda- > Welt-Missions-Konferenz, Edinburgh, 1910, pest. > 558 T H E BAHA'i WORLD > > REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'I FAITH IN > MAGAZINES BY NON-BAHA'I WRITERS > AMERICAN MAGAZINES Littel's Living Age, August, 1869. > Literary Digest, May, 1912. > American Journal of Theology, January, Literary Digest, August, 1920. > 1902. Literary Digest, December, 1921. > Architectural Record, The, June, 1920. Mentor, The, November, 1920. > Art World, March, 1917. Missionary Review, October, 1902. > Asia, May, 1924. Missionary Review, February, 1904. > Atlantic Monthly, September, 1926. Missionary Review, March, 1904. > Bibliotheca Sacra, January, 19 15. Missionary Review, May, 1906. > Book Buyer, June, 1901. Missionary Review, October, 1911. > Chambers' Journal. Missionary Review, October, 1914. > Crisis, The, May, 1912. Missionary Review, August, 19 19. > Crisis, The, June, 19 12. Missionary Review, October, 1921. > Chicagoan, September, 1931. Moslem World, October, 1931. > Construction Methods, August, 193 1. Nation (N. Y.), June 21, 1866. > Construction Methods, July, 1933. National, December, 1908. > Contemporary Review, August, 1869. National, May, 1922. > Contemporary Review, October, 1869. Nineteenth Century, February, 1915. > Contemporary Review, March, 1912. New York Times, February, 1913. > Contemporary Review Advertiser, Decem- New York Times Book Review, August 1 , > ber, 1885. 1920. > Current History, December, 192 1. North American, April, 1901. > Current Literature, July, 1901. North American, June, 1912. > Current Literature, September, 1911. Open Court, June, 1904. > Current Literature, June, 1912. Open Court, August, 1915. > Eclectic Magazine, February, 1886. Open Court, October, 19 11. > Eclectic Magazine, September, 1896. Open Court, November, 191 1. > Engineering News-Record, January 8, 1931. Open Court. August, 1916. > Esoteric Christianity, February, 1915. Open Court, October, 1916. > Everybody's, December, 1911. Open Court, November, 1916. > Everywoman, December, 1915. Open Court, March, 193 1. > Everywoman, December, 1916. Outlook, June, 1901. > Fortnightly Review, June, 1911. Ontlook, June, 1912. > Fortnightly Review, April, 1912. Outlook, December, 1920. > Fortnightly Review, June, 1913 . Outlook, December, 192 1. > Forum, July, 1925. Psychology Magazine, May, 1930. > Friends' Intelligencer, September, 1925. Review of Reviews, February, 1901. > Harper's Weekly, July, 1912. Review of Reviews, January, 1909. > Hearst's Magazine, July, 1912. Review of Reviews, June, 1912. > Independent, April, 1912. Review of Reviews, February, 1922. > Independent, July, 1912. Spokesman, Tbe (Negro), September, 1925. > Independent, September, 1912. Scientific American, August, 1920. > Independent, December, 1921. Survey, April, 1912. > Journal of the American Concrete Institute, Time, July 20, 193 1. > March-April, 1934, and July, 1933. De- Unity, February, 1918. > troit, Mich. Unity, December, 1921. > Journal of Air Law, January, 1934. Chi- Unity, April, 1929. > cago. Vedic Magazine (Lahore), Vol. 8, No. 9. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 519 > > Wflmette Life, September 14, 1933, Wil- Bslletin MPlasges Asiatiques, Vol. IV. > mette, Ill. Bulletin de I'Acadtmie Impiriale de St. > World's Work, July, 1912. Petersburg, Vols. VIII, IX. > World's Work, July, 1922. Revue dn Monde Musulnzan, IX, 339-341. > World Unity, December, 1930. Le ~ e v e i l Normand, January, 1936, Le > A . .. 19 33. > World Unitv, Februarv, Havre. > Le Libre Bchange, January, 1936, Paris. > ENGLISH MAGAZINES > L'en dehors, December, 1936, Orleans. > Academy, The, March, 1891. > All the Yeur Around, July, 1869. SWISS MAGAZINES > Arena, The, November, 1904. Szifi Quarterly, March, 1928 (published in > Asiatic Quarterly Review, April, 191 3. English). > Christian Commonwealth, January 1, 191 3. > Christian Commonwealth, Janudry 22, NETHERLAND MAGAZINES > 1913. Wereld Kronick, April 7, 1934, Rotterdam. > Christian Commonwealth, January 29, > 1913. RUSSIAN > Christian Commonwealth, February 12, Zapiski, by Baron Rosen, 18 89. > 1913. > Clifton Chronical and Directory, January, GERMAN > 1913. Deutsche Rzmdschau, Vol. XVIII, 1879. > Edinburgh Evening News, January, 19 13. Journal of the German Oviental Society, > Illustrated Weekly of India, March 24, Vol. V, 1811. > 1931. Oriental Literaturzeitwzg, 1909. > Ifzdian Review (Madras), August, 1914. Zeitschrift fur Assyriologie, Vol. XXII, 337. > The Inquirer, May 16, 193 1, London. > Inquirer and Christian Life, May 10, 1930. BELGIAN > International Psychic Gazette, Nos. 6 and 7. Lumidre et Libertt, November, 193 J , Brus- > Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. sels. > XXI, 1889-1892. Le Rouge et le Noir, November 27, 1931, > London Budget, January, 19 13. Brussels. > Saturday Review, January, 1894. PORTUGUESE > Scots Pictorial, January, 191 3 . > Scottish Review, April, 1892. Correio do Brasil, Novembcr 1 1 , 1931, Rio > Sbectator, The. April, 1892. de Janeiro, Brazil, S. A. > funday Herald, waking, London, January RUMANIAN > 24. 1913. > Santier, 1934, Bucharest. > T o w n and Country News, November 24, > Cuvantd Liber, October 26, 193 J, Bucba- > 1933, London. > rest. > FRENCH MAGAZINES SPANISH > L'Annte Philosophique, Vol. 111, 1869. La Prensa, December 15, 193 1, Buenos Aires, > Revue de PHistoire des Religions, Vol. Argentina, S. A. > XVIII. Tiempox Nuevos, January, 1936, Barcelona, > Revue Critique d'Histoire et de Littiuatzae, Spain. > April 18, 1887. Pau, January 15, 1936, Buenos-Aires, > L'lllustration, September 30, 193 3. Argentina, S. A. > Journal Asiatique, Vol. 11. > Journal Asiatique, Vols. VII, VIII, 1866. DANISH > Journal Asiatique, Vol. X . Dansk Fidsskrift, August, 1903. > Revue M o d m e , 186J-1866. Nordisk Tidsskrift, Fifth issue, 191 1. > 5 60 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > 2 8. > REFERENCES TO T H E BAHA'I FAITH BY > BAHA'iS IN NON-BAHA'f PUBLICATIONS > Time and Tide, April 14, 1934, London. Oregon Mine~alo~ist, January, 1934. Port- > Kaisar-i-Hind, December 3 1, 193 3. Born- land, Oregon. > bay. Unity, February 19, 1934. Chicago. > Religious Education, September, 1932. Chi- Sanj Vartamalz, September, 1933. Bombay. > cago. The Qvarterly Journal of Speech, March- > T h e New Hz~ma~zist,January-February, April, 1934. Ann Arbor, Michigan. > 1933. Chicago. The China Critic, May 25, 1933. Shanghai. > Forum, May, 1916. New York. World Unity, April, 193 2. New York. > Fornm, August, 1917. New York. World Unity, November, 1933 (and succes- > Literary Digest, November 20, 1931. New sive issues). New York. > York. T h e G i f t and A1.t Shop, August, 1932. > N e w O r i e ~ t January, > , 1926. New York. New York. > Open Court, July, 193 1. Chicago. Women, March, Apr11, 19 3 6 . Chicago. > T h e Religious Highway, April, 193 3. > Tokyo. > TRANSLITERATION OF > ORIENTAL W O R D S > F R E Q U E N T L Y USED I N B A H A ' ~ > LITERATURE > 'Abi Bib Fath-'Ali Ism6'iliyyih > Abidih B6bn'l-B6b Firdaws Istaribid > 'Abbis Ba&did Firdawsi 'Izzat > 'Abdu'l-Bahi Bahi > 'Abdu'l-1;iamid Sahi'i Ganjih > Gilhn > 'Abdu'l-Husayn Baha'u'llih > Gul Jamil > 'hbdu'llih Bahiyyih > Bahji Gulastin JamBl-i-Mubirak > Abu'l-Fadl > Bali1&ist6n Gurgin Jarnil-i-Qidam > 'Adasiyyih > A&in Bandar-'Abbis f;Iabib Jisb > Pl&irbiyjin Biqir Hadik Jubbih > Af a i n Baqiyyatu'llih Wadrat > A&& Birfurhh Heji Ka'bih > 'Ahd Basrib H i j i Mirzz Aqisi Kad-@ud& > Ahmad Bl~um HBjj Kalantar > Ahsi'i Bayin Hamadin Kalim > Ahviz Bayt Hasan Kalimit > Akbar Big Hnydar-'Ali Kami1 > 'Aliki Birjand Haykal Karand > 'Ali Bismi'llih ~irnmat-Abbd Ki&in > 'Ali-Muhammad Bulhhrh wujjat Ka&k61 > AllPh-u-Abhi BurGjird vusayn Ka~mu's-Sa'6~idih > Alvhl? BGs_hihr Huvaydar I Alvbh-i-Salitin BuhrGyih ICizim > Amin Bu&r&'i Ibrhhim Kh?imayn > Amir il %in > Amir-Nizim 'Ilm I(halk_hil > Amru'llih Dali'il-i-Sab'ih Imim Iainiqayn > ~ m u l Dirudih imbm- Jum'ih Lhayli-Eh6b > Anzali Dawlat-Abid fmim-Z6dih &urisin > Aqb Ehabih fqin K_~UY > Aqdas Duzdib irin Kirmin > 'Arabistin 'Irlq Kirmin&ih > Asmb' Farb'id 'Irbq-i-'Ajam Kit-ib-i-'Ahd > 'Avi&iq FBrbn Isfihhn I Ayidi Farmin 'I&qbhld Kitib-i-Asmi' > Azal FarriG-Bahi I&riqit Kit6b-i-iq6n > 'Apmat FBrs Is_htihkd Kulhh > 'Aziz Farsaa Islim Kurdistin > 162 THE BAHA'f WORLD > Lihijbn Munirih Rafsinjin Sul~in > L6r Musta&ith Rahim Sultin-Abid > Lawh Muzaffari'd-Din Rab6n Sulthnu'&-Guhadi' > Luristin Rabat Sunni > Nabil Ramadin Shratu'l-Haykal > Madrisih Naj af Ra&t S6rih > MahbSbu's_h-Suhad.6' ~ ~ j ~ f - & & d > Mahd-i-'Uly6 Niqidin Rawhhni > Ridvlu Tabriz > Mih-KS Nisiri'd-Din ~~hu'llih Tihirih > Mabhd Navvib Tajalliyit > Maliyir Naw-RSz Sabzivir Tikur > Man-Yu~hiruhu'llih ~~~d~ Sadratu'l-Muntahi Taqi > Maqhm Ni&ibhr Sihibu'z-Zamin Tarizit > Mar&&& Nuq~ih Mifatu'l-Haramayn Tarbiyat > Marhabi Nhr Sa'id Tihkand > Marv Samarqand Tawhid > Mash'il Pahlavi Sangsar - > Thurayyl > Mas_hhad SlrI T~hrin > Ma&iyyat QAdi Sha'bln TSmin > Ma&riqu'l-A&kir Qidiyin &ih Turkistin > Masjid Qahqahi &ahid > Maydin Q6'im gahmirzid 'Ulami > Mizindarln Qalyin aihrhd Urhmiyyih > Mibdi Qam~ar Sara£ 'U&mln > Mihrib Qasr-i-sirin &ay@ > Milln Qawl &ayl&-Tabarsi > Mi'rij Q ~ Y Y ~ &ay@u'l-fslim > Vali-'Ahd > Mirzi Qayyiunu'l-Asml' ai'ih > Mihkin-Qalam Qazvin &irlz Varqi > Mu'adhain Qiblih &&tar Vazir > Mufti Qh&in Simnin Yi-Bahl'u'l-Abhi > Mdammad Quddhs Sisin Yahyi > MSammarih Qudrat Sistlu Yazd > Muharram Qum Siylh-Chi1 > Mujtahid Qur'in Siyyid ZanjAn > Mulk Qurbln Shf i Zarand > Mulll Qurratu'l-'Ayu _Sulaymin Zaynn'l-Muqarrabin > TRANSLITERATION OF ORIENTAL WORDS 563 > > GUIDE T O ''RANSLITERATION AND > PRONUNCIATION OF THE > PERSIAN ALPHABET > > a . . . . . a s in i . . as (e) in u . as (0) in aw . . . . . a s i n > account best short mown > h . . . .as in i .as (ee) in 6 as (00) in > arm meet moon > > The "i" added to the name of a town signifies "belonging to." Thus, S_hirlzi > means native of S_hir6z. > 564 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > NOTES O N THE PRONUNCIA'I'ION > OF iRANIAN > The emphasis in irinian words is more The following consonants may be pro- > or iess evenly distributed, each syllable be- nounced like z : &, z, ?, d. > ing equally stressed as in French. For ex- The following consonants may be pro- > ample, do nor. say Tabriz or Taba~si;stay nounced like ss: &, s, s. > as long on one syllable as on the next: Tab- is pronounced like the "s" in pleasure. > riz; Ta-bar-si. (While there are inany ex- K_h is pronounced like "ch" in Scotch loch > ceptions t o this rule, it is the most generally or German nachi. Do not pronounce it as > correct method of treating the question of "B." Westerners are as a rule incapable of > stress.) pronouncing & and "q"; a guttural French > A frequent mistake is the failure to dis- "r" will serve here; otherwise use hard "g" > tinguish between broad and flat "a's." This as in good. > ditferentiation makes the language especially and h, approximately like the English > musical and should be obsesved: in the word aspirate "h," should never be dropped. > Afnin, for example, pronounce the first "a" Ti'ihrin is Tell-ron; madrisih is mad-res-seh; > as in mar, and the second syllable to rhyme Mi$r6b is Mela-rob. > with on. America~~s are apt to pronounce In the else of double letters pronounce > short "a" plus "I" like the verb for111 are; each separately: 'Ah-bis. > this is a mistake; "ar" should be pro- The character transiiterated (') repre- > nounced as in the name of Harry-cf. sents a pause; it is not unlike the initial > Farbiyat. sound made in pronouncing such a word as > The same differentiation should be ob- every. The word Bahl'i is phonetically as > served in the case of long and short "i" and follows: "a" as in account; "6" as in father; > long and short "a," As the guide to the ('), pause; "i" as ee in meet. > transliteration indicates, short "i" is like "e" The character transliterated (') may also > in best, and long "i" like "ee" in meet; for be treated as a pause. > example, Ibr6him is pronounced EL-r6-heein; N.B. As frlnian often indicates no > Islim is Ess-lahm. Short "u" being like vowel sounds and as its pronunciation differs > "0" in short, and long "u" like "00" in in different localities throughout fr6n and > moon, the following would be pronounced: the Near East as well as among individuals > Qudd6s-Qod-dooss; BQrfurdsh-B6r-fo- in any given locality, a uniform system of > roosh. transliteration such as the above, which is > Pronounce "aw" to rhyme with oh, or in use by Bahi'i communities all over the > mown; Naw-Rliz is No-Rooz. world, is indispensable to the student. > DEFINITIONS OF > O R I E N T A L T E R M S USED I N > BAHA'I L I T E R A T U R E > 'Ab6: Cloak or mantle. Bihirlt: literally "Glad-tidings." Title of > 'Abdu'l-Bahb: servant of Bahi. one of the Tablets of Bahi'u'116h. > A&in: Muslim call to prayer. Caravansarai: An inn for caravans. > Adib: literally "the learned." > Aghsin: literally "branches." Denotes sons D i r ~ i b i h :"High constable." > and descendants of Bahl'u'llih. Dawlih: "State," "government." > Afnhn: literally "twigs." Denotes the rela- > "Endowed with constancy": a title given to > tions of the Bib. Prophets who revealed a book and insci- > A.H.: "After Hijirah." Date of Muham- > tuted religious laws. > mad's migration from Mecca to Medina, > and basis of MuI>ammadan chronology. Farmin: "Order," "command," "royal de- > Akbar: "Greater." cree." > 'Aml': literally "light cloud," symbolizes F a r r i h : "Footman," "lictor," "attendant." > the "First Invisible Substance." Farrbsl-Bihi: The head-farrik. > Amin: literally "the trusted." Fama&: Unit of measurement. Its length > Amir: "Lord," "prince," "commander," differs in different parts of the country > "governor." according to the nature of the ground, > Aqi: "Master.', Title given by Bahb'u'llih the local interpretation of the term being > to 'Abdu'l-Bahi. the distance which a laden mule will walk > A'zam: "The nreatest." in the hour. which varies from three to > four miles. Arabicised from the old Per- > Bib: "Gate." Title assumed by Mirzi 'Ali- sian "parsang," and is supposed to be de- > Muhammad, after the declaration of His rived from pieces of stone (sang) placed > Mission in s i r 6 2 in May, 1844 A.D. on the roadside. > Bbbi: Follower of the Bib. "Fourth Heaven": One of the stages of the > Badi': literally "the wonderful." > Bahi: "Glory," "splendor," "light," Title > by which ~ ~ h l ' ~ ~ ' 1 1 6 h H ~ "Guarded > ~ ~Tablet":~ Denotes > ~ the- Knowledge > 'Ali) is desienated. of God and of His Manifestation. > Bahh'i: Follower of Bahh'u'11611. Hiji: A Muhammadan who has performed > Bahji: literally "delight." Denotes that part the pilgrimage to Mecca. > of the Plain of 'Akki where the Shrine Ha~iratu'l-Quds: Bahh'i Headqnarters. > and the Mansion of Bahh'u'llih are situ- Hijirah: literally "migration." The basis of > ated. Muhammadan chronology. The Jate of > Bani-Hlhi~n:The family from which Mu- Mhammad's migration from Mecca t o > hammad descended. Medina. > Baqiyyatu'llih: "Remnant of G o d ; title Howdah: A litter carried by a camel, mule, > applied both to the Bib and to Bahi- horse or elephant for traveling purposes. > 'u'llih, > Bayin: "Utterance," "explanation." Title fl: "Clan." > given by the Bib to His Revelation, par- Imim: Title of the twelve a i ' a h successors > titularly to His Books. of Muhammad. Also applied t o Muslim > Big: Honorary title, lower title than K_h;n. religious leaders. > 5 65 > f66 T H E BAHA'I: WORLD > > Facsimile of Document Ordering Arrest of Bibis in > Mizindarin, dated 1268 A.H. ( 1 8 5 2 A.D.). > > Imim-Jum'ih: The leading imim in a town Beauty." Applied by certain Bah6'is to > or city; chief of the mullis. Baha'u'llih. > Irnim-Zidih: Descendant of an imim or his Jubbih: An outer coat. > shrine. Ka'bih: Ancient shrine at Mecca. Now rec- > fqin: literally "Certitude." The title of ognized as the most holy shrine of 1 ~ 1 6 ~ . > Bahi'u'lllh's epistle to the uncle of the Kabir: literally > Bib. Kad-KhudP: Chief of a ward or ~ a r i s hin a > I&riqit: literally "eff~l~ences." Title of town; head-man of a village. > one of the Tablets of Bah6'u'llih. Kalantar: "Mayor." > Isrlfil: The Angel whose function is t o ~ ~ l who ~discourses,,~ > ~ : > sound the trumpet On the Judg- Ka]im&t: literally "words." Title of one of > ment. the Tablets of Bahh'u'llhh. > Jhhiiiyyih: The dark age of ignorance Karbilb'i: A M&ammadan who has per- > among the Arabs before the appearance of formed the pilgrimage t o Karbilb. > Muhammad. Kaw&ar: A river in Paradise, whence all the > Jamil-i-Mubhrak: literally "the Blessed other rivers derive their source. > Beauty," applied by certain Bahi'is to "Prince," "lord," "nobleman," "chief- > Bahi'u'llih. tain." > Jamll-i-Qidam: literally "the ancient Kitib-i-Aqdas: literally "The Most Holy > DEFINITIONS OF O R I E N T A L TERMS 167 > > Rook." Title of Bahi'u'llih's Book of Qh'im: "He Who shall arise." Title desig- > Laws. nating the promised One of Islim. > Kulih: The frhnian lambskin hat worn by Qalyin: A pipe for smoking through water. > government employees and civilians. Qiblih: The direction to which people turn > in prayer; especially Mecca, the Qiblih of > Madrisih: Religious college. all M&ammadans. > Man-Yn?hiruhu'llih: "He Whom God will Qurbin: "Sacrifice." > make manifest." The title given by the > Bib to the promised One. Ridvin: The name of the custodian of Para- > Mahhhadi: A Muhammadan who has per- dise. Bahh'n'llil~uses it to denote Paradise > formed the pilgrimage to Mabhad. > - - > -. > Mashriau'l-Adhkir: literallv "the dawning > place of thepraise of ~ o b . " Title desig; > itself. > > Sadratu'l-Muntahi: the name of a tree > nating Bahi'i House of Worship. planted by the Arabs in ancient times at > Masjid: Mosque, temple, place of worship. the end of a road, to serve as a guide. > Maydin: A subdivision of a f a r s a a . A a symbol it denotes the Manifestation of > square or open place. God in His Day. > Mihdi: Title of the Manifestation expected Sihibu of the one of > by Islim. > .. > the titles of the promised Qh'im. > Miilrib: The principal place in a mosque Salsabil: A fountain in Paradise, > where the imim prays with his face turned Samandar: literally phoenix: > towards Mecca. ~arlrir-i-Aqi: literally the "Honorable Mas- > Mi'rij: "Ascent," used with reference to ter," applied by certain Bahh'is to cAb- > Muhammad's ascension to heaven. A'I-nahi > Mirzi: A contraction of Amir-ZBdih, mean- M S ~ b ; ~ ~ P r o p h e tone s ~ :of the titles of > ing son of Amir. When affixed to a name > it signifies prince; when prefixed simply -seventh s,,here>,: highest stage of the > Mr. invisible Realm. Denotes also the Mani- > Mihliin-Qalam: literally "the musk-scented festation of Bahh'u'llih. > pen." &ahid: "Martyr." Plural of martyr is &u- > Mu3adh&in: The one who sounds the hadi. > A&in, the Muhammadan call to prayer. &ayl&n'l-Islhm: Head of religious court, > Mujtahid: Mul?ammadan doctor-of-law. appointed to every large city by the &ih. > Most of the mujtahids of Persia have re- Sirit: literally "bridge" or "path," denotes > ceived their diplomas from the most emi- the religion of God. > nent jurists of KarbilQ and Najaf. Siyyid: Descendant of the Prophet Muham- > Mu116: Muhammadan priest. mad. > Mustaghi&: "He Who is invoked." The Sbrih: Name of the chapters of the Qur'in. > numerical value of which has been assigned > by the Bib as the limit of the time fixed Tajalliyit: literally "splendors." Title of > for the advent of the promised Manifesta- one of the Tablets of Bahl'u'll6h. > tion. Tarhzit: literally "ornaments." Title of > Nabil: "Learned," "noble." one of the Tablets of Bahh'u'llih. > Naw-R6z: "New-Day." Name applied t o T6inin: A sum of money equivalent to a > the Bahh'i New Year's Day; according to dollar. > the frhnian Calendar the day on which the > sun enters Aries. 'Urvatu'l-Vuhqi: literally "the strongest > Nuqcih: "Point." handle," symbolic of the Faith of God. > Pahlavin: "Athlete," "champion"; term ap- Vali-'Ahd: "Heir to the throne." > plied to brave and muscular men. Varaqiy-i-'Ulyh: literally "the most exalted > Qidi: Judge: civil, criminal, and ecclesias- Leaf," applied to Bahiyyih Lhinum, sister > tical. of 'Abdu'l-Bahh. > 568 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > Varqh: literally "the dove." ZAdii: "Son." > Viliyat: guardianship. Zaynu'l-Muqarrabin: literally "the Orna- > ment Of the favored." > "White Path": Symbolizes the Religion of > God. > PART FOUR > R E L I G I O N AND W O R L D ORDER > > 1. gives official sanction for cruel indifference; > > IT was only a few generations ago when > the people ceased thinking that man, with > when a science calling itself "politics" finds > imperatives for armed frontiers, this lack of > agreement between these social sciences and > the animals and ~ l a n t s ,inhabited a world the sanctions of the separate department of > composed of "dead" matter. Life was con- human life called "religion" does not mean > ceived to be that which could think, feel, that men live in three separate worlds, obey- > move or at least which could grow and ing three mutually exclusive "laws"-it > reproduce. means simply that a general failure in the > As the notion of "life" has become ex- realm of motive and understanding has pro- > tended until it includes all matter, all sub- jected itself outward into society, and this > stance, and every ingredient and constituent failure men try to conceal from themselves > of substance, so has the notion of religion and each other by labeling the anti-religious > developed until it applies to the whole of actions one or another "science." > man. No longer is religion confined, like But just as these evasions and attempts at > a small island in a great sea, to that little concealment in personal life sooner or later > area of belief and practice specialized under come to a balance of accounts with every > the influence of a formal creed. I t is the other element of the personality, so the elab- > entire human life, its conscious and uncon- orate myth called "civilization" has now > scious elements, its personal and social rela- become rent t o fragments as the social > tionships, its affirmations and denials, its tri- "sciences" and the formal creeds alike even- > umphs and defeats, its hidden as well as its tuate in a society which as a whole does not > revealed awareness and action, its unrealized know how to survive. I t matters not which > possibility along with its recognized, ad- element of the whole result is made the > mitted frustration and impotence. scapegoat-whether formal "religion" or > The real aim of the physical sciences is "economics" or "yolitics"-the truth is that > fulfilled in knowledge of man. The phys- man himself has failed in his social relation- > ical and chemical principles discovered in the > ships, and this failure in turn rests upon > world have meaning only as they are prin- failure in his relationship to himself. The > ciples of human life. Man himself is the fictitious separation of life into formal de- > universe in miniature. Physical science thus partments, each with an exclusive label, has > becomes part of a larger science of biology, > been unco~~scious evasion of reality the final > and biological science in turn becomes a > result of which was inevitable from the > chapter in the greater volume of the human beginning. > science, psychology. > On no other basis can we erect a spiritual > A man's whole life, and nnt merely his knowledge preserving the responsibility on > conscious creedal practice, is his religion. which integrity depends. > His highest love is conditioned by his pro- > foundest hate; his supreme sacrifice is lim- > ited by his unconscious selfishness; his ideals > and his daily life are a single reality, one and At some definite point of experience, the > inseparable. conscious person comes to realize the oneness > The social sciences likewise are dependent of the universe and the wholeness of human > for their validity on human psychology. personality. His formal religious beliefs un- > When a science calling itself "economics" dergo profound adjustment as he perceives > 57 1 > 172 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > their artificial separateness from the rest of present, which necessaliily divides the future > his existence. Able no longer to isolate from the past. Life tends to become dy- > "Sunday" from the remaining days of the namic and assert new directions, while the > week, his new sense of cause and effect com- past exists in the present as inertia. > pels h i to fit his religious values into ex- > perience as a whole. This adjustment in > sorne cases enhances the whole of life with > new spiritual possibility; in other cases what Religious history is meaningless when con- > had been a mere artificial belief or practise ceived merely as a time sequence without > is destroyed, and life as a whole becomes reference to the fundamental law of cycles. > secular and without spiritual content. We take for granted the existence of this > The philosophic projection of this aware- law whenever dealing with natural phenom- > ness is pantheism or atheism-both are based ena: the cycle of life operating for the tree > upon an effort to realize the universe as from seed to fruit, for the human being > homogeneous, as one. The only difference from birth to death, even for the stars of > between pantheism and atheism is that the immensest magnitude. But societies and > former raises everything t o the "high" level social institutions seldom or never admit > of God, or Spirit, or Providence while the that for their own existence there is also an > latter reduces everything to the "low" level allotted period, the beginning of which is > of matter and natural law. their birth, the end of which is their de- > The similarity between pantheism and struction, during the course of which they > atheism is more vital than the difference. rise to a climax of maturity and power, > Both philosophies establish one single level; receding thereafter until eventually they are > both maintain a view of the universe which no more. > interprets experience in terms of cause and Tracing this development in Judaism we > effect operating on one plane. There is come to the civilization of Solomon, a glory > little real distinction between realizing all that could not be retained. In Christianity > substance as "God" and realizing all experi- we have the feudal age, when religion could > ence as subject to natural law; for both he co~npletely identified with civilization, > views deprive one of the necessity oi making after which the Reformation destroyed the > any truly vital choice. unity not only of the church but of the > The realization of oneness, in fact, is but civilization as well. Here stands the origin > a starting point in the search for religion. of "modern" times, which actually have > Religion is distincti~~eness as well as univer- been the autumn and winter of faith. On > sality. one side has existed an alliance between na- > Historically, religion has a definite point tional state, natural science, industry and > of origin. No religion has come into ex- militarism; 011 the other side the tradition > istence without a Founder, a Prophet or of feudal aristocracy, the memory of a liv- > Messiah. ing unifying faith, the organization of the > Whether one considers Christianity, Juda- church. > ism, Muhammadanism or any other organic Both phases in reality proceeded from the > religion historically, what appears is the phe- same prior condition. One can not be > nomenoll of religion ~s an experience sud- termed "Christian" and the other "pagan" > denly interposed into the current stream of or "non-Christian" with the slightest his- > human life. This interposition compels the torical accuracy. For modern militarism, > most vital choice or decision which life can justified as the necessary virtue of the na- > offer. I t creates a new standard of reality tional state, derives immediately from the > rising like a mountain from the plain of Crusades, justified as the necessary virtue of > daily intercourse. Its influence sets the indi- the church. The profit motive, justified as > vidual against his own past, and historically the necessary virtue of industry, derives im- > has always made a definite cleavage in the ~nediatelyfrom the practice of the sale of > course of civilization. The prophet becomes indulgences, justified as the necessary virtue > identified with a higher possibility in the of the church. If modern science is con- > RELIGION AND WORLD ORDER 173 > > de~nr~ed as "pagan," a vasL power delivered Such is the llaturr of the present crisis. > over to the secular realm, it must be re- The old order was based historically upon > called that the first faint beginnings of Christianity in the West, upon Muham- > natural science were so resisted by the manadism and other Faiths in the East. > church that the scientists were compelled to Each Faith had, in accordance with the > develop their knowledge outside the religious principle underlying human society, devel- > community. oped a characteristic civilization represent- > The Reformation, then, merely marks the ing a balance between legal, cultural, > point at which the historical religion has economic and social factors. All these re- > reaped its harvest, produced its richest fruit; gional civilizations had arrived at that stage > and consequently could no longer maintain in the cyclic process marked by the weaken- > its internal unity nor its balance between ing of the original religious impulse, which > religion and civilization. bound the civilization together in one organ- > The law of cycles operates in the case of ism, and by the assertion of the superiority > religions and nations no less imperatively of the constituent parts over the whole. > than in the case of trees, animals, planets As in Christianity a few centuries ago, so > and human beings. This law may for a time in Muhammadanism today, law, govern- > appear inoperative where the larger social ment, education and industry have thrown > bodies are concerned, but this is merely for off the control of the religious tradition and > the reason that Inan has yet attained no undergone separate development, each seek- > adequate sense of historical process, and also ing a fulfilment in terms of its own inde- > because even after a great social institution pendent need and without reference to the > has died spiritually it can still survive phys- general need of the community in its spir- > ically for a relatively long period. But when itual as well as material integrity. This > a religion ceases to be the motive and in- development is more complete in the West, > spiration of civilization, its date of death is but the history of Europe since the Refor- > recorded in the annals of destiny. And once mation has been paralleled in all essentials > this spiritual death has taken place, the reli- by the more recent experience of Turkey, > gion can never be artificially revived. Egypt and irln. > The "modern" world, striving to trans- The crucial point in this development is > form nationalism into world order, over- the transfer of social authority from a reli- > come the antagonism of economic classes gious organization, by which it has been > and reconcile peoples and creeds, is nothing fatally abused, to u secular organba~ionex- > else than a larger example of ancient Rome plicitly claiming to be unmoral. At the > striving to maintain order, justice and law stage of religious decay where this transfer > after its original impulse had ebbed and the of authority takes place, the secular gov- > creative power had passed from the inl- ernment cannot control the entire area > perial governlnent to the weak, despised and previously controlled by the religious influ- > minority body of Christians, reborn by the ence. The transfer is characterized by the > mystery of superhuman faith. Our social rise of several independent secular govern- > institutions are more powerful to destroy ments which divide the body of believers > than to create; no matter how conscienti- into separate, and potentially competitive > oualy administered, without transformation nations. Western nationality arose from the > they are vessels not built to outride this spiritual death of Christendom, and the na- > time of worldwide storm. tions of Isllm are similarly independent and > exclusive. > 4. The next step in the process, which in > When the creative power of spirit is reality is disintegration and not "progress" > withdrawn from the community as a whole, except in a local and temporary degree, con- > and the parts of the community engage in sists in the reinforcement of the secular > mutual strkggle for predominance or sur- (unmoral) authority by such laws and in- > vival, the life cycle of that social order has struments as it deems necessary to protect > run its course. itself in the rapidly augmenting struggle for > 174 THE B A H h 'i WORLD > > national existmce. Religion is replaced by linrh fixed by our prior history. For prugrras > patriotism of an exclusive nature, and the is the law of the cycle, but transformation > social duty of man becomes defense of his is the sign that a cycle has run its term > national state. Militarism inevitably de- and a new age has dawned. > velops. Compulsory military duty, found I t is evolutionary progress when a form > necessary as economic rivalry follows the of life becomes larger, or fleeter by adapta- > original territorial competition of the states, tion to its environment. This type of > sets mankind upon the path of death. progress marks the biological world, where > I n the modern world this complete di- the natural environment is fundamentally > vorce between spiritual and material values, constant. Likewise, when the social environ- > enmeshing human life in a fatal net as eco- ment remains fundamentally constant, an > nomic and social existence come to depend institution progresses by growth in ways > upon struggle and competition rather than determined by its original character and aim. > upon unity and cooperation, establishes a Unlike nature, the social environment is > point of crisis imperilling the race. Anthor- subject to profound alteration. The devel- > ity, power and initiative throughout society opment of machine production was more > are identified with unmoral institutions than progress from a small tool to a larger > whose fiat controls a system of destruction tool; it brought about an entirely different > well-nigh universal in capacity. On the kind of society. Action and re-action in > other hand, the spiritual tradition of each an industrialized society are not simply en- > race has become sterile, for ecclesiasticism is largement of the action and re-action of > the negation of faith. an agricultural, hand-craft society-they > Such a jungle of competitive nationalism respond in quality to a different law. The > seems to reproduce, in terms of social organ- plane has been raised from physical effort to > ixations, the era of the re-historic monsters intelligence. > marking an early stage in the biological evo- As long as the simple law of progress > lution of the world of nature. Forms of applies to human society, the evil will be > life organized almost entirely for offense and multiplied along with the p o d , the destruc- > defense had little available energy for the tion will augment by the same ratio as the > kind of response required in a changing construction. > world. Evolution left them behind. Their The symbol of transformation in the > towering strength was their fatal weakness, natural world is the organism like the but- > and in their enormous aggressiveness they terfly, which at one stage is an egg, at the > had no capacity to survive. next stage is a caterpillar, becomes then a > In the same way, the present stage of chrysalis in its cocoon, thence emerging as > armed, competitive nationalism is essentially imago, the perfect insect with beautifully > transitory and fugitive. The more aggres- colored wings. Applying the law of simple > sive it becomes, the less its capacity to meet progress to this organism at any preliminary > social problems the only solution of which stage, we would have merely a larger egg, > is non-aggresion-cooperation. The states or a greater caterpillar or a larger and > have waxed powerful upon the poverty of stronger cocoon. Metamorphosis is the sci- > the people; their might is an illusion. They entific equivalent of that organic change > can dcstroy themselves by one final outburst which takes lace in human society at those > of general war; or a series of revolutions, critical stages marked by the cycles of > each perhaps small and almost unnoted, will religion. > evolve from them a type of government I t is by no means necessary to contem- > intelligent enough to deal with social rela- plate a simple extension into the future of > tionships and moral enough t o summon the the social agencies dominating this tran- > highest and not the lowest impulses of an sitional era. The progress of national gov- > evolving race. ernment into empire is strictly limited by > The key to future social evolution lies in inter-state competition, and the progress of > the capacity for transformation rather than religion into the condition of world empire > in mere progress and extension along the by any one creed is no less impossible. > RELIGION A N D WORLD ORDER 175 > > S. site foundation in revealed truth for the > wholeness of life was not spiritually estab- > The impermanence of the several civiliza- > lisbed. > tions now existing becomes clear when we Unlike a scientific formula, religious > give attention to the non-social character truth does not continue indefinitely and > of the religions from which they separately independent of the way it is applied. While > sprang. a chemical action can be employed for good > I n the saying, "Give unto Caesar" we are or evil ends with equal efficiency, a spiritual > compelled to note that the Founder of truth, to possess validity, must include the > Christianity l i i t e d His spiritual teaching vital element represented by the believer's > to persons, t o individuals, and refrained quality of response. When the quality of > from extending that teaching to establish a response has fallen below the level of the aim > principle for society. The character and implied in the truth, the truth becomes void > scope of the Christian teaching, at its source, of influence. The living impulse sent forth > clearly contemplated an era during which from its Source has been expended; what > individuals were to cultivate a spiritual life, remains is a form of words, a lifeless symbol, > purifying their inner motives and assinning a ceremony possessing psychic but not spir- > responsibility for their deeds, in contrast to itual effect. > and complete disregard of their social insti- Civilization is the outworking of spiritual > tutions. They were to seek a Kingdom in faith. That faith inspires fresh courage, > the realm of the awakened and conscious removes the harriers of personality and > soul, but the world was Caesar's and the groups, stimulates the mind to solve neces- > successors of Caesar. sary problems from the point of view of > Moreover, that doctrine, at its source, the society as a whole, establishes a founda- > does not fail to include a social principle tion of humall reality raised above the > alone: it is in essence a doctrine of the bestial struggle for existence, and enables > "heart" and makes no provision for the life nlanliind to take one more forward step in > of the mind. I t justifies no particular social its progress upon the eternal path. > form, creates a basis for no particular type There is, however, no historical perma- > of social institution, and in nowise explains nence for any civilization equivalent to the > those aspects of life and the universe which universality of revelation upon the plane of > constitute the ends of psychology and phi- soul. Until mankind is united within one > losophy. I t renewed man's inner life, it true faith and within one order of justice > revealed more fully than ever before the and knowledge, the need of the renewal and > nature of God and the spiritual capacity of enlargement of spiritual truth is manifest > human beings; it released a quality of per- to all. > sonal relationships on the hinh - plane > - re- 6. > quired to maintain the new vision of the > sanctity of life; but Christianity, at its The external surface of human life, as > source and in its reality, supports no polit- recorded by sympathetic observers in every > ical principle, sustains no economic theory, country, has become marked by appalling > outlines no cosmogony, throws no light personal misery. Its innumerable details con- > upon man's relation to the physical universe, stitute a catalog which oppresses the heart > and sanctions no conception of the function like a Book of Doom. By war, by influenza, > of mind. by poverty and by revolution a vast nulnber > These organic limitatio~~s, imposed not by of people have been reduced to a narrow > absence of power at the Source hut by lack margin of existence we thought had been > of capacity in the environment and age, left behind with the memories of the stone > mark a cycle whose term was set at its be- age before history began. > ginning. It signalizes one necessary stage But this external surface does not reflect > in the evolution of religion, or rather in the the entire content of modern life. The > upward march of conscious human life, but observer who concentrates all his attention > finality is entirely absent, because the requi- upon the evidences of misfortune and suf- > 176 THE B A H A 'i W O R L D > fering must be balanced by those who look to the test of life. Socialism, communism, > with equal clarity beneath physical evidence capitalism fundamentalist or reformed-all > t o the inner surface and the foundations these systems alike-are unmistakably in- > upon which human life is established. The capable of reconciling and blending the > world of the mind is rich with infinite possi- worlds of body and mind, the truths of > bilities, in tragic contrast t o the poverty of science and society. The more that arbi- > the world of the body. trary power is applied t o compel their ac- > From the world of truth, as from an ceptance as programs, the more explosive > inexhaustible mine, we have derived truly becomes the reaction of the human nature > miraculous reinforcement for the feeble coerced in the name of efficiency and truth. > body in its eternal struggle agalnst the Ours is not the first civilization t o be > environment of nature. No longer need brought t o an end by mental capacity de- > human aspiration and will he limited in void of spiritual truth. > fulfillment by the inadequate tool of hand The unescapahle historic fact is that the > and arm, directed by the inaccurate and mediator between universe and humanity, > incomplete guidance of the five physical the link between the world of truth and the > senses. Mechanisms ns sensitive as thought world of social cxpcrience, has never been > itself, as powerful as human ambition re- the speculative mind but the Prophet. The > quires, stand as servants ready t o carry out mind discovers only that which it seeks; its > any material command. However far imag- voyages of exploration bring back only that > ination may fly ahead, it can reach no reality which can be confined in the small > ultimate limit beyond which the creative cage of material reason. The universe is > thought of the race dare not go. not such captive truth, such mastered > But these two worlds, the world of body lmowledge. The universe is the Will above > and the world of mind, though man lives and beyond man's physical will; that Will > native in both, appear t o co-exist inde- by which man must become and not merely > pendently, in a relationship which is a sep- possess, by which man must serve and not > aration no less than it is a contact. The merely enslave t o himself. The life and > scientist's achievement in the form of truth words of a Moses, a Jesus, a Muhammad, > has no human equivalent in the form of by the spirit inspiring them are truth. > social security. The inventor's technic has Within that truth, since it contains man > complicated existence but multiplied pov- and is not merely man's exploitation of what > erty. The world of truth is the modern he contains, the life of the race is secure > Tantalus cup, offering what life cannot re- and progressive. Outside that truth, human > ceive, even while it is likened t o the slave existence moves ever toward destruction; > of the lamp, fulfilling every command. for the Prophet is truth in that form in > Social systems and programs devised dur- which it applies t o the life of mankind. > ing the last hundred years have one and all By each Prophet is established a new civil- > been efforts t o confirm the contact and ization, because each Prophet establishes a > overcome the separation between the world spirtual world for the soul not less real than > of truth and the world of human experience. the nature which is the world of the body. > They have sought to mediate between the The modern age, in all its social relation- > possibility of mind and the actuality of ships, lies outside the spiritual world. Hence > social need. What thought has accom- its agony, its frustration and men- > plished in efficiency of mechanism it has tal, the degradation of an unrepentant Prod- > endeavored t o duplicate in efficiency of igal Son. > human relations. But every system and > 7. > program combining the possibility of scien- > tific truth with the social ingredient of Never has there been such a time of sin- > human nature has produced not order hut cere, whole-hearted searching for a founda- > an increase of conflict. What appears per- tion grounded not upon secondary, tem- > fectly fused in the crucible of abstract porary historical events and developments > speculation reasserts its duality when put but upon the nature of the universe itself. > RELIGION A N D WORLD ORDER 577 > > This age, in its spirit, feels nearer t o thc than upon human will must be testecl by > ancient Prophets than has any generation conformity to the conditions its own Prophet > since the first generation of believers laid laid down. When the churches voluntarily > down their lives that the divine Cause might disband, and people of all denominations > prevail. N o t in Christendom alone, but in and sects seek the Prophet upon absolutely > the other existing civilizations, the appeal equal terms, then, and then alone, will this > t o the pure manifestation of love and wis- psychological crusade reach the Holy Land. > dom, the racial Prophet, has become for As long as certain individual believers alone > many the last refuge o i hope that human fulfil this test, the movement will not affect > life call endure, can be meaningful and the vital problems of civilization but remain > blessed up011 this troubled earth. in the limited realm of personal experience. > Between themselves and that radiant I t may produce a beautiful literature; it will > Source of hope they feel the long centuries not carry civilization outside its captivity > of strife and ignorance fading t o the un- to the lords of war. > reality of a frantic dream. Let mankind, There is also, it n~ould appear, another > they cry from the depths of their souls, let essential condition t o be met in this poig- > mankind malw a new beginning; let life rest nant appeal from the world to God: the > upon the sure foundation of the Divine will; recognition that other races likewise had > let us become transfo~med, renewed with a their Prophets, their revelations of the Di- > new spirit, and ill that spirit proceed to vine will. For without such recognition, the > transforin all things which are in denial of crusade goes hostile and armed, a cl~al- > or in conflict with that eternal will. The lenge t o battle and not a conquest of uni- > nations hurry t o destruction, they lament, versal peace. These two conditions-at root > when vision perishes. From this undyiilg one condition seen in two different aspects- > flame let our hearts and minds he kindled may fairly be said to be so difficult of real- > with the fire of love. ization as t o be highly improbable, if not > As the crisis persists, this call, feeble at impossible, a t least without one single prece- > first, becomes louder and more assured. First dent in human history. Rivers flow down- > a personal attitude, then a social movement, hill; and the water once descended from its > gathering force and momentum, the going spring does not return. > back t o the Prophet now represents a > mighty psychological crusade paralleling the 8. > physical crusades of medieval times. A contemporary historian remarlis that > T o what degree can this movemellt be the old world has died, but a new world > fulfilled? has not yet been born. This view is no > The Prophet himself made a iulldamental doubt the expression of an attitude which > condition, that those who sought t o follow has come t o prevail among lnany thoughtful > him sl~ould abandon their goods, their people over a wide social area. I t perceives > wealth, and walk in his path. This was said that the foundation of the civilization exist- > to a rich man's son, but does it not apply ing prior to the European War cannot be > likewise t o those who have inherited goods rebuilt; i t realizes to the' full the present > and wealth in the realm of mind? Does it instability of conditions and the lack of > not mean that those who seek t o return agreement among aims and programs; i t > today must abandon their acquired culture, frankly admits that the future, both in > their traditional philosophy, their ecclesi- general trend and in outline, is concealed > astical institutions, their rites and cere- from the rational mind. Its clarity of analysis > monies, their pomp of church and churchly of the past is matched by its incapacity for > power? Either it means this, or it means synthesis directed toward the future. > nothing a t all, for the Prophet was not What emerges from co~lsiderationof this > slain by the materially rich of his day, he frank and sincere assertiou is awareness of > was slain by order of the established church. the ar~ificiallimitation assumed by the ra- > For Christendom, surely, the sincerity of tional intelligence in dealing with the proc- > all effort t o establish life upon Divine rather ess of human history. By the phrase "old > 'f WORLD > world" and "new world" it means civiliza- the present age. We have had races but not > tion as formal institutions and established mankind, cultures but not spiritual knowl- > habits, and thereby overlooks the significant edge, nations but not civilization, and reli- > fact that civilization is an effect and not gions but not a brotherhood embracing the > primarily a cause. earth. We therefore approach the vital > For civilization, long before it emerges in problem of world peace without experience > formal institutions, exists as an aspiration of what world peace really is. World order > of the heart, as an ideal to be pursued and -the goal of human evolution-can not > fulfilled by every faculty of mind and soul. rightly be conceived as a mere truce or > I t is only when human aspiration and ideal, treaty between groups or institutions each > shared by a considerable group or com- born of past strife and discord, each cher- > munity, has gathered force and thrust ishing a secret or avowed superiority and > through to the plane of social action, that each committed to an ideal of sovereignty > civilization actually begins. Without this incompatible with the needs of permanent > preliminary period of spiritual action, no peace. Nor can world order be effectively > civilization has ever become manifest. That upheld on terms of "non-cooperation" with > period is to the later formal institutions and existing agencies responsible for the little > habits and doctrines as the root to the visible public order which now remains. Peace does > tree. Though the entire tree is potentially not consist in abhorrence of war but in > present in the seed, the great trunk and the maintaining a steadfast conviction that the > widespread branches are contingent upon a end of faith is human unity and the fulfil- > period of prior and invisible growth within ment of intelligence is a new social form, > the soil. worldwide in scope and superior to the local > T o complete the thoughtful statement forms which can no longer protect mankind > uttered by the historian, it is necessary to and serve its highest interests. > seek for the future "world" not in different I n addition to a political world order, the > programs and expedients adopted by the attainment of universal peace involves: > institutions of the dead "world" but in evi- 1. The harmony and cooperation of races. > dences of a spiritual life intense enough, 2. The unity of religions in a world > universal enough, to establish within hu- faith. > manity that inner power required to raise 3. An economic world order in which > the trunk and spread forth the branches of capital and labor are conjoined in a rela- > a tree whose fruit shall be universal peace. tionship of partners and not competitors. > World order, it is clear, represents a goal 4. Compulsory education throughout the > which includes the reconciliation of two world, and an education grounded in uni- > values or ideals: the spiritual value of human versal ethics and adapted so as to prepare > brotherhood, and the social value of a every child for a useful trade, art or pro- > united, an organic civilization. fession. > Without a firm and enduring basis in Y. A universal secondary language. > moral unity, the institutions of society, no Compared t o these organic aims, the peace > matter how far extended, cannot alone pro- etforts aimed at occasional details such as > duce peace but will remain as centers of reduction of armaments or the signing of > disunity and strife. On the other hand, new treaties arc insignificant. The charac- > those instinctive anarchists who path a ter of this age is wholly new. I t is charged > "brotherhood" conceived as absence of gov- with a spirit of transformation superficially > ernmental institutions are na'ive and imma- violent but in reality constructive. The > ture. Society without institutions would be whole problem of world order consists in > a body without vital organs capable of ex- attaining an attitude of reverence and hu- > pressing its various capacities and maintain- mility to that creative spirit. > ing its existence. The principles briefly stated here were > These two values-humanity and civiliza- promulgated more than twenty years ago by > tion-have never been reconciled and united 'Ahdu'l-Bahb, in whom the spirit of the age > within the brief historic period known to found its most faithful interpreter and its > ,,;ascad ieaa3 -e~!dsu! 30 au!od 1e.riuaa e spaau ppom aqL > isom2 aqi 30 a%essauraql peaads pue di!leaa .asodaa aou Lqanaas anal ou 8u!.1q 'san[ea > auo srq3 paurre1aoad qe1pcyqea ssau!IoH ueurnq urn13 paxoa!p 'SALE[ 1e:aos daeaa!q.re > s ! ~ ,suo!Saa aql IIe u! q l ~ o f auoqs seq :i!naf Bu!ise~ ou Bu!aq saem pua suo!in-[ > 1q49 iue?[~!aq s q pue 'ma1 sq pasrea snsal -onax .pasola Janazoj s! ieqa loop e amo3aq > ssau![oH S!H 'I! papunoj sason ssauqoH ssq pz.emqaaq de& a y ~.paumep seq aaead > sw 'a[q!s!n!p ao a[d!gnm IOU s! diyaaa pua IesaaAyun jo Sep aqi uemnq Sinai amoaaq > 'dqleaa s! 11e $0 uo!lepunoj aqi a o j . p u q a ~ e qO ~ Masoqa aof m q 'aood aqi 30 h u a > -uemnq $0 ssauauo aqi aieSlnmo.rd pue axad paz!ueho aqi aou q~!a aqi 30 ssauqsylas paz! > IOJ 9.10~ I ~ M sa!5ua8e sno!S!~aa aqi ieqi -ue%.roaqi aoj lou u ' o!s!a!p pue agpn[aad $0 > aas II!A nod azaddes!p oa pxnaa axa asaqi 31 doad ad aqa J O .'ON > ~ 'puyuem $0 ssanauo aqi > .padolanap aaeq aaueaouB! pue s8nlpneasaap $0 a~ueidamr:pue aa!lour $0 di!and uodn > -uns!m lnq 'iuamaax8e pue a ~ e a daae sue!% [ e u o ! ~ p u osaamod > ~ asaql jo luado!ua aqi > -!lax a u ! ~aqi~ IIa 30 suo!iepunof aqL.. apem ?yea-~'npqg, i n g .aXe sno!naad line > TI!& u! a~q!ssod .ranan Sa!un a!ue%ao ue anaFq2.e > poo% $0 a~doadIIe ?qa!m Si!un 3uale[ aql oi PIXOM aqi uan!% aq saaaod uaqm > xof uo!lepunof a Llddns 01 'mamala au!A!p 'dlpniem fo p o p d s q uodn Bupaiua SF lily > e 'daois!q f o sJomeI3 aqi anoqe pas!ea uo!~ -ueurnq wyl pa~epapaH .aeldmaxa isalqou > QUEEN MARIE OF KUMANIA > BY MARTHAL. ROOT > "Hozo great the blessedness that that same year show how deep was her con- > nwaits the king who will arise t o aid firmation. Here is one written to her loved > My Cause in My Kingdom, who will friend Loie Fuller, an American then resid- > detach hinsself frons all else but Me! ing in Paris, which after these ten years can > Such a king is nnmbeved with the com- be published for the first time: > )anions of the Crimson Auk-the Ark "Lately great hope has come t o me from > which God has prepared for the )cojle one, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, a personal follower of > of Bahd. All must glorify his name, Christ. Reading, I have found in His and > must reve7,ence his station, and aid him His Father Bahi'u'llih's Message of Faith > t o unlock the cities with the keys of all my yearnings for real religion satisfied. > My Name, the omn,ipotent Protector of If you ever hear of Bahi'is or of the Bahb'i > all that inhabit the visible and invisible Movement which is linown in America you > kingdoms. Such a king is the very eye will know what that is! What I mean, > of mankind, the luminous ornament on these books have strengthened me beyond > the brozu of creation, the fonntain--head belief and I am now ready t o die any day > of blessings unto the zuhole world. full of hope; but I pray God not to take > Offer u), 0 people of Bahd, your ssb- me away yet, for I still have a lot of work > stance, nay, yoz~v very lives, for his to do." > assista~zcc." Other letters record that first of all she > was teaching her young daughter Ileana > %XI2 first Queen of the world t o study about these beautiful truths. For ten years > and t o promote Bahi'u'l16h's great Teach- Her Majesty and her daughter, H.R.H. > ings has been IHer Majesty Queen Marie of Princess Ileana (now Archduchess Anton), > Rumania, one of the queens of this twen- have read with interest each new book about > tieth century who stands highest in intel- the Bahi'i Movement as soon as i t came > lect, in vision, in clear understanding of the from the press. > new universal epoch now opening. Her As we know she wrote three marvelous > Majesty received the book "Bahb'n'11611 and articles about these Bahb'i peace Teachings > the New Era" by Dr. J. E. Essle~uont and in 1926, and as they were syndicated each > a note from the writer of this article who article appeared in nearly two hundred > first visited Bucharest, Rumania, in January, newspapers in the United States and Canada. > 1926. The Rumanian Queen, grand-daugh- Many millions of people were thrilled t o > ter of the renowned Queen Victoria of the read that a Queen had arisen t o promote > British Empire and of Czar Alexander I1 Bahi'u'llhh's plan for universal peace. > of Russia, both of whom received Tablets Quickly these articles were translated and > from Bahi'u'llhh in their day, read this vol- published in Europe, China, Japan, Aus- > ume until three o'clock in the morning and tralasia and in the Islands of the seas. > two days later, on January 30, 1926, re- Received in audience by Her Majesty in > ceived me in audience in Controceni Palace, Pelisor Palace, Sinaia, in 1927, after the > in Bucharest. Her first words after the passing of His Majesty King Ferdinand, her > greeting were, "I believe these Teachings are husband, she graciously gave me an inter- > the solution for the world's problems to- view, speaking of the Bahi'i Teachings > day!" The account of that historic morning about immortality. She had on her table > appeared in "The Bah6'i Magazine" in and on the divan a number of Bah6'i books, > Washington, in June, 1926, but very illu- for she had just been reading in each of > minating letters written by IIer Majesty them the Teachings about Life after death. > - She asked the writer t o give her greeting > lGleaningi fvom the W ~ i f i n ~ of > r B~hd'rr'ildh, > p. 212. t o Shoghi Effendi, t o the friends in fr6n > RELIGION A N D WORLD ORDER 181 > > and to the many American Bahi'is who she mighty spirit; a most unusual Queen is she, > said had been so remarkably kind to her a consummate artist, a lover of beauty and > during her trip through the United States wherever she is there is glory. Perhaps too, > the year before. Also, she graciously gave a Queen is a symbol, people like to have > the writer an appreciation of these Bahl'i their Queen beautiful and certainly Queen > Teachings in her own hand-writing, for Marie of Rumania is one of the most lovely > Volume IV. of the "Bahi'i World." in this world today. Her clothes, designed > Meeting the Queen again on January 19, by herself, are always a "tout ensemble" > 1928, in the Royal Palace in Belgrade, where creation so harmonious in colors they seem > she and H.R.H. Princess Ileaua were guests t o dress her soul. She received me in her > of the Queen of Jugoslavia-and they had private library where a cheerful fire glowed > brought some of their Bahi'i hooks with in the quaint, built-in fireplace; tea was > them-the words I shall remember longest served on a low table, the gold service set > of all that Her dear Majesty said were these: being wrought in flowers. There were flow- > "The ultimate dream which we shall realize ers everywhere, aud when she invited me > is that the Bah6'i channel of thought has into her bedroom where she went to get the > such strength, i t will serve little by little photograph which I like so much, as I saw > t o become a light t o all those searching for the noble, majestic proportions of this great > the real expression of Truth." chamber with its arched ceiling in Gothic > Another happy audience was in Her design, I exclaimed in joy, "Your room is > Majesty's lovely summer palace "Tehna- truly a temple, a Ma&riqa'l-A&lcir!" > Yuva," at Balcit, on the Black Sea, in Oc- There were low mounds of hyacinths, flow- > tober, 1929. Again in the home of Arch- ers which Bahi'u'llih loved and mentioned > duchess Anton at Madling near Vienna she often in His Writings; there was a bowl of > and her mother received me on August 8, yellow tulips upon a silken tapestry in yel- > 1932, and in February, 1933, and Her Maj- low gold, a tall deep urn of fragrant white > esty made this great statement which was lilacs, and an immense bowl of red roses. > used as the frontispiece t o "Bahi'i World," Controceni Palace is the most beautiful pal- > Volume IV.: "The Bahl'i Teaching brings ace I have seen in any country in the > peace and understanding. It is like a wide blending of its colors and in its artistic > embrace gathering together all those who arrangements. > have long searched for words of hope. I t Her Majesty is a writer as well as an > accepts all great prophets gone before, it artist, and Her Memoirs entitled "The Story > destroys no other creeds and leaves all doors of My Life" were just then being published > open. Saddened by the continual strife in "The Saturday Evening Post." She told > amongst believers of many confessions and me she writes two hours every morning > wearied of their intolerance towards each unless her time is invaded by queenly duties, > other, I discovered in the Bahl'i Teaching charity duties, family duties. She was > the real spirit of Christ so often denied and pleased with the sincere letters that were > misunderstood. Unity instead of strife, pouring in from all continents giving ap- > Hope instead of condemnation, Love instead preciations of her story. She told me the > of hate, and a great reassurance for all American people are so open-hearted and > men." that from the United States children, pro- > Then in the audience in Controceni Palace fessors, farmers' wives and the smart people > on February 16, 1934, when Her Majesty had written t o her, the tone in all their > was told that the Rumanian translation of letters revealing Her Majesty's entire sin- > "Bahi'u'llih and the New Era" had just cerity and the deep humanity of her char- > been published in Bucharest, she said she acter. One reacher wrote H e r - ~ a j e s t ythat > was so happy that her people were t o have in her childhood each one lived through his > the blessing of reading this precious Teach- own childhood: another said, "All who read > ing. your story have their own lives stirrcd!" > H o w beautiful she looked that afternoon The Queen remarked, "And this is a very > -as always-for her loving eyes mirror her satisfactory criticism for an author." > 182 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD > > A most pleasing letter had just arrived 'u'llih had sent to her Grandmother Queen > from Japan from a girl there who thanked Victoria in London. She asked the writer > God Who had allowed her to live in a period about the progress of the Bahi'i Movement > in which such a wonderful book had been especially in the Balkan countries. > written! "This," said the Queen, "is one of "Since we met two years ago," said Her > the nicest appreciations I have ever heard." Majesty, "so many sad events have hap- > Then the conversation turned again to the pened! I loolx on with a great deal of sorrow > Bahi'i Teachings and she gave a greeting a t the way the different peoples seem t o mis- > to be sent t o Shoghi Effendi in Haifa. Later understand one another; especially now that > she mentioned an incident in Hamburg I have become vely lonely in my home, I > when she was en route t o Iceland in the have all the more time to think over these > summer of 1933. As she passed through the problems, and I'm sometimes very sad that > street, a charming girl tossed a little note to 1 can do so little. However, I know that > her into the motor car. It was: "I am so the right spirit and the right thoughts go > happy t o see you in Hamburg, because you a long way towards that unity of hearts > are a Bahi'i." Her Majesty remarlxed that which I haven't given up the hope to see > they recognized a Bahi'i and this shows a before I pass on." > spirit of unity in the Bahi'i Movement. She spoke, too, of several Bahl'i books, > Her Majesty said to me, "In my heart I the depths of "iqin" and especially of > am entirely Bahi'i," and she sent me this "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahi- > wonderful appreciation: "The Bahi'i Teach- 'u'llbh" which she said was a wonderful > ing brings peace t o the soul and hope t o book! T o quote her own words: "Even > the heart. T o those in search of assurance doubters would find a powerful strength in > the Words of the Father are as a fountain it, if they would read it alone and would > in the desert after long wandering." give their souls time to expand." > And now today, February 4, 1936, I have Her Majesty kindly promised to write > just had another audience with Her Majesty for "Bahi'i World:' Volume, VI, a special > in Controceni Palace, in Bucharest. As I appreciation and to send i t after four days. > was starting t o walk up the wide ivory I asked her if I could perhaps speak of > toned stairs carpeted with blue frdnian rugs the broach which historically is precious t o > t o the third floor suites, at that very mo- Bahi'is, and she replied, "Yes, you may." > ment over a radio came the rich strains of Once, and it was in 1928, Her dear Majesty > the Wedding March from "Lohengrin." had given the writer a gift, a lovely and > played by an orchestra. I t seemed a symbol: rare brooch which had been a gift to the > the union of spiritual forces of the East and Queen from Her Royal Relatives in Russia > Europe! Again Queen Marie of Rumania some years ago. I t was two little wings of > received me cordially in her softly lighted wrought gold and silver, set with tiny dia- > library, for the hour was six o'clock. She mond chips and joined together with one > was gowned in black velvet and wore her large pearl. "Always you are giving gifts > great strands of marvelous pearls. The fire t o others, and I am going to give you a > in the grate beamed a welcome with its gift from me," said the Queen smiling, and > yellow-glowing fragrant pine boughs and she herself clasped i t onto my dress. The > large bowls of yellow tulips adorned the wings and the pearl made it seem "Light- > apartment. bearing," Bahh'i! I t was sent the same week > What a memorable visit it was! She told to Chicago as a gift t o the Bahi'i Temple, > me she has a friend in 'Alslii, Palestine, the Ma&riqu'l-A&kir, and at the National > who knows Shoghi Effendi and this friend Bahi'i Convention which was in session that > recently has sent her pictures of 'Akk6 and spring, a demur was made--should a gift > Haifa; the two were playfellows when they from the Queen he sold? Should it not be > were children and met in Malta. She also kept as a souvenir of the first Queen who > told me that when she was in London she arose t o promote the Faith of Bahi'u'll&h? > had met a Bahi'i, Lady Blomfield, who had -However, it was sold immediately and the > shown her the original Message that Bah6- money given to the Temple, for all Baha'is > RELIGION AND WORLD ORDER 583 > > wcrc giving to the utmost to forward this Inadequate as is d ~ one > ~ yd r ~ i ~LO > l r porLrdy > mighty structure, the first of its bind in Her Majesty Queen Marie of Rumania's > the United States. Mr. Willard Hatch, a splendid spiritual attitude, still these few > Ba116.i of LOS Augeks, California, who glimpses do show that she stands strong for > bought the exquisite brooch, took it to the highest Truth, and as an historical rec- > Haifa, Palestine, in 193 1 and placed it in ord they will present a little of what the > the archives on Mt. Carmel where down the first Queen did for the Faith of Bahl- > ages it will rest with the Bahl'i treasures. 'u3l1&h. > THE EPIC OF H U M A N I T Y > From "The Promise of All Ages" > BY CHRISTOPHIL > B A H A ' W ~ A Hrevealed a sublime vision This scheme is carried out by the power > of human history as an epic written by the of God's will and it has its origin in his > finger of God and proceeding along an desire for the well-being of his creatures. > ordered course to a climax, the nature of Its aim is the training of the peoples of the > which was exactly defined before the story world to live and to work together in har- > opened and the appearance of which at the mony, and to establish by God's articular > date ordained by the Author no human mis- assistance a universal civilisation in which > understanding nor opposition could prevent all the human faculties shall find at last > or postpone. adequate and complete expression. The at- > He taught that human history through- tainment of this goal is in the Divine > out its entire length was an intelligible and Author's eyes the opening of the main > connected wholc, centring round a single movement of human history. All previous > theme and developing a common purpose. 2nd earlier events are in the nature of an > From the beginning of the cycle to the introduction. They are steps up a long > present day and beyond the present to the ascent, causes of a desired result. However > cycle's distant end, one master-scheme is by important they be, their meaning liec not > set degrees disclosed. The stage upon which wholly in themselves, but in the fact that > the action moves forward is the entire globe, they look and lead forward to a transcen- > with all its colitinents and all its seas; and dent issue save for which they themselves > there is no race nor nation nor tribe nor would never have been called into existence. > even individual who has not a designated Secular schools of thought cannot be said > place in the unfolding of the Grand Design to have applied nor adopted any such broad > of God. conception of the integral unity of all > This doctrine of the unity of world-his- human history. In past times, truths so > tory held in the revelation of Bah6'u'll~h a large did not find easy entrance into the > position of cardinal importance. He was far minds of men. So long as accurate Imowl- > from being the first among the Messengers edge of distant peoples was as hard to gain > of God to reveal it. Those "prophets which as accurate knowledge of past events, such > have been since the beginning of the world" doctrines would remain for scholars disem- > and lesser seers as well as they have given bodied and unsubstantiated ideas. Today, > glimpses of it to mankind, or have referred histories of mankind on a comprehe~~sive > to it in symbol and in parable. I t is indeed scale have become numerous; yet those of > involved in all the historic faiths of the them which present the complete story as > human race, and there is no world-religion having an organic plot like a well-con- > extant which can be fully understood with- structed epic, are probably few indeed. > out a k~lowledgeof its truth. But Bahi- I n the sphere of religion, however, the > 'u'116h was the first to lay on it so great an case is different. The idea that the course > emphasis and to expound it at large and in of human events is directed by a stronger > plain terms. On it depends the significance will and a clearer eye than man's to a pre- > of his own advent and the timeliness of his determined end is found in more revelations > humanitarian reforms; and on it turns his than one. I t is said to have been mentioned > teaching as to the aims ~ n dmethods of by thc founders of all the world-religions. > Providence in its dealings with mankind. Though it has not been in any past age of > Y86 THE BAHli'f WORLD > > such critical in~erestas it is today and bas "It sl~allcumr to pass in the laat days t h a ~ > not before been treated so fully as now by the Mountain of the Lord's House shall be > BaL6'u'llih, yet it has never been kept established in the top of the mountains ... > wholly concealed from man. There are ref- and all nations shall flow t o it. They shall > erences to it in scripture or tradition which beat their swords into ploughshares and their > are clear enough to show that this truth is spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not > part of the common religious knowledge of lift up sword against nation, neither shall > mankind while slight enough to prove that they learn war any more" (I. 2, 4). > it did not hold in any High Prophet's teach- > ing the same importance as in that of Bah6- Or Zechariah: > 'u'116h. > The general fact that God ordains human > "The Day of the Lord cometh. ...And > the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in > events long ages before they take shape on > that day shall there be one Lord and His > this earth (somewhat as a dramatist will > name one" (Zech. xiv. 1, 9 ) . > complete his play Lefore it is embodied in > action on the stage), was alluded to by Jesus > Or again Joel: > when He said of the righteous in the Last > Day, "Enter into the joy prepared for you "The Day of the Lord cometh . . . there > by the Father before the beginning of the hath not been ever the like, neither shall > world"; and again on many occasions by there be any more after it even to the years > the Apostle Paul, as, "He chose us in him of many generations. .. . Ye shall eat in > before the foundation of the world" (Eph. plenty and be satisfied and praise the name > i. 4 ) , and by Peter who speaks in a similar of the Lord that hat11 dealt wondrously with > connection of "the foreknowledge of God you .. . ! I will pour out my spirit and > the Father" (I Peter i. 2 ) . your sons and your daughters shall prophesy > Muhammad bore the same witness when . . . your old men shall dream dreams ... > he revealed that the first thing which God your young men shall see visions. And also > created was a pen and that he said to it, upon the servants and the handmaids in > "Write." I t said to hi, "What shall I those days will I pour out my spirit. And > write?" and God said, "Write down the I will show wonders in the heaven and on > quantity of every separate thing to be the earth. The sun shall be turned into > created." And it wrote all that was and all darkness and the moon into blood before the > that will bc to ctcrnity. great and the terrible Day of the Lord come. > More specifically, Zarathustra taught the And whosoever shall call on the name of the > gradual perfecting of mankind under divine Lord shall be saved" (Joel ch. 2 ) . > law and the God-guided progress of history > towards a distant but certain culmination. Confucius, more than five centuries be- > At some unknown date the Hebrew alle- fore Christ, outlined in his book, Spring and > gory of the creation of the world in seven Autumn, the ordained Plan of History in > days made a cryptic allusion to the proces- brief but plain terms. > sion of world-religions and to the final con- He divided history into three stages. In > summation of God's full purpose in the the first, which he called the Stage of Dis- > Seventh Day, the day o i maturity, comple- order, the social nlind was very crude; there > tion and rest. The seers of the Hebrew was a sharp distinction between one's own > people, lifted by inspiration into the eternal country and other countries, and hence > realm, would descry some sign or feature of attention was paid more to conditions at > the far-off Day of God, the foreordained home than abroad. I n the second stage, the > climacteric of world-history, and in a mood Advancement of Peace, there was a distinc- > of exaltation would give utterance to their tion between civilized countries on the one > predictive vision without fully comprehend- side and those uncivilized on the other; the > ing what they saw or measuring the interval range of civilization extended and friend- > which separated them from its fulfilment. ship between nations became closer. The > Isaiah cries: smaller people could make their voices > T H E E P I C OF H U M A N I T Y 187 > > heard. In the third and final stage, the order of existence and fit themselves to > Supreme Peace, there was no distinction at these higher conditions. > all among the nations of the world. All The nature of those charges which in the > became civilized and met upon the level. Day of God are to be laid upon mankind > Righteousness prevailed and the world was can be gathered from a sympathetic reading > unified. of the prophets of Israel. Those seers wrote > Jesus spoke much of the Last Day (the -as a great poet might write-with their > Kingdom of God as He usually called it) minds turned towards God and their hearts > and of its near approach. "The Kingdom lighted and warmed by ardent faith. They > of Heaven is at hand." He did not stress, could not control the vision that was vouch- > as Confucius had done, the historical aspect safed them: they could not complete it > of the coming climacteric, but taking up the nor set it in its own environment and per- > warnings of the Hebrew prophets He spoke spective, nor plumb its meanings nor yet > of the unexpectedness of its advent and of count the years which should elapse before > the terrible jeopardy into which it would it descended from the realm in which they > bring mankind. Even in an age so late in say it to the realm of actuality. When the > history as His, a full account of the devel- prophets are read in this spirit as Jesus and > opment and destiny of the race would have the evangelists read them, there rises into > been premature. He kept the fullness of view a clear and boldly sketched outline of > this truth among those things which He had those world-developments which from the > to say to His disciples, but which at that creation have been laid up to await the > stage they could not yet bear. present hour. > But now a new occasion has arisen. New The picture is one which has puzzled, > opportunities, new problems, new perils, fascinated and awed the Christian mind. > confront mankind; and with these new con- The impression made by the vision upon the > ditions has come the need of a new knowl- seer-prophets was profound. They write or > edge. He who, before the human race chant in a strain of exaltation which finds > began, fixed the date at which that yet its answer across the years in the rapturous > untreated race would reach the apex of its faith of the Apocalypse and the controlled > course and attain the maturity of its but not less deep emotion of the Christ > powers, has now declared that the Date has telling of his second Advent. The strange > come. He who, in dim and distant ages scenes and deeds and wonders that appear > long past, solemnly ratified with His people in the picture are hardly more startling than > a Covenant and made to them a faithful the violent contrast of the colors in which > promise that He would bring them all to they are painted. Here Hell seems to reach > His Kingdom in His own good time, has out t o the gates of Paradise; delusion and > now in this epoch kept His ancient promise enlightenment, despair and victory, the un- > and fulfilled the Covenant in its com- lighted Pit and the sunshine of God's own > pleteness. presence seem all to have a place here, and > This present time is God's Good time. through some purgation of Phlegethonian > This present time is the Era of which since misery man hardly comes alive to inherit the > the beginning of the world prophets have promise of all ages. > chanted and seers have sung. Suddenly- The Event which the Hebrew prophets > unexpectedly-unawares-without observa- foresaw was not t o be an isolated occur- > tion (exactly as Jesus said) the fullness of rence; it was one of a series of events; it > the Glory of God has irradiated the globe was the Last Day of many days. But it so > from the east to the farthest west. The transcended all before it as to be outstanding > Day of the Lord has dawned. Keeping his and paramount. Its splendour outshone all > pledge, God has thrown open to men a new previous splendours, and its blessings were > domain of life and activity, has conferred so far above all previous experience and > on them new powers, laid on them new re- precedent that men would live in a new > sponsibilities; and he demands that they world and would not even remember the > enter as quickly as may he into this new former things that had passed so utterly > 188 THE B A H A ' ~ WORLD > away. So full will be the Revelation vouch- a precision not used before, the brotherhood > safed by God in the Last Day, so glorious of mankind and the unity of their develop- > the effulgence of this supreme Theophany ment from the infancy of the race to the > that darkness and error will not be able to present time. > withstand the impact of its might. They History, he taught, is in its,length and > will flee and perish. The radiance will breadth one and single. I t is one in its > sweep across the entire globe from the east structure. I t is one in its movement. From > to the west. I t will settle and abide in the beginning of time the whole human > every land. Mankind will become one, and race has been subject to one law of de- > will be organised round a single central velopment; and it has advanced age after > authority which it will recognise as divinely age in accordance with one and the same > appointed. One law will run throughout principle and by the application of one and > the whole earth. National distinctions will the same method. Its whole movement has > not be obliterated; the various nations will one source and one cause, and is directed > meet upon a common level but will retain towards one goal. The unification of the > their separate identity. All peoples and races world, instead of being an afterthought, or > will share a common relation to one another. of needing an improvised miracle for its > A Universal religion will unite rhe hearts of completion, is the normal conclusion of a > all. Mankind will form a single congrega- process that has been going on since the > tion, their God being recognised everywhere race began. Each of the world-religions > as one and the same God endowed with the has its own set place within this vast econ- > same attributes and known by the same omy. Each is mediated through a Master > Name. The Glory of the Most High in its Prophet from God by one and the same > depth and in its height will be ~ o u r e dforth principle and bears witness to some phase of > over the earth; and spiritual gifts, once the one indivisible Truth. No religion bas been > privilege of a gifted few, will be possessed exhaustive or final. Every one admits of > by the many. War will be abandoned. development and invites it. If all were > The skill of those who made weapons of under God thus developed, each along the > destruction will be turned to beneficent line of its own implicit truth, they would > uses. All the world over, men will be able not move farther and farther apart, but on > to enjoy their homes and their prosperity in the contrary would approach one another > security and peace. till at last they merged and became one. > (See, for instance, Isaiah ii. 2-4; xv. 17- The ultimate ideal of them all, whiie not > 21; Zech. ix. l o ; xiv. 9; viii, 20 ff.; Zeph. the same as any one of those from which it > iii. 9; Micah iv. 1-r, etc.) grew, will yet be consistent with the > Such is the prophets' picture of the world essence of each of them. I t is the universal > conditions of the Last Day; such-believe religion: the fruit and the perfection of all > the Bahi'i-are the changes which man in that preceded it. He who accepts it on its > this hour is called upon to make. appearance will not deny the ancient Faith > Prescient of the crisis and the difficulties of his forefathers; he will reassert it, and at > that lay ahead, Bah6'u'116h, half a century the same time will accept all the other re- > ago, with timely forethought, offered to vealed faiths of manlrind. > mankind the knowledge that would enable When all men know the certainty of their > them t o shoulder the new responsibility common history and their organic unity, > about to be imposed upon them. He not then, said Balii'u'llih, on that linowledge > only outlined a large plan of reform, but he will be built the temple of peace and the > explained, with an emphasis, a fullness, and fabric of future civilisation. > P m s 1 D E N - r DR. EDUARD BENEB of and its summary of the principles for peace. > Czechoslovakia, who in December, 1Y3 j, I followed it during the war and after the > succeeded President T. G. Masaryk, incor- war. The Bahi'i Teachimg is one of the > porates the spirit of the young Republic in spiritual forces now absolutely necessary to > its concentration on liberty, democracy and put the spirit first in this battle against > culture in the new world order. I had the material forces." > honor and the privilege to have an audience He has studied carefully a number of the > with him at Hradc'any Castle in Prague, on Works of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > April 22, 1936. Passing through those great He said concerning peace: "Peace is in > reception halls in that centuries-old famous danger today because the spirit is lacking; > castle where kings have held sway I ob- in these chaotic times since the Great War, > served everything minutely, but when I the fight is terrifically keen between the spir- > came into the presence of this young Presi- itual and the material forces. Many people > dent in his audience room, I saw only him. are convinced that the material forces are > He is the living embodiment of a man with dominating and will dominate, but I have > a mission, and that mission is peace. He always believed that the spirit will finally > may be building greater than he Imows! win. I t is always so. Jesus said, 'Fear not > Certainly it was thrilling, when one remem- those who can kill the body but those who > bers how Bahi'u'llih more than fifty years can kill both the soul and the body.' > ago urged the rulers of the world to study "The Bahh'i Teaching," the President > His spiritual plan for the good of the world again affirmed, "is one of the great instru- > and the happiness of the nations, to find ments for the final victory of the spirit and > today in Czechoslovalcia a second Ruler of of humanity." I t is a great impulse for- > this Republic who has the insight to see the ward when true rulers like President Beneg, > significance of the Bahi'i Peace Plan. President Masaryk and others begin to turn > Also of extreme significance to readers to the Bahi'i Teachings to safeguard the in- > is the historical fact that the Messages terests and promote the well-being of the > addressed by Bahi'u'llih from His prison in whole human race. > 'Akkl to the kings and rulers of Europe- The President spoke next of his own > one of whom was the monarch whose realm country and its aims for peace. One felt > included this same Czechoslovakia-in 1869 that Czechoslovakia is solid and sound > and 1870, not only declared that Universal physically and morally. He said: "We > Peace was the first obligation of govern- have no upheavals in our country, we have > ments in this new age, but predicted the tranquillity, progress without any revoln- > overthrow of every government resisting tionary rights or lefts. We do not ask > this ideal-a prediction that has been lit- anything of anybody, we are not a provoca- > erally fulfilled. tion to any one, and we attack no one. We > "President BeneS, what do you think of entrust our affairs to the League of Nations > the Bahi'i peace Teaching?" I asked him in Geneva and to the World Court at the > that morning, and he replied: "As you Hague. Our conscience is clear, we do not > know, I have followed it with deep interest fear international judgment. If we are > ever since my trip to London to the First right, it is well; if we are wrong, we shall > Races Congress in July, 1911, when I heard make the corrections; that is the spirit of > for the first time of the Bahi'i Movemellt this country and its government." > 5119 > PRESIDENT EDUARD BENES 591 > > He spoke fervently about universal peace. visitor feel he has time to speali. The nine > His own words were: "Peace is the worlc men who came out from his audience > of men, exactly as war is the work of men. chamber just before I entered it, looked very > I am of the opinion that governing ~eople happy and in their eyes glowed the fire of > are always responsible for the wars. The the spirit. > responsible people in certain numbers can He is the wisely-chosen President of an > make the wars, or they can establish the energetic nation that dwells, in its geograph- > peace." ical position, at the very crossroads of > Such is the President of this little nation northern, southern, western and eastern > in the midmost hear1 of Europe, the coun- Europe. Through the Baha'i Teachings this > try which is the balance, the counterpoise t o Republic of Czechoslovaliia can become a > the entire European equilibrium. He is an center of the cultural currents which a new > optimist; he told me: "I do my best, I divine civilization is creating. The nations > have a good conscience. I do all I can, in that arise to the peace ideals of this new > such a case one cannot be a pessimist." He universal cycle are those that will go for- > is a constructive pacifist, some even call him ward to the highest evolution. A half- > a militant pacifist in his march of ideas and century ago, Bahi'u'llbh wrote that the > tremendous efforts to establish good-will present-day order would be rolled up and > among the nations. To me he seemed a new one spread in its stead; he said the > neither proud, nor humble, but unconscious most Great Peace will come. Those who > of his personal self he devotes his very being have vision to see beyond the present dark- > t o his a i m - a n d that aim is to help make a ness can be optimistic, for they perceive > world of peace. He is most appreciative. a new world order-viewing the world > He is most courteous; though he is such a as an organism-slowly but surely appear- > busy man, he does not hurry, he makes each ing! > SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVES > > O N rare and precious occasions the truth- writings are a stirring fusion of poetic > seeker attains a summit of vision so corn- beauty and religious insight. I, like another, > manding that ~t guides and gladdens all his have been "struck by their comprehensive- > lesser ways of life. He sees far; he feels ness." I find they have extraordinary power > deeply; he comprehends much: he stands to pull aside the veils that darken my mind > on a peak of spacious philosophic orienta- and to open new visions of verity and life. > tion, and locates himself on the map of Spntial perspectives are familiar in draw- > existence. Certain axial lines of reality seem ing, architecture, and other arts. Before me > to converge in his clear and glowing con- stands a perfect example: an etching by > sciousness. And from this cosmic outloolr Blandlug Sloan, inscribed Two Infinztes, > emerges a philosophic poise akin to religious Open and Closed. From a star-set vortex > peace of mind. Both are ineffable and at the left center burst forth two systems > unshakable, steadying and satisfying, a peer- of seemingly endless lines. Running off into > less harmony. This elevated experience may the right distance an eight-way path, arched > be called a spiritual perspective. by other lines, converges tubelike at a van- > In the latter phrase I know that I am ishing point in deep space whence fancy > mixing metaphors and metaphysics because must carry on. Out of the vortex at the > I purpose to show their kinship, the yoked left originates a spiral of ever-widening light > consanguinity of poetry and philosophy. hands which leap outward toward an in- > These constitute a balanced pair of wings finite expansion. One's imagination revels > for ascending the ecstatic heights of cosmic in the suggestions of boundless space in > vision. every direction. > There is one distinctive kind of literature > where metaphors and metaphysics abound This brilliant creation is a concrete > and blend in beautiful perfection. That symbol of an infinite concept. The uni- > literature consists of the noblest utterances versal idea of spaciousness is metaphysical: > of the world's high prophets. Their words its picturesque embodiment is poetic: the > live on in men's hearts because they unite two factors fuse in inseparable unity. I t > truth and beauty. They exhibit an equi- matters little whether one says that the sense > librium and sense of security amid confusion form blossoms into the idea of endlessness > and persecution the secret of which I long or that the idea of endlessness becomes in- > to know. How could Buddha, Jesus, Bah6- carnate in the sense form. In such a unity > 'u'116h, and others, remain calm and sweet is exemplified the essential meaning of a > while suffering dreadful insults and depriva- spiritual perspective. I t is the center of an > tions? For some reason they were un- interflow or discharge between the two > touched by the worldly troubles that dis- worlds of sense and of spirit. But whereas > turb lesser minds. But how can painful the limes of material perspective close to a > troubles seem unimportant save as they are point, spiritual insight opens toward the ever > much subordinated to some large per- expanding realms of human and divine life. > spective? And between the two infinites in Sloan's > What do spiritual perspectives mean in etching stands man, scratching his head, > the concrete? As illustrations I shall select uncertainly balanced, puzzled, half-comic. > some of the priceless vistas revealed in the Whenever I contemplate this comic figure, > writings of the Bahi'i founders. These I wonder how funny I look from God's > 5'52 > President Eduard Bener > > 7 94 T H E B A H A 'i W O R L D > > viewpoi~~t?By way of analogy I recall a a kind of focal center where values and > pathetic ant lost on a sidewalk and a fly truth become real, significant, or illumi- > beating a window pane to escape. I am nating, just as a highly polished diamond > eager to seize upon some cosmic perspective becomes the point for the display of the > to redeem me from comic narrowness and inner nature and beauty of light. A spir- > futility. itual perspective produces a tremendous > Other kinds of perspectives exist. In intensification of individual awareness. > arithmetic I need not count far without (2) W i l e several observers cannot per- > discovering how I could go on forever. In- ceive the identical rainbow, yet comparable > deed rhe mathematician tells me that if I elements exist in all their viewpoints; for > can define the relation of one term to its instance, an arc of prismatic colors. We > two neighbors, I may possess the principle of can talk and think about these qualities, and > an infinite series. In an analogous way, if consolidate them into the concept of rain- > I can determine the essence of a few drops bow. Then this idea with its load of mean- > of ocean water, I may have the key to the ing may gradually pass from mind to mind. > chemical constitution of the seven seas. Even big ideas which sweep like grand vistas > Perhaps in social life certain basic relation- to the horizons of reality are capable of > ships between neighbors can be defined endless recreation in the consciousness of > which would be good for all men to prac- man. > tice. Such a universal ethical principle > would be another variety of spiritual per- Thus a common realm of truth is built up > spective. in which all intelligent men may share. I n > the world of space only one body can > Are there not then some patterns of con- occupy a given place; in the world of ideas > duct, generated perhaps by a genius, which many minds, without conflict or collision, > might radiate to all men, for their weal or mzy possess the same idea in the same in- > woe? It is evident, for example, that some stant. Because ideas, entirely unlike mate- > individual man had to be the first to smoke rial things, possess this interpenetrating > a pipe of tobacco else smoking could not spiritual nature, I believe they are the > have become a world-wide practice. Here greatest wonders of the world. Bahi'u'llih > is a practical perspective of spreading con- has written, "Therefore it has become > duct, of a custom which through imitation known that the first bestowal of the > has rippled to the rims of the continents. Almighty is the Word. The receiver and > Similarly I believe that the original example acceptor of it is the understanding. It is > of a truly great prophet may advance from the first instructor in the university of ex- > person to person until it reaches the ends istence, and is the primal emanation of God. > of the earth. All the names originate in His name, and > Two basic characteristics of spiritual per- the beginnings and endings of all affairs are > spectives emerge from the preceding con- in His hand." > siderations. (1) A perspective of any kind Now a perspective is ideal or spiritual in > can radiate only from the unique viewpoint essence. It is constituted of thought or > of a specific person. His viewpoint is con- spirit. A mere animal is incapable of spir- > stituted and colored--or discolored-by the itual perspective. He cannor locate himself > values he esteems and the character of his in any world beyond immediate sensation, > awareness. His personal values function as nor plan his future, nor appreciate values. > a kind of eyepiece for his soul. No one else All these require the fourth dimension of > can survey the world through his mental meaningful conception which he lacks. > eyepiece, and he can never stand behind the Thns spiritual perspectives are at once > window of another soul. No two observers unique in their personal existence and uni- > could possibly see at once the same rainbow versal in their range of meaning. > because of their different angles of vision. The rwo characteristics of spiritual per- > Spiritual perspectives do not exist outside of spectives just indicated form an intimate > personal consciousness. The latter serves as > - > Tablet ro the Zoroastrians. > SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVES 19f > > union. '1'0 describe this union adequately or living. Like the he possesses > taxes to the limit alike metaphysics and a secure poise born of a cosmic outlook; like > metaphors. Certain spatial figures may the poet he clothes his convictions in beauti- > symbolize the philosophical realities in- ful metaphors which inspire men. But he > volved. Lines focused in one point may yet adds his own distinctive genius: a deep and > radiate afar. Likewise ideas or ideals, arising driving urge to lead men by example to > in the burning focus of a finite experience, realize a richer life. Having himself dis- > may contain revelations of vast areas of life. covered the joys of a new and abundant > Such an ideal or perspective as I am try- way, he ardently yearns to communicate and > ing t o describe is at once personal and share with others his unifying and generative > universal, concrete and perhaps also cosmic vision. > in bearing. Its manifestations in experience I n short, the characteristic quality of the > are unique, but its meaning belongs to all religionist is a lciud of missionary zeal. He > comers. A concrete pulse of sensation is is a dreamer-actor, a critic-builder, a moral > meaningless without the setting of ideas; leader, a creator of ethical wealth. He pre- > and an idea may be vague abstraction with- sents patterns of conduct which he believes, > out the sampling of concrete reality. A with reason and sincerity, are good for all > spiritual perspective is an ideal incarnate in men. > self-consciousness. In converse phraseology, The greatest gift and opportunity of re- > it is the creative form in which flesh ligion is to inalce the patterns of abundant > awalcens into the boundless realm of the life attractive and effective to the masses of > spirit. men, so that these ideals may gradually > The kind of consciousness thus hinted at spread throughout the world. > is what philosophers have called the concrete During the remainder of this paper I > universal. I t is the lcind of expericncc both shall strive to describe some attitudes or > philosophers and poets eagerly seek after; patterns of life which seem worthy of uni- > namely, the richness of actual personal life versal practice. By suggesting 'forn~swhich > united with the breadth of ideal insight, the Babl'i prophets have recommended I > living content illuminated by far-reaching shall enjoy their confir~nationof my selec- > thought, finite experience set in a cosmic tion. > perspective. Only in this form does reality > exist for the intelligent mind. Poetic har- I t was indicated above that through the > mony and philosopl~ic insight- merely un- individual vicwpoints of men there may per- > pbasize different aspects of this intimate meate some common elements of thought; > synthesis of beauty and truth. for example, the color and arc of the rain- > bows. The common factor consists of that > The intelligent religionist, I believe, also mysterious marvel called the concept or idea. > seeks to realize this conscious fusion of the How is it possible for me11 thus to know > concrete and the universal. He is an expert common ideas or truths? Philosophic criti- > in viewing a particular act in a broad setting cism compels me to answer: it is the gift of > in which God is the focus. For example, in one Supreme Intelligence. I can find no > giving a cup of refreshing water to a weary other adequate source for the common body > traveler he is aware of doing it in the name of verity which men know than a Divine > of the Most High. Like some poets and Wisdom who in diverse orderly ways mani- > philosophers, the religionist is cosmic in fests himself to mankind. The realization > spirit and concrete in action. of this truth is the basic philosophic- > But the truly great religionist as prophet- religious insight: seeing through things to > reformer, while accepting both, goes beyond God. This awareness of the divine has been > both in a new and important emphasis: the happily called cosmic consciousness. > truth which the poet contemplates as an The Bahi'i scriptures abound in stirring > emotion-filled image, which the philosopher metaphors by which the prophet-poets en- > conceives as a universal principle, the deavor to suggest the character of this > prophet presents as a universal way of acting Supreme Being. Here are a few of their > THE B A H A 'f W O R L D > choicest figurcs: Cod is the Ruler uf cxist- This belief in the oneness of manlsind > ence, the Lord of all worlds, the one rests upon several solid reasons. The first > Foundation of Reality, the Shepherd of the is religious: the conviction that God is the > world, the Sun of Reality, the Ocean of one Father of all entails the recognition thar > Divine Presence, the Sea of Divine Gen- all men are brothers. BahZu'116h aftirms, > erosity, my Awakener, the Desire of the "The religion of God is for the sake of love > Universe. I n the invocations of these books and union." The second reason is epistemo- > a hundred or more stirring attributes are logical: universal intercourse through ideas > applied to Him. 'Abdu'l-Bahi has written, presupposes a deep kinship among human > "Norhing is completely worthy of our minds. I n other words, the existence of > heart's devotion save reality, for all else is creative intelligence and common truth > destined to perish. Therefore the heart is makes a inan realize his oneness with other > never at rest, and never finds real joy and members of the race. > happiness until it attaches itself to the The third reason is empirical and ethical. > Eternal. Man must attach kimself to an Biologically and psychologically human be- > infinite reality, so that his glory, his joy and ings have essentially similar characteristics. > his progress may be infinite. Only the spirit Since then I realize growth and joy through > is real; everything else is as shadow. There- friendiiess with my neighbors, it is fair to > Pore, let us yearn for the Kingdom of believe they would enjoy similar benefits. > God, so that our works may bear eternal I take it as axiomatic that all men desire a > fruit." more abundant life, and that the attitude of > The deepest and surest ground of mental sy~npatheticgood-will enlarges our natures. > poise is the conviction thar the framework I t follows as night the day that the practice > of our human life is a friendly cosmic in- of good-will--of valuing life and serving > telligence. This belief, once accepted whole- mankind-is the ultimate principle of > heartedly, influences and glorifies our atti- morality. In everyday life intelligellt kind- > tudes towards everything else. When we ness is basic; there is no demand beyond > awaken to the perspective of a universe this for the regulation of conduct. > ordered by the ever-active and wise God, an This ideal and spreading practice of good- > ineffable peace takes possession of our souls. will in social relations is another example > I t is like the &wning of the sun over a dark of spiritual perspective. I t is of universal > and indistinct earth: the derails of the land- application. I t is so simple and intelligible > scape fall into an ordered whole, and with thar even a young school boy could appre- > joy and confidence we set forth on the next ciate it. The central problem of civilization > stage of our pilgrimage. In this steadying is how to extend this spirit in intelligent > vista of existence the end-point is God and forms to ever-widening circles of human > the fore-point is my own soul, and I am beings. Love is a divine quality, and the > content. only hope of a harassed and disordered > world. > A second source of hope and peace of Now suppose that every person in the > mind is the belief in the oneness of man- world practised this attitude to every one he > kind. This conception and ideal is the met, and that his sympathies excluded no > most distinctive and i~nportant feature of one. A BahPi author declares, "As the > Bahh'i teaching. "The essence of the laws of human association replace through- > Bahh'i movement," declares Horace Holley, out society the laws of animal survival, men > "is spiritual democracy." I n exquisite will learn how to realize the harmony, the > poetry BahB'u'llih has said, "0 people of beauty, the abundance, the free fellowship > the world! Ye are all the fruits of one which the myths of every people have > tree, and the leaves of one branch, the attributed to the golden age." Immeas- > flowers of one garden, and the drops one urable joy and contentment would fill thr: > ocean. Conduct yourselves with perfect human world. I could feel at home every- > love, union, friendship, and understanding." > - > Divine Philosophy. > 8Bal~6'i: Spiric of the Age, by Horace Halley, > p. 127. > SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVES 197 > > where if I could exprLL evrlyone to be minority are carcfully provided for. Some- > kind. times a few, after free and full deliberation, > I can count upon people to prefer kind- may honestly regard the decision of the > ness t o ill-will and malice. I know I majority as unwise. But every member has > dislike intensely the conflicts and regrets understood in advance the expected course > that result from unkind words and deeds. of action in case he finds himself one of the > I can be sure that the psychic effects of minority: namely, to maintain the spirit of > benevolent action will be unifying and cooperation and the method of experimen- > satisfying. Here I come upon a second tation; that is, in assisting the majority to > fundamental source of philosophic poise. If gain the additional experience and facts > I can gain that inner resolution, integrity, necessary to test their hypothesis. If the > or strength of will by which I maintain a viewpoint of the minority should become > friendly attitude at all times in the face of verified, then the majority in their turn > annoyances, injustice, or misunderstanding, would support the minority in their plans. > then I shall have a sure refuge of peace. I In this way minorities are not embittered or > rely much upon the leaders and literatures excluded, but are e~lcoura~ed to cooperate. > of religion t o help me maintain this spirit. This consideration is of the utmost impor- > The power of religion to increase the de- tance, because it is usually from the > ficient supply of altruism in society is a minority that the most significant new ideas > sufficient justification for its support and arise. > development in contemporary life. > The reign of love in the world would To envisage the universal practice, in the > destroy the dullness and monotony due to different phases of social problems, of this > unsympathetic imagination, for love is in- art of conference as described above is a > genious and creative. The lover invents thrilling perspective and possibility. If this > new devices by which to make his love more technique became as widespread as the hand- > expressive and helpful. Several specific shake, the ill-will, bitterness and tragedy of > techniques for realizing good-will more unsettled social conflicts would be largely > effectively will now be indicated. These alleviated. T o realize this lofty ideal of > methods are uxcluded among the funda- social adjustment requires a philosophic ap- > mental Bah6'i teachings. proach, and a persistent and lofty order of > ( a ) Let us consider first the art of con- self-sacrificing devotion to the brotherhood > ference, or the technique of consultation. of man. > This art of group discussion is of supreme ( b ) Let us turn our most lively imagina- > imponance in solving the problems of the tion to tracing the far-reaching conse- > on-coming century. I t assumes that a con- quences of another perspective concerning > ference may be creative in the sense of pro- the brotherhood of man. Suppose that every > ducing valuable insights and solutions which school boy and girl in the world should > would not be found apart from the group. learn, along with arithmetic, grammar, and > The procedure assumes the freedom, equal- other elementary studies, an international > ity, and utter tolerance of all members. I t auxiliary language of excellent quality? > presupposes also a willingness on the part of Experts tell us that this proposal is emi- > the individual to modify his pl-ejudiccs and nently practical, and that such a language > plans of action in the light of fresh facts can be learned in a surprisingly short time. > and ideas which may emerge in discussion. Then when the school boy grew up to be- > The will to maintain a spirit of unity in the come a traveler or salesman, a scientist or > group and the preservation of the method of missionary, he could interchange ideas with > sympathetic discussiou are of such basic im- people in any part of the world. > portance that they must be maintained at The result of this interchange would be > all costs, even with the failure of agreement the dissolution of countless misunderstand- > upon other plans of action. ings, an increase in the sense of oneness, a > I n the ideal conference, obstruction, re- mutual enrichment of cultures, and other > sentment, and secession on the part of a incalculable benefits. Through such a sec- > 198 THE BAHA 'f WORLD > ondary language s o m e international body have a srrrall y l u ~uf earth where he could > like the League of Nations could make enjoy the care of growing things. > readily available to anyone every important > writing. It seems that only a relatively We have seen how a perspective is an ideal > small amount of intelligent planning and of living, seen in spirit, not yet realized in > cooperation is required to inaugurate this space. It is a spiritual principle capable of > grand enterprise. Its for the generating value in ever-widening ranges of > growth of peace and civilization are stag- human experience. And those who first see > gering. I t is another spiritual perspective and inaugurate these principles are called > worthy of realization. seers or prophets. > (c) I can think of other patterns of con- A prophet is a man who is wise enough > duct which are at once simple in conception for the first time to see and seize clearly > and universal in application. There is space a basic life value which future generations > to mention only a few. BahCu'llih de- will esteem. H e discerns and lives in the > clared that there is no more important present some pattern which in the course of > matter than universal peace. As soon as time many nations, perhaps all the world, > everyone in his heart really desires peace and will practise. He reads in advance the chap- > is unwilling to do violence to anyone else, ter headings in the history of the future. > then war would be impossible. Here is His contemporaries may call him mad, > another spiritual perspective of far-reaching traitorous, impious, or abnormal; he becomes > significance. To gain peace for the world the norm for people at a higher level of > let every individual sincerely love peace and spiritual evolution. The masses of men are > practise it. Then all hate would be turned really looking for the qualities of the great > into fellowship and love. World-wide peace normality, the complete life. > is as simple-and difficult-as that. A The peculiar function of the high > Greek proverb says in effect: to keep our prophets in all ages is to assist men in de- > city clean let every citizen sweep his own fining the patterns of abundant life, to > door front. awaken the divine potencies wh'lch lie dor- > (d) Another pattern of thought of tre- mant in them. Truth-seekers eagerly study > mendous power is the idea that evil is the words of these high for they > transition to good. If everybody actually are the creators of spiritual perspectives. > believed and acted upon that truth, then the In BahP'i metaphor the prophet is the > difficulties and pains of life would lose thcir dawning place of goodncss and spiritual > bitter sting and become stepping stones to truth in the world; as the sun brings light > higher spiritual levels. The Nile River in the natural world, the prophet brings > appears muddy and brown when viewed light in the spiritual world. His advent is > nearby; at a certain distance it becomes a like the coming of spring. He is the > sparlrling blue, reflecting the brilliant sky pattern-maker for on-coming generations. > overhead. I am convinced that in gen- He plants in civilization the seeds of destiny, > eral every evil to which we do not and once a seed is discovered all may grow > succumb can become our benefactor if we the flower. Markham has said, "Thou canst > will. see the whole world's winter in one leaf." > (e) Here arc a few other perspectives. In one act of unselfish love one can discern > Could not everyone in his youth learn the the key to universal peace and happiness. > technique of one of the fine arts? Then Thus the patterns of the prophets become > through the remainder of his days he could the goals of the race, and perhaps its cus- > enjoy richer self-expression and development toms also. > in his leisure time. (f) Why not learn in Because prophetic writings portray ways > youth the simple elements of a perfected of life which promise to abide, the reader > shorthand as a convenient tool for the rest enjoys there in the present some of the > of life? (g) As a lover of gardens I could landscapes of eternity. This sensing of the > propose such an organization of community eternal brings to the mind an exquisite > and land ownership that everyone could poise and serenity. The vision of the > SPIRITUAL P' E R S P E C T I V E S 599 > > aid us greatly in finding our con- Rut the true religionist is not, like the > crete setting in the thought l~nes of the philosopher, merely a passive spectator of all > ages. time and existence. He is a vivacious actor > Some of the profoundest joys of life in a definite sphere of life. He is a pilgrim > emanate from growing perspectives concern- in a country which is not his own because > ing its meaning. James H. Cousins says, in it is not yet made according to his ideals. > his Ode to Truth, "For they who catch the He lives expectantly and adventurously. > vision of the whole may greatly dare the He is a spiritual pioneer who dares to adopt > part;" and they who feel the power of love the prophetic pattern and act upon it, as > may live at home in all the world. Ethical Abraham who journeyed to a far and > and religions demands sometimes seem hard strange land to make a new home for his > in the present because they presuppose a family and a new religion for the world. > long-range view of a great good. The value The man of spiritual vision sees what ought > of any perspective, however, is measured by t o be and stakes his life on the faith that > the amount of reality it enables us to grasp, what ought to be is more real than what is > the range of future planning it provides for, for it is bound to come to pass. > and the altruistic power it generates. Professor William E. Hocking has writ- > ten, "Destiny in practice means the way > Now it may be that the Bah6'i concep- to my next step in growth." This next step > tion of the "new world order" is a spiritual may be either one of two fundamental > perspective sufficiently grand to include all kinds. (a) I may become newly seized by a > others. Supreme philosophic satisfaction spiritual perspective, by an ideal which sud- > comes from discovering such an all-compre- denly becomes transformed from a mere > hensive ideal. I recall how the Parthenon is word or abstract idea into a soul-gripping > unified by imaginary construction lines conviction. This step is a "moment of vital > which converge at a point far above the decision" when I claim as my own some > temple; so perhaps the great lines of basic prophetic ideal, when I become for the > prophetic perspective may sometime issue in first time the burning focus of a great > a spiritual commonwealth in which God is cosmic perspective. > the "Primal Point" and love the universal ( b ) The second kind of step in growth > cement among men. may consist in a concrete victory in which > The warm-hearted devotion to such an I actually put in practice a plan of action > exalted cause unifies one's whole life. I t which I have adopted as my own. And the > saves us from the prevalent "sin of dispro- conviction and ideal become clearer as I > portion," which magnifies trifles and dis- strive to realize them. The discovery and > regards fundamentals. I n this long view the realization of spiritual perspectives, > the annoying details of life become neg- then, are the two growing points of life: > ligible, and we maintain our tranquillity the seeing of a new path to a fuller life, > amid worries and disappointments. Tagore and the starting to walk along that path. > has written, "Life's errors cry for the Incomparable poise and peace blesses the self > merciful beauty that can modulate their whose conduct is thus oriented in cosmic > isolation into a harmony with the whole." perspective. > Scene of Bah6'i Martyrdom. > > Bahi'is gathered around the Body of a Martyr. > > SPLENDOR AT THE CORE > BY ANGELAMORGAN > I N the world of religion, what do the cry the dissenters. And they are right. > times disclose? An evcn more exciting and "We are tired of this eternal prating of sin > significant chapter than that describing the and sinners!" declare the great body of re- > amazing progress of science, could we only sentful youngsters-and oldsters, too- > interpret it aright! An identity of effort brimming with zeal for bold and flaming > so marked, that I am sure it is not blas- adventure. They know instinctively that > phemy t o declare that the scientist and the life itself is more important than any theory > mystic, if they but knew it, are aiming at about life, and they are on their way t o dis- > the same goal. Yes, and the iconoclast is cover the secret of happiness and achieve- > close cousin, if not brother, to boch uf ment. They dare the seus, ride the air, blast > them! mountains, rear skyscrapers, build bridges, > H o w else shall we interpret the cry, dig tunnels, and p e r f o m other amazing > which grows in strength with every year: feats of engineering. Rivers of molten > "We want life, not empty ceremonials! metal rush forth at their bidding; steel > Life itself is sacred, human beings in them- rails multiply and miracles of transportation > selves are important and their demands for unite peoples hitherto separated; excava- > justice must be heard! Give us a religion tions in ancient lands reveal treasures of > linked with life and the human cause. Take cities buried thousands of years ago. N u > God out of the church and let Hiill become wonder our modern age stands rubbing its > active in the affairs of men!" eyes in the presence of such wizardry! But > This healthy revolt of modern youth, there is no end t o the story of adventure. > seeiningly against religion, is at bottom not No sooner does man conquer the air than > revolt against religion but the trappings and he challenges the stratosphere. Then, in a > dogma that conceal the true God. If the supreme reach of divine enterprise, he plucks > inner substance of religion were to be pre- a beam from Arcturus t o light the Century > sented t o these same dissenters, I venture of Progress opening in Chicago! > t o predict we should find hearty agreement Hendrik Van Loon bas written a book > from all thoughtful people the world over. called: "Mon the Miracle Maker," in which > The terrible, yawning gap between re- the history of human achievement is fasci- > ligion and actual life is what all thinking natingly told, with the prediction of still > people resent. The emphasis placed upon greater triumphs 111 the future. The author > ritual and creed, leaving the vast declares that this volume is "really a con- > of life t o take care of themselves, creates fession of faith," and shows us "Man, not > lack of balance and breeds rebels everywhere. as a victim of fate, but as a creature en- > This agonizing divorce of the spiritual world dowed with practically unlimited powers for > from the actual everyday world has fostered the developme~ltof his brain .. . Man still > the modern spirit known as anti-Christ, and at the beginning of his career as a reasonable > until we have bridged the formidable being, but rapidly discovering by which road > divide which separates the two domains of be may eventually hope to escape from those > matter and spirit I fail to see how we can difficulties which make his present existence > convince the doubter. such a torture." > I t is revealing to note the author's use of > How can life be secular a t one pole and a capital M in the spelling of the word > divine at the other? "All life is sacred!" "man." I am glad of it. What a change > 'f WORLD > > from the old and damning concept of "man, reality ~ h z l l ~ppear? Life is impatient of > the worm," and how refre'shing thus to ex- non-essentials, and the more alive one is, the > pand one's faith in humankind! more vigorously does he insist upon reality > and fight its opposite. Oh, why don't we, > In a nutshell, men are so busy with their why can't we understand? No matter > own struggle against environment, so on what form it takes, whether scientific or > fire with the will to tame the heretofore religious, the urge is primarily the same. > ungovernable powers of nature, that they We are, all of us, fleeing from the surface > fiercely resent interference from whatever to the core, and only the core will satisfy. > source and fight off every seemingly inimical Out on the circumference-termed by cer- > influence. Religion, as they understand it, tain mystics "the remove," as indeed it is, > is alien to their cause. They are in love being "removed" incalculable degrees from > with life! Dead issues do not interest them, the inner reality-one confronts every con- > and religion as taught in their childhood ceivable form of division; wars, hatreds, > appears now an outmoded and useless super- prejudices, injustice, misunderstanding, dis- > stition. ease and death. Only at the center can we > Everywhere we hear their protest, every- ever find unity. > where we discover this revolt among human > beings so deeply concerned with matter One reason I hail with thanksgiving the > that the very word "spirit" offends them. interpretation of religion known as the > "What has God to do with it?" they cry. Bahb'i Faith and feel so deep a kinship with > "We are interested in this phenomenal its followers is that I recognize in its Reve- > world; in the things we can see, touch and lation an outreach of the Divine to stum- > handle. I t is all-sufficing." bling humanity; a veritable thrust from the > Dear innocents, little do they suspect radiant Center of Life. > that God has everything to do with it and Every follower of this faith that I have > that they, all unconsciously, are acting as ever met impressed me as a living witness > agents of the Creator in the very enterprises to the glory at the heart of this universe. > they so ardently espouse! Nor do they sus- Each one seemed filled with a splendor > pect that the forces with which they deal, of spirit so great that i t overflowed all > the mysterious elements they handle, are in boundaries and poured itself out upon the > themselves divine. To quote Sir Oliver world here in this moment of time, by some > Lodge, these challenging radioactive sub- concentrated act of love toward mother > stances we label with such assurance may human being. > some day prove to be "the very garment of > God." The prediction of physicists: "The wovld > Even when our most recent revered is on the threshold of a new power eua" > scientisteEddington, Jeans, Millikan and finds justification today in the realm of re- > their fellow physicist-come forward with ligion, which at last is placing the emphasis > the admission that there is something be- where it belongs, shedding the husk to make > yond; a mystery which science may not way for the blossom and the fruit. Just as > solve, the materialist remains unconvinced. our men of science are flinging themselves > But he cannot remain so forever; sooner or into this terrific "war against the atom" in > later he is bound to acknowledge the truth; order to strip matter of its surface and > because, whether he knows it or not, that is compel it to reveal its inner potency, so in > the direction in which he is going. the churches one finds everywhere the thrust > Why do we not see this passionate process of minds bent upon preserving the fiery > of growth for what it is-the terrific effort "core" of religion even at the expense of > of Life to throw off all impedimenta; to ritual and dogma. Discarding formula for > strip away the husk in order that the flaming truth, the letter for the spirit! > Bahl'is and Friends gathered at the Grave of Mr. Adam Benlre, German Bahl'i Pioneer > in Sofia, Bulgaria. > > Bahh'i Pioneers and Martyrs of frin. > BAHAI-GLAUBE UND CHRISTENTUM > BY DR. EUGEN SCHMIDT > EmE vergleichende Betrachtnng ge- aber ihr geistiger, unwandelbarer Gehalt > schichtlich verschiedener Religionen setzt unterworien. Der Verfall oder die Erstar- > die grundsitzliche Klarstellung voraus, nach rung religioser Lebensformen (Dogmatis- > welchen Ge~ichts~unlrtender Vergleich mus, Orthodoxie, Ausschliesslichkeitsan- > vorgenommen werden soll. Wir p,ehen von spruch) haben, wie die Geschichte zeigt, eine > der Erlrenntnis aus, dass allen p,eschichtlichen Verschiittung und menschliche Entstellung > Religionen eine gemeiusame geistige Grund- der g~ttlichen Lehren zur Folge. Der > lage eigen ist. "Diese Grnndlage muss not- Schwerpunkt jeder Offenbarungsreligion > ~vcndi~erweise die Wahrheit sein und lralln liegt uicht auf ihrcn geschichtlichen Daren, > nur eine Einheit, nicht eine Mehrheit Ereignissen und Formen, sondern einzig und > bilden." l Diese Einsicht soll gerade durch allein in ihrem inneren und unverlierbaren > die Untersuchnng des Verhijltnisses zwischen Wahrheitsgehalt. Diesen immer wieder von > der Senduxg Bahi'u'llih's und dem Chris- Neuem zu verkiinden und von wesensfrem- > tenrum erhirtet werden. Die deutliche den Einfliissen nnd menschlichen Zutaten > Hera~sstellun~ des Ausgangsyunktes unserer zu hefreien, also das ewig scPnopferische > vergleichenden Betrachtung dient dazu, hei Wort Gottes entsprechend der Fassungskraft > der Gegeniiber~tellun~ beider Religionen den und Entwiclrlungsstufe der Menschen wieder > Blick von Anfang an auf das Wese~~tlichezu veriiiinden, ist der gemeinsanle Auftrag > und nicht auf das dem geschichtlichen aller Manifestationen und Propheten. > Wandel Unterworfene im religiGsen Ge- In der Anfeinanderfolge der Manifesta- > schehen zu richten. tionen und Propheren erlreunt der tieier > Wir gehen namlich von dem zweifachen Schauende einen wunderbaren Erziehungs- > entscheidenden Gesichtspunkt aus, dass jeder plan Gottes fur die Menschheit, nach dem > Religion einerseits ein geistig zeitloser, sich die geistige Entwicklung der Menschheit > andererseits ein zeit- und entwicklungsge- stufenweise vollzieht. Jede gortliche Mani- > schichtlich hestimmter Gehalt zugrunde festation wird so zam Erzieher der > liegt-. Der erstere hesteht in dem in den Menschheit fur einen zeitlichen Erziehungs- > Heiligcn Schriften niedergelegten "Wort abschnitt, weshalb jeder Gottgesandte an die > Gottes," das seinem Wesen nach nicht ver- vorausgegangene Offenbamng ankniipft. > alten oder erstarren kann, der letztere urn- Auf den Zyklusgedanlren der fortschreit- > fasst- die Busseren Gesetze und Gebote, enden Offenharung des Wortes Gottes > welche immer den entwicklu~~gsgeschichtlich kann hier mangels Rauln nicht weiter einge- > gegehenen Erfordernissen in Bezug auf die gangen ~ e r d e n . ~ > Lebensformen der Menscben nnd Vijlker Dass im vorgenannten Sinne die Sendung > rntsprechen und deshalb durch jede neue Bahi'u'll6h's die Lehre Christi bestZtigt, > Gottesoffenbarung eine Aenderunp,, Erwei- erfullt, erneuert und znr Herauffiihrung > terung, ErgZnzung und Fortfiihrung erfah- einer neuen gottgewollten Weltordnung > ren. Den Wachstums- und Verfallsbeding- fortfuhrt, sol1 nun der nachfolgende Ver- > ungen der geschichtlichen Religionen sind gleich zeigen. > deshalb nnr ihre Busseren Formen: niemals Zuerst eine Cl~arakterisierun~ > des geistigen > - Gehalts beider Offenbar~~n~sreligionen. > Eiu Wort 'Abdu'l-Bah55, Bahi'i-Perlen, Siorr- - > g n r f 1922, S . 4. 3"Das Worr Gottes in seiner fortschreitenden > 2Religionsitbung, "Gesetze," soziale Normen, Offenbnr~n~.""Sonne der Wahrheir," XIV, 10, S. > institutianelle Einrichrungen, u.s.w. 7 6 ff. > BAHA'f -GLAUBE UND CHRISTENTUM 601 > > Christus kam, um in, engeten Sinn die Seiner Wor~e: I I a c l ~ a ~Lebrr~sbcjahurn~ > e aub > mosaische Gesetzesreligion aus ihrer starren dem Auftrag Seiner Sendung heraus. Sein > Umlrlammerung zu befreien und in eine Leiden und Sterben stellen einerseits die > Iebendige Gesinnungs-, Tat- und Liebes- unerbittlichste und erbabenste Konsequenz > religion uberzufiihren und um im weiteren Seines Gehorsams Gott gegenuher und > Sinn der ganzen Menschheit den Weg zu andererseits den Ausdruck Seiner unend- > Gott zuriick zu zeigen, der uber die Nich- lichen Mellschheitsliehe dar. So waren Seine > stenliehe fuhrt und die Einheit Gottes zum Worte und Sein Lehen eine unzertrennliche > Ausgangs- und Endpunkt hat. Seine Send- Einheit Seiner gottlichen Berufung, der > ung war ein urgewaltiger Ruf zur Selbst- Menschheit "Weg, Wahrheit und Leben" zu > uberwindung und volligen Einordnung werden. > des Menschen in den von Ihln verkundeten Fassen wir zusammen: Das Leben und > Willen Gottes. Er verlegte den Schwer- die Lehre Christi zeigen eindringlicb die > punkt religioser Leben~fiihrun~ nach innen ' untrennbare Verbindung von Gottes- und > und geisselte jeden nur formgerechten Schein Nachstenliebe, von Religion und tatfreu- > von FrBmmigkeit. Er brachte licin abge- diger Sittlichkeit, wobei die Selbstverleug- > rundetes Lehrgebaude, zerbrach erstarrte nung die Grundforderung zu sittlichem > Dogmen und verwarf iiherholte aussere Handeln und dein Befolgen der gottlichen > Gesetze. Die von Ihm verkiindete Wahr- Gesetze wird. Christus wies von neuem den > heit kleidete er in Gleichnisformen mit Weg, das Reich Gottes zu verwirklichen: > uberzeitlichem Charakter und allegorisch- "Selig sind, die Gottes Willen tun." > symbolischer Bedeutnng. Seine Worte verp- Wie stellt sich nun der Bahi'i-Glaube in > flichteten zu eigenem Denlcen und person- seinen geistigen Grundziigen demgegeniiber > licher Entscheidung. Die rnenschheitliche dar? Er ist keine neue Religion, sondern > Bedentung des Chrintentums liegt in der will alle geschichtlichen Offenbarungs- > Sendung Christi, durch welche die Gottes- religionen auf ihre gemeinsame geistige > und Nichstenliebe unloslich zu einem und Grundlage, das Wort Gottes, wie es durch > dem vornehrnsten Gebot auf dem Funda- die gottlichen Ma~iifestationenund Prophet- > ment der Einheit Gottes w ~ r d e n . ~Die en immer wieder verliiindigt und geleht > Bergpredigt Christi weist den Weg des wurde, zuruckfiihren. > Einzelnen zur Erfiillung dieses zweifachen BaI~B'u'llihsagt: "Die Sonne der Wahr- > Gebots. Sie hat die Selb~tiiberwindun~ und heit ist das Wort Gottes, von dem die > vollige Einordnung des Menschen in den Erziehung der Menschen im Reich der > Willen Gottes zum Inhalt, welche eine Gedanken abhangig ist. Es ist der Geist der > innere Wiedergeburt und zu Letztem be- Wirklichkeit und das Wasser des Lebens. > reites Heldentum aus innegewordener Ver- Ihm verdanken alle Dinge ihr Dasein. Es > bundenheit mit Gott, dem Vater und offenbart sich ilnmer nach der Fahigkeit > hochsten Gesetzgeber erheischt. Die Ver- und Farbe des Spiegels, durch den es wider- > wirklichung des von Ihm verheissenen gespiegelt wird. Wird zum Beispiel sein > Reiches Gottes bindet Christus an den Licht auf den Spiegel des Weisen geworfen, > Vollzug des Willens Gottes. Darin liegt dann bringt es Weisheit zum Ausdruck; > die fordernde Gewalt Seiner Sendung, welche wird es von dem Geist des Kiinstlers wider- > jedwede Glaubens- und Werligerechtigkeit gespiegelt, so schafft es neue und schane > ausschliesst. "Es werden nicht alle, die zu Kunste; leuchtet es durch den Geist des > Mir sagen: Herr, Herr! in das Himmelreich Gelehrten, dann offenbart es Wissen und > kommen, sondern die den Willen tun Meines enthiillt Geheimnisse. > Vaters im Himmel." Die sozialen Ausfol- Alle Dinge der Welt erheben sich durch > gerungen der Botschaft Christi ergeben sich den Menschen und kommen durch ihm zuln > vor allen aus der Bergpredigt. Vorschein. Durch ihn finden sie Leben uud > Das Leben Christi war ein einziger Beweis Entwicklung, und der Mensch ist beziiglich > - seines geistigen Daseins von der Sonne des > "Dm Himmelrcich irt inwendig in cuch." Wortes Gottes abhingig. Alle guten Namen > Vergl. Matth. 12, 29-31. > = Mxtth. 7, 21. und edlen Eigenschaften sind Resultate des > 606 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > Wortes Gottes. Das Wort ist das Feuer, Durch dies rin~igeWort werden die ver- > das in den Herzen der Menschen gluht und schiedenen Religionen zu dern Licht der Ein- > alles verbrennt, was nicht von Gott ist. Der heit gelangen. Wahrlich, Er sagt die Wahr- > Geist der Liehenden ist immer von diesem heit und fuhrt znm rechten Weg." l o Wie > Feuer entflammt. Es ist das Wesen des 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 sagt, ist jeder Mench als ein > Wassers, das sich in der Form des Feuers Zeichen Gottes zu hetrachten. > offenbart. Aeusserlich ist es brennendes Die Lehr Bahb'n'lllh's ist nach den Worten > Feuer, innerlich dagegen ruhiges Licht. Shoghi Effendi's "in ihrem Ursprung gott- > Dies ist das Wasser, das allen Dingen Leben lich, in ihren Zielen allumfassend, in ihrem > gibt." ' Baha'n'llih ruft die Menschen von Ausblick weit, in ihrer Methode wissen- > neuem auf, die Gebote Gottes zn befolgen, schaftlich, in ihren Grundsatzen menschen- > weshalh Er das Wesen der Religion damit dienend und von kraftvollem Einfluss auf > hezeichnet, "das anzuerkennen, was der Herr die Herzen und Gemiiter der Menschen." > offenbarte und zu befolgen, was Er in Ihre besondere Bestimmung liegt darin, nicht > Seinem michtigen Buch verordnet hat." nur den unverfilschten und unwandelbaren > Auch er wendet sich gegen erstarrte Re- Sinn nnd Gehalt aller Religionen von neuem > ligionsformen und -Dogmen. "An diesem zu bestatigen, sondern dariiber hinaus die > Tag muss der, welcher das Licht der Sonne kommende Weltordnung auf Grund der > der Wahrheit sucht, seinen Geist von den geistigen Einheit der Menschheit heranfzn- > Ueberlieferungen der Vergangenheit frei fiihren. Gegenuber dern Christenturn ist > machen; er muss sein Haupt mit der Krone deshalb der Sendung Bahi'u'llih's die ziem- > der Trennung und seine11 Ternpel (Kopper) lich konkrete Losung sozialer und gesell- > mit dem Kleid der Tugend schmiicken, dann schaftlicher Fragen eigen, wie sie sich seit > wird er zu dem Ozean der Einheit und dern Auftreten Christi entwicklungsge- > Einzigkeit Gottes gelangen. Das Hem lnuss schicbtlich immer dringender stellte, vor > von dern Feuer des Aberglauhens frei allem dnrch den technischen, politischen nnd > werden, damit es das helle Licht der Gewiss- wirtschaftlichen Strnkturwandel der Welt > heit empfangen und die Herrlichkeit Gottes besonders seit dern 18. Jahrhundert. Die > begreifen lcann." Er fordert die sittliche Sendung Bahi'u'llih's stellt die Offenbarung > Tat als Beweis wahren Glauhens. "An des Wortes Gottes in einer zeitgeschichtlich > diesem Tag miissen die Menschen ihrem nenen und einzigartigen Synthese person- > Gott mit Reinheit und Tugenden dienen. licher und sozialer Lehensgestaltung dar, > Dic Wirkung des durch den Lehrer ge- die Liebe und Gerecbtigkeit zu den Grund- > sprochenen Worts ist abhangig von der satzen des menschlichen Gemeinschaftslebens > Reinheit seiner Absichten und seiner Tren- macht. Der Schlusselgedanke des Bahf'i- > nung vom Irdischen. Manche begniigen Glaubens ist deshalb Einheit und Entwick- > sich nur mit Worten, aber die Wahrheit der lung als organische Verbundenheit alles > Worte wird durch Taten bezeugt nnd hlngt Seins und als ewig neuschopferischer Lebens- > von der Lehensfuhrung ab. Taten offen- rhythmus. Die in den Lehren BahVn'llih's > baren die Stufe des Menschen. Die Worte zum Ausdruck kommende Welt- nnd Le- > miissen in Uebereinstimmung mit dem sein, hensanschauung steht mit dern Errungen- > was aus dern Munde des Willens Gottes schaften der Wissenschaft ausdriicklich in > hervorgeht und in den heiligen Schriften Einklang, weshalb auch eine selbstandige > berichtet ist." Bah6'u3116h erneuert und vorurteilsfreie Wahrheitserforschung mit > erweitert das ewige Gesetz der Liebe. Seine dern "Fackellicht" des Verstandes gefordert > Worte sind: "Das erhabenste Wort fur wird. > Harmonie und Liebe ist: Alle sind von Gott. Auch Bah6'u'Ilih widerfuhr das tragische > Dies erhahene Wort gleicht dem Wasser, Geschick des Gottgesandten, von Seinen > welches das in den Herzen verborgene Feuer Zeitgenossen verkannt und aufs heftigste > des Hasses nnd der Erbitterung loscht. bekampft zu werden, sodass Sein Leben bei > - Beginn der Erklarung seiner Berufung. > 'Worte der Weisheit, S. 57-58. > 8 Worre der Weisheir, S. 6 0 . > Seine Verfolguug, Verbannung und jahr- > - > 9 Worte der Weirheir, S. 61-62. '"Die Bahl'i Otfenbarung, Stutrgart 1 9 2 5 , S. 144. > BAHA'f-GLAUBE UND CHRISTENTUM 607 > > z r h n ~ r l a n ~strrnge > e, Gefangenschaft im CC- che Hcilswcg, dic cinzigc ausscl~liessliche > folge hatte. Eine nachtragliche Verfal- Lichtquelle, durch die alle Wahrheit und > schung oder menschliche Umbiegung des Gnade Christi in die raum-zeitliche Welt > Wahrheitsgehalts Seiner Sendung hat Bah6- einstrijmt." '2 Dem Katholizisrnus ist eine > 'u'116h durch die Bestimmung 'Abdu'l-Bahi's, sakramentale Werkgerechtiglteit eigen, wel- > Seines altesten Sohnes, als den allein he- clie als Massstab der Frommigkeic die Kultu- > rufenen Erklirer und Ausleger Seiner Worte streue wahlt und den "Glauben" zu einem > und als das volllrommene Lehensvorbild fur "fur wahr halten" macht. > den Mensclien in religionsgeschichtlicher Demgegeniiber lehnt der Protestantismus > Einzigkeit unterhunden. den AutoritZtsgedanlten ah und erkennt > Dass die Wahrheitssitze des Christentums wahren Glauben in dem Vertrauen zu Gott > und des Bahb'i-Glaubens sich luckenlos und Seinem Wort. "Das Wort Gottes ist > decken, braucht nach den1 Gesagten nicht das Heiligtnm uber alle Heiligtumer, ja, das > weiter betont zu werden. Wo liegen nun Einige, das wir Christen wissen und haben" > aber die Griinde fur die Erneuerungsbe- (Luther). Die Verlegung des Schwer- > durftiglteit des Christentums unserer Zeit? p n k t e s der Frommigkeit auf den Glauben > Nimmermehr in einem angeblicheu Ueher- als innerer Vorgang hatte aber im Protes- > holtsein seines inneren Gehalts, sondern in der tantismus die Zuriickdrangung des Tatge- > Tatsache, dass der Kern der Sendung Christi danltens, der Wandlungs- nnd Umbildungs- > im Lanfe der Jahrhunderte immer ~nehrver- kraft der Religiositit im diesseitigen Leben > schalt wurde. Schon in den ersten Jahr- zur Folge. Kennzeichnend dafur ist der > hunderten nach Cliristi Gehurt setzte die Glaubensmissige und tatarme Inhalt des > tragische Einzwangung der lehenswuchtigen Apostolischen Belre~mtnisses. Daraus ent- > und sittlich zwingenden Worte Christi in stand eiue Glaubensgerechtigkeit, welche > dogmatisclie und institutionelle Forrnen den Einzelnen immer weniger zwang, seine > ein.ll Die Verkiindigung des Christentums religiose Haltung in alle Lebensbereiclie tat- > wurde nach der Seite menschlich gefassten freudig hineinzutragen.ls > Glaubens hi11 verlagert, sodass der Abso- ". . . auch werden wir alle nach und > lutheitsanspruch, welclier in der Wahrheit nach ans einem Christentum des Wortes und > des Christentams als solchern begrundet Glaubens irnmer mehr zu einem Christen- > liegt, in der Form des Glaubens, in Dogmen turn der Gesinnung und Tat lt~rnmen."'~ > und Bekenntnissztzen geltend gemacht Dieses Wort Goethes zeigt an, worauf es bei > wurde. Die Spaltungen innerhalb den der unumgiinglichen Erneuerung des > Christenturns gehen nicht auf die reine Christenturns ankommt. Ansitze zu dieser > Lehre Christi, sondern nachweislich auf die Erkenntnis sind zweifellos vorhanden.15 > Schaffung nnd die Ausdeutung der Sakra- Eine entscheidende Urn- und Neubildung > mente, die Bibelauslegung nnd den Abso- des Christenturns als wieder lebendige, in das > Intheitsanspruch der katholischeu Kirche innere und aussere Geschehen der Volker > zuriick. Eine ausfiihrliche Kennzeichnung hiileinwirkende Religion erheischt aber einen > des Katholizismus und Protestantismus, den neuer und machtigen Durchbruch der gett- > Haupt auspragungen des geschichtlichen lichen Wirklichlreit. > Christenturns, miissen wir uns bier versagen. Lehre Christi leuchterc im Lichr der Wahr- > Im Mittelpunlrt des Katholizisinus stcht der here; ihre ~~h~~~~~ wur,jen ge~ebrr, =lie > Anspruch der Kirche als dern Reich Gottes Menschen als Briider zu liebcn, keine Furcht zu > ulld dem ~ ~ christi i b Init dem papst, der habe", auch nicht vor dem Tod. Sie wurden > gelehrt, ihren Nichsten zu Jjebeo, sich selbst und > die sichtbare Verltijrperullg der kirchlichen ihr Eigeninreresse dern allgerneinen Wohl ihrer > Einheit in der seit dem Vatikan-Konzil von Mitmenschen zu apfern. Das erhabene Ziel Jesu > 1870 ansgesprochenen Unfehlbarlteit darstel- > len soll. Ohne die "allein selig machende" > Kirche gibt es kein Heil. "Sie ist in oh- > ::~!'$~;r~e~G7h Richtung lag in dem > ~nslisch-amerikanischenCalvinismus. > jektivein sachlichem Betracht der ordentli- '4Gcspriche mit Ecker~nann11. 1. 1812. > - 15 Vecgl. r . B. Alexander Graf Hayos, "Die Neuge- > 11T'ergl. Christenturn in Geschichte und G ~ burr > ~ ~der ~Menschheir," > - der Leuchter 1921-22, > wart, Frankfurt 1933, S. 10-12. S. 9 9 A. > BAHAISMO K A J LA SOCIA > PROBLEM0 > > iama vicprezidanto de la Germana Esperanto-Asocio kaj Lingva Kornitato, > membro de la Esperanto-Akademio > B AHAISMO estas speco de religio, kiu > inter la religioj ludas saman rolon, kian > estas akirita per metio-aii alia profesio. Tatga > impostado devos zorgi, ke la ritajo de un- > Esperanto havas inter la lingvoj: gi estas uopulo ne fari* tro granda; kio kondukus > neatrala haj ne kontraiibatalas aliajn religi- a1 malbona stato de socio. Same devar entre- > ojn. prenisto aii fabrikestro partoprenigi siajn > Nu, lrio estas religio? La vorto mem el laboristojn en la profit0 de la entrepreno, > la latina linvo montras anliaii en la Es- per tio oni instigas a1 laboremo kaj evitas > peranta forlno tre bone la esencon de la ideo. strikojn." > Religio re-ligas homon a1 tiu potenco, lciui TaCga impost-leg0 lasus impost-libera > Zamenhof nomis en la fama kongresa prego malritulon, sed, pli multe 01 nun, pagigus > "la poteuca senkorpa mistero, la fonto de ritulon. La bahia instruo rekomendas na- > amo, de vivo, dc vero." Tiu vorto reli- turai-imposton, kiu estas liverata de kampo- > go ricevis duan i liaj farigis religio. Mi teritorioj a1 urhaj distriktoj. "Ekzemple: > tre Satas la sufikson "-io" por io tutaja: kampulo kulturas la grundon kaj produktas > la tutajo de l'falro por filozofo estas filozofio, nutrajojn, el ili la urbo ricevu dekonon. En > por astronomo gi estas astronomio, do religio la urbo estu konstruata komuna domo, en > estas la tutajo de tio, kio nin ligas a1 tiu kiun oni metu eiujn kampo-produktajojn. > senkorpa mistero, kiun mallonge ni nomas Se iu en la urbo estas senhelpa, oni a1 li > Dio. donu liajn tiutagajn bezonajojn. Kampulo, > Bahiismo cetcre ne esras nur ligu a1 Dio, kies enspezo nur sufi?os por propra nutrado > gi sin okupas-kiel ankaii aliaj religioj- kaj bezonajoj, devos esti impost-libera. Se > pri la individua kaj la socia vivoj. La socia aliflanke ritulo nur bezonas 50 kg da pro- > vivo estas portata de du kolonoj, nome: amo duktajoj kaj li posedas 10,000 kg, li post > kaj lahoro. Ni unue atentu la laboron, lciu pago de Siuj siaj kostoj estu impostata je > ja estas esenca faktoro en tiu vivo. Bahi- du dekonoj, kaj je la fino de 1' jam Sio, kio > 'u'116h diris: "Plej profnnden falis tiuj restas, estu donata en la domon por generala > homoj, liiuj snr la Tero ne portas fruktojn, bezono." > ili fakte estas kvazaii mortintoj. La plej Pri la reguligo de la salajra problemo Ba- > bonaj en iu popolo estas ili, kiuj perlaboras hi'u'116h rekomendas, ke la oficistoj kaj > la por la vivo necesan kaj uzas la gajnitajon laboristoj ne nur ricevu salajron, sed ankaii > por si kaj por la kunuloj la6 amo a1 Dio." profitu el la gajuo: "Posedanto de kapitalo, > En la libro "git6b-i-AqdasN estas postulate, minejo kaj fahriko dividu siajn enspezojn > ke Sin lernu iun profesion kaj per 5 akiru kun siaj labor-prenantoj, t.e. li donu a1 ili > viv-rimedojn, kiujn li uzu por la propra lati-mezuran rentumon, tie1 ke ili ricevu > bono kaj por tiu de aliuloj. Oni rajtas havi krom sia salajro iom el la generala enspezo, > privatan posedajon kaj labore akiritan hava- por ke ilia animo kun plena intereso parto- > ion. Bah6'u'llih diris: "kiam homo farigis prenu en la entrepreno. Tiamaniere oni > memstara liaj matura, tiam li bezonas bon- estonte ankaii ne plu starigos trustojn. La > staton; estas laiidinde, kiam tiu bonstato trusta problemo perfekte malaperus. Fabri- > BAHAISM0 KAJ LA SOCIA PROBLEM0 611 > > kantoj, kiuj havas 10,000 partumojn, donos En tiu hahaa komunumo komitato kun > el ili du-mil a1 siaj laboristoj kaj skribe cer- almenal naii membroj havas la taskon, zorgi > tigos tion al ili. La resto apartenas al la pri la bono de la ko~nunumokaj de la unu- > kapitalistoj. Poste, je fino de l'monato aii opuloj. Tiu komitato estas nomata de Bah6- > jar0 post depreno de la sumo por salajroj 'u'116h "Domo de Justo." 6 i decidas pri > kaj bezonafoj oni dividu la profiton laii la malfacilajoj estigintaj inter membroj de > nombro de la partumoj." Tia reguligo alti- l'komunumo; tefa tasko estas la zorgo pri > gos la laboremon de unuopa oficisto kaj bona edukado. A1 kelkaj religioj oni janl > laboristo kaj savos la popol-ekonomion de la riprotis, ke ili estas kontraii klerigo de la > detruaj strikoj. "eiuj registaroj de l'mondo popolo, ?ar tie1 la paatraro povas pli facile > unuigu kaj organizu kunvenon kies membroj regi kaj gvidi sian gafaron. En Bah6ismo > estu elektataj de la parlamentoj kaj la noblu- kontrace, kie ja ne ekzistas pastraro, oni > loj de 1'8tatoj. Tiuj per plej granda sageco tre multe atentas klerigon kaj bonan edu- > kaj energio realigas la projekton tiel, ke nek kadon. Ju pli homo evoluigas sian inte- > la kapitalistoj havu malprofiton, nek la la- lektajn kapablojn, des pli li proksimigas a1 > boristoj farigu malritaj kaj mizeraj . . ." Dio. Tial estas unu devo por gepatroj, doni > "c'luj. registaroj devas farigi protektantoj de al siaj infanoj edukadon kiel eble plej > la le legoj, tar strikoj tiam kaiizas detruon, bonan, kaj tiu devo validu a1 knaboj kaj > sed legoj estas kaiizo de vivo. Legoj devas knabinoj; estas e t dirite, ke, kiam la rimedoj > esti donataj, postuloj nur estu farataj inter- ne sufitus, oni pli klerigu la knabinojn, Car > konse~ltebun legoj kaj ne per striko, per- ili estos la edukantoj de la venonta genera- > forto kaj sen-indulge." cio. Se iuj gepatroj malzorgas tiun devon > La fundamentoj de tiuj sociaj statoj estas pri eduko, tiam la Domo de Justo intervenu, > spiritaj: ili devenas el koro kaj spirito. Tial kaj kiam la rimedoj de la gepatroj ne sufitas, > diris 'Abdu'l-Bah6: "La malsano, lciu tur- la Domo de Justo subtenu. Car, kiel estas > mentas la komunumon, estas manko de amo dirate en la Kit6b-i-Aqdas: "La Domo de > kaj foresto de altruismo. Sen amo kaj kon- Justo estu rifukejo por malrituloj kaj sen- > kordo neniam estos progreso aii prospero." hejmuloj." 'Abdu'l-Bah6 en siaj leteroj > Amo do estas la dua kolono, kiu portas tiam denove akcentis, kiom necesa estas la > la socian vivon. Ekzistas konata vorto bona instruado a1 la lmabinoj tar ili estonte > "pregu kaj laboru," mi opiuias, oni povus povos konsiderinde influi celadojn, necesajn > samsence ankaii diri; "amu kaj laboru," tar por la bono de la socio. La Domo de Justo > la plej bona interrilato kun Dio estas certe, devas aparte atenti malzorgitajn infmojn, > kiam oni helpas iel a1 liaj gefiloj sur la Tero. kiuj facile faribas krimuloj, gi devas zorgi > Staris iam du amikoj autal ruino de pri konvena familio aii instituto, en kiu ili > monaliejo, unu el ili diris: jen ruino, tar estu edukataj. Ankaii pri servistoj kaj > oni tie ne sekvis la principon: "pregu kaj servistinoj la Domo de Jnsto estas repondeca. > laboru," oni nur pregis kaj ne laboris; venos Unu el la diroj de Bahi'n'116h estas: "benata > la tempo, kiam nunaj fabrikoj ankaii estos estas la princo, kiu asistas malliberulon, la > ruinoj, tar en ili oni nur laboras kaj ne pre- ritulo, kiu helpas mizerulon, la justulo, kiu > gas. &u la nuna stato de kelkaj fabrikoj ne zorgas, Ire subpremito spertu juston, kaj tiu, > jam verigas tiun diron? Kompreneble mi kiu plenumas, lrio estas a1 li ordonita de la > per la j u s dirita ne volas diri, ke ne ekzistis Eternulo." > kaj ekzistas monaliejoj, kie oni kontentige Estis la ideo de Bahi'u'llih, ke estonte la > laboris kaj laboras, kiel ankaii ekzistas fabri- institucio de Domo de Justo estu aplikata > koj, kie oni pregas aO aplikas amon, kie ne por tuta urbo, por tuta popolo. > nur la profitemo de la entreprenanto regas, La Kitib-i-Aqdas ankaii instruas pri la > kie la dungitoj partoprenas la profiton laii enspezoj de Domo de Justo. En Eiu komu- > la konsilo donita de Bahi'u'llhh jam antaii numo estu deponejo, kiu ricevu la enspezojn. > multaj jardekoj. La unua enspezo estu dekono el la havaio > Ni revenu a1 la amo, efektivigota per de unuopuloj, dua venos el la brutoj, tria > Bahiismo. Tie oni zorgos kaj zorgas jam el la mineraloj: de tiu minejo unu triono > en bahlaj komunumoj por la malrituloj. iru al tiu deponejo, kvare: se iu mortas sen > 612 THE B A H A ' i WORLD > > heredantoj lac-legaj, lia postlasajo iros en bahia estas pli detala, oni povas diri: pli > la generalan deponejon, kvine: se io estas nuntempa, ili bezonos eventuale langojn, > trovita sen-mastra, gi estos metata en la kiam aliikas la cirkonstancoj en la socio. > deponejon. Tion akaG esprimis la fondintoj de la ba- > Se iu farmisto havas elspezojn same gran- h i a movado, dirante, ke tiu nova profeto > dajn, kiaj estas liaj enspezoj, li ne pagu im- kaj ulstruanto de la homaro instruas tion, > poston; alia farmisto eble havas elspezojn, bio estas taUga por la tempo, en kiu li agas, > ni diru mil dolarojn, kaj lia enspezo estas lraj por la homoj, kiujn eduki li estas sendita. > 2,000 dolaroj, de tia homo dekono estos Facile oni demandos, t u la pli bona es- > postulata, tar li havas pluson. La orfoj, tonto, kiun revis la fondintoj de I'Bahiismo, > Irripluloj, malrituloj, tiuj estos prizorgataj iam realigos? Tamen, kiam ni konsideras, > el la deponejo. Pluso en la enspezoj iras a1 ke ekzemple en Persujo kiu estas la lulilo de > la uacia trezorejo. Bahiis~nokaj kie ties ideoj estas tre konataj, > Tiaj estas la instruoj de Bahiislno rilate tiuj ideoj multe influis la nunan pli bonan > a1 la socia vivo. Kiam ni pripensas ilin, ni staton en tiu lando, kvankam la bahianoj > trovos, ke ilia esenco estas enhavata en la sin detenis de t i u politika agado, tiam ni > instruo de la Irristana religio, ear ?ion en- povas esperi, Ire ankae en aliaj landoj pros- > havas la ordono: "amu vian proksimulon peru kaj venku tiu nobla celado. Ciu-kaze: > kiel vi mem," kaj: "lsion vi deziras, ke aliaj celado a1 bona idealo havas rekompencon en > faru a1 vi, sam-tion faru vi a1 ili." La ioma si mem, kaj por ni validas anka6 la Zamen- > diferenco inter la du instruoj estas, Ire la hofa devizo: "Ni lahoru kaj esperu!" > Mullh Muhammad-Taqi, Ibn-i-Abhar, Prominent Bah6'i Teacher. > BAHA'U'LLAH'S G R O U N D P L A N > O F W O R L D - F E L L O W S H I P AS > P R E S E N T E D BY ' A B D U ' L - B A H A > A sketch based on " 'Abdu'l-Bahi in London" and > "Talks by Abdu'l-Bahi in Paris" > BY GEORGETOWNSHEND > T H E Ground Plan oi World Fellowship is clearness of spiritual vision, the guidance > which is now submitted to your considera- of intuition. Only Faith can point or see > tion was composed out of the writings of the way in such an hour as this. Men ques- > Bahi2u'116h and presented by 'Abddl-Bahb tion the love of a God who could let loose > in London, and later in Paris, about a on them so dire a cataclysm and could > quarter of a century ago. I t proposes in choose out this generation for sufFering > the simplest possible form a practical scheme wholly unprecedented. Their doubt cuts > for mastering the urgent problem of world- them off from the source of light and help. > fellowship; and its originating idea, though There is no vision; and tlie people perish. > of outstanding magnitude, is such as to Only Faith sees clearly-in open view- > place the whole plan from its beginning that this darkness is cast by a great light, > throughout in complete accord with the that this passing defeat of the spirit of Fel- > purpose we have before us to-day-that of lowship is the prelude of its final victory. > promoting the spirit of fellowship through A loving God would not have set this > the inspiration of religion. generation problems without bestowing the > This Plan in every feature plainly implies ability to solve them, would not inflict dire > that nothing less than a concerted effort on penalties on those whom he regarded as > a world scale, with the spiritual energie3 of guiltless. > m~nkind informing its practical energies, We are daunted by the strange new > will now suffice to awaken the spirit of fel- troubles that close us in on every side; we > lowship and secure deliverance from danger. do not look within and observe that a new > No local or regional effort; no partial effort power of mastering these is being developed > of either religion alone or statecraft alone, in conscience and in spirit. Intellectual > will completely solve our problems. The vision never was so keen as in this genera- > sense of fellowship (to be adequate to this tion; but spiritual vision, was it ever more > unique emergency) must be broad, based on weak? We talk-we boast-of the New > the whole of our human nature (spiritual, Age; but we miss its greatest gift. We > moral and intellectual) and not limited by say the human race is a t last reaching ma- > any terrestrial boundaries. turity, but we do not realise the fuiness, > Such a thesis may still be ahead of the the completeness of this powth. We per- > public opinion of mankind. But it is not ceive it is intellectual; we do not perceive > so far ahead of that opinion as it was when it is, in like measure, moral and spiritual. > it was first proposed in this city in 1911. Man's conscience has become more sensitive, > To-day our emergency is rather more seri- his spirit more responsive to heavenly > ous than then; but it is of the same general promptings. As he is to-day endowed with > character. What then and up to the pres- a new degree of intellectual power, so is he > ent has been lacking in men's experiments endowed to-day with a new degree of re- > GROUND PLAN 615 > > ligious power. The evulutio~~aryprocess The urgc of evolution pressed us for- > with even hand bears onward the whole ward; we would not go. The spirit of fel- > being and nature of man; his heart as well lowship grew warm in our hearts; we would > as his brain. New ideals, new hopes, new not feed its flame. The gates of world- > dreams of further progress, a more general, brotherhood opened wide; we turned away. > more insistent desire to build a better world God poured His Spiritual bounties on spirit > than that one which we inherit-these bear and conscience in greater abundance than > witness to man's consciousness of growth. ever; we in our blindness rejected His gifts > I n all its faculties che human race is pass- and Him. > ing from childhood and ignorance towards But this failure is not final nor for long. > maturity, towards the tasks that befit full I t is not the failure of Faith, nor yet of > manhood. To-day mankind is like a youth Love. I t is the open, the confessed failure > leaving school for the sterner world of of human wisdom. Through its purgation > business and affairs. I t is called on to put men who have doubted will learn to turn > into practice the lessions of moral principle for fellowship and peace to the way they > and human fellowship in which it has been have not trodden; the way of religion. But > instructed for so long. For how many cen- all must tread this way together. Since the > turies have we-all of us-been under whole world as a unit is involved, the ideals > tutelage to those whom we revere as the which are to guide this movement must be > Founders of our Faiths? Is it strange a time given a definite shape. If there is to be > should come when we should be required concerted action towards a single goal, some > to put into concrete deeds the precepts of map of the common journey must be made. > brotherhood we all acknowledge and should Vague sentiments of goodwill, however > at last be threatened with condign pnnish- genuine, will not su6ce. Some explicit > ment if we disobey? agreement on principles will be required for > Much indeed has been done of late to any coordinated progress. > remedy old wrongs, to suppress tyranny, to I t was to this task that BahVu'llhh long > upMt the oppressed, to relieve the poor, to ago addressed himself, and worked out a > teach the ignorant. But how much remains Ground Plan on which the temple of human > undone! We have accomplished enough to fellowship might be reared. I t consisted > convict ourselves of being fitted for a better of a set of fundamental principles and > social order, of being ready to inaugurate represented the minimum of what the occa- > a system of widespread justice and fraternity sion required. No foundation less deeply > a n d of lacking the resolution to put our dug than this will hold the structure that > ideals into effect. There is enough of good is to be built upon it. > in our recent record to incriminate u s The burden of the whole scheme was laid > but not enough to deliver us. We stand ultimately upon the shoulders of each indi- > now before the judgment seat of heaven vidual man and woman. Everybody by vir- > condemned by the evidence of our own ture of his status as a human being had his > acts. share in the vast world enterprise. The > We had no Vision: Men turned from principle of individual responsibility was > saints, n~ystics,seers, and listened to secular thus to be the basis of all progress. > philosophers. Blind leaders of the blind, into But underneath this basic fact of human > what perdition have they led us! Our in- duty lay something deeper yet. The living > tellectual eminence by some fatality height- rock on which this foundation was to be > ened our troubles. Divorced from faith, it laid was something the strength of which > aggravated human pride, taught men to humanity hitherto has too little recognised. > forget their moral respo~lsibilityand to deny That rock is the Truth. This spirit of fel- > their servitude before the moral law. The lowship which we seek t o encourage is not > inevitable hour of retribution draws near. by Bahh'u'llhh conceived as some addition > Surely this is a Iove-tragedy vaster in its to being which the genius of man should > scale, more terrible in its poignancy than undertake to create. As a flower within the > any in the history of our race! bud, it lies waiting the hour of its appear- > .'i WORLD > ance. I t is a reality which our fragmentari- men's view their rsaential unity is the dif- > ness denies. And what this Assembly desires ference between the world-religions, which > to do is not to create something new but has been made the cause of estrangement- > to give expression to something which is of prejudice and even of ill-will and strife. > already in existence though unused. Man's But, insisted 'Abdu'l-Bah6, there is nothing > advancing power is due to his increasing in these differences which should produce > knowledge of truth; and the magnificence so sad a result. Indeed, there is an impor- > of this present age bears witness in the last tant aspect in which all religions are at > resort not to the personal greatness of this heart one; and he included the existence of > generation but rather to the greatness of a this unity as a principle in his scheme. He > continuously unfolding Truth. If this Age meant (70 it seems) that a religion does not > is to become the Age of Universal Brother- consist solely of a doctrine, and an institu- > hood, it must be the Age of K~iowled~etion, but is also in a real and vital sense a > (Knowledge of Truth). The Truth will spiritual atmosphere. It is, as he once de- > set us free. The Truth will make us one. scribed it, "an attitude of soul towards God, > As the first item of his programme, there- reflected in life." This the essence of true > fore, Bab6'u'llih claimed that every indi- religion; and to this extent, the whole world > vidual should have the right of seeking for o v e ~members of all the religions have an > himself the truth. Love of truth (which outlook, an experience, an obligation which > at the present time is growing apace among they share in common with one another in > mankind) is the sole real corrective of all spite of their special and distinctive loyal- > forms of error and illusion. The great en- ties, and which groups them all together > mities which in the past have divided man- apart from the sceptic. > kind, and which were due to misunderstand- The more intensely spiritual men are, the > ing and ignorance, have in recent times lost more vividly conscious are they of the re- > their vitality, and our estrangements are ality and sweetness of this communion, and > now due chiefly to prejudice. These preju- one of their is the experience of > dices have come down to us from the past- a deep sympathy, a common lowliness, a > racial, religious, n%tional-and the instinct common aspiration which they share with > of imitation. For them all Bahi'u'llih offers those of a different tradition from their > one radical cure-the search for truth. The own. > battle which mankind yet has to fight be- Not ouly in their atmosphere, their influ- > tween prejudice and truth he seems to re- ence, but even in their profaunder teachings > gard as the Armageddon of the human soul. the world-religions may show forth this > Through this search for truth mankind unity. Do not all our faiths affirm and > at last would become really and clearly con- magnify the love of God for His creatures? > scious of the essential unity of the human What truth could be more ancient, more > race. For this unity is and has ever been precious than this? What would bind those > a fact. "Ye are the leaves of one tree, and who espouse it with a closer tie of fellow- > the leaves of one branch. Deal ye with one ship? > another with the utmost love and harmony, This age of widening consciousness and > with friendliness and fellowship," wrote Ba- deepening love of truth has begun t o bring > hi'u'llih. From the full knowledge of this us, on a scalc quite unprecedented, some > unity, and from nothing less, there would accurate knowledge of the sacred treasures > be born in this age a spirit of world-fellow- and the sacred history of the human race. > ship adequate to the present emergency. On Scholars, divines, men of letters, poets have > this consciousness of unity, therefore, 'Ab- all contributed to this enlightenment. They > du'l-Bah6 laid the greatest stress. He gave show us each of the great religions as being > to it a central place in his programme, other like a majestic temple reared in some chosen > features supporting or amplifying it or giv- spot by the hand of a master architect, and > ing it application in the practical affairs of surrounded now by a multitude of lesser > mankind. buildings of various later dates. Each > One of the facts which has obscured from temple blends with its own environment but > GROUND PLAN 617 > is in marked contrast with all the other seem rather to travel by converging paths > temples. No two are alike, and the annexes and to draw nearer and nearer together. > connected wit11 each are still more unlike. If one is t o accept the account of their > But if the enquiring traveler pursues his experience given by contemporaries or by > investigatious and malies his way within themselves, these mystics seem all the world > the sacred structures he discovers in their over to have gone upon thu: same spiritual > several interiors and even in the shrines adventure, t o be drawn onward by the same > themselves an unmistakable hiuship in experience of an outpoured heavenly love; > beauty. and they testify one and all that t o reach > Experts iu comparative religion have this knowledge of the love of God is to > spohen with emphasis of the points of agree- understand at last the mystery and the hid- > ment to be found between the world reli- den blessedness of life and t o possess an > gions. Professor Cheyne quotes Max MCIler everlasting treasure for which the sacri- > as "advising the Bralnnists t o call themselves fice of all earthly things is but a little > Christians" and himself zrgues that the re- price. > conciliation of religions mast precede that This fellowship among all mystics is com- > of races "which at present is so lamentxbly mon knowledge, of which evidence is within > incomplete." The evideuce of rnen of 1ear11- the reach of all. In a well-known English > ing is supported by that of another cloud of work, Miss Underhill writes of the mystics > witnesses, whose testimony none can gainsay, that-"we meet these persons in the east > and who speak with the voice not of intel- and the west; in the ancient, mediaeval, > lectual criticism but of spiritual knowledge. and modern worlds. Their one passion ap- > The highest exponents of a religion, those pears t o be the prosecution of a certain spir- > who understand most ihoroughly its mean- itual and intangible quest. .. . This, for > ing and interpret its spirit with the most them has constiruted the whole meaning of > compelling authority, are those men and life . . . and it is an indirect testimony > women of mystical geuins whose impas- to its objective actuality that whatever the > sioned devotion and obedience to their divine place or period in which they have arisen, > Master is the outstailding feature of their their aims, doctrines and methods have been > lives. If each of these religions were strictly substantially the same. Their experience > exclusive, the negation of all the others, therefore forms a body of evidence, curi- > bringing to men its own irreconcilable mes- ously self-consistent and often mutually ex- > sage, in that case those who follow these . > planatory. . ."' > religions t o the extreme, the mystics and the Every public library in this country will > saints, would assuredly move further and contain books supplying illustrations of this > further apart, and would come t o rest at the statement. The mystical outlook and per- > last point of divergence. The greater the spective both on the things of heaven and > saint the wider the gulf between him and the things of earth is in its essence eternally > the saints of alien allegiances. A t the same the same. But perhaps no instance of the > time the less aspiring and spiritually gifted fundamental unity that underlies all mysti- > multitudes, immersed in the daily human cal experience is more striking than that > concerns which all men share alike, would parallelis~nbetween Plotinos and St. Augus- > be found to be the least estranged f r o ~ none tine to which in his "Evolution of Thc- > another by their differing creeds. ology" Professor Edward Caird draws atten- > But in fact this is not so. Strangely, very tion. "Some of the finest expressions of this > strangely, religious history shows us some- (the mystical) attitude of soul," he writes, > thing quite different-exactly the opposite. "may be found in the Confessions of St. > The contrast between each world-religion Augustine. But when St. Augustine ex- > and all its sister-religions is as a rule felt presses his deepest religious feelings we find > most acutely and insisted on most vigorously that he repeats the thoughts and almost the > by the less mystically minded of its votaries. very words of Plotinos." Professor Caird > While the mystics of all the religions instead then shows how closely akin t o the thought > of moving further and ever further apart Introduction to Mysticism, Chapter 1. > T H E B A H 6. ' f WORLD > of Plotinos is "that great passage in which shall all men lrnow that ye are My disciples > Augustine gives an account of his last con- if ye have love one to another." > versation with his mother Monica about the In this Age we congratulate ourselves > life of the redeemed in heaven." And he tbat for centuries past religious enmity has > concludes "how deeply neo-Platonism must been continually growing more weak. Yet > have sunk into the spirit of St. Augustine our ideal remains negative. T o manifest no > when in describing the highest moment of ill-will towards those who differ in opinion > his religious experience he adopts almost ver- from us is not enough. Christ enjoined a > bally the language in which Plotu~ostries more positive attitude of soul; one of active > to depict the mystic ecstasy of the indi- goodwill despite all differences. When God > vidual soul as it enters into communion with thus commands a spirit of affection towards > the soul of the world." all, he gives the power to obey His com- > By what diverse paths have mystics who mand. Religion, in other words, is creative. > had nothing in common save whole-hearted Through its force the will of an earnest man > servitude before the one loving God, by is enabled to achieve an inward change tbat > what diverse paths have they all alike at- otherwise would be beyond his strength. If > tained the blessed Presence! And what man this were not so, what useful place would > in his pride of opinion will shut out from religion fill in this cosn~osof ours? > Paradise those whom God's own hand has If now the creative power of religion to > admitted? Thus do scholars and saints join effect this purpose were called upon and > to testify that the great religions have their put to vigorous use, how many vital prob- > aspect of unity as well as their aspect of lems which have proved insoluble on the > variety, and that without qualifying their intellectual plane (such as the reunion of > special allegiance worshippers in all religions Christendom or the combating of secular- > may find something in the fundamental ism) might prove much more tractable > nature of religion itself which promotes a when carried t o the spiritual plane! > sweet, precious and abiding sense of true Another effort at harmonization was > companionship. called for when Bahi'u'llfh included in this > The promotion of a boundless spirit of scheme an active partnership between re- > concord and good will Bahi'u'llih main- ligion and science. > tained to be agreeable to the genius of every Tolerance between the two is too little. > world-religion. Whatever misunderstand- I n their nature they are cotnplemenrary, as > ing may have arisen in bygone centuries, no two wings with which the soul soars towards > religion as originally taught was meant to knowledge of the truth. Science divorced > encourage animosity. Quite the contrar7. from religion gives a wholly distorted view > Religion is meant to heal discord. So im- of reality. Religion divorced from science > portant in an age of disintegration did this may become a mere superstition. Man is to > feature of religion seem that 'Abdu'l-Bahi use both as his servants and thus to bring > proposed to include in his Plan the precept the material aspect of life and the spiritual > that "the purpose of religion is to promote aspect at last into evident and complete > harmony and affection." accord. > One will not doubt this loving purpose T o these principles Bah6'u'llih added (as > n ~ a ybe discovered, or re-discovered, in every necessary for practical results) certain pro- > one of our world-faiths, and assuredly in visions of a more material nature. 'Abdu'l- > Christianity. If we look away from Chris- Bahi mentioned laws to prevent extremes of > tendom to Christ and to the pure teaching indigence and opulence; universal education, > of Christ, we find it evident throughout a common language, a central World- > the Gospels. Christ said that one's whole Tribunal. > duty was to love God and one's neighbor, To the use by all nations of a secondary > and he described neighbor as meaning any- or world language in addition to their > one you could help regardless of creed or mother tongue great importance was at- > kin. He made fellowship in love the evi: tached; without this device fellowship > dence of Christian membership "by this would never be assured. The religious his- > BAHA'U'LLAH'S GROUND PLAN 619 > > tory of mankind from the dsys of Babel to of Bahi'u'llih. To establish this Bahh'u- > the present bears oat this emphasis. When '116h underwent great difficulties and hard- > we remember, for example, the influence of ships. He was in constant confinement and > the general use of the Greek language he suffered great persecution. But .. . > throughout the Roman Empire at the be- from the darkness of his prison he sent out > ginning of our Era, when we consider how a great light into the world." ('Abdu'l-Bahi > in Islim the adoption of Arabic as a com- in London, p. 18.) 'Ahdu'l-Bahh claimed > mon language united peoples hitherto es- that these principles were consistent with > tranged, facilitated the interchange of the spirit of all the world religions and were > thought and aided the rapid extension of measured with exact and unlque fitness to > a single culture over vast regions; or when mankind's heightened capacity and its tre- > again we observe how the cause of ecclesi- mendous responsibilities at this time. He > astic unity was promoted by the use and had no doubt of their being at no very dis- > weakened by the disuse of the L a t ~ nlan- tant date adopted: fellowship along these > guage as a medium among the peoples of lines was the birthnght of our New Age. > western Europe centuries ago; we are driven But though they have percolated far > to conclude that in this age of radio and through the world and have cheered the > aviation a world-language would unify the hearts of many with renewed hope, yet the > peoples of mankind to a degree unpre- large collaboration between races and re- > cedented in the past and di6cult for us to ligions here so definitely butlined has in fact > calculate in anticipation. been postponed in favor of narrower views > The federal tribunal or Board of Arbitra- and materialistic reforms. Our civilization > tion which in a few words 'Abdu'l-Bahl is in desperate plight and has sunk into a > proposed differed in three notable points moral and spiritual abyss. Men realize the > from the League which afterwards was set urgent need of a reformation greater in > up. The provision of an adequate police range and in intensity than mankind has > force was an essential prerequisite: the draft ever yet achieved but know not how to > of any proposed constitution was to be re- meet it. I n such an emergency does not this > ferred not only to the governments but also bold original scheme of fellowship merit > to the peoples of the world: when finally serious consideration and even the test of > ratified and adopted, it was to enjoy the experiment. Does it deserve to he merely > full support of religion, of church as well ignored by the rulers and the teachers of > as of state, and its strict maintenance against the world? > any violation by any nation was to be held I n advocating peace to a western audience > by all mankind as a sacred obligation. 'Abdu'l-Bahl once said, "You have had > I n these and all other reforms man's war for thousands of years; why not try > greatest stay would be the Holy Spirit, peace for a change? If you do not like it, > without whose aid no peace or fellowship or you can always go back to war." One might > unification would ever be secured. in such an hour as this hazard the same sug- > This scheme of world-fellowship was pre- gestion about this ground plan of fellow- > sented twenty-five years ago in London by ship: we have exhausted a hundred other > 'Abdu'l-Bahi out of teachings first promul- devices to no purpos+why not try this? > gated some forty years before. "This," he If we do not like it, we c a n always return > said "is a short summary of the teachings to our present-condition. > Professor Dr. Jan Rypka, Charles University, Praha, Czechoslovakia. > DIE BAHAIS U N D MEINE > ERFAHRUNGEN > > NocH heute, nach mehr als vier Jahren, alles wusste, wie ich es anfinglich vermeint > kann ich mich meiner ersten Beruhrung mit hatte. Ich wiirde meine damaligen Mangel > dem militanten Bahi'ismus ganz genau erin- heute folgendermassen bestimmen: Hier trat > nern. Es hatte mir einer meiner Kollegen ~ n i rdas Leben entgegen, wohingegen all > auf mein Universitatskabinett telephoniert, meine Kenntnisse nur nach Papier rochen. > dass eine amerikanische Bahi'i-Sendbotin Der Professor wurde unbewusst und unwill- > mich zu sprechen wiinscht. Auf meine kiirlich zum Schiiler. Er sah nicht mehr das > Entgegnung hin, dass ich furwahr keine Phantastische, das sich in Buchstaben und > Lust in mir verspiire, mich mit phantasti- Ziffern ergeht, sondern eine erhabene reli- > schen Luftgebiuden, die mir iiberdies durch gi8se Lehre mit weitgreifenden soziolo- > meine Studien kein Geheimnis sind, abzu- gischen und wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen. > geben, meinte er sehr ernst, die Ansichten, 'Miss Martha Root entging mein Interesse > die er soeben gehort habe, seien gar nicht so fur Iran und das Irinische nicht. Ebenso > grundlos; im Gegenteil, ein durchaus ver- nachte hinweder ich im Laufe unseres Ge- > nunftiges und anhorbares Credo, dem ich sprichs die mir unsiglich sympathische Ent- > doch hei dieser Gelegenheit etwas Aufmerli- deckunk, dass Miss Martha Root Persien, das > samkeit widmen sollte, zumal es in mein Land des Lowen mit der aufgehenden Sonne, > Forschungsgehiet einschlagt. aus Autopsie kennt. 1st es verwunderlich, > Als es ein zwei Tage darauf wirlclich zur dass unserer ersten Begegnung alsbald eine > Entrevue kam, leitete ich so gut wie mit zweite und weitere folgten, zu deren nun > dem Handedruck gleichzeitig das Gesprich auch meine Frau herangezogen wurde? > mit einer vielleicht etwas hochnasigen Be- Immer mehr erfuhren wir uber den gegen- > merkung ein, mir wire die Bah6'i-Doktrin wirtigen Stand des Bahcismus, seine Beweg- > aus der gelehrten Literatur genugend be- ung und Organisation. Nach allen Schil- > kannt. Und ich wurde mich bis zur Stunde derungen schien es nun, dass es kinderleicht > schimen, hltte icb damals es unterlassen, sein muss, 10.000 Meilen in Persien zu > zur Bekriftigung jener Bewillkommnu~g machen, sobald man einige Bahh'is zu seinen > sogleich verschiedene orientalistische Werke Freunden zihlt oder in Ermangelung dessen > zu zitieren. Miss yrtha-t schrieb mir hloss uber ein Empfehlungsschreiben ver- > meine Kenntnisse anftmut~gund unver- fiigt. Ms. Martha Root brachte es zuwege, > drossen zugute. Ihre unverwiisrliche Lie- das ich in lrurzem Mr. und Mrs. Howard > benswiirdigkeit liess sich dadurch weder Carpenter, die auf ihrer Reise nach Persien > krinken noch stiiren. Deswegen gab es kein fiir einige Zeit in Wien haltgemacht hatten, > Zeremoniell der sich zum ersten Male Be- begegnen konnte. (Dafur wie fur gar so > gegnenden. Vielmehr nahm unser Gesprich manches bin ich ihr noch heute iunigst > nach einer derartigen gegenseitigen Kennen- dankbar.) Dies war meine zweite Bahi'i- > lernung unverweilt das Gesicht einer lang- Bekannschaft. Ich kehrte nich enttiuscht > jihrigen besten Freundschaft. nach Prag zuruck. Ich lernte in Wien auch > Miss Martha Root entwickelte vor mir ihre andere Bah6'is kennen, um immer aufs neue > Ziele und Plane, sie zeigte mir verschieden- gute, ja beste Erfahrungen zu machen, frei- > sprachige Literatur des Bahi'ismus und ich lich aber auch mir immer wieder die Frage > begriff alsbald, dass ich denn doch nicht so nach dem Wesen des in all diesen Fallen > DIE BAHA'iS UND MEINE ERFAHRUNGEN 623 > > Dip Shia hat im 1.aufe der Jahrhuuderte eine Die im Abendlande gewonnene ErfahrunR > nationale Tradition entwickelt. Mit dieser wurde mix auch im persischen Morgenlande > wird der universalistische Bahi'ismus verge- vollends bestatigt. Der Bah6'ismus ist un- > blich ringen, damit er weitere Wurzeln zweifelhaft ein unschatzbarer Kulturwert. > schlage. Dieser Mange1 an Extensitat jedoch Oder wiirden auch ohne ihn alle jene Men- > wird durch die Intensit.jt und Verinnerlich- schen, deren hohe Sittlichkeit ich bewun- > ung der iranischen Bahb'i-Diasporen reich- derte und bewundere, dasselbe Niveau, nur > lich kompensiert. Die Bahi'i-Gemeinde wird in anderer Form erreicht haben? Oder > Charaktere ausbilden, die auch der anders- beruht es nur in der Neuheit der Lehre und > glaubigen, ja feiudlich gegeniiberstehenden in der Frische ihrer errten und nxchsten > Umwelt durchaus nachahmungswert er- Anknger? > scheinen diirften. > Photograph of Bahi'i Pioneers of fr6n taken about 1 8 9 1 in Tabriz. (Sitting third from > right [third row] is Mirzh 'Ali-Muhammad Varq6, distinguished Bahh'i Martyr. > Second from left [first row] is his son Rau'llhh, who was also martyred. > BY MRS. LOUISER. WAITE > TO describe 'Abdu'l-Bahi so that the He passed by me. He was dressed all in > reader may form any mental picture of Him white. His hair fell in soft waves about > that would in any way do Him justice, is His shoulders and His head was crowned > as impossible as to try to paint a sunbeam. with a white turban bound around with a > The artist may put the ray of yellow light white cloth. His step was firm and kingly. > in exactly the right place and with most When He reached His door He turned > beautiful effect; but no matter how great and again motioned me to pass on. I came > his skill, he cannot catch the real essence of toward Him and when I reached His door > the sunbeam-that golden luminosity, which I looked up into those marvelous eyes. I > is like an elixir of life, is uncatchable, un- knew that every act, every thought of my > paintable. So it is with the lilreness of life was known to Him. Yet, knowing this, > 'Abdu'l-Bal16. His expression is ever chang- I could loolr fearlessly, unwaveringly at > ing; each thought and elnotion is mirrored Him, realizing all my sins and weaknesses, > forth and the face becomes so illumined that yet knowing He understood me as I could > words are but as the dull, lifeless paint never understand myself, and that He was > which cannot reproduce the sunbeams-yet, indeed "Infinite Love Incarnate." I could > some idea can be gathered from them. not pass until He turned and entered His > When I first saw 'ABDU'L-BAHA I was room; then almost overcome by the vibra- > alone and I came face to face with Him tions which thrilled me through and > all unexpectedly. He stood not even four through, I passed on: Later He came to > feet from me. I t was in the npper court, greet us and I was fully confirmed-this > with the blue sky overhead and the sunlight was truly 'ABDU'L-BAHA, but a very dif- > shining down brightly upon Him, the hour ferent one, I felt, from the one I had first > being but a little after "high noon." I seen. As He firmly grasped my hand with > might have thought Him any other member that welcoming pressure that comes deep > of His family, as His sons-in-law were often from the heart, a handshake that warms you > passing to and fro, but every atom of my througll and through, I saw the Divinely > being, my heart and soul cried out, "This human man, the personification of my high- > is He." The face of nly dreams of Him est ideal of an earthly father. I never again, > stood before me with that same heavenly while in 'Aklci, saw Him as I had in that > smile of welcome. The Light of Infinite first meeting. I t was then as if I had seen > Love was radiating from His countenance. the Reality of His being, with the shades of > Majestic, and yet sublimely tender, He was flesh all raised that the Light of Spirit might > looking right into my eyes. I gave a start stream forth. > as if I had suddenly plunged into a n ocean, 'ABDU'L-BAHA is of medium height, > then stood transfixed. I t seemed as if I had but He holds Himself so superbly, with such > come upon Him unawares and saw the commanding dignity, and carries His head > "Glory of the Lord" shining forth around so high and with such an air of majesty, > Him; and I know I must have felt as did that He ever gives the impression of great > Mary Magdalene when Christ revealed Him- height. His voice is full and vibrant, each > self to her in her vision after the crucifixion word uttered with marked distinctness and > -"The Risen Lord." He motioned me to with that tonal quality which leaves a faint > pass on. I could not. A sense of my great echo, as it were, or wave vibrations such as > unworthiness made me bow my head-then come from a beautifully toned bell. All > through the day it rings out, first in one 'Iis bed rested againsc the same wall that > place, and then in another; for with aston- mine did and I could hear His slightest > ~shingrapidity 'ABDU'L-BAHA seems to be move. I could not sleep, and as I lay there > everywhere-now in the garden, now in the wide-awake, I heard Him pacing up and > room close beside the entrance, now in a down His room; then He wo~lldthrow Him- > guest's roonl--or you may hear Him calling self upon His bed; then arise and walk back > someone in the "family section" of the and forth again. Once, when He threw > "prison home." Always when I heard His Himself down upon His bed, He moaned. > voice, I felt its vibrations most deeply. Like Oh, that moan! I t came from the depths > His face, His voice expresses every emotion, of His soul and it pierced me through the > from tones that are stern and emphatic to . > heart. . . I felt that once again the Christ > those as tender and loving as the cooing of Spirit was daily, hourly, being crucified by > a dove. the lack of perfect love and unity among > His eyes defy description. I only know the believers; that once again I t was crying > that to me they seemed gray, with a circle out: "0 Jerusalem! Jerusalem! thou that > of white around the iris, which at times killest the prophets and stonesr them which > became luminous. Sometimes in the light, are sent unto thee! How often would I have > I caught a shade of blue, and again by gathered thy children together, even as a > lamplight they seemed almost brown,+ver- hen gathereth her brood under her wings, > changing were they and wonderful. Like and ye would not! Behold, your house is > His face and His voice, they, too, expressed left unto you desolate!" > every emotion felt by Him. How I longed to go to Him and declare > I was deeply impressed by His perfect my love and faith in Him! Then I realized > naturalness, His lack of conventionality and that it is not our love and faith in Him, but > set form, and His refreshing simplicity. our love for one another, that is His crown > Divinely simple is He. His hair, which is of glory and the balm for His soul; for He > gray and long, but rather thin, would at one had said to a pilgrim: "If yon love one > time be flowing softly around His head, and another, it is just the same as if you love > at another it would be tucked up beneath Me. The closer you draw to one another, > His turban in a careless, comfortable way. the closer you draw to Me. I will go away > All His physical senses seem intensified and from this world, but love always stays. > when eating anything which He particularly Therefore, you should love one another very > likes, He evidences the keenest enjoyment of much." > it. Likewise, the perfume of a flower will I felt that every inharmonious thought > seem to entrance H i . I thought of what and action was painfully registered on that > one pilgrim at 'Akkl had said: "When great heart; and with this thought came the > 'ABDU'L-BAHA inhales the odor of flow- overwhelming sense of the personal responsi- > ers, it is wonderful t o see Him. I t seems bility falling upon each one of us. Having > that the perfume of the hyacinth is telling seen and heard 'ABDU'L-BAHA, I realized > Him something as He buries His face in the that He is indeed the Center of the Cove- > flowers. I t is like the effort of the ear- nant of God. And with this realization > a concentrated attention. How He under- came the deepest joy. No need of argu- > stands the mystery of 111 these things of ments and worry ovrr intricate problems of > which we know nothing!" This, indeed, is life and death, which have confounded the > true. greatest philosophers; no need to spend the > While there was a deep undercurrent of precious time in delving into the unknawn > exultancy in 'ABDU'L-BAHA, yet, during and unknowable-He has, or can, explain > my visit, which was but a few days, to my it all and His explanations are true. > consciousness there seemed a strain of sor- Once having accepted 'ABDU'L-BAHA's > row and sadness, as if the weight of the station, it is as useless to vex our minds with > world was upon His shoulders. Especially all rhese "whys and wherefores" as it would > did I realize this upon my first night in be for a way-worn traveler when a wagon > 'Akkl. I occupied the room next t o His. comes along and the driver offers to carry > him to town and he gladly climbs in, t o con- town. God has indeed given us an "Ark of > tinue to carry his heavy burden on his back. Safety" in 'ABDU'L-BAHA. > At 'Akki, I not only climbed into the 'ABDU'L-BAHA, the Mystery of God! > wagon of Truth, but I also left my heavy Who can comprehend that Mystery? > bundle of self, opinions and perplexity of Surely not finite mind nor intellect. Only > ideas by the roadside, knowing that this tl~rough the heart can we catch a faint > Divine Driver would carry me safely to glimpse of His Station. > ZWEI HEILIGE GRABSTATTEN > > M I T T E N in Jerusalem, der vielbesung- schmuclct mit dem Goldr menschlicher > enen Stadt der Christenheit, ragt die Heilige Zutaten, ruht das Lebendige, der Offen- > Grabkirche, ein uralter, ehrwiirdiger Bau. barungsort des Wortes, unter der Erde ver- > Trittst du in sie eio, so umfangt dich in Die Menschen streiten sich um den > hoher Kuppelwolbung ein weihrauchge- Zugang nu ihm. Und, weil sie sich streiten, > trinktes, ~nystischesDunkel, worin~ienGold entfernen sie sich der Wahrheit immer mehr, > und geweilite Lampen funlieln. In der Mitte brauchen sie Teilkirchen und Kirchenteile > dieser Halle siehst du einen steinernen Bau, fur ihre Teilwahrheiten. Die Religion, an- > unter welchem Christi Leih begraben sein statt ein lebendiger, ungetriibter Quell der > soll. Ein scbmaler Zugang fuhrt in das Kraft und Weisbeit fur den Staat in seinen > Innere an einen Stein, der das Ziel frolnmer Fragen und Noten zu sein, bedarf im Gegen- > Anbetung ist. Viele glaubige Christen teil der Hilie seines Armes, ja seiner Waffen- > zwangen sich zn ihm hinein, urn dort einige gewalt, um ihre Wiirde und Ordnung zu > Augenblicke in Andacht zu verweilen. behaupten. Das Ewige, Personlichste aber > Seitlich von der Mittelhalle aber zweigen wird in vermenschlichter Aufmachung als > einige kleinere Kirchenschiffe ab, fur jede k'ufliche Ware auf der Strasse verkitscht > christliche Konfession ein anderes. Sonntags und verscbachert. > halten sie oft gleichzeitig Gottesdienst. Da Wo ist da ein Lichtblick, wo ein Weg > kannst du dann horen, wie sich Worte und empor? Bedarf es da nicht, urn solche > Tijne vermengen uiid stijren, Worte, die eiu- Zustlnde auf der ganzen Welt zu heilen, > stens verlriindet wurden, urn die Menschen ei~iesMannes, der nicht nur irgendwo im > zu verbriidern, um ihnen den Frieden auf Endlichen den Hebel ansetzt, etwa an einer > Erden zu bringen. An der Tiire aber stehen alten Religion reformiert, oder von eincr > rnuha~nmedanischp Polizisten, urn dafiir zu Nation ansgeht, sondern der eine unbedingte > sorgen, dass Ordnung herrscht und dass sich und unbeschrankte gottlicl~e Vollmacht > die verschiedenen Konfessionen nicht streiten besitzt, kurz, der ein Gottgesandter ist? Der, > oder gar verpriigeln, wie es auch schon weil er ein Gottgesandter ist, und Gott nur > vorgekom~nen sein soll. Und wendest du Einer und die Wahrheit nur Eine sein > dann diesem alten Andachtsraurn den konnen, aoch den friihereii Gottgesandten > Riickeli und trittst du, geblendet von der und Wahrheitsverkiindern nicht wider- > grellen Sonne, hinaus in die lermende Stadt, spricht, sondern sie hestitigt und ediillt. > so geratst du zunichst in eine Schar yon Der aber eben deshalh klar das hirchliche > Hindlern, die dort vor der Kirche ihre Beiwerk, das die Menschen in Religionen, > Buden aufgcschlagen haben und der religiose Konfessionen und Sekten aufgespalteu hat > ArtikeI aufdrangen wollen. und darin erstarren liess, voii der ewigen, > Den gliubigen Christen miissen diese Ge- zeitlosen Wahrheit scheidet, und eine neue, > gensztze erschiitter~lund zu tieferem Nach- unverfalschte Offenbarung niederlegt, die > denken zwingen. 1st dies alles nicht wie ein zur ganzen Menschheit spricht und die > grosses Sinnbild der religjijsen Lage nicht nur ganze Menschheit einigt? > des Christentums, sondern al!er Religionen Wir Bahi'i wissen, dass ein solcher Gott- > auf der Welt? I n dern fester], ehrwurdigen gesandter unliugst schon iiber diese Erde ge- > Bau der alten Traditiunen begraben, in das gangen ist und diese welthistorische Sendung > Dunkel ratselvoller Mystik geliiillt, ge- vollbracht hat. Wir wissen auch, wo Bah6- > 'u'llih Seine irdischc Bahn heschlossen hat wasser. So treten wir un den lichten, hoch- > und wo Seine irdische Hiille zur Ruhe gewiilbten Raum. Um duftende Blumen > gebettet ist: und Zierstriucher, die hier aus der Erde > Bahji-+in liostliches Stiiclr Erde. Fernab spriessen, sind kostbare Teppiche gelegt. > vom Geschrei und Gefeilsche der Scadt, Hinter der geweihten Schwelle ist der letzte > fernab von den Blicken der Neugierigen ragt heiligste ort, unter welchem der Korper > aus dem grunen Saum herrlicher Girten der Bahi'u'll&h's ruht. > edel Bau, einfach und doch achtnnggebiet- Der Geist, der diesen Raum durchdringt, > end wie ein Herrschersitz, festgefiigt und ist unbeschreiblich machtvoll. Rein Pilger > doch zierlich im Kranze seiner Saulenreihe, liann sich ihm verschliessen und seine su- > unsagbar mhig zwischen Himmel und Erde chende Seele kann sich an dieser StHtte zu > und doch erfiillt und durchpulst von einer einem Grade der Loslosung aufschwingen, > Kraft, die machtiger ist als Zeit und Raum. wie er sie anderswo nicht so Ieicht ureicht. > Wenn wir uns diesem Heiligtum nahern, Die Welt mit ihren Nichtigkeiten versinkt > erfasst von der Weihe der Stunde, die dort draussen weit vor der Tiire. Das > Sehnsucht nach geistiger Begegnung im Here in der Brust aber, "die Schatzkam- > Herzen und nicht abgelenkt durch die mer des Freundes," 6ffnet sich jubelnd, urn > duftenden Arme der erdentwachsenen den hier waltenden Geist in sich auf- > Zweige und Bluten des Gartens, gelangen zunehmen, mit dem die Seele, hier allein > wir ngchst dem Palaste zu dem Mausoleum. und frei, innerste erschiitternde Zwiesprache > Wir lassen unsere Schuhs vor dieser Stltte hilt. > und mit ihnen alles, was uns seither nit der Als ein Neuer trittst dn dann wieder in > Erde verband, was vom Staube noch an uns die Welt hinaus, gelcl'art, gestxrkt, nnd > haftet. Die Girtner reichen uns Rosen- tatenfroh. > Mr. and Mrs. Tokujiro Torii, Kyoto, Japan, > July 14. 1931. > > Miss Agnes Alexander. > I N PRAISE O F WORDS > BY HELENBISHOP > G L E A N I N G S from the Writings of sowing the seeds of the world culture des- > Bahi'u'lUh." tined "unto this last." > To the waiting hand a Bahi'i gives "a > Book sent down in truth unto men of in- Logos > sight! I t biddeth the people t o observe jus- I t is not the romance of words which we > tice and to work righteousness . . ."' This nor do we hold a brief for those > Boolc is of the quintessence of the Holy philosophies which by lure of words have > Books revealed from age t o age, and may he seduced minds from the realities of common > weighed by ". . . the just Balance that ye sense. We do find i t timely t o call an in- > possess, the Balance of the testimony of the quest for theologies that have obscured the > Prophets and Messengers of God." meaning of words, terms, and figures, and > Although the pages of this Book of Life thereby withheld followers from the recog- > are charged with the meaning of our mute nition of God through His Prophets. This > experience and, hence, can ". . . dissipate is to the end that we may exalt above all > thy sorrows and dissolve thine anguish," ' others the Words of God enunciated by the > yet these same pages lie open to communi- Prophets, now again sent forth as entities > cate mysteries only ro those who can read . > charged with ". . such potency as can in- > "the testimony of God'" with detachrnm~ still new life into every human frame . . ." n > from traditional misconceptions. Instead of questioning Jesus for the mean- > Some of the Words were gathered by ing of the prophecies on the Messiah, Israel > patient labor of the Guardian, Shoghi accepted the priesthood's literal interpreta- > Effendi, and preserved as "Gleanings." For tion of the Promise, and was thereby de- > the first reapers were the martyrs of frPn, prived of the regeneration. The Christians, > who discovered in the Cause a field of hero- uninstructed Ly Israel's disinheritance, mis- > ism and yielded up to God a harvest of puri- interpreted the promise of the "Second > fied and consecrated lives.' Coming," and failed to acknowledge the > Let us say that the "Gleanings" are the Divine Unity through Muhammad. Thus > mountain of corn which Brother Giles in having deprived itself of insight, Christen- > homely speech compares to God. A bird dom entered the prison of the Dark Ages > may seize one grain from the high peak, and closed the door on its own spirit until > and another, then again; and while it may the waves of Isl6m ("The Renaissance") > not diminish the magnitude of that store- flooded Europe. The Muslims of ir6n sturn- > house, still each grain contains all the nutri- bled over the words "The Seal of the Proph- > ments for sustenance. Moreover, each grain ets" and put to death the Bib in the year > is the germ of life itself! And so we ought 18SO. To-day, Jews, Christians, Muslims, > not to grasp to ourselves these "Gleanings," besides the other religious communities all > as the all we have; we ought to stride the of which are expecting a Promised One, > field with a fearless and giving movement, cling to the literal interpretation of their > lTrans.by shoghi ~ g ~ Bahl'i~ d Pub. > ~ ,Co., New prophetic Books and fail to recognize the > Yark, 1931. universal Manifestation of Bahi'u'llih. This > Zlbid., p. 306. -although His Book upholds the mission of > lbid., p. 281. > *Ibid., P. 133. their own respective Prophets as exponents > The Heroic Age of the Bahi'i Cycle ir reckoned of one divine Messagc"This is the chnnge- > 1844-1921. The prerenr Formative Period will usher - > in The Golden Age. elbid., p. 141. > I N PRAISE OF WORDS 633 > > less Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal Rah&perpetuated the Law of Succession in > in the future." His Will and Testament, wherein He estab- > Is not religion intended for unity? Where- lishes the Guardianship and appoints thereto > fore these separatenesses? In explanation we His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, and his > venture at least two cardinal distinctions be- lineal descendants. Inasmuch as all Bahi'is > tween the Words of the Prophets and the turn to the Guardian and accept his inter- > words of men: the first, language as human pretation, no longer can the question of > discourse is logical material, and each propo- meaning be the centre of obscurantism and > sition has one, and only one function, so that the prolific source of divisions. A t last, > meanins is not multiple but singleness; religion becomes the basis of unity. > whereas, the pronouncements of God are of As to the second cardinal distinction: > manifold and inexhaustible meanings." knowledge instructs and cultivates the > This circumstance necessitates, on the part mind: whereas, the "gift of understanding'' > of the Revelator Himself, the appointment realized through the Prophet shifts the field > of an Interpreter (and designated succes- of consciousness and is the rebirth of the > sors) assured of inspiring and unerring guid- mind itself. Outside of the Bah6'i Writings > ance. T o be sure, the Gospels record the we do not find elucidation of what happens > appointment of the Apostle Peter to a sta- when the Prophet thunders: "Thus saith the > tion of primacy; and tradition upholds Lord!" > Muhammad's choice of the Imniim 'Ali as The authors of a capital work on the > His successor. Nevertheless, as both of preliminary problen~sand uses of language > these appointments were unwritten and in- assail the early and well-nigh universal belief > conclusive, witnesses agreed upon fact but of the race in a special world of "words of > widely disagreed upon n,eaning. Rival claim- power." lo They quote from the German > ants arose in both of these communities; scholar preeminent in this field: > unanimity on great issues was never per- "Aristotle is dead because he was, more > fected so that time and events confronted than perhaps any other notable writer in the > a house already divided within itself. Legis- whole history of philosophy, superstitiously > lation accumulated down the centuries, but devoted to words . . . For full two thou- > it did not have the seal of divine inspiration sand years human thought has lain under > and wisdom upon it, neither did sacraments the influence of this man's catchwords, an > and ceremonials take the place of the spirit influence which has been wholly pernicious > and intent of the Founder. Theologies and in its results. There is no parallel instance > sects have dismembered Christianity and of the enduring potency of a system of > IslAm and destroyed their unity of faith; words." l1 > but the organic weakness lay in the absence Aristotle, the father of the sciences and > of a divinely-invested Guardian universally the backbone of scholasticism, is now > recognized by all declared followers of the charged with getting the universities into a > Prophet. straitjacket, notwithstanding his liberal > I n this Dispensation, theologies and sects proposition: "All significant speech is so by > are obviated, for Bahi'u'llniih, in order to convention only3'-a convention as vague, > bind that Covenant of love and unity which or so it seems, as the Social Contract which > is the essential purpose of religion, wrote His Authority imposed upon the pople in the > Testament and legislated conclusively, treatise of Rousseau. > "Everything that 'Abdu'l-Bahh says is My As instances of the enduring potency of > meaning." The disaffected resisted this one- words, we cite the Ten Commandments; the > ness of belief and community, but their Lord's Prayer; the lnillions of boys still be- > agitation proved abortive because the Testa- --- > mellt is an integral part of the ~~~~l~~~~~ thelo Word-magic as prohibitions against pronouncing > secret and ineffable Name are documented by Sir > of Bahi'u'lllh itself. Furthermore, 'Abdu'l- > - jam.$ ~ r a z e rin .'The Golden ~ ~ r n ~ hMacmillan > Ca.. London, pp. 244-262. > ," gr > 'Ibid., p. 136. l l C i t i n g Maurhner, C. K. Ogden and I. A. > Refer to any good Handbook on Logic. Richards, "The Meaning of Meaning,'. Kegan Pzol, > " G l e a ~ i n ~ ~p., " 171. & Co., London, Ed. 1927, p. 3 1 . > 634 T H E BAHA'I: WORLD > > ing named after M~&a~x~rnad, or tbe nations gests, that ~ L leasuilera > S wrrc nLlc to rxplai~l > of Islhm that have recited the five daily away religion and everything else-but not > professions of faith for thirteen hundred to create anything. > years. Bahi'u'll6h points out that as man cannot > Surely, no one would wish to undo the attain complete knowledge of the reality > civilizing influence of the Law of the Penta- within himself, even less can he know the > teuch or of the Qur'Bn except one who had Divine Essence. "This confession of help- > not read history. Although there is nothing lessness which mature contemplation must > liberal in the dicta of Jesus: "Man shall not eventually impel every mind to make is in > live by hread alone, but by every word that itself the acme of human understanding, and > proceedeth out of the mouth of God," marlieth the culmination of man's develop- > "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My ment." l4 > words shall not pass away," nor anything At this point the will t o believe is opera- > vague about His Covenant: "He that loveth tive, for faith is also a d a t u m of conscious- > father or mother more than Me is not ness struggling to become full-bodied. > worthy of Me,"12 yet we are convinced that However, neglected and even stultified by > nobody would charge the Savior with verbal the modern temper, the capacity for faith > tyranny except a critic trapped in the is co-existent with the capacity for knowl- > appalling confusion between Logos and edge. Indeed, Reality enters culture through > Exegesis. the people of faith: they make up the leaven > Bahi'u'llhh estimates the influence of which animates the realm of being and > Jesus upon minds: germinates the arts and manners?' In ac- > "Know thou that when the Son of Man cordance with this, BahYu'llhh is revealed > yielded up His breath to God, the whole unto men ". . . > to lay bare those gems that > creation wept with a great weeping. By lie hidden within the mine of their true and > sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capac- inmost selves." > ity was infused into all created things. Its Why doesn't a plane tree turn into a > evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of camel? Because the a pyiori form of the > the earth, are now manifest before thee. The thing lies within the thing itself. And the > deepest wisdom which the sages have m- mature form of the mind lies within the > tered, the profoundest learning which any sphere of mind itself. The mind is destined > mind hath unfolded, the arts which the to both education and conversion but not > ablest hands have produced, thc influence to Theophany. Consequently, man is com- > exerted by the most potent of rulers, are pared to a mine which is worked for its > hut manifestations of the power gems; to a sheep that gets lost without the > released by His transcendent, His all-perva- Shepherd; t o a lamp supplied with both oil > sive, and resplendent Spirit." l3 and wick but incapable of self-ignition. > And the modern says? Our fine old Man, "the supreme Talisman," is a sign of > Professor held that the skepticism which is God and the apogee of His creation, stands > the pride of urbanity and enlightenment in absolute ueed of the Prophet. > ought not to lie in the effortless futility that > we don't know anything and can't know The Universal Cyck > anything, hut, rather in the consent to treat Through a word proceeding out of the > everything as a problem. Then why not mouth of God he [man] was called into > turn the mind on the mind itself? Whoever being; by one word more he was guided to > takes the wager will find himself, as Im- recognize the source of his education; by yet > manuel Kant did, up a blind alley, for there another word his station and destiny were > are definite limitations to man's finite mind. safeguarded?' > The Eighteenth Century couldn't see that - > l4 Ibid., 161-6 > and pushed an unreasonable confidence in Ibid., pp. 157-61. > reason itself, with the result as Amiel sug- > - '"bid., p. 287; also 216-60; 336-66. > lrlbid., p. 260; also, "All men have been created > l2 Matchew iiv, 4; xxiv, 31; x, 37. to carry forward an ever-advancinp civili~arian:' > la "Gleanings," pp. 81-6. P. 215. > I N I'RAISE OF WORDS 63 1 > > The Words of Bahi'u'llih arc Logos 'and The Manifestation of the B6b precipitated > constitute a collective force of the first an epoch of unprecedented mental explora- > order, which, by power of Spirit consciously tion in which the concept of evolution was > and unconsciously subdnes the minds, in- taken into thought and verified by the emer- > forms and recreates them in Truth. This gence of new schools of knowledge or > world is the descent into existence; the sciences. Psychology came out of philosophy > Manifestation offers the ascent into being: as a new organism, accompanied by peda- > here we are born into time; the Manifesta- gogy or education; politics went ahead; > tion gives the rebirth into eternity. The economics and anthropology were horn. > Words of God draw the souls of men to Contemporaneously, the concept of evolu- > life eternal: men, seeking a foretaste of that tion was related to the earth, which records > immortality, strive to perpetuate themselves the proofs of its cycles in the geological > on earth as well by carving their names into strata; the evolution of the human race > history. became the theme of biology; the evolution > From Bahi'u'llih we learn that man's of classes dominated the trend of economics; > estate is two-fold: its subjective reality is while the evolution of the forms and organ- > consciousness; its objective reality is civil- ization of society was contributed by "the > ization. Culture or the totality of arts, science of man" himself. > sciences, laws, manners and institutions, is This new mental fecundity due to the > the visible embodiment or concrete form of Bib's outpouring of Spirit brought forth > consciousness itself. technics and inventions as well: time is > Before the New Cycle, consciousness in defied and space conquered. Physics justi- > the West had not gone beyond Naturalism fied its birth by discovering the relativity > and automatic necessity. Men bad forgotten of time and space, but its proofs for the > God and turned to nature a? teacher and uninitiated lie in changes that we now ac- > p a l quite unaware of man's dominion on cept as commonplace. Man lives in a three- > earth?' Voices were raised in protest, and dimension world: he possesses the earth, > a loneIy poet cried out: crosses the oceans, moves through the air. > Man subdues Nature and wrests from it the > "Ah, Lady, we receive but what we give, > materials for his civilization. Behold that > And in our life alone does nature live;" > material civilization! Is there to be no spir- > (Samuel Taylor Coleridge) > itual counterpart? > but these were words among many. Bahi'u'll611 the "Glory of God" was > I n the East-the Light, all light comes manifested in 1863. His Revelation sets > out of the East-the Bib (the 'Gate'') forth the principles, laws, and institutions of > appeared in 1844. His divine Manifestation World Order. Exiled from frin, confined > gave consciousness a new orientation based by the prison walls of 'Akk6, and subjected > upon the relativity and evolution of religion. for forty years to the Sulfinate and the > The primary aspect of Truth is changeless Caliphate, Bahi'u'llhh withheld not the out- > and absolute, the same throughout the time pouring of Spirit. By means of Letters He > cycles; but that secondary aspect of religion issued commands for the establishment of > which concerns social laws and institutions, the "Most Great Peace" to kings and rulers. > is valid only for thc cycle assigned to the T o all men He unveiled the pattern of con- > given Revelation. Therefore, the divine sciousness based upon the oneness of man- > Message for the Day in which we live kid: this is detachment from all prejudices > is the sole basis of culture and the and acceptance of that one life and spirit > energy behind creative evolution and which is the reality of man. This new nn- > achievement. derstanding is consummated in 'Abdu'l- > Bah6: His unique station combines the per- > In 1843 Thomas Carlyle wrote: "To speak in > the ancient dialect we 'have forgotten God'; in the fection of humanity with the Mystery of > most modern dialccr and very truth of the rnarrer, Divinity, and He is the Exemplar to the > we have taken up the Fact of this universe as it is nations. > rrot." "Past and Preseitt," Essay on Pb~noinena,Oa- > ford University Press, London. This hour is the challenge and test. > When we undertook the ncw matcrial civil- Bahi'u'llhh leads us into a Commonwealth > ization and began to live in space, we left of Nations, which is more than expansion > behind the flat surface dimension of the and association, for the Divine Polity takes > earth; so does the universal consciousness the nations into another dimension which > leave behind the flat surface dimension of searches the base and reaches the heights of > the mind with its expansive forms of self- unity. We are called to be citizens of > love, which become destructive as religious Heaven and of "Thy Kingdom come on > sectarianism, exploitation of classes, racial earth": world government lies within the > superiorities, militant nationalism. power of the creative Word. > .<.,,* > ,.."Z ..-. ....- > . > - --.Ik l > > ~. 1 > .. ...-..-.- . .. > -.-1 Va'---~. > 7I > .~ .. ~ > ~ ~ ~ > > 'I..,. > .q!$, > THE CONTINUITY RELIGION > > RELIGIOUS 1. > bigotly and prejudice are > Creator as is the evolution of solar systems. > Were it not for the instructive, stimulative > due to religions being viewed as his- and inspirational power of religion upon the > heart and conscience Of humanity, men > toiical rather than as functional events. > The followers of every great world remain On a level with ani- > > tend to look upon their Own revelation and In Other words they would be un- > institutions built around it as unique in moral, without the refined conscience which > the history of the planet and consequently man possesses. They would be > to deny the authenticity of other world creatures of impulse and of instinct, follow- > religions. ~ e n c ea bitter rivalry has arisen ing the law Of the herd but recognizing > between religions making such monopo~istic that as the only law outside themselves to be > claims. obeyed. > when, however, we take a scientific view Religion brings to man a new conscience, > of a religion as functional in the develop- instructing him in the higher laws of living > merit of humanity we are to look not which for and > only with tolerance but wirh sympathy prosperity both in an individual and a col- > other religions than our own, wherever a lective sense. Through religion man is > sincere spiritual force is effective in the lives to transcend to > of a people, we see a religion which nobler than his biologically inherent animal > we may respect. when, religious qualities would permit. Through religion > expression degenerates into institutionalism he is trained to sublimate all of these animal > either at home or abroad, we may linow that qualities-qualities perfectly legitimate in > religion is no longer its normal their own field but obstructive to the de- > function. velopment of a catholic and harmonious > The function of religion is:-first, to human society. > make humanity ~ ~ d second,. to ~ Through > ~ ~religion~ man ~is made~ aware~ of ~ ~ ; > make humanity obedient to the ~ i will ~ his spiritual > j ~ potentiality. > ~ He learns that his > implies today the of human- soul can aspire in the realm of spirit and > ity) ; and third, to bring to each human need not be dragged and weighted down by > being the understanding of how to make "I1 the burdens of carnality. Like > use of prayer and guidance and thus take a child learning to walk, he begins > advantage of the inestimable to realize powers which he can put into > offered man by the Divine Power in the way practice. In the use of faith, prayer and > of communion and help. spiritual guidance he becomes more and > more proficient, growing daily nearer to the > 2. full stature of spiritual manhood for which > Religions do not come into being by acci- he is destined. > dent. No great historic epoch and no sec- Can any one deny that these are the pur- > tion of the world has been deprived by poses and these the effects of religion? Any > Destiny of the opportunity to acquire the unbiased scientific study of the history of > priceless treasures of true religion. The religion as a moral, social and spiritual force > spiritual evolution of the human race is as in the life of humanity will substantiate the > much a part of the majestic plan of the foregoing statements. > THE CONTINUITY OF RELIGION > collectively? Effects which last not for a > day, but for milleniums. Effects which no > But whence does religion spring? Here founders of schools of philosophies, not even > we come t o a much mooted question. We the greatest, have ever been able even in the > are told by the Founders of the world's great slightest degree to approximate. > religions that the truth which they teach is Secondly, we should have to assume that > revealed to them from the Divine Source in their claims of revelation the Founders > itself; that they are hut channds for the of the great world religions were either > Divine instruction and power to flow using deliberate falsehood or suffering under > through; and that their word is, indeed, the hallucinations. Both of these points of view > Word of God. have been taken. Previous to the religious > Such is the claim of all the great Reve- tolerance of the twentieth century it had > lators. But the attitude of science during been the custom for earnest adherents of > the last century has been to disparage such Christianity to accuse the founders of other > super-human claims. From the scientific world religions as being hypocrites, falsifiers > point of view there seems little chance of or emissaries of evil. The theological doc- > objectively proving the claims of revelation. trine of the uniqueness of Christianity in- > The scieutfic mind can investigate every- duced this attitude. But as scientific > thing in the phenomenal universe, but it liberalism made inroads into Christian the- > cannot investigate the Mind and Ways of ology and the history of religion came to be > God. Here is a field distinctly barred to studied without prejudice of sectarianism, > the scientific approach. There is only one it became apparent to scientific historical > standpoint from which the claims of reve- observation that such characters as Con- > lation might be investigated, appraised and fucius, Buddha, Zoroaster and Muhammad > corroborated. This standpoint is the field were not uttering deliberate falsehoods when > of actual religious achievement. they claimed to be channels of Divine com- > When we study the force which inheres munication to humanity. They were at > in every great world religion-a force defi- least sincere, there could be no question > nite and unique, a force which, while its about that. Ergo-assuming the impossi- > sources may be beyond our investigation, as bility of substantiating this claim of divine > regards its workings and effects lies clearly revelation-certain materialistically inclined > within the field of scientific investigation- scholars of comparative religion, abnormal > what do we see? History shows that every psychologists, and other secularists were led > great religion in the days of its purity-be- to the conclusion that these claimants to > fore institutionalism and human dogma divine revelation were suffering from hallu- > begin their taints---exerts a terrific force cinations. > upon human conduct and human character, IHas not science, in its materialistic scep- > a force unparalleled in the history of human ticism, brought itself here into a ridiculous > morals as regards its contagiousness, its dilemma? Those beings so pure and sinless > miraculous power to change character, and in character, so noble in their self-sacrificing > its quality of sustained application to the lives that no other humans can even he put > art of living on the part of the individual in the same category; those beings who have > adherent. This force of religion is indeed cxpresscd lofty truths which humanity has > mysterious-as mysterious as is the force of intuitively accepted as a perfect pattern for > electricity. human behavior; those beings the power of > Can we reasonably conceive that such a whose exemplary lives and exalted teachings > force can emanate from -a source no higher has influenced humanity more than any > than human mentality? Are these Founders other force,--can it be that these great souls > of religion simply spiritual geniuses who are were merely insane? That their conception > but a few degrees loftier in moral and spir- of the nature of their mission and the source > itual insight than their fellows? If so, how of their wisdom was not only fallacious but > could they produce these magical effects the expression of psychologically diseased > upon human nature, both individually and natures? Marching these Revealers of noble > 640 THE BAHA'L WORLD > faith and living against opinions of modern- into the world already destined for such a > istic secularists, I cannot see how the verdict mission. Tlleir station is above that of > of thoughtful people can he cast in favor of ordinary mortals, as the station of the am- > the materialistic psychologist. bassador of a great emperor is peerless in > whatever country he may officially abide. > "They are the Treasuries of divine knowl- > Is the idea of revelation, then, so impos- edge, and the Repositories of celestial wis- > sible from the scientific point of view? The dom. Through them is transmitted a grace > painter, the poet, the composer feel that that can never fade." > their inspirations come from some source > - > greater than themselves. Plato., the ereatest > creative thinker and literary artist the world > These great messengers of God are an > has ever produced, had a definite theory as > essential part of the Divine plan for the > to where hi inspirations came from. The > evolution of humanity. Biological evolu- > artist, he states, is but a channel for images > tion bas gone as far as it is able to go when > and truths which come to him from the > it has produced "homo sapiens"-man with > World of the Ideal. The soul of the great the power of thought. The further evolu- > artist is able to contact this higher arche- > tion of man in the way of development of > typal world where perfection already exists, > his creative intelligence and his spiritual > and thus bring to earth artistic revelations, > progress depend upon forces from a higher > creative ideas, and discoveries in the realm > plane. Religion is this force absolutely > of truth. Since Plato was himself such a > essential to man's spiritu~levolution, to the > colossally creative thinker, we lnust ac- > awakening and training of potential quali- > knowledge at least some importance to this > ties which elsewise would never come into > theory of his regarding the nature of in- active expression. > spiration and creation. > Evolution now ceases to be a something > Many a great artist, thinker, and inventor > which operates on man apart from his own > since the day of Plato has felt this same > conscious effort. Progress beyond primitive > way about ebe nature of inspiration. Their > man he can make only by voluntary con- > greatest works have seemed to them not so > scious effort. I t is to awaken and aid this > much the manufacture of their own limited > effort toward higher spiritual self-develop- > mentality as a projection, through the > ment of humanity that these great Teachers > sensitivity of their being, of truth or beauty > come to earth. Without the inspiration of > from some world outside themselves. > their teachings and the dynamic stimulus to > In fact, so disparate from their creator are > spiritual progress which they give to man > the greatest achievements of the creative > by means of a tremendous outpouring of > soul that he must look with a feeling of that cosmic, spiritual, creative force which > awe upon these creations emanating through > has been called the Holy Spirit, man would > him and enjoy them in a purely impersonal > remain on the moral and mental level of the > relation, receiving from them an inspiration animal. > as from a force totally and miraculously > "Further evolution, if it takes place," > outside of his own personality. > says P. D. Ouspensky in his "Tertium > Now if it is a possibility £or any creative > Organum," "cannot be an elemental and > person to receive all inspiration from some > unconscious affair, but will result solely > mysterious source outside himself, it is cer- > from conscioz~s efforts toward growth. > tainly possible for the prophetic soul of a > Man, not striving toward evolution, not > great world Saviour to become a channel > conscious of its possibility, not helping it, > for those Divine Forces which seek to guide > will not evolve. And the individual who > and stimulate this planet into higher is not evolving does not remain in a static > spiritual evolution. condition, but goes down, degenerates. > Not only do these Teachers of religion > This is the general law." > proclaim a truth greater than they them- > selves could originate, but they are born Tsblet of iqin. > Shrubim 'Ubayd, of Cairo, the First Bahl'i to > make a donation to the legally constituted National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt. > 642 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 6. spraka of a Return, and warns them to be > open and receptive to Trnth when it returns > An important point to consider here is > again, as return it must when the gradual > that the revelations of religion do not come > crystallization and degeneration of estab- > by chance. They are part of a continuous > lished religion takes place through institu- > plan for the spiritual evolution of humanity. > tionalism and the natural carnal proclivities > They are a special communication and dis- > of man. > pensation of that great creative and guiding > 7. > Force of the universe which we call God, > and they are revealed through spiritualized Today it is apparent that all over the > beings who are special channels for the flow world religion is in great need of renewal. > of this creative force. The spiritual consciousness of humanity is > Humanity, like a battery which has to be suffering eclipse. This is true not only of > recharged, is under the necessity of fresh Christianity but also of every other great > spiritual impulse at stated intervals. For- world religion-Confucianism, Buddhism, > tunately for the spiritual evolution of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Muhammadan- > humanity, at every epoch when one religion ism. With the normal restraints of religion > has been outgrown a new religion has removed, with man's spiritual conscience > magically arisen-a religion full of vital obscured as his scientific intelligence is ac- > hope and promise and charged with the centuated, we see taking place a rapidly > power to remold and to remake the lives of growing chaos and a threatened disintegra- > its communicants. tion of world civilization. > "In their essence all these religions are Clearly the time is ripe for a renewal of > one. Spiritual Truth cannot, indeed, he man's spiritual consciousness, and that re- > different and conflicting. The aims of all newal is already offered the world in the > the great prophets were one: to bring human Revelation of Bahh'u'llih. Here we find > beings into the Divine Consciousness, to not only a renewal of all rhe spiritual beauty > advance their spiritual development, and to and dynamic force of previous revelations, > effect better conditions of organized living. but also pronouncements especially adapted > "Nor can the great Founders of religions to the advanced needs of this day. We have > be supposed to exist in any sort of rivalry not only general moral laws, but their defi- > one to the other. Their purpose is one. nite application to individual and collective > Their devotion to Divinity is one. Their living. We have a comprehensive set of > devotion to humanity is one. There can be principles upon which the establishment of > no possibility of rivalry between these great a great world order is predicated, and a great > Souls whose first requisite is abnegation of world civilization of a perfection such as the > self, whose words and deeds are guided by past has hardly ventured to dream of. > divine inspiration, and whose lives serve no > other purpose than to mirror Divinity to > man." > Of all the teachings of Bahi'n'lllh, > From this point of view it will be seen > perhaps none is so needed as the clear enun- > that no religion is final. As humanity de- ciation which He gives regarding the con- > velops, it acquires capacity for new and > tinuity of religion. As we have pointed > higher revelations. A t the same time that out at the beginning of this article, the lack > its capacity to comprehend is constantly > of such realization has been the cause of > increased, its ability to lead a spiritual life > the crystallization of religious thought and > periodically diminishes (as has already been > expression and its disintegration into re- > shown), thus necessitating a regular and > ligious rivalries and hostilities never intended > definite reoccurrence of spiritual revelation. > by the Divine Power from whose great > Each Founder of a great religion gives > Purpose for humanity all religions emanate. > warning of this to His followers. He > - Bahi'u'lllh makes clear not only that His > Revelation is a renewal of spiritual truth > Z"Security for a Failing Warid," by Stanwood > Cobb. and potency necessitated by the decline of > THE C O N T I N U I T Y OF R E L I G I O N 643 > > spiritual consciousness ~ 1 ~ 1 o u ~ h o uthe > t gered through the winter, become broken > world; but also that, just as other religions up by the actinic force of the sun and give > have faded and declined, so the religious way to marvelous new growths whose > expression built around His message is also nourishment they help to furnish by their > destined to decadence, in the course of time. own decay, so today ancient institutions are > Thus He definitely prepares His followers falling and every old form is ~ieIding > and safepards them against the dangers of ground to a marvelous newness, which, how- > bigotry, of religious smugness, and of blind- ever disconcerting it may be to unprepared > ness to the just and verifiable claims of a minds, is the breath of life and hope to those > new Revelator when His day arrives. who can see beyond the present moment. > How refreshing is this view of religion, "When the Holy Manifestation of God, > which is now seen as a part of the normal who is the sun of the world of His crea- > functioning of our planetary life, as neces- tion, shines upon the worlds of spirits, of > sarily recurrent as are the seasons. Indeed thoughts and of hearts, then the spiritual > each religion passes through its phases of spring and new life appear, the power of the > growth comparable to the seasons-its wonderful springtime becomes visible, and > springtime of blossoming and rejuva- marvelous benefits are apparent. And now, > nescence, its summer of growth, its autumn in this divine new age, see what development > of rich fruitage, and its winter of crystal- has been attained in the world of minds and > lization and decline. thoughts, and it is now only the beginning > And now again a spiritual springtime has of its dawn. Before long you will see that > appeared, and the Holy Spirit is pouring new bounties and divine teachings will illu- > down Its rays upon this planet with a minate this dark world, and will transform > potency that is stirring everything to rapid these sad regions into the paradise of > motion and renewed growth. And as in the Eden." > springtime old forms of vegetation, which in > their sear and withered stiffness have lin- 3 "Some Answered Questions," by 'Abdu'l-Bahb. > T H E "MOST G R E A T P E A C E " > BY MARIONHOLLEY > A N E W PHASE OF H U M A N THOUGHT > > W A R is the most preventable acci- rcourge, more t o be feared than the Black > dent!" said 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the exemplar of Death. > the Bahi'i Faith. His words, which even This has not been true in every time. > twenty years ago seemed quite improbable, The benefits of war have often cancelled out > carry t o modern ears an inescapable and its evils, have actually advanced the course > terrible conviction. We recognize in them of human evolution. For example, other- > no less than a profound indictment of the wise isolated groups used t o meet upon the > nations of the world. battle-field; and long after physical combat > The history of these last years has been had ceased, the cultural ferment induced by > dominated by two tendencies intilllately such contact altered and enriched the cus- > affecting the future of war. First, there toms of the hostile peoples. With the > has come such an expansion in the possi- impact of Is16n1 upon Europe during the > bilities of human intercourse, such intesifi- Crusades, the structure of the Dark Ages > cation of economic dependence, together was shattered and the western world entered > with a wider sympathy for the habits and a new phase. By revealing unsuspected > ideals of alien groups, that for the first time horizons, war has undoubtedly speeded the > the sons of earth are drawn close enough progress of civilization. > to conceive and aspire after forms of re- Moreover, it has served to breed hardy > lationship other than violence. To this new- and vigorous men, inspiring in them the will > felt need-actually an opportunity to suh- to enterprise and action. Discipline, co- > stitute for the cruel and gross processes of operation, inventiveness-these, as well as > war a more civilized inter-action-has been death, sorrow, waste, have been by-products > added, secondly, a fatal necessity in the guise of an activity which the modern world must > of an "armament revolution." Until the now condemn. For the costs have finally > end of the 19th century the methods of war overtaken the profits. Today, "we see war > had "remained stagnant and unprogressive no longer as a tragic necessity in human > for hundreds of years."' But the conflict life, but as a horrible arrest in develop- > of 1914 brought t o perfection new de- ment." ' > vices for mass murder-poison gas, air The figures of losses sustained by the > raids, tanks, heavy artillery-techniques so fighting nations in the Great War, appalling > efficient that in four years' time, more than as they are-ten n~illionwounded, a total > twice as many men were killed as in 123 money cost of $337,846,000,000-actually > years of warfare preceding 1914. The costs indicate but a small portion of the destruc- > of war are now so staggering that states- tion. The costs of war, indeed, cannot be > men like Mr. Baldwin are impelled t o ask: estimated, but their significance may be > "Who in Europe does not know that one glimpsed when i t is remembered that, as a > more war in the West and the civilization biologist has written, "The war question is > of the ages will fall with as great a shock essentially a problen~ in human ecology. > as that of Rome?" Modern war is not Just as the plants and animals in an > only a preventable accident; it is a dreadful aquarium, pond, or forest constitute a deli- > - cately balanced complex, so human society > 1 Dalton, Hugh, "Toward the Peace of Nations," - > p. 2. 3 Wells, "World of William Clissold," quoted by > 2 Quoted by Dalton, p. 1. Dalton, p. 276. > i45 > 646 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > is a complicated organism. War, therefore, blithe children thr nacions of the world seek > does not affect merely the armies engaged, arms for a tourney with Death, apparently > but the civil populations as well, not only of unconscious of the merciless intent of their > the belligerent uations but also of remote opponent. > neutrals." There are, to be sure, thousands of yer- > Thus the Great War distortcd every sons who, through the bitter years of the > phase of modern life. Six rnillion people Great War, acquired an aching thirst for > were wiped out by Spanish influenza. peace, and many of these have since devoted > "Nearly all Polish children under six are their lives to this ideal. Moreover, it is > said tu have died from starvation." The now the opinion of an imposing number of > fatalities among Armenians, Syrians, Jews, statesmen and leaders that war and human > Greeks, Rumanians, Austrians, Serbians, society have come to the parting of the > Russians, Belgians, due to starvacion and dis- ways. Diverse projects exist for the con- > ease, were enormous. Nations jeopardized summation of this process, sustained by as > even their future health to feed this terror many explanations of the causes and cures > which coveted only the fittest human speci- of war as there are fields of human activity. > mens. In the United States, "about 8 3 per After fifteen years of faithful applica- > cent of the drafted men who possessed tion, however, some people are ques- > defects of a probably more or less hereditary tioning whether success does not wait > cbracter were rejected," to return to their upon the co-ordination of these separate > homes and father a generation.= enterprises. > > At the same time, the economic equi- Now no plan, it is safe to say, so unites > librium of the world collapsed. Factories every contributory rnovemenc, so richly > and industries, growing up to fulfill war harmonizes the impulses and efforts of men > needs, caused dislocation and overproduction towards the superb goal-world peace-as > after the war. Political instability inter- does the Bahi'i Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 wrote, > fered with trade. High and oppressive "The scope of Universal Peace must be such > taxation cut down the purchasing power that all the communities and religions may > of the public and lowered the standard of find their highest wish realized in it." > living by ten per cent. I n the light of sub- Comprehensive in analysis, all-embracing in > sequent developments, it is interesting to scope, inviting the cooperation of every > read a post-war prophecy that "the very forward-looking individual and group, the > breakdown of modern economic society Bahi'i Faith not only conforms with fact, > might be the price exacted." ' but is enabled t o enlist and conserve every > Yet the physical consequences-biologic authentic interest in the quest for that > and econon~ic, together with the political "durable peace" which, as President Roose- > disturbances created by the Versailles Treaty velt has said, "is the only goal worthy of > -were overshadowed, if possible, by the our best efforts." > havoc worlwd upon the character of public Perhaps the primary and most stimulating > ethics and private morals. No appraisal contribution of Bahi'u'llih (Father of > could exaggerate these factors, which in 'Abdu'l-Bahb and Foimder of this Cause) > their totality form the damning evidence of was an affirmation in unequivocal terms that > "man's inhumanity to man," and predict in the case for peace would prosper. "Yet so > grim accents the terms upon which another it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these > war shall be fought. One of the strangest ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most > attitudes of our day is the nonchalance with Great Peace' shall come." His words chal- > which the common man watches his govern- lenge at the outset the threadbare theory > ment prepare for suicidal conflict. Like that war is inevitable because human nature > does not change, a brand of illogic which > - > 8 "Bahb'i Peace Program," p. 19. > a Quoted in Esslemont, "Bahi'tt'116b and the New > Era," p. 48. > THE "MOST G; R E A T P E A C E " 647 > > is both untenable and futile. Failing as i~ pupula~ion pressure and i t is said that > does to distinguish between the instincts of whereas "in 1800 there were probably > individuals and social institutions, it is 600,000,000 or 700,000,000 people in > undble to recognize that whereas human the world, today the number is perhaps > impulses may not change, their expression- 1,800,000,000." " Increasing complexity > forms can certainly be shaped and guided. of economic life together with a breakdown > Happily, the opinion of an eminel~tbody of the system of production and dis- > of psychologists h a s been recorded: "Wzr tribution, (both of them problems grossly > is not instinctive and ineradicable. By a complicated by the Great W a r ) , these > vote of 346 to 10 the members of the are the factors leading t o friction and > American Psychological Association have rivalries. > registered their opposition t o the doctrine But-and it is a consideration fraught > that war is a part of human nature and with importance and hope-economic causes > cannot be stopped." in themselves do not result in war. Conflict > War, actually more akin to politics than springs up only when political groups, in > to biology, might be defined as "a contest an effort "to support the economic interests > by force between political group-." " of their citizens," l5 clash and resort t o > Arising from the struggle for existence, it violence. With immigration laws, tariffs, > is not therefore a necessary conclusion, but harsh trade policies, raw material monopo- > rather the most obvious and brute-like solu- lies, and protection of foreign investments, > tion of this competition for life. Men- governments attempt to underwrite pros- > who are endowed with intellect-have often perity, ever guided by the unhappy notion > replaced natural processes with reasoned that one nation can prosper independently > ones, especially when their very existence of other nations, even at their expense. As > has been found to depend upon the latter. a matter of fact, the World Ecollomic > As one Bah6'i writer says, "Disillusion Conference of 1927 disposed of this creed: > would only be justified if human society "Any strictly nationalistic policy is harmful > could be successfully established on the war not only t o the nation which practices it, > principle."lz Those who are alert to his- but also t o the others and therefore defeats > toric necessities know that war is doomed; its own ends."16 This twentieth-century > at the same time they are prepared for a truth, still not universally known, stands as > sharp and long-drawn struggle to eradicate one of the basic premises of the World > the principle which so intimately penetrates Order of Bahl'u'llih. > the fabric of modern life. Economic irritants are not, however, the > sole instigators of a war spirit, and seldom > 'Abdu'l-Bahi has said: "War is not if ever are they formally acknowledged. > limited to one cause. There are many kinds I t is far easier t o address popular fury in > of war and conflict going on: political war, terms of its emotional antipathies. In other > commercial war, patriotic war and racial words, human prejudices form the most > war. This is the very civilization of fertile ground for the seeds of war-preju- > war."13 Today economic causes seem the dices national, racial, religious, class and > most significant, with our world a seething cultural. How carefully through the ages > mass of economic stresses and strains. Un- these provincialisms have been fostered, > employment, "the cancer of the body despite the fact that "the most important > economic," was estimated in 1932 as affect- step from savagery to culture is the emanci- > ing some fifty millions of the world's pation of the individual man from complete > population, unquestionably a conservative or temporary segregation or isolation." l7 > figure. Another critical question is that of How tenaciously group-egotisms have been > -- > > l0Science News Letter, August 6 , 1 9 3 2 . 1 4 Patterson, "Thc World's Economic Dilemma," > ' > 1Davie, "The Evolurion of War," p. 4 6 . p. 23. > 12 Halley, "The World Economy of Bah4'usll&h," lSLamb, "Economic Causes of War," p. 6. > p. 7. l6 Quoted in Lamb, p. 6 0 . > 13''C~mpilation,3'etc., concerning the Most Great l7 Davie, p. 16, quoting Ratzcl, History of > Peace, p. 41. Madrind. > 648 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > transferred fronl the first prin~itive tribal sin~ilarinsurance treaties, and the Kellogg- > unit, exalting itself with the name "Men" Briand Pact. Actually, "every nation in the > as if other tribes were not men, to the suc- world has become signatory to some kind of > ceeding feudal, state and national organ- a solemn pledge that it will settle its future > izations. difficulties by pacific means." > Ethnocentrism, that loyalty which does Yet in 1935 we stand in more danger of > good service in stabilizing each newly- war than at any time since 1914. The > created society, always in the end projects League of Nations, once seen as the hope > the social body into armed conflict. Today, of the world, has in the last year paved > disguised as nationalism, it is arousing pas- itself ineffectual. Indeed, it is in no true > sions which inevitably must hurtle us into sense a League of Nations, since the United > another desperate struggle. Perhaps in no States, Germany and Japan-to name the > other school will men finally learn that: most important-do not belong. And the > "All prejudices whether of religion, race, League is powerless to stop them, it is > politics or nation, must be renounced, for powerless to interfere if Japan wishes to > these prejudices have caused the world's quarrel with China, it is wholly inadequate > sickness. I t is a grave malady which, nn- to prevent the next great conflict for which > less arrested, is capable of causing the de- all countries are preparing with ill-disguised > struction of the whole human race. Every haste. The armaments race has at last been > ruinous war with its terrible hloodshed and entered upon franlcly although six years ago > misery has been caused by one or another war was renounced "as an instrument of > of these prejudices." national policy." 20 I t is a fact that the > These and many others are tLe true causes world spends enough on armaments in one > of wars. But we must distinguish between year to support the total cost of the League > causes and that basic condition of world for more than sin centuries! > society which makes war actually possible. In a world so enslaved by selfishness, so > For war is itself nothing but one method bestial in many of its impulses, so intent > for settling disputes. I t has already been upon destroying the few world institutions > dispensed with in the relations of indi- which have been laboriously erected, what > viduals, families, states; only between remains to a lover of peace? In what con- > nations does it remain the honored arbiter. solation may his soul find patience and what > Only between nations are there no efiective assurance will sustain him through the com- > definitions of law and government, no rc- ing darkness? There is only one answer. > straints to violence, no alternative courts of Those who cling t o the bright vision > last appeal. of a New World Order, whose thoughts > continuously encircle it and whose actions > International relations, up to the Great faithfully contribute to its consummation > War, were in a state of complete anarchy. -they shall wrest sanity from the world's > Even today, after the efforts of the Ver- insanity and peace from its bloodthirsti- > sailles Treaty to establish a League of ness. > Nations, and in spite of subsequent pacts Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahb'i > and agreements and the organized work of Faith, has written: "That the forces of a > millions of in~erestedpeoplr, international world catastrophe can alone precipitate such > relations are still too chaotic to prevent the a new phase of human thought is, alas, be- > catastrophe which tempts us like a lurid coming increasingly apparent. That nothing > shadow. Definitely, at least five institutions short of the fire of a severe ordeal, un- > and processes for the prevention of war paralleled in its intensity, can fuse and weld > have been established: the League of the discordant entities that constitute the > Nations, the International Labor Office, the elements of present-day civilization, into the > Permanent Court of International Justice integral components of the world com- > a t The Hague, the Locarno treaties and monwealth of the future, is a truth > - > ls'Abdu'l-Bahi, Thr Bobi'i Magazirie, February, Turtle, "Alternatives to War," p. 2. > 1934. 20Kcllopg-Briand Pact, quoted in Turtle, p. l r 2 . > which future events will increasingly dem- May humanity emerge at last from its blind- > onstrate."'' ness into the profound conviction that no > The outlawry of war waits upon the less a foundation than that of undivided > awakening of man's intelligence and will. loyalty to a world society can ever support > - the structure of an enduring peace. > z1 " ~ o a lof a New World Order," p. 26. > K I N G H A A K O N O F NORWAY > AN AUDIENCE > BY MARTHAL. ROOT > M E E T His Majesty King Haakon of spiritual helpers; he too, thinks it may be > Norway, O reader, and you will be as these Northern countries that will save the > charmed as was the writer of this article. world. These srrong, Norwegian people, > Here is a King with a most delightful neutral, whose eyes are lifted up to high > manner. Why, he can laugh at hi~nself and mountains and who loolr down into deep > with everybody else! He speaks his valleys, are serious thinkers, and what they > thoughts so frankly, so sincerely, his sense believe, they live, they promote. > of humor is so sparkling, his sense of pro- His Majesty King Haakon, I observed, > portion so balanced, he is an artist in know- knows very well the religious movements of > ing how to live. Is he spiritual? Yes, very! the twentieth century and spoke of some > The fire of his predecessor on the throne, of them with fine appreciation. He men- > King Haakon the Good of Norway (who in tioned one which he says does much good > 965 A.D. first brought Christianity to the and it does not ask to what church one > attention of this great land of the North) belongs; some of His Majesty's bishops > burns in his deep, dark eyes, but he is one favor it we lmow, but as Norway has a > of the smiling kings who give to humanity state religion, Lutheranism-and also as His > religion full of joy. I t was a merry audience Majesty's government is composed of many > full of fun and wisdom, but the man who parties, this wise King did not permit the > can caminand this radiant, vital spirituality audience to become an interview. > is a King of courage and evolved personality. If one could write what he says about > What impressed me most in this ever religion, about the economic solution, if one > melnorable conversation in the Royal Palace could give his scintillating psychological > in Oslo, May 9, 1935, was His Majesty's comments on the universal principles needed > profound belief that the security of the t o make a better world, it would be eagerly > world and universal peace depend upon read. He told me it would never do, for > religion. If we had one religion that peoples if one quotes a Icing, something he may say > could agree npon and live, it would bring with a smile, when one reads it without the > the tranquillity of the nations. Every point smile and doesn't hear the nuance, the > touched npon came back to this one soh- world, the political parties, the church may > tion, the spiritual foundation for enduring take issue! He laughingly said it is hard > peace. His most passionate desire is for to be a King; it is hard enough to be a > world peace. Even as one from America President, but that is only for a term of > wrote recently, "It is our conviction that it years, it is more difficult to be a King be- > is these nations of Northern Europe which cause he is chosen for life! > may be expected to take a leading part in However, there is another way of know- > all plans intended to make peace and bring ing this great King and that is through his > about an amelioration of the present very life. What one could never learn froin an > troubled and uncertain international condi- interview with him, I relate to you as com- > tion." Mr. Frank Buchman-inaugurator ing direct from the hearts of the Norwegian > of the fine Oxford Group Movement-had people and from me. I was ill in Norway > the divine guidance to come to Norway this immediately upon arrival, and after many > same year with a team of one hundred weeks when convalescing, I walked daily in > 65 1 > 612 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > a beautiful park of silvcr birches whcrc is gcntlc, careful and has all thc human > many Norwegians came and went enjoying perfections in activity. > its loveliness. The first day I asked my An audience with His Majesty King > nurse: "What is that great splendid building Haalton may be more illumi~~ating and un- > on the summit of this people's park?" She forgetable than an interview. This spir- > replied in astonishment, "Do you not know itually lovable King of Norway who will > that is ihe Royal Palace and this is the never talk about himself, who in the whole > King's Park?" I saw the standard waving conversation did not use the words "me, I, > from the flagstaff and my inner eye saw his my or mine," made me happy. I t was so > warmly-human heart that he shares so gen- good t o laugh, so Gibraltar-reassuring to > erously. find His Majesty standing firm for religion > The Norwegian people said to me: "We -liberal, vitalizing religion to change hearts > love our King; he makes us feel he is one and bring the enduring peace. > of us even though he lives in the great Gloriously the sun streamed through the > palace and we in our houses. H e is so wise, palace windows of his room and fell full > so honest, so energetic. We call him our upon his pleasing, thoughtful countenance > 'King Haakon the Good.' Every Sunday he as he said good-bye. The sun did not need > goes t o the Palace Chapel or t o one of the to say that morning, "I am shining," and the > regular church services. The Palace Chapel King did not need to give any interview, > is a place where every one may come." for his life spoke it! > This tall, slender, handsome King moves Long may His Majesty King Haakon of > among his people; he may be seen walking Norway live! And through his way of > in the streets of Oslo, he is often at the "living the life" teach all the world and > opera and very frequently at the social begin with us, the joyous adventure of fol- > functions arranged t o help the needy. One lowing God's Will, the f u n of fellowhip > could h a r d l y think of himPyet-as the and sharing and the enchantment of being > father of his country. He seems more the charming and spiritually ideal even to the > brother who understands, sympathizes; he humblest! > SOME MEMORIES OF THE > SOJOURN O F 'ABDU'L-BAHA I N > PARIS, O C T O B E R - D E C E M B E R , 1 9 1 1 > > (NOTE:I n Vol 1V of the BahBi World, 1930-1932, appeared "Some Memories of > 'Abdu'l-Bahk's stay in London in 1911." Recently some of the Bahi'i friends > have desired to have some further Memories, those of the sojourn in Paris, > October-December, 1911. The author.) > > Mum has been written of the journeys Who is this, with branch of roses in his > of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, 'Abbis EAendi. Having hand, coming down the steps? A pictur- > been released from the prison fortress of esque group of friends (some frknians > 'Akkk, after forty years of captivity, he wearing the kola, and a few Europeans > set himself to obey the sacred charge laid following him, little children coming up t o > upon him by his Father, Bahi'u'llih. Ac- him. They hold on to his cloak, confiding > cordingly he undertook a three years' and fearless. He gives the roses to them, > mission into the Western World. He left caressingly lifting one after another into his > the Holy Land and came to Europe in 1911. arms, smiling the while that glorious smile > During that and the two following years, which wins all hearts. > he visited Switzerland, England, Scotland, > France, America, Germany and Hungary. Again, we saw a cabman stop his fiacre, > When the days of 'Abdu'l-BahVs first talre off his cap and hold it in his hands, > visit to London (in the autumn of 1911) gazing amazed, with an air of reverence, > were drawing to a close, his friends, Mon- whilst the majestic figure, courteously ac- > sieur and Madame Dreyfus-Barney, prepared knowledging his salutation, passed by with > an apartment for his residence whilst in the that walk which a friend had described as > French capital. I t was charmingly fnr- "that of a Iring or of a shepherd." > nished, sunny, spacious, situated in the > Avenue de Camoens (No. 4) whence a Another scene. A very poor quarter in > flight of steps led into the Trocadero Gar- Paris-Sunday morning-groups of men > dens. Here the Master often took solitary, and women inclined to be rowdy. Foremost > restful walks. Sheltered in this modern, amongst them a big man brandishing a long > comfortable Paris flat, he whom we revered, loaf of bread in his hand, shouting, gesticu- > with secretary servitors and a few close lating, dancing. > friends, sojourned for an unforgettable nine Into this throng walked 'Abdu'l-Bahi, on > weeks. his way from a Mission Hall where he had > I shall try to describe some of the events been addressing a very poor congregation at > which took place, hut these events owe their the invitation of their Pastor. The boister- > significance to the atmosphere of other- ous man with the loaf, suddenly seeing him, > worldliness which encompassed the Master stood still. He then proceeded to lay about > and his friends. him lustily with his staff of life, crying > We, at least some of us, had the impres- "Make way, make way! He is my Father, > sion that these happenings became, as it make way." The Master passed through > were, symbols of Sacred Truths. the midst of the crowd, now become silent > (154 > SOJOURN OF ' A B D IS ' L - B A H A I N PARIS 615 > > and rcspcctfully saluting him. "Thank you, ters, Mary and Ellinor, our friend Miss > my dear friends, thank you," he said smiling Beatrice Platt, and I toolr notes of these > round upon them. The poor were always "Tallrs" from day to day. At the request > his especially beloved friends. I-le was never of the Master, these notes were arranged > happier than when surrounded by them, the and published in Eng1ish.l I t will be seen > lowly of heart! that in these pages are gathered together > the precepts of those Holy Souls who, being > Who is he? Individual Rays of the ONE were, in divers > Why do the people gather round him? times and countries, incarnated here on > Why is he here in P ~ r i s ? Earth to lead the sp~r~tual evolution of > human lcind. > Shortly before Bah&'u'lllh "returned to > the shelter of Heaven," He laid a sacred The words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi can be put > charge upon his eldest son, 'Abdn'l-Bah6 on to paper, hut how describe the smile, > (literally Servant of God, the Most Glori- the earnest pleading, the loving-kindness, > ous). This charge was that he should carry the radiant vitality, and at times the awe- > the renewed Gospel of Peace and Justice, inspiring authority of his spolten words? > Love and Truth, into all lands, with special The vibrations of his voice seemed to ellfold > insistence on the translating of all praise- the listeners in an atmosphere of the Spirit, > worthy ideals into action. What profit is and to penetrate to the very core of being. > there in agreeing that these ideals are good? We were experiencing the transforming > Unless they are put into practice, they are radiance of the Sun of Truth; henceforth, > useless. material aims and unworthy ambitions > shrank away into their trivial obscure re- > I hope to indicate, albeit too inadequately, treats. > something of that Messenger, the "Trusted > One," who came out of an Eastern prison 'Abdu'l-BahB would often answer our > to bring his Father's message to the bewil- questions before we asked them. Sometimes > dered nations of earth. During the Paris he would encourage us to put them into > visit, as it had been in London, daily hap- words. > penings took on the atmosphere of spiritual "And now your question?" he said. > events. Some of these episodes I will I answered, "I am wondering about the > endeavour to describe as well as I can re- next world, whether I shall aslt to be per- > member them. mitted to come back here to Earth to help?" > Every morning, according to his custom, "Why should you wish to return here? > the Master expounded the Principles of the In My Father's House are many mansions > Teaching of Bahl'u'llBh to those who -many, many worlds! Why would you > gathered round him, the learned and the un- desire to come back to this particular > learned, eager and respectful. They were of planet?" > all nationalities and creeds, from the East > and from the West, including Theosophists, The visit of one man made a profound > Agnostics, Materialists, Spiritualists, Chris- impression upon us: "0 'Abdu'l-Bahh, I > tian Scicntists, Social Reformers, Hindus, have come from the French Cnngo, where > Slifis, Muslims, Buddhists, Zoroastrians and I have been engaged in mitigating the hard- > many others. Often came workers in ships of some of the natives. For sixteen > various Humanitarian societies, who were years I have worked in that country." > striving to reduce the miseries of the poor. "It was a great co~nfort to me in the > These received special sympathy and bless- darkness of my prison to know the work > ing. which you were doing." > Explanations were not necessary when > 'Abdu'l-Bahh spoke in fr6nian which was coming t o 'Abdu'lLBahh! > translated into French by Monsieur and ,"Talksin Paris," by tAbdu.l-Bahj, Blhi'i Assem. > Madame Dreyfus-Barney. My two daugh- bly, L,,,,~o~. > 616 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > One day a widow in deepest mourning One afternoon, a party of the latter type > came. Weeping bitterly she was unable to arrived. They spoke wordi of bigotry, of > utter a word. intolerance, of sheer cruelty in their bitter > Knowing her heart's grief, "Do not condemnation of all who did not accept > weep," said 'Abdu'l-Bahh, wiping away the their own particular dogma, showing them- > tears from the piteous face. "Do not weep! selves obsessed by "the hate of man, dis- > Be happy! It will be well with the boy. guised as love of God"- thin disguise to > Bring him to see me in a few days." the penetrating eyes of the Master! Perhaps > O n her way out, this mother said, "0 my they were dreading the revealing light of > child! He is to go through a dangerous Truth which he sought to shed upon the > operation to-day. What can I do!" darkness of their outworn ecclesiasticism. > "The Master has told you what to do. The new revelation was too great for their > Remember his words: 'Do not weep, it will narrowed souls and fettered minds. > be well with the boy. Be happy, and in a The heart of 'Abdu'l-Bahh was saddened > few days bring him t o see me.' " by this interview, which had tired him ex- > I n a few days the mother brought her ceedingly. When he referred to this visit > boy t o the Master, perfectly well. there was a loolr in his eyes as if loving pity > were blended with profound disapproval, as > One evening at the home of Monsieur and > though he would cleanse the defiled temple > Madame Dreyfus-Barney, an artist was pre- > of Humanity from the suffocating diseases > sented t o 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > of the soul! Then he uttered these words > "Thou art very welcome. I am happy to > in a voice of awe-inspiring authority, > see thee. All true art is a gift of the Holy > "Jesus Christ is the Lord of Compassion, > Spirit." > and these men call themselves by His Name! > "What is the Holy Spirit?" > Jesus is ashamed of them!" > "It is the Sun of Truth, O Artist!" > He shivered as with cold, drawing his > "Where, 0 where, is the Sun of Truth?" > 'ab6 closely about him, with a gesture as if > "The Sun of Truth is everywhere. I t is > sternly repudiating their misguided outlook. > shining on the whole world." > "What of the dark night, when the Sun > The Japanese Ambassador to a European > is not shining?" > capital (Viscount Arawaka-Madrid) was > "The darkness of night is past, the Sun > staying at the Hhtel d'JCna. This gentle- > has risen." > man and his wife had been told of 'Abdu'l- > "But, Master! how shall it be with the > Bahh's presence in Paris, and she was anxious > blinded eyes that cannot see the Sun's splen- > to have the privilege of meeting him. > dor? And what of the deaf ears that > "1 am very sad," said her Excellency. > cannot- hear those who praise its beauty?" > "I must not go out this evening as my cold > "I will pray that the blind eyes may be > is severe and I leave early in the morning > opened, that the deaf ears may he unstopped, > for Spain. If only there were a possibility > and that the hearts may have grace t o > of seeing him!" > understand." > This was told t o the Master, who had just > As 'Abdu'l-Bahh spoke, the troubled > returned after a long, tiring day. > mien of the Artist gave place to a look of > "Tell the lady and her husband that, as > relief, satisfied understanding, joyous emo- > she is unable to come to me, I will call upon > tion. > her." > Thus, interview followed interview. Accordingly, though the hour was late, > Church dignitaries of various branches of through the cold and the rain he came, with > the Christian Tree came. Some earnestly his smiling courtesy, bringing joy to us all > desirous of finding new aspects of the T m t h as we awaited him in the Tapest~yRoom. > -"the wisdom that buildeth up, rather than 'Abdu'l-Bahh talked with the Ambassador > the knowledge that puffetb up." Others and his wife of conditions in Japan, of the > there were who stopped their ears lest they great international importance of that > should hear and understand. country, of the vast service to mankind, of > SOJOURN OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA IN PARIS 617 > > the work for the abolition of war, nf thr "Be not troubled," said 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > need for improving conditions of life for the "These enemies have no power over my life, > worker, of the necessity of educating girls but that which is given them from on High. > and boys equally. If my Beloved God so willed that my life- > The religious ideal is the soul of all plans blood should be sacrificed in His path, it > for the good of mankind. Religion must would be a glorious day, devoutly wished for > never be used as a tool by party politicians. by me." > God's politics are mighty, man's politics are Therefore, the friends surrounding the > feeble. much-loved master were comforted and > Speaking of religion and science, the two their faith so strengthened, that when a > great wings with which the bird of human sinister-looking man came t o a group who > kind is able to soar, he said, "Scientific dis- were walking in the gardens and threaten- > coveries have greatly increased material ingly said, "Are you not yet sufficiently > civilization. There is in existence a stu- warned? Not only is there danger for > pendous force, as yet, happily, undiscovered 'Abdu'l-Bah6, but also for you who are with > by man. Let us supplicate God, the him," the friends were unperturbed, one of > Beloved, that this force be not discovered them replying calmly, "The Power that pro- > by science until Spiritual Civilization shall tects the Master protects also His other > dominate the human mind! I n the hands of servants. Therefore we have no fear." > men of lower material nature, this power The man departed, abashed, saying noth- > would be able to destroy the whole earth." ing more. > 'Abdu'l-Bahl talked of these and of many > other supremely important matters for more Two days before the close of 'Abdu'l- > than an hour. The friends, wondering, Bahi's visit, a woman came hurriedly into > said, "How is it possible that having spent the gathering at the Avenue de Camoens: > all his life imprisoned in an eastern fortress, "Oh, how glad I am to be in time! I > he should so well understand world prob- must tell you the amazing reason of my > lems and possess the wisdom to solve them so hurried journey from America. One day, > simply?" my little girl astonished me by saying: > Truly we were beginning to understand 'Mummy, if dear Lord Jesus was in the > that the majesty of greatness, whether world now, what would you do?' 'Darling > mental or spiritual, is always simple. baby, I would feel like getting on t o the > first train and going to Him as fast as I > One day, I received a disquieting letter, could.' 'Well, Mummy, He is in the world.' > "It would be well to warn 'Abdu'l-Bah6 I felt a great awe come over me as my tiny > that it might be dangerous for him to visit one spoke. 'What do you mean, my > a certain country, for which I understand precious? How do you know?' I said. 'He > he proposes to set forth in the near future." told me Himself, so in course He is in the > Having regard to the sincere friendship world.' Full of wonder, I thought: Is this > of the writer, and knowing that sources of a sacred message which is being given to me > reliable information were available to him, out of the mouth of my babe? And I > this warning obviously could not be ignored. prayed that it might be made clear to me. > Therefore, a? requested, I laid the matter "The next day she said, insistently and > before the Master. as though she could not understand, > To my amazement, he smiled and said im- 'Mummy, darlin', why isn't you gone to see > pressively, "My daughter, have you not yet Lord Jesus? He's told me two times that > realized that never in my life have I been He is really here, in the world.' 'Tiny love, > for one day out of danger, and that I should mummy doesn't know where He is, how > rejoice to leave this world and go t o my could she find Him?' 'We see, Mummy, > Father?" we see.' > "Oh, Masterl We do not wish that you "I was naturally perturbed. The same > should go from us in that manner." I was afternoon, being out for a walk with my > overcome with sorrow and terror. child, she suddenly stood still and cried out, > 658 T H E B A H P I. ' f WORLD > > 'There He is! There He is!' She was the "Wolf" (so namrd because of h ~ sruth- > trembling with excitement and pointing at less cruelty and geed) had borrowed large > the windows of a magazine store where was sums of money from the two noble and > a picture of 'Abdu'l-Bahb. I bought the generous brothers of ISfihbn. T o accuse > paper, found this address, caught a boat that them of being followers of Bahi'u'llih, t o > same night, and here I am." bring them before a tribunal which con- > The above was written down as i t was demned them to he executed, and to have > related t o me. I t is again the second in- the brothers p a t t o death, was their lot t o > stance of the pictured face of 'Abdu'l-Bahl avoid being reqzaired to repay t h e loans. > arresting the beholder with a colnpelling > force. The first incident was that of a man After the death of the "Wolf" some > in deadly despair, about to take his own life; doculnents were discovered, relating t o the > and now this innocent child! borrowed money. This, with the addition > I t was of great interest t o notice the of the interest which had accun~ulated,now > effect the presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahi had amounted t o a considerable sum. The > upon some children. One little girl whis- lawyer who was in charge of the affair wrote > pered, "Look, that is Jesus when H e was to the son of the martyr, asking into what > old." Perhaps their unstained nature sensed hank the moocys should be paid. The reply > the breath of holiness which was always sent, with the approval of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, > with H i m and caused them to liken him to was that he declined to accept repayment > the Most Holy One of whom they were of money which had been one reason for > conscious. the shedding of his father's blood. > 'Aga M i r z i Jalil was now married t o a > One day a certain man of high degree daughter of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > came t o 'Abdu'l-Bahi. "I have been exiled > from my country. I pray you intercede Whilst these episodes were taking place, > for me that I may be permitted to return." we who witnessed them seemed t o be in a > "You will be allowed t o return." higher dimension where there were natural > "Some of my land has been bought by indications of the presence of the Light > one of the Bah6'i friends. I desire to possess which in all Inen is latent and in 'Abdu'l- > that property once more." Bahi transcendent. > "It shall be given back t o you and with- The constant awareness of an exhilara- > out payment." tion, which carried us out of our every- > "Who is the young man standing behind day selves, and gave us the sense of being > you? May he be presented to me?" One with the Life-Pulse which beats > "He is 'Aga Mirzb Jalil, son of one of through the Universe, is an experience t o be > the martyred brothers of Ipfhh6n." treasured rather than an emotion t o be de- > "I had no part in that crime." scribed. The reader will understand that > "The part you took in that event, I it is impossible t o find fitting words for the > know. Moreover, your motive I know." thoughts and feelings which were with us in > This man, with his fellow conspirator, those Paris days. > RACIAL LIKENESSES A N D > DIFFERENCES: THE SCIENTIFIC > E V I D E N C E A N D T H E BAHA'I > TEACHINGS > > 1. under a tropical sun should be protected by > T H E Bahi'is of America in their efforts to a dark skin and woolly hair. On the other > establish peace anlong warring races, re- hand, some scientists are of the opinion that > ligions and nations, number among their a very fair skin is a faded or bleached one. > varied activities three Summer schools, one All shades are useful and beautiful. The > of which is famous Green Acre, at Eliot, early race was probably neither white nor > Maine. The location of this center on the black. The development of agriculture and > Piscataqua River and amid rural scenes of the use of iron have sometimes been the > beauty is conducive to exhilaration as well means of separating races. > as rest, and during the past forty years many Another period was given to the discus- > great characters of various races have sought sion of racial antipathies. Factors in this are > its stimulus and shelter. the survival of tribal clannishness; variance > This season's program, which extends of religion; this enables some to regard > through July and August, includes a course themselves as the chosen of God and others > in race relations featuring racial likenesses accursed and unclean; dislike for what ap- > and differences, conveying the scientific evi- pears to be "new," "strange," and "dif- > dences and the Bah6'i teachings. I t is con- ferent"; dissenting ideals of what constitutes > ducted by Genevieve L. Coy, Ph. D., for- physical beauty; tribal sense, that is, a belief > merly of Columbia University, now of the that holding together is necessary to sur- > Dalton School of New York. The work vival; trade and economic rivalries. Even > goes deeply into the study of the so-called the cut of the beard in the past has been > races, from the dawn of history until the the means of separating peoples. I t was > present. It includes such topics as, What brought out that physical differences which > constitutes a race? What racial character- have slight foundation and are always super- > istics prevailed in earliest history? What ficial have unhappily had great effect in > parts of the earth were occupied? What separating races. It cannot be denied by the > color had peoples? What culture? Inter- thoughtful that racial differences conflict > esting facts brought out were that knowl- with the fundamentals of true religion. Yet > edge of color din'erences in early tirnes is how persistent arc they! > vague; that most scientists now recognize The effort to measure the capacities of > but three races; that differences between different groups or races by intelligence > them are not well defined; that all races are tests is interesting but exceedingly difficult > more or less mixed; that skin color is due to in estimating results. The reason is that > environment; that national culture is often when backward races have the same cultural > mistaken for racial culture and that there advantages their median and average intelli- > is a tremendous racial admixture in the gence rises. This may be illustrated by the > United States and South America. I t is a higher rating of migrants from rhe Sourh > wise provision of nature that those living when given the advantage of better school > 660 T H E BAHPi'i WORLD > > systems in the North. When the Negro covering the number of outstanding indi- > lives on terms of equality with the whites, viduals; difference in temperament caused > suffering no economic, social or cultural by physical conditions, such as climate; > handicaps, it is quite reasonable to assume geographical differences, such as caused by > that he will measure up to the attainments mountain or valley, desert-dwelling or > of the whites in every particular. Environ- proximity to the sea; also nearness to and > ment and opportunity make all the differ- contact with other races. Also what effect > ence. has the possession of wealth, machinery and > The size of the brain is no gage of intelli- organization, all of which may be fortui- > gence among races. All races see and hear tous? Another interesting discussion cent- > equally well. All are equally sensitive to ered about the statement of Dr. Herbert > > The Spiritual Assembly of t lIC Bahl'is of Karachi, India. > > pain. All races show mechanical ingenuity Adolphus Miller that suppressed races tend > and inventive ability. In brief, there are no to be abnormally subjective, sensitive and > marked racial differences. Cultural differ- aggressive. They are inclined to take every- > ences and those due to climatic conditions thing upon the personal basis and to be > there are. Martinique is mentioned as one unduly suspicious. Representatives of > of the few places on earth where whites and minority groups present admitted this to be > blacks live together on a plane of social true. The statement is made by one who > equality. Here no difference in their respec- has been a life-long friend of minority > tive abilities is apparent. groups, Dr. Miller. I t is, of course, one of > Another very interesting period was that the obstacles to racial understanding. It is > devoted to study of the causes of cultural quite natural, however, in view of pressure > differences in races. This comprehended from without. The Trojans fear the Greeks > such matters as differences in variability, even when they come bearing gifts! > RACIAL LIKENESSES AND DIFFERENCES 661 > > The subject of racial intermarriage was Negro race should move forward into > unemotionally discussed. Scientists agree achievements of higher and finer standards > that it increases fertility in races and is in the fields of music, art, literature, as well > biologically sound. I n view of the pieju- as the liberal and industrial arts and > dices against it, however, those who contract sciences." > such alliances should have the zeal and Mrs. Mary Coristine, a New Englander > courage of pioneers. whose friendship for the colored race has > been accentuated by her study of the Bahi'i > teachings, presided at the second session. > The climax of the week was the annual She spoke briefly on the universal love, > race amity conference, always one of the which is on a higher plane than the mere > most fascinating features of the Green Acre personal love which is so subject to change. > season. The speaker at the opening session Louis G. Gregory spoke on the trend toward > was Dr. Genevieve L. Coy, who had brought world fellowship, as illustrated in the attrac- > to light so many very interesting views dur- tion, cooperation and blending of repre- > ing the week of study. She said in part: sentatives of various races and religions both > "The rate of progress of any group, at home and abroad. Outstanding thinkers > whether rehgious, national or raclal, IS, to are heginning to see that a divided world is > a considerable degree, determined by its most in danger of dissolution. People in all ranks > intelligent and inventive members. A care- of life are obtaining a vision of world fel- > ful study of the work of such distinguished lowship, sometimes articulate, sometimes > artists, writers and musicians of the Negro more effectively expressed in service. This > race shows achievements of such excellence applies to both individuals and groups. Al- > as to give a sound basis for the belief that though as yet these seers represent hut a > the colored race as a whole will develop a small minority of the people of the earth, > fine and true appreciation of artistic and they are imbued with a spirit that is all- > literary culture. We may also expect that pervasive. They are the signs and rising > the Negro race will, in proportion to their places of a new culture. I t is only a new > numbers contribute as much to the culture and universal revelation of religion that can > of America as any of our other racial so train and educate mankind that all race > groups. prejudices vanish and all discords cease. > "In the field of literary achievement we The Sunday morning session of the con- > call attention to the distinguished literary ference was devotional, and the chairman, > criticism of William Stanley Braithwaite; to Mrs. Alice McCausland, read prayers and > the colorful and forceful articles and books introduced Dr. Glenn A. Shook, professor > on racial problems of Dr. W. E. B. DuBois; at Wheaton College, as the speaker. The > to the novels of Jessie Fauset and Jean effort to unite various nations and peoples > Toomer; to the dramatic and lyrical quality in past centuries, he declared, had fired the > of the poetry of such writers as Claude aspiration of men of genius. But in each > McKay, Countee Cullen and Langston case it has failed t o bring permanent results. > Hughes. In musical composition and execu- At this dark hour in human history man is > tion, we must take into account the contri- especially in need of divine guidance. This > butions to American art of such men as divine outpouring is caused by a new Mani- > Nathaniel Dett, Carl Diton, Hall Johnson, festation. How different would the history > Paul Robeson and Roland Hayes. In the of the world have been had the established > field of painting and sculpture we note the religious of the past maintained unity. > work of William Harper, William Scott, Science has great value for man, huc cannot > May Howard Jackson and Henry 0. Tanner. alone accomplish such a task. Some schools > Of these the most distinguished is Tanner, of science even deny divine revelation. > who is recognized as one of the leading Their god is only a great cosmic force, > painters of the world. H e has been awarded working for weal or woe. I t is most re- > knighthood in the French Legion of Honor. freshing to turn to the Bahi'i teachings > With such distinguished leadership, the which satisfy every human need. The com- > 662 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > plete education of m a n comes through the Mrs. Margaret Cartwright of Cambridge, > Prophets of God who create spiritual life. a representative of the Youth Group, there- > Bah6'i administration is a creation, a living upon asked a challenging question: How are > organism, not a synthesis of the past. We reactionary people to get the great message > may have all necessary parts of an organism, if those who know it do not teach, no > but we cannot put them together and cause matter what the sacrifice involved? > life, nor make them work. The world of Rabbi Clark testified to his own stand for > man is composite, but the divine Spirit is justice and the chairman, Prof. Cobb, replied > life. This new divine outpouring alone is that people are greatly controlled by their > able to bring us out of our present chaos. emotions. This force with most mortals is > Prof. Stanwood Cobb of Washington pre- more powerful than intellect. One emotion > sided at the next session, given to general can only be overpowered by a greater emo- > consultation and sociability. The unity of tion. The reality of religion, divine love, > the world, he stated, would not be brought is the Master emotion. This is the great > about through the effort to coordinate dif- security for a failing world. One vital flame > ferent organizations, but rather through a of spiritual consciousness is enough to bring > spiritual consciousness of the oneness of order and relief out of the great chaos that > mankind. The Golden Rule must be confronts mankind. Receptivity to the new > founded in minds and hearts. We must ideals brings success. > think of the happiness and needs of others. Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf said: "Speaking > An interesting incident related was the story of the great conflict between intellect and > told by Dr. Samuel C. Mitchell, distin- emotion, I am reminded of my early experi- > guished southern educator, of how his heart ence as a Bah6'i worker. In my joy over > was fired when he saw and heard 'Abdu'l- the truth I wanted every one to accept it > Bah6 at the Lake Mohonk Peace Conference and was much discouraged by rebuffs. But > in 1912 as the great message of human unity 'Abdn'l-Bah6 reassured me with three mes- > was proclaimed. sages extending over a number of years. > Rabbi Clark, visitor to Green Acre from First, he said, "Be patient!" Anon he said, > the deep South, gave eloquent testimony of "Be divinely patient!" Still later he said, > his admiration for the Bahl'i religion. He "Be magnificently patient!" > also paid a feeling tribute to the colored race By the chairman: "All who work in > and expressed the hope that this great nation movements of idealism are prone to pessi- > would see the advantage to itself in giving mism. They encounter so much crass selfish- > every man a man's chance. Spreading love ness in high and low places that unless they > from heart to heart is a colossal undertak- be securely poised there is failure. Politics > ing. We should not hold knowledge, but and all the lower orders of human nature > impart it. Give opportunities to all. My block the plans for advancement. But > conviction is, he said, that a very high per- idealism and realism must eventually be one. > centage of the influence that directs people Let us not give up but rather fortify our- > comes from their environment. Let us selves with the Spirit." > strive, therefore, to develop in all men their The final session of the conference was > God-given powers for the adornment of the held in the People's Baptist Church of Ports- > world, always seeking unity. I t is deplor- mouth, N. H., whose pastor, Rev. Henry > able that well-wishers of humanity cannot Benton Harris, is alive to progressive cur- > always be out spoken because of hostile and rents in religion and human welfare. > reactionary surroundings. A learned Rabbi Alfred E. Lunt, Esq., of Boston, the > was once asked to resign his pulpit because principal speaker, declared that those who > he upheld and applied in a sermon the engage in strife know not the real meaning > principle of justice to a very critical matter of life. They but pursue phantoms. > in race relations. Because members of his Divisions based upon race, creed and color > congregation had business interests in that uphold that which is inconsequential. Yet > community, they feared harm if their leader such counterfeits in the present world exert > took such a stand, though just. a power which may destroy humanity. We > RACIAL LIKENESSES AND DIFFERENCES 663 > > should seek to heal, nut LO wound. Infrac- gcther. The world must be one home. > tions of divine law inevitably bring down- Vital factors in the new world order are > fall. Those who obey will become a part of wisdom and brotherhood. There must also > the new world order. How can those who be the constant urge to translate words into > favor separation be true advocates of liberty? deeds. Faith in the Supreme overcomes > They array people against each other under those precedents not founded upon reality > false sanctions. They think by force to and it inspires the courage to apply the > make all human beings conform to a single remedy that heals. The Bahi'i teachings > type, an idea not contemplated by God. I t make a special appeal to the ~ o u t hof the > is most unfortunate to set prejudice in mo- world. They ennoble, with the joy of work- > tion, for one fatuity leads to another. Dis- ing for the highest ideals under the sanction > tinctions based upon artificial values have of religion. Ideals having a hwan origin > no standing in the sight of God. Distinc- often degenerate in their realization. But > tions not intended to create strife augment divine ideals are in perpetuity. They inspire > the beauty of creation. Healing for hu- the highest efficiency and involve no waste > manity is realized when there is an inner of life. > resolve to help, keep the divine covenant Dr. Genevieve Coy made brief references > and treat all men as brothers. When we live to the week's course at Green Acre and how > alone we are cut off from the divine reci- scientific evidence had been gathered to > procity and protection. The first Bahi'i refute prejudices. Those who insist upon > principle is the oneness of humanity. This separating humanity become far less dog- > ideal today is outstanding in a world of matic when they truly investigate like- > separation. Because it is the call of God it nesses. Merit and deeds must be the basis > must prevail. A being comes into existence of preferment among mortals, not super- > from every natural composition. But an ficial barriers that have no significance. > artificial composition produces no such re- The bibliography of the study class, in > sults. Let us strive to be component parts addition to the Bahi'i literature, included > of something that is real. The oppressed the works of the most standard authors, > peoples of earth, whether at home or abroad, authorities both foreign and domestic? white > can find unity and freedom by working and colored. The list included: > under the banner of Bahi'u'llBh. His spirit Boas, F.-Anthropology and M o d e r ~Life. > and teachings fulfill the expectations of all Embree, E. R.-Brown America. > the agcs. They bestow such vision as to Embrec, E. R.-Every Tenth Pupil. > enable men to see with the Eye of God. Gift, M. H., and Cox, A. S.-Foundations > This enables the whites to uphold the stand- of Racial Amity. > ard of justice in such a way as to be kind Johnson, Charles-The Negro in American > to the colored, and the latter 011 their part Civilization. > to be appreciative of and grateful to the Klineberg, Otto-Negro Intelligence and > former. Embracing such an opportunity of Selective Migration. > service everyone can become the means of Langdon-Davies, John-The New Age of > quickening and harmonizing humanity. Faith. > Maxwell Miller, also of Boston, argued Locke, Alain-The New Negro. > that race prejudice is indefensible. On thc Moton, Robert-What the Negro Thinks. > other hand, the force of cooperation is Rogers, J. A,-From Supernzan to Man. > needed to upbuild community and world School Money in Black and White. > life. Cooperation and prejudice cannot Wells, H. G.--02ltline of History. > meet for they express different and irrecon- Woodson, Carter G.-The Negro in ouu > cilable planes. The law of evolution which History. > has applied in the growth of our country > from a small group of colonies to forty- The most helpful of the above works, by > eight states, will have its next application the testimony of Dr. Coy, is the litclc > when it sees the greater values of the inter- volume of Mr. Rogers called From Super- > national spirit which binds all nations to- man to Man. Its array of facts, scientific > 664 THE B A H 6 ' f WORLD > and logical arguments and citation of world some foreign landa. As the purpose of > famous authorities carry conviction, leaving Green Acre is the study of reality, those who > no room for any trace of doubt. This, of have watched its progress during the years > course, is not meant to underrate the other are more than ever pleased with the com- > authorities mentioned all of whom have both bined uses of science and religion to > value and charm. brighten minds, solace hearts and to dem- > This conference attracted to Green Acre onstrate, as in a laboratory, the right meth- > a varied and interesting company of friends ods of solving the vexing problems of > representing many cities of America and humanity. > DENMARK'S ORIENTAL SCHOLAR > BY MARTHAL. ROOT > D E N M A R K , one of the oldest countries I t was pleasant, too, to see 'Abdu'l-Bahi's > in Europe, with its beautiful capital, Copen- picture on the walI of his great library. > hagen, the gateway from Western Europe to When asked about the manuscript, this > the great Northlands of the midnight sun, genial Professor said he had bought it from > Scandinavia, is making unique contribution a Muslim book dealer in Tihrin, that it has > to the scholarly investigation of the Bahi'i 110 titles (frinian manuscripts do not have > Faith. I t is significant that this ever un- titles), and contains some Writings of > conquered nation of three and one-half Bahi'u'llih. One is the Tablet addressed to > millions of people with no illiterates and Sulc6n 'Abdu'l-'Aziz, Sultin of Turkey, the > where almost every farmer has his own very Tablet that Professor E. G. Browne in > library and is an indefatigable reader, in the the "Journal of the Asiatic Society," 1889, > midst of this cultured, well-balanced race, said he was not able to procure in frin. > the Bahl'i Teaching from fr6n has been Professor Christensen is not himself a > written about historically by one of Den- Bahi'i because as he said: "From a religious > mark's most outstanding scholars, the first point of view, in general all deeply religious > Danish savant to go to irin. feelings are alien to me, but there is in the > Professor Arthur Christencen, Doctor of Bahi'i Movement something with which I > Letters, Professor of irinian Philology in the am in sympathy; it appeals to me because > University of Copenhagen, member of the it is international and because there must be > Royal Academy of Sciences and Letters of something in it which evokes good moral > Denmark, has made three trips t o irh-in sentiments. I saw that all the Bahl'is in > 1914, 1929, 1934, this last time as first vice- f r i n with whom I had anything to do > president of the International Firdawsi possessed high morals and noble human > Congress 111 Tihrin to celebrate the mille- qualities. No doubt it is a cultural move- > nary anniversary of the great poet of I r k . ment." > His purpose was to study frinian dialects Continuing, he said: "Often I have dis- > and civilization also, but just as in the case cussed the main Teachings, especially with > of the distinguished English scholar, Profes- well known Bahi'is in frin, but I have had > sor Edward Granville Browne of Cambridge di&culty in sharing with them their bright > University, England, he found an interesting outlook on the future which seemed to me > subject opened for him by the literature of indicates an undervaluation of the slowness > the Bib and Bahi'u'llih. in development due to the kuottiness of all > Visiting the Royal Library in Copen- human conditions and of the enormous > hagen in June, 1931, I found in its excellent weighing down of the inferior element in > colhction of Buhh'i books an extraordinary humanity. However, if one has a use for > frinian manuscript containing Tablets of divine Manifestations and prophethood and > Bahi'u'llih. The catalogue notes revealed such things, it seems to me that the Bah6'i > that it had been bought in Tihrin in 1914, Movement in somewhat higher degree than > by Professor Arthur Christensen for this other so-called divine Revelations is purified > library. I t contains one hundred and eighty- from absurdities of thought such as made > one short Tablets. one of the ancient church fathers use the > The same afternoon the writer visited expression: 'I believe because it is incredible!' > Professor Christensen in his home, set in and which in our days causes so many > the centre of a charming Danish garden. religiously inclined people to feel homeless > in the e x i s ~ i nbyatems > ~ of thousand-year-old natural cordiality; they lived for their ideal, > religions. You will not lack warmth of an ideal in which there was just as much of > faith in the enthusiastic, prophetical Words sound and practical morality as of religious > of Bahi'u'llih or in the intensive, persuasive tenets.'' > speech of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi which bear witness Professor Christensen has written among > to His wide grasp of humanity. Here is a his many books two in which the Bahi'i > religion which does not need theology be- Cause is explained; one, "Hinsides det > cause its principles, that is to say, its back- Kaspiske Hav" ("Beyond the Caspian Sea"), > ground of civilization and individual and published in 1918, Gyldendalske Boghandel, > social psychology, are those of our times." Copenhagen, in which Chapter Ten is en- > > Professor Arthur Christensen of Copen- > hagen, Denmark. > > "If a religion," said the Danish Professor, titled "Together with Bahi'is." This is an > "is to be judged by its intluence on men, account of the Movement in its evolution to > one should not forget that the Baha'i com- a World Religion; it also gives Professor > munity in the corrupt, sectarian, suppressed Christensen's meetings with leading BahPis > fr6n of the Qij6r dynasty was the germ in Tihrin and their discussions about the > from which grew a renaissance! Adherence new Faith. I t contains an excellent repro- > to the Bahi'i Faith could at that time in duction of the ~ a h 6 ' iTemple, M+iqu'l- > ir6n and probably still can he taken in frin A a k l r , in IdqPbld, Turkistln, from a > as a guarantee for personal honesty and un- photograph talcen in 1914. Another one of > seffish helpfulness to a reasonable degree." his volumes, "Det Gamle og det Nye Per- > When I spoke of his high tribute to the sien" (The Old and the New Persia"), > Bahi'is of frin in his book published in 1930, I Kommission hos G. E. Gad, Copen- > 1918, he replied: "Yes, I can endorse what hagen, in two places mentions the BLbi > I said then, for personally I have only good Movement which developed into the Bahi'i > memories of the Bahi'is I met in frln. Cause. > They were trustworthy, courageous, helpful The magazine, "Nordisk Tidskrift" > people. They always met me with radiant, ("The Magazine of the North"), in 191 1 > DENMARK'S ORIENTAL SCHOLAR 667 > > had an article by Professor Christensen 011 also several Danish newspaper articles about > "A Modern Oriental Religion" which he the Bahi'i Teachings have appeared under > wrote before his Arst trip to frbn; it is an his signature. "Berliigske Aften," Copen- > historical sketch of the Bib and early Bahi'i hagen, November seventh, 1932, contains a > events. This magazine for science, art and special feature article by this celebrated Pro- > industry of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and fessor under the headlines "En Moderne > Finland contains articles by representative Verdensreligion" and in it he also reviews > writers of these four northern countries. the Danish translation of Dr. J. E. Essle- > Professor Christensen said that the account mont's book, "Bah6'u'llhh and the New > of the Bbbi-Bahgi Movement which he pre- Era," which had just been published by Nyt > sented in his book, "Beyond the Caspian Nordisk Forlag, Arnold Busck, Copenhagen. > Sea" contains the main points that are in No other Scandinavian scholar until now > this article. has written so fully about the Bahi'i Move- > Professor Christensen also has written ment as has Professor Arthur Christensen of > about the Movement for some Danish en- Copenhagen, whose works are well known > cyclopaedias, the Salrnonsens Konversations- among Oriental scholars of the Eastern as > lexikon, last edition, and for the new Illus- well as the Western world. His influence > treret Dansk Konversationslcxilron, 1933; will continue to bear fruit. > FILOZOFIO > BY LIDJA ZAMENHOF > E N c ~ u. tempoj > j la homa menso levadis sin La naturon, t.e. stataron de la ekzisto, oni > super la aferojn de la tiutaga vivo, par serei povas dividi en kelkajn klasojn, el kiuj eiu > la verojn kaj legojn, regantajn la homojn kaj malpli alta estas Btupo kaj grado, tra kiu > la universon. Grandaj filozofoj postlasadis evoluas la supera klaso. Tie1 sur la plej > sistemojn; tiuj sistemoj ofte bildis la pens- malalta ltupo trovigas la regno de mineraloj. > manieron de la epoko, kaj kune estis ofte Ili havas nek inteligentecon, nek instinkton, > por la membroj de tiu epoko fundamento, nek movkapablon. Ilia sola atributo estas- > sur kiu ili bazis siajn konceptojn. ekzisto. Tamen la mineralo, solvita en la > La pasinta jarcento vidis naskigon de nova tero, donas vivon al klaso pli alta, a1 la > granda penso, kiu aperis en Persujo sub la vegetaja regno. La regno de vegetajoj, > nomo "BahLismo," lraj el sia orienta nasliig- bazita sur tiu de mineraloj, posedas kune > loko disvastikas tra la mondo. La filozofiaj kun ili la atributon de ekzisto, sed ai superas > principoj de tiu movado estas konataj a1 la la mineralan regnon per speciala kapablo, la > okcidentanoj tefe el la verkoj kaj paroloj de kreskokapablo, kiu estas fremda a1 la > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, la filo de la fondinto de la mineralo. La vegetaja regno, siavice, pre- > Bahla Movado, Bahb'u'llih. Ofte li re- zentas Btupon, tra kiu evoluas la besta regno. > spondadis a1 diversaj prezentitaj a1 li de- Tiu ?i regno, krom la ecoj de la minerala > mandoj, kaj la Cefaj principoj de la Bahla kaj vegetaja regnoj, sur kiuj gi apogas sin, > filozofio klare elaperas en liaj respondoj. posedas atributojn fremdajn a1 la antaiiaj > Esplorante la eefajn trajtoju de la Bahia klasoj, t.e. movokapablon, instinktojn kaj > filozofio ni turnu ninunue a1 tio, kio nin sentojn. > tirkaiias, a1 la naturo, kaj ni vidu, lrio gi Kaj super tiuj t i klasoj, kiel ilia krona, > estas kaj lria ki estas. trovas sin kreitajo la plej perfekta, la homo. > La naturo, la5 'Abdu'l-Bahi, estas tiu Li heredis de la antaiiaj regnoj iliajn > stato, tiu realajo, kiu konsistas, unuavide, el atributojn-la ekziston, kreskopovon, mov- > viva kaj morto, aii, dirante pli precize, el kapablon kaj sentojn. Per la atributoj de > kombinigado kaj malkombinigado. Ciuj sia fizika ekzisto li ne multe diferencas de la > formoj de la kreitajaro estas rezulto de besta regno. Same kiel la besto, la homo > kombinado. Certaj atomoj, kunligitaj per estas dependa, por sia fizika bonstato, de > la forto de altirado, kreas delikatan kaj aero, akvo, nntrajo, de certa minimum0 kaj > aroman floron, aliaj kreas la homan korpon, maksimumo de temperaturo. Ofte e t la > aliaj amasigas, por doni formon a1 giganta kapabloj de lia korpo malsuperas tiujn de la > suno. Nenin el la forrnoj estas eterna. bestoj. Li ne povas kompari sian flaron kun > Kiam la povo de altirado, kiu cementis la la flaro de hundo, sian vidon kun la vido de > tuton, tesas efiki, la Icombinajo malkombini- aglo, sian lertecon kun la lerteco de simio, > gas kaj venas tio, kion, rilate a1 la vivaj sian forton kun la forto de leono. > estajoj, ni nomas morto. La morto ne estas Kaj la grandegan diferencon inter la besto > tamen por la materio neniigo, nur trans- kaj la homo oni devas serti ne en la ecoj > formigo. La atomoj ne pereas. Kiam de- kaj kapabloj de lia fizika korpo. La dis- > nove ekagos je ili altira forto, ili formos tingajo, lriu levas la homon super eiujn > novajn formojn, kis kiam ankaii tiuj novaj antaiiajn regnojn, estas lia intelekto, tiu > formoj, subiaante a1 la sorto de i.io kom- forto abstrakta sed potenca, kiu permesas a1 > binita, iam malkombini~os. Tiun t i princi- la homo, apartenanta fizike al la mondo de > pon la moderna scienco kouas sub la nomo naturo, altigi super tiun t i mondon kaj > "konservigo de la materio." grandparte sklavigi gin al si. > LA BAHAA FILOZOFIO 669 > > Observante la naturon, ni devas rimarki, Kiamaniere ekestis la naturo? eenerale, > ke bi estas blinda sklavo de la legoj, kiuj oni povas distingi 3 manierojn de kreo aii > gin regas. Vere, tiuj legoj trapenetras bin kombino: 1. akcidentan kreon, 2. senvolan > kun tie1 mirinda precizeco kaj harmonio, ke kreon, 3. volan kreon. > lajnas, kvazaii ili venus de la naturo mem. Se ni volus deklari, ke la naturo elrestis > Sed la naturo ne havas legokrean povon. akcidente, ni estus mallogikaj, tar tio sig- > La tie1 nomataj legoj de la naturo ne nifus akcepti efikon sen kaiizo-tar kreo > estas legoj, per kiuj bi regas; kontraiie akcidenta nepre supozigas antaiiekziston de > -ili estas la lekoj, kiuj regas la naturon. cirkonstancoj, a1 kiuj gi estas auldata. Nek > Elrampi sin el sub ili la naturo ne kap- unu el la sennombraj atomoj de la universo > > The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of San Francisco, California, 1931. (First Bah6'i > Spiritual Assembly having representatives of the black, yellow and white races in its > membership.) > > ablas. Bi posedas nek la intelekton nek povus kreiki akcidente el la granda "nenio," > la volon por tion fari. La grandega suno kiu devus esti ekzistinta antaiie. > vole aii nevole, sen la propra iniciativo La dua konstrukoncepto. la koncepto pri > kaj kompreno, devas brili, 5 s konsumigos la senvola konstruo, supozigas, ke la ele- > kia varmo, sed antaii tiu konsu~nibo gi ne nlentoj havas kvazaii denaskan emon a1 > kapablas, lac sia plato, favori per sia hrilo kombinigado, unu knn la alia. Tiu t i kon- > unu planedon kaj deteni la radiojn de la cepto ne klarigus la ekekziston de la elemen- > alia. Akvo de meza temperaturo devas flui, toj mem; kaj plie, la kombinajoj vole > kaj ne povas, laii sia plat0 kaj fantazio, kreigintaj, devus esti tie1 daiiraj, kiel la ele- > transformigi en solidan korpon. Tiu giganta mentoj mem, kaj dume plej firma roko, plej > universo, kies senlima grandeco imponas a1 potenca suno iam devas malkombinigi, kaj > nia limhava, horna menso, estas nur sklavo la elementoj, gin konstruintaj, devas disfali. > en la manoj de la Potenco, kiu gin kreis, Restas do la tria konstrt~konce~to-la > konservas kaj regas. koncepto pri la vola kreo. Tio signifas > 670 T H E BAHA'i WORLD > > ekzirton de iu rupera Volo, de kiu devenas la homa intelekto, rnalgraii tio la Lorno rklavi- > elementoj kaj kiu pSas ilin unujn a1 la aliaj. gas la elektron en telegrafan fadenon kaj > La Bahia filozofio akceptas ekziston de transportas sin de lando a1 lando per potenco > Superega Volo, ltiu regas la Universon kaj de la vaporo. Kaj same, la homo ne povas > estas gia lekodonanto. Tiu Superega Potenco ltompreni la Suyeregan Potencon, sed tiu > estas nomata Dio. supera Potenco ekzistas malgraii kaj super > Multaj homoj neas la ekziston de tiu lia kompreno, kaj tenas lin en sia povo. > Supera Potenco. Ili argumentas, ke ili povas Kia estas la rilato de tiu krea Potenco a1 > gin nek percepti, nelr koncepti. Sed tiu la kreajoj? Bi estas kiel tiu de aiitoro a1 sia > argument0 pruvas nur, ke nia homa menso verlto, liiel tiu de suno a1 la planedo, a1 kiu > estas liinigita kaj super la destinitan a1 si gi donas la lumon, varlnon kaj vivon. La > kompreu-sferon ne povas levigi. Por Irom- suno mein restas en sia loko lcaj ne forlasas > preni ion aii iun nefesas, ke la komprenanto kin, por kontaktiki kun la planedo. La > estu almenaii egalgrada kun la komprenato. varmo kaj lumo emanas de la suno a1 la > Plej potenca roko, plej pura diamanto planedo, sed la suno mem ne dispartigas, por > neniel povas koncepti la misteron de la veui sur la teron. Same la skribafo emanas > germanta semo, tar la germokapablo estas de la skribanto liaj kanto emanas de la > freinda a1 mineralo kaj estas super kia sfero. Itantauto, sed la skribanto ne transformikas > Same plej potenca ltverko ne povas ltopreni mem en la skribaion nek la kantanto en la > birdon, kiu nestas en kia foliaro, saltas de kanton. Alie okazas, ni diru, en la ekzemplo > branEo a1 branto kaj kantas melodie, turn- de arbo, kreskanta el la semo. Tiam olrazas > ante la lcapeton por aiidi kantoil de alia birdo ne emanado, sed transformigo, tar la semo > -tar la movopovo de la besta mondo, kiaj rnem transformigas en la lcreslcajon, kiu > instinktoj kaj kapabloj estas fremdaj ei. a1 naskigas el gi kaj je gia kosto. La semo > plej perfekta vegetaro. mem lan &as sian formon, kaj liiel tiu t i > Kaj siaflanke besto, t u formiko, t u ele- semo, tesas ekzisti. > fanto, neniel povas koncepti tiop, kio estas La krea Potenco ne transformigas en la > konceptehla por la homo i n t e l e k t e g i ne kreaIojn. &i restas tiam en sia esenco sende- > komprenas la lekojn, kiuj regas la naturon penda, neelterpebla, nedi~parti~ebla,nedi- > kaj kiuju la homo grandaparte fleksis a1 sia videbla. La rilato inter la krea Potdnco kaj > volo-ki vidas kaj aiidas fulmotondron, sed la kreitajoj estas do la rilato de emanado. > gi ne komprenas la elektron kaj ne scias Tiu krea Potenco estas absolute sende- > apliki &an forton a1 siaj bezonoj. &i vidas penda. Sendependa de tempolimoj, Car t i > hriletojn sur la nokta tielo, sed ne kom- ekzistis tiam kaj daiiros Ciam. Nenia > prenas, ke tiuj briloj estas mondoj, nestantaj komenco kaj nenia fino por gi ekzistas. La > en la senlima spaco de la uuiverso. tempo mem, sekve, rilate al gi ne ekzistas, > Tiel do, t a r nenio, staranta sur uilu grado tar tempo estas mezurata per templimoj, kaj > de ekzisto, povas kompreni tion, kio estas kie la templimoj ne ekzistas, kian signifon > sur pli alta grado, anltaii la homo, kvankam havas la tempo? > li estas plej alta el la kreitoj, sed tamen nur Tiu krea Potenco estas ankat sendependa > kreito, neniel povas kompreni la senkompare en sia Esenco, Ear gia ekzisto ne estas sekvo > superantau lin Krean Potencon. Por povi de iu antaiia ltaiizo, same kiel neniu kaiizo > kompreni Dion, li devus esti egala a1 Dio. povas meti finon a1 ki. > Se li prezentus a1 si ion egalan a1 si mem, tio Kaj tiamaniere, sen komenco kaj fino, sen > ne estus Dio. La homo povas koinpreni nur kaiizo kaj konsnmigo, gi estas la Alfo kaj > tion, kion li povas imagi, kaj povas imagi Omego de la ekzisto. > nur tion, kion li povas kompreni. Dion li Krea Potenco, sinpifas-la Potenco, kiu > povas nek imagi, nek kompreni. Tio, E o n li kreas. La kreado estas Eiama, kiel la krea > kapablus imagi kaj kompreni, ne estas Dio. Potenco mem. La koncepto mem pri la > La mineralo ne povas imagi kaj kompreni Krea Potenco sen la kreo estus nelogika, kiel > la kreskokapablon de la floro-rnalgrat tio koncepto pri instruanto sen instruato, pri > la floro kreskas, burgonas kaj floras. La donanto sen ricevanto, pri suno sen radioj. > besto ne povas kompreni la eltrovajojn de la Sed la radioj de la suno, kvankam tie1 > LA BAHAA FILOZOFIO 671 > > pratempaj, k i d la suno mem, estas tame0 evoluas, pasante dc la originaj prin~itivaj > esence dependaj de la suuo, t a r la suno estas forlnoj a1 for~nojtiam pli perfelrtaj. En la > ilia IcaGzo kaj kondito. Kaj la kreita uni- lcomenco de la evoluado la evoluanta estafo > verso, kvankam rilate a1 la tempo senko- povas ankorati forte malsimili de la poste > menca kaj senfina, en sia esenco, t.e. en sia atingota formo, tamen la evoluado oltazas > kaiizo, dependas de la Krea Potenco, la Unua ?ism en la lradroj de la speco. Nek gi venis > Kaiizo. 6i estas do absoluta rilate a1 la el trans la limoj de la speco, nek gi iam > tempo, sed ne rilate a1 la esenco, tar en sia trapasos tiujn limojn. Tie1 la mza arbusto, > esenco gi estas emanajo de la krea Potenco. lrovrita de florantaj bonodoraj rozoj, forte > Tameu la ekzisto, lrvankam eterna, ne malsilnilas de la senaspekta semo, el kiu gi > estas eterna en sia formo. Kiel ni diris naskigis. Rigardante la semon, la gardenisto > antaiie, t i u formo lronsistas el certa lcom- scias, kion gi Isatas en si kaj lrion t i aperigos, > bino, kaj tio, lcio foje estis lcombinita, nepre sed persono nekompetenta pri la gardenkul- > devas iam esti malkombinita. La daiiro de turo povas kredi, ke el tiu semo naskigos > iu formo povas esti kelkaj tagoj, kiel vivo eble violo, ati eble potenca arbo. > de insehto, aii miliardoj da jarmiloj, kiel Krom la individua evoluado ekzistas speca > ekzisto de sun-sistemo, sed eterneco lraj evoluado-tie1 la rozo povas evolui de la > absoluto rilate a1 la formo neniel elzistas. kvinpetala modesta floro gis la resin0 de niaj > Kiel fenikso, la mondo de ekzisto Eiam gardenoj, dank' a1 la saga flegado de la kul- > renaskigas el la propraj cindroj. Kiel peli- turisto. Sed eiam gi estos rozo. Kiel ajn gi > kano, per la propra sango gi nutras siajn povns evolui, neniam gi igos lilio aii kverlto. > idojn. Kaj kiam ni vidas rozon, ni scias, Ire C.e gia > E n la mondo de kreiteco ne ekzistas halto komenco estis roza semo, dotita potenciale > kaj staro. La konstanta movado, Ir kon- per Eiuj kvalitoj de la roz-speco. N e estas > stanta Pangado estas la leg0 de la naturo. Se eble imagi, lte la roza speco evoluis, ni diru, > birdo ekhaltus en sia flugo, t i falus. Same la el tritilto. > astroj ne povas ekhalti en sia kurado, nek la Kaj ankac Ee la komenco de sia pratempa > organismoj en sia evoluado. Halti, ne iri evoluado la homa gento estis Eiam homa > plu antaiien, signifas iri malantaiien. Tie1 gento, aparta de Eia besta speco. Vere, lafi > la homo kreskas kaj maturigas, gis li atingas sia aspekto, vivmaniero, lingvo gi povis simili > sian plej eblan staton de evoluo. Kaj kiam la beston. Sed simileco ne signifas identen- > plua evoluo ne estas ebla, komenci~as la con. Kiel en la ekzemplo de la rozo, en la > malevoluo, la malprogreso de la korpo t.e. la pmtempo de 1%homa gento ekzistis jam la > maljuniiado, gis venas la morto kaj metas poste aperontaj kvalitoj, lriuj marlcos la > finon a1 tiu i.i formo de ekzisto, kiu estis la diferencon inter homo Icaj besto. Kiel en la > homa korpo. ebzemplo de la rozo, tiuj kvalitoj ne tuj > De kie venas la'homo? e u la homa speco elmontrigis, sed kvanliam ne elmontritaj, ili > dekomence ekzistis kiel speco homa, dis- ekzistis potenciale kaj ekfloris, kiam venis la > tingiganta de la besta mondo, aii 2u gi estas tempo. La evoluado de la homa gento > rezulto de longega evoluado, eliranta el la similas la evoluado~lde la homa individuo. > besta regno? El la anatomia konstruo de la Komence la embrio neniel similas la maturan > homa korpo, el la konstruo de lia vertebra homon. En certa stadio de la evoluo gi et, > kolonaro oni konkludas, ke iam, ell la f r u l similas fiQon. Kaj tamen de la lromenco gi > epoko de sia evoluado, la homo havis voston. estas homa embrio, dotita per tiuj homaj > El tio kaj el similaj premisoj kellraj deduktas, kvalitoj kaj perfektecoj, kiuj elmontrigos en > ke la homo devenas de besto. Sed tiu de- la posta grado de la evoluo de la individuo. > dukto estas erara. e a r tin; premisoj mon- Ne el la besta regno devenas la homo. La > tras nur, ke la homo evoluis, ke en iaj pra- homa speco estis tiam speco aparta, speco > tempoj de sia ekzisto li, homo, havis voston, supera a1 la regnoj minerala, vegetaja kaj > simile a1 la besto, sed lafigrade, kiel la speco besta. > evoluis, tiu organo ne estis plu bezona kaj Krom la korpo, kiu prezentas la fizikan, > iom post iom malaperis. Nenio tuj venas videblan parton de la homa estajo, la bahaa > en la ekziston en sia perfekta formo. e i o filozofio distingas en homo animon, menson > 672 THE B A H A ' i WORLD > > kaj syiri~o~l.Per la animo oni komprcnas la maturigas je kapabloj, kiuj monisfestiios nur > movantan forton de la korpo. Se la animo poste, kiam gi ne estns plu ligita a1 la korpo, > kro2as sin al la mondo materiala, gi restos same kiel birdido jam en la ova Belo ricevas > malluma, tar gi transprenos eiujn malper- la flugilojn, sed neniel povas flugi antaii la > fektecojn de la materiala mondo, kiel elkovigo. > avidecon, voluptamon, egoismon. Kaj komprenante tiun 6i veron, la homo > La menso estas tiu kapablo, per kin la ne devas, dum sia surtera ekzistoparto, glui > homo malkovras la sekretojn de la ekzisto sian animon al la mondo de argilo kaj koto. > kaj ekkonas ilian esencon. Li devas zorfe flegi la flugilojn de la spirito, > La animo, lumigita per la lnmo de la por ke li povu flngi, kiam venos la tempo. > intelekto, levas sin super la bestan, ma- Tamen, kiagrade la homo estas libera en > terialan mondon. Kaj la esprimo "la homa sia celado? Cu li, kreito, ne dependas entute > spirito" signifas gnste tiun animon, dotitan de la kreinta lii Potenco! Tiu krea Povo, > per intelekto. estante absoluta, havas la scion pri 2in homa > Tiu intelekta animo, estante abstrakta, ne ago, tiuj homaj agoj estas do kvazaii en- > dependas de loko. 6 i ne enltorpigas en la skribitaj en la libro de destino. Cn estas do > hornan korpon ltaj en sia ekzisto ne de- eble kontraiistari la antaiidestinitan sorton? > pendas de la korpo, sed estas knn bi ligita, La antaiiscio ne estas kaiizo de la destino. > kiel lumo, respegulanta sin en spegulo, estas Ekzemple nun ni eiuj scias, ke post kelkaj > ligita kun la spegulo. La lumo ne dependas horoj la sun0 kalos sin sub la horizonto, sed > de la spegulo. Kiam rompigas la spegnlo, la tiu nia antaiiscio ne estas kaiizo de la fakto, > lumo plie brilas. Plie et, se en la mondo kontraiie, gi mem venas de tiu fakto. La > ekzistus nenia lumo, 2u la spegulo entute astronomoj scias de antaiie, kiam okazos la > estus imagebla kaj uzebla? Ankau rilate al eklipso de la suno, sed ilia scio ne estas > la korpo liaj spirito-esenca estas la sp~rito, kadzo de la sun-eltlipso. > tar sen gi la lrorpo ne havus signifon. Kaj Same, ltvankam en la antaiiscio de la Plej > kiel la lumo ne pereas malgraii la rompo de Supera Krea Potenco enskribita estas nia > la spegnlo, ankaii la spirito ne pereas malgraii sorto, tiu antaiiscio ne signifas destinon, Ri > la detruo de la korpo. estas nur unu el la atributoj de la Krea > La korpo en sia esenco estas mortema, Sar Potenco. > estante Icombinita, gi devas malkombinigi. La sorto estas duspeca: nepra kaj akci- > Sed la spirito ne konsistas el atomoj, gi ne denta. Por klarigi la diferencon, ni uzu > estas komlinita, gi ne malkornbinigas, gi ne ekzemplon. Laii sia nepra destina la Fun0 > pereas. Malligita de la korpo, i i plue vivos devas brili kaj de la mateno iis la vesper0 > en la propra sfero, en la regno de spirito, kie lumigi la teron. Sed sorto akcidenta ail > gi eterne evoluos, celanee la perfektecon. hazarda povas kaiizi, ke nulo aperas inter la > Nia surtera vivo estas por nia spirito sun0 kaj la tero kaj detenas de la tero la > kvazaii la vivo de embrio en la patrina sino. sunajn radiojn. > En la stato de embrieco la homa estajo kapa- Laiidestine, kiam oelo en lampo konsumi- > blas nek kompreni, nek e2 imagi la mondon, gas, la lampo nepre devas estingigi. Sed > en kium gi venos poste. Vere, gi havas jam povas okazi, ke et antaii la konsumigo de la > la okulojn, sed ili ankoraii ne vidas. 6 i oleo hazarde forta vento estingos la flamon. > havas orelojn, sed la aiidopovo manifestigos Ankaii la nepra sorto de la homo estas > nur post la veno en la mondon. La ekstera veni en la mondon, maturiii, atinginte la > mondo atendas gin, plena de beleco, sed vane staton de la matureco, komenci maljunikadi, > Ia embrio en la patrina sin0 demandus, kaj fine, kiam plenumi&os la tempo, redoni > ekzemple, kio estas la "Sielarko?" Ne, tia sian korpon a1 la tero-sed povas okazi, ke > demando mem estas neimagebla! Kaj vane briko falas sur lian kapon kaj pli frue > &i demandus, por kio servas la okuloj. La tran2as la fadenon de lia korpa vivo. La > patrino mem scias tion, sed klarigi a1 la ido nepran sorton ni ne povas eviti, sed ni povas > ne estas eble. Cio, kion si povus respondi, eviti tiujn flankajn katzojn, haj estas saae > estus: atendu, gis vi venos en la mondon. gardi sin kontraii ili. > Ankaii nia spirito dum sia surtera ekzisto La homo estas responda por tiuj siaj agoj, > LA BAHAA FILOZOFIO 673 > > kiujn li plenumas la6 sia propra elekto. Se amo, ne ekzistoe plu la egoistno. Same > ekzistus nenia libereco de la volo, ekzistus avideco en sia esenco ne estas malbonatar > nenia respondeco-nek merito, nek kulpo. deziro je io plia estas stimulilo de la pro- > Ne estuskulpo de Judaso, se superega fato gress~. La malbono ku3as en tio, ke la > estus iginta lin perfidi sian Majstron, same deziro direkcihas a1 celoj materialaj, anstata3 > kiel ne estus merito de Kristo, se tiu sama al la spiritaj. Tie do, kie ni kredas mal- > superega fato igus lin, por la bono de la bonon, estas nur manko de hono, manko de > homaro, elporti persekutadon kaj morti sur harmonio. Tiel ankau la venena serpento > la kruco. Same $tono ne estas respondeca, ne estas io malbona: la veneno estas ja gia > t u j; estas jetita por frakasi ies kranion, a5 armilo, per kit1 gi defendas sin. Sed ear > t u gi estas metita kiel barn de templo. mankas harmonio inter giaj elementoj kaj la > Konscie, libenrole celi a1 la perfekteco-jen niaj, pro tio, rilate al ni, la venena serpento > la merito de la homo. aperas kiel malbona. > Sur sia vojo li ofte renkontas malfacila- La homo devas peni, ke la besta parto de > jojn. Cagreno kaj malgojo akolnpanas lin lia naturo neniel superregu la spiritan parton. > ofte tra la vivo. Sed ili ne venas hazarde. La supereco kaj evoluo de la spirita parto > Ili estas senditaj a1 ni desupre, por ke ni devas esti lia celo, la lrialo de lia vivo. > lernu kaj perfektikadu tra ili. Facile estas Kiel atingi tiun celon? e u forturuante > veli sur trankvila maro-sed vere brava estas la okulojn de tiuj gojoj kaj beloj de la vivo > uur tiu maristo, kiu meze de ondegoj kaj kaj lacigante la korpon per la asketismo? > uraganoj ne perdas la kapon, sed scias kon- Tute ne. La gojoj estas kreitaj por ni, por > duki la dipon a1 sekura haveno. Per la ke ni uzu ilin, kondite nur, ke ni ne donu > malfacilajoj ni lernas kaj hardikas. Sen ili al ili rro da loko, ke ni ne permesu al ili > ni estus neelprovitaj. Ju pli granda estas ekposedi nin. Kaj la korpa malforteco ne > la sufero, des pli granda estas la rikolto de estas virto. Paralizito povas neniun frapi, > la spiritaj virtoj, elmontritaj en la homo. mutulo ne povas mensogi, sed tio ne estas > La gojo ialoje igas la homon memfida kaj virtoj. La homo devas lerni ne bati, havante > forgesema. Sed kiam venas la malkojo, la fortan brakon kaj ne mensogi, havante sanan > homo rememoras sian malgrandecon kaj langon. Tio t i estas la Vera mildeco kaj > senpoveon, kaj turnas sin supren, al la supera boneco. > Potenco, kiu sola havas la povon savi lin el Rigardante la homojn, ni vidas, ke ili tiuj > liaj malfacilajoj. Kaj tiel degelas lia memfido apartenas al la sama, homa, speco. Ciuj ili > kaj kreskas lia spiriteco. estas faritaj el la sama argilo, kiel potfaristo > Doloro ne signifas malbonon. Hirargiisto, el la sama argilo faras ujojn, sed donas a1 ili > trantanta la malsanan lcnrpon, kaiizas dolo- diversajn formojn, destinas por diversaj celoj > ron, sed ne faras malbonon. kaj pentras per diversaj koloroj. S i p l a , > Pozitiva malbono, la6 la bahaa folozofio, ordinara poto ne rajtas kritiki la potiston > ne ekzistas. Se la krea Potenco escus kreinta kaj riproti, ke li ne donis a1 gi subtilan > malbonon, gi estus neperfekta. En la kreajo formon kaj luksajn kolorojn-tar la potisto > ne ekzistas malbono. Cio estas bona. Tio, plej bone scias, kio estas bezona. Alitlanke > kion ni nomas malbono, estas nur manko a6 eleganta vazo ne rajtas fieri super la ordinara > malforta grado de bono. Homo tiel nomata poto, 2ar en la sama fabriko estas formita, > malbona estas homo, kies pli alta naturparto el la sama argilo, de la sama potisto. > ne estas ankorac disvolvira, dum viglas la Kaj se ni vidas homon simplan, e t krudan, > malpli alta, besta parto de lia naturo. Kiam egale ni ne rajtas fieri super li, Ear se ni e t > disvolvihos la parto yli alta, la aisnuna superas lin, t u per nia inteligenteco, 2u per > malbonulo igos bonulo. Se li estas memama, aliaj kvalitoj, ni tamen apartenas al la sama, > la malbono ne konsistas en lia amo al si mem, homa speco. Kaj nia supereco-se entute ni > tar Eia amo, e t la propra, estas bona. La rajtas paroli pri supereco--devenas ne de ni > malbono konsistas en tio, ke tiu amo estas mem, sed estas a1 ni donita de nia Keinto. > direktita ekslcluzive a1 li mem, ne a1 aliaj. Bah6'u'llih diras: 2u vi scias, kial Ni faris > La malbono konsistas do en manko de amo vin tiujn el la sama argilo? Por ke neniu > a1 la aliaj. Kiam a1 la alija direktigos lia el vi fieru super la alia. > 674 THE BAHA'I WORLD > Ciun cl ni kreis, formis, vokis al elrzisto tiuj, kies opinioj diferencas de la niaj. Car > unu sama Povotu ni ne estas do fratoj en ties pensokapablo venas el la sama fouto, > la plej Vera senco de tiu ti vorto? e n ni ne eiuj opinioj estas radioj de la sama sun0 de > estas tiel p t o j en unu maro, folioj sur unu intelekto, radioj, lciuj, kvazau pasante tra > branto, floroj de unu gardeno? diverskoloraj vitroj, yetas diversajn brilojn. > Kiam ni eniras belan bardenon, ni vidas Ciuj homoj estas sertantoj de la Vero, kaj > tie florojn kaj arbojn diversajn. Kaj h s t e multaj estas la vojoj, kiuj kondukas a1 la > tiu diverseco faras, ke la garden0 estas bela, Vero. Tiuj vojoj povas preni la nomojn de > Ear se i i konsistus nur el samaj floroj, ni plej diversaj religiaj, sciencaj, sociaj, filo- > trovus gin monotona. Ankaii en la gardeno zofiaj sistemoj, sed sur kaj tra eiuj vojoj, > de la hemaro kreskas diversaj floroj-blankaj, iie kaj Siam, a1 la sama celo, a1 la progreso > nigraj, flavaj kaj ruiaj. Tiu diverseco devas kaj perfekteco iras la homoj. N i do respektu > esti inter la homoj kaiizo de harmonio, same iiun homon lraj tium opinion. Ni penu > kiel en muziko diversaj tonoj formas unu kompreni tiun nian homfraton, ni amu lin > harmonian akordon. Tiu diverseco faras, tiel, kiel unu frato amas alian, ni vivu en > ke la gardeno de la homaro estas tie1 bela kaj paco kun tiuj homoj kaj en harmonio kun > riEa. tiuj superegaj leioj, kiuj kondukas la stelojn > Same, kiel ni devas esti en harmonio kun sur iliaj orbitoj kaj la homojn en ilia celado > niaj alioloraj, alilingvaj, alinaciaj hom- supren, a1 la perfelrteco. > fratoj, ni devas ankair esti ell harmonio kun > T H E BAHA'I M O V E M E N T > > MY first acquaintance with the Bahi'i suggestion or system for the better ordering > Movemcnt and teachings occurred some of world affairs could possibly originate in > years ago when I received a communication f r l n ? Or is it rather that the Bahb'i prin- > from Mr. E. T. Hall of Manchester, Eng- ciples, when only casually examined, are > land. Mr. Hall had happened to see one or regarded as too utterly idealistic-the dream > two copies of the local Journal which I edit, of some would-be new Messiah? > and from the tone of its editorial and other Whatever the explanation may be, the > articles he judged that some indication of Bahh'i principles seem to me to be worthy > Bahl'i principles would not be unacceptable. of the most earnest and sympathetic consid- > His letter was duly published, and ever since eration. It is a trite but true saying that > then an interesting and intimate correspon- Truth is a diamond of many facets, and > dence has been kept up between us. light should be given free scope for clear > Subsequently I had the pleasure of receiv- shining no matter from what direction it > ing many Bah6'i publications-books, maga- may emanate. Even the Christian religion > zines and pamphlets-so that by this time had its origin in Judea. So noble and so > I am probably better informed concerning pregnant with practical suggestions for > the Movement and all it stands for than any world betterment are the Bah6'i teachings > other journalist in the country. (This I that it seems to me the World's Press is > count 3 privilege and an education.) These missing a great opportunity in failing to > publications I reviewed, sometimes briefly give them every publicity while at the same > and sometimes more fully, in the ordinary time inviting all pertinent and relevant > course of my journalistic work. The re- criticism or comment. Would that the > views or notices were kindly spoken of and world's leaders possessed a knowledge of > I fear rather highly appraised by Mr. Hall Bahh'ism in its spiritual and social aspects > and other Bahi'is who did me the honor and seriously set themselves towards hring- > of reading them, and I have been the recipi- ing its fundamental points into actual > ent of many warm-too wann-words of operation. > appreciation. But the reaction of my readers I n perusing Bah6'i publications, what first > to these thoughts was practically nil. struck me most pleasingly was the high spir- > Nothing has surprised me more than to itual tone which permeates the writings of > learn that my treatment of Bahi'i publica- all exponents of the Movement. Bah6'ism > tions as a journalist has been exceptional if is based in the first place on the essential > not unique in British newspapers. Why it unity of the human race. This is fully in > should he so I am at a loss t o understand. harmony with the declaration of St. Paul to > The British Press in general has a world-wide the Athenians: God "made of one every > reputation for the freedom it affords for the nation of Inen for to dwell on all the face > discussion of all shades of opinion emanating of the earth."' Moreover, every moral and > from thoughtful minds. If an exception is spiritual precept set forth by Prophet or > deliberately made in so far as Bahh'ism is Apostle-those whom the Bahh'is refer to as > concerned, it must surely be due to some Revealers or Manifestations of the Divine > strange misunderstanding. Can it be that, Mind and Will-is clearly of universal appli- > as iz was asked of old by Nathanael, "Can cation. Truth has relation to the whole > there any good thing come out of Naz- > areth?" so it is tacitly assumed that no good > -human race, not to any particular section, > ' Acts xvii. 26-R. V. > ti75 > THE BAHA 'f WORLD > class, race, or nationality, and it is an ac- tianity did not set fnrth any scheme of > cepted axiom that sound principles of ad- administration for universal adoption. Very > vancement and uplift are for all mankind. obviously the world was not then at a stage > Concerning other leading tenets of the of development fitted for the working of > Bahi'i Movement it is unnecessary that I any definite system of social order. Bur the > should enter into any detailed statement in nineteenth and twentieth centuries have > this article. They are set forth with great brought many changes-more, indeed, af- > clarity and beauty in the publications issued fecting international relations than in any > on behalf of the Bahi'i Cause. Though previous period of recorded history. Bahi'is > enunciated and proclaimed by the frlnian claim that Bahi'u'llih was a Prophet for the > sage, Bahi'u'lllh, some seventy years ago, New Age, inspired t o set forth how the > they are entirely fresh and applicable to Christian truths and the truths at the basis > present-day developments, while some of of all other religions can be fitted to admin- > them are still in advance of leadig modern istrative processes the universal adoption of > thought, and are laid down with a states- which would result in bringing into opera- > manlike grasp of affairs that may be re- tion the long-prayed-for Kingdom of God > garded as truly inspired. No lover of upon earth. For myself I see no difficulty in > humanity can afford to set such teachings accepting the suggestion that as there were > aside as mere idealism unworthy of serious great Prophets who pointed forward to the > consideration or concern. So much can be coming of the Divine Teacher to be born in > said without insisting that every claim and Bethlehem, so, from that turning-point in > statement in the Movement must necessarily human history onwards, other great Prophets > be infallibly true. should arise to proclaim t o the world how > Personally, I was raised in the Christian His infallible truths are to be practically > (Protestant) Faith and as a member and applied and administered for the welfare of > office-bearer for many years in the Church mankind. That Babl'u'llhh takes a high if > of Scotland (Presbyterian) I subscribe to its not an altogether unique place among such > confessional standards as sufficiently expres- Prophets or Revealers can hardly be denied > sive of my religious beliefs. But this does by anyone familiar with his writings and > not mean that my mind is foreclosed to fresh teachings. And that he arose in f r l n seems > expository thought-quite the contrary. As to me to have a significance all its own. At > a journalist, too, I naturally welcome high any rate, the student of Bah6'ism who fails > and constructive thinking-immeasurably to be impressed by the nobility and sanity > beyond my own powers-from whatever of Bahb'ullhh's Revelation, safe-guarded by > source it may come. To me, therefore, the successive Guardians of the Cause, must be > Bahi'i publications have proved of profound singularly insensible t o the excellencies and > interest. In particular I appreciate the fact values of great constructive thought. > that it is not a system of priestly orders, I n the summer of 1930, I made a tour of > with elaborate rites and ceremonies. Yet it various cities of the United States and Can- > recognizes that "Religion is the greatest ada. When at Chicago it was my privilege > instrument for the order of the world and to be shown over the Bah6'i Temple at > the tranquillity of all existent beings." This Wilmette, so far as it had then been con- > emphasis on personal religion is, to my mind, structed. Not only so, but I had the honour > all-important, for without the Holy Spirit of an introduction to Mr. Louis J. Bourgeois, > operating in the hearts and lives of men all its architect, who showed me his blue-prints > our social and economic plannings will be and drawings and by means of a model of > largely disappointing and vain. the Temple explained to me the spiritual > Throughout Christendom, apart from de- significance of its design: Never had I seen > nominational differences, it is common anything that so captured my interest and > grobnd that the ethical teachings of Jesus imagination. Here, it was evident, was > Christ of Nazareth are incomparabIy the something original in conception, with a > greatest the world knows. Equally it is wealth of symbolism and beauty far surpass- > common ground that the Founder of Chris- ing anything I had conceived prior to enter- > THI! BAHA'I MOVEMENT 677 > > ing his studio. I t afforded me an insight for a11 orderly expansion of real Rrotherhnod > into the unifying principle underlying Ba- through a system of administration on lines > hi'ism such as I had not previously realised. of justice and truth universally applicable, > I t was with sincere sorrow that I learned of the sentiment must remain very much in the > Mr. Bourgeois' death a month or two later. region of the abstract. > My visit to his studio and the interview with My plea, therefore, would be for fair and > which he honored me I regard as a veritable impartial consideration of the World Order > red-letter day in my life. promulgated through the Bahi'i Movement. > We all speak of Brotherhood and Unity I t will be found worthy of study by the > and we lcnow that as general sentiments they most highly cultured minds in all nations. > are admirable. Various organizations and If it be what it claims to be-a Revelation > agencies exist for the purpose of giving for this new age-then i t may be likened > effect to the spirit of Brotherhood among to a lens of crystal purity focussing and > men and nations; and for all that has been manifesting the Light that shines from Zion > and is being done in this direction we cannot hill, the Light that is destined eventually to > be too grateful. But until scope is afforded lighten every land. > Some of the Bahi'i Friends in Addis-Ababa, Abyssinia. > Miss Jane Addams, "mother of Hull House," Chicago, and referred to as "the most > useful citizen" of that city. > 'ABDU'L-BAHA'S H I S T O R I C M E E T I N G > W I T H J A N E ADDAMS > > "Oneness of the world of humanity insz~resthe glorification of nzm. International > peace is the assnrance of the welfare of all mankind. There are no greater nzotives and > Purposes in the human sozll." .. . "Your efforts must be lofty. Exert yourselves with > heart and soul so that perchance through your e,forts the light of Universal Peace may > shine and this dnvkness of estrangement and enmity may be dispelled among m a ; that > all men may bec0m.e as one family and consort together in love and kindness; that the > East may assist the West and the West give help to the East, for all are the inhabitants > of one planet, the people of one original nativity and the flocks of one shepherd."- > 'Abdu'l-Bahd. > > I T was on a warm, springlike day, April scientious, sensitive, idealistic girl. These > thirtieth, 1912, that Hull House in Chicago qualities developed into high moral courage, > was all astir. For 'Abdu'l-Bahi, a great and the unswerving devotion to duty, and the > holy Personage from Palestine was expected. passion of self-sacrifice for others. These > This important visit was planned by Jane characteristics served to make this frail > Addams, "Mother of Hull House," or "Chi- woman elect to pass her life in an unsavory > cago's Most Useful Citizen," as the people quarter of this great industrial city, Chi- > of Chicago lovingly call her. cago, and to spend there, in behalf of the > Seldom has biographer presented two more poor, her inheritance, which would have > significant and inspiring world figures, both maintained her in comfortable idleness amid > working earnestly for the Unity of Mankind the beautiful things that she loved. Here > and the establishment of Universal Peace she has ministered to and educated those in > than 'Abdu'l-Bahi, the Center of the Cove- dire need and thus worked indefatigably for > nant of the Bahi'i World, and Jane Addams, the establishment of the unity and amity of > the President of the Woman's International mankind. > League for Peace and Freedom: one Who As the years unfolded, Jane Addams re- > had been chosen as a Divine Exemplar to ceived her A. B. degree at Rockford College, > humanity, and the other reflecting the spirit Rockford, Illinois, in 1 8 8 1 . Then she spent > of service. How fitting that Hull House- two years in Europe, 1 8 8 3 - 1 8 8 5 , because of > an outstanding example of the application of imperfect health. In 1 8 8 8 she studied in > the great principle of the Oneness of man- Philadelphia, and the next year opened Hull > kind, should be the place of meeting. House with the assistance of Miss Ellen > Gates Starr, and has ever since heen its Head > During a recent interview with Miss Resident. For three years she served as > Addams, the writer learned that it was in inspector of streets and alleys on the south- > 1 8 4 4 that the Quaker father of Jane west side of Chicago. She received her > Addams moved to Illinois. A pinecrowned LL.D. from the University of Wisconsin in > hill is the living memorial of the bagful of 1904 and in 1910 was honored in the same > seeds planted by him in that memorable year way by Smith College. Later she became > of world history. In 1 8 6 0 a little girl was president of the National Conference of > horn at ~edarville,Illinois, in the shadow of Charities and Corrections. Yale University > those pines. As a child, she was a shy, con- granted her its A. M. degree in 1910. h > 1912 she became vice-president of the Na- During the year six thousand paid showers > tional Woman's Suffrage Association and and twelve thousand free showers help to > chairman of the Woman's Peace Party. I n keep up the physical, mental and moral > 1915 she was elected delegate to the first standards. The Italian, Jewish and Greek > Peace Convention at The Hague, and the nationalities seem t o predominate in the > same year became the founder-president of clubs and classes. > the Women's International League for Peace > and Freedom, and still remains its active I n Miss Addams' high-ceiled living room, > president. She was the delegate to the Peace the writer aslied her, "What has been one of > Conventions at Zurich in 1917, at Vienna, the central ideas of the activities of Hull > in 1921, and at The Hague in 1922. O n House?" Her liindly eyes brightened as > January 12, 1923 she started on a six she said, "The things which make inen alike > months tour of the world in the interests are finer and better than the things that > of world peace. During all these years keep them apart, and these basic likenesses, > many books have come from her pen, and if they are properly accentuated, easily tran- > she has served on numerous state and na- scend the less essential difference of race, > tional committees having to do with social, language, creed and tradition." After a > philanthropic, industrial and international time she continued with an alert enthusiasm. > problems. "Life at the Settlement discovers above > all what has been called the extraordinary > Hull House, one of the first American pliability of human nature; and it seems im- > settlements, stands as a dream fulfilled. I t possible to set any bounds t o the moral > was established in 1889, t o become a spa- capabilities which might uilfold under ideal > cious and hospitable home, tolerant in spirit, civic and educational conditions. I n order > equipped t o care for the pressing physical, to obtain these conditions, the Settlement > mental, social and spiritual needs of a poor, recognizes the need of cooperation, both > alien, complicated community. with the radical and conservative elements. > About fifty men and women of various Hull House casts aside none of those things > races and creeds and backgrounds form the which cultivated man has come t o consider > residenti~l staff, mostly college graduates reasonable and goodly, but i t insists that > who pledge themselves t o remain two years. those belong as well t o that great body of > I n addition, one hundred and fifty others people who because of toilsome and under- > come to Hull House each week as teachers, paid labor, are unable to procure them for > visitors or directors of clubs. About nine themselves. Added t o this is the profound > thousand persons come to the settlement conviction that the colnmon stoclr of intel- > each weeli during the winter months, as lectual enjoyment should not be difficult of > members of the audiences or classes. Miss access because of the econonlic position of > Addams explained that the attractions of- him who would approach it, that 'those best > fered include classroom instruction in Eng- interests of civilization' upon which depend > lish, current topics, typing, arts and crafts, the finer, freer and nobler aspects of living > music, drawing, folk dancing and nearly all must he incorporated into our common life > phases of domestic arts. Public lectures and and have free mobility through all the ele- > clubs of many kinds supply the needs of ments of society, if we would have a true, > men, women and children of all classes, enduring democracy. The educational ac- > beliefs and shades of color. A circulating tivities of a Settlement, as well as its philan- > library of two thousand volumes stimulates thropic, civic and social undertakings, are > mental interest. A well trained, working but differing manifestations of the attempt > boy's band of sixty-two pieces is a source of t o socialize true democracy, which is the > great joy, as are the many tournaments and very existence of Hull House itself. I t is > contests, enjoyed especially by the little cbil- thus that peace and unity are established." > dren of foreign lands. The monthly gym- "Do yon thinlr that the people of the > nasium attendance is three thousand, and world generally are more peaceminded than > the fifteen showers are kept in constant use. before the World War?" she was asked. > THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > "Oh, yes. The wlr startled and shocked ever impressed with a finc quality of innate > them into a realization of the need of peace courtesy, a sympathetic sensitiveness, a > as never before. I t has been more discussed queenly dignity and greatest of all the keen- > and written about and has become the most ness of a brilliant intellect expressing a well- > vital probleill before man." balanced and well-ordered mind. > "What do you consider the greatest forces When the author asked her if she had met > of the world today working for peace?" that distinguished Personage of Palestine > "There are three," she replied: "First, psy- Whom Great Britain had knighted as one of > chological; second, political; and third, me- the greatest advocates and establishers of > chanical. First, the psychological includes World Peace and the Unity of Mankind that > all the boolrs, newspapers, magazine articles the world had known, 'Abdu'l-Bahl, she re- > and all the addresses and discussions on the plied with an emphatic "Yes." In a low > subject, but something more than all of pitched, well modulated voice, she spoke of > these, the interest and overwhelming desire inviting 'Abdu'l-Bahl to visit Hull House > in the heart for peace. Second, the political, on April 30, 1912, to speak in Bowen Hall, > even, has become a force for peace. Inter- and although the hall seats 750 people, it > national instruments to take care of the was far too small to hold the crowds that > affairs of all the nations of the world must poured in. I n streams the rich and poor, > be created before peace can be maintained. the educated and ignorant, the managers of > These are only just beginning, in the League business and the industrial slaves came. Hull > of Nations, the World Court, an Interna- House was all astir. So was Halstead Street, > tional Code of Law and an International that bit of cross-section, seemingly, of all > Police Force to enforce the law. Many the markets, bazaars, cafes and wayside > other international instruments of this na- churches of all the races, nationalities and > ture will be required. Third, nothing can creeds of the world. > stay the progress of the machine age, the Miss Addams herself, acting as chairman, > invention, the improved methods of in- welcomed 'Abdu'l-Bahi and graciously pre- > tercommunication and intertransportation. sented Him to the audience. Dr. Bagdadi, > This is also a great force, bringing about a physician of Chicago, served as His inter- > better understanding in the world which preter, having known and loved 'Abdu'l- > is the basis of peace." Bahi years before in the Holy Land. > "You ask what I consider to be the great- To attempt to describe 'Abdu'l-Bahi is > est need of the world today?" she continued. like trying to paint the lily. As he stood > "I would put it in one word, understanding before the sea of hungry upturned faces, > -understanding between individuals, classes, His magnetic personality, His radiance, His > races, nations. Literature, history and me- penetrating potency, the power of His in- > chanics are bringing it about much more spiration, the very purity of His life, and > rapidly today. Are not nations simply the great understanding compassionate love, > families living together, learning t o adjust made an impression upon His listeners that > themselves to each other for the best good they can never forget. > for the greatesr number?'' Because in 1912 racial prejudice and > "Yes, you are right," she said in reply hatred were very intense and because of > to my question. "The problems of the world the outstanding historical work that Miss > which are caused by wrong mental attitudes Addams had achieved, 'Abdn'l-Bahi spoke > are returning t o the heart and mind of man of the races being like many varieties of > and the solution must come through flowers in one garden, all adding t o the > changed mental attitudes." fragrance and beauty of the garden. He > spoke of the benefit to be derived by all > Although having spoken on the same humanity when universal peace and racial > platform with Miss Addams many times and amity have spread over the earth. This > dined as her guest, yet during this interview depends upon the spirit: and intelligence of > at Hull House, alone in the spacious living man. The basis for the establishment of > room with her, the writer was more than world peace and the amity of man cannot > bc based upon color, but only up011 noble may rise t o help in the establishment of > qualities. With an almost overwhelming the New World Order, and of peace and > power, 'Abdu'l-Bahh declared, "The stand- good will t o all maulrind. > ard can be no other than the divine virtues > which are revezled in him. Therefore, every As the writer said farewell t o Miss > man imbued with divine qualites, who re- Addams, who was leaving on an extended > flects heavenly moralities and perfections, trip for her health, she presented her with > who is the expression of ideal and praise- an autographed copy of her photograph and > worthy attributes, is verily in the ;wage and her book, "Twenty Years a t Hull House," > likeness of God .. . a divine station which 2nd spoke again of being deeply impressed > is not sacrificed by the mere accident of with 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and with the beauty and > color." spirit emanating from the Bahi'i Temple. > She expressed the hope that more people > 'Abdu'l-Bahi at the close of the meeting would feel the great need and rise, today > in Hull House went out into the dingy t o help bring amity permanently to the > crowded street, mingled with the little chil- world. > dren and the under-privileged poor, and Gaking at the very building in which > gave t o them freely from a bagful of coins, toolr place the historic meeting of 'Abdu'l- > with many kindly words of encouragement, Bah6 and Jane Addams, and in which > sympathy, love and hope, which brightened 'Abdu'l-Bahi had so perfectly voiced the > the eyes, strengthened the courage and up- note of the Oneness of all ,Mankind, and > lifted the faith and hope of all who met left His spirit lilre a benediction hovering > Him. over all, one saw people of all races stream- > 'Abdu'l-Bahi expressed his pleasure at ing in and out of Hull House, honoring the > meeting Miss Jane Addams because she was founder before her departure. With a deeper > serving manhilld. According t o His own conscio~isnessof realization, one recognized > words, He was chosen by His Father, Bahi- the fulfilhnent of those priceless words of > 'u'llih (the Glory of God) t o be the Servant 'Abdu'l-Bah6: "Today the most important > of humanity, and because Miss Addams has purpose of the Kingdom of God is the > devoted her life ullreservedly t o others she of the cause of Universal > certainly reflects the beautiful light of servi- Peace and the principle of the Oneness of > tude. One of the bounties of the Bahi'i the World of Humanity. Whosoever rises > Revelation is that women of heavenly capac- in the accomplishment of this preeminent > ities can never more be hindered by the service, the confirmation of the Holy Spirit > ancient stupid form of male supremacy, but will descend upon him." > THE SOUL OF ICELAND > A BAHA'I S A G A > > "Maiden with veil of snow, people can read today the sagas of the > Why dost thou haunt me so, twelfth century. Almost a thousand years > Longing thy song t o know ago, Njill Bergthorshvoll of South Iceland > Valiant and sweet." said of Christianity when it was announced > t o his countrymen, "It seems t o me the new > 0 ICELAND, fair Arctic Isle, it is your > soul saga that attracts the Bahi'i believers > Faith must be better, and that he is fortn- > nate who possesses it. If the men who > of the five continents today; of all the sagas preach it come t o Iceland, I shall assist them > -those ancient, wonderful tales of these according to my ability." 01af Tryggvason > North lands suug and told and later written of Norway had sent some Christian mission- > -what will be chanted in the new Baha'i aries t o Iceland. During the year 999, just a > sagas down the centuries now that the Ice- few years later, two converts, Gizur White > landic people have heard Bah6'u'llih's great and Hjalti Slteggvason, went over to Norway > Message for the first time in their news- to hear more of the Teachings; when they > papers, over their radios, from their public returned they succeeded in introducing a > libraries and through lectures in the one resolution at the Althing (the Open Air > short month from July 12 to August 8, Parliament) and it was carried, that the new > 1931, in Reylijavilt their capital! The pea- religion should be adopted in Iceland. > ple of Iceland are ready for this universal One may with profit to the whole of > Message. humanity tell the Icelanders about these > Some peace workers in other Scandinavia11 Baha'i Teachings because today they are > countries said to the writer of this article. great travelers, as well as long ago when in > "Why do you go to Iceland with these 986 A.D. they fared forth and discovered > Bahi'i peace principles? The Icelanders are Greenland, and this led t o one of their num- > the most real lovers of peace in the whole ber, an Icelander, Lief, son of Erik, the > world." Why go to Iceland? Because this Red, in 1000 A.D., discovering "Vinland" > country of high latitudes morally as well as as he called it, namely "Wineland," but it > geographically deserves t o know the Truth was America. As Iceland (long before > of this New Day of God. They are cour- 1492 Columbus went to Iceland where he > ageous; they possess the Viking spirit and heard about "Vinland") gave us America, > are wide awake; never have they been so is it not only a joy but a sacred duty that > wrapped in superstitions as many other peo- American Baha'is should carry home t o the > ples. Iceland is unique in that it never had "mother-land," Iceland, the Glad Tidings of > a primitive or savage race. Its first colonists the Bahl'i Revelation? > were nobles and chieftains of Norway who The people of this most Northern civil- > came in the ninth century t o colonize Ice- ized state high in the Arctic waters are op- > land because they were dissatisfied with con- timists. They must take so many chances > ditions a t home. with the weather on land and sea that they > The Icelandic language which is prac- have developed strong character, exceeding > tically unchanged since these first settlers kindness to one another and hospitality that > came, is the original of all the Norse comes straight from the heart. One well- > tongues. I t has been kept so pure that its known man wrote in a Reykjavik newspaper > THE SOUL OF I C E L A N D 681 > > the day of the writer's last lectur~ nn once, "We have a love for frln; what i s > "Bahi'u'lllh's Teachings of Immortality": this spiritual Teaching from frhnl" > ". . . our guest will give her last lecture The Broadcasting Station of Iceland-and > here tonight, I do not know what the it is subsidized by the owners of the radio > Teachings of the Prophet of frln are on life sets-on July 15, and later on July 23, sent > after death, but every one who carries in his over the air for the first time two talks > heart the hope of eternal life will wish to about the Bahi'i Cause: one an air interview > hear this significant address. Also, if people and the other a book-review of "Bahi'u'lllh > would go in great numbers it would make and the New Era"; besides they gave other > her memory of Iceland more intinlate, and ,terns of Bah6'i news. These all came in the > that is the kind of hospitality we should like News Hour in the early evening, just at the > > Newspapers and Book containing the First Mention of the Bahi'i Movement > in Icelandic Language. > > to give to every one who visits Iceland." time when at least fifty thousand people all > The hall was crowded. Icelanders always over Iceland listen in. If the farmers are > come half-way to welcome new truth. worlring late in the fields in this summer > Their spirit, like youth, is ready to seek, to weather in July, they always send some one > know, to accept, to promote. from the family into the house to listen to > Iceland has the distinction of being the the news, and come back to report it to the > first state in the world to announce to all others. > nations and peoples her neutrality. She defi- The "Morgunblab'ii3" in Reykjavilr, on > nitely states she will not take part in any July 14, 1935, printed the first article ever > war whatsoever. The state that has the published in Icelandic language about the > courage to do this is composed of men and Bahi'i Teachings. The editor had said two > women who have capacity to appreciate the days before, "1'11 read this book and these > the principles of the Bahi'i peace Teachings. pamphlets and then I'll write." All the > I t is interesting, too, the Icelanders said at editors as well as the radio director had > 686 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > received copies of "Bahi'u'llih and the New libraries. Although Iceland is so small, nnly > Era" from the visitor, for "Johanna," a 26,000 people in Reykjavik and 126,000 > Bahi'i of Copenhagen, and friends in the population in all-for it must he remem- > United States had sent her copies to he given bered that nine-tenths of Iceland is unin- > during this visit. habitable, being a vast desert of rugged lava > The "Nfja Dagbla8i8" had a long inter- poured forth in ages past from its many > view written by the editor, Mr. Sigfus volcanoes and intersected with mountains > Haldorsson, on July 17, and later on July and great glaciersyet the number of hooks > 28, was a second article, "What is the Bahi'i drawn out from the public libraries is ex- > Movement?" T h ~ swas so excellent that a traordinary. From the People's Library in > thousand reprints were made of this one Reykjavik they lend out ten thousand > article in order to give them out to people, hooks a month. Packages containing forty > because there was as yet no Bahi'i booklet hooks each are lent regularly to the fishing > in Icelandic. trawlers when the men go out to sea to > A school principal in Reykjavik, one who remain months at a time. > for years had studied Theosophy deeply, was I heard that even at Hbsavik, a little > introduced to the writer next day on the herring station up on the coast there is a > street and he said, "Oh, so you are a BahCi! splendid library started by a farmer, Benidik > I read the article 'What Is The BahCi Jhsson, now over eighty years old. He has > Movement?' in the 'N$ja Daghla"d8' yester- gathered together nearly five thousand vol- > day and said to my wife, 'A lodge will grow umes. A few are English books; in the > up in Reykjavilr around such a Teaching autumn the farmers come there from remote > as this.' " places to buy their provisions for the winter > He invited us to come with him to his and they call at the library to draw out a > home to coffee, as is the delightful custom large collection of books which they read > in Iceland. We went, and after a long con- during the long winter evenings: for in this > versation about the BahCi Teachings, just land of the summer midnight-sun the win- > as we were about to go, he asked, "Tell me, ters are very long, dark and cold. Often > do you believe in dreams?" The writer re- during the winter one reads aloud in the > plied, "yes," that Bah6'u3116hsaid there may home while the others work at varions kinds > be many mysteries and wisdoms in dreams; of handcrafts. These farmers return the > even there are occasions where it may hap- hooks when they come to the station again > pen that one witnesses outwardly in the in the spring to sell their sheep's wool. > world of time exactly the thing he had seen There is a thirst for knowledge in Iceland > in his dream. and a love of reading is innate; there are no > "Well," said the host, "last night I illiterates in Iceland. > dreamed that a bird came into this room, Esperanto is making progress here. The > and resting on the sofa sang such a beautiful writer lectured in Esperanto before the Es- > melody. I was so happy. This morning I perantists of Reykjavik and was presented > said to myself, 'Who will come?' Then I with the volume, "Alphj6damil og M6lley- > met you in the street, you come with your sur" (International Language and Bad > friend Holmfridur to our house and you Languages) where on page 84 is the first > have talren the seat on the ~ n f awhere the mention ever printed in Icelandic literature > bird came and sang the melody!" He was of the words "Bahgi Movement." I t men- > one of the great souls of Iceland. tions "La Nova Tago," Esperanto magazine > Other newspapers that used excellent arti- devoted to the Bahh'i Movement. The hook > cles were the "Visir," July 18, 193 5 , and is written by an Icelandic author, ThQ- > "Althydubla8i"G" July ZT, 193 1. The news- burger Thbrdarson, and was published in > papers and likewise the broadcasts gave Reylxjavik, 1933, by the Culture Foundation > information where Bah6'i hooks could he of the State. The writer had corresponded > obtained and that any public library wishing with Mr. Th6rdarson and last year sent him > the Danish volume "Bah6'u'llih and the BahCi books in Esperanto, he sent back the > New Era" could obtain one free of charge. word, "Tell her we are waiting for her in > Books were placed in the Reykjavik public Iceland." > THE SOUL CIF ICELAND 687 > > Another brilliant group in Icelaud are the July 12, 193 5,. and quiclily unpacking her > Theosophists. They have one of the most bags in her upper room, Martha sent a note > beautiful Theosophical buildings in Europe. by messenger to Hohnfridur and 10, she > When the first Bahh'i lecture was given in comes. How smiling she is and yet how > the Chamber of Commerce soon after ar- quiet! She possesses poise and peace, a fine > rival, the inajority of those present were mind, spirituality, and a pleasing sense of > Theosophists. The Secretary of the Theo- humor. I t is Holmfridur who has shown > sophical Society of Iceland who was present "The Bahh'i Magazine" in the Theosophical > invited the Bahi'i speaker to meet a few circles during the past years here, for she is > friends in her home the next week, and later herself a Theosophist but she is very sympa- > she graciously acted as interpreter when thetic to the beautiful Bahi'i Teachings. > the Theosophists extended the courtesy of I t is she who introduced the writer to the > their hall for the lecture: "Bah&'u'llih's thinkers of Iceland and helped daily .to make > Teachings of Immortality." The Theoso- the month so memorable. When the Bahh'i > phists had just had a large Summer School saga is sung a century from now, may > of Theosophy in Reykjavik. Some of them Holmfridur be praised and may Milly's > said they had seen copies of "The BahCi name be chanted high, for her eleven years > Magazine" and thus had learned something of love to her Faith and to her friend > about the Teachings. prepared a clear path for the Bahi'i Cause > And here is where a charming bit of saga here in Iceland. > should be sung: "Milly," a devoted Ameri- One day in Reykjavik, Holmfridur went > can Bahi'i, had come with her husband in with the writer to visit the Leper Hospital > 1924, on one of those cruises now becoming far out, where Bah6'i books were given, > so popular, where the passengers stop in some to the nurses some to the patients. > Reylijavili for a few hours. There in the Walking back to the city along the shore > wonderful Einar Jirnsson Museum, an Ice- of the Arctic Ocean where near the town > landic lady, "Holmfridur," had explained the the banks gleamed white with salted cod- > sculptures and the two became friends; fish drying in the sunshine, suddenly Holm- > Milly later asked the ship's guide for the full fridur said: "I think it would interest you > name and address of Holmfridur. From the to know that a leper boy, Christopher > home-land Milly wrote to this new friend in P6tursson, first heard of Theosophy in that > Iceland and regularly has sent "The Bah6'i hospital. He came there a boy of sixteen > Magazine" from that time to the present. years and remained until his death at the age > The next year, 1925, Holmfridur came of forty-three; he is the one who has trans- > to the United States for a few months to lated most of the Theosophical books into > attend an International Congress and study Icelandic." > at Columbia University. Milly entertained What great things they do in Iceland! > her friend for nine days at her summer home One of the greatest hymn writers of this > in Massachusetts, where the guest read the country, Hallgrimur Pjetursson, was a leper > Bahi'i literature several mornings and said too. Mr. Einar Jdnsson, the celebrated > she was delighted to see what 'Ahdu'l-Bahi sculptor of Iceland, whose works are visited > had written about Iceland and Greenland, every year by art lovers from many lands, > and how even the climate would change has a famous piece in his gallery: this sculp- > should the fire of the love of God be ignited ture represents the poet alone, suffering, > there. A decade passed by and a few times sitting on his bed; but just above is the spir- > each year these two exchanged notes of itual Hallgrimur Pjetursson, the glorious > greeting. religious poet of the Passion psalms, with > Then in July, 1935, "Martha," another the crucifix in one hand, the harp in the > Bahi'i, also from the United States, is just other leading the long line of Icelanders up > ready to start from Copenhagen to Iceland and up. > when she is surprised to receive a letter from One should begin any saga, any article > Milly recounting the Iceland incident and about Iceland with the name of Einar > enclosing Hohnfridur's name and address. Jdnsson, he is the greatest soul in Iceland > Arriving at Hotel Island, in Reykjavik, on today. His masterpieces in his museum are > 688 THE BAHti'i WORLD > like "scriptures" of art, giving the glad- Winters in Iceland may be dark, but the > tidings of spirit conquering the physical, the warm Gulf Stream flowing up from Florida > immortal rising up from death. The waters winter and summer, is what makes > humblest peasant, as well as the most pro- Iceland a livable land. As one Reykjavik > found scholar, all art lovers who walk doctor expressed it, "Iceland is centrally > through the gallery cannot but be cheered, heated and the furnace is in the Florida > refined, inspired. Just as Raphael could waters." This large island, second in size > paint the soul, Einar J6nsson can release the only to Great Britain in the European isles, > spirit out of marble. is between four or five days' journey by ship > Whatever his religion is, certainly his from Hull, England, three or four days > spirit is "Bahl'i" (light-bearing) ! He said from Leith, Scotland, via the Iceland Steam- > to me, "Everything is from the Higher ship Company line; 1300 miles from Copen- > Plane. It is! The artist only makes it hagen by way of the Danish Steamship > manifest; I am only a servant. The sculp- Company line; it lies 440 miles east of > tor takes away the rough envelope which Greenland, and 610 miles from the West > enwraps the spark of God." coast of Norway, via the route of the > I t may have been only a coincidence, but Bergen Steamship Company. All these > it is like a confirmation from God that it liners pass by Faroe Islands and Vestman- > was in this lofty Einar J6nsson Museum that naeyjar, Westmann Islands, so they gave an > the Milly-Holmfridur flower of friendship excellent opportunity to the Bah6'i to speak > was first planted in Iceland. a little about the Bah6'i Cause on these > What saga could ever tell it all! Those islands which fringe the Arctic Circle. > days in Reykjavik so full of joy and glad- Picturesque Reykjavik-capital of this > ness, those eager questions! One man who land of jagged snowcapped mountain peaks, > lectures in all parts of Iceland said: "I'd great glaciers, and ice fields, magnificent > like to translate 'Security For a Failing waterfalls, boiling hot springs, geysers and > World,' this is a book Icelanders would desolate lava fields, with everywhere that > like!" Another said, "Who is going to wonderful fascination and nameless charm > translate 'Bah6'u'Ilih and the New Era' which is associated with this high a l t i t u d e > into Icelandic? I t should be published in has a climate of extraordinary clearness and > our language." In a word, the Bahl'i purity; pare by reason of its freedom from > Movement was discussed everywhere. the taint of dust-the strong winds keep it > 'Abdu'l-Bahi in His Tablet to the be- clean. The fine and generally dry air tem- > lievers of the Bah6'i Assemblies of the pered by the glaciers and the sea, and then > United States and Canada, on April 11, pervaded all day and nearly all night by > 1916, wrote, "Show ye an effort, and after vitalizing solar glow is something possible > this war, spread ye the synopsis of these only in a high Arctic land like this. Houses > Teachings in . . . Iceland, Faroe Islands. . . ." are comfortably heated, the air is full of > Also, in His Tablet to the believers in ozone, one does not feel fatigue, and the > the Provinces of the Dominion of Canada, salty breezes from the ocean are most > written April 5 , 1916, 'Abdu'l-Bahi said: bracing. The future will witness many > "Perchance, God willing, the Call of the travelers from all lands coming to "take > Kingdom may reach the ears of the Eskiinos. their cures" and their summer holidays in > -Should in Greenland the fire of the love Iceland; for bodies, minds, souls experience > of God be ignited, all the ices of that con- here something different from what they > tinent will be melted and its frigid climate have ever known before. There is a calm > will be changed into a temperate c l i m a t e too, a repose in the very Icelandic atmos- > that is, if the hearts will obtain the heat phere, and the almost celestial colors of sky > of the love of God, that country and conti- and clouds, mountains and sea, not to be > nent will become a divine garden and a found anywhere e l s e a l l these will bring > lordly orchard, and the souls like onto the one back again to Iceland! Maiden with > fruitful trees will obtain the utmost fresh- veil of snow, now we thy song do know. > ness and delicacy." I t is thy soul we hear, valiant and sweet! > E I N J U N G E R GLAUBE W I R D > BEKANNT > Beitrage zur Ent~ickelungs~eschichte > des Bahi'i-Glaubcns in > Deutschland > > VON DR. HERMANN > GROSSMANN > (NECKARGEM~~ND) > B E 1 ent~ickelun~sgeschichtIicher Be- Bihi, "iiber deren Glauben sehr verschiedene > trachtung des Aufkommens neuer Glaubens- uud unsichere Mitteilungen hestehen." > lehren pflegt neben der Geschichte der Aus der Gelehrtenwelt sind hesonders > Grunder die Geschichte der Bewegung im zwei Namen eng mit der Geschichte des > Vordergrund zu stehen. Und doch ist die Bahi'i-Glaubens verlmupft, die zwar nicht > Bewegung in der Regel nur einer, oft nicht den Grenzen des deutschen Vaterlandes > einmal der bedeutsamste, nnter den Fak- entstammen, deren Werke aher grosstenteils > toren, die zum Bekanntwerdeu des jwgen in deutscher Sprache geschrieben sind und > Glaubens beitragen. in Deutschland starke Beachtung und Ver- > So ist auch die Kenntnis des Bahh'i- breitnng erfahren hahen: der ungarische > Glaubens in Deutschland nur zu einem Teil Orientalist Professor Her~nann VambPry > auf die Bewegung und ihre Trager zuriick- und der schweizerische Psychiater, Sozial- > zufuhren, wihrend im iihrigen zahlreiche hygieniker und Ameisenforscher Professor > Veroffentli~hun~en der verschiedensten Art Dr. August Porel. VambPry traf im April, > sowie gelegentliche Berichte und Vortrage 1913, nicht lange vor seinem Tode, per- > von Aussenstehenden den Boden bereitet sonlich mit 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in Budapest > und in hohem Masse zur Verbreitung zusammen und wurde durch diese Begeg- > beigetragen haben. nung so stark beeindruckt, dass er sich > Unter den fremden Veraffentlichungen vollig vom Geiste des neuen Glaubens > sind es vor allem die Arbeiten iiber den angezogen fiihlte. Er schrieh darnach an > Bah6'i-Glauhen hezw. den Bibismus und 'Ahdu'l-Bahi in Erwiderung auf ein von > deren Erwahnung seitens der Wissenschaft, diesem an ihn gerichtetes Schreiben u.a.: > in Lexiken und anderen Nach~chla~ewerken, "Die Zeit meiner Begegnung mit Eurer > Abhandlungen aus christlich-theologischen Exzellenz und die Erinnerung an die Seg- > Kreisen, Notizen und Essays in belletris- nungen lhrer Gegenwart kehrten wieder in > tischeu. Publiationen, insbesondere Rei- das Gedachtnis dieses Dieners ein, und ich > seschilderungen, sowie Zeitungsartikel aller sehne mich nach dem Zeitpunkt, wenn icb > Art. Als ein gewisser Massstab fiir den Sie wiedertreffen kann. Obwohl ich durch > allgemeinen Grad der Verbreitung mag dabei viele Lander und Stndtre des Islims gereist > die Tatsache gelten, dass sich unter den in bin, bin ich doch nie einem so hohen Char- > Frage kommenden Lexiken und Nach- akter und einer so erhabenen Personlichkeit > schlagewerken der letzten Jahrzehnte in wie Eurer Exzellenz hegegnet, und ich kann > Deutschland und Oesterreich keines be- bezeugen, dass es nicht moglich ist, solch > findet, in dem Bahi'i-Glauhe und Blbismus eine zweite zu finden. Aus diesem Grunde > nicht mindestens unter einem Stichwort hoffe ich, dass die Ideale und Bestrebungen > mehr oder minder ausfiihrlich vertreten Eurer Exzellenz von Erfolg gekrbnt sein > sind. Bereits 1866 behandelt Meyers und unter allen Umstanden von Erfolg > Konversations-lexikon unter Persien die begleitet werden mogen, denn hinter diesen > 690 THE B A H A 'f WORLD > > Idcalcn und Taten erlienne ich leicht das Wiunsch." Gerade diener Testament isr > ewige Wohl und Gedeihen der Menschheit. unter den zahlreichen deutschen Freunden > Dieser Diener trat auf der Suche nach und Verehrern Forels weitgehender Auf- > Quellen-Unterwei~un~en und-Erfahrungen merksamkeit begegnet, und die darin zum > in die Reihen verschiedener Religionen, d.h. Ausdruck kommende Wandlung Ton der > ich wurde Busserlich Jude, Christ, Muham- materialistischen zur religios-wissenschaft- > medaner und Zoroastrier. Ich entdeckte, lichen Betra~htun~sweisehat ihnen dabei > dass die Verehrer dieser verschiedenen Re- neue Bahnen gewiesen und manches Interesse > ligionen einander nur hasseu und verfluchen, fiir den Bahl'i-Glauben geweckt. > dass sich alle ihre Religionen zu Werlizeugen Bei dem vorerwihnten Besuch in Buda- > der Tyrannei und Unterdruckung in den pest kam 'Abdu'l-Bahi auch mit dem be- > Handen van Herrschern und Regenten kannten ungarischen Orientalisten Professor > umgewapdelt haben und dass sie die Ursache Ignaz Goldzihev in engere Beriihrung dessen > des Unterganges der Menschenwelt ge- Feder ein Beitrag uber Bhbismus und Bahl'i- > warden sind. Wenn ich diese iiblen Ergeb- Glauben in der Sammlung "Die Kultur der > nisse betrachte, so muss sich jedermann Gegenwart" e n t ~ t a m m t . ~Ebenso gehort > notwendig auf Seiten Eurer Exzellenz ein- der Orientalist und Diplomat Friedrich > zeichnen und freudig die Aussicht auf eine Rosen, der 192 1 deutscher Reichsaussen- > Grundlage des Glaubens Gottes anerkennen, minister war, zum Kreise derer, die sich ihre > die durch Ihre Bemuhungen im Werden ist. Anschauung uber den Bahb'i-Glauben durch > Ich habe den Vater Eurer Exzellenz von persouliches Zusammentreffen mit 'Abdu'l- > fern gesehen. Ich bin der Selbstaufop- Bahh sowie durch Beriihrung mit Bahl'i im > ferung und des edlen Mutes seines Sohnes Orient bilden konnten. Er brachte wieder- > ansichtig geworden und vergehe in Be- holt seine Wertschitzuug besonders fur > wunderung Fur die Grundsatze und Ziele 'Abdu'l-Bahi zum Ausdruck. Aus der Zahl > Eurer Exzellenz drucke ich die iusserste der sonstigen Auslassungen uber Bhhismus > Ehrerbietung und Ergebung aus, und wenn und Bahii'i-Glauben in der wissenschaft- > mir Gott, der Hochste, langes Lebeu gibt, so lichen Literatur sei noch Professor Dr. H . > werde ich imstande sein, Ihnen unter allen Ritter, ehem. Universitatsprofessor in Ham- > Umstinden zu dieneu. Ich bete nnd flehe burg, erwahnt, der 1923 in der Zeitschrift > darum aus meines Herzens Tiefe." (Inter- "Der Is16m u.a. schreibt: "Das, was der > national Psychic Gazette, Oktober, 1913.) Bhbibewegung fur unser Auge ihre Gross- > Uaber dns Verh'iltnis Fovels zum Bah6'i- artigkeit verleiht, ist wesentlich die gewal- > GIauben berichtete der Verfasser bereits tige Kraft des Glaubens und die unerhorte > ausfuhrlicher in einem friiheren Band.l Opferbereitschaft, mit der ihre Anhlnger > Bekannt ist ein langeres Tablet geworden, fur den Gegenstand ihrer Verehrung in den > das 'Abdu'l-Bahh an ihn sandte und das martervollsten Tod gingen, und beim Bib > insbesondere die Frage des Fortlebens be- selbst die aus den tiefsten Quellen dos > handelt. Mit der Leidenschaft des aufrich- religiosen Gefuhls stammende ehrliche > tigen Wahrheitssuchers tritt Forel an seinem Ueberzeugung von der Wahrheit seiner > Lebensahend in seinen verschiedenen Werk- Mission, die ihm und seinen Nachfolgern > en, in Zeitungsartikeln und durch Grundung ein tatsichliches Zerreissen der Verbin- > des ersten schweizerischen Baha'i-Kreises in dung mit dcr islarnitischen Tradition rn$ich > Lausanne fur die Sache Bahh'u'llah's ein und machte und zur Stiftung nicht einer > legt in seinem Testament eindringliches neuen Selite, sondern einer neuen Religion > Bekenntnis dafur ab: "das ist die wahre fuhrte." > Religion der menschlichen sozialen Wohl- Aus den Kreisen der christlichen Mission > fahrt, dogmen- und priesterlos, die in sich drang bereits vor acht Jahrzehnten, erst- > alle Menschen auf unserem kleinen Erdenball malig wohl 18 9 1: die Kunde von dem neuen > vereinigt. Ich bin Bahh'i geworden. Dass > - > 2 Teil I, Abtlg. 111, I , "Die Religion des Orients," > diese Religion zum Wohl der Menschheit Leiprig, 1923. > leben und gedeihen moge ist mein heissester Band XIII, 1/2, S. 134. > - Zeitschrift der deutnchen m~r~enl'indischen > l"Bahl'i World," N, S. 3 9 3 f. Gesellschaft, 1851, S. 384 ff. > EIN JUNGER GLAUBE WIRD BEKANNT 691 > > Glauben nach Deutschland. 1894 be- Quakers" a von 'Abdu'l-Bahl: "Der jetzt > richtete der nachmalig Professor in Halle lebende grijsste Profet ist vielleicht 'Abbis > a.S. und Begrunder der Missionswissenschaft, Effendi (= 'Abdu'l-Baht4 Anm, des Verf.) > Dr. Gustav Warneck in der Allgemeinen der Fuhrer der Bahi'is in Persien." Ganz > Missionszeitschrift hochachtend uber den besonders aber durften zur Verbreitung der > Bibismus. Von grosser Bewnnderung und Kenntnis des Bah6'i-Glaubens in Deutsch- > Wertschatzung ist das 1896 in Leipzig land zwei vielgelesene Schriften der evange- > erschienene Buch von Dr. F. C . Andreas, lischen Pfarrer Scheurlen uud Dr. Roemer > dem fruheren Dozenten am Orientalischen beigetragen haben, die, obwohl einer ten- > Seminar in Berlin, "Die Bibis in Persien" denzmassigen Gegeneinstellung entspringend, > getragen, das aus Quellen und eigener in ihren ausfuhrlichen Darstellungen die > Anschauung eine Darstellung der geschicht- Aufmerksamkeit jedes ernstlich nachdenken- > lichen Entwickelung gibt. In einem Vor- den Lesers auf die hohen Ideale des Bahl'i- > wort dazu schrieb Pastor W. Faber: Glaubens hinlenlren nnd so dem Bahl'i- > "Gelingt es der persischen Regierung, die Glauben in hohem Masse den Weg bereiten. > BBbi's auszurotten, so wird viillige geistigc Die eine dieser Schriften hatte bereits 1930 > Finsternis das nngluclrliche Persien bedeclren, in vierter A d a g e das 18. Tausend erreicht > denn der Bibismus ist ohne Frage die nnd ist inzwischen in weiterer Auflage > Morgenrote einer besseren Zeit. . . ." und erschienen. Sie hat wiederum bei einer > ferner in einer Schlussnotiz: "In den Augen ahnlichen hollandischen Ver~ffentlichun~ > der yersischen Regierung w r e n und sind Pate gestanden, die 192j mit 12.000 Ex- > die Bhbis gefahrliche Umsturzler, die sie mit emplaren gleichfalls die vierte Auflage zu > Feuer nnd Schwert auszurotten sucht, in verzeichnen hatte. > Wahrheit aber sind sie Bahnbrecher fur Betrachtlich ist die Zahl der wahreitd der > Wahrheit, Freiheit und Recht in dem dunk- letzten 21 Jahre und fruher in Deutschland > len Lande Persien, wie sie die Weltgeschichte erschienenen Rei~eschilderun~en,in denen > von gleichem Opfermut und von gleicher Bhbismus und Bahi'i-Lehre erwahnt und > Sterbensfreudigkeit selten gesehen hat. behandelt werden. Unter ihnen und anderen > Moge der neue Schah Muzaffereddin den Ver~ffentlichun~en der belletristischen sowie > Bibis Religionsfreiheit geben, dann wiirde der philosophischen Literatur finden wir > er seineln Lande die griisste Wohltat er- Namen wie Pierre Loti, Alfred Kerr, Armin > weisen." In der Zeitschrift fur Religions- T. Wegneu, Collin Ross, Roda-Roda, ferner > psychologie fasste 1908 Dr. E. Rnnmussen Tolstoi, Graf Keysarling, Oswald SPengler > sein Urteil dahingehend zusammen: "Im u.a. Als ein gewisses literarisches Kuriosum > ganzen muss anerkannt werden, dass die d r e ~ sei erwahnt, dass sich auch Karl May in > Trager dieser Religion (Bib, Bahi'u'lllh seiner Rei~eerzihlun~ "Im Reiche des sil- > und 'Abdu'l-Bah6. Anm. des Verf.) eine bernen Lowen" ausfuhrlicher nit dem > Reihe der humansten Reforinbestrebungen Bibismus auseinandergesetzt hat. > unserer Zeit offenbart haben," und John W. > Weursch von Bertha Siersrorpff, mir einem Geleir- > Graham schreibt in "Der Glaube eines wart > - von Richard Wilhclm, Qi~hkcr-Verlag, Leipzig, > 5Band I, Halle a. S. 1 9 0 8 . 1926. > SOUTH A M E R I C A > Journey Taken in the Interest of the Bahi'i Cause > > Soum AMERICA can no more be de- and upon reaching the Cathedral one sees > scribed as a whole than can the continent him proudly riding a spirited horse, sword > of Europe. Its vast area comprises variety in hand. This fine statue is the work of the > in language and custom, while its history late Charles Rumsey. Inside the church on > stretches back into a dim past, from whose the right Pizarro's body has been preserved > shadow archaeologists have rescued broken and is visible through a glass casket, awe- > fragments that show mummies embalmed some and hideous, but the proud treasure > after the manner of Egypt, skulls that have of the city of Lima. > been trepanned, geometrical ornaments, As we had journeyed to South America > vases of classic design as well as delicately with a definite Bahh'i program, that of > wrought profiles in silver and gold. Alas! forming groups for the study of the Bahh'i > that no Rosetta Stone has been found to Faith, as well as to find individuals of > enable us to read the characters on the capacity, who could comprehend Bah6'u- > arches and columns that lie prone on the '116h's program for a future civilization, we > sites of the ancient temples. gathered facts about the countries through > Each country of South America has which we were to travel. Thus we learned > written its own separate history. The West that while outwardly the Spanish conquest > Coast, however, may be said to possess a maintained, commerce was slowly drifting > common denon~inator-trade, because of the into alien hands. Canadians, hardy and > depots of fruit, oil, metal, fertilizers and thrifty, were here. Americans also, their > grain. The Humboldt current, an icy heads crammed with schemes for acceler- > stream of water, flowing up from the ating trade. Germans by the thousand, > Antarctic region encounters the Japan cur- driven from the Fatherland by the great > rent, chilling the waters of the Pacific and war. Italians out of sympathy with present > killing thousands of fish upon which the day government. These pioneers were > guano birds feed. Sometimes the shores moulding the environment to suit their > become lush and tropical wherever the needs, while each brought his traditions, his > Current has wandered off into deep waters. culture. > The most interesting city of the West The "Santa Lucia" landed us at Val- > Coast is Lima in Peru. Here in the year paraiso and from there the train carried us > 1.538, Pizarro made himself master, not to the capital of Chili, Santiago. The city > alone of what he surveyed, but, like Midas, is set in a bowl enclosed on all sides by > of gold and silver. Having captured the towering Andes mountains. Each hour of > last of the Incas, Pizarro promised him his light throws a mantle of color over the > life if he would fill a lofty chamber with mountains and at sunset the shadows turn > gold, but when this request was complied from pink to blue and taper into a soft > with, Pizarro put him to death with crafty purple that diffuses its imperial color over > haste. The Conquistador then turned his the whole city. The streets of the capital > attention to founding a city that he named are narrow and shabby; here and there a > for Saint Rose. Lima today breathes the richly ornamented building bespeaks a spurt > spirit of Pizarro. From the palace to the of ambition. > Inquisitional Hall his steps may be retraced, My first definite request to present the > 69'2 > SOUTH AMERICA 693 > > Bahh'i Cause was at the Y. W. C . A. The Era" and "The Goal of thc Ncw World > proposal met with an instant response. The Order" in Spanish and English. > staff made all arrangements and when the At length the time came when we bade > afternoon arrived the hall was crowded with farewell to our new-found friends, happy > notables-the heads of the Sweet: Memorial in the thought that in the capital of Chili > hospital and clinic; the directors of the there would be a group studying the Cause. > Valparaiso Y. M. C. A,, the leaders of the Study would augment capacity and in time > literary societies as well as President of the an understanding of the principles of the > college and ministers of various denomina- New Civilization would draw these stttdents > tions. Mr. Mathews opened by reading a to become part of the great program of > page from the Bahi'i Scriptures. When he Bahi'u'lllh. > finished, the chairman asked him t c read it I n 1921, 'Abdu'l-Bahh wrote a Tablet to > again. This request became the keynote of Chili and sent it to Martha Root. I t is of > > Class for the Study of the fqin, Sprecklesville, Maui, Hawaii, February, 1934. > > the occasion, lifting it beyond the ordinary the utmost importance and passages are > meeting and when the talk "Widening Our herein quoted. > Horizons" was finished, questions were "You see how the world is attacking one > asked from every part of the audience. I t another, how the countries are dyed with > was already dark when we left the building; human blood. . . . Heads have become > the whole afternoon had been filled with like grain in a grinding mill. . . . Pros- > heavenly enthusiasm, so much so that we perous countries have been ruined, cities > could scarcely credit: the fact that we, the devastated, villages demolished. Fathers > bearers of a new Message, had been so have lost their sons, sons their fathers, > warmly received in this distant land. mothers have wept blood for the loss of > Immediate results followed, for both the their children. ... The source of all this > head and secretary of the Societi de Femina unhappiness is racial prejudice, national > became students of the Bahi'i Cause. This prejudice, religious prejudice and political > little literary circle of thirty students prejudice. The source of these prejudices > studied literature in both Spanish 2nd is ancient imitation. So long as blind imita- > English and it was therefore arranged that tion lasts, the human world will be in ruins > they should read "Bahi'u'lllh and the New and in peril. > 694 THE BAHhr'f WORLD > > "Now in such a glorious age, when the this court decides must be accepted and > realities have appeared and secrets of being followed. If a government or nation dis- > have been discovered; the morning of truth obey, the whole world must rise to oppose > hath shone, the world has been illuminated, that government or nation. . . . Now it is > is it permissible to wage these terrible wars, clear that these teachings are the life of the > wars that throw the human world into world and its true spirit. As you are ser- > ruins? No, not by the Lord! vants of the human world you must strive > "From the horizon of frin His Holiness with heart and soul until humanity is > Bahi'u'llih has shone like a sun upon the rescued from darkness, from prejudice and > world and He has declared that the world from the world of nature. Strive to reach > was dark and that this darkness would con- the light of the divine world. Praise be to > tinue with horrible results. From the prison God that you are informed of these teach- > of 'Akki He clearly addressed the Emperor ings. Today without Bahi'u'llih's instruc- > of Germany saying that there will come a tions the world will have no rest. Of itself > great war and that Berlin will weep and the darkness will not disperse, these serious > lament. When the Sultin of Turkey maladies will not be cured, instead condi- > wronged Bahi'u'llih, He wrote him from tions will become worse and more diflicult > the barracks of 'Akkl that Collstantinople day by day. The Balkans will not be > would fall a victim to a great revolution, tranquillized, they will seek means to in- > one extending even to the women and chil- flame the fires of war again. New public > dren so that they would (also) lament, with movements will use their powers to achieve > great cries. I n brief, He addressed all the their own selfish ends. Therefore with > Kings and Presidents of Republics what bright hearts, divine souls, celestial strength > would happen and that which He wrote has and heavenly will, strive to be to the world > come to pass. The Supreme Pen has written of humanity God's bounty and the cause of > how to prevent war and His words have rest and tranquillity to humanity." (Signed, > been scattered all over the world. First 'Abdu'l-Bahi 'AbhL.) > among these councils is the independent > search after truth, because imitation limits There are two ways of reaching the > man. The second teaching is of the one- Argentine from Chili; the first is over the > ness of the world of humanity-all are the Andes, the route Martha Root had taken; > creation of a Creator; God, the kind Shep- the other skirting Chili and Patagonia. We > herd shows kindness to all, He does not determined upon the Southern route where > differentiate. The Clement Lord sees no no Bahi'i had yet been. From the south, > differences between His Creatures. All are winter was already enveloping the whole > His servants and all receive his Generosity. Antarctic region, sending icy winds north- > The third teaching is that religion is a strong ward over Patagonia. We decided, however, > fortress, but it must be the cause of love. to risk these hazards and go to the Argen- > .. > . If it causes hatred and enmity, it is tine via the Chilean Lakes. > unnecessary. For Religion is like a cure; if Orsono, the,starting point for this region, > the cure causes illness than it is better to lies a day and night journey from Santiago. > dispense with it. Religious, racial, national In the town of Orsono there was but one > and political prejudices are the destroyers of motor available for reaching Lake Llan- > the world. These are the causes of blood- quihue-an old and rickety Buick; in this > shed, prejudice is the ruin of the world of disqualified vehicle we began our journey, > humanity. As long as they last, frightful swaying over dirt roads furrowed by con- > wars will recur. The cure for these ills is tinuous rains. Here and there the ruts gave > universal peace. way to beds of lava, over which the machine > "For the world to have universal peace a would roll shaking and groaning. After > great world court must be set up by all the four and a half weary hours we descried > governments and nations. . . . The pmb- the welcomc lights of Ensenada. It nestlev > lems of all nations and governments must beside a sheet of still water surrounded by > be turned over to this court and whatever great trees from whose pointed leaves heavy > SOUTH AMERICA 69 5 > > drops fell rhythmically. Thc tiny cabin that gather on the wharf ahead of time, so wc > received us was as narrow as a box, its single hurried hither accompanied by the German > window nailed against fresh air. Its fur- couple now deep in the study of the Cause. > nishings consisted of a straw mattress laid We skirted a swift running river, now and > on boards covered by turkey red comforters then crossing it at shallow points and taking > that did duty for sheets, blankets and pil- occasional dips under water falls that seemed > lows. No palace, however, could have to occasion no surprise. Arriving well in > seemed more luxurious! Our inquisitional advance we prepared to wait when sud- > ride was soon forgotten in the company of denly the boat decided to start and began > the proprietor who was both cultured and churning white foam in long streaks > charming, and expanded mightily on hearing through the green water. Our friends > Mr. Mathews' fluent German. pressed to the edge of the sand, their arms > In this remote land occurred a great o~rcstretched, calling God's blessing on our > spiritual experience. One of those meetings Bahh'i endeavors. Far out on the water we > of the spirit that make social amenities pale could hear their voices. The afternoon was > by comparison. I t happened that a German bright and still, trees crowded down to the > couple had come from Puerto Varas, Chili. water's edge; snow smooth as frosting > Madame de Burmuihl spoke English. In rounded the tops of the monntains. A > whispers in the corner of the office we tallred thousand rivulets poured snow water into > of the New World Order; as I unfolded the the lake. The atmosphere was laden with > Divine Plan she seemed to read it with me as a kind of thrilling, expectant beauty. > from an open book. Nature occupied in seasonal rounds seemed > Each statement of mine was rounded out indifferent to man's behavior. Crossing the > and completed by this clear-sighted woman. Lake of All Saints was like witnessing a > As I explained the simple form of our fraction of creation. > Administration and the station of the A week we travelled thus. Sometimes > Guardian of the Cause, she repeated my mounting over the crests of rocky promon- > words to her husband: "Listen, Gustave, we tories; sometimes encircling volcanoes where > have a Guardian--one who holds the world we were lost in steam. We made steep > together in this day--one who is preparing descents on foot and once we were ferried > humanity for a new civilization." Very by a crude handmade craft. Physically the > thoughtfully he turned the idea over in his journey was hard, spiritually it was revivify- > mind and then replied in a deep voice: ing, for everywhere were listeners eager to > "Yes, yes, I can understand that. I t is as it hear news of the Great Event. I t was, in- > should be--somewhere a spiritual leader deed, a pilgrimage of the spirit and reflecred > must he making the plan that will guide us a degree of capacity in the Germans of that > out of the wilderness and chaos of the section of South America that is nnfor- > present into a new and better path." gettable. > Madame de Burmuihl explained that they At length we reached Lake Nahuel Huapi > belonged to a large group of Germans who at the far end of which lies Bariloche, the > met and studied under the name of "Liberal town that terminates the lake trip when > Thought Society." But no more literature coming from Chili. The last journey by > from the society was permitted in Germany, watcr is the longest, and that morning > so as Winter approached they were without dawned cold and windy. The tiny steamer > material for study. The Bahi'i Revelation was tossed and tumbled by the waves. > formed the link in the chain and they em- Spray was continually flying overhead, while > braced it eagerly and whole-heartedly. They on the benches it was impossible to avoid > felt sure that the study group would accept a wetting. All through the four and a half > it, as they did. hours' journey our eyes strained towards > The steamers connecting one island with our destination as the wind rose and moaned, > another sail only three times a week. These grew angry, dropped into silence only to > inland mariners pay small heed to schedules repeat its attack on a higher scale. The > and departing passengers find it wiser to pilot hugged the shore and when at last the > 696 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > l~cadland,behind wllich LILT>Learner was to question alone. The Americana make .I > moor, hove in view a shout of joyous relief weak show of getting together by drinking > rose simultaneously from every throat. tea under the entwined flags of all nations, > Bariloche has one train a week. I t arrives but without the genius of BahB'u'llih who > from Buenos Aires every Friday and returns has given us a purpose for meeting-a > on Sunday. The villagers living along the definite plan that is practical as well as > shore of Nahuel Huapi make of the train's spiritual-these gestures of unity lead no- > departure a fiesta. Women wearing Spanish where. Into this land so uniform in appear- > shawls, pound the pavement with high heels; ance, so separate in consciousness, will come > peasants carry bright-colored dusters with the Supreme Remedy, namely the Bahi'i > which to shine the inscriptions on the sides message. I t will gather up the alien threads > of the train. Passengers embarking for the and weave them into a pattern of universal > capital, forty-two hours distant, are re- design; it will set in motion a spark with > garded with awe. Cameras click, fruit is which mankind will recapture belief in the > vended, tunes hummed, as the crowd gape power of love and suffering. self-interest > at the miracle of machinery that has ended will be merged into larger issues. The > an isolation, inviolate for a hundred years. secrets of Being hidden in the stream of life > At five sharp the whistle blows, the admir- itself, will emerge and man will experience > ing throng stand back. The engine shakes the condition described by Bahi'n'llih in the > itself free of lake and mountain; it turns Seven Valleys. "A servant always draws > and twists until rugged outlines fade and near unto me with prayers, until I become > heavy forests disappear, and then it settles his ear wherewith he heareth. For in that > down for a long trek across the plains of the case the Owner of the house becomes mani- > Argentine. fest in his own house (the heart) and the > Mile after mile of swaying pampas passe- pillars of the house are all illuminated and > the train window, mysterious, uniform, as radiative through His light. The action and > though the world had become suddenly a effect of the light is from the Giver of > planed floor of exact measurements. Through Light; this is why all move through Him > this moving sea of grass stalk cattle flank and arise by His Desire." > high. Up or down, east or west, there is Buenos Aires greeted us with a downpour > pampas; the mind recedes from all forms of cold rain. The stirring events of the > of variety and settles back into the subtle Chilean trip, however, buoyed our spirits > peace of complete monotony. above temperature and fillcd our hcarts with > The Argentine is rich enough and big strong hope. > enough to feed the whole world with heef; I t was a strange coincidence that we > its markets could supply grain and wool as should arrive on the same day as Krishna > well. Prices have fallen in the general Murti, for he had come to Auckland, New > economic depression and growers fasten their Zealand o a the same date as we, of the > hope of recouping diminished fortunes on previous year. Again our arrival in Sidney, > war, war in Europe or, in fact, anywhere. Australia had been simultaneous; now he > Already they are tinning heef, weaving landed by steamer from Brazil as our train > blankets and rolling bandages so that at the pulled into Buenos Aires. Naturally the > first cry of battle these goods can be set three branches of the Theomphical Society > afloat and at the Argentine's own prices. combined on an intensive campaign for him, > Naturally peace is unpopular, kindness and punctuated by flurries of publicity. Martha > brotherhood are looked upon as antiquated Root had been received by them with the > principles. Old animosities live, though utmost cordiality, but I knew I could expect > each nationality within the country deplores nothing for the present. I had, however, > the fact and wish it otherwise. The brought letters to other important organiza- > churches watch each other in jealous alarm, tions as well as to diplomats and high > fearful of the increase in number among officials. Affable conversations, cakes and > opposing denominations. The Argentine tea, followed upon the presentation of these > and the English leave the whole ethical letters but when I spoke of the mission that > SOUTH AMERICA 697 > > had drawn ~ r shither, invisible barriers de- came known that a new and cons~rucrive > scended barring further advances into the movement had been brought to Buenos Aires > subject. I was encircled by absent-minded and I was asked to address first the Con- > smiles and polite retreats. Even Peace, that temporary Club and later the American, > redoubtable and highly honored topic, fell The Amateur, and the Business Clubs as well > to earth without an echo. as smaller groups. I was elated when ap- > The rain continued. The test of faith proached about addressing the Girls' High > is more faith. When difficulties surround School, but the proposal laid before the > one it is best to draw back from the material board of directors, did not prosper and the > world into the circle of Divine Protection. invitation was withdrawn. > The personal will with its desires nus st be Giving a talk at the Spanish Club I had > folded up and laid away. A realization of to employ an interpreter. This was a veri- > the power within the Cause must be made a table ordeal and I remembered how many > reality, so that the knowledge of Bahh'u- times 'Ahdu'l-Bahi has passed through the > '116h's spirit shining upon the earth filling ordeal of having His words redistributed by > it with unending rejoicings, may manifest an alien tongue. > itself in the individual. One must grasp From a variety of p b l i c tallrs there > the fact that subjectively the whole world emerged certain personalities that made an > is aware whenever a messenger comes to indelible impression. First in order of time > earth. Success, or failure-neither have was Miss Beer, a German from Africa's Gold > anything to do with truth. Under these re- Coast. Tragedies had rained down upon her > flections one may wait for guidance, but ever since the World War. I n an agony of > once convinced of a course of action, go spirit she had battered at the door of ancient > fo~wardunhesitatingly and leave the results theology, only to find herself shut out by > t o the guiding spirit that animates and sus- dogmatic controversies. From the first, she > tains the Cause of God. 'Abdu'l-Bahi says: fell in love with the Bahi'i principles; she > "Know that the blessings of the Kingdom amassed a wealth of quotations from the > of Abh6 are not dependent upon the capac- Writings and studied by night as well as by > ity and worthiness of anyone; the blessings day. After our third lesson she read a > themselves are the worthiness. As the ac- paper on the Bah6'i Movement before the > tion itself, when it reaches the thing acted German Literary Circle. As the inner com- > upon, makes the thing the action, so the motion of soul subsided, she expressed a > blessings themselves become identical with happiness that is impossible to describe. > worthiness.'" A,giant of undaunted courage was Setiora > Opportunity came in the form of an Barnll. Her husband had been a pioneer in > invitation to address the Dramatic Society Argentine finance and from his accumulated > on the modern drama! I accepted. The fortune had built a veritable palace of > afternoon came and dressed in my best I medieval splendor. Then, suddenly, she was > stepped upon my initial platform. The talk left alone. I t was at this period of her life > received wide-spread publicity and the daily that an awakening of soul occurred. All at > papers carried the entire talk. This brought once there flooded her being an iniler con- > the editor of "The Standard" to interview sciousness that a new Message had come to > us. I confided to him my dilemma. He earth, Message that would bind all re- > was so intrigued that he decided to study ligions together. She closed the palace and > the Cause with me and investigate its truth started forth in search of that which her > for himself. After an intensive course of heart foretold. But everywhere she went > reading he was carried beyond journalistic she encountered creeds, old and new. Sad- > impulses and there hegan to appear in the dened by failure she journeyed homeward. > columns of his paper references to the word I gave a talk at the Y. W. C. A. on the > Bnhl'i, its meaning, its origin and finally uaion of all races, religions and creeds. > a two column article on the history of the Though understanding no English she came > movement from its inception. to hear it, with her niece as interpreter. > The bridge of sighs was crossed. I t be- All during the talk I could see that she was > 698 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > in a statc of agitation; she clasped and un- that Mr. Julius Lay had bccn appointed > clasped her hands continuously. As soon as Minister to Uruguay. This was happy news > I hished she beckoned me. "All over the for me, since they were not only my friends > world I have been seeking the treasure that but Mrs. Lay had studied the Cause with > yon have now placed in my hands this after- me during a visit to a mutual friend. She > noon. 'The New World Order' that you was a woman of purpose and generosity and > have explained, has been ringing in my heart one that could be counted upon to uphold > for many a long day." Often when we sat the Cause and to use her influence in its > together before the fire she would cry out, behalf. > "Let us go spread the good news-let us The visit to Buenos Aires that in the he- > tramp the world over." And though well ginning had been fraught with dark diffi- > over seventy, as we left she was preparing culty, terminated in great enthusiasm for > to depart on a world crusade. the BahPi Principles. Alas, that a rigid > Another wonderful friendship was formed code prevented joining my pupils to- > with a distinguished Argentine family that gether. Nevertheless, as I stood on the > we had met on the train from Bariloche. deck of the steamer that was carrying > There was a widow, her daughters and a us to Brazil, I felt that group consciousness > niece. They came to hear me speak and would be the natural consequence of > presently we found ourselves being enter- BahCi study and would come about as a > tained by the most hospitable of people. result of it. > We saw gardens copies from the palaces of I cannot believe that the door first opened > Europe, where roses grew as high as young by Martha Root and a second time during > fruit trees, beds of lotus in bloom, white our voyage will ever be shut again. > and tranquil beside marble pools. Every- > where were rare tropical plants gathered A journey of four and a half days by > from the far off islands of the Pacific. One water brought us to Santos, Brazil. This > day, while Sefiorita Lavarello and I were low-lying unimportant looking island rep- > driving, she remarked, "You remind me of resents the largest output of coAee in South > someone I met in Geneva-a woman all America. We made a special trip to SBo > spirit." Naturally I asked her name. "Lady Paulo. One is astonished to see a sky- > Blomfield," she replied,-"Like you she is a scraper of twenty-five stories, the largest > BahCi. I t is strange how much this religion concrete building in the world. In fact, the > attracts me, but I know it is not for me, for size and proportion of the buildings is a > should I approach it ever so secretly, the constant surprise. For example, in the Hotel > family would know and every member of Esplanada of SBo Paulo the seating capacity > the clan would arise to save me from Hell of the dining-room is five hundred. Enter- > that they would see yawning to receive me; ing this enormous banquet hall you behold > -you have no idea of the power of Spanish an elaborate display of tropical fruits on > traditions-the Rock of Gibraltar is a weak illuminated cakes of ice; this frosty feast > defense by comparison-I would be imme- makes a welcome contrast to the burning > diately surrounded by an ecclesiastical sun that is forever shining behind the cur- > conference that would go on forever and tained windows. We drove to the Butantan > ever." "Well," I replied, laughing, "if thc snake farms, now world famous, where is > picture you have painted is even half true, distilled the serum that has lowered the > I think you better come to the United States death rate from snake bites from 90 to 40 > where no one will be interested in your per cent and they work here night and day > beliefs, nor take heed of the ideas you harbor to fight a menace that constitutes one of the > beneath your charming curls." So we major difficulties in homesteading this vast > planned that she should come in the country. > Autumn and I pray that this free soul may Twelve hours by rail brought us to Rio de > come under the Bahb'f training that will Janeiro; the train winds and slides down, > develop, without curtailing her lovely spirit. down to the sea. I n Rio, Leonora Holsapple > One morning the daily papers announced joined us. She had come following Martha > SOUTH AMERICA > > Root's notable visit to South America. impressed us all. I t was evident that there > Settling in Bahia, (which in Spanish means existed a strong spiritual tie between us > hay) she had set herself the task of master- and some day this will be cemented. From > ing Spanish and Portuguese, while earning that moment they did all in their power to > her living in a city directly over the equator. help us spread the Bahh'i Message and sur- > Encouraged by our Guardian, she translated rounded us with every kindness. > and published "Bah&'u'116h and the New Through Miss Holsapple's influence I > Era" and other volumes, thus making an spoke at the Educational League. This > outstanding contribution for all time to the important committee controls the education > Bahb'i Cause. of Brazil as well as the reading matter that > Through the influence of this true Bah6'i goes to schools and libraries. Religion may > friend, we were able to form a class not be spoken from their platform but the > without delay. These people were suffi- breadth of the Cause gave ample oppor- > ciently evolved to draw together for study tunity to outline education from its spiritual > and to meet often. A second class soon standpoint. I also addressed the Y. W. C. A. > followed the first, through important that throughout the journey had treated our > Americans to whom we had brought letters. mission with so much cordiality. > The members of this class enabled me to We held a Bah6'i picnic, on the shores of > place Bahb'i books in the circulating an inland lake. We talked of 'Abdu'l- > libraries. I found only one BahCi book in Bahh's presence at Evergreen Cabin in West > Rio; that was a copy of Mr. Holley's Englewood. We discussed the happy 19- > "Bahh'i, the Spirit of the Age." I t was day feasts that are held throughout the > gratifying,to learn from the librarian that world, their origin and purpose; the day was > it had been widely read. sweet and memorable. > We were invited to spend an evening with I n retrospect it is impossible to number > the SGfis t o address their members. As far the individuals that crossed our path during > as we could learn, they were not connected this voyage of five months. Constalrtly we > with the SGfis of frhn. The movement had were meeting strangers and constantly tell- > been brought from India to London and ing them of the purpose of our visit. By > its leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Best, land and by sea, over thousands of miles, > were English. The pamphlets describ- the Cause was heralded and its dynamic > ing the belief seemed subjective in char- news spread. > acter though broad and humanitarian in South America needs workers to carry on > design. the Divine Plan. It is not enough that a > Shfi Lodge was built on the top of a teacher crosses the continent every few > mountain, literally above the clouds and years. I t is not enough that one woman > standing on the roof garden the fleecy white gives her life for the spread of the Cause. > clouds floated below while above was the If these two Republics could unfurl the > starry sky. On an opposite mountain carved banner of BahCu'llih's Principles together, > from rock stands a gigantic figure of Christ they might lead the world into a new era of > with arms outstretched in an attitude of peace and happiness. The Guardian is > blessing. Far below the sea was visible, deeply concerned with the spiritualizing of > breaking into white foam that shimmered South America. Whosoever arises to labor > and glistened under the thirty thousand in this field will be rewarded and every > lights that encircle the shore. I t was a traveler will be upheld by the Holy Spirit. > sight of beauty for which no adjectives No sacrifice should be too great to a true > seemed adequate. I spoke on the prophecies believer. For the purpose of life in this day > fulfilled by the Bahh'i Religion and gave a is to extend God's glory through the Message > short outline of the BLb, Bahh'u'llih and of Bahi'u'llhh to the far-flung corners of > 'Ahdu'l-BahL. Their reception of the talk the earth. > Plan of Haziratu'l-Quds, Ba&d6d, 'Ir6q. > GLIMPSES SWEDEN > > "Verily, tue have ordained zmto every hampered in the execution of decisions > land a destiny, z ~ n t oever21 h o w a fate; reached by the Riksdag. > zbnto every utterance a time, zbnto every I n His Tablet "The Glad Tidings," > circumstance a word. Consider the Bah6'u'llih makes mention of the ideal > case of Greece! Verily w e n u d e i t the government-a fusion of aristocracy and > center of wisdom for a long keriod. democracy through the medium of consulta- > But w h e n the t i m e of its end came, its tion: "Although a republican form of > throne became veiled, its tongae d n m b , government," He says, "profits all the > its lamp extitzct, and its standard re- people of the world, yet the majesty of > versed. T h v s W e give and take nway. kingship is onc of the signs of God. We > Verily t h y Lord is the Takel-, the do not wish that the countries of the world > Giver, t h e Mighty, the Potent." should be deprived thereof. If statesmen > Bahi'z~~lldh. combine the two into one form, their re- > ward will be great before God." > S W E D E N is the oldest of the three The tradition of the nobility, having its > Scandinavian kingdoms. "When the Ger- impetus under King Gustavus Adolphus, > manic groups went south in great folk has also been of importance. Indeed the > migrations to mingle their blood with the public-mindedness of the nobility, reaching > Mediterranean races," says Hanna Astrup its crest in the seventeenth century, and > Larsen, Editor of the American-Scandinavian which later fell into neglect and abuse, > Review, "the Scandinavians stayed behind created a tradition of noblesse oblige which > and in their isolation developed their own still obtains, although nowadays the nobility > peculiar heritage." as a separate group exercises no influence. > Ancient tradition has etched in the con- But the national development of Sweden > sciousness of her leaders the spirit of public- is unique in the traditions of her peasantry. > mindedness and in the consciousness of her Says Miss Larsen, "The national impulse of > people faith in the Crown. And from the Scandinavian countries turned not only > period of the Wasa Kings, in the sixteenth backward t o the past but also inward t o the > century, when King Gustavus Adolphus study of the peasants, who were thought to > organized state and Crown leadership, em- have carried on the traditions of the fathers > bodying the definite paternalistic attitude of most unbroken." The capacity of the > the state toward the people and the recog- Swede for organization and legislation is > nition of education as an important factor innate but this sense of law and order-- > in the life of society, the moral influence of through which far-flung changes have been > the Crown was enhanced. achieved without revolution-grew out of > Today Sweden is a constitutional mon- the early political training and responsibility > archy, with a distinctly democratic repre- imposed upon the peasantry, for the land- > sentation and a parliamentary government. owning peasantry of Sweden has exercised > The left wing is always a strong factor in political rights since early in the fifteenth > the Riksdag, the socialist party having now century. This practice had its inception in > and then risen t o a commanding position. the period when the Wasa Kings, founders > Nevertheless, Royal Committees and ad- of the principles of Swedish statesmanship, > visers appointed by the Crown are un- introduced the severe practice of forcing > I(11 > 702 'THE B A H A ' i WORLD > > the people to participate in decisions of na- of the arts and sciences in t h e drvelopment > tional scope-war, peace, taxation and edu- of civilization and have a keen appreciation > cational reform. Characteristic of the pre- of co-operative activities, of finance and > cision and conscientiousness of the Swede, commerce. Freedom from the consciousness > no one was permitted to remain uncon- growing out of the practice of serfdom has > cerned. Hardship and peril beset the created a peasantry with aristocratic tradi- > traveler in those days and the representative tions and has been a powerful factor in > of a district would, before setting forth on obviating that sharp cleavage between classes > his journey, put his affairs in order and which became accentuated under autocratic > partake of the last communion! Conse- rule. > quently, representation in the Riksdag was The part played by the peasantry in the > a responsibility hardly to be sought after development of Sweden is of unique interest > with enthusiasm! to students of Bahb'i principles, for recog- > Property owners of each district were nition of the fundamental position of the > required to sign the decision of the Riksdag agricultural unit is unequivocally set forth > which their delegate brought back with him. in the writings of Bah6'u'llih and amplified > In later times Swedish peasants have had by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 again and again in his > their seats in the King's cabinet and no unique station as Interpreter of the Revela- > movement or reform can pass the Riksdag tion: > without their influence. This stabilizing in- "In reality," he says, "so far great injus- > fluence of the peasantry has served to tice has befallen the common people. . . . > strengthen the prestige of the Crown and The community needs financier, farmer, > the custom of conferring titles on persons merchant and laborer, just as an army must > of the lower classes distinguished for public be composed of commander, officers and pri- > service, has extended and fertilized the no- vates ... but justness of opportunity for > bility. "The Scandinavians," writes H. G . all. . . . First and foremost is the principle > Leach, editor of The Forum and an out- that to all the members of the body politic > standing authority on Scandinavia in the shall be given the greatest achievements of > United States, in his book 'Angevin Britain the world of humanity. Each one shall have > and Scandinavia,"' are freemen. They the utmost welfare and well-being. To > understand organized democracy. . .. The solve this problem we must begin with the > Norseman belonged to those people who, farmer; there will we lay a foundation for > unlike the destroying Tartar, possess the system and order, because the peasant class > strength and latent power of growth that and the agricultural class exceed other > enable them to adopt a civilization without classes in the importance of their service. > decaying under it. Instead they bettered ... I t is important to limit riches as it is > what they found, advancing rapidly from also of importance to limit poverty. ... A > . . > students to teachers. . The ancient Scan- financier with colossal wealth should not > dinavian rivalled the modern Japanese in exist whilst near him is a poor man in dire > taking on a new material civilization in a necessity. When we see poverty allowed to > day." reach a condition of starvation it is a sure > National and social coalescence are sign that somewhere we shall find tyranny. > further enhanced by racial and religious The rich must give of their abundance, > homogeneity, for with the exception of ap- they must soften their hearts and cultivate a > proximately one and a half percent the compassionate intelligence." > population is Swedish in origin and belongs Religion has initiated in Sweden three dis- > to the Swedish state church. tinct phases of national development: The > The peasantry of Sweden has not only initial phase of exotic influence began in the > contributed to the past, but to the present period of the Vikings, 800-1000; the second > progress of Swedish society. I n contradis- phase might be said to constitute the Me- > tinction to the experience of a people grow- dieval Catholic Church when the intellectual > ing out of serfdom, they are conversant with life fused with that of the continent of > the trend of national affairs, the importance Europe, and the third phase-the Reforma- > GLIMPSES OF SWEDEN 703 > > tion-from which issued national independ- terial elr~lcnts are transferable from one > ence and entrance upon a new political and form of existence to another, from one de- > economic experience. I t marked the incep- gree and kingdom to another, lower or > tion of interest in elementary education. higher. For example, an atom of the soil > Today school and church are classified under of dust of earth may traverse the kingdoms > one department head with representation in from mineral to man by successive incorpo- > the King's Cabinet. rations into the bodies of the organisms of > The Christian Faith was originally . . > those kingdoms. . Throughout these de- > planted in Sweden by the Crusaders, grees .. . it retains its atomic existence and > Ansgarius and Birgitta, early in the ninth is never annihilated nor relegated to non- > century and while the Scandinavian may existence. ... Death, therefore, is applicable > adopt a material civilization with facility, to a change or transference from one degree > the fact that Christianity was not officially . > or condition to another. . . The purpose is > inaugurated as a state religion till the this:-that the everlasting bestowal of God > eleventh century demonstrates the depth of vouchsafed to man is never subject to cor- > religious susceptibility of the Norseman. ruption. . . . The conception of annihilation > The old "pagan" faith was not subverted is a factor in human degradation, a cause of > till after the conquest of England by the human debasement and lowliness, a source > Danish Kings, Sweyn and Canute. of human fear and abjection. I t has been > Significantly, Ansgarius foresaw a future conducive to the dispersion and wealiening > spiritual glory for Sweden. "A great light," of human thought, whereas the realization > he said, "will emanate from the North." of existence and continuity bas upraised > That was early in the ninth century. Early man to sublimity of ideals, established the > in the eighteenth century, nine centuries foundations of human progress and stim- > later, Sweden gave birth to a spiritual genius, ulated the development of heavenly vir- > Emmanoel Swedenborg. His advent, the tues.... Spiritual existence is absolute im- > spiritual life he released, had the effect of mortality, con~pleteness and unchangeable > refreshing spring showers. He magnified being." > anew the belief in immortality, picturing The philosophical and spiritual teachings > graphically in his interpretative scriptural of Emmanuel Swedenborg penetrated the > writings the continuity of l i f e a factor of West. I n a Tablet addressed to an American > incalculable potency in relieving the ego- Bahi'i, E. E. Wrestling-Brewster, 'Abdu'l- > centric maladies that attack mankind. Bahh gave to Emmanuel Swedenborg the > In the journey of the soul, depicted with significance of minor prophet. "As soon as > transcendental beauty by Bahi'u'llih in a bird is fledged," he said in that Tablet, > "Seven Valleys," He writes, "0 Son, if thou "it cannot keep itself on the ground. . . . > canst overcome sleep thou wilt also be able When the season of spring dawns, a new and > to conquer death and if thou canst prevent wonderful motion and rejuvenation is wit- > thy waking from sleep wilt thou be able to nessed in all the existing things; the moun- > prevent thy rising after death." tains and meadows are revived; the trees > And the scientific exposition of 'Abdu'l- find freshness and delicacy and are clothed > BahL inculcates a clear knowledge of this with radiant and bright leaves, blossoms and > teaching. "The iuunor~alityof the soul," fruit. . . . In reality Emmanuel was the > he says, "is mentioned in the Holy Books. forerunner of the second coming of His > I t is the fundamental basis of divine re- Holiness the Christ and the herald of the > . > ligions. . . Total annihilation is an im- path to the Kingdom. . . . I hope that thou > possibility. At most, composition is ever wilt arise to perform all that which His > subject to decomposition or disintegra- Highness Emmanuel hath predicted. . . ." > tion.. .. This is the law of creation in its > endless forms and infinite variety. As ex- In recent times a movement to recapture > istence can never become non-existence the spirit released by Swedenborg was set > there is no death for man. . . . The rational in motion under the leadership of the late > proof of this is that the atoms of the ma- Archbishop Nathan Saderblom of Upsala, > Sweden. The ancient church of Ansgariua, Whrn he newapapcra of Swedcn an- > situated on the island of Visneg ii outside of nounced that Mrs. Louise Erickson, Swedish- > Stockholm was renovated and in 1930, an American Bahi'i teacher had-in an audi- > exalted spiritual ceremony took place in that ence with the Crown Prince--presented His > church. There congregated the Ruling Royal Highness with literature on the > House of Sweden, Archbishops representing Bahi'i Faith, it was the signal for wide- > most of the nations of Europe, besides spread interest and as it offered a panacea > eminent Inen and women. The late Arch- for the social, religious, national and political > bishop Sderhlom presiding called to mind ills which have beset mankind, it made a > the sacrifice of those early Crusaders in strong appeal to leaders of peace move- > promoting a new Faith-his theme taken ments. T o eager inquirers Mrs. Erickson > from the twenty-fourth Psalm: "Lift up lost no time in declaring the Principles of > your head, O ye gates and be ye lifted up Bahi'u'llih to he the creative source for the > ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory solution and healing of these problems. She > shall come in. . . . Who is this King of spoke of this new Faith as "a religion not > Glory! The Lord of Hosts, He is the King new but revitalized and freed from dogmas > of Glory!" and rituals. To leaders of Peace organiza- > Undoubtedly the mission of Emmanuel tions Mrs. Ericltson said simply, "Peace can- > Swedenborg was greater than his most de- not he accomplished with a plan. You must > voted adherents imagined, for he was indeed have principles. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said that > an announcer of the approach of that cycle Peace will come-it is the spirit of the age!" > of reality envisioned by poets in all ages "Today," 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said, "there is no > and promised by Celestial Messengers in suc- greater glory for man than that of service > ceeding cycles, the Era of Universal Peace in the Cause of the Most Great Peace. The > and Enlightenment, initiated by the Bib in powers of the earth cannot withstand the > 1844, brought into the full range of its privileges and bestowals which God has > magnificence and power by Bahi'u'll611, ordained for this great and glorious century. > 1863-1892, and carried by His Son, 'Abdu'l- I t is a need and exigency of the time. Man > Bah6 in person to the Western continents. can withstand anything except that which > Throughout his arduous career, the late is divinely intended and indicated for the > Archbishop Soderblom devoted his far- age and its requirements. . . . At present > reaching infl~tence to the propagation of Universal Peace is a matter of great im- > spirituvl and humanitarian idcals. Hc in- portancc, but unity of conscicncc is essential > vestigated and endorsed the Bahi'i teach- so that the foundations of this matter may > ings, finding in them the fulfillment of his become secure." > loftiest aspirations. In his later years he Mrs. Ericlrson found that distinguished > worked to establish those principles. His public servant of Sweden, Carl Lindhagen, > efforts have borne fruit. In her recent a strong advocate of peace. In a remark- > travels throughout Northern Europe, the in- able interview granted her by the former > ternational Bahi'i teacher, Mrs. Louise Mayor of Stockholm, Mrs. Erickson received > Erickson, was impressed with a new spirit inestimable support. "When he conceded > permeating her native land, Sweden. the interview," she said, "he invited me to > "Wherever I spoke, wherever I met thinking come and see his home. 'Come out to my > people," she said, "I felt the presellce of a house,' he said, 'I want you to see my home.' > new spirit. Frequently I heard the remark "The house is built on a high rock. > "Our beloved Archbishop Soderbloln was an Viewed as one approaches from below it > ardent advocate of those very principles appears like a great white swan resting > which you are disseminating." And Mrs. against the rock. Mr. Lindhagen met me > Erickson added, "The cultured people of at the door and invited me to the veranda to > Sweden are putting into practice the meet Mrs. Lindhagen and there to view the > Principles revealed by Bahi'u'llih, although scenery. From the veranda the panorama > unaware of their source. The movements is mountains, valleys and water. You gaze > for peace in Sweden are strong." out over Lake MiIir, the most historic spot > GLIMPSES OF SWEDEN 701 > > in Swrden. It completely surrounds the Era.' He requested me to autograph it and > little town of Mariefred, on a tiny island, seating me at his own desk he said, "Write > and there is Gripsholm Castle built by the my name and yours under it. On my vaca- > great King Gustav Vasa. tion I shall study it." > "Mr. Lindhagen intended that this should "This instructive and refreshing inter- > he an inspiration to me. I t was. The home view-which seemed to pass so quickly- > and the environment were to me the key to had consumed several hours and was the > the personality of my host. 'We are too busy means of my audience with the Crown > with humanitarian work and our writing,' Prince." > Mrs. Lindhagen told me, 'to enjoy onr "Bend your minds and wills," BahB'u'llih > home.' admonished over sixty years ago, "to the > "In the library we had coffee and smor- education of the peoples and kindreds of the > hrod-coffee is the rare treat in Sweden- earth, that haply the dissensions that divide > and the conversation settled on the para- it may, through the power of the Most > mount question-Peace. I outlined the Great Name, be blotted out from its face > principles of Bahi'u'llih, dwelling especially and all mankind become the upholders of > on the oneness of mankind, the abolition of one Order, and the inhabitants of one > all prejudices, harmony between science and City. . . . Ye dwell in one world and have > religion, the equality of privileges for men been created through the operation of one > and women, universal education and a uni- Will." > versal language. My host listened atten- I n a beautiful home an hopr's ride out- > tively and answered, 'I have always thought side of Stockholm, Mrs. Erickson found > along these lines. But if they build on the Harald Thilander, blind Esperantist and > principle of a Universal Lauguage that publisher of Braille books. This remarkable > alone will establish Pence. I t is a medium man has translated into Esperanto and pub- > for universal understanding. I believe in lished in Braille a considerable number of > the Principle, that is why I work for it.' " Bahl'i pamphlets. > Esperanto is becoining increasingly popular Nowadays the ancient democratic spirit > in Sweden. of Sweden is embodied in His Royal High- > "Yon must speak Esperanto very well," ness, Gustav Adolph, the beloved Crown > I ventured, recalling public addresses made Prince. "The Crown Prince," Mrs. Erickson > by Mr. Lindhagen in Stoclcholm at the related, "is required to participate in social > Esperanto Convention in 1934, and at activities ranging anywhcrc from thc dcdi- > Danzig, where he had planted a tree at a cation of universities, public parks, museums > public ceremony given by the Esperantists and schools to cattle conventions. He in- > there. Gathering from all corners of the stils new ideas and practical methods as well > globe, representatives of this organization as the pattern of noble ideals and beauty. > brought with them the soil in which the I believe he is surely one of the busiest men > tree was planted. in all the world. To have met him person- > "No," he answered, "I studied that speech ally is an experience I shall cherish always. > in Esperanto especially for the Convention." That meeting opened every single door and > "Have you seen the Crown Prince?" he was the greatest means for the spreading of > asked. the universal teachings of Bahi'u'llib." > "No," I told him, "I have no acquaint- "In Copenhagen, I telephoned Mrs. Ruth > ance who can open the way to an audiet~ce." Bryan Owen, American Ambassador to Den- > He arose, excused himself with exquisite mark. I had met her distinguished father, > courtesy and left the room. "I have talked William Jennings Bryan, after his pilgrimage > with the Crown Prince on the telephone," to 'AkkL while 'Ahdu'l-Bahi was still in > he announced when he came back, "and he prison there. She arranged for me an op- > will receive you next Tuesday at ten in the portunity to present His Majesty, King of > morning." Denmark, with a copy of 'Bahi'u'llih and > "It was my wish to leave with Mr. Lind- the New Era' in Danish." > hagen a copy of 'Bah6'u'llhh and the New Up from the age of the Vikings, to > 706 T H E BAHd'f WORLD > Ar~s~ariua and Birgitta, through the Me- maelstrom of conflicting and unpredictable > dieval Ages to the Reformation and Sweden- events in which the nations of Europe are > borg-destined as the herald of the approach becoming more and more submerged. Is it > of the Promised Age-the influence per- not possible that Sweden, reinforced with > petuating the onward march of Sweden has new spiritual v a l u e s t h e dynamic principles > been, without doubt, superbly spiritual. and teachings of Bah&'u'llih-will not be > This preparation, combined with a natural caught in the disintegrating forces of war > religious yearning, is indeed significant of a and aggression; will keep aloof and stand > spiritual destiny. That spirit it must have ready to lead the way out of the per- > been that sustained her and stayed precipita- plexities and chaos of that old world > tion into the World War and in the present order? > > Bah6'i Pioneers of irln. > RUSSIA'S C U L T U R A L C O N T R I B U T I O N > T O THE B A H A I F A I T H > > M Rs. ISABEL GRINEvsKAYA, a RUS- > sian poet in Leningrad, gave a great impetus > that He saw the narrative.) When H e held > the manuscript of the drama "Bahi'u'116h" > to the Bahi'i Movement and to world art in His hands, H e blessed it and prophesied > in her three celebrated writings, the two t o the author that these two dramas would > dramas, "Bib" and "Bahi'u'llih," and a he played in Tihrin! > narrative called "A Journey in the Countries The drama "Bib" was published in May, > of the Sun." The last named is an account 1903, and was played in one of the principal > of her visit to 'Abdu'l-Bahi 111 191 1 when theatres in St. Petersburg in January, 1904. > H e was in Ramleh, Egypt. While the last I t was this drama that first brought to > is in prose it has verses introduced so that Count Leo Tolstoy a knowledge of the > we might allnost say that the three form a Bahi'i teachings. He read the book and at > trilogy in poetic form presenting the new once wrote t o Mrs. Grinevskaya his apprecia- > universal religion of the oneness of mankind tion of her great drama and his sympathy > proclaimed by those three heavenly person- with the Bah6'i Movement; the letter was > ages, the Bib the Forerunner, Bahht'll6h printed in the Russian press and the poet has > the Revealer of the Word and 'Abdu'l-Bahh his letter in her possession now. > the Center of the Covenant of the Baha'i > I have before me as I write a clipping > Faith. > from the "Herold" of January, 1904: "The > From the point of view of art the dramas > play Bib appeared in May of last year, 1903, > rank high. Russian critics affirm that these > the most inconvenient time for the appear- > works have proclaimed their author a poet > ance of a book. Nevertheless the pens of > of the first order. One of her countrymen, > the critics began to move in the journals and > Mr. Wesselitzky, President of the Foreign > magazines in order to compose hymn-songs > Press Association of London, said that he > of praise t o the author. Moreover an en- > read the drama "B6b" on a railway train > lightened Persian society sent her an inspired > when he was returning to England from > letter of thanks; and above all, Mrs. Isabel > Russia in August, 1901. His own words > Grinevsky had the spiritual satisfaction that > were: "I was at once attracted by the rare > among those who eulogized her drama was > combination of philosophical thought with > the lion of contemporary Russian literature, > a great power of expression, beauty, imagery, > Leo Tolstoy. The impression was such that > and harmony of verse. I keenly felt the de- > it made us think that amidst the statists rep- > light of reading a new, great poem and dis- > resenting the Persian throngs were real > covering a new first-rate poet. I should > Persians; it seemed as if the scene exhaled the > have felt so on broad, general grounds from > perfume of the roses of &iriz!" > whatever country the poet came! How- > Mr. Wesselitsky, whom I mentioned > ever, my joy was intensified by the fact that > earlier in this story, gave a lecture in London > the poem had been written in my own lan- > in 1907 about this drama and his speech was > guage and that the author was a conntry- > afterwards published in pamphlets in > woman of mine." > English and French.' > - I quote two para- > This article purports to give a little his- > tory of these works, for 'Abdu'l-Bah6 Him- IPamphlets in French and English, London, 1907, > a t the Press of "Chronide," 2 9 Besborough Srreer, > self praised these dramas. (I do not know London, S. W. > 708 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > gaphs: "Amidst thc sorrows of disastrous thc Russian Revolution. Pcoplc came cvcn > war and those dreadful inner troubles, that from Moscow and Turkistin to see it. > book 'Bib' was my only happy impression, Diplomats from foreign countries were in > and it remains since a permanent source of the audience; the ambassador from China > joy and comfort as a manifest proof of the was one. A second edition of the drama > vitality of Russia and its creative genius. had been published in 1916, and these books > "The romantic side of this drama, too, is were sold at the entrance of the theater; > quite original. The plot is not based on many spectators sat with the open books in > adultery as in French drama and not on their hands during this performance. I t is > seduction as in 'Faust,' but on renouncement a long drama in five acts, equal in the num- > and self-sacrifice. The romantic side of the ber of verses to "Don Carlos" of Schiller > Bib is closely allied with the metaphysical- and "Cromwell" of Victor Hugo. > ethical side. The drama has so ~ n n c hof the When I wrote asking Mrs. Grinevskaya > latter that every act may seem t o be a about these dramas she sent me several > sermon and the drama itself a suite of letters. I should state that she has written > sermons. Yet all that preaching is relieved many works along different lines of thought > by genuine enthusiasm, eloquence of the and lectured on many subjects in Russia, > heart and real passion. The conflict in the and had often spoken in conferences on these > soul of the hero is not between passion and two dramas, "Bib" and "Bahi'u'llih." She > reason, but between two passions-human was a member of the former Philosophic > love and love d i v i n e t h e latter being Society of the University, an active member > stronger and more ardent than the former. of the former Oriental Society, and is a > I t is that man~festationof the power of the member of the present Bibliological Society > higher aims in the heart of man which is and several literary societies and unions. She > the chief feature of this book and the secret said that before she wrote her poem "Bib," > of its irresistible charm." the Russian public generally had not heard > Celebrating the decade of the first per- much about the Bahi'i Movement. She > formance of "Bib" in January, 1914, Mrs. herself knew about it only $;om reading. > Grinevskaya gave a great conference on the The critics thought she had traveled much > drama in one of the most beautiful concert in frin, she was so well informed about the > halls of Leningrad. The "St. Petersburg life there, but as a matter of fact she had > Infor~nationsPaper" gives the event a long not been in frin. She had heard that some > review praising the author and her reading Bahi'i believeri from f r i n had been driven > of selections from the poem and her address. out of their land into Turkey and India, > One paragraph particularly I remember: "As and that some had come t o Turkistin and > a characteristic of the frame of mind of were residing in the cities of Ti&kand, > the poetess during the creation of her poem, 'Ishqibdd and Mary and in the city of Bdku > the following words of her own may serve in the Caucasus. > as an illustration: 'A well known professor "Still, I thought," she says, "these be- > told me that the name of my poem, "Bib" lievers in the Bib now called Bahi'is had > does not sound well t o the ears of Russians. mingled with other nations, and perhaps had > I answered that the names of the people who ceased t o exist as a religious entity. The > preached the ideals of love, paying for those description of Professor Edward G. Browne > ideals with their lives, must sound well to seemed t o me a fairy tale. How astonished > all those who have ears to hear. All noble I was when, after my drama 'Bib' made > ideals are so few in these days that it would its appearance in 1903, I received one day > be worth while to renew the performance a letter with the following address: 'To the > of "Bib" in order to awaken the remem- Author of the book "Bib," Mrs. Isabel > brance of these ideals. We, the people of Grinevskaya in St. Petersburg.' Neither > the West, rise too late, we do not know the street nor number of the house was marked, > East where the sun shines!' " yet thanks t o thc carcful postal authorities, > The play was presented again in the Folk that letter, though unregistered, reached me > Theater in Leningrad in April, 1917, after safely." > RUSSIA'S CONTRIBUTION T O B A H A ' ~F A I T H 709 > > Both the handwriting 2nd signature point them out? I t was like a star falling > proved unknown but she relates: "That from heaven at my feet! As if I had found > letter was from 'Ali-Akbar Mamedkanly a precious stone where I had not expected > from B6ku who wrote that he was a be- t o find one." > Liever in the Bib, that he had read in the The book was mailed to him at once and > > Isabel Grinevskaya > News of Biku about my poem, the account she explained t o that Bahi'i that she had > of which had interested him greatly and that had t o deviate just a little from a few of > he would like t o get the book. He asked the historical facts for the sake of a dra- > that if he found any mistakes against the matic whole. She added: "I wrote for a > Teachings of the Bib, could he perhaps public all unprepared t o hear moral, religious > 710 T H E BAI-Iil'i WORLD > and philosophical idea* from the stage; it nated by the poem BdL like a youth though > was accustomed to lighter plays, not a theme I am not a youth in years. I have passed > about God, of religion, especially about the two faculties of the university and have in > conception of a new religion or rather, 1 my library all the available works which > would say religion renewed!" appear in the literature of the world.' " > The Bahb'i from Biliu politely replied to "He counselled me," Mrs. Grinevsky says, > Mrs. Grinevskaya's letter as follows: "The "to compose a tragedy about the life of > impression which I received in reading your Bahl'u'llbh. I myself had thought of it but > drama was such that I could not see any had been so occupied I had never attempted > mistalies of any kind, even though I read ~ t now > ; I determined t o undertake this big > it many times. We read it in the Bahl'i work. I always remember with gratitude > Assembly (meeting) and the believers send the memory of this Russian gentleman who > you sincerest thanks. They feel sure that was not a Bahh'i but a man of great heart. > the literary world will soon unite in a H e passed on before my work was published, > general solemnizing of your creative and I never met him. His name was Nicolas > powers." Zazuline; he, as I knew, was president of > She said that he also wrote beautifully the nobility in Kishinef and the author of > about the Bah6'i life in Caucasus, stating several philosophical treatises." > among other points: "We live here cherish- She continues: "When my work was > ing the tenets for which our grandfathers, finished and notices about it appeared in > fathers and brothers shed their blood main- the press, a number of people who had > taining the chief principles: pardon, patlence assisted at the representations of my poem > and love to mankind." Mrs. Grioevskaya 'Bib,' and had heard my confereuces about > said that these letters were written in Rus- that poem which I gave many times, asked > sian and showed that the Bahh'is were very me t o prepare a lecture about my new > enlightened in literature and science. She composition. The first address about it was > also added: "It was such a joy t o me to find given in our summer capital Siestroretzk > that there are in the world people so con- and afterwards I also lectured in the capital > genial t o me in feeling and in vision. I itself at the Society of Oratorical Arts' > loved with my soul those spiritual people Hall, in the year 1910." > who, just like the people in my drama, were Mrs. Grinevslcaya explained that when her > holding those principles of pardon, patience Bahi'i correspondent of Biliu, Mirzb 'Ali > and love to all mankind, holding them not Akbar Mameaanly, read in the newspapers > as a dead dogma but as a living truth!" that the work was finished (he had known > from her that it was being written), he > Now I shall speak of the tragedy-poem asked to have a copy sent t o him. She > "Bahl'u'llbh." Mrs. Grinevskaya wrote me mailed to him several excerpts from the > how she received the inspiration to write it. poem. A few weeks later she was amazed > She said: "Among the many letters which to receive a telegram from him saying: > I received from unknown people, all writing " 'Ahdu'l-Bahl permits us to visit Him in > me about my play, 'Bib,' was one from a Egypt." 'Abdu'l-Bah6 was at that time > gentleman who to my astonishment had a making a short stay in Egypt. > profound knowledge not only of the Bib She writes in her letter to me: "That had > but also of Bahi'u'lllh. Like the Bib, until been my secret, my innermost desire, to see > 1903, Bahi'u'llih was generally unknown with my own eyes those people whom I had > even among the cultured classes, professors described, who, as my correspondent said, > sometimes asking me who my hero was. 'love all mankind.' I had thought it ab- > Even one (Czarist) politician had once solutely impossible, and yet, unexpectedly, > asked me, 'What is Bahh'u'llih?' N o t who, wonderfully, i t had come t o pass that I > mind you, but what! So I was all the more could go to see even the greatest of those > impressed t o hear from my Russian pro- people! I started from Russia with my > vincial correspondent the name of Bahi- manuscript of the poem 'Bah&'u'llbh' in > 'u'llhh. H e said in his note: 'I was fasci- December, 1910, my aim being to see the > RUSSIA'S CONTRIBUTIO N TO BAHA'I FAITH 711 > > surroundings of my dreamf, nf my fancy, of God-such is the title of the new tragedy > about which my .former respectful corre- with which Mrs. Isabel Grinevskaya has en- > spondent and present fellow-traveler in that riched Russian dramatic literature. We > journey to Egypt had spoken-to see must praise without restriction a work > 'Abdu'l-Bahi!" whose high, dramatic significance is com- > bined with admirable form. The author of > Seven years had passed between the ap- the drama 'Bib,' that work of such strong > pearance of the drama "Bib" and the con- thought, has never attained such a powerful > cluding of the tragedy "Bahi'u'IIih" fol- conception as this poem. > lowed by this memorable journey. Mrs. "The mind of the reader, attracted by a > Grinevskaya spent two weeks in Ramleh, rhythm of an unspeakably harmonious > Egypt, as the guest of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. After poetry, rises imperceptibly to summits where > she returned to Russia she had several letters the most grave problems are discussed, > or Tablets from Him. In one of these He problems over which thoughtful humanity > speaks of an article which He had just re- bends with fear and despair, helpless to solve > ceived about her poem "BahB'u'llih." them. The characters are analyzed with > From the Tablet (or letter) addressed to great psychological insight. > Madame Grinevskaya and signed by 'Abdu'l- "BahB'u'Ilih, the central figure, is de- > Bahi, I quote: picted with the clearness and power of an > "The article which was published in the antique high-relief. The complexity of that > Saint Petershurg Journal about thy recent elect-nature is presented with the authority > book (Bahi'u'llih) was in the utmost elo- and truth of the great masters of the > quence and fluency. I t was an indication classical theater. What a lofty lesson, what > of thy praiseworthy services. The publica- eloquence sursum cord2 in that life of pure > tion of such articles is very useful. They bounty, of selflessness in that wide desire > are conducive to the promotion of the divine to spread peace! > Call. Praise be to God that thou art assisted "How not to he moved, fascinated by the > in the service of the world of humanity nobility of this Apostolic character? > and art spreading the sumlnons of the "As in the 'Bib,' the events touch the > Kingdom of God. Day and night thou great religious nloveinent which roused the > must praise God that thou art assisted to country of Persia in the middle of the last > such a great service. Rest thou century. The historical part is exact. Mrs. > assured that that which is the utmost desire" Grinevskaya did not limit herself to the > of thy heart shall come to pass concerning studies of documents, the great quantity of > this matter. which we can hardly imagine; she knows the > "This seed which thou has sowed shall country very well. Her knowledge gives to > grow. If the meaus are not available at the characters an intensive life and a warm > present, unquestionably they will become coloring. > realized. I pray in thy behalf that thou "The origin of a faith analyzed with the > mayest beconle confirmed in the unin- help of true science is carried forward with > terrupted service of the Kingdom of great art beginning with the first thought > God." which moves the heart of the Apostle, who > The article which 'Abdu'l-Bahi mentions loves lnanlrind as He loves His family and > in His Tablet had been published in the His own country. > French newspaper "Journal de Saint-Peters- "The author gives a vision, a revelation > bourg" January, 1912. The headline was of all that is hidden of moving, precious > "Bahi'u'llih." I quote paragraphs from depths in that supreme struggle. The liber- > this review: "Bahi'u'llih means the Glory ating pain, the majesty of effort, the active > bounty-all these elements of that struggle > 'In a footnore Mrs. Grinevrkryr adds that her > urmosr deiire which she had expressed in Ratnleh remain ordinarily unattainable for the crowd > had been char ller poems might be iranrlated into which cannot fathom under their austere > European hngungcs. The poem " B W hag been dogmas, one of the beautiful forms of > translrred into Gcr1n.n m d French, bur the poem > "Bahh'u'llih is still unrranslatcd. human unity. > > ~ -- -- ----- -- - -- > 712 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > "The love, the deep necessity which lives she came again t o Leningrad she immediately > in each human heart passes throughout the began the of the drama "Bahi- > tragedy as an undercurrent, the fountain- 'u'llih" so that it was not until 1914 that > head of which, never drying, remains hidden she completed the manuscript of "A Journey > to the exterior world. to the Countries of the Sun." I t is interest- > "That beautiful and bold worls points a ing to note that when she completed it, > return to the school of majesty and aesthetic three frinians, Assad-Ullah Namdor of Mos- > morality, the aspiration to the eternal truth, cow, 'Ali Akbar Kamalof of T l h k a n d and > which are the indelible character of perma- an old frinian Baha'i friend whom she had > nent works. We foretell for this book a met at Port Said, came t o call upon her and > most merited success. Humanity, be it to she read to them many parts from the > its credit, is tired of the histories of the "Journey," the central figure of which is > impure which spoil the taste and soil the 'Abdu'l-Bahi. This book of 510 pages > mind. I t cannot bur receive with enthusia- has not yet been published because at this > asm a work of which the most civilized time the world war commenced; neither > countries of Europe will be proud." has it yet been translated into other lan- > guages. > Mrs. Grinevskaya, returning from Ramleh May this great Russian poet, Mrs. Isabel > in January, 1911, gave interviews to the Grinevskaya, who has made such a cultural > press at Odessa, the Russian port of the contribution to literature and to the Bahi'i > Blaclt Sea, and as soon as she reached home Movement some day see all her works trans- > she began her book, "A Journey to the lated into European languages! The Eng- > Countries of the Sun," which is an account lish reading world eagerly awaits them, I > of her visit to 'Abdu'l-Bahi. This was in- know, for many inquiries come from the > terrupted because in the summer of 1912 United States asking where it is possible to > she was called to Paris by the French trans- get these books in Russian, in French, or in > lator of "Bib," Madame Halperin. When German! > I N C I D E N T FROM > THE NETHERLANDS > BY LOUISEDRAKEWRIGHT > T H E broad sympathetic outlook, brilliant pressing those aspects of the Cause that had > mentality and executive capacities of particularly attracted her interest, and sent > Madam W. Wijnaendts Francken-Dyserinck it to the publishers, Nijgh and Von Ditmar, > of The Hague, the Netherlands, entitle her who later brought it out in one of their > to he known as one of Europe's leading illustrated magazines, "Wereldkroniek," > figures in the Woman's Movement and vari- with of 'Ahdu'l-BahQ together > ous national and international affairs. with the Temples at Wilmette and 'Is_hqi- > She is a member of the International hid, Turkistin. At the request of Mrs. > Council of Women, established in 1888, and Stuart W. French of California, this article, > for years has lectured, written and freely which is given below, has been translated > spent her energies in helping to forward into English. > the progressive ideals for which her country Notwithstanding her many public and > is noted. private engagements, throughout the time I > She is a skilful organizer, and established remained at The Hague, Madam Wijnaendts > throughout her native land the Girl Scout Francken, with thoughtful generosity, > Movement, as well as the Soroptomist Club helped in many ways to make known a > for business women, similar to the men's Faith that had been the means of inspiring > Rotary Club. so exalted an example of heroic sacrifice > In the summer of 1933, during the unto death for the upliftment of woman- > Century o f Progress Exhibition in Chicago, hood, as that of the famous disciple of the > she represented her country at the Inter- Bib and Bah6'u'llih, Qurratu'l-'Ayn, and > national Woman's Congress asselnbled there, she hopes to write for the Dutch people a > and spoke to vast audiences. history of that alorious life. > At the request of Shoghi Effendi, the next > winter I returned to thc Netherlands for WHAT DOESB A H MEAN? ~ ~ > the third time and endeavored again to make Shining temples, the symbol of world > known Bahl'u'llih's priceless gifts to man- unity for the coming years. The light from > kind. frin. > Soon after my arrival at The Hague, Following the adjournment of the Inter- > Madam Wijnaendts Francken kindly asked national Women's Congress in Chicago, in > me to diile with her and the evening was 1933, many of the foreign and American > largely spent in answering questions as to members were guests at a garden tea-party. > the history of the Founders of the Cause, In spite of the economic depression of that > its principles, and present-day, world-wide summer, American hospitality was, I think, > activities under Shoghi Effendi's great ad- practically the same as that I had experi- > ministrative power. Her quick, enthusiastic enced in 1925 and '26. I t is a regrettable > response to the immense scope and peace- fact that our programs of work and enter- > bringing character of the Faith was indeed tainment left us little time for ourselves. > refreshing, and she asked, "What can I do When preparations were being made for > to help make known this Movement?" the conference, while motoring we saw a > Not long afterwards it was encouraging beautiful building in Wilmette, a suburb of > to learn that she had written an article ex- Chicago. This structure, situated on the > 714 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > shores o l he jus~l?farnous Lake Michigan, universality and rile principl~aand ~ e a c l i ~ ~ g s > dominates the surrounding scene and many of its two leading irlnian prophets consti- > of the European and other guests would tute a basis for world unity. > hare enjoyed prolonging their inspection of Even as Jesus was preceded by John the > the building. Baptist, so Bahh'dlllh was receded by one > Although our view of it was one of short who called himself the Blb, meaning the > duration, for days afterward it called forth door. > much comment. Seen amidst the lighting The unity which the Bah6'is seek to es- > effectswhich Americans have been for years tablish will, when put into operation, lead > so skilful in producing, and in which the humanity to world peace. > Century of Progress exhibition excelled all I t is a remarkable fact that sixty years > previous displays, one can picture (with the ago Bahh'u'llhh, the prophet of frln, wrote > aid of the accompanying photograph ' of to Queen Victoria stressing the necessity of > the temple) the overwhelming impression establishing a bond of unity among all > this brilliantly illuminated, nine-sided peoples. A copy of this letter is preserved > temple made during the night. Those flying in the British Museum. I t was sent from > over it looked down upon the beauty of a the prison of 'Akki, in Palestine, where > nine pointed star shining far below them. Bahh'u'I16h, with his family, spent many of > The number Nine contains all other num- their forty years' imprisonment. His son > bers and symbolizes unity. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 was his father's constant at- > One of the guests knew the name of this tendant until Bahh'u'llhh died in 1892. > temple, Ma&riqu'l-Aekhr; another, was When, about thirty years later, the son also > su5ciently acquainted with the Bahb'i passed from the world, 10,000 men and > Movement to know that although the women of many races and classes, followed > Temple was not yet finished, meetings were the bier from Haifa, his dwelling place, part > held there by the followers of a prophet of way up Mount Carmel where be was in- > frhn, Bahl'u'lllh, who lived in the previous terred, near the last resting place of the Blb. > century. A third person knew that one of The frinian prophet proclaimed the > the tenets of their teaching was the absolute necessity of a world latlguage. A t a time > equality of the sexes. when the organized woman's movement had > This information was, naturally, sufficient not yet begun to function, he taught that > to arouse our interest, and it was rather mankind has two wings, one, the man, and > extraordinary that in the hegil>ning of the the other, the woman. Both wings of a bird > next winter a follower of Bah&'u'lllh, Miss must he equally well developed before it can > Louise Drake Wright, from Boston, the fly. If one wing remains weak flight is Im- > United States, came to the Netherlands and possible. Not until women are placed on an > that she was willing to grant an interview. equal footing with men in respect to oppor- > We were much impressed by her reserve, and tunities and powers of accomplishment can > the absence of any attempt on her part to success and welfare develop unhampered as > impose her own convictions. She was in the they should. > Netherlands in accordance with the express One of the outstanding doctrines of > wish of the Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Bah6'u'lIlh was free sharing of one's posses- > Effendi, who residcs in Haifa, Palestine, sions with others. This seems even more > where his grandfather, 'Abdu'l-Bahh, had important than the equality of the sexes, but > lived. If the Bahh'i Movement is to awaken he says this cannot be attained by means of > more than an intellectual curiosity in the any coercive measure. > Netherlands, a person like Miss Drake These teachings also found expression in > Wright, quiet and reserved in manner, a letter written by 'Ahdu'l-Bahi to the > would have to represent it. Central Organization for Permanent Peace > To call the Bahb'i Movement sectarian is at The Hague. The executive committee, > a mistake. The Temple itself represents to whom the letter was addressed, had upon > ~ i " s r r l t i o n sf, the Templein its international list two Dutch names, One > of the book.-~ditar. at the beginning and the other at the end- > A B A H A ' ~INCIDENT FROM THE N E T H E R L A N D S 711 > > H. C . Dresselhiiys, the chairman, and B. de Bah6'i reckoning of time begins with the > Jong, the secretary. revelation of the Bib, 1844, and we must > I t is interesting to note that the Bib, not forget to relate that six years later he > who was much ahead of his time, proposed died a martyr's death. > the adoption of a uniform calendar for the The fact that Bahi'u'116h proposed the > whole world. The year was to be divided establishment of an International Court of > into 19 months having 19 days each, leaving Arbitration is of greater interest t o us. And > extra days as holidays, between February when his son, 'Abdu'l-Bahd, whom Bahb- > > > 21th and March 2nd. This can be com- 3 > u 116h named as his successor, was lecturing > pared to an attempt made later amongst in Paris in 1913, he proclaimed the necessity > Western peoples who sought to change the of a world Tribunal for the guidance of all > calendar for the sake of greater efficiency. peoples, which was to consist of members > The Bib also proposed new names for the chosen from each land and government. > months: Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, All grievances of an international character > Light, Mercy, Words, Names, Perfection, were to be submitted to it, and all causes of > Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, war were to be settled by arbitration, thus > Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, prohibiting war. Upon the eve of the out- > Loftiness. One doubts if such names will break of the world war in 1914, 'Abdu'l- > ever find acceptance. Bah6 was making powerful efforts to bring > I t strikes us as a little strange that the about international disarn~ament. > M R . HARALD T H I L A N D E R A N D > HIS P U B L I C A T I O N S FOR T H E > BLIND I N SWEDEN > > D U R I N G our recent brief sojourn in subscribers to his various magazines and a > Stockholm, made interesting and valuable large quantity to Dr. Echner in Praha. > through an unexpected and delightful meet- > ing with Miss Martha Root, Bah6'i lecturer Besides being an accomplished linguist > and teacher, we were able, with her assist- Mr. Thilander is the owner and editor of a > ance, to have an interview with one of number of periodicals. An enumeration of > Sweden's outstanding literary geniuses. Be- these will give an idea of the large amount > cause of certain efforts in behalf of the of work which Mr. Thilander accomplishes. > blind, Miss Root knew that we would have This he does through the aid of a man who > much in common with Mr. and Mrs. Harald reads to him, and an office force consisting > Thilander, and accordingly at an appointed of two blind men and one who sees. > hour, these delightful people came to the One of the Swedish publications has a > Grand Hotel in Stockholm to call on us. circulation of nine hundred fifty. Its title > If we mention here the physical handicaps translated into English is "The Weelcly Re- > under which Mr. Thilander is working it is view for the Blind." Mr. Thilander chooses > because of his amazing accomplishments and and edits all the material which is printed > his beautiful spirit that we venture to do in this weeldy. In this connection he was > so. Totally blind, and seriously crippled in deeply interested in the fact that Miss Helen > both arms he must also depend upon an Iceller had read of the Bah6'i Cause and had > apparatus to convey to him the sound of his received and graciously acknowledged some > wife's voice, for it was through the medium Baha'i books in Braille. > of a conversation in Esperanto with Mrs. His most important publication in Swed- > Thilander that our messages were conveyed ish Braille is "Gefrata Rondo," a religious > to him. Mrs. Thilander herself is nearly paper which is founded on liberal ideas and > sightless, and since she was unacquainted expresses the liberal church. This has a > with the English language we found Es- subscription list of five hundred sixty-five. > peranto our best vehicle, although Mr. A quarterly Esperanto magazine is called > Thilander being master of six languages "Lumo Sur Lavojo." The "Esperanto > modestly replied to us in English. Ligilo" has one thousand readers. Then > there is the "Radio Journal," a Swedish > Our interview naturally turned upon the weekly for the blind. The "Northland > subject of the Bahi'i Faith of which Mr. Musical Gazette," printed in Norwegian, > Thilander had first learned through a small Swedish and Danish has a monthly cir- > booklet which he had received from Miss culation of one hundred fifty. Mr. > Root some time before. So attracted was Thilander also publishes three foreign maga- > he to the spirit and principles of the Faith zines, one Spanish, one Irish and one > because as he puts it, "It is the religion of Bulgarian. > life, built upon deeds-not merely words," Besides the above and "Lumo" which > that he translated the booklet into Esperanto appears semi-annually, there is a "Woman's > Braille, and sent a copy of it to each of the Magazine" published in Swedish Braille in > 7 16 > MR. HARALD THiLANDER AND HIS PUBLICATIONS 717 > which Mrs. Thilander also assists. This has give to his readers, and it was then that our > a monthly circulation of three hundred and modest efforts in Braille transcription seemed > fifty copies. to receive the divine confirmation, and how > joyously we promised that the new National > The accompanying photograph can give Bahl'i Committee for Braille Transcription > but a meagre impressiou of these two re- would send him as soon as possible some > > Mr. and Mrs. Thilander. > > markable people, the charm of their sincere products of their devoted labors for the > interest and the light in their faces which spread of the Bahl'i Messagethe Message > is expressive of that great inner Light which of the New Day. We told him, too, that > they so beautifully reflect. this interview would be printed in our > "Bah6'i Magazine," and with a radiant smile > At the close of this impressive interview be replied: "Don't say anything about me, > Mr. Thilander asked if he might hope to the person means nothing, it is only the > have something more on the Bahi'i Faith to work which matters." > Plan of the Ha~iratu'l-Qudsof Tihrin, frln. > T H E M O D E R N MIRACLES > OF PALESTINE > > A M O N G the "Hidden Words" which heights of Lebanon, 1200 feet above sea- > embody the sacred utterances of Bah6'u'llih level, to the Dead Sea, 1400 feet below > translated from the frinian we find these sea-level, its seasons are divided between six > words, "Be ye as great trees bearing broad months of dry heat and desert winds, and > leaves and fragrant fruits," which is a six months of moderate rain and sunshine > thought peculiarly appropriate to the sub- producing iine fruits and a semi-tropical > ject under discussion. For ours is an age of vegetation. > spiritual springtide in which we see the The tremendous drama of the struggle > miracle of many lands, being simultaneously between the Kings of Israel and the Prophets > reborn before our eyes. of God seems to have impregnated this small > Through evolution and revolution, the portion of earth with a deathless spiritual > whole earth is emerging from age-old in- magnetism that at intervals focuses its > ertias, from prejudices, and from fettering power, and acts definitely and dramatically > traditions into a verdant and vigorous as a lever for the uplift of humanity. > growth of expanded life, quickened mental- Following the early struggles of Israel, > ity, and new outlooks that may well be the Crusades continued the inspiring tradi- > compared to the annual miracle of spring. tions of the Holy Land, and then the Turks > Perhaps some of us take these wonders held it in thrall, for seven hundred years, > of life too much for granted, and because till in the World War General Lord Allenby > we live in the midst of them, we lose the made his historic entry into Jerusalem on > sense of their joy and wonder; others, sub- foot, and Palestine became n British Man- > ject them only to the critical analysis of date. > scientific phenomena, but to world-travelers Such, briefly, is the baclrground against > it is sometimes granted to pass beyond both which the modern miracles of this land are > these stages of perception and to become fulfilling the Bible prophecy that "Carmel > active partakers, as well as eye-witnesses, of and Sharon shall see the Glory of the Lord." > those silent mysteries of growth and fevers I n the year 1868 Bahi'u'llih with His > of spiritual unrest that always precede the family and a small band of disciples were > re-birth of lands and peoples. imprisoned for supposed sedition in the > worst criminal prison of Palestine in 'Akk6 > Palestine, more intimately known as the which some chronicles call the "oldest city > Holy Land, is approximately only two on earth." Here he dwelt in close confine- > hundred miles long by one hundred and fifty ment with all its attendant hardships for > wide. I t has taken, and is still playing, several years, and then at the request of the > one of the most powerful and dramatic governor of the city, He was granted a > r6les in the great pageant of world recon- house at Bahji some miles distant, where, > struction. Within its small area it is subject though still under restrictions, He was al- > t o many climatic extremes which have had lowed to pass the remainder of His life, > their influence on its historic developments receiving the pilgrims that visited from all > and peoples. Bounded on the west by the lands, and writing those books of law and > Mediterranean, on the east by the desert of wisdom that are the basis of the New World > Transjordania, and stretching froin the cool Order, that it was His divine mission to > ,'19 > 720 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > > proclaim! These principles of unity are spiritual volcanos for within its rcstrictcd > painfully but surely becoming operative area Jews, Arabs and the British are trying > throughout the world, and Bahi'i literature to solve the problems of racial amity and > has already been translated into thirty differ- economic understandings. > ent tongues. Simultaneously with the conflagrations > Bahl'u'lllh ascended in November, 1892, that are burning away outworn prejudices, > leaving the promulgation of his work to other constructive forces have been building > His son 'Abdu'l-BahS, and so the first of the new foundations in Palestine, and the sta- > modern miracles of Palestine was achieved, tistics of these are bewildering in their > and the breeze of spiritual freedom began to magnitude. > rise, unobserved, save by the few. Among When He was charged with sedition, > this minority, however, were certain Turkish Bahi'u'llih replied, "We desire but the good > officials, who communicated to their govern- of the world and the happiness of the > ment that 'Abdu'l-BahS was employing his nations, that all nations should become one > comparative freedom and newly acquired In faith, and that diversity of religion > leadership and leisure in the construction should cease and differences of race be an- > of an imposing building on Mount Carmel, nulled. . . ." > which they inferred was destined to become Of all the lands that are inevitably ad- > a fort for operations against Turkey. vancing to the fulfillment of this hope, > In reality, this historic edifice, already Palestine is one of the most spectacular in its > prophesied in Scripture, and whose location promise and achievements, emerging as it > and plan had been selected by Bahl'u'lllh, has done in such a short space of time from > was to be a shrine for the mortal remains a primitive and pastoral community into an > of the Bib. Turkish intrigue, however, re- arena for some of the greatest engineering > fused to interpret its erection otherwise t h ~ n and cultural feats of our day. > in terms of its own suspicions, and so Before the 'JVorld War (1914) Palestine > 'Abdu'l-Bahi was once more placed under had few railways or even motor roads; in > strict confinement till again, as by a miracle, fact in 1912, only two motors were regis- > he was freed in 1908, by the coup d'itat of tered and communication was largely de- > the young Turk's revolution! At the mo- pendant on caravan trails. Now, thousands > ment 'Abdu'l-Bahl actually lay under sen- of motor cars are registered, and up to date > tence of death by 'Abdu'l-Hamid, but had railways and air-ways abound. > been secretly offered the means of escape by The shining sea of Galilee surronnded by > an Italian ship that lay in the harbor of its golden sandstone cliffs, is an air and > 'Akkl. He refused-saying that the Bib water port for giant planes that, flying at > and Babl'u'lllh had never turned their the rate of 120 miles an hour, make this > backs on danger nor would He. Under point their halt between Europe and Asia, > these unique and historic circumstances after achieving the flight between England > 'Abdu'l-Bah6 inaugurated His personal mis- and Palestine in three days. > sion of teaching, and the third phase Till 1933, Haifa, situated on the historic > in the unfolding of the Bahl'i Revelation Bay of 'Akki, had only a port of natural > began. beauty, and ocean liners were obliged to > I t is important to note in thin connection dock some miles out. On October 3 1, 193 3, > that in Turkey, where women had been the British government threw open a port > most fettered, they now come close to lead- which has cost over a million pounds, a fact > ing the world in the rightful enjoyment of that marks a milestone in Haifa's history, > their freedom and privileges. giving the town a new international and > Another significant fact is that the industrial importance, and making it a link > Turkish Revolution was the first of those between the near and far East that has > rapidly succeeding upheavals, spiritual and extensive implications for economic de- > economic that have sincc disrupted nearly velopments. > every inhabited portion of the earth. One of the most important of these is > Palestine is still among these smouldering that Haifa has become the terminal of the > THE M O D E R N MIRACLES OF PALESTINE 721 > > giant pipc-linc which conducts oil for six in ten years, and that street > hundred twenty-seven miles across the lighting has become prevalent, owing t o the > desert, from Mosul in 'Iriq to be tapped at electrical develop~nent engineered from the > this point into barrels and distributed Jordan by the enterprise of a brilliant > around the world! I n its long wanderings, Russian Jew. > this oil pipe follows for a while the course America and England have also con- > of the Tigris and Euphrates, whose valley tributed slew and notable buildings t o the > legend connects with the Garden of Para- glory of Jerusalem, the former has erected > dise, and it also passes over the cavern a palatial Y.M.C.A. and museum buildings, > where Saul is supposed t o have consulted the the Iatter a new government house, and the > Witch of Endor. The obstacles overcome handsome St. David's Hotel. > in the difficult achievement of its construc- But in conclusion let us drift back to > tion present a fairy tale of science, and one Haifa, which in reality holds the lcey t o all > of the greatest engineering feats of this, or these bewildering activities, for here the > of any age! creative and holy dust of prophet and > Before the war the Dead Sea was still martyr mingle, and are enshrined in a ver- > the Dead Sea, but now owing t o the enter- dant and spell-binding beauty that chal- > prise of Scottish scientists and engineers lenges the world! Half way up on Mount > this vast sheet of water, five times as salty Carmel there is unfolded another miracle, > as any ocean, and lying 1400 feet below a nine-terraced garden which in r few years > sea level, has been made to produce potash has been landscaped from the rocky hillside > and bromine, the latter product being used into a modern Eden, where one is led > extensively in chemical prodncts and dye- through avenues of palm and cypress, and > stuffs. through flowering progressions of almond, > Co-operatively with this industrial ac- fig and pomegranate blooms, through reefs > tivity, picturesque building operations have of roses, stocks, and hyacinths, t o the silence > materialized so that the Dead Sea whose of a golden sandstone shrine. Simple, strong > borders were once the lone retreat of hawlr and majestic in outline this building has > and heron, is now a smiling summer resort two beautiful vaulted chambers. I n one of > for the city dwellers of Palestine, and its these reposes the remains of the Bib, he > blue waters are whitened by the foam of who in 1844 prophesied the coming of the > speed-boats. slew World Redeemer, Bah6'u'116h, ( 1 863 - > Domestic architecture of a new and inter- 1892) and in the other rests 'Abdu'l-Bahi, > esting character is manifesting in both pub- the son of Bahi'u'llih, who traveled and > lic and private buildings, notably in the expounded His Father's teachings through- > model Jewish colony of Tel-Aviv situated out Europe, America and Palestine in a > a few miles from Haifa. Here the Zionist mission that lasted from 1892 to 1921 when > Movement has shown itself well worthy of H e ascended, conferring the furtherance of > the 285,000 ars of land which it has ac- his worlr t o His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, > quired for socialization, and the Jew 113s and t o the body of Bah6'i believers through- > proved himself capable of being as good a out the world. > farmer as he is a business man. Among the countless services which > Thc fine international university, built on 'Abdu'l-Bah6's inspiration rendered to a dis- > the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem, also illusioned world, the plan for this beautiful > carries on the tradition of Hebrew learning garden was one of the most merciful and > in an expanded spirit. From these three healing. Ships from all lands discharge their > outstanding projects accomplished within travelers at Haifa, and they stream through > seventeen years-I refer t o the development these shrine gardens. > of the Dead Sea, the construction of the I t is not t o be wondered at that this oasis > Port Haifa and the laying of the oil-pip+ of love and beauty inspires inquiry, and a > we can see that even materially Palestine is very serious consideration of the great lives > a land of modern miracles. Statistics show that it commemorates, lives that looked so > that her main towns have doubled their far into the future and that built such a > 722 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > symbol of resurrection and joy into the of all creeds and colors in the spirit of the > present. new day, and it distinguishes Palestine with > This garden is the spiritual port of Haifa. a beacon whose searchlights point to ex- > Built by the love of Bahh'i believers panded horizons from which flooding radi- > throughout the world, it welcomes believers ance i s dawning on our ken! > Tentative design of the Ter- > raced Gardens surroundillg > the Shrine of the B6b. > Early and Late Views of the Shrine of the Bib on Mount Carmel. > N E W F U T U R E FOR R A D I O > BY SHIRLEY WARDE > W L L radio some day be the means of lieve, influence the entire future of radio > transmitting the Bahh'i message to millions broadcasting. > of listeners at a time? Will it be a new By the grace of Bahi'u'116h I was > and vaster teaching medium through which privileged to be one of those responsible for > the principles of Bahi'u'llih will infuse the this program. From a germ of an idea that > world? 1 believe it will. came across my desk at the Columbia Broad- > Surely in this age of unity, as proclaimed casting Company the conception of a pro- > by Bahi'~1'116h, the Divine Educator has gram dedicated to World Peace came into > brought not only the Book but the means being, grew and was developed. After se- > of promulgating it. If the Bah6'i teachings curing the co-operation of World Peace- > are for all peoples they must reach all ways, a non-profit, non-political organiza- > peoples and there is no other medium today tion for peace education which has been > whereby humall thought can be so easily doing a splendid work for this cause, we > molded as through radio. Even the printed selected the sponsor we felt should be most > word must suffer in comparison for it laclrs interested, altho~~gheveryone told us that no > the intimacy and conviction of the voice, advertiser would invest in an ideal, and went > and wide though the circulation of some to work to sell our idea. > particular publication may be it cannot pos- That E. R. Squibb & Sons, manufactur- > sibly reach so many persons in a given time. ing chemists, and their advertising agency, > Surely such a powerful instrument for Geyer-Cornell & Newell, immediately saw > the influencing of humanity could not be the timeliness of this program and the tre- > destined to serve solely as a means of selling mendous possibilities of capturing the atten- > produce or of purveying entertainment. tion of the American public on an issue that > The discerning must recognize in radio a was of paramount importance, was a matter > divine instrument designed for a divine pur- of keen business judgment. Rut that they > pose, obscure though that purpose may be at should be willing to risk the large sums > this time. involved in broadcasting in a program which > by its very nature would forbid any direct > Through the enormous success achieved selling of merchandise and the sales results > by manufacturers through this method of of which vould depend entirely upon the > advertising, radio has naturally given more good will the program might promote was > and more time to commercial broadcasts, a decision that took rare courage and sin- > necessarily cutting down on the purely edu- cere devotion to the cause they sought to > cational programs that were more frequent promote. The results have more than justi- > during the early days of radio history. fied that decision. > Sponsors have in turn sought only to enter- "To Arms! For Peace!" at this writing > tain their listeners, feeling that this was the in its eighth week over a coast to coast > surest way of getting an audience for their Columbia network, has received sensational > commercial story. The result has been that acclaim and has started an entirely new > radio has seemed stopped at this point, the trend in radio programs. > only apparent progress being the production Let me quote a few of the press comments > of more lavish entertainment. as an example of what the nation's radio > But the fall of 1931 brought a program critics have had to say: > that opened up a new vision and will, I be- The Women's National Radio Committee > reports: "By unanimous opinion this is thc Thcsc sketches arc our main plea for peace > best radio program which has ever been as they present in dramatic form and from > staged and it would exhaust all our adjec- the human angle the horrors, the futility > tives t o do justice to it." and the sutlering of war. Some depict the > "This peace program is one of the most agonies of .the actual battle front, others > forward advances in constructive educa- the tragedy of those left at home, still > tion by radio that has come across the air." others showing the cruelties, the selfishness > "To radio this striking union of business and greed that go into the making of war. > and humanitarian effort may be more im- We have chosen stories of many nations, of > portant than whether World Peaceways can French soldiers, German, Austrian, Ameri- > keep America out of the threatened Euro- can, English, so that listeners may realize > pean conflict." that mankind is one, living and dying in > "Radio could not be put t o a worthier the same way, and that individuals, be they > purpose. . . . If you missed the first broad- friend or enemy, are all mere pawns in the > cast don't miss the next. If you heard the hands of those who make wars. > first program you won't miss the next." I n our music, too, we have tried to culti- > "A most effective show. . . . The sponsor vate the international heart, showing music > is t o be congratulated and thanked for the as a common language which all people can > splendid reticence that keeps all commercial understand, of whatever race, creed or na- > talk away from the precious half-hour of tionality they may be and pointing out that > time available." if in music we can find a basis of under- > In addition hundreds of papers through- standing, why not in life? > out the country have given the program These are the educational factors of the > editorial space and have written columns program and the entertainment values. In > about it. addition there is a practical feature > The half-hour itself is designed t o appeal which, we hope, may prove of real in- > as high-grade entertainment; at the same fluence in forcing America to exert even > time forcefully putting across its message. greater efforts t o maintain the peace of the > Against a background of a large symphony world. > orchestra and chorus we present each week I n over forty thousand drugstores > a guest star from the operatic and concert throughout the United States the firm of > stages, such as Lucrezia Bori, Jascha Heifetz, E. R. Squibb & Sons has placed a pledge > Richard Bonelli, Rosa Ponselle, Lotte Leh- known a? the "World Peaceways" pledge. > man, Albert Spaulding, Jose Iturbi and Listeners are asked t o sign this statement of > many others. Each week there is a guest their adherence to the cause of peace. The > speaker. These have been national figures, pledge is addressed to the President and > Senator William A. Borah, General Hugh S. the Congress of the United States and > Johnson, R u t h Bryan Owen, Professor Rob- reads: > ert A. Millikan, Senator Gerald P. Nye, "I pledge my wholehearted adherence > Alfred E. Smith among others. Here, on t o the cause of peace, in the firm belief > what is termed the "Forum" these promi- > that an end may be put, by honorable > nent persons present his or her view on means, t o the destruction of life by the > peace, commenting on what steps we should merciless machinery of war." > take towards this goal or what mistakes we > are making. Many interesting and varied U p t o date only a small proportion of the > opinions have been expressed exposing all drugstores have returned signed slips. From > sides of the question for the benefit of en- only four thousand drugstores we have re- > lightened public opinion. ceived over a hundred and fifty thousand > I n each program there is also a short pledges. If the rest are proportionate it > dramatic sketch, either an original written means that in less than eight weeks nearly > for the program by the world's leading two and a half million persons havc signed > authors, or an adaptation of some famous these pledges. We hope t o buila this total > play or book dealing with the war question. t o many millions. The pledges are being > A NEW FUTURE FOR RADIO 727 > > bound in books of a thousand each and when I hope and pray that tlGs program may > the returns are complete the total will be lead other advertisers to devote their re- > sent to the President just as they are without sources to humanitarian and educational > plea of any sort, for we firmly believe that efforts and already thought is turning along > they will be eloquent evidence that this this trail we have blazed. I await now the > nation demands peace, and we feel that such day when our beloved Cause of Bahi'u'llhh > a voice of enlightened public opinion cannot may be proclaimed along the airways and > fail to be a powerful influence in directing reach the heart of every searching soul > American policy. through this great gift of God-radio. > > Bahi'is of Port Said Celebrating Intercalary Days, 1934. > SONG OFFERINGS > O u t of the East, as ever, comes the dawn > Of a new day. Again the wondrous light > RECOGNITION Shines from the horizon of Thy boundlessness, > Only this day in such effulgent power > Hail to Thee, Scion of Glory, whose utterance Ao ne'er before. There leaps into the sky > poureth abroad A sun whtch t o the eyes of groping men > The joy of the heavenly knowledge sod the light Reveals a vista t o rhar perfect day, > of the greatest of Days Nor yet a disrane day, when aU the earth > Poet of mysteries, chancing in rapture the beauty of Bzthed in Its beauty shall be purified > God, And all Thy creatures realize their oneness > Unto thee be rhallksgiving and praise! Wirh all their kind and Thee. > Bahi'u'LL&h! > Child of rhe darkness rhar wandered in gloom bur Gad's Glory! True Revealer of the Sign! > dreamed of the light, For by Thy potent Word, from God rhe Infinite, > La, I have seen Thy splendor ablaze in the The seals have fallen from the hidden mysteries > heavens afar And man stands face t o face with Truth and God. > Showering and glory, and shattering rhc -H. H. ROMER. > shadows of night > And seen no other star! > Thy words are to rnc as fragrances borne from rhe > gardens of heaven, THE BAB > Beams of a lamp char is hid in the height of a > holier world, Immorral Man! > Arrows of fire that pierce and desrroy with the Forerunner of a m a u n , ~things, > mighr of the levin Of things bur shadowed by our pupper-Kings! > Into our midnight hurled! How could'st Thou know the King of Kings wrt > ..-"-, > ..L*A. > > Sword of the Father! none other can rend tbe dark Thau had'sr not seen nor heard > veil from my eyes, And yet did'st see and hear? > None other can bear from my limbs with the * : > ; ,, > shearing blade af Gad's might I t was not in ambition's cause thou gavest Thy > Thc sins I am fettered withal and give me the power body; > to :is" Not glary called Thy spirit to be brave. > And come forth to the fulnesl~of light. Was ir for pleasure's use > Thar Thau did'sr welcome venom and abuse? > Lo! Thou hasr brcxihed on my sorrow the sweetness Could aught of happiness remain > of frsth and of hope, In days passed in persecution and in pin? > Thou harr sllaotcrl lliah pacans of joy rhac my What goal of gain was that which beckoned > heart's echoes ever repear T o the martyr's grave? > And the path to the knowledge of Gad begins ro :* Ij > > glimmer and ape Ah no!-such music played upon thy mystic lyre > Before my faltering feet. As unsensed thee to wind, ro earrhquake and t o 6re. > Weak and unworthy my praise. Yer as from its How low Olympus must hape seemed, > throbbing throat Haw plain Parnassus! > Some lone bird pours its song to the flamil~g How vain the utmost man attains > infinite sky, Which man's ambition mars? > So unto Thee in rhc zenith I lift from a depth What wanders, therefore, met Thine eyes > remote In the envisioned countenance > This broken human cry. Of Him who Reigns > -GEORGE TOWNSREND. Crowned with the jewelled splendor of the Scars! > H o w gladly did'sr Thou then proclaim IIim > With full sacrifice! > --CHARLES STEELEDAYIDION. > > 01 Thou Invisible Essence of the Universe > Whence sprang adown the ages glorious orbs IN MEMORIAM-THE GREATEST > T o illume the abysmal darkness of mankind HOLY LEAF > And rnrnifesr on earth the self of God- > What harr Thou now beatowed t o clear the mists 0 Thou pure flame of evanescent light, > Thar rrill u'crhang the cons~iuuanessof soul Thar radianr glows beyond the mystic Gate, > ~ n hide > d from it the vision of the Infinite? We lift our souls, sad with the darkened nighr > > - - - > Three days He walked beneath a blazing son, l r Gnrl'r own Rrlllry incarnate > From Shimlrln unto this Capital, This is God's Majesry enthroned 'mongrr men! > 'Neath galling chains: the sport and victim of If only they would Iisr and heed His Word! > The ciowds of enemies who flocked from far This is Gad's mystery, His treasure ~ n d > T o jeer and vilify chis Blessed One. His Glory and the Source of His Command!" > As He approached this dungeon an old crone, > Decrepit, cursing, thrust her through the crowd, > A heavy stone clurchcd in her trembling hand. > "By him who died on plain of Karbili," > She cried, "I beg of rhee to let me cast GLAUBE > This stone inro His cursed face!" > "So let Weun fcm in hiishsrcn, rrinsren Himmelsorren > rus Lieb und Lichc ein Seelenkeim enrstmd, > I t be," rhe Blessed Beauty spake, "Do nor > Deprive this soul of char which she esteems dann gab ihn der AllmEchtige mir den Worren > An act of merit in rhe sight of God." "Ich glaube dir" aus seiner Vnterh~nd. > > (They now had gone full sixty feet below So gleirer die Seele > The l i g h ~oi day. The foulness and rlhe stench aus herrlichen H6hcn > O'crwhelmed the Seeker, bur rhe Marrcr held hernicdcr rum Lcben > His way serene, as entering a roam im lrd~schenSchilss > Perfumed, and filled with joyous melody. und vereinr sich dem Fleisch, > das in Wehen sich winder, > All suddenly H e stopped and fell upon u r ~ drraimcr sich iauchzend > His knees, while on rheir ears there came such PrPgung und Loi. > cones > Of Lave and Majesty that time stood still.) Dann aber rpannr sich auFw=rts die Spirale. > Noch raugr sie glaubig Ton der Mutter Brost > Bahd'u'lldh, Chattting: die guten wie d ~ eblurverdorbenen Male > To Him be Glory Who doth quicken men und glaubt xhr treuverwandr und unbewust. > By merely saying "Be!" and la, ie is! > Durch der Kindbeit Gefilde > T o Him be Glory Who doth by His Pen l'auft sie dahin, > Cause Verier to descend on knowing hearrs! ihrer himmlischen Heimat > kaum mehr gewnhr. > Blcpr is My God Who on this Servant hat11 Mit froher Beg~erde > Causcd to descend Wards guiding to HISPath! ergreifr sie dar Lebcn > und baut sich die Ringe > Blest is My Gad Who such cnl?imiry Jahre um Jahr. > Hath sent upon rhis Servant thar the hearts > Of those within eternal Gates were rent Bald har sich so gewalrig angesammelr > Wirh anguish, and those near t o Gad wirh pain. in Jugendkraft ein kernig Lebenssrdck. > Und, was das Herze such verworren rtammelr- > Blest is My God Who from the clouds of fare die Seele glaubt an sich U X I ~a n ihr Gluck. > Harh rained the arrows of disasters great, > And yet hath found rhis Semant of His Throne Und rehnt s ~ c hunendlich > In Patience equalled bur by God alone1 hinein in das Dunkel > verheissender Zukunft, > Rlesr is My God from Whore Decree appeara- und findet nichr Ruh. > For which 1 thank Him-deresrarian's spears! Da erlebr sie die Anderc, > T o Him be praise Who on this Servant harh die Schwerrerseele, > Caused to descend the torrents of men's wrath! die Traute, die Eine, > For which I praise H i m y e a , for this I yearn! dar hcrrliche Du. > Bleat are the souls who wirh rheir hearrs discern! So halr die Machr der Llebe sle umschlungen. > For sacrifice suprcme war I create, Sie achliirft der Wonne siisres Elixir > Wherefore I glary aver worlds and fare! und fiihlt "om Andern sich so tief durchdrungen > und glaubt xhm, gleich wie einem Sriick yon ihr. > (Sbokm) > When a t the summir of calamity Da packr sic die Welt, > I raised My eyes and, Lo! there shone ein lockender Garren, > A Light from God, and in thar Ligbt a form- in prschrigen Farben > An angel of surpassing lourliners. .in funkelnd Gewand. > Und sie rreibt sich herum > Upon her face such happiness was wrir- zwischen Laehen und TrBncn, > Such exultation on her brow-that all Zagen und Hogen, > My being was in tumult, and such joy Perlen und Tand, > Possessed Me thar t h e dungeon was forgot. > bis sich die Schxld an ihre Schwdle kauerr, > Then, with her finger pointed a t My head, bis ihr daa Leid durch schwere Trlume ziehr. > She called to all in heaven and earth and said: Da fiihlt sie, wie kein Ding zu lange dauerr, > und wie doch alles-ach!-so rzrch verflieht. > "I swear by God the world's Beloved One > Is here, if men but understand. The Sun So ersrehr ihr der Glaube > Supreme shines in His mirroring hezrt. Lo, rhis an den Einen, den Srarken, > SONG OFFERINGS 731 > > den nimmerverginglichrn Perchance he might find Him who alone could allay > Varer der Welt. the hunger of his soul. > Und sie liebr wie ein Kind ihn He traveled through many lands; > und sehnr sich ihm niher In every niche, corner and place the rraveler found > und will nor noch leben, signs of his Beloved One; > wie ihm es gefillt. Stately fmes, gleaming shrines in alabaster purity, > Flowers of beaurcous hues wirh delectable fragrance, > Sic suchr, wo sie den Gorr im Glauben fasse, All redolent of the Traceless Riend. > durrhrchweift die prlchrigen Reiche der Narur, In embroidered fabrics of many hues-in ornate > der KSnste Tempel und des Wissens Masse, design and symbols old- > und fiihlt dort iiberall der Heimat Spur. His traces were present on every hand. > Bur still his longing remained unxllayed and, weary > Doch am hellsten ersrrahler of aearcb, > die Sonne der Wahrheit He sat down and wept. > im vallkom~nensten Spiegel, > im Propheten *us Garr: The longing unassuaged, again impelled t o the search > In seinem Geist, of the Friend, > im erhabeoen Beispiel, Again he wenr forth and on the wings of hearing he > im belebenden Worte, traveled. > in Zuchr und Gebot. "Pcrhlps through the kingdom of hearing I may find > Him I love--. > Wie sie auf dies- Pfade rnutig schreitet, Perchance I may hear the melodies of His voice that > lernr sie mit eigenen Augen klarer achauen. will allay the longing of my heart." > Durch reehre Tat wird Hirn und Herr aeweiter, He rravelrd long and far. > Vernunfr und Glaube kdnnen sich vertraun. 111 rolling chsnt and music of many lands, f a i n t > So schwingt sich die Scele echoes of His Beloved's voice he discerned; > dem heilzgen Ruf Bur instead of soothing it increased the hunger that > des Sch6pferr enrgegen, msde his life a fretful dream. > der einsr sie erschuf. His nights were full of unrest, his days but lonsly > Durch Glaube begnadet despair. > zu ewigem Gluck, His longing but grew stronger and more intense; > finder sie wieder He sought again in churches and runples fair. > aum Varer zurhck. Perchance in stately chant and ancient ward the > - A o ~ ~ n m rM~JHLICI(LEGEL. voice of h i Beloved may be heard. > H e listened and from a far off land came wards > That through the circumambient air soothed and > VII calmed his love torn soul:- > "My son, give me thy hesrt." > "Come unto me ye who arc weary and heavy laden > THE REWARD OF THE MARTYRS wirh care." > TO "Love me rhat I may love thee."- > KEITH RANSOM-KEHLER And soothed and comforred he slept conrenr. > Again he hungered for the Friend and his heart's > Lo, for her soul! Behold! It is morn! desire; > Freshness snd fragrance 2nd joy everywhere, Norhing but attainment could allay his inward fire. > After the rose-gold of Life's passing day. "Nor by vision of moiral eye nor by sounds on > Our from s o d windows in rapcure she views fleshly ear, > Glistening dew drops of Assurance and Faith, Can I find my home and my Beloved." > Foretelling endless realms of Unfoldmenr; Again rhe lover pondered, "Nor by viszon, > Round her are fairerr fields of Fulfillmenr; Not by bearing can I find my quest." > Plane beyond plane are swirls of Attainment; Again he set forth, this time on the wings of Love, > Luminous Life, Reward of the Martyrs; That ineffable Love rhat penctrares all space, > Dresms melting in blessed Reality; over came^ all barriers, passes through all veils. > Fellowship wirh the Blessed Perfection Behold as this lover swept through the halls of limit- > In the pure Kingdom of EL Abhi! less space, > -RUTH I. MOFFBTT. Thc Beloved of his hearr from the unattainable > heights of glary > Mer and enveloped him wirh the garment of > VIII His Beauteous Robe- > The was a r m , his hunger forever appeased, his > THE BELOVED eternal home attained, > The journey endcd and the eternal reunion, that > A son of separriion had traveled to a far off country nothing can sever, war made. > and, > Satiared wirh the non-satisfying fruits of desire, "Now what shall be the measure of his devotion?" > Longed wirh an ever-increasing longing for rhe home No longer percurbed by grievous longing and desire, > of hi Belovcd. This disciple hastens forth with shining eyes, an > "Where can I find my heart's desire? undaunted courage, an undying faith. > Where, oh where, is the land of my Reloved?" No longer futile in word and act by hi human > So loving, seeking and longing, on the wings of frailry, > virion he traveled But armed wirh the sword of truth, robed in the > Through many kingdoms and spheres, seeking; garments of devotion, > 732 T H E BAHA'I: W O R L D > Crowned wirh t l ~ ccrown o f icveranre, filled with S~hlier'nuf die Tlir zum Herren dein > rhe Holy Spirit, Und lass das Licht nur 7011 hincin. > Encircled by ihe glory of the divine Presence, Dann schwindet Sorg' und ab'le Lust, > . of . > With the tongue power and lowliness of Jesus, Es wird dir ganz und gar bewussr. > And worldly detachment and severance; Von Garr alein der helle Schein > A witness on earth t o ihc Glory of the Most High, Er ffihrt die Menschen wieder heim. > He sets forth to complete his earthly ~ilgrimage, -PAUL KBHLER. > To win the victory wirh the power of the Spirit > over the hearts of men, X > T o be 1 shining scar in the darkness of mortd life, > A trce to guide rhe wanderers of the desert to their THE ADVENT > heavenly home. > Adam was rhe Tree of Life, > Is i t nor told in an Eastern how the Lover > That grew in Paradise. > longed far his Beloved; When The Word moved from the Primal Will > Haw he made a long and arduous journey ro the Branches appeared. > home of his Beloved; Each Branch a mighty Prophet: > EIow when the lover arrived a t the door thar sepa- Enoch and Abraham; Noah and Zuroarter; > rated him from his heart's desire Moses, Krishm, Buddha, Jesus and Mulpmmad. > He knocked once, twice, and once again. > Behind this door thar stood between the lover and Through these Day-stars of rhe inmost heaucur, > his heart's desire, God-the Ancient On- > He heard the Beloved's voice saying in gentle tones, Revives the hearr of man. > "Who is &re? Who is rhere?" "Thus have the signs descended > The lover replied in faltering tones, "It is I," And the matter been decreed." > But no answer came, the door remained closed. For the sincere ones, > Sorrowing, wirh many tears, the laver returned t o His Message is "a Sea of Light." > earthly life. Far the deniers among His creatures > And the impious, "it 1s a Ball of Fire!" > But longing was not appeared, and torn with hope > and despair 0 misery of men! No Messenger has come t o you, > Again he assayed this journey to the home of his But He has been denied, rev~ledand execrared, > Beloued. As no pen dare describe. > Again he knocked with trembling hand, one, twice, That sinless Essence of Hnmiliry, > and once again, Who wears the precious Diadem of God's Command, > Once again was hear the gentle voice, And brings rhc priceless Book, > "Who is there? Who is there?'' T o which rhe hosts of heaven certify. > This rime the lover, with sobbing voice, Through Him mm'r knowledge came-of God; > "It is not I, but Thou!" The vision of obedience and love. > As the 10"- waited ar the threshold of rhis door He did adorn with Faith the conrciousnerr ai man, > That hides the Traceless Beloved from morral eye,- Enkindle reverence m d true submission. > behold-it opened, > Radiant light streamed forth, and, enveloping the Bur only those endowed with hearing > lover, reunited him forever And with "rhe iron sight" > With the Eternal Beloved. May comprehend the Fragrance of rhat Prencnce. > -W. B. GUY. The hrugl~tyseek a sign, a proof! > "What!" cry unbelievers, > "Shall we our godr abandon for a dirtraughr poei?" > And great is their derision! > O the pity rhat man should deprive himself > WEIHNACHTS-LIED Of rhis eternal draught, > Melodie:-0 Tannenbaum And on his iongue the mention of the Name of God > Become an anpry phrase! > O he~ligeNacht du nahest unr und bringsr uns deioe > Lieder. Irs glory and its potency > Gar oft schon war im Welrenrund, wie heure diese > Obscured by superstition, arrogance and giecd, > Feicrsrund. Till unbelief makes chaos in the earth! > 0 heilige Naeht du bringest uns auf's neu das Licht Then, from the Glorious Orb, the Primal Will, > nun wieder. Again, Thc Word: "Be." And behold, > The Owner of rhe House is manifest; > 0 Menschenkinder hBret all' was diese Nacht xe- For in the earth and in dl the worlds of God, > schehen. A Messenger, Sweet Singer of the Realm, > Der Himmel kehrr beim Menschen ein, damir wir Reiterates: "Remind My people of Mc, God, > sollen seelig sein The King, the Mighty One!" > 0 Mcnschenkinder denkt daran, was diese Nacht > geschehcn. With a New Name inscribed upon the Tablet o f hir > heart, > Es isr gar gross das Wunderwerk, dass da vor sich Man builds a new creation. > gegangen. "0 denizens of rhe earth!" "0 gazing questioner!" > In's kleinsre Herzenskdmmerlein. da dringt's mix Rejoice1 For in rhc East a stream of Lighr > hellen Licl~reein. Has reat the horror of satanic > Es ist gar gross das Wunderwerk, dass wir auch heur A Harbinger, at Dawn, proclaims "The Dzy o f > noch nchauen. God!" > SONG OFFERINGS 73 3 > > Alone, .gainst the world, H r has effaced then, wirh His Book. > Crying the coming of a Mighty One! Like Brother Souls of Light, > Fearlers of consequence! His witness, God. He, too, is Witness of a future Age, > Serene He moves and wirh authority! When Nighringale upon the Tree of Life, > Who in the earrh is able to transcend His power, Shall sing the mystic melodies. > His influence? Nothing can hinder Him, - 0 r r v r ~ KBLSEY. > Nor change rhe destined utterance of His every > Word. > Tragic His days-divine His martyrdom! > His chosen ones abased, slain, burned, betrayed! LIKE A FLAMING SUN > Those twin immortals, Husayn and Quddris! > Thc noble Vibid and the mighty Hujjar! How shall I rell of Him, the Primal One? > And Q~rrratu'l-'Ayn! Has He a parnllel, saving the sun? > Ten, twenty, thirty thousand martyrs Has He a likeness, rave Esulgent Light? > Yield their liver, their love, rheir spirit, Did H e not break our bonds and cleave our night? > T o the Cause that Yourh is heralding! How shall I sing of Him, rhe Beauteous One, > Lord of the Age, the Mahdi, He, Who came a t Midnight like a flaming Sun, > Wirh flaming Name "Yi Slhibu'z-Zamin!" Who came in Winter like eternal Spring > And told us of the coming of the King? > Trembled the earth in shame and grief! > And who amongst rhe Saints that dwell in bliss > Not Since the Day of Adam, > Has known the ecstasy of Love like His? > Had the world witnessed such agitation, > Has ever nighringale more gladly bled > Such violent commotion! > T o rell his tale of love ere night was fled? > Of sacrifice, enough in six short years, > W a r Harbinger of unbeholden days > To speed the universe millenniums! > Sang Hymns of Dawn with such a flood of praise? > "0 traveler in the White Path and in thc Red > Was ever flute or rabret half so cl=zr > Support! > Unless empty-handed, you shall never reachI the As His sweet crying to the dumb and drear? > homestcad!" Was ever harp or psaltery half so sweet > As the Sweet Music of His running feet! > 0 Letters of the Living! Were ever lips div~nemorc like s sword > 0 Martyrs of Tihrin! Hewing a path for a Beloved Lard? > Heroes of God! Did ever Hands more white bring back again > Where is the pen to your glory? The native loftiness t o bowed down men? > Your blood, your deeds, your ecstasy, Who taught t h e desolate again to dream? > Have wrought a living organism! Had ever Sun of Truth a John like Htm? > And yei, "wcrt thou ro rell there wonders > For a thousand years t o stones, How shall I tell of Him, the Primal One? > Say, would they take effecr?" Has He a parallel, saving rhe sun? > Has He a likeness save all T r u d ~thai be? > Thus came the onslaught, dealing death and desola- Did He nor carve the Second Calvary? > tioll. -SILYIA MARGOLIS. > Only One was left: Bahi'u'llih! > Serene and awe-inqiring! > And H e d e s t i n e d to r e d "the plains of 'Akki, > The Banquet Hall of God!" > Is in a dungeon, in the bowels of earth, GOTT, PROPHET, MENSCH > Where no light can penetrate, > In chains and stocks, Gott hat nicht Not, dass er verherrlicht werde, > Breathing stench with thieves and murderers! Er rhronr erhaben iiber Ruhm und Prelr. > He, rhar shall change the earth into a Paradise! Doch hier, der kleine Mensch auf dleser E r d e > in Augenbliclren, da er pl6rzlich weiss: > Then speaks the Voice of God: jerzr iiberkornmt es mich mir mschtigen Schwingen- > "Thou shalt rriumph by Thyself and by Thy Pen. erzirterr, und er mars ein Loblied singen. > Thou art of them that are secure." > Of Him a swift and noble Pen must sing. Gorr wird van keinem Menschenherz umschlossen, > Hasten. 0 people ro HIS shelter, Er wird von keinem Menschenhirn gcdarhr. > Wirh this Garment of Assurance clothe yourselves, Denn, was alr Seh6pfung Seiner Hand cnrrprossen, > And sail upon the Sea of Glory! rlihrt nisht himn zu Seines Wesenr Machr. > Wohl kannsc du einen Schimmer widerspiegeln, > Por the Books are opened, wide! doch Sein Geheimnis kannsr du nicht enrsiegeln. > The mysteries revealed! > The Resurrection and the Signs made manifest! Darum bedarf die Menschheir iener Grorren, > "0 land of Syria! Where is thy righteousness? die Mirtler reincr Gnadensrrame sind, > Bethlehem! Do the children know the Father!" die sich der Krafr des Varers so erschlosien, > This is the Lord of Hosts! das* sie, sein Ebenbid ~ g l e i c hund Kind, > The Promised One! dar Ubermcnschliche im Blute fassen > The Mighty Counsellor! und andere es durch sich crleben lasren. > The Prince of Peace! > Sic wirken durch die Lehre, die sie spenden, > He "taught the birds of souls another flight," und durch ihr hohes Beispiel und Gesetz. > And after Him, no more shall strife and terror Sie fiihren so mir treuen Hirrenhindcn > Stalk the earth;- die Seelen durch der Lebcnswege Nerz > 734 THE BAHb'i WORLD > und Bffnen fiir Jahrrausende die Pfarten And nevermore will Tyranny > zum ewrgen Sunnenglnnz von Gorres Worten. Command the Peoples, or console, > Der Mensch begrcift nicht dies erhabene Walten: Nor greed, 'lor nor bvlishmenr > er rrigt es nicht, ein fruh geknicktes Rohr. Obstruct the Light from any Soul. > In Ehrfurcht muss er seine Hlnde falten, For in our hands will be rhe Power, > vertrauend tastet sich sein Blick empor. And in our hcarts the Emanation. > Er fiihlt, venn er ~ i c hhingibt allcm Guren, The love of Kind rhat hears and haloes > drnn wird ein haheres Leben ihn durchfluten. And blesses with divine creation. > Ihn iibersrramt die Liebe zu dun Vater, > aus ihr entwlchst der Glrubc k l a r und few, And we will heal men of their Blindness > in allcn Fragen treulicher Berater, And they will be like Seers and Sager- > der ihn in keinem K=rnpfe mehr verlissr. A race reborn and rransfigured > So reift der Mensch durch Tar und Uberwindung Returning t o the God of Ages. > ru immer heiligerer Geismerbindung. -Sr~vra Mnnco~rr. > Dann wird er erst, wazu er einsr erlesen: > pin Held und K6nig, der den Drlchen zwingr, Xw > ein Tempel frir die hBchsten Himmelswesen, > aus dem das Wort der Otfenbarung klingr.- T H E COMING O F T H E SON > Das Ziel ist herrlich. Laast uns darum OF MAN > 0 , Iasnr uns alles ihm rum Opfer bringen! > -ADELBE~T MOHLSCXLEGEL. LOVE WAXED COLD > > ("Bernrrse iniq?uty shall oboattd, the love of many > XI11 sbnll wax cold."-J~sus.) > THE NEW YOUTH SPEAKS In the loveless cold of winterrime > Far seems the warmth of Love's June Day. > The Clarion peals, the Trumpet sounds The Son of Man would bring it near > Through every bowed and blasted Isnd; T o souls possessing power to hear > The heavens are a flaming Scroll: And will to walk Love's Wzy. > The Day of Oneness is a t hand. > WINTER PASSED > The Balances are laid in Justice, > (Suggcstcd by the Sorrg of Solmnorr.) > All hidden issues are disclosed: > And we will hold the reigns of government, Lo, the winter even now is passed, > And make the Peace that you oppoxed. The time of soul-depressing dearth; > The cerrain signs of Spring arc clear; > The Night is passing, and rhc morrow The time of singing birds is here, > Will find us with attenrive mind The flowers appear an earth. > A-forgtng and reforging still > Thc broken fortunes of mankind. Though the lirde faxes rpoil the vines > Because of render grapes they bear, > Thc Rivers strained from our rhcir courses They shall be raken soon, and God > T o wash some eonqueror'r domain Shall feed His people with His Rod > Will now forget rheir long abasement And make His Garden feir. > And find the Ocean once > For ours will be rhe Light of Jvstice He will take away the bramblc > And ours the forcirude sublime And bring a beauty before unknown! > TII bring back rivers to rheir sources Earth shall become a garden spor, > And m e n ra men xn every climc. A joyous life the common lor, > With Love upon the throne. > Our task will be n task of grandeur > Supernal and Elysian- "IN T H A T DAY" > For here is * planer to refashion ("Prove me rrow, saith the Lord of Hoiii, if I w i l > Into a peaceful home for man. not open yori the windows of hraven and pour yet, > And here are barriers to sunder, orrt r blerrirg, that them shall not be room enosigh > And hearts to render free and rife, to receive it."--Moi. 3 : l o . ) > And souls to teach rhat they are Kindred, In the day when rhe people perforce shall prove > Upon the Ancient T ~ c eof Life- The God of Love who waits to bless, > The windows of heaven shall be opened wide; > The OBpring of one Holy Father, All hungerr shall be sarisfied- > The Children of ooc Mother Earrh: All fed from Love's largesse. > For in the long and drear dispersion > -WALTEK H. B O ~ X A N . > Mankind forgot rheir common birth. > Ah! Ours will be the work stupendous, > And rupcrhuman the Ideal, > Bur We will have the Insting ardor, > And We will know the Martyr's zeal HYMNE > T o end the falsehood and delusion Mein kleiner Blick kann Dich nichi fzsien, > O f many Gods and many Nations, D u gross' Gesicht. > Of many Creeds, and many Races, Doch will ich nimmer von Dir lapsen, > And high and low degrees and srarionr. ich kann es nicht. > THE B A H A ' i WORLD > Thou art a mystery divine, WE HAVE WINGS > But one that all may read We hdve Wings! We may fly, a t last! > Who enter in wirh hesrts made pure, A t last we may search and explore! > Wlrh Fairh and loving deed. We may soar, a t will, like the angels, > We shall chafe in confinement no more! > 0 Tcmple of the Beautiful, > 0 Miracle sublime! Past the fogs and the mists of tradition > In Thee the nations join as one, Our flipht will be steady and amaoch: > From every land and clime; We have Wings of Faith and of Rclson, > Thou a r t the symbol of God's Peace, At last we shall search our the Truth! > Which comerh from above; > The symbol of His Word Divine, WE ARE FREE > Hls Manifesred Love. We are free! We shall sing t o the world, > --&AHNAZ \VAITE. Wc shall sing t o the sad and the drear! > Wc have Truth and Bezuiy t o giue- > All the nations shall waken and hear! > XIX We shall quicken the dead with our singing, > We shall free all the bound! We are strong: > SONGS OF THE SPIRIT We shall sing of the Oneness of Mankind > And renew all the earth with our Song! > N E W SONGS TO SING OF A NEW REVELATION > Too long have we borne wish rancor Away with all blind imitation! > And wocs of a n ancient we.lving! Away with ancestral beliefs! > Too long have we borne with conflict- \Ve have done wirh the strife they engendered, > And what have they brought us but grieving! We have done wirh humanity's griefs! > Behold! We have cleared our hcarts We sing of a new Revelation, > Of each bitter and withering thing: Of a Cycle untrammeled by rage! > We have seen a Light in the Darkness: We sing of Divine Civilizarion, > We have New Songs t o sing! And Humanity's Coming of Age! > > WE CAN SEE A T LAST LIKE T H E FALCONS > Our eyer, thar were blinded wirh groping We shall fly, neath rhe sky, like the falcons > Are healcd! We ran see ar last! And lift up our Voice3 wirh > We c a n see all around n e r y limit, Far and ncar over Valleys and Mounrai~~r > And Beyond our portionless past! We shall cry the Good Tidings a t length! > U17e shall fly, nearh the sky, like rhe falcons > Never more shall we hate a t a bidding, And cry to the dwellers on earrh. > Or slay at a warrior's command! "Lo! the ways of all freedom are opened, > At last we can see thar the earth And the gates t o the ways of rebirth!" > Is really one native land! SILVIA Ma~cans. > ECHOES FROM T H E SPHERES > ECHOES FROM T H E SPHERES > THE B A H A ' f WORLD > ECHOES FROM THE SPI-IERES > 742 THE BAHA'i WORLD > ECHOES FIiOM THE SPHERES 743 > THE BAHA'i WORLD > THE BAHA'i WORLD > > The Day of Certainty.Words & Music > bv L. R. WAITE. > > I ;: > - > de > > Re > - joice, re-joice be > > - > ljoice re-joice be > joice, re-joice be > joice, re-joice be > - > - > lie vers,The night of doubt i s > - > lie vers7.4s k - d r e n of' t i e > - > lie vers,For now1edge;Faithand > lie - vers,With ban- nerswhite un - > > led Where . > > night must flee,This is the day of CER-TAIN-TY. > night must flee This is the day of CER-TAIX-TY. > night must flee This is the day of CER-TMN-TY. > night must flee This is the day of CER-Ts-TY. > ECHOES PROM THE SPHERES > THE B A H L ' i WORLD > > T h e TempIe BeautifuI > C"TFlln4 'rn a- > > O h ! ~ k m p ~of e t h e Beauti'ful, O ! Temple of t r u e Unity > O ! Tam~pleof t h e L o r d ; O f Knowledge an,d of Light, > T,hat f o r God's Oneness e'er will stand, O ! Temple of t h e Living G o d ; > And f o r H i s Holy W o r d ; Of day t h a t knows n o n i g h t ; > T h y rarliance shall shine afar T h o u a r t a mystery divine, > As shines t h e s u n above. B u t one t h a t all niay read > A refuge thou t o weary h e s r t s , W h o e n t e r in with hearts inade p o r e , > A Fortress of God's Lovc. W i t h F a i t h and l o v i ~ l gdeed. > 01 Temple t h a t d o t h symbolize, O ! Temple of t h e Beautiful, > God's W o r d made fl'esh t o m a n ; 0 1 Miracle sublime ! > T h o u a r t t h e body of H,is Law, Iri T h e e t h e i ~ a t i o n sjoiil as one, > Revealing H i s g r e a t P l a n ; F r o m every land and clime, > A11 nations shall in T h e e rejoice Th.ou a r t t h e symbol of God's Peace. > And g a t h e r f r o m a f a r ; Which cameth f r o m above; > Shall hold aloft t h e Glorious Name, T h e Symbol of His W O R D Divine, > That Name-Bahi'u'llih. His Manifested Love.-Shahnaz Waite > ECHOES FROM T H E SPHERES 749 > > Anthem of All Nations > Words & Music by > LOUISE R. WAITE. > > - - > I 0 ~ h ddf exr 'ry > 0 God of ev 'ry- > ;a tibn,% > - > - > turn our hearts to Thee.With- > 0 Truce of God en . dur ing,Come Thou t o all the world, And > n a tion,Thou fa - ther of us all, Let > > s i f e - ty peace and lib- dr - dy. > > I > i n Thy love is Is ~ d r > may Thy flag of - > beau ty In - > each land be u n furled. A > now Thy Ben. e - dic - tlon Up - on each coun-try fall. U'ith > THE B A H A ' i WORLD > > Awake Ye Nations All. > > A-wake ye n a - tions a l l Let a r u - e l warnowoeass,This is the day for > Heoalls i n mighty tones A-wake and hearxis voioo,He bids u s all a s > A-wake ye n a - tions all A-wake andsee t h e light,WhichshinethoJer the > > H > - > u - ni ty The day for lave and peace, Spend no more time in strife But > brothersonewithheartsthatdo r e - joice, To g a t h e r roundHisboard And > mountain tops Dis - pel1 - ing dis-cords night, A - wake and sing a - loud Your > > he?~.thatola-rian oall,WhiehcomethforthfiomGoda-boveThe f a - t h e r o f is > of the feast par-take,Drinlrdreply of the wine of LoveThe bread of Paoenow > prais-es now in-orease,The knowledgeof our Qod a s OneBringsu - ni-ver-sal > > A > all ,Which corn-sth forth from God a - bove the f a - thar of u s all. > brt;ak,Drink deep-ly of the n i n e of Love The bread of Peacenow break. > Peace, The know1edg.e of our God a s One Brings u - ni -ver- sal Peace. > ECHOES FROM THE SPHERES > > Song of the Covenant > Words axid Music by > LOUISE R . W.UTE > (~hilhnaah%arnm) > Moderato Marcia > > , , , > I" - - > 1. This is the day of fid f i l meut > > 'Illis is the day of the > , > > 2. The Kilghath come ia His Pbw - er To j~ldgowithjtlstice the > 3. Praise ye ~odbilsmeuitlltha~h-giv-ing Who hat11 prepared theRight > > I > Lard Tlie Light of the C,ov - c - uant shill - rth The > earth TO break cap - tive chains fdr a - rrul - drr To > Hath gnid - ed mn old of the dark - ness Un - > > I > w - ters of Life have doxm -poured A - wake and a -rise all ye > give to eaoh hope a new birth This is the glad day of Re - > to this His per -fect - ed day A11 glo - ry now be to the > - > na - t i a t ~ b i ~s o d bRes-ur rro-tion d;ly A - wake and be-ltold it's great > demp - tion Let all l i v - iug things re - jaice Be op-ened your ears 0 y e > Fa - > tiler Whorei8.n-eth su-preme a. - bave %"no giv-eth a uew to Hi= > > - > I tiov - e-nant of Peace and Love Whose een - ter is Ab -dul-Ba - ha. > ECHOES FROM THE SPHERES 713 > > Sweet Peace. > Words & Music by > LOUISE R. WAITE. > > I > -I > Sweetpeace so pure and ho ly, Come to ourheartsand reign.Sweet > Sweetpeace soblessedand ho - ly, To long-inghearts so dearjThat > - > Sweetpeacethatpass-eth know-ledge,A bide with us , a1 - way. We > > peacethatcalmsthe tem-pest,That fol- lows grief and pain. From > bring-eth rest and com-fortjThat - > dri eth eve- ry tearj That > - > need thy ten der pres-enceThrongh-out each corn-ing day. Though > > realms of light and beau- ty, Thou com - est a s a dove, And > - > giv eth balm and heal- ing T o eve - rywound-ed ' breastjNow > storms a - round us - > gath er, We know not doubt nor fear. Sweet > > in thy s a cred- pres-ence We find God's per-fect love. > lift ourthoughtsand bear them To man-sions of the blest. > - > peace, di vine and ho - > ly, O! be thou ev - er near. > 1 A,; ' thou art, And hlv L i a h t is in thee > > T h e r e f o r e be i l l u n > ECHOES FROM THE SPHERES > 756 THE BAHA'f WORLD > ECHOES FROM T H E SPHERES 717 > THE BAHA'i WORLD > > Song of Thanksgiviq > > , r . , . , > > I heaven and earth and all there-m Re - wive new life and power. All > > thank Thk that dur hearts have known Thy Man i fes - - - ted One. Ba - > thank Wee for Thy - - > Cav e nant Which shines with burn - ing ray. To > - > glo ry be to Thee 0 God Whose love doth nev - er wane With > > - 'a' - llah the > !I ha > it1 - point - I > King > Gen > of Kings Who > - ter true f i r m > to > we > this world has > o w h m t s each > come. > dav. > CONTENTS > OF > > V O L U M E I-BAHAI YEAR BOOK > AND > V O L U M E S 11, 111, I V A N D V > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > YEARBOOK > OF B A H K ~ > CONTENTS > VOLUME I > > PART ONE > "0 Army of Life!" > A Statement of the Purpose and Principles of the Bahl'i Faith. > Outline of BahVi History. > The Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bah6. > > PART TWO > Extracts from Baha'i Sacred Writings. > A Statement on Present-day Administration of the Bahh'i Cause. > Bah6'i Calendar and Festivals. > The Mahriqu'l-Aakir. > Brief History of the Ma&riqu31-A&k6r in America. > Extracts from Mahriqu'l-Aaklr Report. > The Ma&riqu'l-A&klr of 'I&qlb6d. > Impressions of Haif a. > Kunjangoon. > Old and New Paths at Green Acre. > World Unity Conference. > > PART THREE > National Spiritual Assemblies. > Leading Local Baha'i Centers. > BahVi Periodicals. > Bibliography. > References to the Bahi'i Movement. > European and American Cities Visited by 'Abdu'l-Bahh. > Transliteration of Oriental Terms Frequently Used in BahVi Literature. > Dr. J. E. Esslemont. > > PART FOUR > The Relation of the Bahl'i Cause to Modern Progressive Movements. > The Unity of Civilization. > Equality of Men and Women. > Esperanto and the BahVi Teachings. > Unity of Religions. > Science and Religion. > Universal Education. > Racial Amity. > The Economic Teaching of 'Abdu'l-Bahl. > World Peace. > > THE BAHA'i WORLD > > V O L U M E I1 > PART ONE > " 0 Army of Life!"-Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahl. > A Statement of the Purpose and Principles of the BahCi Faith and Outline of Bahi'i > History. > The Passing of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi. > Survey of Current Bahl'i Activities in the East and West. > > PART TWO > Excerpts from Bahh'i Sacred Writings. > Soul, Mind, Spirit and the Essence of Divinity. > A Statement on Present-Day Administration of the Bahl'i Cause. > Excerpts from the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. > The Spirit and Form of BahCi Administration. > Declaration of Trust. > By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly. > Excerpts from Letters of Shoghi Effendi. > Bahi'i Calendar and Festivals. > BahCi Feasts, Anniversaries and Days of Fasting. > The Ma&riqu'l-Aakir. > Address of 'Abdu'l-Bahl delivered at BahCi Convention, Chicago, 1912. > The Structure of the Bahb'i Temple. > Address delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 at the Dedication of the Mahriqu'l-A&kL > Grounds, May, 1912. > The Ma&riqu'l-Aalcir of 'Ishqlbld. > Impressions of Haifa. > Haifa, 'Aklil and Bahji. > Kunjangoon-The Village of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6. > Through India and Burma. > Green Acre and the Ideal of World Unity. > References to the Bahl'i Faith. > Queen Marie of Rumania pays tribute to the beauty and nobility of the BahCi > Teachings. > > PART THREE > BahCi Directory, 1928. > Bahi'i National Spiritual Assemblies. > BahCi Spiritual Assemblies. > BahYi Groups with names and addresse~of correspondents. > BahCi Groups. > Baha'i Administrative Divisions in Persia. > Baha'i Periodicals. > Bahl'i Bibliography. > Section One-List One: BahPi Publications of America. > Section Two-List Two: Baha'i Publications of England. > -List Three: Bahh'i Literature in French. > -List Four: Bahb'i Literature in German. > -List Five: Partial List of Bahh'i Literature in Oriental Languages. > Section Three-Alphabetical List of Baha'i books and pamphlets. > V O L U M E 111 763 > > Section Four-References to the Bahi'i Movement 111 non-Bahj'i works. > Section Five-References to the Bahi'i Movement in magazines. > Transliteration of Oriental Terms frequently used in Bahi'i literature. > Guide t o the transliteration and pronunciation of the ir6nian alphabet. > > PART FOUR > Introduction t o The Promz~lgationof Universal Peace. > Poem-"A Prayer." > The Bahi'i Religion-Papers read at the Conference of Some Living Religions Within > the British Empire, 1924. > Paper I-By Horace Holley. > Paper 11-By Rfihi Effendi Afn6n. > Living Religions and the Bahb'i Movement. > The Bah6'i Attitude Towards Muhammad. > A Modern Interpretation of Muhammadanism. > The World-Wide Influence of Qurratu'lLeAyn. > Souvenir Feast of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > The Bahl'i Cause at the Universal Esperanto Congresses at Edinburgh and Dan+. > O n the Borders of Lake Leman. > Translation of a Letter from the Israelitish Assembly of Bahi'is of Tihrin, frin. > Inter-Racial Amity. > Appendix-Tablet to America revealed by BahB'u'llih. > Bahi'i Persecutions in irin-An Appeal t o His Imperial Majesty Ridh &dh Pahlavi. > Appendix One-Summary of Bah6'i Teachings. > Appendix Two-Excerpts from Letters of Bahi'u'llhh t o the Sulyin of Turkey and > the S_hih of frill. > Appendix Three-Words of 'Abdu'lLBah6 concerniug frhn. > > V O L U M E I11 > P A R T ONE > "The City of Certitude"-Words of Babh'u'llhh. > Aims and Purposes of the Bahi'i Faith. > Bahi'u'll6h: The Voice of Religious Reconciliation. > The Dawn of the Bah6'i Revelation. (From Nabil's Narrative.) > Survey of Current Bahi'i Activities in the East and West. > > PART TWO > Excerpts from Bahi'i Sacred Writings. > The World Order of Bahh'u'llih. > Present-day Administration of the Bahh'i Faith. > Excerpts from the Will and Tertame~ztof 'Abdu'l-Baha'. > The Spirit and Form of Bahb'i Administration. > Declaration of Trust by the National Spiritual Assembly. > Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi. > Text of Bahb'i application for civil recognitioli by the Palestine Administration. > Facsimile of Bahl'i marriage certificates adopted and enforced by the National > Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahh'is of f r i n and Egypt. > 764 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D > Bnhi'i Calendar and Festivals. > The Mahiqu'l-Ad_hkar. > Green Acre and the Bahi'i Ideal of Inter-racial Amity. > References to the Bahi'i Faith. > The Case of Bahi'u'll6h's House in Ba&d6d before the League of Nations. > Hippolyte Dreyfns-Barney. > > PART THREE > Bahi'i Directory, 1930. > Bahi'i National Spiritual Assemblies. > BahPi Spiritual Assemblies. > Bahl'i Groups. > Bahi'i Administrative Division in Persia. > Bahh'i Periodicals. > Bahi'i Bibliography. > Bahi'i Publications. > of America. > of England. > in French. > in German and other Western Languages. > in Oriental Languages (partial list). > Alphabetical List of Bahi'i Books and Pamphlets. > References to the Bahi'i Faith in Non-Bahi'i works. > References to the Bah6'i Faith in Magazines. > Transliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Bahi'i Literature with guide to > the transliteration and pronunciation of the frinian Alphabet. > Definitions of Oriental Terms used in Bahb'i Literature. > > PART FOUR > Bahi'u'll6h's Divine Economy: a Letter of Shoghi Effendi. > The Hidden Words of Bahi'u'llih: A Reflection, by G. Townshend. > 'Abdu'l-Bahl's Visit to Woking, England. > Impressions of Haifa, by Alaine Locke, A.B., Ph.D. > The World Vision of a Savant, by Dr. Auguste Henri Forel. > The Cultural Principles of the BahPi Movement, by Dr. Ernst Kliemke. > The Relation of the Bib to the Traditions of Isllm, by Wanden Mathews LaFarge. > The Bahi'i Movement in German Universities, by Martha L. Root. > The City Foursquare, by Allen B. McDaniel. > Religion for the New Age, by John Herman Randall. > "Before Abraham Was, I Am!" by Thornton Chase. > The Races of Men-Many or One, by Louis G. Gregory. > Haifa-and the Bahi'is, by Dr. John Haynes Holmes. > A Visit to Rustum Vambiry, By Martha L. Root. > The Bahi'i Cause at the XXth Universal Congress of Esperanto at Antwerp, Belgium, > August, 1928, by Martha L. Root. > Shrines and Gardens, by Beatrice Irwin. > An Audience with King Feisal, by Martha L. Root. > Bahi'u'116h and His Teachings, Reprinted from the Japan Timer and Mail. > 'Abdu'l-Bahl and the Rabbi, by Willard P. Hatch. > Some Experiences Among the Poor in Brazil, by Leonora Holsnpple. > A Trip to Tahiti, by Louise Bosch. > VOLUME IV > > VOLUME IV > PART ONE > Bah6'u'llih: The Voice of Religious Reconciliation. > Aims and Purposes of the Bahi'i Faith. > Martyrdom of the Bib (From Nabil's Narrative). > Survey of Current Bahi'i Activities in the East and West. > Excerpts from Bahh'i Sacred Writings. > > PART TWO > The World Order of Bahi'u'liih. > Present-day Administration of the Bahi'i Faith. > Excerpts from the Will and Testa~ncntof 'Abdu'l-Bahd. > The Spirit and Form of BahB'i Administration. > Declaration of Trust by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the > United States and Canada. > Certificate of Incorporation by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the > City of New Yorlr. > Doculnents related t o the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of > the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada as a recognized Religious > Society in Palestine. > Petition addressed by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the > United States and Canada to the Prime Minister of the Egyptian Govern- > ment. > Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi. > Facsimile of Bahi'i Marriage Certificates adopted and enforced by the National > Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahi'is of irdn and of Egypt. > Facsimile of the Certificate of the United States Federal Government t o the > Declaration of Trust entered into by the National Spiritual Assembly of > the Bah6'is of the United States and Canada. > Facsimile of the Certificate of the Palestine Government incorporating the > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada > as a Religious Society in Palestine. > Facsimile of the Certificate of Incorporation, The Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of the City of New York. > The Mas_hriqu'l-Ad&khr. > Foreword. > Architecture Expressing the Renewal of Religion. > God-intoxicated Architecture. > The Bal16'i Temple. > A Temple of Light. > A Statement by the Architect. > Dedication of the Temple. > A Glorious Gift-from a Shrine to a Shrine. > The Spiritual Significance of the Mafiriqu'l-Aakhr. > References t o the Bahi'i Faith. > Further Developments in the Case of Bahi'~i'll6h's House: Extracts from the > Minutes of the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations. > ~ilinutenof the Sixteenth Session: November 1929. > Minutes of the Nineteenth Session: November 1930. > Minutes of the Twentieth Session: June 1931. > 766 THE BAHA'i WORLD > Letter from the British Government. > Minutes of the Twenty-first Session: November 1931. > Extracts from the Report to the Council of the League of Nations. > Bahh'i Calendar and Festivals. > Foreword. > Bahh'i Feasts, Anniversaries and Days of Fasting. > Additional Material gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) regarding the > Bahh'i Calendar. > Historical Data gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) regarding Bahl'u'llih. > Short History of the International Bahi'i Bureau at Geneva, Switzerland. > In Memoriam. > Miss Ethel Rosenberg. > Mrs. C. S. Coles. > Consul Albert Schwarz. > > PART THREE > Bahi'i Directory, 1931-1932. > BahP'i National Spiritual Assemblies. > Bahh'i Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups. > Officers and Committees of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of > the United States and Canada. > Local Bahh'i Spiritual Assemblies and Groups in the United States and Canada. > Bahh'i Administrative Divisions in frin. > Address of Centers of Bah6'i Administrative Divisions in frin. > List of the Bib's best-known works. > Bahh'i Bibliography. > Bahi'i Publications of America. > Books about the Bahh'i Faith. > Writings of the Bib. > Writings of Bahh'u'116h. > Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > Writings of Shoghi Effendi. > Prayers. > BahPi Literature in Pamphlet Form. > Compilations. > Bahh'i Publications of England. > Bahh'i Literature in French > Baha'i Literature in Italian. > Bahl'i Literature in Dutch. > Bahi'i Literature in Danish. > Bahh'i Literature in Swedish. > Bahh'i Literature in Portuguese. > Bahl'i Literature in Albanian. > Bahh'i Literature in Esperanto. > Bahh'i Literature in Russian. > Bahl'i Literature in German. > Bahh'i Literature in Oriental Languages. > frinian. > Urdu. > Arabic. > Turkish. > Burmese. > Chinese. > Hebrew. > Tartar. > Gujrati. > Japanese. > Armenian. > Tamil. > Bahb'i Literature in Braille (for the Blind). > Bah6'i Periodicals. > References to the Bahl'i Faith in Books by non-Bah6'i Authors. > References to the Bah6'i Faith in Magazines by non-Bahh'i Writers. > 'iransliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Bahi'i Literature with Guide to > Transliteration and Pronunciation of the I'rinian Alphabet. > Definitions of Oriental Terms used in Bahl'i Literature. Glossary. > > PART FOUR > The Goal of a New World Order: A Letter of Shoghi Effendi. > The Way of the Master, by G. Townshend. > Italy and the Bahh'i Cause, by General Renato Piola Caselli. > The World Economy of Bahh'u'lllh, by Horace Holley. > Education as a Source of Good Will, by President Bayard Dodge. > Unity through Diversity: A Bahh'i Principle, by Alain Locke, A.B., Ph.D. > A Short Chronicle of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's Visit to London, 1911-1912, by Lady Blomfield. > Professor Auguste Forel and the Bahi'i Teaching, by Stanwood Cobb. > A Tribute from Dr. Edmond Privat. > A Visit to 'Akki, by Mrs. Alexander Wbyte. > The First Fruits of Victory, by Keith Ransom-Kehler. > Where Is the Key to World Unity, by Louise Drake Wright. > A Visit t o Bahji, by Nancy Bowditch. > Religion in Asia, by Herbert A. Miller. > China's Tribute to the Cause of Bahi'u'llih. > Appreciations of the BahCi Movement, by Martha L. Root. > The Supreme Affliction, by Alfred E. Lunt. > The Bahl'i Movement and North American University Circles, by Martha L. Root. > Bahl'i Ideals of Education, by Stanwood Cohb. > Man and Mankind on the Way of Progress, by Lydja Zamenhof. > The Epideinic of the Persian Jews, by A. J. Wienberg. > The Younger Generation, by Mardiyyih Nabil Carpenter. > Light on Basic Unity, by Louis G. Gregory. > The Bahh'i Movement in Japan, by Tokujiro Toni. > Science and Religion, compiled by Loulie A. Mathews. > A Bahh'i Traveler in Palestine, by Walter B. Guy, M.D. > Dr. David Starr Jordan, by Willard P. Hatch. > Song-offerings. > Echoes from the Spheres. > > VOLUME V > PART ONE > Aims and Purposes of the Bahi'i Faith. > Survey of Current BahVi Activities in the Easc and West. > Excerpts from Bahl'i Sacred Writings. > The Passing of Bahiyyih @anurn, the Most Exalted Leaf. > 768 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > PART TWO > The World Order of Bahb'u'lllh. > Present-day Administration of the Bahb'i Faith. > Excerpts from the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > Genealogy of the Bib. > Genealogy of Bahb'u'llih. > Facsimile of Bahl'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National > Spiritual Assemblies of the Bah6'is of frbn and of Egypt. > The Spirit and Form of the Bahb'i Administrative Order. > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahb'is of the United States and Canada. > Facsimile of the Certificate of the United States Federal Government to the Dec- > laration of Trust entered into by the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahl'is of the United States and Canada. > Facsimile of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A. > Facsimile of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > BahYis of Washington, D. C., U. S. A. > By-Laws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the City of New York. > Facsimile of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahb'is of Teaneck, New Jersey, U. S. A. > Certificate of Incorporation, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of > India and Burma. > Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Esslingen, > Germany. > Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi. > Map of Bahl'i holdings surrounding and dedicated to the shrine of the Bib on > Mt. Carmel and tentative design of terraces. > The Ma&riqu'l-Aakbr. > Foreword. > The Bahh'i House of Worship. > The Spiritual Significance of the Mabriqu'l-Adhklr. > The Spell of the Temple. > A Statement by the Architect. > The Project of Ornamenting the Bahb'i Temple Dome. > Architectural Concrete of the Exposed Aggregate Type. > God-Intoxicated Architecture. > Model of the Madriqu'l-Aakir at the Century of Progress Exposition, Chicago, > 1933. > References to the Bahl'i Faith, by: > Archduchess Anton of Austria, Charles Baudouin, Prof. Norman Bentwich, Prof. > .E. G. Browne, Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter, General Renato Piola Caselli, Rev. T. K. > Cheyne, Valentine Chirol, Rev. K. T. Chung, Right Hon. The Earl Curzon of > Kedleston, Prof. James Darmesteter, Rev. J. Tyssul Davis, Dr. Auguste Forel, > Dr. Herbert Adams Gibbons, Dr. Henry H. Jessup, Prof. Jowett, Prof. Dimitry > Kazarov, Helen Keller, Harry Charles Lukach, Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania, > Alfred W. Martin, President Masaryk, Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, Mr. Renwick > J. G. Millar, Prof. Herbert A. Miller, The Hon. Lifian Helen Montague, Rev. > Frederick W. Oakes, Sir Flinders Petrie, Charles H. Prisk, Dr. Edmond Privat, > Herbert Putnam, Ernest Renan, Right Hon. Sir Herbert Samuel, Emile Schreiher, > Prof. Hari Prasad Shastri, Rev. Griffith J. Sparham, Shri Purohit Swami, Leo > Tolstoy, Prof. Arminius VambCry, Sir Francis Younghusband. > VOLUME V 769 > > Further Developments in the casc of Bahi'u'llih's IIousr in BabdPd. > Excerpts from the Minutes of the XXII session of the Permanent Mandates Com- > mission of the League of Nations: Nov. 3 to Dec. 6, 1932. > Excerpts from the Minutes of the XXIV session of the Permanent Mandates Com- > mission of the League of Nations: Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, 1933. > Note. > Mandates under the League of Nations. > Bahl'i Calendar and Festivals. > Foreword. > Bahl'i Feasts, Anniversaries and Days of Fasting. > Additional Material Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) regarding the Bahh'i > Calendar. > Historical Data Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) regarding Bahh'u'llih. > Youth Activities Throughout the Bahl'i World. > In Memoriam. > Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler. > Mrs. Agnes Parsons. > Yusuf Khan-i-Vujdani. > Dr. Arastil L h i n Hakim. > George Adam Benke. > Edwin Scott. > Mrs. Alice Barney > Mrs. Lisbeth Klitzing. > Extracts from "Bahi'i News." > > PART THREE > Bahh'i Directory 1933-1934. > Bahh'i National Spiritual Assemblies. > Bahl'i Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups. > Officers and committees of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of the > United States and Canada. > Local Bahl'i Spiritual Assemblies and Groups in the Unitdd States and Canada. > Bahh'i Administrative Divisions in frln. > Address of Centers of BahYi Administrative Divisions in fr6n. > Alphabetical List of Bahi'u'lllh's Best-Known Writings. > List of the Bib's Best-Known Works. > Baha'i Bibliography. > Bahl'i Publications of America. > Books about the Bahh'i Faith. > Writings of the Bib. > Writings of Bahh'u'lllh. > Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahl. > Writings of Shoghi Effendi. > Prayers. > Bahh'i Literature in Pamphlet Form. > Compilations. > Rahh'i Publications of England. > Baha'i Literature in French. > Baha'i Literature in Italian. > Bahb'i Literature in Dutch. > Bahh'i Literature in Danish. > Bahi'i Literature in Swedish. > 770 T H E BAHA'i WORLD > BahCi Literature in Portuguese. > Bahl'i Literature in Albanian. > Bahl'i Literature in Esperanto. > Bahh'i Literature in Russian. > Bahl'i Literature in German. > Bahb'i Literature in Bulgarian. > Bah6'i Literature in Rumanian. > Bahb'i Literature in Czech. > Bahh'i Literature in Serbian. > Bahi'i Literature in Hungarian. > Bahb'i Literature in Greek. > BahCi Literature in Maori. > Bahh'i Literature in Spanish. > Bahl'i Literature in Oriental Languages. > f rinian. > Urdu. > Arabic. > Turkish. > Burmese. > Chinese. > Hebrew. > Tartar. > Gujrati. > Japanese. > Armenian. > Tamil. > Kurdish. > Bahh'i Literature in Braille (for the Blind). > Bahi'i Periodicals. > References to the Bahh'i Faith in Books by non-Bahi'i Authors. > References to the Bahb'i Faith in Magazines by non-Bahh'i Writers. > References by Bahi'is in non-Bahh'i Publications. > Transliteration of Oriental Words freque~ltlyused in Bah6'i Litcrature with Guide to > Transliteration and Pronunciation of the frlnian Alphabet. > Definitions of Oriental Terms used in Bahb'i Literature. > > PART FOUR > The Administrative Order in the Dispensation of Bahi'u'lIbh, from a letter of Shoghi > Effendi. > The Descent of the New Jerusalem, by G. Townshend. > The Spiritual Basis of World Peace, by Horace Holley. > In the Footsteps of the Pioneers, by Keith Ransom-Kehler. > The Orientation of Hope, by Alain Locke. > La Foie et la Science Unies par I'Art, by Marie Antoinette Aussenac, Princesse de > Broglie. > Religion and Social Progress, by Keith Ransom-Kehler. > Prince Paul and Princess Olga of Yugoslavia, by Martha L. Root. > A Religion of Reconciliation, by Rev. Griffith J. Sparham. > The Men of the Trees, by Richard St. Barbe Baker. > Les ProblEmes du Monde et la Foie Bahi'i, by 'Ali Afdalipur. > The Bahi'i Movement, the Greatness of Its Power, by Martha L. Root. > Der Sinn Unserer Zeit, by Dr. Hermann Grossmann. > VOLUME V 771 > > Le BahYism, hy Eugen Relgis. > A Visit to Adrianople, by Martha L. Root. > The Re-florescence of I-Iistorical Romance in Nabil, by Mary Maxwell. > William Miller, Student of Prophecy, by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick. > A New Cycle of Human Power, by Marion Holley. > An Appreciation, by Dr. Rustum VambCry. > The True Sovereign, by Alfred E. Lunt. > The Nature of the Divine Manifestations, by Glenn A. Shook. > Religious Education for the Young, by Mrs. M. H. Inouye. > Why Do I Espouse the Bahi'i Cause? by Chi Kao Fujisawa. > Count Leo Tolstoy and the Bahb'i Movement, by Martha L. Root. > A Chinese View of the B a h a Cause, by Chan S. Liu. > Vernunft und Glaube, by Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel. > Influence of Astronomy on Religious Thought, by Giorgio Abetti. > Haifa Calling, by Florence E. Pinchon. > Taking the Message to the Maori People, by Keith Ransom-Kehler. > Only a Word, by Laura Dreyfus-Barney. > Song-Off erings. > Echoes from the Spheres. > Map of the Bahi'i World. > > — *The Baha'i World: Volume 06 (1934-1936) (Used by permission of the curator)*