# The Baha'i World: Volume 12 (1950-1954) *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, The Baha'i World: Volume 12 (1950-1954), Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1956, bahai-library.com. > ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── > > 107, 108, 109 AND 110 OF THE BAHA'I ERA > > 1950-1954 A.D. > THE BAHA'I WORLD > A BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL RECORD > > Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the BahB'is of the United States > with the approval of Shoghi Effendi > > V O L U M E XI1 > 107, log, 109 AND 110 OF THE BAHA'I ERA > APRIL 1950-1954 A.D. > > BAHA'I P U B L I S H I N G T R U S T > Wilmette, Illinois > O Copyright 1956, by National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is > of the United States. > > Reprinted 1981 > > N 0 T E : The spelling of the Oriental words and proper > names used in this issue of THEBAHL'~ WORLDis according > to the system of transliteration established at one of the > International Oriental Congresses. > > Library of Congress Catalogue Card No. 27-5882 > > Printed in t h e United States of America > To > SHOGHI EFFENDI > Guardian of the BahB'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" > of > BAHA'U'LLAH > CONTENTS > PART ONE > PAGE > I . Aims and Purposes of the BahVi Faith .............................. 1 > I1. International Survey of Current Bahb'i Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 > I11. Excerpts from the Bahb'i Sacred Writings: > 1. Words of Bahb'u'llih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 > 2 . Words of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 > 3. Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 > IV . The Centenary Celebrations of the Birth of the Mission of BahVu'llih, 1953 115 > 1. The Guardian's Announcement and Messages ................... 115 > 2 . The African Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in Kampala. > Uganda. February. 1953 .................................. 121 > 3. The All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in Chi- > cago.U.S.A..April-May. 1953 ............................. 133 > 4 . The European Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in Stock- > holm.Sweden.July. 1953 ................................. 167 > 5. The Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi. > India. October. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 > V . The Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Bib 1850-1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 > 1. BahVu'llih's Tribute to the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 > 2 . 'Abdu'l-Bahb's Tribute to the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 > 3. The Guardian's Message for the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the > Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 > 4 . The Station of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 > 5. The Execution of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 > 6 . International Observance of the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the > Bib ................................................... 205 > 7 . The Martyr Prophet of a World Faith. by William B. Sears ........ 208 > 8. Pilgrimage to the Scenes of the Bib's Captivity and Martyrdom. by > D_hikru711ihKhidem ........................................ 217 > 9 . A Century of World Crisis 1850.1950. by Dr . G . A . Borgese ...... 226 > 10. Der 100. Jahrestag des Opfertodes des Bib. by Dr Eugen Schmidt 230 . > VI . The Completion of the Construction of the Sepulcher of the Bib in the Holy > Land. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 > 1. Entombment of the Bib's Remains on Mt . Carmel ............... 235 > 2 . Announcements by the Guardian ............................. 238 > 3. An Account of the Preparatory Work in Italy. by Dr . Ugo R . Giachery 240 > 4. Reports on the Construction of the Arcade. by Ben D . Weeden .... 246 > VII . The Inauguration of the World BahL'i Crusade 1953-1963 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 > 1. Announcement by the Guardian .............................. 253 > 2 . Ten-Year International Bahb'i Teaching and Consolidation Plan 1953- > 1963 .................................................. 256 > 3. Maps of the Ten-Year Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover > 4. Chart of the Ten-Year Plan .................... Inside Front Cover > 5. Chart showing the Expansion of the Faith ...................... 275 > > P A R T TWO > I. The World Order of BahP'uYU& .................................. 279 > 1. Present Day Administration of the Bahgi Faith .................. 279 > vii > viii CONTENTS > > The Formation of an Organic Religious Community. by Horace > Holley ............................................... > A Procedure for the Conduct of a Local Spiritual Assembly ...... > The Institution of the National Spiritual Assembly. by Horace > Holley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > A Procedure for the Conduct of the Annual BahL'i Convention > The Non-Political Character of the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Concerning Membership in Non-BahL'i Religious Organizations . . > BahL'is and Military Service ............................... > Interpretation of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-BahB . . . . . . . . > Excerpts from the Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Important Messages from Shoghi Effendi 1950-1954 . . . . . . . . . . > The Process of International Consolidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Appointment of the Hands of the Cause of God . . . . . . . . . . . . > Formation of the International BahL'i Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 2 . Documentation of the BahL'i Administrative Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual As- > sembly of the BahL'is of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual As- > sembly of the BahL'is of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual As- > sembly of the BahL'is of Persia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Declaration and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of > the Bah6'is of Germany and Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual As- > sembly of the Bahb'is of 'IrBq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Constitution of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah2is of > South America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > BahB'is of South America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > BahL'is of Central America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > BahL'is of India. PBkistBn and Burma. Delhi. India . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > BahL'is of India. PBkistBn and Burma. Rangoon. Burma . . . . . . . > Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > BahL'is of India. PfikistBn and Burma. Lahore. PBkistiLn ...... > Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of > the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is > of Maywood. Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Houston. Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is > of Eliot. Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is > of Fresno. California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is > of San Diego. California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is > of Sacramento. California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is > of Glendale. California ................................. > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Fort Wayne. Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > CONTENTS > > PAGE > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is > of Tucson, Arizona .................................... > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Oak Park, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is > of Nashville, Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Greenwich, Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is > of Reno, Nevada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Grand Rapids, Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahfis > of Surat, India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is > of Jalna, Hyderabad (Deccan), India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Kamarhati, India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is > of Mysore, India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Singapore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Montevideo, Uruguay ................................ > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Quito, Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Marriage Certificate Adopted by the National Spiritual As- > sembly of the Bahi'is of the United States .................. > Marriage Certificate issued by the State of Idaho .............. > Marriage Certificate issued by the State of Michigan ............ > Marriage Certificate issued by the State of New York .......... > Marriage Certificate issued by the Territory of Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . > Marriage Certificate issued by the Territory of Alaska .......... > Marriage Certificate issued by the State of New Mexico ......... > Letter from the Board of Education of Prince George's County, > Maryland, excusing Bahi'i Children from School Attendance on > Bahi'i Holy Days ...................................... > Letter from Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Delaware, ex- > cusing Bahi'i Children from School Attendance on Bahi'i Holy > Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Communications between the Government of Liberia and the Bahi'i > Pioneers, authorizing the Teaching of the Faith in the Republic > of Liberia, and exempting Goods consigned to the Local Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahi'is of Monrovia from Customs Fees . . . . . > Certificate of Exemption from Registration granted to the Bah6'i > Community of Kenya in connection with Emergency Laws re- > garding Public Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Deed of Transfer of the Bolton Property at Yerrinbool, N.S.W., > Australia, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of > Australia and New Zealand, for a Summer School ........... > Certificate of Transfer of Title of the Hyde Dunn Bahi'i School > Property in A~~ckland, New Zealand, to the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New Zealand . . . . . . . . > Certificate of Incorporation of the Bahi'i School in Green Acre, > Eliot, Maine, under the name "Green Acre Bahl'i Institute," en- > titled to hold property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > CONTENTS > > PAGE > 3. The Institution of the Mas_hriquYl-Adhkhr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515 > Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515 > The Spiritual Significance of the Mas_hriquYl-Adhkfir. . . . . . . . . . . . 517 > Passages Regarding the Temple in America. taken from God Passes > By . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521 > The Bahi'i House of Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524 > Architecture of the Temple Interior. by Robert W . McLaughlin . . . 528 > Structural Features of the Interior of the Bahi'i House of Worship. > by Edwin H . Eardley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529 > Completing the Interior Ornamentation of the Bahi'i House of > Worship. by Alfred P . Shaw. Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532 > Interior Ornamentation of the BahB'i House of Worship. by Allen B. > McDaniel and Paul E . Haney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533 > Landscape Plan of the Bahi'i House of Worship by Hilbert Dahl 540 > Bahb'i . . . Temple of Light. by Harold Leiendecker . . . . . . . . . . 542 > Unveiling the Model of the Temple to be constructed on Mount > Carmel. Address by Charles Mason Remey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547 > 4 . BahB'i Calendar. Festivals and Dates of Historic Significance . . . . . . . 551 > Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551 > BahB'i Feasts. Anniversaries and Days of Fasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551 > Bahi'i Holy Days on Which Work Should be Suspended . . . . . . . . 552 > Additional Material Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) Re- > garding the BahB'i Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552 > Historical Data Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) Regarding > Bahi'u'llfih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556 > Dates of Historic Significance During the First One Hundred and > Ten Years of the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559 > 5 . Youth Activities Throughout the Bahi'i World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562 > Around the World with Bahi'i Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562 > Report of International Bahi'i Youth Activity for the Year 1952- > 1953. compiled by Dwight Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586 > 6 . The Bah2i Faith and the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597 > Bahi'i Relationship with United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597 > United Nations Informed of the B a h s Concept of Worship . . . . . . 598 > Prayer Card Issued with Compliments of United Nations Committee > of the Bah6'i I.nternationa1 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 599 > Report of Bahi'i Activities in relation to the United Nations 1947- > 1954. by Mildred Mottahedeh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601 > II . Appreciations of the Bah6'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 617 > 1. Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 618 > 2 . Prof . E . G . Bro-wne. M.A.. M.B.. Cambridge University . . . . . . . . . . 620 > 3. Dr . J . Estlin Carpenter. D.Litt.. Manchester College. Oxford . . . . . . 622 > 4 . Rev . T . K . Cheyne. D.Litt.. D.D.. Oxford University . . . . . . . . . . . . 623 > 5 . Prof . Arminius Vambkry. Hungarian Academy of Pesth . . . . . . . . . . 623 > 6. Sir Valentine Chirol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 624 > 7 . Harry Charles Lukach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625 > 8. Prof . Jowett. Oxford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625 > 9. Alfred W . Martin. Society for Ethical Culture. New York . . . . . . . . . 625 > 10. Prof . James Darmesteter. Ecole des Hautes Etudes. Paris . . . . . . . . . . 626 > 11. Charles Baudouin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 626 > 12. D r . Henry H. Jessup. D.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 628 > 13. Right Hon . The Earl Curzon of Kedleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 629 > 14. Sir Francis Younghusband. K.C.S.I.. K.C.I.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630 > 15. The Christian Commonwealth. Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631 > 16. Rev. J . Tyssul Davis. B.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631 > CONTENTS > > 17. Herbert Putnam. Congressional Library. Washington. D.C. . . . . . . . . > 18. Leo Tolstoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 19. Dr . Edmund Privat. University of Geneva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 20 . Dr . Auguste Forel. University of Ziirich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 21 . General Renato Piola Caselli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 22. Rev. Frederick W. Oakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 23 . Renwick J . G . Millar. Editor of John O'Groat Journal. Scotland . . . . > 24 . Charles H . Prisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 25. Prof . Hari Prasad Shastri. D.Litt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 26. Shri Purohit Swami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 27 . Prof . Herbert A . Miller. Bryn Mawr College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 28 . Viscount Herbert Samuel. G.C.B.. M.P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 29. Rev.K.T.Chung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 30. Prof . Dimitry Kazarov. University of Sofia. Bulgaria . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 31. Rev. Griffith J . Sparham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 32. Ernest Renan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 33. The Hon . Lilian Helen Montague. J.P.. D.H.L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 34. Prof . Norman Bentwich. Hebrew University. Jerusalem . . . . . . . . . . . . > 35. Bmile Schreiber. Publicist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 36 . HelenKeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 37 . Dr . Rokuichiro Masujima. Doyen of Jurisprudence of Japan . . . . . . . . > 38. Sir Flinders Petrie. Archaeologist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 39. Former President Masaryk of Czechoslovakia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 40. Archduchess Anton of Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 41. Dr . Herbert Adams Gibbons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 42 . H.R.H. Princess Olga of Yugoslavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 43. Eugen Relgis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 44. Arthur Henderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . . > 45. Prof Dr. V Lesny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 46 . Princess Marie Antoinette de Broglie Aussenac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 47 . David Starr Jordan. Late President. Leland Stanford University . . . . > 48. Prof . Bogdan Popovitch. University of Belgrade. Yugoslavia . . . . . . . > 49 . Ex-Governor William Sulzer of New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 50. Luther Burbank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 51. Prof . Yone Noguchi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 52. Prof . Raymond Frank Piper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > 53 AngelaMorgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 54. Arthur Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 55. Prof . Dr . Jan Rypka. Charles University. Praha. Czechoslovakia . . . . > 56. A . L. M . Nicolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 57. President Eduard BeneG of Czechoslovakia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 58. Sir Ronald Storrs. K.C.M.G.. C.B.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 59. Col. Raja Jai Prithvi Bahadur Singh. Raja of Bajang (Nepal) . . . . . . > 60. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland . . . . > 61. Right Hon . M . R. Jayakar. Privy Councillor. London . . . . . . . . . . . . > 62. Prof . Benoy Kumar Sarkar. M.A.. Ph.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 63. Sarojinu Naidu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 64. Jules Bois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 65. The late Sir John Martin Harvey. D.Litt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 66. Dr . Hewlett Johnson. Dean of Canterbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 67. Arnold J . Toynbee. Hon . D.Litt. Oxon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 68. Sir A . Ramaswami Mudaliar. K.C.S.I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 69. Dr . Bhagavan Das . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 70. S. Eitrem. University of Oslo. Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 71. Dr . G . W. Carver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 72. George N . Mayhew. Dean. School of Religion. Vanderbilt University > 73. Kenneth Walker. F.R.C.S.. F.I.C.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > xii CONTENTS > PAGE > 74. Prof . Joseph Klausner. Jerusalem. Israel ....................... 655 > 75. Prof . Francesco Gabrieli. University of Rome .................. 655 > . > 76 Dr . G . A . Borgese. Professor of Italian Literature. University of Chi- > cago .................................................. 655 > 77 . Prof . Raffaele Pettazzoni. Professor of the History of Religion. Uni- > versity of Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 656 > 78 . Dr . Marshall Wingfield. D.D.. Litt.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 656 > 79 . Sir Alfred Zimmern. Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 656 > 111. In Memoriam > William Sutherland Maxwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 657 > Roy C. Wilhelm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662 > Siegfriedschopflocher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664 > Louis Gregory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666 > DorothyBaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 670 > Marion Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674 > Edward B . Kinney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677 > Dr . Youness Afrukhtih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679 > Ella Goodall Cooper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 681 > Dr . SulaymLn Berjis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 684 > Ella Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 685 > Maria B. Ioas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 688 > Nuri'd-Din Fath 'Azam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 690 > HLji Muhammad TLhir Malmiri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692 > Johanna Schubarth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 694 > Florence George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 697 > Philip Goddard Sprague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 698 > Nellie Stevison French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699 > DagmarDole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 > Florence Breed Khan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703 > B&ram RawhLni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 > LouiseBosch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 > FlorenceMorton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 708 > R a b L n Kulayni MamaqLni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710 > 'Abdu'l Hussein Yazdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711 > Charles Kennedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711 > L. W. Eggleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 712 > > PART THREE > I . Bahi'i Directory 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 > 1. International Bahi'i Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 > 2. Bahb'i National Spiritual Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 > 3 . Countries opened to the Bahb'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Abyssinia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Aden Protectorate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Ad_hirbLyjLn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > AfghLnistLn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > ................................................. 719 > Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Aleutian Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Algeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > AndamanIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Andorra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Argentina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > CONTENTS xiii > > PAGE > Armenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Ashanti Protectorate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Australian New Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Azores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Bahama Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Balp-aynIs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Balearic Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Bahic_hist&n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Baranof I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Basutoland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Bechuanaland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Belgian Congo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Bermuda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Bismarck Archipelago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Borneo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > British Cameroons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > British Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > British Honduras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > British Somaliland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > British Togoland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Brunei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Bulgaria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Canary Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Cape Breton I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Cape Verde Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Caroline Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Ceylon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Channel Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Chi106 I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Cook Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Corsica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Crete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Cuba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Cyprus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Czechoslovakia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Daman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > DiuI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Dominican Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Dutch Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Dutch New Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Dutch West Indies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > Eire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 > El Salvador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 19 > xiv CONTENTS > > Eritrea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > FalklandIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Faroe Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > FijiIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Formosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > French Cameroons ........................................ > French Equatorial Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > French Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > French Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > French Somaliland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > French Togoland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > French West Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Frisian Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Galapagos Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Gambia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Georgia > . ................................................ > Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Gilbert and Ellice Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Goa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Gold Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Grand Manan I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Great Britain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Greenland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Guatemala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Hadhramaut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Haiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Hawaiian Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Hebrides Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > HijCz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Holland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Honduras .............................................. > Hong Kong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Hungary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Indo-China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Indonesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 'IrCq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Italian Somaliland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Italv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Jamaica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > JuanFernandezIs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Karikal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Keewatin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Kenya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > KeyWest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Kodiak I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Koweit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Kuria-Muria Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > CONTENTS > > PAGE > Labrador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > LeewardIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Liberia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Libya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Liechtenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Lofoten Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Luxembourg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Macao I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Mackenzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Madagascar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Madeirals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Magdalenls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Mahb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Malaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Malta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Manchuria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Margarita I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Marianals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Marquesas Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Martinique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Mauritius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Mentawai Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Miquelon I . and St. Pierre I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Monaco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Morocco (Int . Zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Mozambique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Nepal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > New Caledonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Newfoundland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > New Hebrides Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Nicaragua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Nigeria ................................................ 720 > Northern Territories Protectorate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > North Rhodesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Nyasaland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Orkney Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > PBkistiin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Panama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Paraguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Persia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Philippine Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Pondicherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Portugal ............................................... 720 > Portuguese Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Puerto Rico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Qatar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Queen Charlotte Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > RCunionl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Rhodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Rio de Oro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Ruanda-Urundi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > xvi CONTENTS > PAGE > Russian S.F.S.R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Samoa Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > SanMarino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Sarawak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Sardinia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > SaudiArabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Seychelles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > ShetlandIs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Siam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Sicly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > SierraLeone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Sikkim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Society Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Solomon Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > SouthAfrica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > SouthRhodesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > South West Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Spanish Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > SpanishSahara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Siidin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Swaziland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Syria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Tanganyika . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Tasmania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Tonga Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Trucial Sheiks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Tuamotu Archipelago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Tunisia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 > Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Turkmenistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Uganda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > 'Ummin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > United States of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Uruguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Windward Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Yemen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Yugoslavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Yukon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Zanzibar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > Zululand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 > 4 . Local BahB'i Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, and Localities where Iso- > lated BahB'is Reside in the United States of America 1953-1954 . . 721 > 5. Directory of Assemblies, Groups, and Isolated Bahgis in Administrative > Divisions in Persia 1953-1954 ............................. 744 > 6. Directory of Localities where BahB'is Reside under the jurisdiction of > the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of India, PiikistLn > andBurma 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 753 > 7. Directory of Localities where BahB'is Reside under the jurisdiction of > the National Spiritual Assemblies of the BahB'is of Central and > South America 1953-1954 ................................. 757 > 8. Directory of Localities in Australia and New Zealand where BahL'is > Reside 1953-1954 ....................................... 763 > CONTENTS xvii > > PAGE > 9. Directory of Localities in the Dominion of Canada where Bahi'is > Reside 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 10. Directory of Localities in the British Isles where BahL'is Reside > 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 11. Directory of Localities in Germany and Austria where Bahi'is Reside > 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 12. Directory of Localities in Egypt and the Sfidfin where Bahi'is Reside > 1953-1954 ............................................. > 13. Directory of Localities where Bahi'is Reside under the jurisdiction of > the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of 'IrCq 1953-1954 > 14. Directory of Localities in Italy and Switzerland where Bahi'is Reside > 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > I1. BahS'i Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 1. Bahi'u'lljih's Best-Known Writings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 2. The Bfib's Best-Known Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 3. Bahi'i Publications of the United States of America in print . . . . . . . > a . Writings of Bahi'u'llih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > b . Writings of the BLb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > c . Writings of 'Abdu'l-BahL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > d. Works Compiled from Writings of Bahi'u1ll&hand 'Abdu'l-BahL > e . Works Compiled from Writings of Bahi'u'llfih, the BLb and > 'Abdu'l-Bahi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > f . Works Compiled from Writings of Bahi'u'llLh, 'Abdu'l-BahL > andshoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > g. Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > h . Writings on the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > i. Bahi'i Reprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > j . Pamphlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > k . Phonograph Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 1. Outlines and Guides for BahB'i Study Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > m . Children's Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > n . Bahi'i Literature in Foreign Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > o. The Bah2i World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > p . Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 3A . Bahi'i Publications of the United States of America that are out of > print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 4 . Bahi'i Publications of Great Britain in print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > a. Writings of Bahi'u'llih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > b. Writings of 'Abdu'l-BahL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > c. Works Compiled from the Writings of Bahi'u'llih. the BLb and > 'Abdu'l-BahL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > d. Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > e. Compilations from the Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . > f . Writings on the BahL'i Faith ............................ > g. Bahi'i Literature in Pamphlet Form ...................... > h . Outlines and Guides for Bahi'i Study Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > i . Bahi'i Literature in Foreign Languages .................... > 4A . Bahi'i Publications of Great Britain that are out of print ......... > 5. Bahi'i Publications of Burma, India, PLkistfin and Princely States in > English (Publications in other languages spoken in India, Burma, > Ceylon and Pfikistin listed elsewhere under name of language) ... > 6. Bahi'i Publications in Albanian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 7. BahL'i Publications in Bulgarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 8. Bahfi'i Publications in Croatian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 9. BahL'i Publications in Czech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 10. BahL'i Pub1icatio.n~in Danish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > xviii CONTENTS > > PAGE > 11. BahCi Publications in Dutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802 > 12. Bahi'i Publications in Esperanto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803 > 13. BahL'i Publications in Finnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805 > 14. BahL'i Publications in French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805 > 15. BahL'i Publications in German in print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 807 > 15A. Bahi'i Publications in German that are out of print . . . . . . . . . . . . . 808 > 16. BahL'i Publications in Greek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 > 17. Bahi'i Publications in Hungarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 > 18. BahL'i Publications in Icelandic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 > 19. BahCi Publications in Italian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 > 20 . Bahi'i Publications in Maori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813 > 21 . Bahi'i Publications in Norwegian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813 > 22 . Bahi'i Publications in Polish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814 > 23 . Bahi'i Publications in Portuguese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814 > 24 . BahL'i Publications in Rumanian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815 > 25. Bahi'i Publications in Russian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815 > 26 . BahL'i Publications in Serbian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816 > 27 . Bahi'i Publications in Slovak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816 > 28 . Bahi'i Publications in Spanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81.6 > 29 . Bahi'i Publications in Swedish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 > 30. Bahi'i Publications in Welsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 > 3 1. BahL'i Publications in Oriental Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 > Abyssinian (Amharic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 > Arabic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 > Armenian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 > Assamese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 > Bengali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 > Burmese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 > Chin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Chinese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Gujarati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Gurmukhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Hebrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Hindi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Kanarese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Kashmiri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Kurdish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Malayalam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Marathi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 > Nepalese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 > Oriya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 > Panjabi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 > Pashto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 > Persian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 > Rajasthani . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 > Sindhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 > Singhalese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 > Tamil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 > Tartar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 > Telugu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826 > Turkish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826 > Urdu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826 > 32. Bahi'i Publications in African Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Acholi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Adanwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Ateso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > CONTENTS xix > > PAGE > ChiNyanja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Ewe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Hausa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Igbo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > KiKikuyu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > KiSwahili . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Luganda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Mende . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Twi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > Yoruba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 > 33. Languages into which Bahi'i Literature is being translated . . . . . . . . . 827 > 34. BahB'i Literature for the Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 828 > 35. Bahi'i Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830 > 36. References to the Bahb'i Faith in Books and Pamphlets published > under non-BahL'i Auspices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 37 . References to the Bahi'i Faith in Magazines by non-Bahi'i Authors > 38. References to the Bahb'i Faith by Bahi'is in non-Bahi'i Publications > 39. References to the BahL'i Faith in Encyclopedias and Reference Books > 111. Transliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Bahi'i Literature . . . . > Guide to Transliteration and Pronunciation of the Persian Alphabet . . . . > Notes on the Pronunciation of Persian Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > . > IV Definitions of Oriental Terms used in BahB'i Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > > PART FOUR > I. Articles and Reviews: > 1. The Sufferings of Bahi'u'llbh and Their Significance. by George > Townshend. M.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 865 > 2 . The God Who Walks with Men. by Horace Holley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 868 > 3. Educating for Progress. by Stanwood Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 872 > 4 . The Prison City of 'AkkA. by William Sears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877 > 5 . A Century of Spiritual Revival. by Dr . W . Kenneth Christian . . . . . . 883 > . > 6 The Kingdom of God on Earth. by Marion Hofman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886 > . > 7 The Call of the Martyrs. by George Townshend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 892 > 8. The Path to God. by Dorothy Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 894 > 9 . An Italian Scientist Extols the Bbb. by Ugo Giachery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 900 > 10. The BahCi Faith and World Government. by David Earl . . . . . . . . . . 904 > 11. The Birth of World Religion. by Reginald King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910 > 12. Teaching Among the American Indians. by Rex King . . . . . . . . . . . . 914 > 13. In the Presence of 'Abdull.Bahb. by Ella Quant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 917 > 14. The BahL'i Faith in Backward Africa. by Dunduzu Chisiza . . . . . . . . 921 > 15. Black Sunlight. by William and Marguerite Sears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 925 > 16. The Bahi'i Faith. reprinted from India & Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 932 > 11. Verse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 935 > I11. Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947 > IV . Maps and Charts of BahL'f Communities Around the World. 1950-1954: > Australia and New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989 > The British Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 990 > Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 991 > Central America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 992 > Germany and Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 993 > India. PBkistbn and Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 994 > South America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 995 > Map of Greenland Showing Localities where BahL'i Literature has been > sent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 996 > CONTENTS > > PAGE > The United States of America ........................ Inside Back Cover > The Bahi'i World: > Localities Where Bahi'is Reside .................... Inside Back Cover > Map of the Bahi'i World Showing Countries > where Bahi'is Reside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover > > Note: Maps and Chart of the Ten-Year Plan > (Part I, Section VII) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover > ILLUSTRATIONS > PAGE > > The Sepulcher of the BAb on Mt . Carmel. Haifa. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frontispiece > Corner room of the Shrine of Bahi'u'llLh beneath the floor of which His remains > are buried . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 > Entrance to the Holy Tomb of Bahi'u'llLh at Bahji. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 > Views of the garden surrounding the Shrine of BahL'uYllLh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 > Monumental path leading to the Shrine of BahB'u'llLh. Bahji. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 > View of the Shrine of Bahi'u'llih from the air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 > Aerial view of the Haram-i-Aqdas ...................................... 7 > Panoramic view of newly developed garden of the Shrine of Bahi'u'llih at Bahji. > Israel ......................................................... 8-9 > View of the curved path in the Shrine Gardens at Bahji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 > View of the monumental path leading to the Shrine of BahL'~'l1ih~ showing the > main entrance gate at the end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 > View of the Shrine of Bahi'u'llih. seen through the Collins gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 > Main gate leading to the Shrine of Bahi'u'llkh at Bahji. Israel. gift of Hand of the > Cause. Mrs . Amelia Collins. and named after her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 > The new garden in front of the Mansion at Bahji .......................... 17 > Shrine of the BLb. Haifa. Israel . Twelve thousand gilded tiles cover the Dome in a > fish scale pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 > Shrine of the BLb on Mt . Carmel . Beyond the Shrine can be seen the city of Haifa. > the harbor. the bay of 'AkkL. the hills of the Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 > Shrine of the BLb. as seen from the slopes of Mt . Carmel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 > Shrine of the Martyr Prophet of the Bahi'i Faith. completed October. 1953 . . . . 27 > Aerial view of the Shrine of the Bkb. Mt . Carmel. Haifa. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 > 'Night view of the Sepulcher of the Bkb on Mt . Carmel. showing terraces and > gardens ........................................................ 34 > Circular cluster of cypress trees. visited by Bahi'u'Ukh. from which He indicated > the present site of the Shrine of the BLb and stated that His remains must be > brought from Persia and placed there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 > Manesmann pipes placed. prior to erection. within recently cast reinforced con- > crete work which constitutes support for the superstructure of the Bgb's Shrine 39 > Erection of the cement ceiling of the octagon of the Shrine .................. 39 > One of the completed pinnacles of the octagon. March. 1952 ................ 39 > A corner of the Bkb's Shrine with two pinnacles of the octagon completed and the > wrought-iron gilded railing in position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 > Finishing the molds for beams of the great '"star" foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 > The great star-shaped reinforced concrete foundation of the octagon . . . . . . . . . . 47 > Octagon of the Shrine seen from the mountainside and showing one iron railing > in place. March. 1952 ............................................. 73 > Scaffolding around the drum and dome of the Bkb's Shrine. June. 1953 ........ 73 > First golden tiles laid on the dome of the BLb's Shrine. Beneath the tile on the right > a piece of plaster from the prison room occupied by the BLb in MLh-KL? was > imbedded by the Guardian on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of > Bahi'uYllLh'sMission ............................................. 77 > Raising the bell of the lantern of the dome of the BLb's Shrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 > The crown of the dome ............................................... 81 > The completed lantern on the dome of the Shrine of the BLb ................ 84 > x85. > xxii ILLUSTRATIONS > > PAGE > > The B6b was imprisoned while in Tabriz 1848 in this now crumbling prison room > of the old brick Ark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > The B6b9sremains lie in state in His Holy Sepulcher on Mt. Carmel, 1953 . . . . . . > View of the Shrine of the Bib, in the heart of Carmel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > BahL'i properties on Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > View of one of the paths in the gardens surrounding the resting place of the Great- > est Holy Leaf, Haifa, Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Hands of the Cause of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108. > BahVis attending First Intercontinental BahVi Teaching Conference, in Kampala, > Uganda, Africa, February, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing > Hands of the Cause attending First Intercontinental Bahi'i Conference in Kam- > pala, Uganda, Africa, February 12-18, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Group of pioneers to Africa attending First Intercontinental Teaching Conference > at Kampala, Uganda, February, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > African choir at Kampala Conference public meeting, singing "Lord, I want to be > a BahL'i with all my heart" . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Leroy Ioas greeting African Bahi'is on behalf of the Guardian, Kampala, Uganda, > Africa, February, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > BahL'i All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Chicago, Illinois, May > 3-6,1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing > RGhiyyih Khbnum presenting the Guardian's Message of Dedication of the BahL'i > House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, May 2, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > BahL'is gathered in the House of Worship, Wilmette, at Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . > Amatu'l-Bahb Riihiyyih K_hdn~~m receiving the BahL'is at reception given in her > honor at the All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Chicago, > Illinois,May 4, 1953 ............................................. > Bahi'is attending the All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference who had > met'Abdu'l-Bahb ................................................ > American Indian BahL'is at the All-America Intercontinental Conference, Chi- > cago, Illinois, May, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > BahL'is from thirty countries attending the Third BahL'i Intercontinental Teach- > ing Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, July 21-26, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . following > Unity Banquet commemorating the Jubilee Year, held during the Third Intercon- > tinental Conference in the Golden Room of the Town Hall, Stockholm, > Sweden, July 25, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . preceding > Hands of the Cause of God present at the Third Intercontinental Teaching Con- > ference, Stockholm, Sweden, July 21-26, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Volunteer pioneers for the Ten-Year Global Crusade, Third BahL'i Intercontinen- > tal Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, July, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Participants at the Fourth Bahi'i Intercontinental Teaching Conference, New > Delhi, India, October 6-15, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing > The President of the Union of India, Dr. Shri Rajendra Prasad, with members of > Bahi'i delegation received in his official residence during Asian Intercontinen- > . > tal Conference, New Delhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, with members of BahL'i delegation, > New Delhi, October 5, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... > Public reception held during Fourth Bahi'i Intercontinental Teaching Conference, > . > New Delhi, India, October, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Sketch of the eight-pointed star foundation for the octagon of the Shrine of the > .. . .. > Bhb, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of the United States of America, elected > April, 1953 .................................................... > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Persia, elected April, 1951 . . . . . . . . > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah2is of the British Isles, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Germany and Austria for the Year > 110 (1953-1954) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > ILLUSTRATIONS xxiii > > PAGE > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Canada. 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand. Year > 110 (1953-1954) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India. Pikistin and Burma. 1952- > 1953 and 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Egypt and Sfidin. 1950-1951 . . . . . > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of 'Iriq. 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Central America. Mexico and > the Antilles. elected April. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of South America. elected April. > 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Italo-Swiss BahL'i National Spiritual Assembly, 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Forty-Third Annual Convention of the Bahi'is of the United States, Wilmette, > Illinois. April 28-May 1, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing > Delegates to the Eighteenth Annual Convention of the Bahgis of Persia. at the > Haziratu'l-Quds, Tihrin. April 27-May 3. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'is of the British Isles. Convention, Year 110. London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'is attending National Convention of BahL'is of Germany and Austria, held in > newly erected Haziratu'l-Quds, April, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Australian and New Zealand Bahb'is gathered at the Haziratu'l-Quds. Sydney. for > Jubilee Year Convention and First Pacific School, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Canadian National Bahi'i Convention, Toronto, April 29-30, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . 338 > Delegates and friends at Twenty-Fourth Annual Bahi'i Convention and Jubilee > week celebration, New Delhi, April 26-May 2, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Delegates to National Convention of BahB'is of Egypt and S6din. 1950. attended > for first time by a delegate from the SitdLn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'is attending First National Bahi'i Convention of South America, Lima, Peru. > April. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Reception, South American National Bahi'i Convention, Lima, Peru, 1953 . . . . . . > BahL'i delegates and visiting Bahi'is attending First Bahi'i Convention of Central > America. Mexico and the Antilles, Panama City, April 22-24, 1951 . . . . . . . . > Bahi'is attending First Italo-Swiss BahB'i Convention. Florence, Italy, April 23-27, > 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Temple . A Temple for man's worship of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > View of the Bahi'i House of Worship, Wilmette. Illinois, February, 1953 . . . . . . > Interior of dome of the BahL'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . > Interior view of the BahS'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Interior ornamentation of BahL'i House of Worship, Wilmette. Illinois, as seen > from second gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Model of landscaping surrounding Bahi'i House of Worship, Wilmette . . . . . . . . . > Design for landscaping surrounding BahL'i House of Worship, Wilmette. Illinois, > as made by Hilbert E. Dahl and approved by the Guardian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Assembly rig for checking large bay tracery models at Earley Studios . . . . . . . . . . > Progress view, December 29, 1950. illustrates finished walls of a bay alcove and > ornamentation of column arches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Temple Interior construction-progress to April 17, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Interior ornamentation of the dome being put in place, March 28, 1951 . . . . . . . . > Model of Ma&iqu'l-Adhkir designed for construction on Mt . Carmel, Israel, > Charles Mason Remey. architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > National Haziratu'l-Quds. Tihrkn, Persia. RidvLn, 1951 (view from the air) .... > Ha~iratu'l-Quds of Bahi'is of Germany and Austria, Frankfurt-am-Main, Ger- > many, newly erected, April. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Haziratu'l-Quds of BahL'is of Kampala, Uganda. British East Africa, April, 1952 . > Haziratu'l-Quds of Bahi'is of Paris. France. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Maywood, Illinois. incorporated June 11, > 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > xxiv ILLUSTRATIONS > > PAGE > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Fresno, California, incorporated Febru- > ary 20, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of San Diego, California, incorporated April 29, > 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Sacramento, California, incorporated April 9, > 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Glendale, California, incorporated April 29, > 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Tucson, Arizona, incorporated January 21, > 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Oak Park, Illinois, incorporated February 16, > 1954 .......................................................... > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Nashville, Tennessee, incorporated April 13, > 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Greenwich, Connecticut, incorporated April > 23, 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Reno, Nevada, incorporated April 20, 1954 . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Surat, India, incorporated March 24, 1951 . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Jalna, Hyderabad (Deccan), India, incorpo- > rated 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Kamarhati, India, incorporated September 7, > 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of Mysore, India, incorporated September 25, > 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Singapore, incorporated July 28, 1952 . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Montevideo, Uruguay, incorporated 1952 . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Tripoli, Libya, formed April 21, 1954 . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Goteberg, Sweden, formed April 21, > 1953 .......................................................... > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahCis of Porto, Portugal, formed April, 1952 . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of The Hague, Netherlands, 1952-1953 . . > British Borneo's first BahL'i Spiritual Assembly, in Kuching, Sarawak . . . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Trivandrum, India, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Anchorage Recording District, Alaska, > organized April 21, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Ziirich, Switzerland, elected April 21, > 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Basra, South 'Iriq, inaugurating the land of- > fered by one of them for the future local Haziratu'l-Quds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Sheffield, England, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Daidanaw, Burma, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Rosario-Santiago, Isabela, Republic of the > Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Port Said, Egypt, with a woman as member > for first time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Alexandria, Egypt, with women elected mem- > bers for first time, April 21, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Cairo, Egypt, with women elected members > for first time, April 21, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahg'is of Berlin re-established after World War 11, > April21, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Cienfuegos, Cuba, elected April 21, > 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Callgo, Peru, elected April 21, 1951 . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Agra, India, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . > ILLUSTRATIONS > > PAGE > > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Ichalkaranji, India, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . 591 > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Kanpur, India, April 21, 1952 . . . . . . . . 59 1 > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Florence, Italy, elected April 21, 1951 . 592 > Eight members of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Tokyo, Japan, > 1950-1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Naples, Italy, elected April 21, 1951 . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Jakarta, Indonesia, elected April 21, > 1954 .......................................................... > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of Kampala, Uganda, British East Africa, > formed April21, 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Wolfhalden, Switzerland, elected April > 21, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Regional Conference of United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations, Yildiz > Palace, Istanbul, April 9-13, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > BahL'i delegates to United Nations International Conference of Non-Governmen- > tal Organizations, Lake Success, New York, April, 1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > BahL'i representatives and observers at United Nations Non-Governmental Organ- > izations Regional Conference for the Middle East, Istanbul, Turkey, April > 9-13, 1951 ..................................................... > Representatives of BahL'i International Community at Regional Conference of > Non-Governmental Organizations of United Nations held in Managua, Nica- > ragua, August 4-1 1, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > BahL'i delegates at Fourth United Nations International Non-Governmental Or- > ganizations Conference, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, June 26-28, > 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i delegation at Fifth Conference of International Non-Governmental Organ- > izations on United Nations Information, New York City, October 6-10, 1952 > Fourth World Congress for World Federal Government, Rome, Italy, April 2-9, > 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Dr. David Earl, headquarters delegate of BahB'i International Community, being > presented to President Quirino of the Republic of the Philippines at reception, > United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations Conference, Manila, Octo- > ber 24, 1952 ................................................... > Non-Governmental Organizations Conference on Technical Assistance, United > Nations Headquarters, New York, March 29, 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Second Regional Conference of Bahi'is of France, Lyon, April 18-19, 1954 . . . . > First Benelux Bahi'i Conference, Brussels, Belgium, April 12-14, 1952 . . . . . . . . > Teaching Conference of Bahi'is of British Isles, Sheffield, England, January, 1953 > Delegates in session at Fifth BahL'i Congress, San Salvador, Central America, > April 25-28, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First Regional Swiss-Italian BahL'i Conference, Rome, March 20-23, 1952 . . . . . . > Second All-Swiss BahCi Conference, at Ziirich, November 18-19, 1950 . . . . . . . . > Friends attending Third All-Swiss Bahb'i Conference, Bern, February 23-24, 1952 > Delegates and friends attending banquet of Fourth South American Bahi'i Con- > gress, Lima, Peru, May 1, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First BahL'i Teaching Conference of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, held in > BogotB, October 12-15, 1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Group of Bahb'is attending Fourth European Bahi'i Teaching Conference and > Summer School, Scheveningen, Holland, August 31-September 10, 1951 . . . > Bah&'i Summer Conference in Banff, Alberta, Canada, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Group of BahL'is on steps of "Peace Palace," The Hague, after visiting Bahi'i > Book Display in Peace Palace Library, during Fourth European Teaching > Conference, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Delegates and friends attending Third European Bahi'i Teaching Conference and > Summer School, Elsinore, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > xxvi ILLUSTRATIONS > > PAGE > > Conference in session. Third European Teaching Conference. Elsinore. Copen- > hagen. Denmark. July 24.27. 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'is attending Fifth European Teaching Conference and Summer School. Lux- > embourg. September. 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Fourth Swiss Bahi'i Teaching Conference. Basel. Switzerland. November 22.23. > 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Attendants at First French Teaching Conference. held in Lyon. France. May 23 > and 24. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > International Bahi'i School. Loncoche. Chile. February. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahf i Summer Conference. Ontario. Canada. 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Summer School. Esslingen. Germany. August 9-15. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Twelfth Bahfi Summer School held in Panchgani (India). October. 1951 . . . . . . > View of the service dedicated to the Ezeiza International Bahi'i School. Argentina. > at opening of Convention School Session. 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahb'i Summer School held August 18-September 1. 1951. at Thwaite Hall. Cot- > tingham. Yorkshire. England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Summer School at Hyderabad-Sind (Pikisth). 1952-1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Group of Aden. Aden Protectorate. November 22. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Group in Hyogo.ken. Osaka. Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > View of Bahi'i Guest House. pa~iratu'l.Quds. Baghdbd. 'Iriq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Mr . Noel Wuttunee of Calgary. Alberta. first ~ G a d i a nIndian BahL'i. with his > wife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > His Worship the Mayor of Haifa. Mr . Aba Khoushy. being welcomed by mem- > bers of the National Spiritual Assembly when he visited the BahL'i Temple > in Wilmette. Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > The first Bahi'is in the British Cameroons. 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Title page of Bahi'i pamphlet in ChiNyanja published by British Africa Commit- > tee. "Do You Know in What Day You are Living?" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'is of Helsinki. Finland. at Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference in > Stockholm. Sweden. July. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Dr . Sushila Nayyar. Health Minister. Delhi State. on her way to preside at Cente- > nary Commemoration of Tihirih's martyrdom ........................ > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of Kalutara (Ceylon). 1953-1954 . . . . . . > Some members of National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of 'Iriq carrylug > wreath to the royal cemetery to place it on the tomb of the Queen. who died > December 27. 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > "New Era" Bahi'i School. Panchgani. Bombay State (India). 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Group of Suva. Fiji Islands. 1950. with visiting member of National Spir- > itual Assembly. Australia and New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Fourth Bahfi Women's Progressive Convention. held at Ha~iratuYl.Quds.Tihrin. > April 13.16. 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > All Faiths Convention held April 30. 1953. in New Delhi. as part of Bahi'i Jubilee > Week Celebrations (April 26-May 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > A Bahi'i group in Addis Ababa on the occasio.n of visit of Mason Remey. Presi- > dent of International BahPi Council. Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh and R . Yazdi. > following their attendance at the Intercontinental Bahi'i Conference. Kam- > pala. Uganda. Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First four native African BahB'is of Kampala. Uganda. representing the Buganda. > Batero and Teso tribes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Fifth National Bahi'i Youth Convention. Tihrin (BahL'i Year 107) . . . . . . . . . . > German. British and Persian Friends attending Bahi'i Youth Summer Week. Dils- > berg. Germany. August 18.25. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i Youth of Germany at BahL'i Youth Summer Week. Breuberg Castle. Neu- > stadt.i.Odenwald. July 30-August 5. 1950. with Bahi'i visitors from England. > France. Norway. Persia a.nd the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > BahL'i Youth Group of Colombo. Ceylon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > ILLUSTRATIONS xxvii > > PAGE > > BahL'i Youth Symposium. Poona. India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 820 > BahL'i Youth Symposium. Rangoon. February 25. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 823 > The Bahi'i Youth of Daidanaw. Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 824 > Float representing "This Earth One Country" entered in annual parade. July 4. > 1950. at Anchorage. Alaska. by Bahi'i Children's Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . > Bahi'i group at Annual Convention of Bahi'is of British Isles. April 29-May 1. > 1950. Bonnington Hotel. London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Among youth attending Green Acre Youth Camp. June. 1951. was a young man > from Kenya. British East Africa. now student in an American University . . . > BahL'i delegates to United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations Regional > Conference. held in Den Passar. Indonesia. July 29-August 3. 1951 (photo- > graph taken on board S.S. Plancius) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Braille Exhibit including Bahi'i books transcribed in Braille. arranged by Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahi'is of Butte. Montana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Display of Bahi'i photographs and texts. Punta Arenas. Magallanes. Chile. 1952 . > Festival of Britain-Bahi'i Exhibition. arranged by Spiritual Assembly of Bahi'is > of Manchester. September 9.15. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > First exhibition of Bahi'i books in Paris. end of 1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > View of section of BahL'i Jubilee Exhibition at Park Lane House. London . . . . . . > Bahi'i Exhibit. Elmhurst. Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Professor Michele Lessona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Title Page of Lessona's History of the B6bi Movement. written in 1862 and pub- > lished in 1881 in Turin. Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Map of Persia. made in 1845 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > Haifa and Haifa Bay at night. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > INTRODUCTION > DURING the past twenty-eight years the Bahl'i community of East and West has > learned to anticipate each successive volume of THE BA&i WORLD(the first number > was entitled "Bahl'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 Bahit'i events and activities over an area now embracing more than > two hundred and twenty countries. In addition, each volume has presented those "his- > torical facts and fundamental principles that constitute the distinguishing features of the > Message of Bahl'u'llih 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-Bahb'i student and scholar who desires to investigate > the world religion founded by the Bib and Bahi'u'llih. For in these pages the reader > encounters both the revealed Word in its spiritual powers, and the response which that > utterance has evoked during the first one hundred and ten 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 four generations of lzuman experience, > and will be able to apprehend what impregnable foundations the Bahit'i World Order > rests upon in the life and teachings of the Bib and Bah2u'llih, the life and interpreta- > tion of 'Abdu'l-BahA, and (since the year 1921) in the development of an administrative > order under the direction of the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. > It 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 THE B A ~ 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. > S T A F F OF E D I T O R S > 1950-1952 > > UNITEDSTATES-appointed by the National Miss Farrukh loas, Wilmette, Illinois. > Spiritual Assembly: Miss Evelyn Larson, Chicago, Illinois. > Mrs. Beatrice 0. Ashton, chairman, BRITISHISLES-Representative for the Na- > Evanston, Illinois. tional Spiritual Assembly: > Mr. Victor de Araujo, Chicago, Illinois. Hugh McKinley, London, England. > Miss Ruth E. Dasher, Evanston, Illinois. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND-The Bah2i > Mr. Gordon A. Fraser, East Lansing, World Committee of the National Spir- > Michigan. itual Assembly: > Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Rome, Italy. Miss Gretta S. Lamprill, secretary, Syd- > Mrs. Bahia Faraju'llkh Gulick, Berkeley, ney, N.S.W. > California. Mrs. Dulcie Burns-Dive, Rozelle, N.S.W. > Mrs. Gertrude K. Henning, Winnetka, 11- INTERNATIONAL B A HBUREAU: > ~ ~ > linois. Mrs. Anne Lynch, 37 Quai Wilson, Ge- > Mr. Horace Holley, Wilmette, Illinois. neva, Switzerland. > > UNITEDSTATES-appointed by the National Mr. Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, New York, New > Spiritual Assembly: York. > Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, chairman, New Miss Vera Olsen, New York, New York. > York, New York. Mrs. Florence Steinhauer, Hastings-on- > Mrs. 0.H. Blackwell, secretary, Forest Hudson, New York. > Hills, New York. Mrs. Rouhieh McComb, Glen Cove, Long > Mrs. Mary Burnet, New Rochelle, New Island, New York. > York. > PART ONE > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > AIMS A N D PURPOSES O F THE > BAHA'I FAITH > > U P O N the spiritual foundation estab- tions evolved throughout the centuries to > lished by Bahi'u'llih during the forty year justify the separations and antagonisms of > period of His Mission (1853-1892), there human society. In America, this association > stands today an independent religion rep- means that white believers accept the > resented by over two thousand local com- spiritual equality of their Negro fellows. In > munities of believers. These communities Europe, it means the reconciliation of Prot- > geographically are spread throughout all estant and Catholio upon the basis of a new > five continents. In point of race, class, na- and larger faith. In the Orient, Christian, > tionality and religious origin, the followers Jewish and Muhammadan believers must > of BahVu'llih exemplify well-nigh the whole stand apart from the rigid exclusiveness into > diversity of the modern world. They may which each was born. > be characterized as a true cross section of The central fact to be noted concerning > humanity, a microcosm which, for all its the nature of the Bahi'i Faith is that it con- > relative littleness, carries within it individ- tains a power, fulfilled in the realm of con- > ual men and women typifying the macro- science, which can reverse the principle > cosm of mankind. momentum of modern civilization-the > None of the historic causes of association drive toward division and strife-and initi- > served to create this world-wide spiritual ate its own momentum moving steadily in > community. Neither a common language, a the direction of unity and accord. It is in > common blood, a common civil govern- this power, and not in any criterion upheld > ment, a common tradition nor a mutual by the world, that the Faith of BahVuy1lih > grievance acted upon BahB'is to supply a has special significance. > fixed center of interest or a goal of material The forms of traditional opposition vested > advantage. On the contrary, membership in in nationality, race, class and creed are not > the Bahh5 community in the land of its the only social chasms which the Faith has > birth even to this day has been a severe bridged. There are even more implacable, if > disability, and outside of Persia the motive less visible differences between types and > animating believers has been in direct op- temperaments, such as flow inevitably > position to the most inveterate prejudices of from the contact of rational and emotional > their environment. The Cause of BahVu'llih individuals, of active and passive disposi- > has moved forward without the re-enforce- tions, undermining capacity for co-operation > ment of wealth, social prestige or other in every organized society, which attain > means of public influence. mutual understanding and harmony in the > Every local Bahb'i community exists by Bahi'i community. For personal congenial- > the voluntary association of individuals who ity, the selective principle elsewhere con- > consciously overcome the fundamental sanc- tinually operative within the field of volun- > 2 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > tary action, is an instinct which Bahi'is must members of the Bahi'i community realize > sacrilice to serve the principle of the one- their tensions and oppositions as ethical or > ness of mankind. A BahB'i community, spiritual problems, to be faced and over- > therefore, is a constant and active spiritual come in mutual consultation. Their faith > victory, an overcoming of tensions which has convinced them that the "truth" or > elsewhere come to the point of strife. No "right" of any possible situation is not de- > mere passive creed nor philosophic gospel rived from partisan victory but from the > which need never be put to the test in needs of the community as an organic > daily life has produced this world fellow- whole. > ship devoted to the teachings of Bahi'u'llBh. A BahP'i community endures without dis- > The basis of self-sacrifice on which the ruption because only spiritual problems can > Bahi'i community stands has created a re- be solved. When human relations are held > ligious society in which all human relations to be political or social problems they are > are transformed from social to spiritual removed from the realm in which rational > problems. This fact is the door through will has responsibility and influence. The > which one must pass to arrive at insight of ultimate result of this degradation of hu- > what the Faith of BahCu'llBh means to this man relationships is the frenzy of desperate > age. strife-the outbreak of inhuman war. > The social problems of the age are pre- > dominantly political and economic. They > are problems because human society is di- > vided into nations each of which claims to "Th,erefore the Lord of Mankind has > be an end and a law unto itself and into caused His holy, divine Manifestations to > classes each of which has raised an eco- come into the world. He has revealed His > nomic theory to the level of a sovereign and heavenly books in order t o establish spiritual > exclusive principle. Nationality has become brotherhood, and t h r o ~ ~ gthe h power of the > a condition which overrides the fundamental Holy Spirit has made it possible for perfect > humanity of all the peoples concerned, as- fraternity to be realized among mankind." > serting the superiority of political consid- -'ABDu'L-BAH~ > erations over ethical and moral needs. Simi- > larly, economic groups uphold and promote In stating that the Cause of BahB'u'llBh is > social systems without regard to the quality an independent religion, two essential facts > of human relationships experienced in terms are implied. > of religion. Tensions and oppositions be- The first fact is that the Bahi'i Cause his- > tween the different groups are organized for torically was not an offshoot of any prior > dominance and not for reconciliation. Each social principle or community. The teach- > step toward more complete partisan organi- ings of BahL'uYll&h are no artificial synthesis > zation increases the original tension and assembled from the modern library of inter- > augments the separation of human beings; national truth, which might be duplicated > as the separation widens, the element of from the same sources. Bahi'u'llfth created > sympathy and fellowship on the human a reality in the world of the soul which > level is eventually denied. never before existed and could not exist > In the BahL'i community the same ten- apart from Him. > sions and instinctive antagonisms exist, but The second fact is that the Faith of > the human separation has been made im- Bahi'u'llfth is a religion, standing in the line > possible. The same capacity for exclusive of true religions: Christianity, Muhammad- > doctrines i s present, but no doctrine repre- anism, Judaism, and other prophetic Faiths. > senting one personality or one group can Its existence, like that of early Christianity, > secure a hearing. All believers alike are marks the return of faith as a direct and > subject to one spiritually supreme sover- personal experience of the will of God. Be- > eignty in the teachings of BahL'u'llfth. Dis- cause the divine will itself has been revealed > affected individuals may withdraw. The in terms of human reality, the followers of > community remains. For the BahL'i teach- BahL'u'll&hare confident that their personal > ings are in themselves principles of life and limitations can be transformed by an inflow > they assert the supreme value of humanity of spiritual re-enforcement from the higher > without doctrines which correspond to any world. It is for the privilege of access to the > particular environment or condition. Thus source of reality that they forego reliance > AIMS AND PURPOSES O F THE BAHA'I FAITH 3 > > The corner room of the Shrine of Bahi'u'lliih > beneath the floor of which His remains are buried. > > Entrance to the Holy Tomb of Bahi'u'llhh at Bahji, Israel. > Views of the garden surrounding the Shrine of BahL'u'lliih, at Bahji, Israel. > AIMS A N D PURPOSES O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH > > The Monumental Path leading to the Shrine of BahL'u'llLh, Bahji, Israel. > > upon the darkened self within and the un- sisting of external practices (such as diet, > believing society without. marriage and similar ordinances) conform- > The religious education of BahL'is revo- ing to the requirements of one time and > lutionizes their inherited attitude toward place. > their own as well as other traditional reli- This BahL'i teaching leads to a pro- > gions. founder analysis of the process of history. > To BahL'is, religion is the life and teach- The followers of BahL'u'llLh derive mental > ings of the prophet. By identifying religion integrity from the realization made so clear > with its founder, they exclude from its spir- and vivid by 'Abdu'l-BahL that true insight > itual reality all those accretions of human into history discloses the uninterrupted and > definition, ceremony and ritualistic practice irresistible working of a Providence not > emanating from followers required from denied nor made vain by any measure of > time to time to make compromise with an human ignorance and unfaith. > unbelieving world. Furthermore, in limiting According to this insight, a cycle begins > religion to the prophet they are able to per- with the appearance of a prophet or mani- > ceive the oneness of God in the spiritual festation of God, through whom the spirits > oneness of all the prophets. The Bahi'i born of men are revivified and reborn. The rise of > into Christianity can wholeheartedly enter faith in God produces a religious commu- > into fellowship with the BahL'i born into nity, whose power of enthusiasm and devo- > Muhammadanism because both have come tion releases the creative elements of a new > to understand that Christ and Mubarnmad and higher civilization. This civilization > reflected the light of the one God into the comes to its fruitful autumn in culture and > darkness of the world. If certain teachings mental achievement, to give way eventually > of Christ differ from certain teachings of to a barren winter of atheism, when strife > Moses or Muhammad, the Bah6'is know and discord bring the civilization to an end. > that all prophetic teachings are divided into Under the burden of immorality, dishonor > two parts: one, consisting of the essential and cruelty marking this phase of the cycle, > and unalterable principles of love, peace, humanity lies helpless until the spiritual > unity and cooperation, renewed as divine leader, the prophet, once more returns in > commands in every cycle; the other, con- the power of the Holy Spirit. > --- ~ ~~ ~ > > AIMS A N D PURPOSES O F THE BAHA'I FAITH 7 > 8 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Panoramic view of newly developed garden > > Such is the BahPi reading of the book of endure. The faith of the early Christians > the past. Its reading of the present interprets was complete, but its degree of inner con- > these world troubles, this general chaos and viction when projected outward upon the > confusion, as the hour when the renewal of field of action soon disclosed a fatal lack of > religion is no longer a racial experience, a social principle. Whether the outer expres- > rebirth of one limited area of human soci- sion of love implied a democratic or an > ety, but the destined unification of human- aristocratic order, a communal or individu- > ity itself in one faith and one order. It is by alistic society, raised fundamental questions > the parable of the vineyard that B a h 3 s of after the crucifixion of the prophet which > the Christian West behold their tradition none had authority to solve. > and their present spiritual reality at last The BahPi teaching has this vital distinc- > inseparably joined, their faith and their so- tion, that it extends from the realm of con- > cial outlook identified, their reverence for science and faith to the realm of social ac- > the power of God merged with intelligible tion. It confirms the substance of faith not > grasp of their material environment. A merely as a source of individual develop- > human society which has substituted creeds ment but as a definitely ordered relationship > for religion and armies for truth, even as all to the community. hose who inspect the > ancient prophets foretold, must needs come BahPi Cause superficially may deny its > to abandon its instruments of violence and claim to be a religion for the reason that it > undergo purification until conscious, hum- lacks most of the visible marks by which > ble faith can be reborn. religions are recognized. But in place of > ritual or other formal worship it contains a > social principle linking people to a com- > munity, the loyal observance of which > "The best beloved o f all things in My sight makes spiritual faith co-terminous with life > is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou itself. The Bahb'is, having no professional > desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may clergy, forbidden ever to have a clergy, > confide in thee." - B A H ~ U ' L L ~ Hunderstand that religion, in this age, consists > in an "attitude toward God reflected in life." > Faith alone, no matter how wholehearted They are therefore conscious of no division > and sincere, affords no basis on which the between religious and secular actions. > organic unity of a religious fellowship can The inherent nature of the community > AIMS A N D PURPOSES O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 9 > > of the Shrine of Bah5 u'llhh at Bahji, Israel. > > created by BahL'u'llBh has great significance year elects by universal adult suffrage an > at this time, when the relative values of administrative body of nine members called > democracy, of constitutional monarchy, of the Spiritual Assembly. This body, with > aristocracy and of communism are every- reference to all Bahfi matters, has sole > where in dispute. power of decision. It represents the collec- > Of the BahL'i community it may be de- tive conscience of the community with re- > clared definitely that its character does not spect to Bahfi activities. Its capacity and > reflect the communist theory. The rights of power are supreme within certain definite > the individual are fully safeguarded and the limitations. > fundamental distinctions of personal endow- The various states and provinces unite, > ment natural among all people are fully pre- through delegates elected annually accord- > served. Individual rights, however, are inter- ing to the principle of proportionate repre- > preted in the light of the supreme law of sentation, in the formation of a National > brotherhood and not made a sanction for Spiritual Assembly for their country or > selfishness, oppression and indifference. natural geographical area. This National > On the other hand, the BahL'i order is not Spiritual Assembly, likewise composed of > a democracy in the sense that it proceeds nine members, administers all national > from the complete sovereignty of the people, Bahfi affairs and may assume jurisdiction > whose representatives are limited to carrying of any local matter feit to be of-more than > out the popular will. Sovereignty, in the local importance. Spiritual Assemblies, local > BahCi community, is attributed to the Di- and national, combine an executive, a legis- > vine prophet, and the elected representatives lative and a judicial function, all within the > of the believers in their administrative func- limits set by the BahL'i teachings. They have > tion look to the teachings of Bahh'u'llLh for no resemblance to religious bodies which > their guidance, having faith that the applica- can adopt articles of faith and regulate the > tion of His universal principles is the source processes of belief and worship. They are > of order throughout the community. Every primarily responsible for the maintenance of > Bahfi administrative body feels itself a unity within the BahL'i community and for > trustee, and in this capacity stands above the release of its collective power in service > the plane of dissension and is free of that to the Cause. Membership in the BahL'i > pressure exerted by factional groups. community is granted, on personal declara- > The local community on April 21 of each tion of faith, to adults. > THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > Twelve National Spiritual Assemblies have sunk to the lowest depths and degrees > have come into existence since the passing o f barbarism, dimly groping in a world of > of 'Abdu'l-BahB in 1921. Each National mental and moral obscurity. . . . God has > Spiritual Assembly will, in future, constitute purposed that the darkness o f the world o f > an electoral body in the formation of an nature shall be dispelled and the imperfect > International Spiritual Assembly, a consum- attributes o f the natal self be efJnced in the > mation which will perfect the administrative effulgent reflection of the Sun of Truth." > order of the Faith and create, for the first -'ABDu'L-BAHA > time in history, an iilternational tribunal > representing a world-wide community united The complete text of the BahL'i sacred > in a single Faith. writings has not yet been translated into > BahC'is maintain their contact with the English, but the present generation of be- > source of inspiration and knowledge in the lievers has the supreme privilege of possess- > sacred writings of the Faith by continuous ing the fundamental teachings of Bahg- > prayer, study and discussion. No believer u'llkh, together with the interpretation and > can ever have a finished, static faith any lucid commentary of 'Abdu'l-BahB, and > more than he can arrive at the end of his more recently the exposition made by > capacity for being. The community has but Shoghi Effendi of the teachings concerning > one meeting ordained in the teachings-the the world order which BahL'u'llgh came to > general meeting held every nineteen days establish. Of special significance to BahL'is > given in the new calendar established by the of Europe and America is the fact that, > BBb. unlike Christianity, the Cause of BahB'u'llfih > This Nineteen Day Feast is conducted rests upon the Prophet's own words and not > simply and informally under a program di- upon a necessarily incomplete rendering of > vided into three parts. The first part consists oral tradition. Furthermore, the commentary > in reading of passages from writings of and explanation of the BahB'i gospel made > BahL'u'llLh, the BBb and 'Abdu'l-Bahfi-a by 'Abdu'l-BahB preserves the spiritual in- > devotional meeting. Next follows general tegrity and essential aim of the revealed text, > discussion of BahL'i activities-the business without the inevitable alloy of human per- > meeting of the local community. After the sonality which historically served to corrupt > consultation, the community breaks bread the gospel of Jesus and Muhammad. The > together and enjoys fellowship. BahL'i, moreover, has this distinctive advan- > The experience which BahL'is receive tage, that his approach to the teachings is > through participation in their spiritual world personal and direct, without the veils inter- > order is unique and cannot be paralleled in posed by any human intermediary. > any other society. Their status of perfect The works which supply the BahL'i teach- > equality as voting members of a constitu- ings to English-reading believers are The > tional body called upon to deal with matters Kitdb-i-fqdn (Book of Certitude), in which > which reflect, even though in miniature, the Bah2u'llfih revealed the oneness of the > whole gamut of human problems and activi- Prophets and the identical foundation of all > ties; their intense realization of kinship with true religions, the law of cycles according to > believers representing so wide a diversity of which the Prophet returns at intervals of > races, classes and creeds; their assurance approximately one thousand years, and the > that this unity is based upon the highest nature of faith; Hidden Words, the essence > spiritual sanction and contributes a neces- of truths revealed by Prophets in the past; > sary ethical quality to the world in this age prayers to quicken the soul's life and draw > -all these opportunities for deeper and individuals and groups nearer to God; Tab- > broader experience confer a privilege that lets of Bahd'u'lldh (TarfizBt, Tablet of the > is felt to be the fulfillment of life. World, Kalimfit, Tajalliyfit, Bis_hBrBt, I&- > rfiqfit), which establish social and spiritual > principles for the new era; Three Tablets of > Bahd'u'lldh (Tablet of the Branch, Kitfib-i- > "If man is left in his natural state, he will 'Ahd, ~ a w h i i - ~ ~ d athe > s ) , appointment of > become lower than the animal and continue 'Abdu'l-Bahfi as the Interpreter of Bah2- > to grow more ignorant and imperfect. The u'llfih's teachings, the Testament of Bah6'- > savage tribes o f Central Africa are evidence u'llfih, and His message to the Christians; > o f this. L e f t in their natural condition, they Epistle to the Son o f the W o l f , addressed to > AIMS AND PURPOSES O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 11 > > A view of the curved path in the Shrine Gardens at Bahji. > Beneath the big pine trees on the left, BahL'u'llih often sat. > > the son of a prominent Persian who had philosophic subjects; Mysterious Forces o f > been a most ruthless oppressor of the be- Civilization, a work addressed to the people > lievers, a Tablet which recapitulates many of Persia about fifty years ago to show them > teachings BahB'u'llih had revealed in earlier the way to sound progress and true civiliza- > works. The significant Tablets addressed to tion; Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Balza', three volumes > rulers of Europe and the Orient, as well as of excerpts from letters written to individual > to the heads of American Republics, about believers and Bahi'i communities, which > the year 1870, summoning them to under- illumine a vast range of subjects; Promulga- > take measures for the establishment of Uni- tion of Universal Peace, from stenographic > versal Peace have been, in selected excerpts, records of the public addresses delivered by > incorporated by Shoghi Effendi in his book, 'Abdu'l-Bahi to audiences in Canada and > The Promised Day Is Come. the United States during the year 1912; The > The largest and most authentic body of Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Baha', a similar record > Bahi'u'llih's Writings in the English lan- of His addresses in Paris; 'Abdu'l-Baha' in > guage consists of the excerpts chosen and London; and reprints of a number of indi- > translated by Shoghi Effendi, and published vidual Tablets, especially that sent to the > under the title of Gleanings from the Writ- Committee for a Durable Peace, The Hague, > ings o f Bah8u'lla'h. Holland, in 1919, and the Tablet addressed > In Prayers and Meditations by Bah2- to the late Dr. Fore1 of Switzerland. The > u'lla'h, Shoghi Effendi has similarly given Will and Testament left by 'Abdu'l-BahB has > to the Bahi'i Community in recent years a special significance, in that it provided for > wider selection and a superb rendering of the future development of BahL'i adminis- > devotional passages revealed by BahB'u'llih. trative institutions and the Guardianship. > The published writings of 'Abdu'l-BahL The most comprehensive selection of the > are: Solne Answered Questions, dealing Writings of BahL'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi > with the lives of the Prophets, the interpreta- now available in the English language is > tion of Bible prophecies, the nature of man, Baha"i World Faith. > the true principle of evolution and other To these writings has now been added the > 12 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > View of the Monumental Path leading to the Shrine of Bahb'u'llLh, > showing the main entrance gate at the end. > > book entitled Bahsi'i Administration, consist- teaching plan for North America against a > ing of the general letters written by Shoghi background of ethical and social regenera- > Effendi as Guardian of the Faith since the tion required for Bahb'i service today. The > Master's death in 1921, which explain the Promised Day Is Come examines the history > details of the administrative order of the of the Faith in its early days when the world > Faith, and his letters on World Order, which repudiated the BLb and BahB'u'llbh and in- > make clear the social principles imbedded in flicted supreme suffering upon them and > Bahi'u'llih's Revelation. their followers, and develops the thesis that > These latter letters were in 1938 pub- war and revolution come as penalty for re- > lished in a volume entitled The World Order jection of the Manifestation of God. > of Bahd'u'll6h. Here the Guardian defines In 1944, the centenary year of the Faith, > the relation of the Faith to the current social the Guardian produced in God Passes By > crisis, and sums up the fundamental tenets the authentic historical survey of the evolu- > of the BahL'i Faith. It is a work which gives tion of the Faith from its origin. > to each believer access to a clear insight on The literature has also been enriched by > the significance of the present era, and the Shoghi Effendi's translation of The Dawn- > outcome of its international perturbations, Breakers, Nabil's Narrative of the Early > incomparably more revealing and at the Days of the Bahb'i Revelation, a vivid eye- > same time more assuring than the works of witness account of the episodes which re- > students and statesmen in our times. sulted from the announcement of the Bib > After laying the basis of the administra- on May 23, 1844. > tive order, and explaining the relations be- When it is borne in mind that the term > tween the Faith of Bahb'u'llih and the cur- "religious literature" has come to represent > rent movement and events which transform a wide diversity of subject matter, ranging > the world, the Guardian has written books from cosmic philosophy to the psychology > of more general BahQi import. In The Ad- of personal experience, from efforts to un- > vent o f Divine Justice, Shoghi Effendi ex- derstand the universe plumbed by telescope > pounded the significance of 'Abdu'l-BahQs and microscope to efforts to discipline the > AIMS A N D PURPOSES OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH 13 > > A view of the Shrine of BahL'u7116h,Bahji, Israel, seen through the Collins gate. > > passions and desires of disordered human ing generations lacking a true spiritual cul- > hearts, it is clear that any attempt to sum- ture. > marize the Bah2i teachings would indicate What the believer learns reverently to be > the limitations of the person making the grateful for is a source of wisdom to which > summary rather than offer possession-of a he may turn for continuous mental and > body of sacred literature touching the needs moral development-a source of truth re- > of man and society at every point. The study vealing a universe in which man's life has > of BahL'i writing does not lead to any sim- valid purpose and assured realization. Hu- > plified program either for the solution of man history begins to reflect the working of > social problems or for the development of a beneficent Providence; the sharp outlines > human personality. Rather should it be of material sciences gradually fade out in > likened to a clear light which illumines the light of one fundamental science of life; > whatever is brought under its rays, or to a profounder sociology, connected with the > spiritual nourishment which gives life to the inner life, little by little displaces the super- > spirit. The believer at first chiefly notes the ficial economic and political beliefs which > passages which seem to confirm his own per- like waves dash high an instant only to sub- > sonal beliefs or treat of subjects close to his side into the n~ovelessvolun~eof the sea. > own previous training. This natural but "The divine reality," 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has > nevertheless unjustifiable over-simplification said, "is unthinkable, limitless, eternal, im- > of the nature of the Faith must gradually mortal and invisible. The world of creation > subside and give way to a deeper realization is bound by natural law, finite and mortal. > that the teachings of BahL'u'll6h are as an The infinite reality cannot be said to ascend > ocean, and all personal capacity is but the or descend. It is beyond the understanding > vessel that must be refilled again and again. of man, and cannot be described in terms > The sum and substance of the Faith of which apply to the phenomenal sphere of > Bahii'is is not a doctrine, not an organiza- the created world. Man, then, is in extreme > tion, but their acceptance of Bah6'u'llBh as need of the only power by which he is able > Manifestation of God. In this acceptance to receive help from the divine reality, that > lies the mystery of a unity that is general, power alone bringing him into contact with > not particular, inclusive, not exclusive, and the source of all life. > limited in its gradual extension by no bound- "An intermediary is needed to bring two > aries drawn in the social world nor arbitrary extremes into relation with each other. > limitations accepted by habits formed dur- Riches and poverty, plenty and need: with- > 14 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > out an intermediary there could be no rela- well as periodic. Christianity in its original > tion between these pairs of opposites. So we essence not only relighted the candle of faith > can say that there must be a Mediator be- which, in the years since Moses, had become > tween God and man, and this is none other extinguished-it amplified the teachings of > than the Holy Spirit, which brings the cre- Moses with a new dimension which history > ated earth into relation with the 'Unthink- has seen exemplified in spread of faith from > able One,' the divine reality. The divine tribe to nations and peoples. Bah&u'llbh has > reality may be likened to the sun and the given religion its world dimension, fulfilling > Holy Spirit to the rays of the sun. As the the fundamental purpose of every previous > rays of the sun bring the light and warmth Revelation. His Faith stands as the reality > of the sun to the earth, giving life to all cre- within Christianity, within Muhammadan- > ated things, so do the Manifestations bring ism, within the religion of Moses, the spirit > the power of the Holy Spirit from the divine of each, but expressed in teachings which > Sun of Reality to give light and life to the relate to all mankind. > souls of men." The Bahi'i Faith, viewed from within, is > In expounding the teachings of Bah2- religion extended from the individual to em- > u'llbh to public audiences in the West, brace humanity. It is religion universalized; > 'Abdu'l-Bahb frequently encountered the at- its teaching for the individual, spiritually > titude that, while the liberal religionist might identical with the teaching of Christ, sup- > well welcome and endorse such tenets, the plies the individual with an ethics, a sociol- > Bahh'i teachings after all bring nothing new, ogy, an ideal of social order, for which hu- > since the principles of Christianity contain manity in its earlier stages of development > all the essentials of spiritual truth. The be- was not prepared. Individual fulfillment has > liever whose heart has been touched by the been given an objective social standard of > Faith so perfectly exemplified by 'Abdu'l- reality, balancing the subjective ideal de- > Bahb feels no desire for controversy, but rived from religion in the past. BahB'uYllih > must needs point out the vital difference be- has removed the false distinctions between > tween a living faith and a passive formula or the "spiritual" and "material" aspects of life, > doctrine. What religion in its renewal brings due to which religion has become separate > is first of all an energy to translate belief from science, and morality has been di- > into life. This impulse, received into the pro- vorced from all social activities. The whole > foundest depths of consciousness, requires arena of human affairs has been brought > no startling "newness" of concept or theory within the realm of spiritual truth, in the > to be appreciated as a gift from the divine light of the teaching that materialism is not > world. It carries its own assurance as a re- a thing but a motive within the human heart. > newal of life itself; it is as a candle that has The Bahi'i learns to perceive the universe > been lighted, and in comparison with the as a divine creation in which man has his > miracle of light the discussion of religion as destiny to fulfill under a beneficent Provi- > a form of belief becomes secondary in im- dence whose aims for humanity are made > portance. Were the BahL'i Faith no more known through Prophets who stand between > than a true revitalization of the revealed man and the Creator. He learns his true re- > truths of former religions, it would by that lation to the degrees and orders of the visi- > quickening quality of inner life, that return- ble universe; his true relation to God, to > ing to God, still assert itself as the supreme himself, to his fellow man, to mankind. The > fact of human experience in this age. more he studies the Bahi'i teachings, the > For religion returns to earth in order to more he becomes imbued with the spirit of > re-establish a standard of spiritual reality. It unity, the more vividly he perceives the law > restores the quality of human existence, its of unity working in the world today, in- > active powers, when that reality has become directly manifest in the failure which has > overlaid with sterile rites and dogmas which overtaken all efforts to organize the prin- > substitute empty shadow for substance. In ciple of separation and competition, directly > the person of the Manifestation it destroys manifest in the power which has brought > all those imitations of religion gradually de- together the followers of Bahi'u'llih in > veloped through the centuries and summons East and West. He has the assurance that > humanity to the path of sacrifice and devo- the world's turmoil conceals from worldly > tion. minds the blessings long foretold, now for- > Revelation, moreover, is progressive as gotten, in the sayings which prophesied the > The main gate leading to the Shrine of BahCu'llah at Bahji, Israel, > gift of Hand of the Cause, Mrs. Amelia Collins, and named after her. > > coming of the Kingdom of God on earth. teachings of BahCu'llhh are "new," the > The Sacred Literature of the BahCi Faith world's present plight is unprecedented, > conveys enlightenment. It inspires life. It came without warning save in the utterances > frees the mind. It disciplines the heart. For of BahS'u'llQh and 'Abdu'l-BahQ, and day by > believers, the Word is not a philosophy to day discloses dangers which strike terror to > be learned, but the sustenance of being the responsible student of current affairs. > throughout the span of mortal existence. Humanity itself now seems to share the > "The BahB'i Faith," Shoghi Effendi stated prison and exile which an unbelieving gen- > in a recent letter addressed to a public of- eration inflicted upon the Glory of God > ficial, "recognizes the unity of God and of seventy years ago. > His Prophets, upholds the principle of an > unfettered search after truth, condemns all > forms of superstition and prejudice, teaches > that the fundamental purpose of religion is "0 M y beloved friends! Y o u are the > to promote concord and harmony, that it bearers of the name of God in this Day. > must go hand-in-hand with science, and Y o u have been chosen as the repositories o f > that it constitutes the sole and ultimate basis His mystery. I t behooves each one o f you > of a peaceful, an ordered and progressive so- to manifest the attributes of God, and to > ciety. It inculcates the principle of equal op- exemplify by your deeds and words the > portunity, rights and privileges for both signs of His righteousness, His power and > sexes, advocates compulsory education, glory. . . . Ponder the words of Jesus ad- > abolishes extremes of poverty and wealth, dressed to His disciples, as H e sent them > recommends the adoption of an auxiliary in- forth to propagate the Cause of God." > ternational language, and provides the nec- -THE B ~ B . > essary agencies for the establishment and > safeguarding of a permanent and universal The words of Bah2uYllhh differ in the > peace." minds of believers from the words of phi- > Those who, even courteously, would dis- losophers because they have been given sub- > miss a Faith so firmly based, will have to stance in the experience of life itself. The > admit that, whether or not by their test the history of the Faith stands ever as a guide > 16 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > and commentary upon the meaning and in- stantinople under the jurisdiction of the > fldence of the written text. Sulthn, exiled by the Turkish government > This history, unfolded contemporaneously to Adrianople, and at length imprisoned in > with the rise of science and technology in the desolate barracks at 'Akki. > the West, reasserts the providential element In 1863, while delayed outside of Bagh- > of human existence as it was reasserted by dhd for the preparation of the caravan toTe > the spiritual consecration and personal suf- dispatched to Constantinople, Husayn-'Ali > fering of the prophets and disciples of established His Cause among the Bibis who > former times. insisted upon sharing His exile. His declara- > The world of Islim one hundred years tion was the origin of the BahL'i Faith in > ago lay in a darkness corresponding to the which the Bib's Cause was fulfilled. The > most degraded epoch of Europe's feudal Bibis who accepted Husayn-'Ali as Bah2u'- > age. Between the upper and nether mill- ll6h (the Glory of God) were fully con- > stones of an absolutist state and a material- scious that His mission was not a develop- > istic church, the people of Persia were ment of the Bibi movement but a new > ground to a condition of extreme poverty Cause for which the Bib had sacrificed His > and ignorance. The pomp of the civil and life as the first of those who recognized the > religious courts glittered above the general Manifestation or Prophet of the new age. > ruin like firedamp on a rotten log. During forty years of exile and imprison- > In that world, however, a few devoted ment, BahB'u'llih expounded a gospel which > souls stood firm in their conviction that the interpreted the spiritual meaning of ancient > religion of Muhammad was to be purified scriptures, renewed the reality of faith in > by the rise of a spiritual hero whose coming God and established as the foundation of > was assured in their interpretation of His human society the principle of the oneness > gospel. of mankind. This gospel came into being in > This remnant of the faithful one by one the form of letters addressed to individual > became conscious that in 'Ali-Muhammad, believers and to groups in response to ques- > since known to history as the Bhb (the tions, in books of religious laws and prin- > "Gate"), their hopes had been realized, and ciples, and in communications transmitted > under the Bhb's inspiration scattered them- to the kings and rulers calling upon them to > selves as His apostfes to arouse the people establish universal peace. > and prepare them for the restoration of This sacred literature has an authoritative > Isl6m to its original integrity. Against the commentary and interpretation in the text > Bib and His followers the whole force of of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's writings during the years > church and state combined to extinguish a between BahL'u'llih's ascension in 1892 and > fiery zeal which soon threatened to bring 'Abdu'l-BahL's departure in 1921, Bah6'u'- > their structure of power to the ground. ll6h having left a testament naming 'Abdu'l- > The ministry of the Bib covered only the Bahh (His eldest son) as the Interpreter of > six years between 1844 and His martyrdom His Book and Center of His Covenant. > by a military firing squad in the public The imprisonment of the BahL'i com- > square at Tabriz on July 9, 1850. munity at 'Akki ended at last in 1908, when > In the Bib's own written message He in- the Young Turks party overthrew the exist- > terpreted His mission to be the fulfillment ing political rkgime. > of past religions and the heralding of a For three years prior to the first World > world educator and unifier, one who was to War, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, then nearly seventy > come to establish a new cycle. Most of the years of age, journeyed throughout Europe > Bhb's chosen disciples, and many thousands and America, and broadcast in public ad- > of followers, were publicly martyred in dresses and innumerable intimate gatherings > towns and villages throughout the country the new spirit of brotherhood and world > in those years. The seed, however, had been unity penetrating His very being as the con- > buried too deep in hearts to be extirpated secrated Servant of Bahi. The signiiicance > by any physical instrument of oppression. of 'Abdu'l-BahL's commentary and explana- > After the Bib's martyrdom, the weight of tion is that it makes mental and moral con- > official wrath fell upon Husayn-'Ali, around nection with the thoughts and social condi- > whom the Bibis centered their hopes. Hu- tions of both East and West. Dealing with > sayn-'Ali was imprisoned in Tihrhn, exiled matters of religious, philosophical, ethical > to Baghdid, > - from Baghdid > - sent to Con- and sociological nature, 'Abdu'l-BahB ex- > AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH 17 > > The new garden in front of the Mansion at Bahji. > > pounded all questions in the light of His consolidation and administrative order and > conviction of the oneness of God and the has become conscious of its collective re- > providential character of human life in this sponsibility for the promotion of the gospel > age. of Bahi'u'lliih. In addition to the task of > The international Bahi'i community, establishing the structure of local and na- > grief-stricken and appalled by its loss of the tional Spiritual Assemblies, the believers > wise and loving "Master" in 1921, learned have translated Bahi'i literature into many > with profound gratitude that 'Abdu'l-Bahl languages, have sent teachers to all parts of > in a will and testament had provided for the world, and have completed the Bahi'i > the continuance and future development of House of Worship on Lake Michigan, Wil- > the Faith. This testament made clear the mette. > nature of the Spiritual Assemblies estab- In the general letters issued to the Bahi'i > lished in the text of BahL'u'lllh and inau- > community by Shoghi Effendi in order to > gurated a new center for the widespread > community of believers in the appointment execute the provisions of 'Abdu'l-BahL's > of His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as Guard- testament, believers have been given what > ian of the BahL'i Faith. they are confident is the most profound and > During the years of general confusion accurate analysis of the prevailing social dis- > since 1921, the BahL'i community has car- order and its true remedy in the World Or- > ried forward the increasing work of internal der of Bahi'u'lllh. > The Shrine of the Bkb, Haifa, Israel. > Twelve thousand gilded tiles cover the Dome in a fish scale pattern. > I N T E R N A T I O N A L SURVEY O F > C U R R E N T B A H A ' I ACTIVITIES > > T H E four-year period covered in this sur- members in the Holy Land, in Irbn, in > vey was marked by events and activities of Africa, in Australia, in Europe and in North > surpassing importance to the followers of America. The number of National Spiritual > Bahi'u'llbh. Not since the Ascension of Assemblies was increased to twelve by the > 'Abdu'l-Bahb which terminated the Heroic formation of the National Assemblies of the > Age of the Faith in 1921 and the publication Bahi'is of Central America, South America, > of His Testament which inaugurated the and of Italy and Switzerland. > Formative Age have Bahi'is been conscious The impetus in the growth of the BahB'i > of such profound alteration and redirection Faith internationally was witnessed not only > of the affairs of their community or been outwardly but also within the spiritual > drawn so deeply into its sustaining spirit. awareness of the Bahi'is themselves. The > Two Centennials were celebrated: the years preceding the Centenary Anniversary > Martyrdom of the Bbb, July 9, 1950, and the of the Martyrdom of the Bbb (July, 1950) > Birth of the Mission of Bahi'u'llbh during had been largely those of laying ground- > Holy Year, 1952-1953, consecrating the Ba- work, building local and national communi- > hi'is of East and West to the exalted char- ties. The ultimate objective was known-the > acter of their Faith and purifying their souls erection of a world community living ac- > by realization of the tragic persecutions suf- cording to the spiritual Laws and Ordinances > fered by the Founders and Their following of Bahi'u'llbh-but this was something for > in Persia. the far distant future. Suddenly, with the > These spiritual experiences were given ex- erection of the Shrine of the Biib on Mt. > pression in worthy action. The world-wide Carmel and the opening of the doors of > ~ a h i ' icommunitf entered upon the prose- contribution to this "transcending enter- > cution of a ten-year intercontinental teach- prise" to the Bah&'isof the world, the spirit- > ing plan, a crusade aimed at a tremendous ual impulse was released for an international > expansion in the number of countries and consciousness in fact, a matter of action not > political dependencies having Bahi'i centers of thinking only. The succession of occur- > and a vast increase in the number of Bahi'i rences which followed quickly, inaugurated > institutions. This crusade was initiated by by the Guardian of the Bahb'i Faith and > four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences emanating from the International Center of > held successively in Kampala, Uganda, in the Faith in the Holy Land, united the Ba- > Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois, in Stock- hi'is of the world in action as never before > holm, Sweden, and in New Delhi, India, in the history of the Faith had been possi'ole. > during 1953, involving the participation and In his Announcement of the Centenary > cooperation of all National Spiritual As- Commemoration of the birth of Bah2u'- > semblies for the first tune in Bahi'i history. ll&h's Mission, inaugurating the interconti- > The completion of the Shrine of the Bbb on nental teaching work, the Guardian called > Mt. Carmel, Haifa, and of the Bahi'i House upon the Bahi'is of the world to prepare > of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, that same themselves "for demonstration of Bahi'i sol- > year gave public evidence of the vitality of idarity of unprecedented scope and inten- > the Faith. Two new international BahL'i in- sity during the entire course of Bahi'i his- > stitutions were established: the International tory." > Bahi'i Council at the Bahi'i World Center Thus, during the years 1950-1954 (years > in Israel, and the Hands of the Cause with 107-110 of the Bahi'i Era) the Bahi'is of > 20 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > East and West were swept into an unprece- ominous threat that civilization as we know > dented and spiritually vitalizing stage of the it is doomed to destruction. > development of the World Order of Bahi'- As the world lay helpless under this dark- > u'llih, destined to emerge "in the fullness of ness, the new creation of Bahb'u'llih, His > time" in a world-recognized, spiritually uni- community of followers, gathered their > fied and administered world commonwealth, forces to establish the foundation of unity > the Kingdom of God on earth. throughout the world. Nothing short of the > Nor will the student of current affairs fail Divine Power invested in the Mission of the > to note the fact that this dynamic spiritual Prophet can reverse the fatal direction of > world plan was inaugurated at a time when human affairs and re-deploy men's faculties > the menace of devastating atomic warfare in the constructive task of unifying the peo- > oppressed the peoples of all nations with the ples in one Faith and one Order. > > CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS O F > THE MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAR > > THF. Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Spiritual Assembly reported the publication > B i b was reverently anticipated by the Ba- of a memorial pamphlet, copies of which > hi'is of East and West. References to His were distributed freely, a devotional pro- > mission and martyrdom in Bahi'i Sacred gram in the Haziratu'l-Quds of Cairo and in > Writings were searched out and pondered. local centers, consisting of passages from Sa- > Chapters in Dawn-Breakers and God Passes cred Writings, and a public meeting to > By vividly depicting the event were read which eminent non-Bahi'is were invited. In > again and again. view of the religious background of their > The Centenary actually began for B a h z s nation, the Egyptian Bahi'is produced a se- > when they received the Guardian's cable- lection of passages from the Old and New > gram dated July 4, 1950. Moved by the Testament and the Q u r ' h which lent sup- > glimpse of high significance revealed by port to the Mission of the Bahb'i Faith. Invi- > these words, the BahL'is contemplated the iations were sent personally to about eighty > mysterious scene which took place at Tabriz eminent men of letters, law, the arts, educa- > on July 9, 1850, when the radiant Youth tors, parliamentarians and representatives of > chosen by God to enact so tremendous a the press known to be liberals or independ- > drama expired, pierced by the bullets fired ent seekers after truth. > by a regiment acting under official com- This public meeting concluded with re- > mand. For, as was emphasized in a previous freshments during which a moving picture > volume dealing with the Declaration of the of the Bahi'i House of Worship was ex- > Bib in 1844, the B i b terminated the Pro- hibited. > phetic Era and reflected the Dawn of the The effect was to strengthen the prestige > Sun of Truth risen to signalize the Promised of the Faith among intellectual circles and > Day of the maturity of the human race. persons of good will. This result was re- > A twofold Centenary program was carried flected in the favorable comment published > out in the various Bahgi national communi- in the daily press. > ties in accordance with the conditions in The Assembly's report included mention > each, including national and local gatherings of the successful commemoration held in > of believers for spiritual observance of the Addis-Abba, Ethiopia. > event, and public activities conveying the In Persia the National Spiritual Assembly > challenge of the Bib's Mission to mankind. published a translation of Shoghi Effendi's > Thus, in Egypt and Slidfin the National World Survey pamphlet and prepared a > > The Shrine of the Bib on Mt. Carmel. > Beyond the Shrine can be seen the city of Haifa, the harbor, the bay of 'Akkk > and the hills of the Lebanon. > 22 T H E B A H A. ' f W O R L D > > Centenary program which was carried out message was broadcast in four languages- > by the local communities. English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi-over > Throughout Canada, likewise, a great Radio GOA. The National Assembly like- > number of devotional and public meetings wise conducted a public meeting at the Con- > were carried out in accordance with a plan stitution Club, New Delhi, the program in- > launched by the National Spiritual Assem- cluding addresses by Prof. Abdul-Majid > bly. Khan, Shri S. N. Chaturvedi, and Shrimati > The tribute paid to the Bib by Bahb'is of Shirin Boman. > Australia and New Zealand in devotional A scholarly article on the Martyrdom of > and public meetings was enlarged through the Bib, based on Nabil's Narrative, by > their publication of a pamphlet Martyrdom Prof. Alessandro Bausani, was published in > o f the Ba'b. This memorial brochure con- the Italian language magazine Oriente Mo- > tained a photograph of the design of the d e r n ~ volume > , 30, 1950. > Shrine of the BBb on Mt. Carmel and a A Portrait of the Bib, presented to the > photograph of the Bahb'i House of Worship American Bahb'is by the Guardian in 1944, > in Wilmette, with a selection of passages re- was reverently shown to believers gathered > porting the BBb's own words to His disci- in Foundation Hall, Bahb'i House of Wor- > ples, Bahb'u'llih's Tribute to Him, utter- ship, at the hour of noon on the Centenary > ances of the BBb, and a thoughtful summary date. After this rare and solemn privilege > of the Bahb'i Faith. the throng reassembled in the auditorium > An excellent press report published in where a program of readings was carried > Auckland, based upon a conference with a out under the great dome of the Temple. It > Persian Bahb'i student, gave a very favorable was in this hallowed setting, on so holy an > impression of the public meeting conducted occasion, that the cabled message from the > in that city. The speakers were Suhayl Alb'i Guardian was read, stating in part: "Moved > and Gertrude Blum. share (with) assembled representatives (of) > In Paris a public meeting was held at the American Bahgi Community gathered be- > Music Social, notices of which were circu- neath (the) dome (of the) Most Holy > lated in artistic circles, University City, and House (of) Worship (in the) Bahb'i world, > magazine and newspaper editors, attracting feelings (of) profound emotion evoked (by > a gathering of some one hundred and fifty this) historic occasion the world-wide com- > guests. Addresses were delivered by M. De- memoration (of the) first Centenary (of > lacroix, Mrs. Marion Little and Mlle. L. the) Martyrdom (of the) Blessed BBb, > Migette. Prophet (and) Herald (of the) Faith (of) > George Townshend, a leading Bahb'i Bahl'u'llih, Founder (of the) Dispensation > scholar and author, contributed a brief arti- marking (the) culmination (of the) six > cle on "The Call of the Martyrs," attesting thousand year old Adamic Cycle, Inaugura- > the complete devotion of those who yielded tor (of the) five thousand century Bahgi > up their lives through "all-absorbing, all- Cycle." > forgetting devotion for one in Whom they Still later the gathering met again in > saw God Manifest." In this treatise the Ba- Foundation Hall for a national public meet- > hb'is were poignantly reminded of the Bib's ing attended by about nine hundred persons. > significant words: "0 My beloved friends! Miss Elsie Austin presided, and addresses > You are the bearers of the name of God in were delivered by Dr. G. A. Borgese, Uni- > this Day. You have been chosen as the re- versity of Chicago, Mrs. Dorothy Beecher > positories of His mystery. It behoves each Baker and Mr. William Kenneth Christian. > one of you to manifest the attributes of God, After this program a moving picture film of > and to exemplify by your deeds and words the Shrines and Gardens at the World Cen- > the signs of His righteousness, His power ter, sent by the Guardian, was shown to the > and glory . . . For verily I say, this is the Bahl'is. > Day spoken of by God in His Book." Meanwhile local meetings were held to > Local centers in India, PikistBn and commemorate the Centenary throughout the > Burma observed the Centenary not only United States, and many radio stations > with meetings but also by providing food to broadcast the story of the Martyrdom of the > the indigent through municipal agencies. A BBb. > radio program was also made available to The national program included the publi- > local stations. Nationally, the Centenary cation of two Centenary pamphlets: The > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 23 > > The Shrine of the BQb, Haifa, Israel, as seen from the slopes of Mt. Carmel. > > Bah& Faith-1 844-1950, a World Survey, regions. He is also the Harbinger of the > compiled by Shoghi Effendi, and The Mar- Most Great Light, the AbhQ Luminary. The > tyr-Prophet o f a World Faith, by William B. Blessed Beauty [BahS'u'llih] is the One > Sears, dramatically presenting the Bib's mis- promised by the sacred books of the past, > sion and martyrdom for a western public. the revelation of the Source of light that > "The Bib, the Exalted One, is the Morn shone upon Mount Sinai, whose fire glowed > of Truth, the splendor of Whose light," in the midst of the Burning Bush. We are, > 'Abdu'l-Bah6 wrote, "shineth throughout all one and all, servants of their threshold, and > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > stand each as a lowly keeper at their door. addresses eulogizing the Bgb and explaining > . . . Every proof and prophecy, every man- His mission. > ner of evidence, whether based on reason Throughout the British Isles the Cente- > or on the text of the scriptures and tradi- nary coincided with the successful conclu- > tions, are to be regarded as centered in the sion of the first national, coordinated teach- > persons of Bahi'u'llbh and the Bgb. In Them ing campaign to be conducted by the British > is to be found their complete fulfillment." BahGis. Meetings of commemoration were > Reports from the Bahi'is of Germany held in London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Bir- > mention public memorial services conducted mingham, Bradford, Bristol and Manchester > in the larger communities-Esslingen, Gop- on a regional scale and locally in Bourne- > pingen, Frankfurt-am-Main, Heidelberg, mouth, Newcastle and Torquay. > Karlsruhe and Stuttgart. Musical selections After a devotional period these programs > from the works of Bach, Hayden and Bee- presented a dramatic script on the Martyr- > thoven, and readings from the Sacred Writ- dom of the Bbb and a review of the activities > ings created an impressive background for of the Bahi'i world community. > > CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS O F THE > B I R T H O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION > > A MOMENTOUS message was cabled by as counterpart (to) consolidation (of) Faith > Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, from at its World Center through recent forma- > the BahL'i World Center on November 30, tion (of) International BahS'i Council (in > 1951, which is cited in part as follows: the) Holy Land. > "Approaching Great Jubilee commemo- "Centennial festivities (of) Year Nine > rating (the) Centenary (of the) termination continuing throughout Holy Year commenc- > (of the) Bkbi Dispensation (and) birth (of) ing October 1952 must include, apart from > Bahi'u'llbh's Revelation (in) SiyAh-C_hbl, consummation (of) plans initiated (by) > TihrLn, as well as imperative necessity adopt various National Assemblies in both hemi- > effectual measures insure befitting inaugura- spheres, (the) formal dedication (for) pub- > tion (of) third concluding phase of initial lic worship (of the) Mother Temple (of > epoch (in) execution (of) 'Abdu'l-Bahi's the) West (in the) heart (of) North Ameri- > Divine Plan destined (to) culminate (in) can Continent, (and) possible termination > hundredth anniversary (of) Declaration of (of) superstructure (of the) Bbb's Sepd- > Founder (of) Faith (in) Baghdbd, impel me cher (in) Holy Land, (the) convocation > (to) summon entire B a h i ' i o r l d , through (of) four intercontinental Bah6'i Teaching > (the) eleven National Assemblies already Conferences to be held successively (in the) > functioning (in) East (and) West, (to) be- course (of) historic year (on) Continents > stir itself, arise during sixteen months ahead (of) Africa, America, Europe, Asia." > through supreme, concerted, sustained ef- The message continued with the directions > fort, (and) prepare for demonstration (of) that the first conference was to be convened > Bah6'i solidarity (of) unprecedented scope by the British National Spiritual Assembly > (and) intensity (during) entire course (of) in Kampala, Uganda, in the early spring of > Bahi'i history. 1953, representing the National Assemblies > "Forthcoming celebrations must be signal- of the British Isles, United States, Persia, > ized through inauguration (of) long-antici- Egypt and Shdbn, India, Pkkistin and > pated intercontinental stage in administrative Burma. Invitations to attend were to be is- > evolution (of) Faith marking its gradual de- sued to Bahi'is residing in America, Persia, > velopment through successive phases (of) the subcontinent of India, the British Isles > local, regional, national (and) international and every territory on the continent of Af- > Bahi'i activity. Initiation (of) this highly rica. The aim of the conference was to plant > significant measure further cementing Bahi'i the banner of the Faith in remaining tem- > National Assemblies (in) five continents tories of Africa and the neighboring islands > (of) globe will be acclaimed (by) posterity to the east, south and west. > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 25 > > The second conference, Shoghi Effendi procedure, provide (for) smooth working, > directed, was to be convened by the National accord wide publicity, insure resounding > Spiritual Assembly of the United States in success, of epoch-making Conferences im- > Wilmette, Illinois, during the Ridvin period, mortalizing Centenary (of) memorable > representing the Bahb'is of the United States Year anticipated (by) St. John (the) Di- > as chief trustees of 'Abdu'l-BahL's Divine vine, foreshadowed by S_hayk_h Ahmad, eu- > Plan, and their ally and associates, the Na- logized (by the) Bib, extolled (by) both Ba- > tional Assemblies of Canada and Latin hi'u'llih (and) 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and constitut- > America. Invitations to attend were to be ing prelude (to) Most Great Jubilee which > extended to BahB'is in every State of the will alike commemorate (the) Centenary > United States, every Province of Canada and (of) formal assumption (by the) Author > every Republic of Latin America. The pur- (of the) BahB'i Revelation (of) His Pro- > pose of this conference was to prepare for phetic Office, (and) mark, God willing, the > the establishment of the Faith in the re- world-wide establishment (of the) Faith > maining territories of the Americas and the forecast (by the) Center (of the) Covenant > nearby islands of the Atlantic and Pacific [i.e., 'Abdu'l-Bahg] in His Tablets, prophe- > Oceans. sied (by) Daniel (in) his book, thus paving > The third in this series of Intercontinental (the) way (for the) advent (of the) Golden > Conferences was to be convened in Stock- Age destined (to) witness (the) world rec- > holm, Sweden, during the summer of 1953 ognition, universal proclamation (and the) > by the European Teaching Committee of ultimate triumph (of the) Cause of Bahf- > the United States Assembly, and was to be u'llih." > representative of the American, British and By this portentous message the Bah4is > German National Assemblies. Invitations to were ushered into a new era of action and > attend were to be extended to BahL'is from understanding, symbolized by the Centenary > the ten countries of Western Europe, Eng- of the Birth of the Mission of Bah2u'llih > land, Scotland, Wales, Eire, France, Ger- and given substance in this series of four > many, Austria, and Finland. The purpose of intercontinental teaching conferences which > this gathering was to provide for the gradual inaugurated a new World Crusade to cul- > introduction of the Faith into the remaining minate in the year 1963, the one hundredth > Sovereign States of the European Continent anniversary of Bah6'u'll&h's public assump- > and its neighboring islands in the Mediterra- tion of His Mission. > nean, the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The Centenary of the Birth of the Mis- > The fourth and concluding Jubilee Teach- sion of Bahb'u'llih was observed through- > ing Conference was to be convened in New out the Bahg'i world during the year be- > Delhi, India, in the autumn of 1953 by the ginning the middle of October, 1952, and > National Spiritual Assembly of India, P&k- ending the middle of October, 1953. This > istin and Burma, representative of the Na- period marked the centenary of the year > tional Assemblies of Persia, the Indian sub- 1269 A.H., known among BahPis as the > continent, 'Iriq, Australasia, the United "Year Nine." It possesses great significance > States, Canada, Central America and South since in His Writings the Bib used it to > America. Invitations to attend were to be foretell the Birth of the Revelation of BahL'- > extended to the Bahi'is of every Sovereign u'llih and therefore the end of His own > State and dependency of Asia, North Amer- Dispensation. > ica, Central America and South America, The intimation of His Mission as the > Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. This Promised One of all nations was quickened > Conference was to consult on steps aimed spiritually in BahL'u'llih as He lay in chains, > at opening the Faith in the remaining Asiatic a prisoner, in the dungeon of Siyih-C_h&l, > States and dependencies, particularly in Tihrin. It was in so foul a place, to One so > South East Asia and the islands of the South cruelly oppressed, that the Holy Spirit de- > Pacific and Indian Oceans. scended to the person of Husayn 'Ali and > The Guardian ended his message with created BahL'u'llih, the Manifestation of > this plea: "Address plea particularly (to) God and the Law-Giver for a new World > convenors (of) above-mentioned confer- Era. > ences (to) arise .. . prayerfully consider, The Guardian has thus described this tre- > carefully plan, energetically prosecute, (the) mendous event: "It was in such dramatic > respective sacred delegated tasks . . . fix circumstances, recalling the experience of > 26 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Moses when face to face with the Burning religious history of mankind, was inaugu- > Bush in the wilderness of Sinai, the succes- rated." > sive visions of Zoroaster, the opening of the Gratitude to God for this supreme mercy, > heavens and the descent of the Dove upon assuring the ultimate regeneration of hu- > Christ in the Jordan, the cry of Gabriel manity and the establishment of Christ's > heard by Muhammad in the Cave of Hira, Kingdom on earth, inspired the Bahb'is as > and the dream of the Bib, in which the they carried out their plans for the celebra- > blood of the Imim Husayn touched and tion of this great Jubilee. > sanctified His lips, that Bahb'u'lltih, He While each National Spiritual Assembly > 'around Whom the Point of the Bayin hath prepared and carried out appropriate devo- > revolved,' and the Vehicle of the greatest tional and public meetings throughout Holy > Revelation the world has yet seen, received Year in celebration of the Mission of Bah2- > the first intimation of His sublime Mission, u'lltih, the several Intercontinental Confer- > and that a ministry, which, alike in its dura- ences themselves represented the fulfillment > tion and fecundity, is unsurpassed in the of this sacred experience. > > INAUGURATION O F T H E WORLD CRUSADE > > T H E publication of a pamphlet, compiled aim of which was to emphasize the impor- > by the Guardian setting forth a statistical tance of those elements in the Ten-Year > survey of the Ten-Year International Ba- Plan which related to Africa. A sacred relic > hb'i Teaching Plan constituting the World entrusted by the Guardian to his represen- > Crusade, underlay the thinking and action tative, in this case a portrait of the Bib, was > of Bahb'is in celebrating the Mission of so placed that each attendant in turn could > BahVu'llih. The Plan as set forth, accom- gaze upon the Countenance of the Martyr > panied by a map, included in the present Prophet. The third element in the pattern > volume, specifies twenty-seven objectives, consisted of the active participation of all > some to be realized at the World Center and National Spiritual Assemblies having teach- > others won by the twelve participating Na- ing missions in that continent. The fourth > tional Spiritual Assemblies by 1963-the was the impressive response made by volun- > most challenging task ever set for the follow- teers to arise and go forth into the pioneer > ers of a Prophet to achieve. Among these field. Another element was the conduct of > objectives might be noted: establishing the Bah2i public meetings. > Faith in one h ~ ~ n d r ethirty-one > d new coun- At Kampala Bahb'i members from all the > tries and territorial divisions; translation and different continents gathered together for > publication of Bahb'i texts in ninety-one new the first time for discussion of a common > languages; construction of two new Bahb'i theme. About two hundred thirty-two per- > Houses of Worship and purchase of land for sons attended the Kampala Conference, rep- > eleven future Temples; establishing forty- resenting nineteen countries, one hundred > eight additional National Spiritual Assem- twenty-three of whom were native African > blies; and purchasing properties to be used believers. Some thirty tribes and races were > as National Administrative Centers in forty- represented. By some mysterious process of > nine cities of the Americas, Europe, Asia, spiritual alchemy the outer differences and > Africa and New Zealand. distinctions so important to the worldly were > The first Intercontinental Teaching Con- dissolved away, and what one felt in his > ference in Holy Year was conducted by the fellow-participant was a joyous light ignited > National Spiritual Assembly of the British by the fire of the Mission of Bahi'u'll&h. > Isles at Kampala, Uganda, February 12 to The oneness of mankind found impressive > 18, 1953. exemplification. The variety itself was evi- > All four Conferences disclosed a basic dence of true unity since unity is of the spirit > pattern. A message from the Guardian was and not a uniformity of type or personality. > delivered by his special representative, a The agenda, entitled "Light Over Africa," > Hand of the Cause. At Kampala Mr. Leroy devoted two sessions to commemoratioil of > Toas presented the Guardian's message, the the Centenary. The rapid progress of pio- > The Shrine of the Martyr Prophet of the BahB'i Faith, completed in October, 1953. > 28 T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D > > neering and teaching work in Africa since Canada, Central America and South Amer- > 1950 was summarized. Its prime purpose ica. Its essential purposes were, first, to em- > was to bring the Bahi'i teachings to the na- phasize the vital importance of the World > tives and after securing their confidence Crusade in all continents, and second, to > confirmations were recorded far beyond ex- consult and plan on how to meet the goals > pectation. set forth by the Ten-Year Plan for the West- > The spiritual capacity of the native Afri-ern Hemisphere and surrounding islands. > can for independent investigation of truth Mr. Paul E. Haney, Chairman of the United > and responsible membership in the Bahi'i States Assembly, presided at the sessions. > community has been fully demonstrated. Ruhiyyih KhBnum delivered the principal > It was at the Kampala Conference that address on the "Character and Purpose of > the statement was made that this Ten-Year the World Crusade," and in a later session > Crusade will result in the fulfillment of thearoused the spirit of pioneering with her > prophecies of Daniel relative to the 1335 stirring talk programmed as "Mount Your > days, when the Glory of the Lord will cover Steeds!" One evening session was devoted > the earth. to the Guardian's representative which was > Mr. Hasan Balyuzi, Chairman of the Brit- followed by a reception in which all Bahi'is > ish National Spiritual Assembly, presided at had the privilege of presentation to this dis- > the Conference sessions. The participating tinguished Hand of the Cause and member > National Assemblies were, besides the Brit- of the Guardian's family. > ish, the Egyptian, the United States, Persian, During the course of the Conference sev- > the 'Iriq and Indian Assemblies, among eral groups of BahL'is were assembled on > which the goal areas of Africa and adjacent the speakers' platform for special attention: > islands have been divided. These Assemblies, those who had been present when 'Abdu'l- > through their representatives, held two con- BahL dedicated the Temple grounds in 1912; > ferences to arrange for cooperation in the twelve Hands of the Cause; Bahi'is from > African teaching campaign. Persia; a group of Latin American Bahi'is; > The Guardian's plans and hopes for Af- of BahL'i Youth; of American Indians; and > rica were eloquently expounded by Mr. Ioas. a large company of those who, during the > All present realized what a privilege had Conference, had arisen to volunteer their > been granted them in Mr. TarBzu'llBh Sa- services as pioneers to the number of one > mandari's moving presentation of his per- hundred and fifty. > sonal recollections of Bahh'u'llih. During the afternoon of Sunday, May 3, > Two public meetings were held, one in the Conference assembled in the auditorium > the Conference meeting place, the other in of the House of Worship for the unveiling > the assembly auditorium of the local college.of the portrait of Bahh'u'llih which Riihiy- > yih K_h&numhad brought as the Guardian's > Though second in time, the Intercontinen- supreme blessing to this Conference. The > tal Teaching Conference held in Chicago Bahh'is entered the auditorium one by one > and Wilrnette, Illinois, had the distinction and Ruhiyyih Khknum touched the hand of > of inaugurating the Ten-Year Crusade. each with a drop of the fragrant attar of rose > From thirty countries came a throng of over sent by the Guardian for this occasion. The > twenty-three hundred Bahi'is. The great portrait of Bahh'u'llih and a portrait of the > auditorium of Medinah Temple, Chicago, BBb were placed on a table at the front of > presented an impressive spectacle during the the auditorium. Quietly, reverently, one by > Conference sessions. one, the seated Bahh'is arose and paused > As his special representative the Guard- before these Remembrances of the Twin > ian appointed 'Amatu'l-BahB Rhhiyyih K_h& Manifestations of God in this great Day. > num, Hand of the Cause, whose gracious Words cannot describe this unique privi- > presence and rare charm as speaker seemed lege. It was an inner dedication of spirit to > to crown the success of the important occa- the new World Faith. Perhaps outside the > sion. Bahh'i World Center at Haifa the celebra- > This Conference was termed an All- tion of the Jubilee, the Mission of Bah2- > America Conference, and it was conducted u'llih, around the world, witnessed no more > by the National Spiritual Assembly of the significant event. > Bahi'is of the United States in association The Conference devoted an evening ses- > with the National Spiritual Assemblies of sion to the unveiling of the model of the > C U R R E N T B A H A'f A C T I V I T I E S 29 > > BahL'i House of Worship, designed by C. Allen B. McDaniel, supervising engineer > Mason Remey, which is to be constructed on of Temple construction for many years, out- > Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land. Mr. Remey, lined the history of the project from its first > Hand of the Cause and President of the In- beginnings some fifty years before, through > ternational Bahi'i Council, spoke of the the purchase of land, the selection of Louis > temples of worship which each religion has ~ o u i ~ e o as > i s architect, and the completion > developed to express its particular style of of the structure under successive contracts. > architecture. "The place of worship has been Robert McLaughlin, Director of the School > the cultural center." He then referred to of Architecture of Princeton University, ex- > the teachings of Bahi'u'llgh which exhort plained the features of the architectural de- > His followers to build temples for worship, sign. Horace Holley dealt with the Temple > with a general plan for their design and in terms of the meaning of worship. Edwin > function. The speaker had visited the city of Eardley, member of the Temple Technical > 'Ishqibhd many years ago where the first Committee, and Hilbert Dahl, landscape > Bahi'i Temple had been constructed, re- architect, whose design was selected for > cently, alas, confiscated by the civil authori- landscaping the Temple grounds, were pre- > ties and diverted to other use. sented to the audience. Mr. Alexander, in > The Bahi'is were deeply impressed by the name of the Village of Wilmette, of- > Mr. Remey's design which has had the dis- fered congratulations oil the completion of > tinction of being chosen for the future Tem- Temple construction. The local residents, he > ple in the Holy Land, associated with the said, feel privileged to have this world fa- > Bahi'i Shrines and the World Center which mous structure in their community. > is arising step by step in the Holy Land, The public program returned to the Me- > heart of the world. dinah Temple in Chicago. The theme "One > Among the key addresses which im- God and One People" was presented Sun- > pressed the gathering we note the remarks day evening May 3 by Dr. Charles H. Wes- > on teaching work in Africa by Musk Banhi; ley, president of Central State College, Ohio, > the exposition of the significance of the Year followed by Ruhiyyih Kbiinum, Ali Yazdi > Nine, by S_hu'L'u7llih'AlL'i; Mr. Samandari's presiding. The account written after this > reminiscences of Bahi'u'lliih; Mr. 'Ali-Ak- meeting stated concerning Ruhiyyih K_hhi- > bar Furfitan's talk on the BahL'i Administra- num: "Every one was touched by the spirit > tive Order; Mr. Valiyu'llkh Varqi's presen- which flowed .through her, by her dignity, > tation of the subject "Heroes of the Lord of simplicity and candor, and even more by > Hosts"; and Mr. mikru'llih Khidem's story those indefinable qualities of a selfless Ba- > of Tihrin-the standard of sacrifice. All hP'i, and each knew he had spent a moment > these speakers were Hands of the Cause. with a rare soul." > Jubilee public meetings were notable oc- The fourth public meeting was devoted to > casions. On Wednesday evening, April 29, the theme "The Human Goal," with H. B. > Dr. Paul Hutchinson of The Christian Cen- Kavelin presiding. The speakers were Nor- > tury, and Mrs. Dorothy Baker of the Na- man Cousins, editor, Saturday Review o f > tional Bahi'i Assembly spoke on "Religion Literature, and Dr. W. Kenneth Christian, > for Humanity." Matthew Bullock, member member of the National Spiritual Assembly. > of the National Assembly, presided. On Fri- Extraordinary was the publicity which ac- > day, May 1, the public meeting was held in claimed the Jubilee and the dedication of > New Trier High School, Winnetka, in the the House of Worship, carried by Associated > vicinity of the Temple in Wilmette. This Press, United Press and Universal Press. > meeting formally presented to the friends Feature stories appeared in Newsweek, Cap- > and neighbors the story of the BahL'i Tem- pers Weekly, The Chicago Sunday Tribune, > ple to be publicly dedicated the following Chicago Daily News ( a n editorial), and the > day. Paul Haney, presiding, read messages > Bahb'i press committee received clippings > of greeting and good wishes from distin- > guished personages, including Justice Wil- from t 6 e e hundred and ninety-seven-cities. > liam Douglas of the United States Supreme Thirteen international radio broadcasts > Court, Mrs. Ruth Bryan Rhode, Dr. Marcus were beamed over Station WRUL to Eu- > Bach and the Israeli Ambassador. William rope, the Near East and Latin America. > Alexander, President of Wilmette Village, Fifty television stations showed a film-short > shared the platform as guest of the BahCis. on the Temple dedication, while Universal > 30 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > Newsreel pictures were shown in many the- struction of Human Society." Hans Odemyr > aters. of Stockholm presided. > This Conference, like that held in Kam- The Bahb'is attending the Stockholm Con- > pala, produced a new spirit of intimate ference were profoundly conscious of the > fellowship among Bahb'is who had, while vital importance of carrying out a spiritual > loyal to the same Faith, been long accus- mission in Europe, the ancient theater of > tomed to regard themselves as members of war and conquest, of upholding the Message > one particular national community. Boun- of reconciliation, peace and unity in a uni- > daries were swept away. versal Faith. > The European goals set forth in the World > The Third Intercontinental Teaching Con- Crusade call for pioneer settlement of thirty > ference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, new territories on the continent and adja- > from July 21 to July 26, 1953, in the attrac- cent islands, and the formation of more lo- > tive auditorium of the Medborgarhus. This cal Spiritual Assemblies in fifteen lands. The > Conference was planned and conducted by success of the Conference was signalized by > the European Teaching Committee. Edna the rise of sixty-three volunteers prepared to > M. True, Committee chairman, presided, enter the teaching field. Before the end of > with Mrs. Marion Hofman of England the final session, pioneers were assigned to > serving as co-chairman. The participating all the new territories to be opened in Eu- > BahB'i bodies were the National Spiritual rope, except lands where religious missions > Assemblies of the British Isles, Germany are at present not permitted. > and Austria, Italy and Switzerland, the An unforgettable occasion was the Unity > United States. Three hundred seventy-seven Banquet held in the magnificent Golden > persons attended, representing Bahb'is in Room of Stockholm Town Hall, commemo- > thirty different countries. Ugo Giachery, rating the Jubilee of the Year Nine. In this > Hand of the Cause, represented the Guard- setting the chanting of Bahb'u'llfih's words > ian of the Faith and read the Guardian's in the original Persian seemed to carry a > message addressed to the Conference. This special penetrating force. The Banquet pro- > message outlined thirteen European goals to gram was simple and effective. Other than > be achieved during the Ten-Year Plan. the prayers and invocations, only simple and > The experience acquired in the conduct heart-warming greetings in many languages > of the two previous Intercontinental Con- were delivered, each speaker testifying to > ferences, at Kampala and Chicago, made his faith and his resolve to serve the Cause > the Stockholm Conference an efficient and of Bahb'u'llfih. > smoothly running organized meeting. The Stockholm Conference rested on a > Among the agenda topics presented by strong basis in the establishment of Bahb'i > Hands of the Cause and other Bawis we ~ssembliesin the ten western countries of > note: Launching the World-Embracing Spir- Europe since 1946, and the activities of the > itual Crusade, by Ugo Giachery; Europe's National Spiritual Assemblies of the British > Part in the Ten-Year Global Crusade, by Isles and of Germany and Austria over the > Hermann Grossmann; the Kampala Con- years. The International Bahb'i Bureau, long > ference, by M6sC BanCni; the All-American maintained in Geneva, Switzerland, has also > Conference, by Beatrice Ashton and Mildred contributed to the teaching work in Europe. > Mottahedeh; Temple Dedication, by Horace > Holley; Sufferings of Bahb'G'llfih and Their The fourth and final Intercontinental > Significance, by George Townshend and Teaching Conference, convened at New > D_hikru'llfih Lhfidem. Delhi, India, was electrified by a cabled > The first afternoon was devoted to the message received from the Guardian of the > unveiling of the portrait of the BCb by the Faith in Haifa announcing the completion of > Guardian's representative and the commem- construction of the superstructure of the > oration of the Mission of BahB'u'llBh. Shrine of the Bfib after five years of work, > A public meeting was held in the Con- at a cost of about seven hundred and fifty > certhus which assembled an audience of thousand dollars. This achievement at the- > about seven hundred. Mrs. Gerd Strand of World Center seemed to be the climax of the > Oslo spoke on "The Spiritual Regeneration Holy Year. > of the Individual Man," and Professor Zeine The New Delhi Conference was con- > N. Zeine of Beirut spoke on "The Recon- ducted by the National Spiritual Assembly > C U R R E N T B A H A'f A C T I V I T I E S > > of India, Pikistin and Burma, A. A. Butt rection of eight National Spiritual Assem- > presiding at the first session. Other sessions blies, and through the operation of eight > had as chairman a representative of the systematic Teaching Plans, and the con- > participating National BahCi Assemblies- certed efforts of BahCi communities in both > those of the United States, Canada, Central the East and the West, provide, as it un- > and South America, Persia, the host Assem- folds, an effective antidote to the baneful > bly of India, Pkkistkn and Burma, 'Iriq, forces of atheism, nationalism, secularism > and Australia and New Zealand. and materialism that are tearing at the vitals > C. Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause of this turbulent continent, and may it re- > from Haifa, as the Guardian's representa- enact those scenes of spiritual heroism > tive, delivered Shoghi Effendi's formal mes- which, more than any of the secular revolu- > sage to New Delhi. In it were enumerated tions which have agitated its face, have left > forty-one virgin territories and islands con- their everlasting imprint on the fortunes > stituting the Asia Teaching Mission en- of the peoples and nations dwelling within > trusted to the eight participating Assemblies. its borders." > "The Asiatic Continent," the Guardian This note of spiritual statesmanship gave > wrote, "the cradle of the principal religions the BahCis at New Delhi a deeper under- > of mankind; the home of so many of the standing of the meaning of their teaching > oldest and mightiest civilizations which have mission in relation to past historical events. > flourished on this planet; the crossways of so For the Conference there had been ar- > many kindreds and races; the battleground ranged a colorful canopy on the grounds of > of so many peoples and nations; above the Constitution Club. The BahCi from the > whose horizons, in modern times, the suns West arriving at the meeting was struck by > of two independent Revelations-the prom- the pageantry of human types and costumes > ise and consummation of a six thousand represented by his comrades from the East. > year old religious Cycle-have successively Thirty nations were represented among the > arisen; where the Authors of both these four hundred and fifty Bahi'is who regis- > Revelations suffered banishment and died; tered. The opening period of devotions was > within whose confines the Center of a di- conducted in English, Persian, Hindustani > vinely-appointed Covenant was born, en- and Burmese. > dured a forty-year incarceration and passed The portrait of the Martyr Prophet, the > away; on whose Western extremity the Bib, was unveiled by Mr. Remey and before > Qiblih of the Bahi'i world has been defi- it, in awe and reverence, the BahCis present > nitely established; in whose heart the city knelt and besought the purity essential to > proclaimed by BahCu'llih as the 'Mother of service in the Kingdom. > the World' is enshrined; within whose bor- The public events included in the Confer- > ders another city regarded as the 'Cynosure ence agenda provided two public meetings- > of an adoring world' and the scene of the one held under the marquee, the other in > greatest and most glorious Revelation the New Delhi Town Hall. The speakers on the > world has witnessed is embosomed; on platform at the first meeting were Horace > whose soil so many saints, heroes and mar- Holley, Stanley Bolton, Sr., Dorothy Baker > tyrs, associated with both of these Revela- and Ugo Giachery, with C. Mason Remey > tions, have lived, struggled and died-such presiding. At the Town Hall the theme > a continent, so privileged among its sister "Towards a World Federation," was eluci- > continents and yet so long and so sadly dated by H. C. Featherstone, John Robarts, > tormented, now stands at the hour of the Mildred Mottahedeh and A. Q. Faizi. > launching of a world-encompassing Crusade, New Delhi surpassed the three previous > on the threshold of an era that may recall, Conferences in its program of public rela- > in its glory and ultimate repercussions, the tions. A public reception and tea held in the > great periods of spiritual revival which, garden of Imperial Hotel was attended by > from the dawn of recorded history have, at nearly one thousand persons, including high > various stages in the revelation of God's officials of the India government and repre- > purpose for mankind, illuminated the path sentatives from Embassies and Consulates > of the human race. and men from the press. Formal acceptance > "May this Crusade, launched simultane- had been received from men in high official > ously on the Asiatic mainland, its neighbor- positions. The setting for this occasion was > ing islands and the Antipodes, under the di- charming and effective. > 32 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > For press and other public distribution the Maxwell, designer of the Shrine of the Btib, > Indian Assembly had published a brochure with eulogies by John Robarts, Ugo Gia- > quoting appreciations of the Faith written by chery and C. Mason Remey. Prayers were > eminent Indians, and reproducing many offered for the departed Hand of the Cause, > press notices of the Bahi'i Jubilee. Siegfried Schopflocher, of Montreal. > Moreover, the host Assembly found it Many of the Bahi'is visited the site se- > possible to present delegations of Bahi'is to lected for the future Temple outside New > three government leaders-the President of Delhi on a slope overlooking the city. > India, the Vice-President, and Prime Minis- This Conference terminated with the ob- > ter Nehru. servance of the mid-October Bahi'i Nine- > Much of the time during the sessions was teen Day Feast during the early evening of > devoted to filling the forty-one pioneer posts October 15, the date of the termination also > by volunteers and to contributing funds for of Holy Year. > the future construction of three Houses of After the New Delhi Conference Hands > Worship. In both realms the result was ex- of the Cause visited local Bahb'i communi- > cellent. It was announced that, aside from ties in India, Phkistbn, Burma, Ceylon and > delays in arranging visas, it appeared that all other countries of the Orient, by direction of > Asiatic virgin territories would soon be defi- the Guardian. Similar directions had been > nitely filled. Seventy-four Bahi'is offered received at the three previous Conferences, > their services as pioneers. A generous with the result that Hands of the Cause met > amount was raised or contributed toward the and addressed local Bahb'i communities in > cost of purchasing three Temple sites. The Africa, United States, Central and South > sessions brought out from a number of Ba- America, Canada and countries in Western > h9'is the personal story of their teaching work Europe. This action brought the new institu- > in the early days or, more recently, under con- tion closer to the body of BahB'is. > ditions of determined opposition. The very It was on her return home from India, > history of the Faith seemed to be repeated after weeks of travel and public teaching, > in the experience of these spiritual heroes. that Dorothy Baker met death when the air- > The Conference held a memorial meeting plane in which she was traveling exploded > in honor of the late William Sutherland and plunged into the Mediterranean Sea. > > EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE HOLY > LAND AND THE GROWTH O F T H E > INTERNATIONAL CENTER > > EMERGENCE of the Bahi'i world com- hundred year old Faith," not only inspired > munity in the years 1950-1954 into a con- the Bahi'is of the world but also gave con- > sciously functioning international organism fidence and hope to the new State, which, in > was given its impetus by developments ini- turn, showed its appreciation in many ways, > tiated by the Guardian of the Faith at its In- notably in the recognition of the historic > ternational Center in the Holy Land, in sites of the Faith as Bahi'i Holy Places, in > Haifa and 'Akk6 in Israel, "under the assistance with acquisition of new properties > shadow of the Mountain of God, Mt. Car- needed, and in increasing recognition of the > mel." status of the Faith and of its appointed > These developments at the International Head, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the > Center were inevitably associated, during BahB'i World Faith. > these years, with the development of the > rapidly emerging new State of Israel. The > spirit released by the erection of the Shrine > of the Bhb on Mt. Carmel, which the Guard- > ian termed an "enterprise transcending in Erection of the superstructure of the > sacredness any collective undertaking Sepulcher of the Bbb, the "shell designed to > launched in the course of the history of the preserve and adorn the original structure > Aerial view of the Shrine of the BCb, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel. > The building was completed in October, 1953. > > raised by 'Abdu'l-BahC as the Tomb of the of Bahi'is over all the world to contribute > Martyr Herald of our Faith," proceeded un- sacrificially toward the cost of this first of > interruptedly. Begun in 1948, the work on the Institutions at the International Center > the superstructure progressed from stage to of the Faith. > stage as successive contracts were signed by The new Government of Israel, struggling > the Guardian, or his representative in Italy, in its birth pangs, gave spontaneous expres- > Ugo Giachery, for the plans, the cutting and sion of its appreciation of the developments > carving of the marble in Italy and its ship- in the heart of the Holy Mountain, by per- > ment to Haifa, together with cement, steel, mitting the various kinds of material im- > wrought-iron railings, window-frames, until ported for the construction of the Shrine, to > the Shrine was finally completed five years enter tax free. The new Government even > later, in October, 1953, at a total cost of donated some cement at a crucial stage, > three-quarters of a million dollars. when it was itself feverishly erecting build- > By the Centenary Anniversary of the ings and housing for its new citizens. The In- > Martyrdom of the Bhb, in July, 1950, the ternational Bahi'i Council wrote of this gift: > "initial stage" of this "irresistibly advancing "One would have to be a resident of this > enterprise" was completed, and the Arcade country to realize just what that means." > with its Rose Baveno granite columns, its By Ridvhn of 1952 what the Guardian > curved and exquisitely carved corner panels called the "second crown," with its eight > of gleaming Chiampo stone, and the green majestic, minaret-like pinnacles gracing the > marble mosaic panel of the Greatest Name Octagon, was completed. As the next stage > in the north f a ~ a d e ,"the fairest gem set in of construction proceeded and the circular > the crown of the Arcade," gave breath-tak- Drum with its eighteen stained-glass win- > ing promise of what was yet to come. dows was erected, the third "crown"-the > It was the inspiring and unifying privilege brim of the Dome-was set in place by > Night view of the Sepulcher of the BBb on Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel, showing terraces and g > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 35 > > Naw-Ruz of 1953, to be followed by erec- the "avenue of the kings and monarchs of > tion of the Dome and the laying, during the earth." > Ridvin of 1953, of the first golden tiles > covering the two hundred and fifty square EXTENSIONOF INTERNATIONAL > ENDOW- > meter area of the Dome. On the ninth day MENTS > of the ninetieth Anniversary of the Ridvin > Festival the Guardian, with his own hands, BahL'i International Endowments have > reverently placed a fragment from the plas- been rapidly extended at the World Center > ter ceiling of the Biib's prison cell in the of the Faith through the purchase of proper- > castle of Mih-Kii beneath one of the gilded ties on the slopes of Mt. Carmel, until as of > tiles of the Dome of this beautiful Shrine. April, 1954, they cover a total area of over > Erection of the final unit, the stone lan- three hundred and fifty thousand square > tern, coincided with the closing of the Holy meters, valued at approximately four million > Year (October, 1953), associated with the dollars. > Centenary of the birth of the Mission of The Guardian pointed out in a cable dated > Bahb'u'llih. (For further details on the erec- April 3, 1952, that the "historic process" of > tion of the Shrine of the Bib, see Section establishment of international BahL'i en- > VI.) dowments on Mt. Carmel, "inevitably de- > The Guardian cabled to the Fourth Inter- layed" during the first fifty years of the > continental Teaching Conference in New Faith, was "initiated on the morrow of > Delhi in October, 1953: "(A) steadily BahB'u'llih's ascension" through the pur- > swelling throng (of) visitors (from) far chase of a limited number of plots during > (and) near, (on) many days exceeding (a) the lifetime of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in the immedi- > thousand, (is) flocking (the) gates leading ate area of the then newly erected Tomb of > (to the) Inner Sanctuary (of this) majestic the Bib. The process was "greatly accel- > mausoleum; paying homage (to the) erated" through the purchase of extensive > Queen of Carmel enthroned (on) God's properties after 'Abdu'l-Bahi's passing and > Mountain, crowned (in) glowing gold, is "now further reinforced." > robed (in) shimmering white, girdled (in) A twenty thousand square meter area, > emerald green, enchanting every eye from consisting of eighteen plots, was added in > air, sea, plain (and) hill." 1952 at a cost of one hundred eighteen thou- > During the erection of the Sepulcher of sand dollars, overlooking the resting-place > the Bib the Guardian had had the broad of the revered sister of 'Abdu'l-Bahi and the > terrace on which it rests extended toward eastern approaches to the Shrine of the Bib. > the east, adding three hundred and fifty Land extending from the heart of the Moun- > square meters in area, thus enhancing the tain to its ridge was also added, to safe- > "beauty and stateliness of the immediate guard the immediate precincts of the Shrine > surroundings" of the Shrine. and to provide for extension of the terraces > to the top of the Mountain above the Shrine, > as envisaged by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > In March, 1953, the Guardian announced > the acquisition, "after thirty years of effort, > In April, 1951, the Guardian added the of a wooded area of over twenty-three thou- > two lower terraces to the impressive road- sand square meters," made possible through > way leading, terrace by gardened terrace, the estate bequeathed to the Faith by Roy C. > from the city directly to the Shrine. With the Wilhelm. Acquisition of this property in- > addition of the two lower terraces and their creased "the total area within the precincts > beautification, the Guardian completed the permanently dedicated to the Bib's Sepul- > series of nine terraces "linking Haifa's oldest cher to almost a quarter million square me- > and most imposing avenue with the Bib's ters." Over one hundred thousand square > resting place majestically rising in the bosom meters of the land permanently dedicated to > of Carmel." Thus was fulfilled 'Abdu'l- the Shrine of the Bib are registered in the > BahB's "cherished desire" to connect the name of the Israel Branch of the National > Shrine with the German Templar colony at Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the > the foot of Mt. Carmel. The Guardian wrote United States of America. > the BahB'is of Persia and the Middle East A strip of land previously owned by Mrs. > that this roadway would become known as Farah Sprague, who had asked a fantastic > price for this property, when the Guardian many drawings of designs for a BahL'i > repeatedly tried to acquire it, and had finally House of Worship. In 1948 at the iilvitation > arbitrarily refused to sell it at all to the Ba- of the Guardian he went to Haifa to live and > hb'is, was expropriated on the recommenda- there, under the direction of the Guardian, > tion of the Mayor of Haifa. Arrangements has been working on the plans for the Tem- > were made with the Finance Minister of the ple to be built on Mt. Carmel. The com- > State of Israel through the Guardian's repre- pleted design, approved by the Guardian, > sentatives for purchase of the property for a and a model of this first BahL'i Temple for > small amount. It is now a part of the land the Holy Land, were exhibited at the Sec- > being prepared for the International Ar- ond Intercontinental Bahi'i Teaching Con- > chives building. ference in Chicago, Illinois, in May, 1953. > In the city of Haifa a piece of property The design provides a circular building, em- > facing both the House of 'Abdu'l-BahA and bellished with beautiful minaret-like spires, > the Western Pilgrim House was also ac- and has nine approaches through gardens. > quired, to be kept as a private open space. > The Guardian has had it planted with gar- > dens. > > In the development of the Bahb'i Inter- > national Center the first edifice "destined to > usher in the establishment of the World Ad- > When the Guardian announced, in OC- ministrative Center of the Faith" is the In- > tober, 1952, the tasks to be accomplished ternational BahB'i Archives. One of the > during the Ten-Year World Spiritual Cru- fundamental provisions of the Faith of > sade, one of the objectives at the World BahL'u'llAh is that there shall be not only > Center of the Faith was the acquisition of the aspect of worship and glorification of > land for the future Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hkLr on God but also the channel through which that > Mt. Carmel. A year later he announced that spirit thus engendered can flow out to the > a site had been selected and preliminary world through Bahi'i activities. The Admin- > steps taken toward the purchase of an area istrative Center provides that channel. > at the head of the Mountain of God. This The design for the International BahL'i > area, comprising approximately thirty-six Archives has been made by Charles Mason > thousand square meters is located "in close Rerney, carrying out suggestions of the > proximity to the Spot hallowed by the foot- Guardian of the Faith. It was first exhibited > steps of BahL'u'llAh, near the time-honored at the Fourth Intercontinental Conference > Cave of Elijah, and associated with the reve- at New Delhi, October, 1953. It calls for a > lation of the Tablet of Carmel, the Charter stately marble edifice, of pure classic Greek > of the World Spiritual and Administrative form, similar to the Parthenon in Athens, > Centers of the Faith on that mountain." having Ionic columns on each side. The > Funds amounting to over one hundred thou- building is to be erected on the slope of Mt. > sand dollars have been generously contrib- Carmel, at the west end of an arc which > uted by one of the Hands of the Cause re- circles from the main boulevard above the > siding in the Holy Land. resting places of the sister of 'Abdu'l-BahB > Forty years earlier 'Abdu'l-BahA had and His mother and brother. Again the mar- > written to Charles Mason Remey, well- ble work is being done in Italy, and shipped > known architect then living in Washington, > to Haifa, as for the Shrine of the BBb. > D.C., that his mission would be to design > the BahL'i House of Worship to be built on The World Administrative Center of the > Mt. Carmel. Mr. Remey had been studying BahL'i Faith, of which the International Ar- > architecture in Paris as a young man when chives is the first building, is, as the Guard- > he first heard of the Faith and since then ian points out, "the Ark referred to by > had made and exhibited internationally Bahb'u'llAh in the closing passages of His > > The circular cluster of cypress trees (foreground) is the spot visited by BahL'u'llAh, > from which He indicated the present site of the Shrine of the BAb and stated > that His Remains must be brought from Persia and placed there. > 38 T H E BAHA'I. W O R L D > > Tablet of Carmel." Addressing Mt. Carmel deemed the "hour now ripe to take long in- > Bahi'u'llih writes: "Ere long will God sail evitably deferred step." Appointment of the > His Ark upon thee, and will manifest the first contingent of the Hands of the Cause > people of BahL who have been mentioned in of God was made known in a cablegram > the Book of Names." from the Guardian dated December 24, > 1951, in which twelve were named, "equally > allocated Holy Land, Asiatic, American, > European continents." Those nominated > In order that Bahi'i properties on Mt. were : > Carmel may be safeguarded by being held in Holy Land: Sutherland Maxwell, Mason > the names of various National Spiritual As- Remey, Mrs. Amelia Collins. > semblies, Israel Branches of seven National Cradle of the Faith (Persia) : Valiyu'llih > Spiritual Assemblies are to be established, in VarqL, TarLzu'llLh Samandari, 'Ali-Akbar > addition to that of the National Spiritual As- Furbtan. > sembly of the BahL'is of the United States of American Continent: Horace Holley, > America, which has been in effect for many Dorothy Baker, Leroy Ioas. > years. As of April, 1954, four new Israel European Continent: George Townshend, > Branches had been legally established, Hermann Grossmann, Ugo Giachery. > formally recognized as Religious Societies by The number of the Hands of the Cause > the Israeli Civil Authority and empowered was raised to nineteen with the nomination > to hold unrestricted title to immovable prop- of seven additional, in the Guardian's cable- > erty in any part of the State of Israel, on be- gram of February 29, 1952: > half of their parent Assembly. Dominion of Canada: Fred Schopflocher. > The four new Israel Branches are those of United States of America: Mrs. Corinne > the National Spiritual Assemblies of the True. > BahB'is of the British Isles, of Persia, of Persia: Dhikru'lltih &hidem, S_hu'P'u'- > Canada, and of Australia. Through these 11Ph 'AlP'i. > bodies the National Spiritual Assembly con- Germany: Adelbert Miihlschlegel. > cerned has an interest in the property regis- Africa: M6sL BanPni. > tered in its name and could challenge, Australia: Mrs. Clara Dunn. > through its Government, any claims that In this cablegram the Guardian stated: > might be made by enemies of the Faith. "Members august body invested (in) con- > formity (with) 'Abdu'l-BahP's Testament, > twofold sacred function, (the) propagation > (and) preservation (of the) unity (of the) > Faith (of) BahP'u'llLh, (and) destined (to) > In December, 1951, the entire BahP'i assume individually (in the) course (of) > world was profoundly stirred and humbly time (the) direction (of) institutions paral- > grateful that the Guardian of the BahL'i leling those revolving around (the) Uni- > Faith felt the time had come in the unfold- versal House (of) Justice, (the) supreme > ment of the Faith to proclaim publicly the legislative body (of the) Bahl'i World, (are) > appointment of the first Hands of the Cause now recruited (from) all five Continents > to be named during their lifetime. Provi- (of) the globe (and) representative (of > sion for this Institution had been made by the) three principal world religions (of) > 'Abdu'l-BahP in His Testament, and Bahi'uY- mankind." > llPh had named a few devoted and dedicated On the death of Mr. Maxwell in March, > believers as Hands of the Cause, but hith- 1952, the Guardian cabled that the mantle > erto the designation by the Guardian of an of Hand of the Cause "now falls (upon the) > outstanding servant of the Faith as Hand of shoulders (of) his distinguished daughter, > the Cause had been made publicly only after Amatu'l-BahL Rbhiyyih, who (has) already > that person's death. rendered (and is) still rendering manifold > The Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi states that no less meritorious self-sacrificing services" > "the Hands of the Cause of God must be at the World Center of the Faith. > nominated and appointed by the Guardian A sixth Hand of the Cause for Persia was > of the Cause of God. All must be under his named by the Guardian on December 7, > shadow and obey his command." 1953, with the appointment of JalLl K-hizeh. > The first Guardian of the Cause of God And Paul Haney of the United States was > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 39 > > Manesmann pipes placed > prior to erection, within > the recently cast re- > inforced concrete work > which constitutes the sup- > port for the superstruc- > ture of the Bgb's Shrine. > > Erection of the cement > ceiling of the octagon of > the Shrine, January- > February, 1952. > > One of the completed > pinnacles of the octagon, > March, 1952. > 40 T H E BAHA'I. W O R L D > > nominated Hand of the Cause in the Guard- cution" of the twelve projected National > ian's cable of March 19, 1954. Mr. Schop- teaching plans. > flocher of Canada passed away in July, The five auxiliary Boards appointed by the > 1953, and Mrs. Dorothy Baker of the fifteen Hands of the Cause were announced > United States had been killed in an airplane as follows: > accident in January, 1954. African: > Four of the Hands of the Cause serve in > Haifa at the World Center-Amatu'l-Bahi John Allen > RGhiyyih Khanum, Mason Remey, Mrs. Miss Elsie Austin > Amelia Collins, and Leroy Ioas. 'Ali Nakbjavini > In the Guardian's cablegram to the Hands Jal61 Nak_hjavini > of the Cause and the National Spiritual As- John Robarts > semblies, dated April 6, 1954, he acknowl- William Sears > Muhammad Mustafa Soleirnan > edged the services of the Hands of the Cause > in the Holy Land in the erection of the Bib's Valerie Wilson > Sepulcher on Mt. Camel, in the reinforce- 'Aziz Yazdi > ment of ties with the newly emerged State American: > of Israel, in extension of BahL'i International Canada: Rowland Estall > Endowments in the Holy Land, in the initia- Central America: Esteban Canales > tion of preliminary measures, for the estab- South America: Mrs. Gayle Woolson, > lishment of the BahL'i International Admin- Mrs. Margot Worley > istrative Center, and in the participation of United States and inter-America: > these Hands of the Cause in the four succes- William de Forge > sive Intercontinental BahL'i Teaching Con- Mrs. Margery McCormick > ferences and their subsequent travels in the Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin > five continents. Mrs. Florence Mayberry > Dr. Sarah Pereira > Asiatic: > In the unfoldment of the Institution of the Miss Agnes Alexander > Hands of the Cause the Guardian instructed Mrs. Elena Marsella Fernie > the fifteen Hands of the Cause outside the Abul Qasim Faizi > Holy Land to appoint, during Ridvin 1954, Abbas Ali Butt > "by virtue of their supreme function as Carl A. Scherer > chosen instruments for the propagation of Daoud Toeg > the Faith," five auxiliary Boards, one for Kazem Kazemzadeh > each of the five continents. This body of the Australian: > Hands of the Cause was, in the Guardian's H. C. Featherstone > words, "now entering (the) second phase Miss Thelma Perks > (of) its evolution signalized (by) forging > (of) ties (with the) National Spiritual As- European: > semblies (of the) Bahi'i world (for the) Mrs. Marion Hofman > purpose (of) lending them assistance (in) Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby > attaining (the) objectives (of the) Ten Year Eugen Schmidt > Plan." Mrs. Anna Grossmann > The task of the auxiliary Boards was to Louis Henuzet > "increasingly lend (their) assistance (for Joel Marengella > the) promotion (of the) interests (of the) Miss Elsa Steinmetz > Ten-Year Crusade." Their function was to Mrs. Angeline Giachery > act "as deputies, assistants and advisers of Mrs. Tove Deleuran > the Hands," "working in conjunction" with > the National Spiritual Assemblies on each > continent. Their duties had been defined by > the Guardian in his cablegram of October 8, > 1952, launching the World Crusade: to "as- In January, 1951, the Guardian made > sist, through periodic systematic visits (to) known to the National Spiritual Assem.blies > BahL'i centers (in the) efficient, prompt exe- of East and West his "weighty epoch-making > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 41 > > decision" to form the first International the Faith has been the acquisition and em- > Bahfi Council, as a forerunner of the Uni- bellishment of the land surrounding the > versal House of Justice "destined to emerge Shrine of Bahi'u'llbh at Bahji, on the plain > in the fullness of time" at the International outside of 'Akkb. After two-year-long nego- > Center of the Faith, "the midmost heart of tiations the Guardian announced on Novem- > the entire planet." He referred to the Inter- ber 12, 1952, that a contract had been > national Council as an "embryonic Interna- signed whereby about one hundred sixty > tional Institution," stating that it will evolve thousand square meters of land (forty acres) > into an officially recognized Bahfi Court, in the immediate area of the Shrine were to > be transformed into a "duly elected body" be transferred by the Israeli Government to > and reach its efflorescence finally as the Uni- BahL'i ownership. Thus the Guardian was > versal House of Justice. He outlined its able to begin carrying out his longing to > threefold function: (1) to forge a link with beautify the entire surroundings of the > authorities of the newly emerged State of Tomb of the Founder of the Bahf i Faith. > Israel, (2) to assist the Guardian in the erec- This property, equal in extent almost to > tion of the Shrine of the Bbb, and ( 3 ) to "the entire Bahi'i international endowments > conduct negotiations related to matters pav- purchased in the course of sixty years in the > ing the way for the formation of the BahL'i vicinity of the Bbb's Sepulcher," had come > Court. into the hands of the Israeli Government be- > The Guardian appointed the following cause of the precipitate flight of the former > members of the International Bahi'i Coun- Arab owners. The Government of Israel was > cil : willing to arrange for its exchange for prop- > Amatu'l-Bahb RGhiyyih Khbnum, as liai- erty which was Iocated in a strategic area, > son between himself and the Council owned by BahL'is who offered to donate > Charles Mason Remey, president their property for the purpose of the ex- > Mrs. Amelia Collins, vice-president change. The dramatic event was heightened > Ugo Giachery, member-at-large by the fact that the property in the Bahji > Leroy Ioas, secretary-general area now being acquired by the Bahfis had > Jessie Revell, treasurer formerly been owned by Arab supporters of > Ethel Revell, Western assistant secretary old Covenant-breakers and descendents of > Lotfullah Hakim, Eastern assistant secre- the notorious enemy of 'Abdu'l-Bahb who > tary. had placed his residence at the disposal of > Two comprehensive letters have been re- the Turkish Committee of Investigation sent > ceived from the International BahL'i Coun- to interrogate 'Abdu'l-Bahb just prior to > cil by the National Spiritual Assembly of the overthrow of the Caliphate in 1908. The > BahL'is of the United States, which are in- area donated for exchange, on the other > cluded in Part Two, Section I, of this vol- hand, was property belonging to the grand- > ume. These letters serve to keep the Bahf is children of Mirzb Muhammad-Quli, Bah2- > informed of interesting events connected u'llbh's faithful half-brother and companion > with the progressive developments at the In- in exile. > ternational Center of the Faith, which have The Guardian's cable announced that the > been announced by the Guardian. contract was signed on the one hundred > Assistance of the members of this Coun- thirty-fifth anniversary of the birth of BahP- > cil has been repeatedly acknowledged by the u'llkh. Transfer of the Bahji property was > Guardian in the work at the International arranged by the Development Authority of > BahL'i Center, in the erection of the Shrine Israel to be registered under the name of the > of the Bbb, in contacts which members of Israel Branch of the National Spiritual As- > the Council have made with Government sembly of the BahB'is of the United States of > and religious authorities of the State of Is- America. > rael, in widening the understanding of the The International Council wrote: "The > Faith and its spiritual influence in the world. magnitude of this historic event is difficult > to understand at this time." > Immediately the Guardian began laying > out gardens to beautify the area around the > Sepulcher of BahL'u'llbh, "the Qiblih of the > One of the most astounding and miracu- ~ a h d ' iworld." Laid out in the form of a > lous developments at the World Center of semi-circle around the Shrine, with a radius > 42 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > of 110 meters, the gardens, "sprung from Ilkh's House in 'AkkL, exempt from taxa- > the dust," are decorated with white Carrara tion. Thus the status of the Mansion of Bahji > marble vases and ornaments, with decorative changed from a personal residence to a > lamp posts and beautiful wrought-iron gates beautiful Museum and Pilgrim House for > flecked with gold, on graceful pebbled paths the Bahh'is. > leading to the Shrine. The International By 1951 there remained still a small one- > Council wrote of these developments: story building adjacent to the Tomb of > "Lo! like a dream they [the gardens] BahB'u'llLh whose roof had caved in and > spread before the eyes of the BahL'is. In- whose walls were crumbling. As Custodian > deed the Arab laborers would quote to each of the Bahi'i Holy Places the Guardian con- > other an old saying: 'The ring of Solomon sidered its presence detrimental to the dig- > has been found!'-which stems from a tradi- nity of the approach to the Shrine of Bahi'- > tion that the king lost his ring, and that who- u7116h, and in December, 1951, he ordered > ever found it and turned it on his finger- it demolished. Before his order could be car- > whatever he wished for would materialize ried out, however, an order was issued from > instantly." the Haifa court to prevent this action, at the > In order to embellish the area immediately instigation of the Covenant-breakers, urged > adjacent to the Tomb of Bahb'u'llLh, the on by Majdi'd-Din, who was nearly one hun- > Guardian had, in years past, removed some dred years old, miserably paralyzed and still > piles of ruined buildings and had completely living in an adjacent building. After a legal > renovated the Mansion of Bahji, where suit, described in a subsequent section of this > BahB'uYll&hwas living when He ascended in Survey, the case was settled as a complete > 1892, and where Muhammad-'Ali, "Arch victory for the Bahi'is, upholding the au- > Covenant-breaker of Bahh'u'llbh's Testa- thority of the Guardian of the Bahh'i World > ment," had been permitted to live with his Faith. > family, while 'Abdu'l-Bahg and His family Within forty-eight hours after settlement > were still living in 'Akki. By 1932 the roof of this case, in which title to the house OC- > of the Bahji Mansion was caving in through cupied by Muhammad-'Ali was also cleared > neglect of the property by the then inhabit- and included in the settlement, the ruins > ant, Muhammad-'Ali, who claimed to have were removed "in a blast of joy" and within > no funds to repair the damage. The Guard- one week gardens had appeared as if by > ian, who felt that such a condition was not magic, with pebbled paths, marble orna- > only a disgrace to the memory of Bahh'u'- ments, peacocks, eagles, cypress trees, and > Ilgh but was a responsibility of the BahB'is beautiful wrought-iron gates. > to repair, prevailed upon Muhammad-'Ali > to move with his familv to an adiacent > building. The Guardian ;hen rest&& the > Mansion, with great care, to its original Within these gardens, immediately adja- > beauty, for it was an exquisite oriental pal- cent to the Tomb of Bahi'u'llbh, the Guard- > ace built by a wealthy resident of 'AkkL ian has created an "outer sanctua~y"which > during the time of BahCu'llih's incarcera- he has termed the Haram-i-Aqdas, or Most > tion in the prison city and deserted when a Holy Court. H e has stated that in the future > pestilence struck the area. After the Guard- a "magnificent Mausoleum" will be erected > ian had renovated the entire building, re- in its heart. He cabled, February 9, 1953: > storing even the original delicate mural dec- "(The) striking enhancement (of the) > orations on the walls, he lined the rooms beauty (and) stateliness (of the) most holy > with cases containing original Writings of spot (in the) BahB'i world constitutes (a) > BahC'u'llBh, books and pictures of priceless befitting tribute (to the) memory (of the) > historical value, and placed in Bahh'u'llWs Founder (of the) Faith, within (the) hal- > own room original relics associated with His lowed area adjacent (to) His resting-place, > stay there. The Guardian then invited the (on the) occasion (of the) Centenary Cele- > British District Commissioner to inspect the brations (of the) birth (of) His glorious > Mansion with him. The Commissioner was Mission." > so impressed that he agreed to ask the High > Commissioner to include it as a BahL'i Holy > Place, making it, as were the Shrines of On December 25, 1951, a cablegram from > BahL'u'llhh and of the Bkb, and BahL'uY- the Guardian was received by all National > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES > > A corner of the Bbb's Shrine with two pinnacles of the octagon > completed and the wrought-iron gilded railing in position. > > Spiritual Assemblies which brought untold sion of Bahb'u'llbh at Bahji, His cell in the > joy to thousands of Bahb'is the world over. prison of 'Akkb is visited, as well as > It announced "restrictions on pilgrimage be- the House in 'Akkb where He revealed the > ing gradually removed." Not since the war, Kitdb-i-Aqdas and the House where lived > ten years before, had it been possible for 'Abdu'l-BahL and Bahiyyih Khinum, His > BahB'is to fulfill the longing of their hearts revered sister; also visited are the peaceful > to visit the Holy Shrines and be privileged Garden of RidvLn and the Garden of Fir- > to meet the Guardian of the Faith in person. daws, where Bah&'u'llbh often went, and the > Within four months one hundred Bahb'is International Archives, where priceless relics > from.East and West had been permitted this and treasures are viewed. > privilege. Their visits were necessarily re- The Guardian has pointed out that the pil- > stricted to nine days, owing to limited ac- grims constitute the stream of life blood > commodations in the two Pilgrim Houses, so flowing in and out of the great heart of the > that as many as possible could be received as Faith. As direct result of the inspiration re- > the Guardian's guests. During this pilgrim- ceived, many Bahb'is have pioneered to dis- > age the Shrine of Bahb'u'llbh at Bahji and tant countries and islands of the world, > the Shrine of the Bbb on Mt. Carmel are carrying the Teachings of Bah6'u711Lhto im- > visited, a night at least is spent in the Man- portant goals of the Ten-Year Crusade. > 44 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > possible for all BahB'i pilgrims to visit this > scene of His great suffering and to pray > The Mansion of Mazra'ih, in the country there. > a few miles north of 'AkkL, where Bahi'u'- Presentation of this room to the Bahi'is > llLh first lived after leaving the prison city, came about without any request having been > has become a BahL'i Holy Place to be visited made on their part, according to a letter > by Bah6'i pilgrims., because of the gracious from the International Council. The mem- > intervention of the Prime Minister of Israel, bers of the Council were simply informed > Mr. Ben-Gurion. Mazra'ih was formerly the one day in 1951 by the Government Physi- > residence of a wealthy Arab PLs_hL, which cian in charge of the hospital into which this > 'Abdu'l-BahL had rented and prepared for fortress prison has now been converted, that > BahL'u'llLh so that He might be surrounded he wished to deliver the keys of BahB'u'ULWs > by the verdure He loved after His nine years room, as it had been set aside for the Ba- > of confinement within the prison and the hi'is. The room has been marked with a dig- > prison city. The Mansion had since become nified plaque over the entrance. It is a large > a Muslim religious endowment but by ar- corner room, on the top floor of the fortress > rangements made, at the Prime Minister's prison, with high, small, deeply recessed > suggestion, through the Minister of Religions windows and bare stone floor. > it is now rtnted to the BahL'is. The Guard- Bahi'u'llLh wrote, as cited by the Guard- > ian had it attractively and simply furnished ian: "Blessed the man that hath visited > in December, 1950, "in anticipation" of 'AkkL, and blessed he that hath visited the > opening the door of pilgrimage. visitor of 'Akki." "He that raiseth therein > the call to prayer, his voice will be lifted up > unto Paradise." > > large House ;here ~ahku'llLhlived after > His confinement in the prison itself, and The Guardian has frequently referred, in > where He revealed the Kitdb-i-Aqdas in his messages to the National Assemblies, to > which are "preserved for posterity the basic the cordial relations existing between the > laws and ordinances on which the fabric of State of Israel and the International Center > His future World Order must rest." Later of the Faith. He has expressed his deep ap- > Bahi'u'llLh moved to Mazra'ih and 'Abdu'l- preciation of the assistance given by the > BahL and His family remained for a time in Prime Minister, Mr. Ben-Gurion, and the > the House in 'AkkL. Ministries of the Government in various > The House of Bahi'u'llLh in 'AkkL, now ways. Some of these have already been al- > a Bahi'i Holy Place, was completely reno- luded to, in connection with the construc- > vated and furnished by the Guardian, except tion of the Shrine of the BLb and the desig- > that the room of 'Abdu'l-BahL, where the nation of historical sites of the Faith as > Aqdas was revealed, has been left exactly as Bahi'i Holy Places. > it was. This House is now visited by a Of vital importance has been the increas- > "steadily swelling number of visitors, both ing evidence of greater and deeper under- > local and foreign." standing of what the BahL'i Faith is and > It is of interest to recall that the Guardian, what it stands for. Contacts by members of > in his God Passes By, terms the Kitdb-i- the International Bahi'i Council with the de- > Aqdas "the Charter of the future world civil- partments of the Government, both State > ization," and points out that David referred and local, and with many Cabinet officials, > to 'AkkL as the "strong city" and Hosea have done much to help in establishing and > called it "a door of hope." maintaining these cordial relations. > A reception given by the International > Council at the Mansion of Bah2u7ll5h at > Bahji was one of the first steps taken to es- > tablish friendly understanding. It was at- > The placing of the room occupied by tended by Government officials, Consuls, > Bahl'u'llLh in the fortress prison of 'Akkb representatives from the Ministry of Reli- > under the control of the BahVis is another gions in Jerusalem and by many friends and > dramatic occurrence, one which has made it acquaintances. Greetings have been ex- > C U R R E N T B A HA'f A C T I V I T I E S 45 > > tended to the Bahi'is, in turn, by means of wrought silver-bound volume with colored > Israeli radio broadcasts on special BahL'i views of the BahL'i Holy Places in Israel, > Feast Days, such as Naw-Rilz and Ridvin. both at Bahji and on Mt. Carmel, was pre- > Bahb'i books have been placed in the library sented to the President as a memento of the > of the Ministry of Religions and presented to occasion. > the Minister himself, who is a profound stu- "The party then left for the gardens and > dent of religions, at his request. Shrines. The Guardian took his honored > The importance of the fact that the Inter- guests through the gardens fragrant with the > national Center of the Bahb'i World Faith is perfume of roses, lilies and the many flowers > in Israel is being more and more realized by in bloom, showing them the view over Haifa > authorities of both the State Government with 'Akkb in the distance to the north. > and the cities of Haifa and 'Akki. Many Then he escorted them to the Holy Shrines. > Cabinet officials have visited the Shrine of "The President and Mrs. Ben-Zvi were > Bahb'u'llih, the Shrine of the Bib, the Man- greatly impressed with the atmosphere of the > sion of Bahji, and the Bahb'i Gardens in sacred precincts, commented at length on > 'Akki and on Mt. Carmel. the glory of the Shrine of the Bib and the > gardens, which they recognized as the most > VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT > OF ISRAEL beautiful in Israel. > "On leaving, the President expressed his > On April 26, 1954, the extent of these appreciation of the hospitality shown by the > growing cordial relations between the State Guardian and of the work which the Bahb'is > of Israel and the International Center of the are doing in Israel. He extended his best > Faith was evidenced when His Excellency wishes for the success of the BahB'i com- > the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Iz- munity, not only in Israel, but throughout > hak Ben-Zvi, and Mrs. Ben-Zvi, officially the world. > visited the Shrine of the Bib and of 'Abdu'l- "The preliminary steps leading to this his- > Bahi on Mt. Carmel, and called upon the toric visit may be of interest. In January the > Guardian of the Bahb'i Faith, in response to President, Vice-President and Secretary- > an invitation tendered earlier by the Guard- General of the International Bahb'i Council > ian. This was the first time in BahCi history asked permission to call on the President of > that the Head of a sovereign independent the State of Israel to greet him officially. The > State had officially visited the Shrine and latter received them on February first. It was > called on the Head of the Bahb'i World during that visit that the President expressed > Faith. The Secretary-General of the Interna- the wish to visit His Eminence, the Guard- > tional Bahb'i Council describes this event, as ian of the Faith and the Shrine and gardens > follows : on Mt. Carmel. Subsequently, the Guardian > "On that historic day the President and extended a cordial invitation to the Presi- > the Secretary-General of the International dent, which was accepted for April 26." > Bahb'i Council were received by the Presi- > dent of the State of Israel and Mrs. Ben-Zvi > in their suite at the Megiddo Hotel in Haifa > at nine in the morning. After visiting a few > minutes, the party left by auto for the home Evidence of the official recognition of the > of Shoghi Effendi. Bahii'i Faith as an independent world re- > "The Guardian and R6hiyyih Khinum ligion by the Jewish authorities has been > warmly received the President and Mrs. witnessed by exemption of BahB'i properties > Ben-Zvi, surrounding them with gracious from all taxation, both State and local. This > hospitality. During the friendly and informal exemption is especially noteworthy in a > discussion which followed, Shoghi Effendi growing new State, stniggling to maintain > outlined the aims and purposes of the Faith, and further its own development. The ex- > the love and friendliness of the Bahb'is for emption includes the properties of the > Israel, and their hope and prayer for the Shrines of Bahii'u'llih and of the Bib, the > success of the State. The President recalled International Archives (at present in two > a visit with 'Abdu'l-Bahi some years ago in separate locations), the two Mansions of > Bahji, when he and Mrs. Ben-Zvi were mak- Bahi'u'llih (Bahji and Mazra'ih) , the > ing a tour of the country. Persian tea and House in 'AkkL where BahB'u'llih lived > sweets were served. A beautiful hand- when He revealed the Aqdas and the House > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Finishing the molds for beams of the great "star" foundation. > Note that the molds for the beams interlock; beams when > poured are six feet deep. (See drawing, page 245.) > > in Haifa where 'Abdu'l-Bah&lived when He places of the Greatest Holy Leaf and her > passed away. Objects received for these kinsmen. As the Guardian wrote in his let- > properties are also exempted from taxation. ter of March 29, 1951: "All these establish, > Other evidence of official recognition of beyond the shadow of doubt, the high status > the Bahi'i Faith has been given in various enjoyed by the international institutions of > ways : a World Faith, in the eyes of a new-born > A BahL'i marriage certificate has been ac- State." > cepted and registered by the District Com- Furthermore, a circular issued to all > missioner of Haifa. schools by the Ministry of Education and > A Bahi'i Department has been established Culture provides for the excusing of Bahi'i > under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. children from school attendance on Bahi'i > Goods consigned to the Bahi'i Commu- Holy Days. This action was unsolicited by > nity have been exempted from all customs the BahB'is and provides yet further evidence > duties. This important evidence of official of the official recognition of the Bahl'i > recognition has come about through the Faith. > good offices of the Minister of Finance, and > has included all material imported for the LEGALCASEWONBY THE B A H ~ ' ~ s > construction of the Shrine of the Bkb. The > exemption also includes material imported The legal case brought by the Covenant- > for beautification of the Gardens and all breakers in December, 1951, in connection > furniture for the Bahi'i Holy Places. It has with the ruined house adjacent to the Tomb > been extended to include material for all in- of Bahi'u'llkh, referred to under "Acquisi- > ternational endowments surrounding the tion and Embellishment of Land Surround- > Shrine on Mt. Carmel from the ridge of the ing the Shrine of Bahi'u'llih," was started > Mountain to the Templar Colony at its foot, in the civil court of Haifa as a suit against > and for the immediate vicinity of the resting- the Guardian of the Faith, to restrain him > The great star-shaped reinforced concrete foundation of the > octagon of the Bib's Shrine. > T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > from removing some unsightly ruins. As dropped or settled out of court, but it con- > Custodian of Bahi'i Holy Places and as un- tinued, as if providentially, until it reached > disputed possessor of the building concerned the Office of the Prime minister himself, > for over thirty years, the Guardian con- through whose intervention it was settled. > sidered he was free to order their removal. Meanwhile, as the International Council > The Covenant-breakers, however, led by points out, the high-ranking officials of the > Mrs. Musa Bahi'i, daughter of a brother of Foreign Office, of the Ministry of Religions, > Maammad-'Ali, refused every reasonable of the Attorney-General's Office and of the > solution offered by the lawyers and repre- Prime Minister's Office have become well > sentatives of the Guardian, so that it became aware that "the BahL'i Faith is united under > obvious that those who had brought the suit the leadership of its legitimate Guardian and > wished no settlement but only to prolong the that he is the true Custodian of the Bahi'i > existing situation. When the Covenant- Holy Places." > breakers had the audacity to summon the > Head of the Faith to court as witness, the > Guardian appealed to the Government to lift > the matter entirely out of the jurisdiction of > the civil court. The Attorney-General then, The termination of the legal action > instructed by the Minister of Religions, in- brought against the Guardian of the Bahi'i > formed the head of the Haifa court that ac- Faith was but another indication of the de- > cording to a Statute in existence since 1924 clining fortunes of the Covenant-breakers. > the case was not one to be tried in a civil The Guardian cabled on June 11, 1952, a > court but was a religious matter. "double announcement" to the BahL'i world: > To the astonishment of all, however, the "(The) rapid progress (of the) enterprise > lawyer for the Covenant-breakers challenged majestically unfolding (in the) heart (of) > the order of the Attorney-General and ap- God's Holy Mountain, (and the) steady de- > pealed the case to the Supreme Court. Inter- cline (in the) fortunes (of the) remnant > views were being constantly held with the (of) old Covenant-breakers still defiantly > higher authorities in Jerusalem by the challenging (the) combined strength (of > Guardian's representatives, three Hands of the) BahB'i world community." As a result > the Cause, as well as through lawyers of the of this "short-sighted action" on the part of > respective parties to the suit, without any a handful of enemies of the Faith, long- > progress being made. standing privileges which had been extended > At this point the Guardian transmitted an to the Covenant-breakers for sixty years > appeal to the Prime Minister. This brought were "irretrievably" curtailed. > immediate solution, as the representative of Other attempts of the enemies of the > the Prime Minister informed the Covenant- Faith to indefinitely delay the completion of > breakers that any further litigation they the nine terraces leading to the Shrine of the > wished to carry on would be against the Bkb from the city of Haifa had been frus- > Government. If they wished to do that, they trated early in 1951. > could. The case and the appeal were dropped "God's avenging wrath" had removed, > at once. early in April, 1952, the son of Siyyid 'Ali, > For six months, the Covenant-breakers Nayer Afnin, who was to have been a star > had apparently tried to restrain the Guard- witness for the Covenant-breakers in the > ian from embellishing the precincts of the lawsuit brought to challenge the authority > Tomb of Bahii'u'llkh. During that interval, conferred upon the Guardian in 'Abdu'l- > however, they had revealed, to higher and Bahii's Testament, by virtue of which he is > higher departments of the Government, that Custodian of Bahi'i Holy Places. > their real objective was not concerned with A few months later, in December, 1953, > the ruins in question but with an insidious the Guardian cabled that three others of the > plan to obtain possession of a key to the few remaining who had shown faithlessness > Holy Shrine, so that they could represent to 'Abdu'l-BahB had been struck down- > themselves as "joint custodian" with the Avarih in Persia, Fareed in the United > Guardian, and to secure rooms in the Man- States, and Falah in Turkey. The Guardian > sion of Bahji itself. During this period of stated: "All three, however blinded (by) > litigation it often seemed, the International perversity, could not have failed (to) per- > Council has stated, that the case would be ceive, as (their) infamous careers ap- > proached (their) end, (the) futility (of tivities (of the) recently concluded Holy > their) opposition, (the) measure (of their) Year." > own loss (and the) degree (of) progress As 'Abdu'l-Bahb has written: "Firmness > (and) consolidation (of the) triumphant in the Covenant will preserve the unity of > Administrative order (so) magnificently the religion of God and the foundation of > celebrated (in the) course (of the) fes- the religion of God will not be shaken." > > REGIONAL AND NATIONAL TEACHING > CONFERENCES > > T H E year 1946 marked the beginning of a years ago, supplicating (that) holy souls be > new stage in the expansion of the BahL'i raised up (to) promulgate the Faith (in) > Faith through the launching of a Seven- northern lands." > Year Plan during which the American At the Conference was first inaugurated > Bahb'is were to establish BahL'i communities the type of BahL'i summer school which > in ten countries of Western Europe. henceforth would follow each summer con- > During the first two years of that period, ference. Besides prolonging the sessions of > the activities consisted chiefly of placing the Conference, the program of the school > BahL'i settlers under the direction of the was designed to stimulate the spirit of Bahi'i > European Teaching Committee in at least fellowship, to deepen the understanding on > one key city in each country. This under- the part of the Bahi'is in the fundamental > taking, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the spiritual and administrative principles of > BahL'i Faith, referred to as "the opening the Faith and to fix the pattern of future > phase of the spiritual conquest of the old independent national summer schools in the > world under the divinely conceived plan" ten goal countries. > entrusted to the American BahL'i Commnu- > nity by 'Abdu'l-Bahb thirty years before. > So rapidly did the teaching work of the > pioneers proceed that in May, 1948, it was Ziirich, Switzerland, was the scene of the > possible to assemble ninety-two believers in second All-Swiss Conference, November 18 > Geneva, Switzerland, from all ten goal corn- and 19, 1950, with an attendance of eighty, > tries for the first BahL'i European Teaching including five BahPis from Germany and > Conference. The results of this first confer- two United States pioneers from Luxem- > ence were so successf~~l in terms of inspira- bourg. The primary purpose of this meeting > tion, planning and developing appropriate was to consolidate and expand the teaching > teaching techniques, that similar conferences plans within Switzerland itself and to relate > were held annually to 1952, each one of them to the prosecution of the seven points > which was acclaimed by the Guardian as of endeavor listed by Shoghi Effendi in his > "leaving an indelible imprint on the annals cablegram to the Copenhagen Conference. > of the second stage of the evolution of 'Ab- These were: rapid increase in membership, > du'l-BahL's Divine Plan." effective promotion of extension teaching > work, consolidation of all administrative > agencies, energetic dissemination of BahL'i > literature, closer collaboration with sister > The first such conference in the period communities in the European continent, > covered by this volume ( 1950-1954) took greater awareness of the inescapable respon- > place in Elsinore, near Copenhagen, Den- sibilities and deeper understanding of the > mark, July 24-30, 1950, with an attendance verities of BahL'u'llhh's Revelation, of His > of one hundred seventy-seven BahCis repre- Covenant and World Order, and above all, > senting twenty-two countries. The greeting "constant daily effort aiming at the enrich- > from Shoghi Effendi to the gathering hailed ment of the spiritual life of the individual," > it as the "first evidence (of the) answer (to the sole foundation whereupon the stability > the) prayer (of the) Center (of the) Cove- of the structure of every BahL'i administra- > nant voiced (in) His Tablet over thirty tive edifice must depend. > 50 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > In his cablegram of April 25, 1951, enu- ing sovereign states (of) Europe and, God > merating to the American National Bahi'i willing, reaching beyond its borders as far > Convention the accomplishments of the fifth as (the) heart (of the) Asiatic continent." > year of the Second Seven-Year Plan, Shoghi Thus opened still another stage in the > Effendi mentioned this second All-Swiss evolution of the Bahi'i World Community > Conference as "foreshadowing (the) closer --one of "regional cooperation," through > integration (of the) ten goal countries (of the five groupings of Bahi'i communities > the) European continent through (the) already forming, namely, in the Scandina- > eventual formation (of) regional National vian countries where the plan was already in > Assemblies (in) Scandinavia, (the) Benelux operation, in the Benelux countries, the > countries, Switzerland (and) Italian and Iberian peninsula, and in Italy and Switzer- > Iberian peninsulas." land. > Confident of divine assistance, the dele- > gates at this conference enthusiastically as- > sumed another goal which was to become > The fourth European Teaching Confer- the culminating achievement of the Seven- > ence took place in Scheviningen in Holland, Year Plan-the formation of at least one > on the outskirts of The Hague, August 31 regional National Spiritual Assembly by > to September 4, 1951, attended by one hun- 1953. Furthermore, plans were made for > dred forty representatives from twenty-two participation in the forthcoming Intercon- > countries. This city was to produce the sec- tinental Teaching Conference in Stockholm > ond local Spiritual Assembly in that country which was soon to open the way for the > eight months later, harvest from the initial gradual introduction of the Faith in the re- > seed sown there by the Hand of 'Abdu'l- maining sovereign states in the European > Bah6 when He addressed a Tablet to the continent, and in the neighboring islands > Central Organization for Durable Peace of the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the > which met in The Hague in 1919, calling North Sea. > the attention of the representatives of the > nations gathered there to Bahg'u'll6h's plan > for universal peace. > The Guardian's message to the Schevinin- In order to launch the plan of regional co- > gen Conference referred to the range and operation immediately, Miss Edna True, > quality of the work already accomplished, chairman of the European Teaching Com- > the spirit demonstrated by the pioneers and mittee, and the American pioneers who had > the new Bahi'is, and the degree of maturity attended the Conference in Holland, pro- > attained in the greatly diversified, budding ceeded directly to Madrid, Spain, where > and virile communities of Europe "rightly they were joined by nine Spanish and Portu- > regarded (as the) first fruits (of the) op- guese Bahi'is, for the first Iberian Teaching > eration (of) 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Divine Plan (on Conference, September 14 to 16, 1951. > the) European continent." Though small and insignificant in num- > The message further enlarged the horizon ber, but armed with the promises of 'Abd- > of the believers and gave them a glimpse of u'l-Bah6, this little band resolved to demon- > the tasks that would follow upon the termi- strate to their fellow-countrymen how to dis- > nation of the remaining two years of the solve the barriers of prejudice that had > Second Seven-Year Plan. These, the Guard- existed traditionally between Spain and Por- > ian said, would include "(the) gradual for- tugal for generations. > mation (of) regional National Assemblies Before the three short days had ended, > (as) prelude (to the) emergence (of a ) they had initiated plans for the exchange of > separate National Assembly (in) each goal community bulletins and qualified teachers, > country as well as (the) launching (of) formed an Iberian Teaching Committee, > organized campaigns, in collaboration (with mapped out an extension teaching program > the) parent community (of the) great re- aimed at forming six new local Spiritual As- > public of the West (in) conjunction (with semblies, and established a fund for the work > the) long-standing, preeminent national at the World Center. > community [Germany] laboring (in the) The acceleration of the teaching work in > heart (of the) European continent, aiming all ten countries resulting from the various > (at the) spiritual conquest (of the) remain- conferences and summe; schools, and the > C U R R E N T B A H A'f A C T I V I T I E S 51 > > growing number of local Spiritual Assem- to elect nine members for "the twelfth pillar > blies and Bahi'i Groups in all Western Eu- of the Universal House of Justice." > rope, clearly indicated the necessity and Henceforth the European Teaching Com- > wisdom of developing the work along re- mittee concentrated its attention upon the > gional lines as called for by the Guardian. strengthening of the remaining eight coun- > With less than one year remaining in the tries that were to comprise the next National > Seven-Year Plan, the Geneva office of the Assemblies, plus the two (Finland and > European Teaching Committee became France) which the Guardian now also > the scene of intense activity, for from here placed under its jurisdiction. > the Committee directed preparations for no > less than six conferences in 1952 with the > respective regional teaching committees re- > sponsible for local arrangements. The first Benelux Regional Conference > was held in Brussels, Belgium, April 12 to > 14, 1952, with forty-seven representatives > from Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium. > The first of the series was the third All- Mr. J&Pdem, Hand of the Cause of God, > Swiss Conference in Bern, February 23 and brought news of the developments at the > 24, 1952, during which a Swiss National World Center of the Faith and of the ac- > Teaching Committee was formed, to which tivities in Persia and the various centers > the European Teaching Committee trans- he had already visited in Europe. The main > ferred major responsibility for the develop- theme of the Conference was: "Goals > ment and consolidation of new BahB'i com- Ahead," and special plans were made for the > munities within Switzerland. Fifth European Teaching Conference sched- > uled to take place in Luxembourg August > 30 to September 7 of that year. > > A month later, the first BahVi conference > ever to take place in Italy opened in Rome > on Naw-RGz Day (March 21), 1952. The The Conference in Luxembourg, the Eu- > presence of Mr. D_hikru'llPh KhLdem, Hand ropean Teaching Committee announced, was > of the Cause of God, from Persia, who had to be the last of the series of the European > been given a special mission by the Guard- Teaching Conferences. Each had indeed left > ian to visit all Bahi'i centers in Europe, to- "an indelible imprint" on the "evolution of > gether with Dr. Ugo Giachery, a Hand of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Divine Plan" in western Eu- > the Cause of God in Europe residing in rope. Here in this smallest of the ten goal > Rome, lent unusual historic significance to countries, the crossroads of culture and > this gathering. conquest for centuries, three Hands of the > Mr. KJhPdem told the seventy assembled Cause of God were present as the personal > friends about the map of the world on which representatives of the Guardian-Mr. KhL- > the Guardian had marked with large circles dem from Persia, Dr. Giachery from Italy > the areas of the earth's surface that would and Dr. Adelbert Miihlschlegel from Ger- > within the next decade form forty-eight new many. > National Spiritual Assemblies. The first of Reviewing the achievements of the Seven- > these new ones, which would be the twelfth, Year Plan which would draw to a close six > was to embrace Italy and Switzerland, months hence, the European Teaching Com- > chosen for this bounty and honor because mittee pointed out that at the beginning of > of the swift progress that had been made in the European campaign there was only a > the establishment of the Faith in that region. small handful of believers, but at this Con- > The area being thus defined for what was ference one hundred thirty-two Bahi'is from > to become the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual twenty-one countries had responded to the > Assembly in April, 1953, the Italian and roll call and had joined their hearts in prayer > Swiss BahB'is present at the Conference im- in twelve languages. > mediately mapped out plans for the election The Luxembourg meeting was followed > of nineteen delegates from centers in Italy by four more Regional Conferences, each > and Switzerland who would convene in convened in a city where intensive teaching > Florence during the following RidvPn period work had been started by the regional teach- > 52 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > ing committee for that particular grouping and its Regional Conferences of Non-Gov- > of countries. ernmental Organizations. > Between 1950 and 1954 accredited dele- > REGIONAL CONFERENCES gates and observers not only attended all the > conferences, but won recdpition for their > The first, the Iberian Conference, was > participation in the discussions, their serv- > held in Lisbon, Portugal, September 12 to > ices on working committees, and for the > 14, 1952, to carry forward the plans that > had been initiated for Spain and Portugal breadth of vision expressed in the several > the previous year. The next two were held resolutions which they offered. Accredited > representatives of the International Bahi'i > simultaneously, November 1 and 2, in Oslo > for the Scandinavian region of Norway, Community and delegates and observers > from the United Stares, joined by represen- > Sweden and Denmark, and in Antwerp for > the Benelux region of Belgium, Holland and tatives from other national BahB'i commu- > nities, met in Regional Conferences of Non- > Luxembourg. And finally, November 22 > and 23, another, the fourth All-Swiss Con- Governmental Organizations in Geneva, > Switzerland; Istanbul, Turkey; Managua, > ference, took place in Basel, Switzerland. > Nicaragua; Santiago, Chile; Den Passar, In- > In Base1 much planning was done for the > donesia; Paris, France; La Paz, Bolivia; Ma- > Bahi'i Convention to be held in Florence > nila, Philippine Islands; and Montevideo, > the following April for the formation of the > Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly, "a Uruguay, as well as annually in Lawrence, > Kansas, and in the International Non-Gov- > stepping-stone in the formation in the course > ernmental Conferences in New York, the > of the next decade of two independent Na- > home of the United Nations, and in Geneva, > tional Spiritual Assemblies." > Switzerland. > Although this was the concluding phase > Through personal association with dele- > of the Second Seven-Year Plan, the expan- > gates from other organizations, press inter- > sion of the Faith in Europe was to go for- > views, and invitations to speak about the > ward with even greater impetus as part of > Faith on the floor of the conferences, at > the World Crusade whose aim is the "spirit- > luncheons and other meetings, these repre- > ual conquest" of the entire planet. > sentatives have brought the Teachings of > ~ ~ pAR~lclpAT1oN > ~ 2 i uNITED > IN NATIONS BahL'u'116h concerniG World Order & the > CONFERENCES attention of the leaders in the cause of > peace in many countries and established the > While concentrating primary attention on recognition of the Bahi'i International Com- > Bahi'i conferences, the Bahi'i community munity as "an agency working for and firmly > continued to give encouragement and co- believing in the unification of the human > operation to meetings of the United Nations family and permanent peace." > > DEVELOPMENT OF T H E FAITH IN AFRICA > T H E ) hour (is) propitious (for the) defined the "preliminary steps" as "the for- > galvanized, firmly knit body (of) believers mation (of) nuclei (in) three of the depend- > (to) brace itself (to) embark . . . (on) yet encies (of the) British Crown, either (in) > another historic undertaking . . . designed East (or) West Africa" and the "translation, > (to) carry (the) torch (of the) Faith (to) publication (and) dissemination of BahCi > territories (of the) Dark Continent." literature . . . (in) three African languages > The cablegram from the Guardian to the (in) addition (to the) three already under- > National BahL'i Convention of the British taken." > Isles in April, 1950, from which these words On July 5 of the same year, the Guardian > are quoted, set the stage for an intensive called upon the American BahL'i commu- > teaching campaign in a vast continent where nity to "lend valued assistance (to the) > only the northern shores and southern tip meritorious enterprise" and he appealed > had previously been touched by the Light "particularly (to) its dearly-beloved mem- > of the Teachings of Bahi'u'llih. bers belonging (to the) Negro race (to) > Another passage from this same message participate (in the) contemplated project > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 53 > > marking (a) significant milestone (in the) Another was Enoch Olinga of Kampala > world-unfoldment (of the) Faith, supple- who spent his two weeks of vacation teach- > menting (the) work initiated fifty years ago ing in the Teso and Mbale areas of Eastern > (on the) North American continent . . . Uganda where seventy-two Africans im- > (and) providing (the) prelude (to the) full- mediately accepted the Faith. > scale operations destined (to) be launched As the teaching work progressed, the need > (at a) later period (of the) unfoldment (of for literature increased, but by early fall, > the) Divine Plan aiming (at the) conver- 1952, in addition to translations done in > sion (of the) backward, oppressed masses KiSwahili, Hausa and ChiNyanja before the > (of the) swift-awakening continent." opening of the campaign, pamphlets had > Within the year, participation in this been published in Twi, Igbo and Yoruba, > "epoch-making enterprise" was further ex- and six others were being completed for > panded to include the National Spiritual As- printing-Acholi, Luganda, Adanwe, Ewe, > semblies of Persia, Egypt and India; the first Mende and KiKikuyu. > pioneers had arrived, and others were on With the launching of the Ten-Year Plan > the way, including the first two American on May 1, 1953, the remaining states and > Negro pioneers, Mrs. Ethel Stephens, who dependencies, as well as the bordering is- > had chosen to settle in the Gold Coast, and lands of Africa were added to the campaign, > Mr. William Foster, who chose Liberia as thus incorporating all of Africa in the total > his post. World Crusade. The renewed appeal for > The first fruits of this historic campaign pioneers included in the Guardian's message > were the acceptance of the Faith in Dar es to the Intercontinental Conference held in > Salaam by Mr. P. K. Gopalskrishan Nayer, Chicago, resulted in a rapid influx of settlers > of Indian nationality, and by Mr. Denis both for the virgin areas and for reinforce- > Dudley-Smith of Nyasaland, followed very ment of the centers already established, > shortly by the enrollment in Kampala of whose teaching efforts, added to those of the > the first two Africans, Crispian Kajubi and African BahL'is, made it possible for the > Frederick Biqabwa, members of the Bu- Guardian in his message to the twelve Na- > ganda and Mtoro tribes, respectively. The tional Bahi'i Conventions one year later, to > first public presentation of the Faith in Kam- assess the accomplishments in Africa in four > pala was made by an African contact before short years as follows: > a gathering of three hundred Africans from "The African Campaign, outshining the > several tribes. brilliant success of the enterprise launched > By April, 1952, two years after the in Latin America, throwing into shade the > launching of the campaign, the number of splendor of the victories won in recent years > states and dependencies to be opened in on the European continent, eclipsing all pre- > Africa had been increased to twenty-five, vious collective pioneer undertakings em- > pioneers had arrived in nine of them, mem- barked upon in the Asiatic and Australian > bers of four African tribes had enrolled as continents, has almost doubled, in the course > members, and local Spiritual Assemblies had of a single year, the number of territories > been formed in Kampala, Uganda, and Dar opened since the introduction of the Faith > es Salaam, Tanganyika. Six months later > (October, 1952) there were one hundred > & that continent over eighty years ago. The > believers in Uganda alone. total number of converts to the Faith be- > No sooner had the Africans enrolled than longing to the African race has passed the > they began to go out as Bahi'i teachers and six hundred mark. The total number of Af- > pioneers to carry the Faith to their own peo- rican BahVi centers has now been raised to > ple. The first to undertake such a mission over one hundred and ninety. The total num- > was Denis Dudley-Smith, who returned to ber of tribes indigenous to the soil of that > his native village in Nyasaland, thus becom- continent represented in the Faith is now > ing the first BahVi to settle in that country. over sixty." > 54 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > RAPID WORLD-WIDE EXTENSION O F > THE FAITH > > A M O N G the twenty-seven objectives of Circle as far as Arctic Bay, Franklin, 73 de- > the World Crusade announced by the grees latitude" and "its southern limits have > Guardian to the Bahi'i Community on Oc- now reached the Falkland Islands in the > tober 8, 1952, was that of "doubling (the) neighborhood of Magallanes, the world's > number (of) countries within (the) pale (of southernmost city." > the) Faith through planting its banner (in > the) remaining Sovereign States (of the) > planet as well as (the) remaining virgin ter- > ritories mentioned (in) 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Tab- The expansion of the Faith into many > lets (of the) Divine Plan, involving (the) new areas of the earth resulted in embrac- > opening (of) forty-one countries (on the) ing within its membership many races and > Asiatic, thirty-three (on the) African, thirty tribes hitherto deprived of the Teachings of > (on the) European, twenty-seven (on the) Bahi'u'llLh. Among the goals of the World > American continents." Crusade were two designed to accomplish > T o each of the eleven existing National this objective among specified races, namely, > Spiritual Assemblies the Guardian assigned the conversion to the Faith of members of > the specific territories for which it was to be the leading Indian tribes, and representatives > responsible. To the Forty-Fifth Annual Con- of the Basque and Gypsy races. > vention of the Bahi'is of the United States By April, 1954, the Guardian announced > of America in Chicago, April 29, 1953, he that contact had been established with > called upon the "stalwart American Bahi'i twenty-two American Indian tribes, raising > community" to "arise and r e a r m . . . its to thirty-four the total number of tribes con- > primacy . . . and capture loftier heights tacted throughout the Western Hemisphere. > . . . for the exaltation of God's Cause." Also, the first Greenlandic, the first Pygmy, > And in a second letter entitled "A Turning the first Berber, and the first Fijian Bahi'is > Point in American Bahi'i History," dated had been enrolled, swelling the total number > July 18, 1953, the Guardian appealed to of races represented in the Bahi'i World > "the envied custodians of a Divine Plan" to ~ o m m u n i t ~ ^thirty-five. > to > "vindicate their right to the leadership of this > World Crusade" and to "scatter far and > wide" in fulfillment of "the hope voiced by > 'Abdu'l-BahB that from their homeland The translation of Baha'i literature into > 'heavenly illumination' may 'stream to all ninety-one additional languages was another > the peoples of the world.' " goal of the Ten-Year Plan, representing a > Such was the response that by April, twofold increase in the number of languages > 1954, the Guardian announced to all twelve into which translations had been printed or > Bahi'i Conventions that through "the superb were in the process of translation. > feats of the heroic company of the Knights By the end of the first year, introductory > of the Lord of Hosts in pursuance of their literature had been translated or was being > sublime mission7' the banner of the Faith of translated into forty-two languages-Euro- > Bahi'u'llih had been hoisted "in no less than pean, African, Asiatic, American Indian, in- > a hundred virgin territories of the globe," cluding seven supplementary languages, > thus "swelling the number of sovereign thereby raising the total number of transla- > states and dependences enlisted under the tions undertaken since the inception of the > standard of the Cause of God to two hun- Faith to one hundred and thirty. By this > dred and twenty-eight." time, also, BahL'i literature had been dis- > In consequence of the phenomenal success patched as far as the northernmost outpost > achieved by the vanguard of "BahL'u'llBh's of the globe-the radio station in Brond- > crusaders," he further stated that "the north- lundsfjord, Pearyland, 82 degrees north lati- > ern frontiers of a divinely guided, rapidly tude. > marching, majestically expanding Faith The needs of the blind, too, for the Light > have been pushed . . . beyond the Arctic of BahB'u'llLh, had not been overlooked. A > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 55 > > steady increase in the number of Braille establishment (of the) long overdue Hazi- > transcriptions, not only in English but also ratu'l-Quds (in the) French capital through > in Esperanto, Japanese and German, (the) conclusion (of an) agreement (to) > brought the number of Braille publications purchase (a) nine thousand pound property > to one hundred and ten by' April, 1954. situated (in the) best residential quarter (of > the) city." > The acquisition of this property was made > possible by the spontaneous and generous > On February 29, 1952, Shoghi Effendi an- contribution of a single believer, Mr. Hus- > nounced by cable to the Bahi'i world, his in- sayn Quli Kiyani, recently come to Paris > structions to the Hand of the Cause of God from Persia. > in Africa, Mr. M 6 s i Banini, to acquire The formal dedication of the Paris Hazi- > property in Kampala, Uganda, for a local ratu'l-Quds took place on July 4, 1953, with > Haziratu'l-Quds, to be regarded as the nu- Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause of > cleus of a future national administrative God, coming from Rome to assist in the > headquarters. ceremonies. > This news was followed two weeks later > by the Guardian's announcement to the five FUNDS > INAUGURATED > FOR PURCHASE > OF > National Assemblies engaged in the teaching ELEVENTEMPLESITES > campaign in Africa that he himself had con- > tributed six thousand dollars toward this his- The purchase of land for eleven future > toric enterprise, and he appealed to the As- Bah6'i Houses of Worship, three on the > semblies to participate through contributions American, three on the African, two on the > toward the completion of the total purchase Asiatic, two on the European and one on > price of fifty-five hundred pounds sterling, or the Australian continents, was another of > seventeen thousand dollars. the objectives of the World Crusade ending > In commenting on the swift movement of in 1963 as announced by the Guardian on > events represented by this development, the October 8, 1952. The purchase of sites for > National Spiritual Assembly of the United four was assigned specifically to the Ameri- > States pointed out to the American BahB'is can Bahi'i community-Stockholm, Swe- > that their national headquarters, the first, den; Rome, Italy; Panama City, Panama, > was acquired thirty years after the first Na- and Johannesburg, Union of South Africa. > tional Bahi'i Convention in North America, On June 25, 1953, the Guardian cabled > whereas, in Central Africa, even before the all National Assemblies "East (and) West > establishment of the first local Assembly (to) participate through contributions and > "the far-seeing Guardian prepares an Ha& (in the) meritorious endeavors exerted > ratu'l-Quds, creating for the Bahi'i work a (toward the) eventual establishment (of a ) > substantial edifice" assuring prestige and re- Bahi'i House (of) Worship (in the) City > spect for the activities of the Uganda be- (of) Panama, specifically mentioned (by) > lievers. 'Abdu'l-Bahi, situated (in the) heart (of > On June 3, 1952, the Kampala local Spir- the) Western Hemisphere," and for his own > itual Assembly, formed the preceding April participation in the "furtherance (of this) > 21st, officially took possession of the prop- notable objective" he contributed five hun- > erty and immediately began preparation for dred pounds. > a public dedication on July 5. Over sixty Meanwhile, contributions for eight of the > people attended the formal opening, includ- sites had aggregated, by December 7, 1953, > ing representatives of more than twelve Af- approximately two hundred thousand dol- > rican tribes. lars. These were for the Temple sites on Mt. > The second Hqiratu'l-Quds to be ac- Carmel, in Canada, Panama, Italy, Sweden, > quired during this period was one in Paris, 'IrBq, Australia and India. On that date the > destined to become the national administra- Guardian cabled all National Assemblies: > tive headquarters of the French Bahi'i com- "(The) hour (is) propitious (for) all Na- > munity. This achievenlent was announced in tional Assemblies, particularly (the) United > the Guardian's cablegram to the Forty-Fifth States, (the) British (and the) Egyptian, > Annual BahL'i Convention of the United (to) participate befittingly (in the) opening > States Bahb'is on April 30, 1953, as follows: (of the) three remaining Funds ere (the) > "Heart-warming news (of the) impending first year (of the) Ten-Year Plan draws (to > 56 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > a) close, insuring thereby (the) early pur- Spiritual Assemblies and twenty-six local > chase (of) sites (for the) future Ma&iquYl- Assemblies. Within the next year, by April > Ad_hkArs (in) Cairo, Kampala (and) Jo- 21, 1951, the number of incorporated Na- > hannesburg." He further appealed to the tional and local Assemblies had reached one > individual believers to reinforce the contri- hundred and ten, and in April, 1954, the > butions being made by the three national number of National and local incorporated > bodies primarily invested with the responsi- Assemblies in the United States and the en- > bility of erecting the Temples in these cities, tire world totaled sixty-six and one hundred > and himself contributed an initial gift of twenty, respectively. > three thousand pounds for this purpose, thus > clearly emphasizing the supreme importance > of this aspect of the World Crusade and the > necessity of its early completion. Another evidence of the growing recogni- > On April 21, 1954, the first of the sites tion accorded the Faith by legal bodies is > was purchased at a price of eighteen thou- the increasing number of States granting > sand dollars-five acres of land on a hill local Spiritual Assemblies authority to con- > seven miles from the heart of the city of duct legal BahB'i marriages. At the close of > Panama, with a beautiful view of the city the period covered by this volume Bahb'i > and bay. communities in twenty-one States of the > A few days later in his message to the United States enjoy this authority. > twelve National Assemblies, the Guardian > announced the purchase of a four-acre site > in Australia, commanding an extensive view > of the Paci6c Ocean and the greater portion The number of school authorities grant- > of Greater Sydney. Later the municipal au- ing exemption from school attendance by > thorities repossessed the property for town Bahb'i children on their Holy Days is still > planning purposes. His supplementary mes- another evidence of the increasing recogni- > sage dated May 4, 1954, further announced tion of the independent character of the > the purchase of a six-acre site in Kampala. Faith. By 1954 this privilege had been > granted by local school boards in seven > States in the United States, and in Anchor- > age, Alaska, the British Isles, the State of > During the four years preceding 1950 the Victoria in Australia, and by the Minister of > consolidation of the Faith was reflected Education and Culture in Israel for Bahb'i > through the incorporation of seven National schoolchildren there. > > REVIEW O F VARIOUS NATIONAL EVENTS > while the administrative institutions de- > scribed in 'Abdu'l-Bahb's Testament were > End of Second Seven-Year Plan acquiring strength and experience under the > Guardian's direction. In 1937, as reported > D U R I N G the period of the first World in a previous volume, Shoghi Effendi called > War, ' ~ b d u ' l - ~ a 6revealed > & the series of upon the Bahb'is of the United States and > Tablets addressed to Bahi'is of the United Canada to carry out the objectives enumer- > States and Bahb'is of Canada which, when ated in the first Seven-Year Plan terminat- > received after the end of hostilities, com- ing in 1944, date of the Centenary of the > munication from Palestine being interrupted Announcement of the BAb. By 1944 the ex- > by the occupying forces, were published un- terior ornamentation had been applied to > der the title The Divine Plan. These Tablets the House of Worship, local Assemblies es- > charged the Bahb'is of North America with tablished in all States and Provinces, and > the mission of establishing the Faith of local Assemblies formed in fourteen repub- > Bahb'u'llAh in countries where the spiritual lics of Latin America. > banner had not yet been raised. In 1946, the Guardian announced in a > A number of years had to pass without message addressed to the North American > concerted action on this international task Annual Convention, a second Plan. "The > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 57 > > time is ripe, events are pressing, Hosts on in capital cities of Europe prepared the way > high are sounding the signal for inaugura- for additional national administrative bodies > tion of a second Seven-Year Plan designed in the future. In the darkness of a war-rent > to culminate [in] first Centennial of the Year world the light of the Sun of Truth shone > Nine marking the mystic birth of BahP'u'- with increased intensity. While the Plan > 1lAh's prophetic mission in SiyBh-GhBl at originally called for the formation of Na- > Tihrgn." tional Spiritual Assemblies in Canada, > This Plan embraced four objectives: Central America and South America, the > multiplication of BahL'i centers throughout progress of the teaching work in Europe > the Americas and bolder proclamation of proceeded so successfully that the National > the Faith to the masses; completion of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Italy > interior ornamentation of the House of and Switzerland was also achieved before > Worship; formation of three National As- the end of this second Seven-Year Plan. > semblies, one in Canada, one in Central > America and one in South America; the in- Completion of Bnhd'i Temple > itiation of "systematic teaching activity in > war-torn, spiritually famished European To complete the BahP'i House of Wor- > Continent," aiming at the establishment of ship in Wilmette, Illinois, contracts for the > local Assemblies in the countries of West- ornamentation, utilities and furnishings of > ern Europe. the interior, and for the landscaping of the > "The opening decade of the second Ba- grounds had to be executed. The interior > hL'i century coincides," the Guardian wrote was completed by the spring of 1951, and > to North America on June 15, 1946, "with the landscape plan brought to its final stage > the launching of the second Seven-Year for the public dedication held May 2, 1953. > Plan, destined alike to consolidate the ex- The interior ornamentation designs made > ploits that have shed such luster on the last by Louis J. Bourgeois, Temple architect, > years of the preceding century, and to provided for the treatment of the nine bays > carry the Plan a stage further across the or alcoves on the main floor as separate > ocean to the.shores of the Old World, and rooms. This early concept reflected a mis- > to communicate, through the operation of understanding of the function of the Tem- > its regenerative power, its healing influence. ple in expressing the basic unity of religion. > to the peoples of the most afflicted, im- The concept later given by the Guardian of > poverished and agitated continent of the the Faith made these bays an integral part > globe." of the Temple auditorium. To increase the > As reported elsewhere in this review, the seating capacity a stairway leading from > four objectives of the second Seven-Year Temple foundation level to the main floor > Plan were achieved. and thence to the first gallery was removed > The significance of this Plan emerges as and a new spiral stairway constructed from > one contemplates the international events foundation to gallery which fits between two > and conditions which resulted from the sec- adjoining alcoves on the main floor level. > ond World War, challenging the religious To carry out this concept, and to main- > conscience of mankind. The elements of tain harmony of design between exterior > unity which inspire the BahVi Message were and interior ornamentation, two independ- > implanted in new lands, creating a far ent studies were carried O L I ~over a period of > broader basis and a stronger foundation for nine months after the decision to proceed > subsequent teaching plans aimed at carrying with interior ornamentatiol~had been made > the Faith to the ends of the earth. in the spring of 1946. The essential features > The completion of the ornamentation of sought were to carry the spirit of the ex- > the Temple interior prepared this House of terior design and its architectural motifs into > Worship for its destined spiritual f~~nction;the interior, the creation of a single great > the formation of three more National Spir- auditorium, provision for satisfactory acous- > itual Assemblies, bringing the number to tics, the use of color, and seating arrange- > eleven, manifested the vitality of the Faith ment. Allen B. McDaniel's treatment was > in creating new national communities ex- approved. > pressive of the variety of peoples and A Temple Construction Committee was > tongues responding to the call of Bah4u'- appointed consisting of Paul E. Haney, > IlAh, and the formation of local Assemblies chairman, Amelia E. Collins, Edna M. True, > 58 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > and Philip G. Sprague. Leroy Ioas was later perspective, from floor to dome, from floor > added. A technical advisory board was also to first and second gallery, central hall to > set up, the members being Allen B. Mc- alcove, and from alcove across the wide hall > Daniel, Robert W. McLaughlin and Edwin to opposite entrance portal. Innumerable de- > H. Eardley. After investigation Alfred P. tails invite notice-the great columns sup- > Shaw, architect, was chosen to prepare the porting the dome, treatment of piers and > detailed plans and specifications. It is Mr. gallery columns, details of ornamentation, > Shaw's recreation of the spirit of the Bour- the Bahb'i texts set forth in gold lettering in > geois design which has been carried out in each of the nine bays, the dome itself, where > the ornamentation of the Temple interior. the lines of the columns, prolonged in the > The firm of Shaw, Metz and Dolio designed ornamental scheme, converge at the center > and engineered the utilities. where the Arabic symbol, "God Most Glo- > Final plans and cost estimates were ap- rious," associates the House of Worship > proved in January, 1949, the estimated cost with the BahB'i World Faith. > being $780,000. The final cost of the interior ornamenta- > The John J. Earley Studio was awarded tion as recorded in January, 1954, was > the contract for making the sectional units $933,481.99. This sum included certain es- > of architectural concrete to be affixed to the sential maintenance items and also the cost > walls and columns, and the contract fog of capping the nine pylons, actually an ele- > work on the project at the Temple was ment of the exterior ornamentation. > placed with the George A. Fuller Company. > Dedication of Temple to Public Worship > Between July, 1949, and April, 1951, one > thousand concrete sections were cast at the The Bahb'i Temple in Wilmette was pub- > Earley Studio, shipped to the Temple and licly dedicated on Saturday afternoon, May > set in place. Actual operation began on July 2, 1953, a unique event in the series of Jubi- > 11, 1949. Before the ornamental surface lee celebrations held throughout the world. > could be applied, the interior columns and For the American Bahb'is, especially, the > piers were set in place, and the utilities and dedication represented the actual achieve- > fixtures installed. The cast concrete sections ment of the goal toward which they had > were made of a mixture of ground white been striving since 'Abdu'l-BahQ, in 1903, > and crystalline quartz with cement, while granted their petition for the privilege of > for the ornamentation up to the dome level constructing a Temple in America. More- > the cast units were fabricated with a back- over, during His visit to America in 1912 > ground of rose quartz. The floor of audi- their revered Master had visited the Temple > torium and surrounding alcoves were laid in site and consecrated the future edifice. Here, > terrazzo, another use of color. Color also then, stood the holiest House of Worship > appears in the upholstered seats and the ever to arise in the Bahb'i world, for none > window draperies. The temporary wooden other could receive His blessing. Deep in > doors installed when the superstructure was their hearts they cherished His assurance > built were replaced with bronze panels and that when this Temple was completed it > doors with plate glass. would release spiritual powers. > Seats in the nine bays face the center of As the doors were opened a great throng > the auditorium; in the central hall itself the stood waiting, filling the Temple steps, the > seats face a single portable reading desk, entrance way and extending along the street > pointing the attendants in the direction of Outside the grounds. Three times was the > 'AkkB. auditorium filled that afternoon, and at the > Just as the completion of the exterior end hundreds reluctantly departed without > ornamentation endowed the structure with having been able to enter the auditorium. > a new and deeper meaning, while notably The Message of Dedication prepared by > enhancing its physical beauty, so the com- the Guardian of the Faith was read on his > pletion of the interior created an effect behalf by his chosen representative, RGhiy- > greatly exceeding the anticipation of its yih Khinum, presented to the gathering by > friends and workers. What has become ap- Paul E. Haney, chairman of the National > parent and real, to the inner eye as well as Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the > to physical vision, is the majesty befitting United States. Her clear voice filled the > worship offered the one true God. auditorium, focusing attention on the high > The great interior provides interesting significance of the Message. ". . . This > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 59 > > House of Worship, now opening wide its neighboring village of Winnetka weekly > doors to peoples of all creds, of all races, papers devoted almost a n entire issue to the > of all nations and of all classes, is dedicated story of the Temple. Universal Newsreel > to the three fundamental verities animating pictures included exterior and interior views > and underlying the Bahi'i Faith-the Unity of the Temple. Fifty television stations > of God, the Unity of His Prophets, the made use of a BahB'i Temple dedication > Unity of Mankind. film short. Public interest and commenda- > "I greet and welcome you on behalf of tion was aroused to an extraordinary de- > the Guardian of our Faith within these gree. > walls, and invite you to share with us the > words recorded in the Sacred Scriptures Landscaping the Tenzple Grounds > which we believe to be repositories of the > eternal and fundamental t&ths revealed by In July, 1951, the design submitted by > God in various ages, for the guidance and Hilbert Dahl was adopted for landscaping > salvation of all mankind." the Temple grounds. Letters written by 'Ab- > All arose as Ruhiyyih Khinum read a du'l-Bahi laid down certain elements to be > prayer revealed by Bahi'u'llih. incorporated in the landscape plan: a cir- > Readers from the Persian, Latin Amer- cular area, with nine gardens, nine ap- > ican and North American BahL'is then in proaching paths, nine fountains and nine > turn stood at the reading desk and presented pools. To these elements Mr. Dahl had > passages from the Old Testament, the New given most careful consideration and his de- > Testament, the Qur'in and the Bah2i Sa- sign carried out the basic concept. Work > cred Writings. The Northwestern University was started on the contract in April, 1952. > A Cappella Choir sang choral selections, at The landscaping went forward under two' > the opening of the dedication service, dur- successive contracts. The first, at an esti- > ing the readings and after the final prayer. mated cost of $200,000, was intended to > A note of triumphant ecstasy prevailed provide far the essentials of the plan. The > throughout the afternoon. details not completed by 1953 were included > The passages from the four Sacred Scrip- in a supplementary contract to be carried > tures were, to the BahL'is at least, the com- out over a period of two or more years at > plete evidence of the unity of the Prophets an estimated cost of from $180,000 to > in revealing, at different stages of human $200,000. > evolution, the divine will and guidance for The landscaping plan, accordingly, was > mankind. Among the visitors many re- not entirely completed during the period > marked afterward that they had not realized covered by the present survey. > that the various Prophets had brought the Mr. Dahl's design provided for a circular > same basic truths. concrete platform extending out from the > Immediately after the public dedication, bottom of the Temple steps, its outer cir- > plans were put into operation for the con- cumference a series of concave arcs after > duct of a weekly program of public wor- the fashion of the entrance bays of the > ship. These programs also present selections Temple itself; steps descend from the plat- > from the various Sacred Scriptures, with form to the garden level where nine sunken > vocal music provided by an A Cappella gardens were to be developed; nine path- > Choir directed by Mr. Lloyd Cousins. The ways lead between the gardens to an outer > Temple is thus fulfilling its mission as the circular walk to be constructed on the larg- > herald in the Western world of the universal est diameter permitted by the area of the > spiritual concept: the Unity of God, the grounds. > Unity of His Prophets, the Unity of Man- The principal entrance to the Temple > kind. Participants in these programs are steps extends from Linden Avenue, to the > chosen without consideration of race or south, where a wide flight of concrete steps > class. rises to the garden level. The longest ap- > The event attained national significance proach runs from the corner of Linden Ave- > through messages of greeting received from nue and Sheridan Road. > distinguished personages, from radio an- As the work progressed, the nine gardens > nouncements and from illustrated feature were seen to be designed in different pat- > articles carried, among others, by The terns of flowers and shrubs, affording a > Chicago Sunday Tribune. The Wilmette and pleasing variety. Rows of cypresses were > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > planted along the paths leading to the gar- based on the fact that the landscaped area > dens. Plantings of small flowering trees en- is not large enough for pools and the size > hanced the beauty of the landscaped area. of the gardens does not warrant the rather > Extensive lawn areas were laid out. De- intricate treatment which the landscape ar- > scribing the design Mr. Dahl wrote: "It in- chitect originally proposed. > volves an approach leading to each of nine ' b i t h each succeeding season of intensive > entrance bays with gardens between. Cir- gardening the landscape develops new > cular fountains with jets of water keeping beauty. > them ever fresh and clear are found in the Complete final cost of the project will > gardens . . . The whole is enclosed within not be available until the next volume of > an outer circular walk, and an inner walk, The Bahci'i World. > at the base of the Temple steps, provides a > vantage point at a higher elevation from > which the garden scene can be viewed. > "The gardens are arranged and planted > with simple dignity, restrained in treatment > but with a touch of color and softness of Included in the objectives of the Second > texture which will give them a gardenesque Seven-Year Plan given by the Guardian to > feeling of peaceful and quiet loveliness . . . North America in 1946 was the establish- > In area there are involved almost five acres ment of National Spiritual Assemblies in > of intensive development." Central America and South America before > The concrete work was carried out by 1953. Since the delegates who would elect > the George A. Fuller Company under ex- the members of these Assemblies would be > tension of the contract executed for the in- representative of the local BahL'i Assemblies > terior ornamentation. A contract was en- in existence at the time, an energetic teach- > tered into with the landscape architect on ing plan was inaugurated by the National > July 9, 1951. To represent the Temple trus- Spiritual Assembly of the United States to > tees in the execution of these contracts a develop at least one Assembly in each coun- > Temple Landscape Committee was ap- try. The activities of the Teaching Commit- > pointed consisting of Robert W. McLaugh- tee appointed to carry out the plan included > li.n, Leroy Ioas, H. B. Kavelin and Clarence. the appointment of regional teaching com- > Ullrich. mittees, and the holding of annual confer- > The gardens and general landscape plan ences and Bah4i schools, each designed to > were sufficiently advanced by May, 1953, prepare the Latin American BahL'is for the > to delight those who attended the public responsibilities they would ultimately as- > dedication. The temporary floodlighting sume as independent Bahi'i communities. > equipment as employed during the Jubilee The first of the twin historic Conventions > period brilliantly depicted the imposing ar- called to elect these new National Spiritual > chitectural features of the House of Wor- Assemblies was held in Lima, Peru, April > ship. 22 to 24, 1951, with eighteen of the twenty- > A restudy of the design in its relation to seven official delegates present in person and > the particular area involved was carried out seven voting by mail. Representing the Ba- > by the Temple Landscape Committee. Their hVis of the United States were Paul E. > recommendation eliminated the reflecting Haney, chairman of the National Spiritual > pools and the sunken gardens with low Assembly, and Miss Edna M. True, former > walk, substituting lawn areas for the reflect- secretary of the Inter-America Committee. > ing pools. A tunnel structure was recom- The Convention for Central America, > mended over the service entrance to the Mexico and the Antilles, opened the same > Temple foundation, with two utility rooms. day in Panama City with twenty-five official > Other recommendations were that the delegates representing all of the seventeen > outer circular walk should be constructed local Spiritual Assemblies in the twelve > with concrete edged with flagstone; and countries of this region. Here the National > some of the paths leading from the outer Spiritual Assembly of the United States was > walk through the gardens developed with represented by its vice-chairman, Mrs. Dor- > lawns. othy Baker, who was also chairman of the > The decision to eliminate the reflecting Inter--America Committee, and by Horace > pools and the walled sunken gardens was Holley, secretary of the National Assembly. > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES > > Congratulating the believers at both Con- them in the Guardian's message, to the end > ventions for the "magnificent triumph mark- that they would be prepared and ready by > ing (the) culmination (of the) fourteen- Ridvkn 1953 to assume their full and inde- > year old process linking (the) concluding pendent roles as "pillars of the Universal > years (of the) first with (the) opening dec- House of Justice" and participants in the > ade (of the) second Bahi'i century," the global crusade. > Guardian's cabled message appealed to the > two new National Assemblies to "arise (in) > complete unity, exemplary fidelity, greatest > wisdom, utmost dedication, unswerving re- Although not originally designated as an > solve, heroic self-sacrifice (to) befittingly objective of the Second Seven-Year Plan > discharge (their) threefold, sacred, inescap- and its teaching campaign in Europe, the > able responsibilities: k s t , (to) consolidate Guardian cabled the National Spiritual As- > (the) two newly-elected pillars (of the) sembly of the United States on March 8, > world administrative order (of the) Faith; 1952, that immediate steps were to be taken > second, (to) stimulate (the) propagation for the formation of the first National Spir- > (of) its teachings; third, (to) enrich (the) itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Italy and > spiritual life (and) deepen (the) under- Switzerland in Ridvkn 1953. The election of > standing (of) its avowed supporters. . . ." nineteen delegates by all established local > As a token of his love and as the first Spiritual Assemblies in the two countries > precious relic for its national archives, the was set for Naw-R6z 1953, and the city of > Guardian also presented to each Assembly Florence, Italy, was designated as the place > through Mrs. Amelia Collins, Hand of the where they would elect this new "pillar (of > Cause of God, a lock of the blessed hair of the) Universal House of Justice, (the) third > BahL'u'llih. in Europe (and) twelfth (in the) BahB'i > Messages were read from each of the World." > other nine National Spiritual Assemblies This Assembly, the Guardian stated, was > and each delegate was presented with a pic- to be regarded as "a stepping stone (in the) > ture of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in a special souvenir formation (in the) course (of the) impend- > folder bearing a greeting from their "broth- ing decade-long crusade (of) two independ- > ers and sisters in Europe, under the Divine ent National Spiritual Assemblies, destined > Plan." (to) each lend (an) impetus (to the) un- > Part of the agenda at both conventions foldment (and) consolidation (of) Bahi'- > was devoted to the discussion of the three n'll5h's embryonic World Order." > Seven-Year Plans given by the Guardian to Indicative of the importance of this step, > North America, as part of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's the cablegram also announced that the > Divine Plan to spread the Teachings of Guardian would entrust to this youngest of > BahB'uYll5hthroughout the world, and how, Assemblies a specific plan by which it > under the aegis of the Bah2is of the United would collaborate with its sister National > States, the believers in Latin America and Assemblies in the achievement of all the > Europe had been aided to attain this stage goals of the World Crusade. > of international administrative cooperation, The Convention took place April 23 to > "thereby paving the way to the ultimate or- 26, 1953, with eighteen of the nineteen > ganic union" of all National Spiritual As- elected delegates and thirty visitors present > semblies in the International House of Jus- from Italy and Switzerland. Mr. Paul E. > tice, destined, as declared by the Guardian Haney, chairman of the National Spiritual > "to launch enterprises embracing the whole Assembly of the United States, brought > Bahi'i world." greetings from the American Bahi'is and > Thus began a new stage in the evolution stressed the unique distinction of the erec- > of the Administrative Order in Latin Amer- tion of this twelfth pillar of the Universal > ica. During the next two years, the believers House of Justice during the Holy Year. > in Central and South America, under their Miss Edna True, chairman of the Euro- > respective National Spiritual Assemblies and pean Teaching Committee, and member of > with the counsel and guidance of the Na- the National Spiritual Assembly of the > tional Spiritual Assembly of the United United States, expressed the great pride of > States, were to devote their energies to both the American and European Bahgis > carrying out the three objectives assigned to in the remarkable progress of the Faith in > 62 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > these two countries in the seven short years inventory and realize what his share in ef- > since the inauguration of the Second Seven- fort, dedication and sacrifice must be!" > Year Plan. > The Guardian's message to the Conven- > tion, awaited with eager anticipation, ex- > pressed his feelings of "joy, pride and grati- > tude" to the "steadily unfolding, highly The extensive properties of the Bahi'is of > promising Italian-Swiss BahB'i communi- the United States of America, valued at > ties" and assured this youngest National more than $3,200,000, are indicative of the > Spiritual Assembly of his prayers that it rapid expansion and stability of the Faith > would be enabled to befittingly discharge its in this country. Most widely known is the > responsibilities and tasks through which it BahL'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illi- > would "contribute (a) distinct share (in nois, which was formally dedicated and > the) world-wide festivities which will com- opened to the public on May 2, 1953. > memorate (the) hundredth anniversary (of Erected on land purchased between 1908 > the) Declaration (of) Bahi'u'llbh's Mission and 1914, the cost of construction, includ- > (in the) city of Baghdid." ing landscaping up to April, 1954, was > To this "infant institution" the Guardian $2,763,617.88. > assigned two vital functions: "(to) stimu- The Haziratu'l-Quds, also in Wilmette, > late (the) propagation (of the) Faith (and consisting of the national administrative > to) consolidate (its) institutions (over the) headquarters of the National Spiritual As- > length (and) breadth (of) Switzerland (and sembly, a supplementary administrative of- > the) Italian Peninsula." fice, the office of the Bahi'i Publishing > The ten specific tasks which these func- Trust, the Collins House, and certain land, > tions involve are 'listed elsewhere in this is valued at $83,026. The Wilson House in > volume as those responsibilities assigned by Malden, Massachusetts, where 'Abdu'l-Bahb > the Guardian to Italy and Switzerland un- rested on the occasion of His visit to the > der the Ten-Year Crusade. United States in 1912, is valued at $7,000. > Among the many gifts presented to the In addition there are four BahPi schooIs, > new Assembly was one of rare historical sig- located respectively in Maine, Michigan, > nificance from the Guardian-two Tablets Colorado, and California, each consisting of > written by 'Abdu'l-Bahb shortly before His certain lands and a number of buildings, > passing, to Mrs. J. A. Burr of Florence, the having a total value of $375,418. > first Bahi'i in that city and the first to kindle Two pieces of property i.n Wilmette, one > the light of the Cause in Italy. Others of adjoining the administrative headquarters > particular note were letters .of acclaim from on the shore of Lake Michigan, and a lot > the eleven sister National Assemblies, bound across the street from the BahPi House of > in leather for "permanent inspiration," the Worship, are being held for future additions > Assembly's official seal, engraved in three to the M a m q u ' l - A m 6 . > languages-Italian, French and German-a > gift of the European Teaching Committee, > and a gift of fifteen hu.ndred dollars from > the National Spiritual Assembly of the In his message to the Forty-Fifth Annual > United States on behalf of the believers of Convention of the Bahi'is of the United > that country to inaugurate the new Assem- States, April 29 to May 1, 1953, the Guard- > bly's National Bahi'i Fund. ian included among the World Crusade ob- > Taking a prominent part in the Conven- jectives for the believers of the United > tion was Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the States "the erection of the first Dependency > Cause of God, present as the Guardian's of the first Mahriqu'l-AWir of the West- > representative, who in his closing remarks ern World," the first of five accessory insti- > as chairman of the Convention and of the tutions named by 'Abdu'l-Bahb which will > newly elected National Spiritual Assembly, ultimately surround the BahQi House of > remarked: "Six years ago who would have Worship. > dreamed that we should meet in Florence The nature of the dependency was clari- > today; that our two countries would be fied in August, 1953, when the Guardian > joined in an undertaking whose vastness recommended that it be a home for the > leaves us aghast? Let each one of us take aged, to be started on a modest scale, to > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 63 > > demonstrate to the people of the world the of Bahi'is in the United States who ex- > expression of the Bahi'i Faith in terms of pressed to the Prime Minister their gratitude > practical service to humanity. for the Government of Israel's exemplary > Up to the time of this survey the only treatment of their World Headquarters and > step that has been taken toward this ob- their World Leader Shoghi Effendi Rabbani. > jective is the appointment of a special com- "The representatives were Mrs. Amelia > mittee to compile information regarding Collins, Vice-Chairman Bahi'i International > state and county laws governing the con- Council who lives in Haifa; Miss Edna M. > struction and operation of such an institu- True, Recording Secretary; Mr. Horace > tion, the suitability of the lake shore prop- Holley, Secretary; and Mr. Leroy C. Ioas, > erty for the purpose, and the estimated Treasurer. > building and operating costs of a home "For almost an hour the Prime Minister > housing twenty guests and staff. and his guests discussed the spiritual content > of the Bahi'i Faith and its spread through- > out the world. The Prime Minister was par- > ticularly interested in the manner in which > the Bahi'i faith was introduced into the > United States. He expressed surprise when > On May 19, 1951, His Excellency the he was informed that there are Bahi'i cen- > Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. David Ben- ters in over one hundred seventy-five cities > Gurion, during a short visit in Chicago, re- i.n the United States and that there are > ceived three members of the National Spir- twenty-five hundred such centers through- > itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United out the world. He was told that the Bah6'i > States, accompanied by the Vice-President faith has been accredited to the United Na- > of the International Bahi'i Council, Mrs. tions within the International Non-Govern- > Amelia E. Collins. The interview was held mental Organizations of the United Nations. > in the Prime Minister's suite in the Ambas- "Prior to their departure the BahL'i repre- > sador East Hotel. The Guardian had wished sentatives presented to the Prime Minister a > the National Spiritual Assembly to express photograph of the Bahi'i Temple in Wil- > to the Prime Minister the great interest the mette which is the national shrine for the > Bahi'is of the United States of America BahL'i faith in the United States. He was > have in the progress of Israel. also given a letter expressing the Bahi'i ap- > The interview was very friendly and cor- preciation for the Government of Israel's > dial. His Excellency was particularly inter- understanding of their problems and the > ested in Mrs. Collins' association with the good wishes of the Bahi'i faith for the de- > Bahi'i World Center in Israel, and invited velopment of Israel." > her to call on himself and Mrs. Ben-Gurion Owing to his many appointments it was > when she returned to Haifa. His Excellency not possible for the Prime Minister to ac- > was interested to know how the Bahi'i Faith cept the National Assembly's invitation to > had been introduced to America, what had visit the Bahi'i House of Worship. > been the effects following 'Abdu'l-Bahh's > visit to the United States in 1912, and to > what extent the Faith had spread to other > lands. A year later the National Spiritual As- > A selection of Bahi'i literature was pre- sembly was able to extend an invitation to > sented to the Prime Minister, together with the Mayor of Haifa, Mr. Aba Khoushy, to > the color print of the design of the Shrine visit the Bahi'i Temple, and on May 14, > of the Bhb on Mt. Carmel and a framed 1952, members of the National Assembly > photograph of the Bahi'i House of Worship and a group of about thirty Bahi'is cordially > in Wilmette, Illinois. On the same day the welcomed the Mayor of Haifa at the Bahi'i > Prime Minister's press representative re- House of Worship. In response to a request > leased the following statement concerning to speak to the group, the Mayor expressed > the interview to newspapers and radio sta- his admiration for the Shrine and the Shrine > tions : Gardens on Mt. Carmel and voiced his re- > "The Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. David spect and regard for the Bahi'is and the de- > Ben-Gurion, this morning received four sire of the Haifa civil authorities to give > members of the National Spiritual Assembly their cooperation in the projects being un- > 64 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > dertaken at the World Center of the Faith. tistic and lovely way in which the Bah$.'i > In turn, Mayor Khoushy and his party were books were presented. For almost one and > assured of the grateful appreciation of the a half hours they inquired about the Faith > American BahPis and of their interest in and looked through the books, which they > the development of the BahL'i World Cen- promised to present to the Queen on her re- > ter. After the prayer for all nations was turn to the Palace. A few days later the fol- > read, Mayor Khoushy and his party were lowing gracious letter was received, signed > conducted through the Temple and it was by one of the private secretaries of Her > obvious that they were deeply impressed. Majesty the Queen: > "Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to > convey to you her sincere thanks for the of- > fering of the 'Bloemlezing uit de Geschrif- > ten van BahL'uYll6h'and some English books > In c o ~ e c t i o nwith the Fourth European about the BahPi World Faith. which Her > BahL'i Teaching Conference held in Hol- Majesty has accepted with special grati- > land in 1951 the Dutch Bahi'i Community tude." > was able to fuEU one of its long-cherished > hopes, to acquaint Queen Juliana in a dig- > nified way with the BahL'i teachings and the > work being done in the Netherlands. Purchase o f the Siylih-C_ha'l > The Dutch BahL'is had had a copy of > their new Dutch translation of the Selected In the third year following the Martyr- > Writings o f Bahd'u'lla'h specially bound in dom of the B6b, Husayn-'Ali, pre-eminent > green morocco with the title in gold, in among the B5b's followers, was seized by > readiness for presentation to Her Majesty order of the gh6h and confined for four > the Queen. In addition, they had had made, months in the subterranean dungeon of Tih- > by a Dutch artist well known for her beauti- r5n known as the S i y i h - a i l , an abandoned > ful handmade leatherwork, a simple pigskin reservoir which had served one of the pub- > case, in which the Dutch translation and a lic baths of the city. His place of confine- > few books on the Faith in English could be ment was reached along a completely dark- > placed together, for the presentation. The ened corridor, down three steep flights of > artist, not knowing for whom the case was stairs. There, in thick darkness, his fellow > intended, had remarked that pigskin was prisoners numbered about one hundred and > especially loved by the Queen Mother, for fifty, among whom were thieves, assassins > whom she had made several things. and highwaymen. The dungeon was used > A letter was sent to Her Majesty the for the imprisonment of desperate criminals. > Queen, after long plan.ning, by the Spiritual His feet were placed in stocks and a > Assembly of the Bahl'is of Amsterdam, ex- heavy chain was fastened around his neck. > pressing their wish to present the Bloemle- The place has been described as "chill and > zing uit de Geschriften van Bahd'u'lla'h to damp, filthy, fever-stricken, infested with > the Queen, giving a brief statement of the vermin, and filled with a noisome stench." > aims and purposes of the Bahb'i Faith, and It was under these conditions, reflecting > commenting appreciatively on the Queen's the bitterest tyranny and fanaticism of the > public expressions of strong humanitarian age, that the intimation of a supreme pro- > principles and trust in God's guidance. phetic mission entered the heart of Husayn- > Presentation of the case with the Bahi'i 'Ali, transforming him into BahL'u'llAh, The > books was made on August 31, 1951, the Glory of God. > day when Bah6'is from nineteen countries 1.n His Epistle to N5~iri'd-Din ghhih, re- > were gathering for the Fourth European vealed at a later time, BahL'u'llih thus de- > Teaching Conference which was to start the scribed the Divine origin of His mission: > next morning. The BahL'i messenger pre- "0king! I was but a man like others, asleep > sented himself at the gate of the Soestdijk upon My couch, when lo, the breezes of the > Palace and was conducted to the secretariat All-Glorious were wafted over Me, and > s f the Queen, where two of the Queen's taught Me the knowledge of all that hath > private secretaries cordially received him. been. This thing is not from Me, but from > When the case was unwrapped both secre- One Who is Almighty and All-Knowing > taries expressed their admiration for the ar-, ... His all-compelling summons hath > C U R R E N T B A H A'f A C T I V I T I E S > > reached Me, and caused Me to speak His and by active participation in BahB'i com- > praise amidst all people." munity affairs the BahB'i women of Persia > The birth of the mission of Bahi'u1116h have fully demonstrated their capacity to as- > has been described by the Guardian of the sume responsibilities which had been re- > Faith in these words: "Wrapped in its served for men. Indeed, in the arena of > stygian gloom, breathing its fetid air, spiritual heroism from the earliest days of > numbed by its humid and icy atmosphere, the Faith, Persian Bahi'i women have risen > His feet in stocks, His neck weighed down to sublime heights of fortitude and sacrifice. > by a mighty chain, surrounded by criminals The name of Tghirih stands beside those of > and miscre-ants of the worst order . . . at the most exalted women in history. > so critical an hour and under such appalling The Four-Year Plan provided facilities > circumstances the 'Most Great Spirit,' as for the education of girls and special classes > designated by Himself, and symbolized in for adult women. A National Women's Pro- > the Zoroastrian, the Mosaic, the Christian, gressive Committee was appointed, with > and Muhammadan Dispensations by the Sa- regional committees acting under its super- > cred Fire, the Burning Bush, the Dove and vision. A national convention for Bahi'i > the Angel Gabriel, respectively, descended women was held annually, with the partici- > upon, and revealed itself, personified by a pation of the members of the National > 'Maiden,' to the agonized soul of Bahi'- Women's Progressive Committee and > u'll6h." twenty-two representatives of the regional > The history of religion can offer no committees. At these gatherings the women > sharper contrast between the power of the demonstrated their ability and aptitude for > Holy Spirit and the circumstances under serving their Faith on an equality with the > which that power manifested itself in its men. In addition, district conventions were > chosen human vehicle. That from such a held semi-annually, to consult on ways to > beginning the mission of Bahi'u'llBh could carry education even to women in the vil- > arise and reveal salvation to the peoples and lages. The program of education included > nations is an evidence of divine power none oral instruction for the illiterate and those > can deny. who had little schooling; an advanced class > To Bahi'is, the place so consecrated by for graduates of secondary schools, and a > supreme sacrifice has been venerated as a higher class of more advanced education for > holy place of their Faith. In the spring of women living in the larger centers. Finally, a > 1954 the site of Siy&h-C_hiilin Tihr6n was periodical was circulated with contents cov- > purchased for the Faith by Habib Sabet for ering topics of general history, Bahi'i his- > $400,000. tory, science, literature, health, hygiene, > housekeeping and care of children. > End of Four-Year Plan for Persian Women From Shoghi Effendi a message was re- > ceived which stated: "The great barrier has > The International Survey published for now been completely removed and absolute > the years 1946-1950 included reference to equality is attained as the result of recent de- > the effort made by the Persian Bahi'is to velopments, as well as the glorious and con- > create opportunities for Bahi'i women to at- tinuing efforts rendered by the beloved > tain education, and their aim to bring about Bahi'i sisters in that country and abroad." > equality with men in relation to elective and > appointive offices in the community. > This aim was pursued under a four-year > plan the result of which has been to find The Five-Year Plan of the Bahi'is of > women elected to membership on Assem- Egypt and the Sfidgn began in May, 1948, > blies for the first time, thus overcoming a in response to a cablegram from the Guard- > long historic disability. The service of men ian to the National Spiritual Assembly of > and women in these elective bodies repre- the BahVis of Egypt and Sfidtin. At the end > sents the operation of the principle of equal- of this Plan the goals achieved in Egypt in- > ity of opportunity and status for men and cluded the establishment of three new local > women which the BahVi Faith has estab- Spiritual Assemblies, in Sohag (1950), Me- > lished in the new social pattern now unfold- halla el Kobra (1951) and Mansoura > ing throughout the world. (1952), thus raising to nine the number of > Through special classes and discussions local Spiritual Assemblies. Six virgin prov- > 66 T H E BAHA > > inces were opened, of nine set up as goals. BahL'u'lltih addressed to SultAn 'Abdu'l- > A plot for a permanent summer school was 'Aziz the first of His communications to the > found but legal transfer of the land was not rulers and ecclesiastical leaders of the world, > yet completed. In the Sudhn the goals were proclaiming the Divine Summons and warn- > achieved in the opening of three new cen- ing all those who refused to heed His Call. > ters, at Port Siidhn, Wau and Wad Medani. On the eve of His banishment from that > A Bahi'i center was established at Asmara city by the Sulthn's edict, Bahi'u'llhh re- > in Eritrea. In Africa, Algeria was opened to vealed: "Were all the governments of earth > the Faith and in Libya BahA'i centers were to unite to take My life and the lives of all > established in Benghazi and Tripoli. A Spir- who bear this Name, this Divine Fire would > itual Assembly was established in Tunis in never be quenched. . . . Whatever may yet > April, 1953. befall Us, great shall be Our gain, and mani- > fest the loss wherewith they shall be af- > Women Included in Assembly Membership flicted." The Guardian points out that Sul- > for First Time t i n 'Abdu'l-'Aziz was also "first among > Oriental monarchs to sustain the impact of > Elections for members of local Spiritual God's retributive justice." > Assemblies in Egypt on April 21, 1951, for The months which Bahi'u'llhh and His > the first time permitted inclusion of women. family spent in this house have been as- > Accordingly, one or two women members sociated by the Guardian with the begin- > were elected as members of the Spiritual As- ning of a period in which "untold privations > semblies of Alexandria, Cairo, and Port and unprecedented trials were mingled with > Said. The Guardian referred to this change the noblest spiritual triumphs," and one in > in his message to the 1951 National Con- which "the day-star of Bahi'u'llhh's ministry > vention of the Bahi'is in the United States, was about to reach its zenith." > as follows: "(A) notable step (in the) prog- > ress (of) Bahi'i women (of the) Middle > East (is) taken through (the) extension (of > the) right (of) membership (in) local As- On April 21, 1953, the Canadian Bahh'i > semblies (to) women believers (in) Egypt." Community rejoiced in the news that their > Five-Year Plan was completely and success- > fully fulfilled. The plan had been initiated > when the National Spiritual Assembly of > Among the many significant events that the Bahi'is of Canada was first established > transpired during the period covered by this in 1948. Completion of the plan climaxed > volume was one announced in the Guard- five years of intensive teaching work and its > ian's message to the National Convention organization throughout Canada, from Vic- > of Bahi'is in the United States on April 23, toria to Newfoundland. It meant that a > 1952, in this statement: "Historic site (of) total of thirty Spiritual Assemblies had been > House occupied (by) BahL'u'llhh (in) Istan- established in Canada, and that Bahh'is > bul (has been) partly purchased." On Oc- were resident in one hundred different lo- > tober 1, 1954, the Guardian further an- calities throughout the Provinces. A Na- > nounced to all believers of the East and tional Haziratu'l-Quds had been purchased > West that funds to complete the acquisition in the heart of Toronto. > of this historical edifice had been provided > as a result of "successive contributions Purchase of Hqiratu'l-Quds > made by the Hand of the Cause, Amelia > Collins, outstanding benefactress of the A building was purchased in October, > Faith, for the furtherance of some of the 1952, on St. George Street, Toronto, to > most vital objectives of the Ten-Year Plan." serve as the Canadian Haziratu'l-Quds, in > Thus there has been preserved for future response to the Guardian's writing the Ca- > generations another historic place associated nadian National Bahi'i Assembly that "ef- > with the exile and banishment of Bahi'uY- fort must . . . be exerted for the establish- > llhh from the land of His birth and His in- ment of an institution which, though not an > carceration in the prison city of 'Akkh. integral part of the [five-year] Plan, formu- > It was while residing in this house for lated for that Community, is none the less > four months from August 16, 1953, that regarded as indispensable owing to its emer- > CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 67 > > gence into an independent existence." Later tional Body who have gone forth as pio- > it was found necessary to sell the building neers to virgin territories . . . the purchase > acquired, because it proved to be unsuitable of the Temple site in Sydney-all attest the > on account of fire regulations. vitality of the faith of the believers in the > Antipodes." The Temple site chosen was > unfortunately, however, shortly after its > purchase, repossessed by the city, and the > National Spiritual Assembly, though hav- > The home of Mr. and Mrs. William Suth- ing to relinquish this site, was paid a sum > erland Maxwell on Pine Avenue in Mont- for it which brought a considerable profit. > real, Canada, for many years the gathering > place of Bahi'is and their friends, was given > over to the ownership of the National Spirit- > ual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Canada, to The Five-Year Plan of the National > be maintained as a Shrine in remembrance Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Ger- > of 'Abdu'l-Bahb's stay in this home in 1912. many and Austria was inaugurated in May, > This gracious gift was that of RGhiyyih 1948, in response to a suggestion made by > Lhbnum, daughter of May and Sutherland Shoghi Effendi, who left the extent of the > Maxwell, and now the wife of the Guardian plan to the decision of the National Assem- > of the Bahi'i Faith. Transfer of the prop- bly. The following objectives were set up: > erty was completed in March, 1954. It was (1) Consolidation and strengthening the > the first Bahi'i home in Canada, established understanding of the Bahi'is for the Ad- > in 1907. ministrative Order; (2) increasing the num- > Uncountable numbers of persons had ber of Bahi'i centers from fourteen to > been received in this^ home and had there twenty-eight and at the same time further- > heard of the Bahi'i Faith and been sur- ing Community growth; ( 3 ) deepening in > rounded with spiritual guidance and love. the Teachings, through addition to the > The Canadian National Spiritual Assembly Bahi'i literature in German, in order to re- > wrote of the gift of this home by RGhiyyih place the Bahi'i literature confiscated and > LhLnum: "Many who enter its lovely white destroyed by the National Socialist govern- > doors have the inner realization that they ment; (4) erection of a National Ha~iratu'l- > stand within the same walls where 'Abdu'l- Quds in Frankfurt-am-Main. During the > BahL had stood." course of the Plan three communities of ac- > tive Bahi'is were cut off from the main > body of German Bahi'is, as activities of > the Faith were prohibited in the Eastern > The Six-Year Plan of the National Spirit- Zone of Germany. > ual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Australia During the first four years of the Plan > and New Zealand was fulfilled in April, six Bahi'i groups were brought to commu- > 1953, and all the goals exceeded. The Plan nity status, one of which relapsed to group > called for establishment of two new Spirit- status. During the last year of the Plan, > ual Assemblies in Australia and nineteen through the sacrificial efforts of the Bahb'is > groups in Australasia. Five additional As- of Germany, aided by Bahi'is from Persia > semblies were established, bringing the total who had come to study in Germany, con- > number in Australia and New Zealand to centration on nine goal cities resulted in > seventeen. Twenty-one groups beyond the establishment of nine additional Assemblies > goals of the plan brought the total number by the end of the five years, thus fulfilling > of groups to forty. the objective of fourteen additional Bahi'i > Communities. The nine new Assemblies es- > Purchase of Temple Site in Sydney tablished in one year were Bad Cannstatt, > Bonn, Ebingen, Freiburg-i-Breisgau, Gies- > In acknowledging the news of purchase sen, Heilbronn, Ludwigsburg, Tiibingen and > of the site for a BahB'i House of Worship Ulm. > in Sydney to the National Spiritual Assem- On the site of the ruin purchased at West- > bly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New endstrasse 24, in Frankfurt-am-Main, for > Zealand, the Guardian wrote, on June 16, the Haqiratu'l-Quds shortly before the be- > 1954: "The number of pioneers of the Na- ginning of the Five-Year Plan, a stately > 68 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > five-story building was erected and com- help h a n c e payment of the mortgages. > pleted by the end of the Plan. Seemingly Addition to the BahB'i literature in Ger- > insurmountable obstacles arose in all phases man has included new translations and > of the erection of the building-financing, editions of the Hidden Words, a selection > materials, permits-but each was overcome of prayers, translation and publication > in turn. A few paragraphs from the account of Shoghi Effendi's "The Dispensation of > of the architect of the building, Bruno BahC'u'llAh" from The World Order of > Bauer, give modest insight into what some Bahci'u'lldh, of Paris Talks of 'Abdu'l-Baha', > of these difficulties were: of Some Answered Questions, and, in press, > "Thanks to the great-hearted and gener- of Shoghi Effendi's God Passes By. A be- > ous gifts of our beloved Guardian and with ginning was thus made in the Five-Year > the help of additional gifts and loans of the Plan to re-establish an authentic BahC'i lit- > BahC'is it was possible to work out financ- erature in German. > ing arrangements through building loans > (mortgages). With a part of the building > fund, construction above the first floor was > begun in the summer of 1950. All the be- > lievers were delighted and breathed more At the Annual Convention of the BahC'is > easily, with relief and gratitude. Then . . . of Central America held in San Josh, Costa > a rift occurred in the favorable relations Rica, in 1952, the idea of a Plan was devel- > between East and West and in its wake oped and later approved by the National > came new vexations, disputes and economic Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Central > difficulties. All prices mounted, the workers America and the Antilles, then beginning its > struck, materials were again hoarded and second year of existence. The Guardian had > thus became scarce and in part illegal. New written the Assembly urging it "to devote > evidences of lack of confidence pervaded its energy primarily to laying a sound and > the world. Our work was threatened with abiding foundation for the future." The > coming to an end. A whole series of old Plan encompassed four points formulated > encumbrances burdened the property and by the Guardian: (1) to establish harmony, > had to be set aside. Old claims had to give love and understanding among the BahL'is, > way to new. Endless, galling dealings with (2) to promote the teaching work, ( 3 ) to > the former owners, with the mortgage of- win support for the National BahPi Fund, > fice, with the notary and with a number of and (4) to assure publication of BahL'i lit- > hancial institutions were necessary in or- erature in well-translated Spanish editions, > der to clear the way for continuing the con- in cooperation with the National Spiritual > struction. The believers had to be appealed Assembly of South America. > to for new sacriftces. Next to the evident To fulfill the first objective the Central > divine blessing we must be thankful for this American National Spiritual Assembly sent > courage in sacrifice, this insight and this a member to each principal community of > unbending will and faith in success, but each country under its jurisdiction, to estab- > especially to the great help of our Guardian, lish a bond of love and service through > so that we could go forward with the con- these visits; and in reply to letters it took > struction and meet the contracts." particular care to quote from the Writings > In July, 1950, the commemoration of the on each speciftc question or problem raised. > Martyrdom of the BAb in Frankfurt was For the second objective two National > held in the large first floor room of the Teaching Committees were formed, one for > Hazira, while construction with the upper work among Spanish speaking friends and > floors was in progress. In 1952 all interior the other among English and French. These > construction work was completed, and a Committees in turn encouraged the Re- > lovely garden and planting had been in- gional Teaching Committees which carried > stalled in the spacious area back of the out specific projects in the field. An Indian > building. The finished H q i r a contains, on Committee carried the Teachings to the ab- > the third floor, a meeting hall seating one origines and established a BahB'i Cultural > hundred thirty persons, with balcony over- Institute in the heart of the Indian country > looking the garden, and an adjoining in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The first > kitchen; a secretariat on the second floor; BahPi School in Central America was held > and several apartments at present leased to at "Karbila" outside of Tegucigalpa, Hon- > C U R R E N T BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 69 > > duras. At the end of the Plan all Assemblies The fifth objective, expansion of the Ba- > had been maintained and teaching work h 2 i New Era School in Panchgani, to bring > was being actively carried on in many fields. it to the status of government recognition, > Support for the National Bahi'i Fund was not attained although progress was > was aided by appeals in the Assembly's of- made toward this goal. The eighth anniver- > ficial news organ Noticias, published in sary of the school was celebrated in De- > Spanish, French and English and mailed to cember, 1952. More suitable, larger prop- > every Bah2i. erty was purchased and the school was > In the interests of well-translated Bahi'i moved to the new premises in February, > literature in Spanish, steps were taken to 1953. Improvements were being made in > consolidate all translating efforts and to se- this twenty-eight acre property, on which > cure well-qualified translators. were located five bungalows in good condi- > tion, the number of classrooms was being > increased, playgrounds were being devel- > The Nineteen-Month Plan of the Na- oped, and a qualified teaching staff was be- > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of ing arranged for. > India, Pikistin and Burma, extending from During the Nineteen-Month Plan wide > September, 1951, to April, 1953, was the publicity was received in the press which > third successive Bahi'i Teaching Plan would prove of valuable assistance in the > undertaken in the sub-continent of India work of the future. > and Burma. Five main objectives were out- > lined and although all were not fully at- > tained, the end of the Plan saw great prog- > ress as a result of the intense efforts of the > Bahi'is of this area. Projected in 1950, in the Guardian's ca- > The first objective was to offer Rs 2,50,- blegram to the British Bahii'i Convention of > 000 to the Shrine of the Bib Fund; a little that year, the Two-Year Plan of the British > over three-fourths of this sum was contrib- Bahi'is was to be a prelude to the "initiation > uted. (of the) systematic campaign designed (to) > Esslemont's Bah8u'llah and the New Era carry (the) torch (of the) Faith (to) terri- > was translated and printed in three lan- tories (of the) Dark Continent whose > guages, Indonesian, Siamese, Karen; a re- northern (and) southern fringes were suc- > vised translation was made in Burmese; and cessively illuminated (in the) course (of > a smaller booklet, "Bahi'u'llih and His the) ministries (of) Bahi'u'llih (and) > Message," was translated and printed in 'Abdu'l-Bahi." > Kachin. The three objectives of the Plan were > The third objective, pioneering into (1) to strengthen the nineteen Spiritual As- > neighboring countries, succeeded in open- semblies already established in the British > ing seven of eight "goal" countries, with Isles, (2) to form nuclei in three depend- > formation of an Assembly in two and prom- encies of the British Crown in East or West > ise of one in a third. The areas opened Africa, and ( 3 ) to translate, publish and > were Siam (Thailand) ; Malaya, with an As- disseminate Bahi'i literature through the > sembly in Singapore; Indonesia; Sarawak, British Publishing Trust in three African > with an Assembly established in Kuching; languages in addition to the three already > Zanzibar; Madagascar; and Nepal. Indo- undertaken in the Six-Year Plan success- > China remained unsettled. fully completed less than a year previously > On the home front of the Indian sub- by the British Bahi'is. > continent, eight of ten Spiritual Assemblies At the midpoint of the Plan, in April, > hoped for were established in India, three 1952, the Guardian was able to announce > of five in Pikistin, and one of two in Cey- that pioneers had been dispatched to the > lon. It was not possible to fulfill the objec- three virgin territories of Tanganyika, > tives in Burma owing to disturbed condi- Uganda and the Gold Coast; that a seven- > tions in that country. Of thirteen Assemblies teen thousand dollar Haziratu'l-Quds had > to be consolidated in India, twelve main- been purchased in Kampala, Uganda; that > tained their status, and all Assemblies to be native Africans of the Teso, Yao, Buganda > consolidated in Pikistin (three) and Burma and Mutoco tribes had been enrolled in the > (four) maintained status. Faith; and that Spiritual Assemblies had > 70 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > been formed in Kampala and in Dar es On the home front in the British Isles, > Salaam. all Assemblies were maintained on a firm > When the Plan came to its brilliant con- basis. In addition to the three pamphlets > clusion in April, 1953, the Guardian an- previously printed in African languages > nounced that the number of believers in (ChiNyanja, KiSwahili and Hausa) , trans- > Uganda alone was over two hundred and lations into Luganda, Twi and Ateso were > ninety, residing in twenty-five localities and published a.nd in use, and translations into > representing twenty tribes. In Africa all at least eight additional African languages > goals were exceeded. Twelve new local Spir- were in progress. The pamphlets were > itual Assemblies had been established in printed by the British Publishing Trust and > Uganda, and besides the Assembly in Tan- > distributed by them. > ganyika one was assured in Kenya. In his > The objectives thus brilliantly achieved > message to the First Intercontinental Bahgi > Teaching Conference held in Kampala, in in the British Two-Year Plan laid the > February, 1953, the Guardian wrote: "I groundwork for and greatly furthered the > welcome with open arms the unexpectedly tremendous successes of the African teach- > large number of the representatives of the ing work in which six National Spiritual As- > pure-hearted and the spiritually receptive semblies were to cooperate during the Ten- > Negro race." Year Crusade. > EXCERPTS F R O M T H E > B A H A ' I SACRED W R I T I N G S > > From PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS BY BAHA'U'LLAH > > A L L praise, 0 my God, be to Thee Who inspiration and Thy Revelation, and to > art the Source of all glory and majesty, of manifest Thy names and Thine attributes. > greatness and honor, of sovereignty and Through Him Thou didst adorn the pre- > dominion, of loftiness and grace, of awe and amble of the book of Thy creation, 0 Thou > power. Whomsoever Thou willest Thou Who art the Ruler of the universe Thou hast > causest to draw nigh unto the Most Great fashioned! > Ocean, and on whomsoever Thou desirest I bear witness that in His person solidity > Thou conferrest the honor of recognizing and fluidity have been joined and combined. > Thy Most Ancient Name. Of all who are in Through His immovable constancy in Thy > heaven and on earth, none can withstand Cause, and His unwavering adherence to > the operation of Thy sovereign Will. From whatsoever Thou, in the plenitude of the > all eternity Thou didst rule the entire crea- light of Thy glory, didst unveil to His eyes, > tion, and Thou wilt continue for evermore throughout the domains of Thy Revelation > to exercise Thy dominion over all created and creation, the souls of Thy servants were > things. There is none other God but Thee, stirred up in their longing for Thy Kingdom, > the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All- and the dwellers of Thy realms rushed forth > Powerful, the All-Wise. to enter into Thy heavenly dominion. > Illumine, 0 Lord, the faces of Thy serv- Through the restlessness He evinced in Thy > ants, that they may behold Thee; and path, the feet of all them that are devoted to > cleanse their hearts that they may turn unto Thee were steeled and confirmed to mani- > the court of Thy heavenly favors, and rec- fest Thy Cause amidst Thy creatures, and > ognize Him Who is the Manifestation of to demonstrate Thy sovereignty throughout > Thy Self and the Day-Spring of Thine Es- Thy realm. > sence. Verily, Thou art the Lord of all How great, 0 my God, is this Thy most > worlds. There is no God but Thee, the Un- excellent handiwork, and how consummate > constrained, the All-Subduing. ( p . 94) Thy creation, which hath caused every un- > derstanding heart and mind to marvel! And > Lauded be Thy name, 0 Lord my God! I when the set time was fulfilled, and what > testify that Thou wast a hidden Treasure had been preordained came to pass, Thou > wrapped within Thine immemorial Being didst unloose His tongue to praise Thee, and > and an impenetrable Mystery enshrined in to lay bare Thy mysteries before all Thy > Thine own Essence. Wishing to reveal Thy- creation, 0 Thou Who art the Possessor > self, Thou didst call into being the Greater of all names, and the Fashioner of earth and > and the Lesser Worlds, and didst choose heaven! Through Him all created things > Man above all Thy creatures, and didst were made to glorify Thee, and to celebrate > make Him a sign of both of these worlds, 0 Thy praise, and every soul was directed to- > Thou Who art our Lord, the Most Com- wards the kingdom of Thy revelation and > passionate! Thy sovereignty. > Thou didst raise Him up to occupy Thy At one time, Thou didst raise Him up, 0 > throne before all the people of Thy creation. my God, and didst attire Him with the orna- > Thou didst enable Him to unravel Thy mys- ment of the name of Him Who conversed > teries, and to shine with the lights of Thine with Thee (Moses), and didst through Him > 72 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > uncover all that Thy will had decreed and vors and Thy gifts, and to rid them of all > Thine irrevocable purpose ordained. At an- attachment to aught else except Thee. At > other time, Thou didst adorn Him with the another time He revealeth Himself as the > name of Him Who was Thy Spirit (Jesus), Fire which Thou didst kindle in the tree of > and didst send Him down out of the heaven Thy unity, whose heat melted the hearts of > of Thy will, for the edification of Thy peo- Thine ardent lovers when He Who is the > ple, infusing thereby the spirit of life into Day-Star of the world shone forth above the > the hearts of the sincere among Thy serv- horizon of 'Iriq. I testify, 0 my God, that > ants and the faithful among Thy creatures. through Him the veils of human fancy were > Again, Thou didst reveal Him, decked forth burnt up, and the hearts of men were set to- > by the name of Him Who was Thy Friend wards the scene of Thy most resplendent > (Muhammad), and caused Him to shine glory. > brightly above the horizon of Hijiz, as a I implore Thee, 0 Thou Who art the > token of Thy power and an evidence of Thy Supreme Ordainer, not to suffer me to be > might. Through Him Thou didst send unto deprived of the breezes which are wafted in > Thy servants what enabled them to scale Thy days, the days whereon the sweet smell > the heights of Thy unity, and to yearn over of the raiment of Thy mercy hath been shed > the wonders of Thy manifold knowledge abroad. Neither do Thou keep me back > and wisdom. from Thy most great Ocean, every drop of > I testify, 0 Thou Who art the Lord of the which crieth out and saith: 'Great is the > whole creation, and the Desire of whosoever blessedness that awaiteth him who hath been > hath sought Thee, that, amidst Thy crea- awakened from his sleep by the breath of > tures, they resemble the sun which no mat- God which, from the source of His mercy, > ter how often it riseth and setteth is still the hath blown over all such of His creatures > one and the same sun. Whoso maketh any as have set themselves towards Him!' > distinction between any of them hath truly Thou seest, 0 my Lord, how Thy servants > failed to attain the ultimate purpose, and to are held captive by their own selves and > reach the highest goal, and hath been de- desires. Redeem them from their bondage, > prived of the mysteries of unity and of the 0 my God, by the power of Thy sovereignty > lights of sanctity and oneness. I testify, and might, that they may turn towards Thee > moreover, that Thou hast decreed that none when He Who is the Revealer of Thy names > on the face of the earth should equal them, and attributes is manifested unto men. > and none of Thy creatures be able to be Cast upon this poor and desolate crea- > compared with any of them, in order that ture, 0 my Lord, the glance of Thy wealth, > Thine own singleness and peerlessness might and flood his heart with the beams of Thy > be recognized and established. knowledge, that he may apprehend the > Glorified, immeasurably glorified be Thy verities of the unseen world, and discover > name, 0 my God! How can I ever befit- the mysteries of Thy heavenly realm, and > tingly mention Thee or sufficiently praise perceive the signs and tokens of Thy king- > Thee, that Thou hast manifested Him by dom, and behold the manifold revelations of > the power of Thy might, and caused Him this earthly life all set forth before the face > to shine above the horizon of Thy will, and of Him Who is the Revealer of Thine own > made Him the Day-Spring of Thy signs, and Self. Direct, then, his eyes, 0 my God, to- > the Dawning-Place of the revelation of Thy wards the horizon of Thy loving-kindness, > names and Thine attributes? How bewilder- and make steadfast his heart in its attach- > ingly mysterious, moreover, 0 my God, is ment to Thee, and unloose his tongue to > His nature and all that Thou hast infused praise Thee, and make him able to hold fast: > into Him, through Thy strength and by the the cord of Thy love, and to cling to the > power of Thy might! At one time He ap- hem of Thy bounteousness, and to proclaim > peareth as the water which is Life indeed, Thy name amidst Thy creatures, and to re- > sent down out of the heaven of Thy grace, count Thy virtues throughout Thy realm, in > and poured forth from the clouds of Thy such wise that no obstacle will deter him > mercy, that Thy creatures may be endued from turning to Thy name, the All-Bounti- > with new life, and live as long as Thine own ful, and no veil shut him out from Thee, in > Kingdom endureth. Every drop of that Whose hand is the dominion of utterance > water would suffice to quicken the dead, and and the kingdom of all names and attri- > to set their faces in the direction of Thy fa- butes! > BAHA'I SACRED W R I T I N G S > > Octagon of the Shrine seen from the mountainside and > showing one iron railing in place. March, 1952. > > Scaffolding around the drum and dome of the Bib's Shrine; > the ribs, tiles and lantern of the dome are still to be added. > June, 1953. > 74 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Hold Thou the hand of this seeker who Thine utterances in Thy days. Blessed, > hath set his face towards Thee, 0 my Lord, moreover, be the man that hath turned unto > and draw him out of the depths of his vain Thee, and woe betide him that hath turned > imaginations, that the light of certainty may his back upon Thee. > shine brightly above the horizon of his Praised be Thou, the Lord of the worlds! > heart in the -days whereon the sun of the ( p . 48) > knowledge of Thy creatures hath been dark- > ened through the shining of the Day-Star of Praise be to Thee, 0 Lord my God! Thou > Thy glory; the days whereon the moon of seest and knowest that I have called upon > the world's wisdom hath been eclipsed Thy servants to turn nowhere except in the > through the appearance of Thy hidden direction of Thy bestowals, and have bidden > knowledge, and the manifestation of Thy them observe naught save the things Thou > well-guarded secret, and the revelation of didst prescribe in Thy Perspicuous Book, the > Thine enshrined mystery; the days whereon Book which hath been sent down according > the stars of men's doings have fallen through to Thine inscrutable decree and irrevocable > the rising of the orb of Thy unity and the purpose. > shedding of the radiance of Thy transcend- I can utter no word, 0 my God, unless I > ent oneness. be permitted by Thee, and can move in no > I beg of Thee, 0 my God, by Thy most direction until I obtain Thy sanction. It is > exalted Word which Thou hast ordained as Thou, 0 my God, Who hast called me into > the Divine Elixir unto all who are in Thy being through the power of Thy might, and > realm, the Elixir through whose potency the hast endued me with Thy grace to manifest > crude metal of human life hath been trans- Thy Cause. Wherefore I have been sub- > muted into purest gold, 0 Thou in Whose jected to such adversities that my tongue > hands are both the visible and invisible hath been hindered from extolling Thee and > kingdoms, to ordain that my choice be con- from magnifying Thy glory. > formed to Thy choice and my wish to Thy All praise be to Thee, 0 my God, for the > wish, that I may be entirely content with things Thou didst ordain for me through > that which Thou didst desire, and be wholly Thy decree and by the power of Thy sover- > satisfied with what Thou didst destine for me eignty. I beseech Thee that Thou wilt fortify > by Thy bounteousness and favor. Potent art both myself and them that love me in our > Thou to do as Thou willest. Thou, in very love for Thee, and wilt keep us firm in Thy > truth, art the All-Glorious, the All-Wise. Cause. I swear by Thy might! 0 my God! > Happy is the man who hath recognized Thy servant's shake is to be shut out as by > Thee, and discovered the sweetness of Thy a veil from Thee, and his glory is to know > fragrance, and set himself towards ~ h y Thee. Armed with the power of Thy name > kingdom, and tasted of the things that have nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love > been perfected therein by Thy grace and in my heart all the world's afflictions can in > favor. Great is the blessedness of him who > no wise alarm me. > hath acknowledged Thy most excellent > majesty, and whom the veils that have shut Send down, therefore, 0 my Lord, upon > out the nations from Thee have not hin- me and upon my loved ones that which will > dered from directing his eyes towards Thee, protect us from the mischief of those that > 0 Thou Who art the King of eternity and have repudiated Thy truth and disbelieved > the Quickener of every moldering bone! in Thy signs. > Blessed, also, is he that hath inhaled Thy Thou art, verily, the All-Glorious, the > sweet savors, and been carried away by Most Bountiful. ( p . 207) > > From G L E A N I N G S F R O M T H E W R I T I N G S OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H > THEDAYOF FULFILLMENT Scriptures, have all been fulfilled. Out of > Zion hath gone forth the Law of God, and > The time fore-ordained unto the peoples Jerusalem, and the hills and land thereof, > and kindreds of the earth is now come. The are filled with the glory of His Revelation. > promises of God, as recorded in the holy Happy is the man that pondereth in his > heart that which hath been revealed in the whom the Almighty was pleased to guide, > Books of God, the Help in Peril, the Self- were found dumbfounded and heedless. > Subsisting. Meditate upon this, 0 ye be- 0 thou that hast remembered Me! The > loved of God, and let your ears be atten- most grievous veil hath shut out the peoples > tive unto His Word, so that ye may, by His of the earth from His glory, and hindered > grace and mercy, drink your fill from the them from hearkening to His call. God > crystal waters of constancy, and become grant that the light of unity may envelop the > as steadfast and immovable as the mountain whole earth, and that the seal, "the King- > in His Cause. dom is God's," may be stamped upon the > In the Book of Isaiah it is written: "Enter brow of all its peoples. (p. 10) > into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for > fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His By the righteousness of God! These are > majesty." No man that meditateth upon this the days in which God hath proved the > verse can fail to recognize the greatness of hearts of the entire company of His Mes- > this Cause, or doubt the exalted character sengers and Prophets, and beyond them > of this Day-the Day of God himself. This those that stand guard over His sacred > same verse is followed by these words: "And and inviolable Sanctuary, the inmates of the > the Lord alone shall be exalted in that Day." celestial Pavilion and dwellers of the Tab- > This is the Day which the Pen of the Most ernacle of Glory. How severe, therefore, the > High hath glorified in all the holy Scrip- test to which they who join partners with > tures. There is no verse in them that doth > God must needs be subjected! (p. 11) > not declare the glory of His holy Name, and > no Book that doth not testify unto the lofti- > ness of this most exalted theme. Were We Beware, 0 believers in the Unity of God, > to make mention of all that hath been re- lest ye be tempted to make any distinction > vealed in these heavenly Books and holy between any of the Manifestations of His > Scriptures concerning this Revelation, this Cause, or to discriminate against the signs > Tablet would assume impossible dimensions. that have accompanied and proclaimed their > It is incumbent, in this Day, upon every man Revelation. This indeed is the true meaning > to place his whole trust in the manifold of Divine Unity, if ye be of them that ap- > bounties of God, and arise to disseminate, prehend and believe this truth. Be ye as- > with the utmost wisdom, the verities of His sured, moreover, that the works and acts of > Cause. Then, and only then, will the whole each and every one of these Manifestations > earth be enveloped with the morning light of God, nay whatever pertaineth unto them, > of His Revelation. ( p 12) and whatsoever they may manifest in the > future, are all ordained by God, and are > Verily I say, this is the Day in which a reflection of His Will and Purpose. Whoso > mankind can behold the Face, and hear the maketh the slightest possible difference be- > Voice, of the Promised One. The Call of tween their persons, their words, their mes- > God hath been raised, and the light of His sages, their acts and manners, hath indeed > countenance hath been lifted up upon men. disbelieved in God, hath repudiated His > It behoveth every man to blot out the trace signs, and betrayed the Cause of His Mes- > of every idle word from the tablet of his sengers. ( p . 59) > heart, and to gaze, with an open and un- > biased mind, on the signs of His Revela- It is evident that every age in which a > tion, the proofs of His Mission, and the Manifestation of God hath lived is divinely > tokens of His glory. ordained, and may, in a sense, be character- > Great indeed is this Day! The allusions ized as God's appointed Day. This Day, > made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as however, is unique, and is to be distin- > the Day of God attest its greatness. The guished from those that have preceded it. > soul of every Prophet of God, of every The designation "Seal of the Prophets" fully > Divine Messenger, hath thirsted for this revealeth its high station. The Prophetic > wondrous Day. All the divers kindreds of Cycle hath, verily, ended. The Eternal Truth > the earth have, likewise, yearned to attain is now come. He hath lifted up the Ensign > it. No sooner, however, had the Day Star of of Power, and is now shedding upon the > His Revelation manifested itself in the world the unclouded splendor of His Reve- > heaven of God's Will, than all, except those lation. (p. 6 0 ) > 76 T H E BAHA 'f W O R L D > > Contemplate with thine inward eye the countenance. And yet, behold how far its > chain of successive Revelations that hath peoples have strayed from His path! None > linked the Manifestation of Adam with that have believed in Him except them who, > of the BBb. I testify before God that each through the power of the Lord of Names, > one of these Manifestations hath been sent have shattered the idols of their vain imagin- > down through the operation of the Divine i n g ~and corrupt desires and entered the > Will and Purpose, that each hath been the city of certitude. The seal of the choice > bearer of a specific Message, that each hath Wine of His Revelation hath, in this Day > been entrusted with a divinely-revealed and in His Name, the Self-Sufficing, been > Book and been commissioned to unravel broken. Its grace is being poured out upon > the mysteries of a mighty Tablet. The meas- men. Fill thy cup, and drink it in His Name, > ure of the Revelation with which every one the Most Holy, the All-Praised. (p. 12) > of them hath been identified had been defi- > nitely fore-ordained. This, verily, is a token Say: 0 ye that have strayed and lost your > of Our favor unto them, if ye be of those way! The Divine Messenger, Who speaketh > that comprehend this truth. . . . And when naught but the truth, hath announced unto > this process of progressive Revelation cul- you the coming of the Best-Beloved. Behold, > minated in the stage at which His peerless, He is now come. Wherefore are ye downcast > His most sacred, and exalted Countenance and dejected? Why remain despondent > was to be unveiled to men's eyes, He chose when the Pure and Hidden One hath ap- > to hide His own Self behind a thousand peared unveiled amongst you? He Who ;s > veils, lest profane and mortal eyes discover both the Beginning and the End, He Who is > His glory. This He did at a time when the both Stillness and Motion, is now manifest > signs and tokens of a divinely-appointed before your eyes. Behold how, in this Day, > Revelation were being showered upon Him the Beginning is reflected in the End, how > -signs and tokens which none can reckon out of Stillness Motion hath been engen- > except the Lord, your God, the Lord of all dered. This motion hath been generated by > worlds. And when the set time of conceal- the potent e9ergies which the words of the > ment was fulfilled, We sent forth, whilst Almighty have released throughout the en- > still wrapt within a myriad veils, an infini- tire creation. Whoso hath been quickened > tesimal glimmer of the effulgent Glory en- by its vitalizing power, will find himself im- > veloping the Face of the Youth, and lo, the pelled to attain the court of the Beloved; and > entire company of the dwellers of the whoso hath deprived himself therefrom, will > Realms above were seized with violent com- sink into irretrievable despondency. He is > motion and the favored of God fell down truly wise whom the world and all that is > in adoration before Him. He hath, verily, therein have not deterred from recognizing > manifested a glory such as none in the the light of this Day, who will not allow > whole creation hath witnessed, inasmuch as men's idle talk to cause him to swerve from > He hath arisen to proclaim in person His the way of righteousness. He is indeed as > Cause unto all who are in the heavens and one dead who, at the wondrous dawn of this > all who are on the earth. ( p 74) Revelation, hath failed to be quickened by > its soul-stirring breeze. He is indeed a cap- > 0 Husayn! Consider the eagerness with tive who hath not recognized the Supreme > which certain peoples and nations have Redeemer, but hath suffered his soul to be > anticipated the return of Imgm-Husayn, bound, distressed and helpless, in the fetters > whose coming, after the appearance of the of his desires. > QB'im, hath been prophesied, in days past, 0 My servants! Whoso hath tasted of > by the chosen ones of God, exalted be His this Fountain hath attained unto everlasting > glory. These holy ones have, moreover, an- Life, and whoso hath refused to drink there- > nounced that when He Who is the Day from is even as the dead. Say: 0 ye workers > Spring of the manifold grace of God mani- of iniquity! Covetousness hath hindered you > festeth Himself, all the Prophets and Mes- from giving a hearing ear unto the sweet > sengers, including the QB'im, will gather voice of Him Who is the All-Sufficing. Wash > together beneath the shadow of the sacred it away from your hearts, that His Divine > Standard which the Promised One will raise. secret may be made known unto you. Be- > That hour is now come. The world is il- hold Him manifest and resplendent as the > lumined with the effulgent glory of His sun in all its glory. > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS > > i-trst golden tiles laid on the dome of the Bib's Shrine. > Beneath the tile on the right a piece of plaster from the > prison room occupied by the Bib in Mih-Kii was imbedded > by the Guardian on the one hundredth anniversary of the > birth of the Mission of BahL'ulllih. > > Say: 0 ye that are bereft of understand- Seized with transports of joy, and raising > ing! A severe trial pursueth you, and will high her voice, she thus exclaimed: "May > suddenly overtake you. Bestir yourselves, my life be a sacrifice to Thee, inasmuch as > that haply it may pass and inflict no harm Thou hast fixed Thy gaze upon me, hast be- > upon you. Acknowledge the exalted char- stowed upon me Thy bounty, and hast di- > acter of the name of the Lord, your God, rected towards me Thy steps. Separation > Who hath come unto you in the greatness of from Thee, 0 Thou Source of everlasting > His glory. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, life, hath well nigh consumed me, and my > the All-Possessing, the Supreme Protector. remoteness from Thy presence hath burned > ( P 168) away my soul. All praise be to Thee for hav- > ing enabled me to hearken to Thy call, for > Ta!bletto Carmel having honored me with Thy footsteps, and > for having quickened my soul through the > All glory be to this Day, the Day in which vitalizing fragrance of Thy Day and the > the fragrances of mercy have been wafted thrilling voice of Thy Pen,' a voice Thou > over all created things, a Day so blest that didst ordain as Thy trumpet-call amidst Thy > past ages and centuFies can never hope to people. And when the hour at which Thy > rival it, a Day in which the countenance of resistless Faith was to be made manifest did > the Ancient of Days hath turned towards strike, Thou didst breathe a breath of Thy > His holy seat. Thereupon the voices of all spirit into Thy Pen, and lo, the entire crea- > created things, and beyond them those of tion shook to its very foundations, unveiling > the Concourse on high, were heard calling to mankind such mysteries as lay hidden > aloud: "Haste thee, 0 Carmel, for lo, the within the treasuries of Him Who is the > light of the countenance of God, the Ruler Possessor of all created things." > of the Kingdom of Names and Fashioner of No sooner had her voice reached that > the heavens, hath been lifted upon thee." most exalted Spot than We made reply: > 78 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > "Render thanks unto Thy Lord, 0 Carmel. to disclose that which had been wrapt in > The fire of thy separation from Me was fast His knowledge and lay concealed within the > consuming thee, when the ocean of My pres- treasury of His might. He, verily, through > ence surged before thy face, cheering thine the potency of His name, the Mighty, the > eyes and those of all creation, and filling All-Powerful, the Most High, is the ruler > with delight all things visible and invisible. of all that is in the heavens and all that is > Rejoice, for God hath in this Day estab- on earth. (p. 14) > lished upon thee His throne, hath made thee > the dawning-place of His signs and the day Bestir yourselves, 0 people, in anticipa- > spring of the evidences of His Revelation. tion of the days of Divine justice, for the > Well is it with him that circleth around thee, promised hour is now come. Beware lest ye > that proclaimeth the revelation of thy glory, fail to apprehend its import and be ac- > and recounteth that which the bounty of counted among the erring. ( p . 17) > the Lord thy God hath showered upon thee. > Seize thou the Chalice of Immortality in the > name of thy Lord, the All-Glorious, and > give thanks unto Him, inasmuch as He, in All-praise to the unity of God, and all- > token of His mercy unto thee, hath turned honor to Him, the sovereign Lord, the in- > thy sorrow into gladness, and transmuted comparable and all-glorious Ruler of the > thy grief into blissful joy. He, verily, loveth universe, Who, out of utter nothingness, > the spot which hath been made the seat of hath created the reality of all things, Who, > His throne, which His footsteps have trod- from naught, hath brought into being the > den, which hath been honored by His pres- most refined and subtle elements of His > ence, from which He raised His call, and creation, and Who, rescuing His creatures > upon which He shed His tears. from the abasement of remoteness and the > "Call out to Zion, 0 Carmel, and perils of ultimate extinction, hath received > announce the joyful tidings: He that was them into His kingdom of incorruptible > hidden from mortal eyes is come! His all- glory. Nothing short of His all-encom- > conquering sovereignty is manifest; His all- passing grace, His all-pervading mercy, > encompassing splendor is revealed. Beware could have possibly achieved it. How could > lest thou hesitate or halt. Hasten forth and it, otherwise, have been possible for sheer > circumambulate the City of God that hath nothingness to have acquired by itself the > descended from heaven, the celestial Kaaba worthiness and capacity to emerge from > round which have circled in adoration the its state of non-existence into the realm of > favored of God, the pure in heart, and the being? > company of the most exalted angels. Oh, Having created the world and all that > how I long to announce unto every spot on liveth and moveth therein, He, through the > the surface of the earth, and to carry to each direct operation of His unconstrained and > one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man > Revelation-a Revelation to which the heart the unique distinction and capacity to know > of Sinai hath been attracted, and in whose Him and to love Him-a capacity that must > name the Burning Bush is calling: 'Unto needs be regarded as the generating impulse > God, the Lord of Lords, belong the king- and the primary purpose underlying the > doms of earth and heaven.' Verily this is whole of creation. . . . Upon the inmost > the Day in which both land and sea rejoice reality of each and every created thing He > at this announcement, the Day for which hath shed the light of one of His names, and > have been laid up those things which God, made it a recipient of the glory of one of > through a bounty beyond the ken of mortal His attributes. Upon the reality of man, > mind or heart, hath destined for revelation. however, He hath focused the radiance of > Ere long will God sail His Ark upon thee, all of His names and attributes, and made > and will manifest the people of Bahh who it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all > have been mentioned in the Book of created things man hath been singled out > Names." for so great a favor, so enduring a bounty. > Sanctified be the Lord of all mankind, at These energies with which the Day Star > the mention of Whose name all the atoms of Divine bounty and Source of heavenly > of the earth have been made to vibrate, and guidance hath endowed the reality of man > the Tongue of Grandeur hath been moved lie, however, latent within him, even as the > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 79 > > flame is hidden within the candle and the only then, will the Trust of God, latent in > rays of light are potentially present in the the reality of man, emerge, as resplendent > lamp. The radiance of these energies may be as the rising Orb of Divine Revelation, from > obscured by worldly desires even as the light behind the veil of concealment, and implant > of the sun can be concealed beneath the the ensign of its revealed glory upon the > dust and dross which cover the mirror. summits of men's hearts. > Neither the candle nor the lamp can be From the foregoing passages and allu- > lighted through their own unaided efforts, sions it hath been made indubitably clear > nor can it ever be possible for the mirror to that in the kingdoms of earth and heaven > free itself from its dross. It is clear and evi- there must needs be manifested a Being, an > dent that until a fire is kindled the lamp will Essence Who shall act as a Manifestation > never be ignited, and unless the dross is and Vehicle for the transmission of the > blotted out from the face of the mirror it grace of the Divinity Itself, the Sovereign > can never represent the image of the sun Lord of all. Through the Teachings of this > nor reflect its light and glory. Day Star of Truth every man will advance > And since there can be no tie of direct and develop until he attaineth the station > intercourse to bind the one true God with at which he can manifest all the potential > His creation, and no resemblance whatever forces with which his inmost true self hath > can exist between the transient and the been endowed. It is for this very purpose > Eternal, the contingent and the Absolute, that in every age and dispensation the > He hath ordained that in every age and Prophets of God and His chosen Ones have > dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be appeared amongst men, and have evinced > made manifest in the kingdoms of earth such power as is born of God and such > and heaven. Unto this subtle, this mysterious might as only the Eternal can reveal. > and ethereal Being He hath assigned a two- Can one of sane mind ever seriously im- > fold nature; the physical, pertaining to the agine that, in view of certain word; the > world of matter, and the spiritual, which is meaning of which he cannot comprehend, > born of the substance of God Himself. He the portal of God's infinite guidance can > hath, moreover, conferred upon Him a dou- ever be closed in the face of men? Can he > ble station. The first station, which is re- ever conceive for these Divine Luminaries, > lated to His innermost reality, representeth these resplendent Lights either a beginning > Him as One Whose voice is the voice of or an end? What outpouring flood can com- > God Himself. To this testifieth the tradition: pare with the stream of His all-embracing > "Manifold and mysterious is My relation- grace, and what blessing can excel the evi- > ship with God. I am He, Himself, and He dences of so great and pervasive a mercy? > is I, Myself, except that I am that I am, There can be no doubt whatever that if for > and He is that He is." And in like manner, one moment the tide of His mercy and grace > the words: "Arise, 0 Muhammad, for lo, were to be withheld from the world, it > the Lover and the Beloved are joined to- would completely perish. For this reason, > gether and made one in Thee." He similarly from the beginning that hath no beginning > saith: "There is no distinction whatsoever the portals of Divine mercy have been flung > between Thee and Them, except that They open to the face of all created things, and > are Thy Servants." The second station is the clouds of Truth will continue to the end > the human station, exemplified by the fol- that hath no end to rain on the soil of hu- > lowing verses: "I am but a man like you." man capacity, reality and personality their > "Say, praise be to my Lord! Am I more favors and bounties. Such hath been God's > than a man, an apostle?" These Essences of method continued from everlasting to ever- > Detachment, these resplendent Realities are lasting. (P. 64) > the channels of God's all-pervasive grace. > Led by the light of unfailing guidance, and The purpose of God in creating man hath > invested with supreme sovereignty, they are been, and will ever be, to enable him to > commissioned to use the inspiration of their know his Creator and to attain His Pres- > words, the effusions of their infallible grace ence. To this most excellent aim, this su- > and the sanctifying breeze of their Revela- preme objective, all the heavenly Books > tion for the cleansing of every longing heart and the divinely-revealed and weighty Scrip- > and receptive spirit from the dross and dust tures unequivocally bear witness. Whoso > of earthly cares and limitations. Then, and hath recognized the Day Spring of Divine > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Raising the bell of the lantern of the dome of the BAb's Shrine. > > guidance and entered His holy court hath hath it been ordained by the all-glorious and > drawn nigh unto God and attained His resplendent Pen. . . . > Presence, a Presence which is the real Para- That the Manifestations of Divine justice, > dise, and of which the loftiest mansions of the Day Springs of heavenly grace, have > heaven are but a symbol. Such a man hath when they appeared amongst men always > attained the knowledge of the station of been destitute of all earthly dominion and > Him Who is "at the distance of two bows," shorn of the means of worldly ascendancy, > Who standeth beyond the Sadratu'l- should be attributed to this same principle > Muntahd Whoso hath failed to recognize of separation and distinction which ani- > Him will have condemned himself to the mateth the Divine Purpose. Were the Eter- > misery of remoteness, a remoteness which is nal Essence to manifest all that is latent > naught but utter nothingness and the es- within Him, were He to shine in the pleni- > sence of the nethermost fire. Such will be tude of His glory, none would be found to > his fate, though to outward seeming he question His power or repudiate His truth. > may occupy the earth's loftiest seats and be Nay, all created things would be so dazzled > established upon its most exalted throne. and thunderstruck by the evidences of His > He Who is the Day Spring of Truth is, no light as to be reduced to utter nothingness. > doubt, fully capable of rescuing from such How, then, can the godly be d3erentiated > remoteness wayward souls and of causing under such circumstances from the froward? > them to draw nigh unto His court and at- This principle hath operated in each of > tain His Presence. "If God had pleased He the previous Dispensations and been abun- > had surely made all men one people." His dantly demonstrated. . . . It is for this rea- > purpose, however, is to enable the pure in son that, in every age, when a new Manifes- > spirit and the detached in heart to ascend, tation hath appeared and a fresh revelation > by virtue of their own innate powers, unto of God's transcendent power was vouch- > the shores of the Most Great Ocean, that safed unto men, they that misbelieved in > thereby they who seek the Beauty of the All- Him, deluded by the appearance of the peer- > Glorious may be distinguished and sepa- less and everlasting Beauty in the garb of > rated from the wayward and perverse. Thus mortal men, have failed to recognize Him. > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS > > The crown of the dome. > > They have erred from His path and es- ing over all created things and the signs of > chewed His company-the company of Him His sovereignty encompassing all creation. > Who is the Symbol of nearness to God. On that day ye will discover bow all else > They have even arisen to decimate the besides Him will have been forgotten and > ranks of the faithful and to exterminate such come to be regarded as utter nothingness. > as believed in Him. It should, however, be borne in mind that > Behold how in this Dispensation the God and His Manifestation can, under no > worthless and foolish have fondly imagined circumstances, be dissociated from the > that by such instruments as massacre, plun- loftiness and sublimity which They inher- > der and banishment they can extinguish the ently possess. Nay, loftiness and sublimity > Lamp which the Hand of Divine power hath are themselves the creations of His Word, if > lit, or eclipse the Day Star of everlasting ye choose to see with My sight not with > splendor. How utterly unaware they seem yours. (P. 70) > to be of the truth that such adversity is the > oil that feedeth the flame of this Lamp! Such . . . God's purpose in sending His > is God's transforming power. He changeth Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to > whatsoever He willeth; He verily hath liberate the children of men from the dark- > power over all things. . . . ness of ignorance, and guide them to the > Consider at all times the sovereignty ex- light of true understanding. The second is > ercised by the Ideal King, and behold the to ensure the peace and tranquillity of man- > evidences of His power and paramount in- kind, and provide all the means by which > fluence. Sanctify your ears from the idle they can be established. > talk of them that are the symbols of denial The Prophets of God should be regarded > and the exponents of violence and anger. as physicians whose task is to foster the > The hour is approaching when ye will wit- well-being of the world and its peoples, that, > ness the power of the one true God triumph- through the spirit of oneness, they may heal > 82 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > the sickness of a divided humanity. T o none same substance, and hath exalted their > is given the right to question their words or reality above the rest of His creatures. Suc- > disparage their conduct, for they are the cess or failure, gain or loss, must, therefore, > only ones who can claim to have understood depend upon man's own exertions. The > the patient and to have correctly diagnosed more he striveth, the greater will be his > its ailments. No man, however acute his progress. We fain would hope that the ver- > perception, can ever hope to reach the nal showers of the bounty of God may cause > heights which the wisdom and understand- the flowers of true understanding to spring > ing of the Divine Physician have attained. from the soil of men's hearts, and may wash > Little wonder, then, if the treatment pre- them from all earthly defilements. (p. 77) > scribed by the physician in this day should > not be found to be identical with that which > he prescribed before. How could it be other- > wise when the ills affecting the sufferer ne- The fundamental purpose animating the > cessitate at every stage of his sickness a Faith of God and His Religion is to safe- > special remedy? In like manner, every time guard the interests and promote the unity of > the Prophets of God have illumined the the human race, and to foster the spirit of > world with the resplendent radiance of the love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it > Day Star of Divine knowledge, they have not to become a source of dissension and > invariably summoned its peoples to embrace discord, of hate and enmity. This is the > the light of God through such means as best straight Path, the fixed and immovable foun- > befitted the exigencies of the age in which dation. Whatsoever is raised on this founda- > they appeared. They were thus able to scat- tion, the changes and chances of the world > ter the darkness of ignorance, and to shed can never impair its strength, nor will the > upon the world the glory of their own revolution of countless centuries undermine > knowledge. It is towards the inmost essence its structure. Our hope is that the world's > of these Prophets, therefore, that the eye of religious leaders and the rulers thereof will > every man of discernment must be directed, unitedly arise for the reformation of this age > inasmuch as their one and only purpose and the rehabilitation of its fortunes. Let > hath always been to guide the erring, and them, after meditating on its needs, take > give peace to the afflicted. These are not counsel together and, through anxious and > days of prosperity and triumph. The whole full deliberation, administer to a diseased > of mankind is in the grip of manifold ills. and sorely-afflicted world the remedy it re- > Strive, therefore, to save its life through the quires. . . . It is incumbent upon them > wholesome medicine which the almighty who are in authority to exercise moderation > hand of the unerring Physician hath pre- in all things. Whatsoever passeth beyond the > pared. limits of moderation will cease to exert a > And now concerning thy question regard- beneficial influence. Consider for instance > ing the nature of religion. Know thou that such things as liberty, civilization and the > they who are truly wise have likened the like. However much men of understanding > world unto the human temple. As the body may favorably regard them, they will, if > of man needeth a to clothe it, so carried to excess, exercise a pernicious in- > the body of mankind must needs be adorned fluence upon men. . . . Please God, the > with the mantle of justice and wisdom. Its peoples of the world may be led, as the > robe is the Revelation vouchsafed unto it by result of the high endeavors exerted by their > God. Whenever this robe hath fulfilled its rulers and the wise and learned amongst > purpose, the Almighty will assuredly renew men, to recognize their best interests. How > it. For every age requireth a fresh measure long will humanity persist in its wayward- > of the light of God. Every Divine Revela- ness? How long will injustice continue? How > tion hath been sent down in a manner that long is chaos and confusion to reign amongst > befitted the circumstances of the age in men? How long will discord agitate the face > which it hath appeared. of society? The winds of despair are, alas, > As to thy question regarding the sayings blowing from every direction, and the strife > of the leaders of past religions. Every wise that divideth and afflicteth the human race is > and praiseworthy man will no doubt eschew daily increasing. The signs of impending > such vain and profitless talk. The incompa- convulsions and chaos can now be dis- > rable Creator hath created all men from one cerned, inasmuch as the prevailing order ap- > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 83 > > peareth to be lamentably defective. I be- except this wish. There can be no doubt > seech God, exalted be His glory, that He whatever that the peoples of the world, of > may graciously awaken the peoples of the whatever race or religion, derive their in- > earth, may grant that the end of their con- spiration from one heavenly Source, and are > duct may be profitable unto them, and aid the subjects of one God. The difference be- > them to accomplish that which beseemeth tween the ordinances under which they abide > their station. ( p . 215) should be attributed to the varying require- > ments and exigencies of the age in which > 0 contending peoples and kindreds of the they were revealed. All of them, except a > earth! Set your faces towards unity, and let few which are the outcome of human per- > the radiance of its light shine upon you. versity, were ordained of God, and are a > Gather ye together, and for the sake of God reflection of His Will and Purpose. Arise > resolve to root out whatever is the source of and, armed with the power of faith, shatter > contention amongst you. Then will the ef- to, pieces the gods of your vain imaginings, > fulgence of the world's great Luminary en- the sowers of dissension amongst you. > velop the whole earth, and its inhabitants Cleave unto that which draweth you to- > become the citizens of one city, and the oc- gether and uniteth you. This, verily, is the > cupants of one and the same throne. This most exalted Word which the Mother Book > wronged One hath, ever since the early days hath sent down and revealed unto you. To > of His life, cherished none other desire but this beareth witness the Tongue of Grandeur > this, and will continue to entertain no wish from His habitation of glory. (p. 217) > The completed lantern on the dome of the Shrine of the B&b. > 2. WORDS O F THE BAB > ASHTON > Compiled by BEATRICE > > SHOGHI EFFENDI, the Guardian of the Himself affirms, while confined in Mih-Kil, > BahL'i Faith, has mentioned in God Passes that up to that time His writings, embracing > By, his history of the first hundred years of highly diversified subjects, had amounted to > the Faith, certain Writings of the Bib, in more than five hundred thousand verses. > particular, which came to be well known 'The verses which have rained from this > and had a profound effect on the scholars Cloud of Divine mercy,' is BahL'u'llBh's > and officials of Persia, not only during the testimony in the Kita'b-i-lqa'n, 'have been so > six years of the Bib's ministry ( 1844-1850) abundant that none hath yet been able to > but in succeeding years as well. estimate their number. A score of volumes > In order that "the people of the West" are now available. How many still remain > may become better acquainted with some of beyond our reach! How many have been > these Writings of the Bib, excerpts f r o m , plundered and have fallen into the lzands of > them are presented here, chronologically, as the enemy, the fate of which none knoweth!' > they have been identified and made available No less arresting is the variety of themes > in translations by Shoghi Effendi, together presented by these voluminous writings, > with historical information concerning them such as prayers, homilies, orations, Tablets > given by the Guardian in his books and by of visitation, scientific treatises, doctrinal > Nabil in his narrative, The Dawn-Breakers. dissertations, exhortations, commentaries on > Concerning the Writings of the BBb the Qur'in and on various traditions, epistles > Shoghi Effendi states: to the highest religious and ecclesiastical dig- > "Alike in the magnitude of the writings nitaries of the realm, and laws and ordi- > emanating from His pen, and in the diver- nances for the consolidation of His Faith > sity of the subjects treated in those writings, and the direction of its activities."' > His Revelation stands wholly unparalleled > in the annals of any previous religion. He 1 God Passes By, pp. 22-23. > > THE QAYYOMU'L-ASMA' > The Qayyhmu'l-Asma" (Commentary on warnings addressed to the 'concourse of > the Qur'in S6rih of Joseph) was revealed kings and of the sons o f kings;' forecasts the > in Arabic, in Zhiriz. The first chapter was doom of Muhammad S_hih; commands his > revealed "in its entirety" in the presence of Grand Vizir, Hiji Mirzi Aqisi, to abdicate > Mull5 Husayn on "that memorable night" his authority; admonishes the entire Muslim > when the Bib declared His Mission, May 23, ecclesiastical order; cautions more specifi- > 1844. It was characterized by BahL'u'llih in cally the members of the S_hhi'ah community; > His Kitdb-i-fqa'n as "the first, the greatest extols the virtues, and anticipates the com- > and mightiest o f all books" in the BBbi ing, of Bahi'u'llBh, the 'Remnant of God,' > Dispen~ation.~ the 'Most Great Master;' and proclaims, in > Its "fundamental purpose was to forecast unequivocal language, the independence and > what the true Joseph (Bahi'u'lliih) would, universality of the Bibi Revelation, unveils > in a succeeding Dispensation, endure at the its import, and affirms the inevitable tri- > hands of one who was at once His arch- umph of its Author. It, moreover, directs > enemy and blood brother. This work, com- the 'people of the West' to 'issue forth from > prising above nine thousand three hundred your cities and aid the Cause o f God;' warns > verses, and divided into one hundred and the peoples of the earth of the 'terrible, the > eleven chapters, each chapter a commentary most grievous vengeance o f God;' threatens > on one verse of the above-mentioned silrih, the whole Islamic world with 'the Most > opens with the Bib's clarion-call and dire Great Fire' were they to turn aside from the > newly-revealed Law; foreshadows the Au- > 2 Ibid., p. 23. thor's martyrdom; eulogizes the high station > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > ordained for the people of Bahi, the 'Com- of glory and through the power of truth, > panions o f the crimson-colored ruby Ark;' are the "Remembrance of God" and His > prophesies the fading out and utter oblitera- Day before the eyes of the angels that cir- > tion of some of the greatest luminaries in cle His mercy-seat.' 'Should it be Our wish,' > the firmament of the Bibi Dispensation; and He again affirms, 'it is in Our power t o com- > even predicts 'afflictivetorment,' in both the pel, through the agency o f but one letter o f > 'Day o f Our Return' and in 'the world which Our Revelation, the world and all that is > is to come,' for the usurpers of the Imamate, therein to recognize, in less than the twin- > who 'waged war against Husayn (Imim kling o f an eye, the truth of Our C a ~ s e . ' " ~ > Husayn) in the Land of the Euphrates.' In this commentary on the Sfirih of > "It was this Book which the Bibis univer- Joseph "we read the following references to > sally regarded, during almost the entire min- BahL'u'llih: 'Out of utter nothingness, 0 > istry of the Bib, as the Qur'in of the people great and omnipotent Master, Thou hast, > of the Baygn; whose first and most chal- through the celestial potency o f Thy might, > lenging chapter was revealed in the presence brought me forth and raised m e up to pro- > of Mull& Husayn, on the night of its Au- claim this Revelation. I have made none > thor's Declaration; some of whose pages other but Thee my trust; I have clung to no > were borne, by that same disciple, to Bah2- will but Thy will . . . 0 Thou Remnant of > u'llih, as the first fruits of a Revelation God! I have sacrificed myself wholly for > which instantly won His enthusiastic al- Thee; I have accepted curses for Thy sake, > legiance; whose entire text was translated and have yearned for naught but martyrdom > into Persian by the brilliant and gifted in the path of Thy love. Suficient witness > Tihirih; whose passages inflamed the hostil- unto me is God, the Exalted, the Protector, > ity of Husayn m i n [the governor of the the Ancient of Days.' 'And when the ap- > province of Firs] and precipitated the initial pointed hour hath struck,' He again ad- > outbreak of persecution in S_hiriz; a single dresses BahL'u'llih in that same commen- > page of which had captured the imagination tary, 'do Thou, by the leave o f God, the All- > and entranced the soul of Hujjat; and whose Wise, reveal from the heights of the Most > contents had set afire the intrepid defenders Lofty and Mystic Mount a faint, an infini- > of the Fort of S_hayk_h Tabarsi and the tesimal glimmer of Thy impenetrable Mys- > heroes of Nayriz and Z a n j h W 3In this book, tery, that they who have recognized the radi- > moreover, the Bib refers to His wife and to ance o f the Sinaic Splendor may faint away > His little son.4 and die as they catch a lightening glimpse o f > " 'I am the Mystic Fane,' the Bib thus the fierce and crimon Light that envelops > proclaims His station in the Qayylimu'l- Thy Revelation.' "6 > Asma", 'which the Hand of Omnipotence " ' A s to those who deny Him W h o is the > > hath reared. I am the Lamp which the Fin- Sublime Gate of God,' the Bib, for His part, > ger o f God hath lit within its niche and has affirmed in the Qayylimu'l-Asma", 'for > caused to shine with deathless splendor. I them W e have prepared, as justly decreed by > a m the Flame of that supernal Light that God, a sore torment. And He, God, is the > glowed upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, Mighty, the Wise.' And further, '0 peoples > and lay concealed in the midst o f the Burn- of the earth! I swear by your Lord! Y e shall > ing Bush.' act as former generatiins have acted. Warn > " '0 Qurratu'l-'Ayn!' He, addressing Him- ye, then, yourselves of the terrible, the most > self in that same commentary, exclaims, 'I grievous vengeance of God. For God is, > recognize in Thee none other except the verily, potent over all things.' And again: > "Great Announcementw-the Announce- 'By M y glory! I will make the infidels to > ment voiced by the Concourse on high. By taste, with the hands of My power, retribu- > this name, I bear witness, they that circle the tions unknown of any one except Me, and > Throne of Glory have ever known Thee.' will waft over the ,faithful . those musk- > " 'With each and every Prophet, W h o m scented breaths which I have nursed in the > W e have sent down in the past,' He further midmost heart of M y throne.' "' > adds, 'We have established a separate Cove- > nant concerning the "Remembrance of 5 World Order of BahdJu'Ndh, b y Shoghi Effendi, p. > God" and His Day. Manifest, in the realm 126. > 6 Ibid., p. 101. > 3 Ibid., pp. 23-24. 7 The Promised Day Is Conze, b y Shoghi Effendi, > 4 Dawn-Breakers, p. 76, notes 3 and 4; p. 81, note 2. p. 2. > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 87 > > The B5b was imprisoned while in Tabriz 1848 in this now crumbling > prison room of the old brick Ark. > > The B5b's remains lie in state in His Holy Sepulcher on Mt. Carmel, 1953. > 88 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > In this same commentary the Bib "has hast been mercifully invested with sover- > issued this stirring call to the kings and eignty, and will, in the next, dwell, nigh > princes of the earth: unto the Seat of Holiness, with the inmates > " '0 concourse o f kings and of the sons of the Paradise of His good-pleasure. Let > of kings! Lay aside, one and all, your do- not thy sovereignty deceive thee, 0 S_hdh, > minion which belongeth unto God . . . for 'every soul shall taste of death,' and > Vain indeed is your dominion, for God hath this, in very truth, hath been written down > set aside earthly possessions for such as have as a decree of > denied Him . . . 0 concourse of kings! To the s_hi'ih clericals "who, as BahL'- > Deliver with truth and in all haste the verses u'llih declared, had they not intervened, > sent down by Us to the peoples of Turkey Persia would have been subdued by the > and of India, and beyond them, with power power of God in hardly more than two > and with truth, to lands in both the East and years" the Bib addressed the following > the West . . . By God! If ye do well, to words: "0 concourse of divines! Fear God > your own behoof will ye do well; and if ye from this day onwards in the views ye ad- > deny God and His signs, W e , in very truth, vance, for He W h o is Our Remembrance > having God, can well dispense with all crea- in your midst, and W h o cometh from Us, > tures and all earthly dominion.' is, in very truth, the Judge and Witness. > "And again: 'Fear ye God, 0 concourse Turn away from that which ye lay hold o f , > of kings, lest ye remain afar from Him W h o and which the Book of God, the True One, > is His Remembrance (the Bgb), after the hath not sanctioned, for on the Day o f Res- > Truth hath come unto you with a Book and urrection ye shall, upon the Bridge, be, in > signs from God, as spoken through the won- very truth, held answerable for the position > drous tongue of Him W h o is His Remem- ye occupied."1° > brance. Seek ye grace from God, for God "0 concourse o f &i3ihs! Fear ye God, > hath ordained for you, after ye have be- and Our Cause, which concerneth Him W h o > lieved in Him, a Garden the vastness o f is the Most Great Remembrance of God. > which is as the vastness of the whole o f For great is its fire, as decreed in the > Paradise.' "' Mother-Book." "0 people of the Qur'dn! > Addressing Muhammad S_hhh: "0 King Y e are as nothing unless ye submit unto the > of Is!dm! Aid thou, with the truth, after Remembrance of God and unto this Book. > having aided the Book, Him W h o is Our If ye follow the Cause o f God, W e will for- > Most Great Remembrance, for God hath, in give you your sins, and if ye turn aside from > very truth, destined for thee, and for such Our command, W e will, in truth, condemn > as circle round thee, on the Day o f Judg- your souls in Our Book, unto the Most > ment, a responsible position in His Path. I Great Fire. We, verily, do not deal unjustly > swear by God, 0 Xhdh! If thou showest with men, even to the extent of a speck on > enmity unto Him W h o is His Remembrance, a date-stone."1° > God will, on the Day of Resurrection, con- "And finally, in that same Commentary, > demn thee, before the kings, unto hell-fire, this startling prophecy is recorded: 'Ere- > and thou shalt not, in very truth, find on long W e will, in very truth, torment such > that Day any helper except God, the EX- as waged war against Husayn (Imim > alted. Purge thou, 0 Khdh, the Sacred Land Husayn), in the Land of the Euphrates, > (Tihrin) from such as have repudiated the with the most aflictive torment, and the > Book, ere the day whereon the Remem- most dire and exemplary punishment.' 'Ere- > brance o f God cometh, terribly and of a long,' He also, referring to that same people, > sudden, with His potent Cause, by the leave in that same Book, has written, 'will God > o f God, the Most High. God, verily, hath wreak His vengeance upon them, at the time > prescribed to thee to submit unto Him W h o of Our Return, and He hath, in very truth, > is His Remembrance, and unto His Cause, prepared for them, in the world t o come, a > and to subdue, with the truth and by His severe torment.' "11 > leave, the countries, for in this world thou > 9 Ibid., p. 43. > 10 Ibid., p. 88. > 8 Ibid., p. 27. 11 Ibid., p. 89. > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 89 > > The "Epistle between the Two Shrines" Kirmini, one of the most outstanding ex- > was "revealed between Mecca and Medina, ponents of the S_hayk_hischool, who at times > in answer to questions posed by Mirzi went so far as to assert his independence of > Muhit-i-KirmLni," a S_hayk_hi leader, who the leadership of that school assumed after > had presented many questions to the Bib the death of Siyyid Kizim by Hiji Muham- > while in Mecca. This Epistle was revealed mad Karim KhLn, a redoubtable enemy of > in January, 1845.12 the Bibi Faith. The second was the invita- > Shoghi Effendi states that the visit of the tion, in the form of an Epistle, conveyed by > Bib to Hijiz "was marked by two episodes Quddfis, to the Sherif of Mecca, in which > of particular importance. The first was the the custodian of the House of God was > declaration of His mission and His open called upon to embrace the truth of the new > challenge to the haughty Mirzs Muhit-i- Revelation."13 > 1 2 God Passes By, p. 24; Dawn-Breakers, pp. 136- > 137, 140. 13 God Passes By, p. 9. > > EPISTLE T O THE SHERIF OF MECCA > "No sooner had the Bib performed the which had been addressed to him by the > last of the observances in connection with Bsb, failed to respond to the call of the Di- > His pilgrimage to Mecca than He addressed vine Message."14 "Seven years later, when > an epistle to the Sherif of that holy city, in the course of a conversation with a cer- > wherein He set forth, in clear and unmistak- tain Hiji Niyiz-i-Baghdidi, this same Sherif > able terms, the distinguishing features of was informed of th~circumstancesattend- > His mission, and called upon him to arise ing the mission and martyrdom of the > and embrace His Cause. This epistle, to- Prophet of S_hhir&z,he listened attentively to > gether with selections from His other writ- the description of those events and ex- > ings, He delivered to Quddfis, and instructed pressed his indignation at the tragic fate that > him to present them to the Sherif. The lat- had overtaken Him."15 > ter, however, too absorbed in his own ma- 14-Dawn-Breakers, p. 138. > terial pursuits to incline his ear to the words 15 God Passes By, p. 9. > > This work of the BLb, "comprising seven period before His banishment to the fortress > hundred s6rihs,"16 was also revealed in the prison of MLh-Kfi. > 16 God Passes By, p. 24. > > The K-hhasd'il-i-Sab'ih (meaning literally necessity of putting into effect immediately > "The Seven Qualifications") "enjoined the all its provisions." Mull&Sidiq, "among the > alteration of the formula of the adhfin'' (the first believers who identified themselves with > Muslim call to prayer). This was a treatise the Message proclaimed by the Bgb," "im- > in which the BLb had "set forth the essen- pelled by the injunction of the Bgb in the > tial requirements for those who had attained Khasri'il-i-Sab'ihto alter the sacrosanct for- > to the knowledge of the new Revelation and mula of the adhin, sounded it in its > had recognized its claim." A copy was en- amended form before a scandalized congre- > trusted by the Bgb to Quddfis when he de- gation in S_hirAz, and was instantly arrested, > parted from BG&ihr to S_hiriz. Quddfis, reviled, stripped of his garments, and > soon after arriving in &iriz, gave it to scourged with a thousand lashes."17 > MullL SBdiq-i-KhurgsLni, and "stressed the 1 7 Ibid., pp. 24, 10-11; Dawn-Breakers, pp. 143-144. > 90 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > RISALIY-I-F UR0'-I-'ADLfY YIH > Written originally in Arabic, this work of the Bkb was staying at the residence of the > the Bkb was "rendered into Persian by Imkm-Jum'ih in I$fkh8n.18 > Mu116 Muhammad-Taqiy-i-Harkti" while 18 GO^ Passes BY, p. 24; Dawn-~reakers,p. 208. > > COMMENTARY ON THE SORIH OF KAWTJHAR > The Commentary on the Stirih of Kaw- the Shkh that he, contenting himself with a > a a r (Qur'kn, 108) was revealed by the Bkb mere written report to the Court Chamber- > during the third interview held with Him by lain, arose forthwith to dedicate his entire > Siyyid Yahyky-i-DkrLbi, surnamed Vahid, life and resources to the service of a Faith > sent by Muhammad Shkh "to investigate and that was to requite him with the crown of > report to him the true situation" concerning martyrdom during the Nayriz upheaval." > the Bkb's claims. Vahid was "one of the The one in whose soul this commentary of > most erudite, eloquent and influential" of the Bkb's "effected such a transformation" > the subjects of the S_hLh. "Broad-minded, was designated by Bahb'u'llkh in His Kita'b- > highly imaginative, zealous by nature, inti- i-Iya'n "that unique asnd peerless figure of > mately associated with the court, he, in the his age." He was "a man of immense erudi- > course of three interviews, was completely tion and the most pre-eminent figure to en- > won over by the arguments and personality list under the banner of the new Faith." To > of the Bkb. . . . During the third interview his "talents and saintliness" and "high attain- > the circumstances attending the revelation ments in the realm of science and philoso- > of the BAb's commentary on the stirih of phy" the Bib testified in His Dald'il-i-Sab'ih > Kawaar, comprising no less than two thou- ("Seven Proofs") .I9 > sand verses, so overpowered the delegate of 19 God Passes By, pp. 11-12, 24, 50. > > COMMENTARY ON THE SORIH OF VA'L-'ASR > The Commentary on the SGrih of Va'l- quest of the Imkm-Jum'ih. The Bkb, "writ- > 'Asr (Qur'kn, 103) was revealed by the Bkb ing with astonishing rapidity . . . in a few > during the first forty days of His sojourn in hours, had devoted to the exposition of the > I~fkhknwhen he was "the guest of MirzL signiiicance of only the first letter of that > Siyyid Muhammad, the Sultanu'l-UlamL, s6rih-a letter which SJhay& Alpnad-i- > the Imkm-Jum'ih, one of the principal ec- AbsPi had stressed, and which Bahb'u'llkh > clesiastical dignitaries of the realm, in ac- refers to in the Kita'b-i-Aqdas-verses that > cordance with the instructions of the gov- equalled in number a third of the Qur'kn, a > ernor of the city, Manliaihr U k n , the feat that called forth such an outburst of > Mu'tarnidu'd-Dawlih, who had received reverent astonishment from those who wit- > from the Bkb a letter requesting him to ap- nessed it that they arose and kissed the hem > point the place where He should dwell." of His robe."20 > This well-known commentary was re- > vealed "one night, after supper" at the re- zQIbid., pp. 14, 24; Dawn-Breakers, p. 201. > > DISSERTATION ON THE SPECIFIC MISSION > OF MUHAMMAD > Written at the request of Manti&ihr and demonstrate the truth of Muhammad's > G L n , the governor of I~fLhin,"a Georgian specific mission. To this request, which > by origin and a Christian by birth," the Dis- those present had felt compelled to decline, > sertation on the Specific Mission of Muham- the Bkb readily responded. In less than two > mad was revealed also in the house of the hours, and in the space of fifty pages, He > ImLm-Jum'ih. "Before a brilliant assembly had not only revealed a minute, a vigorous > of the most accomplished divines" the and original dissertation on this noble > Mu'tamid "requested the Bkb to expound theme, but had also linked it with both the > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 91 > > coming of the Qi'im and the return of the dressed to the divines of every city in Persia, > I m h Husayn-an exposition that prompted as well as to those residing in Najaf and > Manh&ihr KhBn to declare before that KarbilB, wherein He set forth in detail the > gathering his faith in the Prophet of IslBm, errors committed by each one of them. It > as well as his recognition of the supernatural was during His incarceration in the fortress > gifts with which the Author of so convincing of Mih-Ku that He, according to the testi- > a treatise was endowed."'l mony of ShaykJh Hasan-i-Zuniizi, who tran- > scribed during those nine months the verses > As Shoghi Effendi points out, "The great dictated by the Bib to His amanuensis, re- > bulk of the writings emanating from the vealed no less than nine commentaries on > Bib's prolific mind was, however, reserved the whole of the Qur'Bn-commentaries > for the period of His confinement in whose fate, alas, is unknown, and one of > Ma-KG and Ghihriq. To this period must which, at least the Author Himself has af- > probably belong the unnumbered Epistles firmed, surpassed in some respects a book > which, as attested by no less an authority as deservedly famous as the Qayyhmu'l- > than Bahi'u'llih, the Bib specifically ad- A~mi'."~~ > 2 1 God Passes By, pp. 14-15; Dawn-Breakers, pp. > 202-204. 22 God Passes By, p. 24. > > THE PERSl 'AN BAYAN > "Within the walls of that same fortress interpreted in a masterly fashion the mean- > [MBh-Ku] the Bayin (exposition)-that ing of certain terms frequently occurring in > monumental repository of the laws and pre- the sacred Books of previous Dispensations, > cepts of the new Dispensation and the treas- such as Paradise, Hell, Death, Resurrection, > ury enshrining most of the Bib's references the Return, the Balance, the Hour, the Last > and tributes to, as well as His warning re- Judgment, and the like. Designedly severe in > garding, 'Him Whom God will make mani- the ruIes and regulations it imposed, revolu- > fest'wwas revealed. tionizing in the principles it instilled, calcu- > "Peerless among the doctrinal works of Iated to awaken from their age-long torpor > the Founder of the Bibi Dispensation; con- the cIergy and the people, and to administer > sisting of nine Vihids (Unities) of nineteen a sudden and fatal blow to obsolete and cor- > chapters each, except the last Vihid, com- rupt institutions, it proclaimed, through its > prising only ten chapters; not to be con- drastic provisions, the advent of the antici- > founded with the smaller and less weighty pated Day, the Day when 'the Summoner > Arabic Bayh, revealed during the same shall summon to a stern business,' when > period; fulfilling the Muhammadan proph- He will 'demolish whatever hath been be- > ecy that 'a Youth from Bani-His_him . . . fore Him, even as the Apostle of God de- > will reveal a new Book and promulgate a molished the ways of those that preceded > new Law;' wholly safeguarded from the Him.' > interpolation and corruption which has been ". . . Unlike the Prophets gone before > the fate of so many of the Bib's lesser Him, Whose Covenants were shrouded in > works, this Book, of about eight thousand mystery, unlike Bahi'u'llBh, Whose clearly > verses, occupying a pivotal position in Bibi defined Covenant was incorporated in a > literature, should be regarded primarily as specially written Testament, and designated > a eulogy of the Promised One rather than by Him as 'the Book of My Covenant,' the > a code of laws and ordinances designed to Bib chose to intersperse His Book of Laws, > be a permanent guide to future generations. the Persian Bayin, with unnumbered pas- > This Book at once abrogated the laws and sages, some designedly obscure, mostly in- > ceremonials enjoined by the Qur'in regard- dubitably clear and conclusive, in which He > ing prayer, fasting, marriage, divorce and fixes the date of the promised Revelation, > inheritance, and upheld, in its integrity, the extols its virtues, asserts its pre-eminent > belief in the prophetic mission of Muham- character, assigns to it unlimited powers and > mad, even as the Prophet of Islim before prerogatives, and tears down every barrier > Him had annulled the ordinances of the that might be an obstacle to its recognition. > Gospel and yet recognized the Divine origin 'He, verily,' BahB'u'llih, referring to the > of the Faith of Jesus Christ. It moreover BAb in His Kitcib-i-Bad', has stated, 'hath > 92 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > not fallen short of His duty to exhort the all preceding Dispensations hath been to > people o f the Baydn and to deliver unto pave the way for the advent o f Muhammad, > them His Message. In no age or dispensa- the Apostle of God. These, including the > tion hath any Manifestation made mention, Muhammadan Dispensation, have had, in > in such detail and in such explicit language, their turn, as their objective the Revelation > of the Manifestation destined to succeed proclaimed by the QBim. The purpose un- > Him.' "23 derlying this Revelation, as well as those > ". . . in the third Vghid of this Book that preceded it, has, in like manner, been > there occurs a passage which, alike in its to announce the advent of the Faith of Him > explicit reference to the name of the Prom- W h o m Gad will make manifest. And this > ised One, and in its anticipation of the Order Faith-the Faith o f Him Whom God will > which, in a later age, was to be identified make manifest-in its turn, together with > with His Revelation, deserves to rank as one all the Revelations gone before it, have as > of the most significant statements recorded their object the Manifestation destined to > in any of the Bib's writings. 'Well is it with succeed it. And the latter, no less than all > him,' is His prophetic announcement, 'who the Revelations preceding it, prepare the > fixeth his gaze upon the Order o f BahBu'lldh, way for the Revelation which is yet to fol- > and rendereth thanks unto his Lord. For He low. The process of the rise and setting of > will assuredly be made manifest. God hath the Sun o f Truth will thus indefinitely con- > indeed irrevocably ordained it in the tinue-~ process that hath had no beginning > Baydn.' "24 and will have no end."'? > "The germ that holds within itself the "'The Baydn,' the BAb in that book, re- > potentialities of the Revelation that is to ferring to the Promised One, affirms, 'is, > come is endowed with a potency superior to from beginning to end, the repository of all > the combined forces of all those who follow o f His attributes, and the treasury of both > me." "Of all the tributes I have paid to Him His fire and His light.' ' I f thou attainest unto > W h o is to come after Me, the greatest is this, His Revelation,' He, in another connection > My written confession, that no words o f declares, 'and obeyest Him, thou wilt have > Mine can adequately describe Him, nor can revealed the fruit o f the Bayhn; if not, thou > any reference to Him in M y Book, the art unworthy o f mention before God.' > Baya'n, do justice to His Cause."25 "The " '0 people of the Baydn!' He, in that > Baydn and whosoever is therein revolve same Book, thus warns the entire company > round the saying of 'Him W h o m God shall of His followers, 'act not as the people of > make manifest,' even as the Alif (the Gos- the Qur'a'n have acted, for if ye do so, the > pel) and whosoever was therein revolved fruits of your night will come to nazight.' > round the saying o f Muhammad, the Apos- 'Suffer not the Baya'n,' is His emphatic in- > tle of God." " A thousand perusals of the junction, 'and all that hath been revealed > Baydn cannot equal the perusal of a single therein to withhold you from that Essence > verse to be revealed by 'Him W h o m God o f Being and Lord of the visible and in- > shall make manifest.'. . . Today the Baydn visible.' "28 > is in the stage o f seed; at the beginning of the "And finally is this, His moving invoca- > manifestation of 'Him W h o m God shall tion to God: 'Bear Thou witness that, > make manifest' its ultimate perfection will through this Book, I have covenanted with > become apparent . . . The Baya'n and such all created things concerning the mission > as are believers therein yearn more ardently o f Him W h o m Thou shalt make manifest, > after Him than the yearning of any lover ere the covenant concerning M y own mis- > after his beloved . . . The Baydn deriveth sion had been established. Suficient witness > all its glory from 'Him W h o m God shall art Thou and they that have believed in Thy > make manifest.' All blessing be upon him signs.' "29 > who believeth in Him and woe betide him " 'How veiled are ye, 0 My creatures,' > > that rejecteth His He, speaking with the voice of God, has re- > "It is clear and evident that the object of vealed in the BayAn, '. . . who, without > any right, have consigned Him unto a moun- > 23 Ibid., pp. 24-25, 28. tain (Mikii), not one of whose inhabitants > 24 Ibid., p. 25. > 25 World Order of Bahri'u'lla'h, by Shoghi Effendi, p. 27 Zbid., p. 117. > ~nn 28 God Passes By, p. 29. > 26 Ibid., pp. 100-101. 29 Ibid., p. 30. > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 93 > > is worthy o f mention. . . . With Him, numbered lamps are shining! All that is on > which is with Me, there is n o one except him earth hath been created for Him, and all > who is one o f the Letters o f the Living o f partake with delight o f His benefits, and yet > M y Book. In His presence, which is M y they are so veiled from Him as t o refuse > Presence, there is not at night even a lighted H i m even a lamp!"'30 > lamp! And yet, in places (of worship) which - > in varying degrees reach out unto Him, un- 30 The Promised Day I S Come, p. 7 . > > THE ARABIC BAYAN > The "smaller and less weighty Arabic confinement in Mih-KG.31 > Bayin" was also revealed during the Bib's -passes BY, p. 2s. > > TABLETS TO MUHAMMAD SHAH > The first Tablet of the Bib to Muhammad been generated all created things. I am the > Shih was written following the Commentary Countenance o f God Whose splendor can > on the Shrih of Joseph, and the second never be obscured, the Light o f God Whose > Tablet some two years later, after the Bib's radiance can never fade . . . All the keys > Dissertation on the Specific Mission of o f heaven God Izath chosen to place on M y > Muhammad, revealed in IsfLhin. In the sec- right hand, and all the keys o f hell on M y > ond Tablet to Muhammad Shih the Bib left . . . I arn one of the sustaining pillars > wrote "craving an audience in which to set o f the Primal Word o f God. Whosoever hath > forth the truths of the new Revelation, and recognized Me, Izath known all that is true > dissipate his and right, and hath attained all that is good > "The Bib was still in Mih-KG when He and seemly . . . The substance wherewith > wrote the most detailed and illuminating of God hath created M e is not the clay out o f > His Tablets to Muhammad SJhih. Prefaced which others have been formed. He hath > by a laudatory reference to the unity of conferred upon M e that which the worldly- > God, to His Apostles and to the twelve wise can never comprehend, nor the faith- > Imims; unequivocal in its assertion of the ful discover . . . > divinity of its Author and of the supernatu- "By M y life! But for the obligation to > ral powers with which His Revelation had acknowledge the Cause o f Him W h o is the > been invested; precise in the verses and Testimony o f God . . . I would not have > traditions it cites in confirmation of so announced this unto thee . . . In that same > audacious a claim; severe in its condemna- year (year 6 0 ) I despatched a messenger > tion of some of the officials and representa- and a book unto thee, that thou mightest act > tives of the Khih's administration, particu- towards the Cause of Him W h o is the Testi- > larly of the 'wicked and accursed' Husayn mony o f God as befitteth the station o f tlzy > K_h&n; moving in its description of the sovereignty . . . > humiliation and hardships to which its "I swear by the truth o f God! Were he > writer had been subjected, this historic docu- who hatlz been willing to treat M e in such > ment resembles, in many of its features, the a manner to know who it is whom he hath > Lawh-i-Sulta'n, the Tablet addressed, under so treated, he, verily, would never in his life > similar circumstances, from the prison for- be happy. Nay-I, verily, acquaint thee > tress of 'Akk6 by BahL'u'llih to Nisiri'd- with the truth o f the matter-it is as if he > Din SJhih, and constituting His lengthiest hath imprisoned all the Prophets, and all the > epistle to any single sovereign."33 men o f truth, and all the chosen ones . . . > The B i b was confined in the fortress of W o e betide him from whose hands jloweth > Mih-Kc for nine months, about July, 1847, evil, and blessed the man from whose hands > to April, 1848.34 From this mountain for- jloweth good . . . > tress He thus addressed Muhammad &ih: "I swear by God! I seek no earthly goods > "I am the Primal Point from which have from thee, be it as much as a mustard seed > . . . I swear by the truth o f God! Wert thou > 32 Zbid., p. 24. > 33 Ibid., p. 26. > to know that which I know, thou wouldst > 34 Zbid., pp. 17-19. forego the sovereignty o f the world and o f > C > it;' > > % > =! > it;' > F > 4 I. > > LRIYD OF TUE BAUg/ COMMON1 T Y . > +fAlFA > > fE G f N D > I Sff4Ifl.F OF B d B > 2 TERRACES > J 4ESTlNG PLACE OF BI(WYY/fi ZffdNUM > 4 R£.STlNG PLd CES OF TflE PU.?£ST B P A K H > AND THE MOJffER of ABDUL BBAffd > 5. i n r E R n d r / o n d ~~QCHIYESBU/LD/NG > 6. PILGRIM HOUSES > 7 ARC > > Bahh'i properties on Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel. > 96 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > the next, that thou mightest attain My good- swear by the Most Great Lord! Wert thou > pleasure, through thine obedience unto the to be told in what place Z dwell, the first per- > True One . . . Wert thou to refuse, the son t o have mercy on Me would be thyself. > Lord of the world would raise up one who In the heart o f a mountain is a fortress > will exalt His Cause, and the Command o f ( M i h - K ~ ). . . the inmates of which are > God will, verily, be carried into e f J e ~ t . " ~ confined > ~ to two guards and four dogs. Pic- > "I swear by God! Shouldst thou know the ture, then, M y plight . . . In this mountain > things which in the space of these four years I have remained alone, and have come to > have befallen M e at the hands of thy people such a pass that none of those gone before > and thine army, thou wouldst hold thy M e have suffered what I have suffered, nor > breath from fear of God . . . Alas, alas, any transgressor endured what I have en- > for the things which have touched Me! I d~red!"~' > 35 The Promised Day Is Come, pp. 43-44. 36 Ibid., pp. 6-7. > > DALA'ZL-I-SAB'IH (SEVEN PROOFS)37 > "The most important of the polemical This is what happened to the monarchs that > works of the Bib," the Dald'il-i-Sab'ih was held fast unto the Gospel. They awaited the > also revealed during the Bib's confinement conzing o f the Prophet of God (Muham- > in Mih-KG. "Remarkably lucid, admirable mad), and when He did appear, they failed > in its precision, original in conception, un- to recognize Him. Behold how great are > answerable in its argument, this work, apart the sums which these sovereigns expend > from the many and divers proofs of His without even the slightest thought of ap- > mission which it adduces, is noteworthy for pointing an oficial charged with the task > the blame it assigns to the 'seven powerful o f acquainting them in their own realms > sovereigns ruling the world' in His day, as with the Manifestation o f God! They would > well as for the manner in which it stresses thereby have fulfilled the purpose for which > the responsibilities, and censures the conduct, they have been created. All their desires > of the Christian divines of a former age have been and are still fixed upon leaving > who, had they recognized the truth of behind them traces of their names.' > Muhammad's mission, He contends, would "The Bib, moreover, in that same treatise, > have been followed by the mass of their censuring the failure of the Christian di- > co- religionist^."^^ vines to acknowledge the truth of Muham- > " 'Gracious God!' writes the Bib with mad's mission, makes this illuminating state- > reference to the 'seven powerful sovereigns ment: 'The blame falleth upon their doctors, > ruling the world' in His day, 'None of them for if these had believed, they would have > hath been informed of His (the Bib's) been followed by the mass of their country- > Manifestation, and i f informed, none hath men. Behold, then, that which hath come to > believed in Him. W h o knoweth they may pass! The learned men o f Christendom are > leave this world below full of desire, and held to be learned by virtue of their safe- > without having realized that the thing for guarding the teaching of Christ, and yet con- > which they were waiting had come t o pass. sider how they themselves have been the > 37 For the translation into the French, by A. L. M. > cause of men's failure to accept the Faith > Nicolas, of excerpts from this Tablet, see The Bahri'i and attain unto salvation!' " 3 g > World, Vol. VIII, p. 205. > 38 G o d Passes By, p. 26. 39 The Promised Day Is Come, p. 17. > > "During the Bib's confinement in the as an exposition of the science of divination, > fortress of Chihriq, where He spent almost was later recognized to have unraveled, on > the whole of the two remaining years of His the One hand, the mystery of the Mustaghi@, > and to have abstrusely alluded, on the other, > life, the Lawh-i-Huru'fa't (Tablet of the Let- to the nineteen years which must needs > ters) was revealed, in honor of Day~6n-a elapse between the Declaration of the Bib > Tablet which, however misconstrued at first and that of BahL'u'llih . . . > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 97 > > "To this period of incarceration in the BahB'u'llBh, in His Epistle to the Son o f > fortresses of MBh-K6 and Ghihriq-a pe- the W o l f , cites a passage from the Tablet of > riod of unsurpassed fecundity, yet bitter in the BBb to DayyBn, prefacing it with these > its humiliations and ever-deepening sorrows words: > -belong almost all the written references, "Dayya'n, who, according to the words o f > whether in the form of warnings, appeals or H i m W h o is the Point . . . is the repository > exhortations, which the BBb, in anticipation o f the trust o f the one true God . . . and > of the approaching hour of His supreme the treasury of the pearls of His Ic~zowledge, > affliction, felt it necessary to make to the was made by them to sufJer so cruel a > Author of a Revelation that was soon to martyrdom that the Concourse on high wept > supersede His and lamented. He it is whom He (the Bib) > This Tablet was revealed for "a promi- had taught the hidden and preserved I c n o ~ ~ l - > nent official of high literary ability . . . edge and entrusted him therewith, through > later surnamed DayyBn by the BBb,"41 on His words: > whom "He conferred the title of 'the third " '0 thou who art named Dayya'n! This > > Letter to believe in H i m W h o m God shall is a hidden and preserved Knowledge. W e > make manifest.' "42 have entrusted it-unto thee, and brought it > According to Nabil, "The mystery of the to thee, as a mark of honor from God, inas- > MustaghLtk [literally, "He Who is invoked"] much as the eye of thine heart is pure. Thou > had long baffled the most searching minds wilt appreciate its value, and wilt cherish its > among the people of the BayLn and had excellence. God, verily, hath deigned to be- > proved an insurmountable obstacle to their stow upon the Point of the Bnya'n a hidden > recognition of the promised One. The Bib and preserved Knowledge, the like of which > had Himself in that Tablet unraveled that God hatlz not sent down prior to this Reve- > mystery; no one, however, was able to un- lation. More precious is it than any other > derstand the explanation which He had lcnowledge in the estimation of God-glori- > given. It was left to BahB'u'llLh to unveil it fied be He! He, verily, hath made it His > to the eyes of all rnen."l3 testimony, even as He hath made the verses > 40 G o d Passes By, p. 27. > to be His testimony .' 'j4" > > 41 The Dawn-Breakers, p. 303. > 4 2 God Passes By, p. 28. > 43 The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 304-305. 44 O y . cit., p. 175. > > DENUNCIATORY TABLET T O HkJf M f R Z k k Q k S i > "It was during these years-years dark- nation, this epistle was forwarded to the > ened throughout by the rigors of the BBb's intrepid Hujjat who, as corroborated by > captivity, by the severe indignities inflicted BahB'u'llBh, delivered it to that wicked min- > upon Him, and by the news of the disasters ister"" [Grand Vizir of Muhammad S_hBh]. > that overtook the heroes of MBzindarLn and This Tablet was given the name of the > Nayriz-that He revealed, soon after His Lhutbiy-i-Qahriyyih (literally, "Sermon of > return from Tabriz, His denunciatory Tablet W r a t h ) .4G > to HLji MirzL AqLsi. Couched in bold and B y , p, 27, > moving language, unsparing in its condem- p. > 46 Tlze ~ a w l z - ~ ~ e a k e323. > ~~, > > "In the Kita'b-i-Panj-Lha'n, one of His summate His own Revelation . . . 'Wait > last works, He had alluded to the fact that thou,' is His statement to 'Azim, 'until nine > the sixth Naw-R6z after the declaration will have elapsed from the time of the > of His mission would be the last He was Baya'n. Then exclaim: "Blessed, therefore, > destined to celebrate on earth."47 ". . . to be God, the most excellent of Makers!" "'48 > 'Azim He divulged, in the Kitib-i-Panj- > S_haCn,the name, and announced the ap- 48 Ibid., pp. 27, 28. Mulli Shaykh 'Ali, surnamed > proaching advent, of Him Who was to con- 'Azim (literally, "great") by the Bib, was one of the > "outstanding figures among the ecclesiastical leaders > 47 God Passes By, p. 51. of K_hurLsin" (Dawn-Breakers, p. 125). > 3. WORDS O F 'ABDU'L-BAHA > From SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS* > > festations, who will come, one following on > the other. It has been prophesied that in the > time of these two ~anifestationsthe earth > will be transformed, the world of existence > T H E state in which one should be seri- will be renewed, and beings will be clothed > ously to search for the truth is the condition in new garments. Justice and charity will > of the thirsty burning soul desiring the water encompass the world, enmity and hatred will > of life, of the fish struggling to reach the disappear, all causes of division among peo- > sea, of the sufferer seeking for the true doc- ples, races, and nations will vanish, and the > tor to obtain the divine cure, of the lost cause of union, harmony, and concord will > caravan endeavoring to find the right road, appear. The negligent will awake, the blind > of the lost and wandering ship striving to will see, the deaf will hear, the dumb will > reach the shore of salvation. speak, the sick will be cured, the dead will > Also, the seeker must be endowed with arise. War will give place to peace, enmity > certain qualities. First of all he must be will be conquered by love, the causes of > just, and severed from all else save God; his dispute and wrangling will be entirely re- > heart must be entirely turned to the supreme moved, and true felicity will be attained. > horizon; he must be free from the bondage The world will become the mirror of the > of vices and passions, for all these are ob- Heavenly Kingdom, humanity will be the > stacles; furthermore, he must be able to en- Throne of Divinity. All nations will become > dure all hardships; he must be absolutely one, all religions will be unified, all indi- > pure and sanctified, and free from the love vidual men will become of one family and > or the hatred of the inhabitants of the world. of one kindred. All the regions of the earth > Why? because the fact of his love for any will become one, the superstitions caused > person or thing might prevent him from by races, countries, individuals, languages, > recognizing the truth in another, and in the and politics will disappear; and all men will > same way, hatred for anything might be a attain to life eternal, under the shadow of > hindrance in discerning truth. This is the the Lord of Hosts. > condition of seeking; and the seeker must Now we must prove from the Holy Books > have these qualities and attributes. Until he that these two Manifestations have come, > reaches this condition, it is not possible for and we must divine the meaning of the > him to attain to the Sun of Reality. words of the Prophets; for we wish for > Let us now return to our subject. proofs drawn from the Holy Books. . . . > All the peoples of the world are awaiting To conclude: in the Book of Daniel,' > two Manifestations, who must be con- from the rebuilding of Jerusalem to the > temporaneous; all wait for the fulfillment of martyrdom of Christ, seventy weeks are > this promise. In the Bible the Jews have the appointed; for by the martyrdom of Christ > promise of the Lord of Hosts and the Mes- the sacrifice is accomplished and the altar > siah; in the Gospel the return of Christ and destroyed. This is a prophecy of the mani- > Elijah is promised. festation of Christ. These seventy weeks > In the religion of Muhammad there is the begin with the restoration and the rebuilding > promise of the Mihdi and the Messiah, and of Jerusalem, concerning which four edicts > it is the same with the Zoroastrian and the were issued by three kings. > other religions, but if we relate these matters The first was issued by Cyrus in the year > in detail it would take too long. The essen- 536 B.c.; this is recorded in the first chapter > tial fact is that all are promised two Mani- of the Book of Ezra. The second edict, with > > * Chapters X, XI1 through XIV. Some Answered > Questions was first published in 1908. 1 Daniel 9:24. > View of one of the paths in the gardens surrounding the Resting Place > of the Greatest Holy Leaf. Haifa, Israel. > 100 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > reference to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, is Now that the manifestation of Christ has > that of Darius of Persia in the year 519 n.c.; been proved by the prophecies of Daniel, let > this is recorded in the sixth chapter of Ezra. us prove the manifestations of Bahi'u'llih > The third is that of Artaxerxes in the seventh and of the Bhb. Up to the present we have > year of his reign, that is in 457 B.c.; this is only mentioned logical proofs; now we shall > recorded in the seventh chapter of Ezra. speak of traditional proofs. > The fourth is that of Artaxerxes in the year In the eighth chapter of the Book of Dan- > 444 B.c.; this is recorded in the second chap- iel, verse thirteen, it is said: "Then I heard > ter of Nehemiah. one saint speaking, and another saint said > But Daniel refers especially to the third unto that certain saint which spake, How > edict which was issued in the year 457 B.C. long shall be the vision concerning the daily > Seventy weeks make four hundred and sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, > ninety days. Each day, according to the text to give both the sanctuary and the host to be > of the Holy Book, is a year. For in the Bible trodden under foot?" Then he answered > it is said: "The day of the Lord is one (v. 14): "Unto two thousand and three > year."z Therefore four hundred and ninety hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be > days are four hundred and ninety years. cleansed"; (v. 17) "But he said unto me > The third edict of Artaxerxes was issued . . . at the time of the end shall be the > four hundred and fifty-seven years before vision." That is to say, how long will this > the birth of Christ, and Christ when he was misfortune, this ruin, this abasement and > martyred and ascended was thirty-three degradation last? meaning, when will be > years of age. When you add thirty-three to the dawn of the Manifestation? Then he > four hundred and fifty-seven, the result is answered, "Two thousand and three hun- > four hundred and ninety, which is the time dred days; then shall the sanctuary be > announced by Daniel for the manifestation cleansed." Briefly, the purport of this pas- > of Christ. sage is that he appoints two thousand three > But in the twenty-fifth verse of the ninth hundred years, for in the text of the Bible > chapter of the Book of Daniel this is ex- each day is a year. Then from the date of > pressed in another manner, as seven weeks the issuing of the edict of Artaxerxes to re- > and sixty-two weeks; and apparently this bclild Jerusalem until the day of the birth of > differs from the first saying. Many have re- Christ there are 456 years, and from the > mained perplexed at these differences, trying birth of Christ until the day of the mani- > to reconcile these two statements. How can festation of the BAb there are 1844 years. > seventy weeks be right in one place, and When you add 456 years to this number it > sixty-two weeks and seven weeks in another? makes 2300 years. That is to say, the ful- > These two sayings do not accord. fillment of the vision of Daniel took place > But Daniel mentions two dates. One of in the year 1844 A.D., and this is the year of > these dates begins with the command of the Bib's manifestation according to the > Artaxerxes to Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem; actual text of the Book of Daniel. Consider > this is the seventy weeks which came to an how clearly he determines the year of mani- > end with the ascension of Christ, when by festation; there could be no clearer prophecy > his martyrdom the sacrifice and oblation for a manifestation than this. > ceased. In Matthew, chapter 24 verse 3, Christ > The second period, which is found in the clearly says that what Daniel meant by this > twenty-sixth verse, means that after the prophecy was the date of the manifestation, > termination of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and this is the verse: "As he sat upon the > until the ascension of Christ, there will be Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto > sixty-two weeks; the seven weeks are the him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall > duration of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, these things be? and what shall be the sign > which took forty-nine years: when you add of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" > these seven weeks to the sixty-two weeks, One of the explanations He gave them in > it makes sixty-nine weeks, and in the last reply was this (v. 15) : "When ye therefore > week (69-70) the ascension of Christ took shall see the abomination of desolation, > place. These seventy weeks are thus com- spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in > pleted, and there is no contradiction. the holy place (whoso readeth let him un- > derstand) ." I n this answer He referred them > Cf. Numbers 14:34. to the eighth chapter of the Book of Daniel, > B A H A ' I S A C RE D W R I T I N G S 101 > > saying that every one who reads it will un- proclamation of the mission of Muhammad > derstand that it is this time that is spoken of. caused his manifestation to be known.4 > Consider how clearly the manifestation of > the Bbb is spoken of in the Old Testament > and in the Gospel. > To conclude, let us now explain the date > of the manifestation of BahL'u'llbh from the In Isaiah, chapter 11 verses 1 to 10, it is > Bible. The date of BahL'u'llih is calculated said:-"And there shall come forth a rod > according to lunar years from the mission out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall > and the Hijirah of Muhammad; for in the grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the > religion of Muhammad the lunar year is in Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wis- > use, as also it is the lunar year which is em- dom and understanding, the spirit of counsel > ployed concerning all commands of worship. and might, the spirit of knowledge and of > In Daniel, chapter 12 verse 6, it is said: the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of > "And one said to the man clothed in linen, quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: > which was upon the waters of the river, and he shall not judge after the sight of his > How long shall it be to the end of these eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his > wonders? And I heard the man clothed in ears: But with righteousness shall he judge > linen, which was upon the waters of the the poor, and reprove with equity for the > river, when he held up his right hand and meek of the earth: and he shall smite the > his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him earth with the rod of his mouth, and with > that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, the breath of his lips shall he slay the > times and a half; and that when he shall wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle > have accomplished to scatter the power of of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his > the holy people, all these things shall be reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the > finished." lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with > As I have already explained the significa- the kid; and the calf and the young lion and > tion of one day, it is not necessary to explain the fatling together; and a little child shall > it further; but we will say briefly that each lead them. And the cow and the bear shall > day of the Father counts as a year, and in feed; their young ones shall lie down to- > each year there are twelve months. Thus gether: and the lion shall eat straw like the > three years and a half make forty-two ox. And the sucking child shall play on the > months, and forty-two months are twelve hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall > hundred and sixty days. The Bib, the pre- put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They > cursor of BahL'u'llbh, appeared in the year shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy > 1260 from the Hijirah of Muhammad, by mountain: for the earth shall be full of the > the reckoning of Islim. knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover > Afterwards, in verse 11, it is said: "And the sea." > from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be This rod out of the stem of Jesse might be > taken away, and the abomination that correctly applied to Christ, for Joseph was > maketh desolation be set up, there shall be a of the descendents of Jesse the father of > thousand two hundred and ninety days. David; but as Christ found existence > Blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the through the Spirit of God, he called himself > thousand three hundred and five-and-thirty the Son of God. If he had not done so, this > days!" description would refer to him. Besides this, > The beginning of this lunar reckoning is the events which he indicated as coming to > from the day of the proclamation of the pass in the days of that rod, if interpreted > prophethood-of ~ u h a m m a din the country symbolically, were in part fulfilled in the > of Hijbz; and that was three years after his > mission; because in the beginning the proph- 4 The year 1290 from the proclamation of the mis- > ethood of Muhammad was kept secret, and sion of Muhammad, was the year 1280 of the Hijirah, > or 1863-1864 of our era. It was at this epoch (April > no one knew it save KJhadijih and Ibn Nau- 1864) that BahL'u'lllh on leaving BaghdLd for Constan- > faL3 After three years it was announced. tinople, declared to those who surrouiided Him that He > was the Manifestation announced by the Bib. > And BahL'u'llih in the year 1290 from the I t is this declaration which the BahB'is celebrate by > the Feast of Ridvh, this name being that of the garden > a t the entrance of the city of Baghdld, where > Bahl'ulla stayed during twelve days, a3d where He > 3 Waraqat-Ibn-Naufal. KAadijih's cousin. made the declaration. > 102 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > day of Christ, but not all; and if not inter- like one family and kindred. The light of > preted, then decidedly none of these signs heavenly love will shine, and the darkness of > happened. For example, the leopard and the enmity and hatred will be dispelled from the > lamb, the lion and the calf, the child and the world. Universal peace will raise its tent in > asp, are metaphors and symbols for various the center of the earth, and the Blessed Tree > nations, peoples, antagonistic sects, and hos- of Life will grow and spread to such an ex- > tile races, who are as opposite and inimical tent that it will overshadow the East and the > as the wolf and lamb. We say that by the West. Strong and weak, rich and poor, an- > breath of the spirit of Christ they found con- tagonistic sects and hostile nations-which > cord and harmony, they were vivified, and are like the wolf and the lamb, the leopard > they associated together. and kid, the lion and the calf-will act to- > But "they shall not hurt nor destroy in all wards each other with the most complete > My holy mountain: for the earth shall be love, friendship, justice, and equity. The > full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the world will be filled with science, with the > waters cover the sea." These conditions did knowledge of the reality of the mysteries > not prevail in the time of the manifestation of beings, and with the knowledge of God. > of Christ; for until today various and antag- Now consider, in this great century which > onistic nations exist in the world, very few is the cycle of BahVu'llAh, what progress > acknowledge the God of Israel, and the science and knowledge have made, how > greater number are without the knowledge many secrets of existence have been discov- > of God. In the same way, universal peace ered, how many great inventions have been > did not come into existence in the time of brought to light, and are day by day mul- > Christ; that is to say, between the antago- tiplying in number. Before long, material > nistic and hostile nations there was neither science and learning, as well as the knowl- > peace nor concord, disputes and disagree- edge of God, will make such progress, and > ments did not cease, and reconciliation and will show forth such wonders, that the be- > sincerity did not appear. So, even at this holders will be amazed. Then the mystery of > day, amongst the Christian sects and nations this verse in Isaiah. "For the earth shall be > themselves, enmity, hatred, and the most full of the knowledge of the Lord," will be > violent hostility are met with. completely evident. > But these verses apply word for word to Reflect also that in the short time since > BahVu'llgh: likewise in this marvellous Bah6'u'llgh has appeared, people from all > cycle the earth will be transformed, and the countries, nations, and races have entered > world of humanity arrayed in tranquillity under the shadow of this Cause. Christians, > and beauty. Disputes, quarrels, and murders Jews, Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Hindus, and > will be replaced by peace, truth, and con- Persians all associate together with the > cord; among the nations, peoples, races, and greatest friendship and love, as if indeed > countries, love and amity will appear. Co- these people had been related and connected > operation and union will be established, and together, they and theirs, for a thousand > finally war will be entirely suppressed. When years; for they are like father and child, > the laws of the Most Holy Book are en- mother and daughter, sister and brother. > forced, contentions and disputes will find a This is one of the meanings of the compan- > final sentence of absolute justice before a ionship of the wolf and the lamb, the leop- > general tribunal5 of the nations and king- ard and the kid, and the lion and the calf. > doms, and the difficulties that appear will be One of the great events which is to occur > solved. The five continents of the world will in the day of the manifestation of that in- > form but one, the numerous nations will be- comparable Branch, is the hoisting of the > come one, the surface of the earth will be- Standard of God among all nations; mean- > come one land, and mankind will be a single ing that all the nations and tribes will come > community. The relations between the coun- under the shadow of this Divine Banner, > tries, the mingling, union, and friendship of which is no other than the Lordly Branch > the peoples and communities, will reach to itself, and will become a single nation. The > such a degree that the human race will be antagonism of faiths and religions, the hos- > tility of races and peoples, and the national > differences, will be eradicated from amongst > 5 The universal Baytu'l-'Adl, a sort of tribunal of > international arbitration, instituted by BahL'u'llLh in them. All will become one religion, one > the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book. faith, one race, and one single people, and > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 103 > > will dwell in one native land, which is the of judgment, and on this earth of judgment > terrestrial globe. Universal peace and con- there is no sea; meaning that the teachings > cord will be realized between all the nations, and the Law of God will entirely spread > and that incomparable Branch will gather over the earth, and all men will enter the > together all Israel: signifying that in this Cause of God, and the earth will be com- > cycle Israel will be gathered in the Holy pletely inhabited by believers; therefore > Land, and that the Jewish people who are there will be no more sea, for the dwelling- > scattered to the East and West, South and place and abode of man is the dry land. In > North, will be assembled together. other words, at that epoch the field of that > Now see: these events did not take place Law will become the pleasure-ground of > in the Christian cycle, for the nations did man. Such earth is solid, the feet do not slip > not come under the One Standard which is upon it. > the Divine Branch. But in this cycle of the The Law of God is also described as the > Lord of Hosts all the nations and peoples Holy City, the New Jerusalem. It is evident > will enter under the shadow of this Flag. In that the New Jerusalem which descends > the same way, Israel, scattered all over the from heaven is not a city of stone, mortar, > world, was not reassembled in the Holy bricks, earth, and wood. It is the Law of > Land in the Christian cycle; but in the be- God which descends from heaven and is > ginning of the cycle of Bah6'u'llLh this di- called new; for it is clear that the Jerusalem > vine promise, as is clearly stated in all the which is of stone and earth does not descend > Books of the Prophets, has begun to be from heaven, and that it is not renewed; but > manifest. You can see that from all the parts that which is renewed is the Law of God. > of the world tribes of Jews are coming to The Law of God is also compared to an > the Holy Land; they live in villages and adorned bride who appears with most beau- > lands which they make their own, and day tiful ornaments, as it has been said in chap- > by day they are increasing to such an extent, ter 21 of the Revelation of St. John: "And I > that all Palestine will become their home. John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, com- > ing down from God out of heaven, prepared > as a bride adorned for her husband." And > in chapter 12 verse 1 it is said: "And there > appeared a great wonder in heaven; a > woman clothed with the sun, and the moon > We have before explained that what is under her feet, and upon her head a crown > most frequently meant by the Holy City, the of twelve stars": this woman is that bride, > Jerusalem of God, which is mentioned in the Law of God that descended upon Mu- > the Holy Book, is the Law of God. It is hammad. The sun with which she was > compared sometimes to a bride, dnd some- clothed, and the moon which was under her > times to Jerusalem, and again t o the new feet, are the two nations which are under > heaven and earth. So in chapter 21, verses the shadow of that Law, the Persian and > 1, 2, and 3 of the Revelation of St. John, it Turkish kingdoms; for the emblem of Persia > is said: "And I saw a new heaven and a new is the sun, and that of Turkey is the crescent > earth: for the first heaven and the first earth moon: thus the sun and moon are the em- > were passed away, and there was no more blems of two kingdoms which are under the > sea. And I John saw the holy city, new power of the Law of God. Afterwards it is > Jerusalem, coming down from God out of said: "upon her head is a crown of twelve > heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her starsv-these twelve stars are the twelve > husband. And I heard a great voice out of Imims who were the promoters of the Law > heaven saying, Behold, the tabeknacle of of Muhammad, and the educators of the > God is with men, and He will dwell with people, shining like stars in the heaven of > them, and they shall be His peopled and God guidance. > Himself shall be with them and be their Then it is said in the second verse: "and > God." she being with child cried," meaning that > Notice how clear and evident it is that this Law fell into the greatest difficulties, > the first heaven and earth signify the former and endured great troubles and afflictions > Law. For it is said that the first heaven and until a perfect offspring was produced, that > earth have passed away and there is no more is, the coming Manifestation, the Promised > sea: that is to say, that the earth is the place One, who is the perfect offspring, and who > 104 THE BAHA > > was reared in the bosom of this Law which hammad. The Bani-Umayyih were always > is as its mother. Th'e child who is referred waiting to get possession of the Promised > to is the BBb, the First Point, who was in One who was to come from the line of Mu- > truth born from the Law of Muhammad. hammad, to destroy and annihilate him; for > That is to say, the Holy Reality, who is the they much feared the appearance of the > child and outcome of the Law of God, his promised Manifestation, and they sought to > mother, and who is promised by that reli- kill any of Muhammad's descendents who > gion, finds a reality in the kingdom of that might be highly esteemed. > Law; but because of the despotism of the Verse 5. "And she brought forth a inan > dragon the child was carried up to God. child, who was to rule all nations with a rod > After twelve hundred and sixty days the of iron." This great son is the promised > dragon was destroyed, and the child of the Manifestation who was born of the Law of > Law of God, the Promised One, became God and reared in the bosom of the divine > manifest. teachings. The iron rod is a symbol of power > Verses 3 and 4. "And there appeared an- and might-it is not a sword-and means > other wonder in heaven, and behold a great that with divine power and might he will > red dragon, having seven heads and ten shepherd all the nations of the earth. This > horns and seven crowns upon his heads. son is the BBb. > And his tail drew the third part of the stars Verse 5. "And her child was caught up > of heaven, and did cast them to the earth." unto God, and to His throne." This is a > These signs are an allusion to the dynasty of prophecy of the BLb, who ascended to the > the Umayyads who dominated the Muham- heavenly realm, to the Throne of God, and > madan religion. Seven heads and seven to the center of His Kingdom. Consider how > crowns mean seven countries and dominions all this corresponds to what happened. > over which the Bani-Umayyih had power: Verse 6. "And the woman fled into the > they were the Roman dominion around wilderness," that is to say, the Law of God > Damascus, and the Persian, Arabian, and fled to the wilderness, meaning the vast des- > Egyptian dominions, together with the do- ert of HijLz, and the Arabian Peninsula. > minion of Africa, that is to say Tunis, Mo- Verse 6. "Where she had a place prepared > rocco, and Algeria, the dominion of Anda- of God." The Arabian Peninsula became the > lusia which is now Spain, and the dominion abode and dwelling-place, and the center of > of Turkestan and Transoxania. The Bani- the Law of God. > Umayyih had power over these countries. Verse 6. "That they should feed her there > The ten horns mean the names of the Umay- a thousand two hundred and threescore > yad rulers: that is, without repetition, there days." In the terminology of the Holy Book > were ten names of rulers, meaning ten these twelve--hundred and sixty days mean > names of commanders and chiefs-the first the twelve hundred and sixty years that the > is Ab6 Sufian and the last Marwan-but Law of God was set up in the wilderness of > several of them bear the same name. So Arabia, the great desert: from it the Prom- > there are two Mu'awia, three Yazid, two ised One has come. After twelve hundred > Walid, and two Marwan; but if the names and sixty years that Law will have no more > were counted without repetition there would influence, for the fruit of that tree will have > be ten. The Bani-Umayyih, of whom the appeared, and the result will have been pro- > first was Ab6 Sufian, Amir of Mecca and duced. > chief of the dynasty of the Umayyads, and Consider how the prophecies correspond > the last was Marwan, destroyed the third to one another. In the Apocalypse, the ap- > part of the holy and saintly people of the pearance of the Promised One is appointed > lineage of Muhammad who were like the after forty-two months, and Daniel ex- > stars of heaven. presses it as three times and a half, which is > Verse 4. "And the dragon stood before also forty-two months; which are twelve > the woman which was ready to be delivered, hundred and sixty days. In another passage > for to devour the child as soon as it was of John's Revelation it is clearly spoken of > born." As we have before explained, this as twelve hundred and sixty days, and in the > woman is the Law of God. The dragon was Holy Book it is said that each day signifies > standing near the woman to devour her one year. Nothing could be more clear than > child, and this child was the promised Mani- this agreement of the prophecies with one > festation, the offspring of the Law of Mu- another. The BBb appeared in the year 1260 > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 105 > > of the Hijirah of Muhammad, which is the world, and it attains to a life-giving spirit. > beginning of the universal era-reckoning of The earth was a lifeless body; it finds a new > all Islbm. There are no clearer proofs than spirit, and produces endless beauty, grace, > this in the Holy Books for any Manifesta- and freshness. Thus the spring is the cause > tion. For him who is just, the agreement of of new life, and infuses a new spirit. > the times indicated by the tongues of the Afterwards comes the summer, when the > Great Ones is the most conclusive proof. heat increases, and growth and development > There is no other possible explanation of attain their greatest power. The energy of > these prophecies. Blessed are the just souls life in the vegetable kingdom reaches to the > who seek the truth. But failing justice, the degree of perfection, the fruit appears, and > people attack, dispute, and openly deny the the time of harvest ripens; a seed has be- > evidence; like the Pharisees who, at the come a sheaf, and the food is stored for > manifestation of Christ, denied with the winter. Afterwards comes tumultuous au- > greatest obstinacy the explanations of Christ tumn when unwholesome and sterile winds > and of his disciples. They obscured Christ's blow, it is the season of sickness, when all > Cause before the ignorant people, saying, things are withered, and the balmy air is > "These prophecies are not of Jesus, but of vitiated. The breezes of spring are changed > the Promised One who shall come later, ac- to autumn winds, the fertile green trees have > cording to the conditions mentioned in the become withered and bare, flowers and fra- > Bible." Some of these conditioils were that grant herbs fade away, the beautiful garden > he must have a kingdom, be seated on the becomes a dust-heap. Following this comes > throne of David, enforce the Law of the the seasoil of winter, with cold and tempests. > Bible, and manifest such justice that the It snows, rains, hails, storms, thunders and > wolf and the lamb shall gather at the same lightens, freezes and congeals; all plants die, > spring. and animals languish and are wretched. > And thus they prevented the people from When this state is reached, again a new > knowing Christ. life-giving spring returns, and the cycle is > renewed. The season of sI ~' r 3i with > n ~ its hosts > Note.-In these last conversations 'Ahdu'l-Bahi of freshness and beauty, spreads its tent on > wishes to reconcile in a new interpretation the the plains and mountains with great pomp > apocalyptic prophecies of the Jews, the Chrislians, and > the Muslims, rather than to show their supernatural and magnificence. A second time the form > character. of the creatures is renewed, and the creation > of beings begins afresh; bodies grow and de- > velop, the plains and wilderilesses become > green and fertile, trees bring forth blossoms, > In this material world time has cycles; and the spring of last year returns in the > places change through alternating seasons, utmost fullness and glory. Such is, and such > and for souls there are progress, retrogres- ought to be, the cycle and succession of ex- > sion, and education. istence: such is the cycle and revolution of > Sometime it is the season of spring, at an- the material world. > other time it is the season of autumn, and It is the same with the spiritual cycles of > again it is the season of summer or the sea- the Prophets. That is to say, the day of the > son of winter. appearance of the Holy Manifestations is > In the spring there are the clouds which the spiritual springtime, it is the divine > send down the precious rain, the musk- splendor, it is the heavenly bounty, the > scented breezes and life-giving zephyrs; the breeze of life, the rising of the Sun of Real- > air is perfectly temperate, the rain falls, the ity. Spirits are quickened, hearts are re- > sun shines, the fecundating wind wafts the freshed and invigorated, souls become good, > clouds, the world is renewed, and the breath existence is set in motion, human realities > of life appears in plants, in animals, and in are gladdened, and grow and develop in > men. Earthly beings pass from one condition good aualities > '3 1 > and ~erfections. > I > Universal > to another. All things are clothed in new progress takes place, and there are resur- > garments, and the black earth is covered rection and lamentation; for it is the day of > with herbage; mountains and plains are judgment, the time of turmoil and distress, > adorned with verdure, trees bear leaves and at the same time that it is the season of joy, > blossoms, gardens bring forth flowers and of happiness, and of absolute attraction. > fragrant herbs. The world becomes another Afterwards the life-giving spring ends in > 106 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > fruitful summer. The word of God is ex- has numerous rising and dawning places: > alted, the Law of God is promulgated; all one day it rises from the zodiacal sign of > things reach perfection. The heavenly table Cancer, another day from the sign of Libra > is spread, the holy breezes perfume the East or Aquarius, another time it is from the sign > and the West, the teachings of God conquer of Aries that it diffuses its rays. But the sun > the world, men become educated, praise- is one sun and one reality; the people of > worthy results are produced, universal prog- knowledge are lovers of the sun, and are not > ress appears in the world of humanity, and fascinated by the places of its rising and > the divine bounties surround all things. The dawning. The people of perception are the > Sun of Reality rises from the horizon of the seekers of the Truth, and not of the places > Kingdom with the greatest power and heat. of its appearance, nor of its dawning points; > When it reaches the meridian it will begin therefore they will adore the Sun from what- > to decline and descend, and the spiritual ever point in the zodiac it may appear, and > summer will be followed by autumn, when they will seek the Reality in every Sanctified > growth and development are arrested. Soul who manifests it. Such people always > Breezes change into blighting winds, and the attain to the truth, and are not veiled from > unwholesome season dissipates the beauty the Sun of the Divine World. So, the lover > and freshness of the gardens, plains, and of the sun and the seeker of the light will > bowers. That is to say, attraction and good- always turn towards the sun, whether it > will do not remain, divine qualities are shines from the sign of Aries or gives its > changed, the radiance of hearts is dimmed, bounty from the sign of Cancer, or radiates > the spirituality of souls is altered, virtues are from Gemini; but the ignorant and unin- > replaced by vices, and holiness and purity structed are lovers of the signs of the zodiac, > disappear. Only the name of the Religion of and enanlored and fascinated by the rising- > God remains, and the exoteric forms of the places, and not by the sun. When it was in > divine teachings. The foundations of the Re- ihe sign of cancer they turned towards it, > ligion of God are destroyed and annihilated, though afterwards the sun changed to the > and nothing but forms and customs exist. sign of Libra; as they were lovers of the > Divisions appear, firmness is changed into sign, they turned towards it and attached > instability, and spirits become dead; hearts themselves to it, and were deprived of the > languish, souls become inert, and winter ar- influences of the sun merely because it had > rives; that is to say, the coldness of igno- changed its place. For example, once the > rance envelops the world and the darkness Sun of Reality poured forth its rays from the > of human error prevails. After this come in- sign of Abraham, and then it dawned from > difference, disobedience, inconsiderateness, the sign of Moses and illuminated the hori- > indolence, baseness, animal instincts, and zon; afterwards it rose with the greatest > the coldness and insensibility of stones. It is power and brilliancy from the sign of > like the season of winter when the terrestrial Christ: those who were the seekers of Real- > globe, deprived of the effect of the heat of ity, worshiped that Reality wherever they > the sun, becomes desolate and dreary. When saw it, but those who were attached to Abra- > the world of intelligence and thought has ham were deprived of its influences, when it > reached to this state, there remain only con- shone upon Sinai and illuminated the reality > tinual death and perpetual nonexistence. of Moses. Those who held fast to Moses > When the season of winter has had its when the Sun of Reality shone from Christ > effect, again the spiritual springtime returns with the utmost radiance and lordly splen- > and a new cycle appears. Spiritual breezes dor, were also veiled; and so forth. > blow, the luminous dawn gleams, the divine Therefore man must be the seeker after > clouds give rain, the rays of the Sun of Real- the Reality; and he will find that Reality in > ity shine forth, the contingent world attains each of the Sanctified Souls. He must be > unto a new life, and is clad in a wonderful fascinated and enraptured, and attracted to > garment. All the signs and the gifts of the the divine bounty; he must be like the but- > past springtime reappear, with perhaps even terfly who is the lover of the light from > greater splendor in this new season. whatever lamp it may shine, and like the > The spiritual cycles of the Sun of Reality nightingale who is the lover of the rose in > are like the cycles of the material sun; they whatever garden it may grow. > are always revolving and being renewed. If the sun were to rise in the West, it > The Sun of Reality, like the material sun, would still be the sun; one must not with- > BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 107 > > draw from it on account of its rising-place, regarded the Sun of Reality, without any > nor consider the West to be always the place doubt they would have recognized the Sun > of sunset. In the same way, one must look in the dawning-place of the reality of Christ, > for the heavenly bounties, and seek for the in the greatest divine splendor. But, alas! a > Divine Aurora. In every place where it ap- thousand times alas! attaching themselves to > pears, one must become its distracted lover. the outward words of Moses, they were de- > Consider that if the Jews had not kept turn- prived of the divine bounties and the lordly > ing to the horizon of Moses, and had only splendors ! > HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD > > Amatu'l-BahB R6hiyyih Q L n u m appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God, March 26, 1952. > William Sutherland Maxwell, appointed Charles Mason Remey, appointed > by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of > God from the Holy Land, December 24, 1951. God from the Holy Land, December 24, 1951. > > Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, appointed Leroy C. Ioas, appointed by Shoghi Effendi > by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of a Hand of the Cause of God from > God from the Holy Land, December 24, 1951. the United States, December 24, 1951. > Valiyu'llBh VarqB, appointed Ugo R. Giachery, appointed by Shoghi Effendi > by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause a Hand of the Cause of God from the > of God from the Cradle of the Faith (Persia), European Continent, December 24, 1951. > December 24, 1951. > > George Townshend, appointed by Shoghi Horace Holley, appointed by Shoghi Effendi > Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the a Hand of the Cause of God from the > European Continent, December 24, 1951. United States, December 24, 1951. > Tarfizu'llah Samandari, appointed MGsB Banhi, appointed by Shoghi Effendi > by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God a Hand of the Cause of God > from the Cradle of the Faith (Persia), from Africa, February 29, 1952. > December 24, 1951. > > 'Ali-Akbar Furtitan, appointed by Shoghi Siegfried Schopflocher, appointed by Shoghi > Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the > Cradle of the Faith, December 24, 1951. Dominion of Canada. February 29, 1952. > Upper left: > Hermann Grossmann, > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from the European Continent, > December 24, 1951. > > Upper right: > Mrs. Dorothy Baker, > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from the United States, > December 24, 1951. > > Left: > Mrs. Clara Dunn, > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from Australia, February 29, > Upper left: > Mrs. Corinne True, > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from the United States, > February 29, 1952. > > Upper right: > Dbikru'llBh KhLdem, > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from the Cradle of the Faith (Persia), > February 29, 1952. > > Paul E. Haney, > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from the United States, > March 19, 1954. > Upper left: > Adelbert Miihlschlegel, > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from Germany, February 29, > > Upper right: > Shu'2u'llih 'Algi, > - > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from the. Cradle of the Faith (Persia), > February 29, 1952. > > Left: > Jalil Khgzeh, > appointed by Shoghi Effendi > a Hand of the Cause of God > from Persia, December 7, 195 > THE CENTENARY C E L E B R A - > T I O N S OF T H E BIRTH OF THE > M I S S I O N OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H , 1953 > 1. MOMENTOUS ANNOUNCEMENT O F > THE JUBILEE CENTEN'ARY > C O N V E Y all National Assemblies Bahi'i summation plans initiated (by) various Na- > World (the) following momentous an- tional Assemblies both hemispheres, (the) > nouncement. formal dedication (for) public worship (of) > Approaching Great Jubilee commemorat- Mother Temple (of) West (in) heart North > ing Centenary termination Bfibi Dispensa- American continent, and possible termina- > tion, birth Bahi'u'llfih's Revelation (in) tion superstructure (of) Bfib's Sepulcher > Siyih C_hLl, Tihrfin, as well as imperative (in) Holy Land, (the) convocation (of) > necessity adopt effectual measures insure be- four intercontinental Bahi'i Teaching Con- > fitting inauguration third concluding phase ferences to be held successively (in) course > of initial epoch (in the) execution 'Abdu'l- historic Year (on) continents (of) Africa, > Bahi's Divine Plan destined culminate hun- America, Europe, Asia. > dredth anniversary (of) Declaration (of) First conference (will be) convened by > Founder (of) Faith (in) Baghdfid, impel me British National Spiritual Assembly (in) > summon entire BahL'i w o r l d ~ t h r o ~eleven > ~~h Kampala, Uganda (in) early spring, repre- > National Assemblies already functioning sentative of British, American, Persian, > (in) East (and) West, bestir itself, arise Egyptian, Indian National Spiritual Assem- > during sixteen months ahead through su- blies, to which Bahi'is residing (in) Amer- > preme concerted sustained effort, prepare ica, Persia, Indian subcontinent, British > for demonstration (of) BahL'i solidarity Isles, every territory African continent (will > (of) unprecedented scope (and) intensity be) invited attend, aiming planting banner > (during) entire course Bahi'i history. (of) Faith (in) remaining territories (and) > Forthcoming celebrations must be signal- neighboring islands east, south, west African > ized through inauguration long anticipated continent. > intercontinental stage in administrative evo- Second conference (will be) convened by > lution (of) Faith marking its gradual de- United States National Spiritual Assembly > velopment through successive phases (of) (in) Wilmette, (in) RidvLn period, repre- > local, regional, national, international Bahfi'i sentative (of) chief trustees 'Abdu'l-Bahi's > activity. Initiation this highly significant Plan, their ally and associates United States, > measure further cementing BahL'i National Canadian, Latin American National As- > Assemblies (in) five continents (of) globe semblies, to which BahL'is every state Amer- > will be acclaimed (by) posterity as counter- ican Union, every Province Canada, every > part (to) consolidhtion Faith at its World Republic Latin America (will be) invited at- > Center through recent formation Interna- tend, designed pave way establishment Faith > tional Bahi'i Council (in) Holy Land. (in) remaining territories (of the) Americas > Centennial festivities (of) Year Nine con- (and) neighboring islands (in) both Atlan- > tinuing throughout Holy Year commencing tic (and) Pacific oceans. > October 1952 must include, apart from con- Third conference (will be) convened by > 116 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > American European Teaching Committee > (in) Stockholm, Sweden, during summer, > representative (of) American, British, Ger- The Year Nine > mail National Assemblies, to which Bah2is > (of) each ten goal countries Europe (and) I. > England, Scotland, Wales, Eire, France, The following statement is an excerpt from > Germany, Austria, Finland, (will be) in- the portion of the Guardian's letter of NO- > vited attend, for purpose gradual introduc- vember 23, 1951, written through his Sec- > tion (of) Faith (into) remaining sovereign retary. > states European continent (and) neighbor- Regarding your question about the Cen- > ing islands Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, tenary, the Guardian wishes you to share the > North Sea. following information with the Persian and > Fourth conference (will be) convened by other National Assemblies; the "Year Nine" > National Spiritual Assembly subcontinent is an abbreviation of 1269 A.H. This term > India (in) New Delhi, autumn, representa- has been used by the BLb in His Writings, > tive (of) National Assemblies (of) Persia, foreshadowing the Birth of the Revelation of > Indian subcontinent, 'IrLq, Australasia, Bahi'u'llLh. The friends should refer, in > United States, Canada, Central and South God Passes B y , to the passages mentioning > America, to which BahL'is residing (in) the year Nine in order to appreciate its sig- > every sovereigil state (and) dependency nificance as well as the great importance at- > (in) Asia, North, Central, South America, tached to it by the BLb. In that same book > Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania (will be) the Guardian has explained that the Revela- > invited attend, in order deliberate measures tion of Bahi'u'llih was progressive: It com- > calculated open Faith remaining Asiatic menced with the first intimation He re- > states (and) dependencies, particularly ceived, of His Prophetic Mission while in > South East Asia and islands (of) South Pa- the SiyLh-GhLl of Tihr6n. The beginning of > cific (and) Indian Oceans. the year Nine occurred about two months > Address plea particularly (to) convenors after His imprisonment in that dungeon. We > above-mentioned conferences (to) arise do not know the exact time He received this > within short time (at their) disposal, prayer- first intimation, nor have either the BLb, or > fully consider, carefully plan, energetically Bahi'u'llLh, made mention of any specific > prosecute, respective sacred delegated tasks, date in this connection. We therefore regard > take immediate preliminary steps issue in- the entire year Nine as a Holy Year, and the > vitations, fix procedure, provide smooth emphasis should be placed, in accordance > working, accord wide publicity, insure re- with the BLb's Writings, on the entire Year > sounding success, epoch-making conferences which started in October, 1852. This means > immortalizing Centenary (of) memorable our Centenary Year of Celebration will be > Year, anticipated (by) St. John (the) Di- from October, 1952, to October, 1953. All > vine, foreshadowed (by) S_hayk_h Ahmad, celebrations must be held within these two > eulogized (by the) Bib, extolled (by) both dates. As the RidvLn period is associated > BahL'u'llLh (and) 'Abdu'l-BahL, and con- with Bahb'u'll6h's Revelation it should be > stituting prelude (to) Most Great Jubilee, regarded as the most important time of that > which will alike commemorate Centenary year and therefore the most suitable period > formal assumption (by) Author (of) Bahi'i for the celebrations. > Revelation (of) His Prophetic Office, (and) The second stage in that progressive Reve- > mark, God willing, world-wide establish- lation was when Bahi'u'llkh declared His > ment Faith forecast (by) Center (of) Cove- Mission to His companions in BaghdLd; this > nant (in) His Tablets, prophesied (by) is considered the most momentous stage in > Daniel (in) his book, thus paving way (for) His Revelation, hence it is called the "Most > advent (of) Golden Age destined witness Great Festival," the One Hundredth An- > world recognition, universal proclamation, niversary of which will be celebrated in > ultimate triumph (of the) Cause of Bah2u'- RidvLn 1963 and will constitute the Most > 116h. Great Jubilee, the third of its kind, the first > (Signed) SHOGHI Jubilee having been the Centenary of the > BLb's Declaration; and the second the one > Cablegram received November 30, 1951 at we will be celebrating all over the world in > Wilmette, Illinois. 1952-1953. > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 117 > > The third and last stkge in BahL'u'llih's sage "divulged." It was in that same year > Revelation was when He proclaimed His that, according to BahL'u'llih, Himself, "the > Mission to the rulers and relLgious leaders of requisite num6er of pure, of wholly conse- > the world in Adrianople. The first was an crated, and sanctified souls" had been "most > intimation, the second a declaration and the secretlv consummated." > J > > third a proclamation-the intimation was It was in such dramatic circumstances, re- > from God to Him, which He kept a secret calling the experience of Moses when face > within His own spirit, the declaration was to to face with the Burning Bush in the wilder- > His faithful companions, and the proclama- ness of Sinai, the successive visions of > tion was to the entire body of the religious Zoroaster, the opening of the heavens and > and political leaders of mankind. the descent of the Dove upon Christ in the > Jordan, the cry of Gabriel heard by Muham- > 11. mad in the Cave of Hira, and the dream of > This statement is an excerpt from the the Bib, in which the blood of the Imim > Guardian's letter of June 15, 1946, pub- Husayn touched and sanctified His lips, that > lished as " A God-Given Mandate" in "Mes- Bahi'u'llih, He "around Whom the Point > sages to America," pages 99-101. of the Bayin hath revolved," and the Ve- > What greater reward can crown the labors hicle of the greatest Revelation the world > of that community, now launched on the has yet seen, received the first intimation of > second stage of its world mission, than that His sublime Mission, and that a ministry, > the consummation of the second Seven Year which, alike in its duration and fecundity, is > Plan should coincide with the celebrations unsurpassed in the religious history of man- > commemorating the centenary of the "Year kind, was inaugurated. It was on that occa- > Nine," the year which alike marked the sion that the "Most Great Spirit," as desig- > termination of the Bibi Dispensation, and nated by Bahi'u'llih Himself, revealed itself > signalized the birth of BahL'u'llih's pro- to Him, in the form of a "Maiden," and > phetic Mission? It was at a time when the bade Him "lift up" His "voice between earth > Faith for which the Bib had suffered and and heavenn-that same Spirit which, in the > died was hovering on the brink of extinc- Zoroastrian, the Mosaic, the Christian and > tion, when BahL'u'llih lay wrapped in the Muhammadan Dispensations, had been re- > gloom of the Siybh-chi1 of Tihrin, His feet spectively symbolized by the "Sacred Fire," > in stocks, His neck freighted with chains, the "Burning Bush," the "Dove," and the > and surrounded by vile and wretched crimi- "Angel Gabriel." > nals, that the auspicious year 1269 A.H., ac- "One night in a dream," Bahb'u'llhh Him- > claimed by the B i b as the "Year Nine," self, recounting His soul-,shaking experience > dawned upon the world, ushering in the of the first stirrings of His prophetic Mis- > most glorious and momentous stage in the sion, in the Year Nine, in that abomiilable > Heroic Age of the greatest religious dispen- pit, has written, "these exalted words were > sation in the spiritual history of mankind. heard on every side: 'Verily, We shall ren- > T o that year He had referred as the year in der Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy > which "the realities of the created things" Pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath > will "be made manifest," the year in which befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for > mankind "will attain unto all good," in Thou art in safety. Ere long will God raise > which the "Bayin," as yet "in the stage of up the treasures of the earth-men who will > seed," will manifest "its ultimate perfec- aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy > tion," in which the "embryo of the Faith will Name, wherewith God hath revived the > attain the station of 'the most comely of hearts of such as have recognized Him.' " > forms,' " and in which "a new creation" will And again, "During the days I lay in the > be beheld. It was in that same year that the prison of Tihrhn, though the galling weight > "third woe," as anticipated by St. John the of the chains and the stench-filled air al- > Divine, quickly succeeded the second. To lowed Me but little sleep, still in those in- > that same year S_hayk_h-Ahmad-i-AhsL'i,who frequent moments of slumber I felt as if > had heralded the Faith of the Bib, had al- something flowed from the crown of My > luded as the year "after Hin" (68), when, head over My breast, even as a mighty tor- > according to His written testimony, the rent that precipitateth itself upon the earth > "mystery" of the Cause of God would be from the summit of a lofty mountain. Every > "manifested," and the "secret" of His Mes- limb of My body would, as a result, be set > T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > afire. At such moments My tongue recited its birth; which had lost its greatest expo- > what no man could bear to hear." nents through the tragic martyrdom of most > What still greater reward could await of the Letters of the Living, and particularly > those who, inspired by the success achieved of the valiant Mull5 Husayn and of the > by the prosecu~orsof the second Seven Year erudite Vahid and which had been afflicted > Plan, will have arisen to carry forward to with the supreme calamity of losing its Di- > a triumphant conclusion the third phase of vine Founder; was being subjected to still > the Mission entrusted to them by 'Abdu'l- more painful ordeals-ordeals which robbed > BahL, than that their prodigious labors, hav- it of both the heroic Hujjat and of the far- > ing embraced territories far beyond the famed TLhirih; which caused it to pass > confines of the continents of Europe and through a reign of terror, and to experience > of America, should climax in, and be wor- a blood-bath of unprecedented severity, > thily commemorated through, the world- which inflicted on it one of the greatest > wide celebrations of the "Most Great Festi- humiliations it has ever suffered through the > val," the "King of Festivals," the "Festival attempted assassination of the Sovereign > of God" Himself-the Festival associated himself, and which unloosed a veritable > with the accession of Him Who is the Lord deluge of barbarous atrocities in TihrLn, > of the Kingdom to the throne of everlasting MLzindarLn, Nayriz and Khhiriiz before which > glory, and with the formal assumption by paled the horrors of the seige of ZanjSn, and > Him of His prophetic office? What gseater which swept no less a figure than BahB'u'llLh > reward than that the consummation of the Himself-the last remaining Pillar of a > third Seven Year Plan, marking the close Faith that had been so rudely shaken, so > of the first, and signalizing the opening of ruthlessly denuded of its chief buttresses- > the second, epoch in the evolution of the into the subterranean dungeon of TihrLn, > Divine Plan, should synchronize with that an imprisonment that was soon followed by > greatest of all Jubilees, related to the year His cruel banishment, in the depths of an > 1335, mentioned by Daniel in the last Chap- exceptionally severe winter, from-HIS native > ter of His Book, and associated by 'Abdu'l- land to 'IrLq. To these tribulations He Him- > BahL with the world triumph of His Father's self has referred as "afflictions" that > Faith? What greater glory than that those "rained" upon Him, whilst the blood shed > who have brought this initial epoch in the by His companions and lovers He character- > resistless march of a world-embracing Plan ized as the blood which "impregnated" the > to a triumphant termination should be made earth with the "wondrous revelation" of > to feel that they, and those gone before God's "might." > them, have, through their collective, their Nor should the momentous character of > sustained, and heroic endeavors, organized the unique event, that may be regarded as > through three successive stages, and cover- the climax and consummation of this tragic > ing a span of almost a quarter of a century, period, be overlooked or underestimated, in- > been vouchsafed by the Almighty the privi- asmuch as its centenary synchronizes with > lege of contributing, more than any other the termination of the sixteen month interval > community consciously laboring in the serv- separating the American B a h u Community > ice of the Faith of BahB'u'llLh, to this bliss- from the conclusion of its present Plan. This > ful consummation, and to have played a unique event, the centenary of which is to > preponderating role in the world triumph be befittingly celebrated, not only in the > of its institutions? American continent but throughout the > BahB'i World, and is destined to be regarded > as the culmination of the Second Seven > From the Guardian's letter of November Year Plan, is none other than the "Year > 23, 1951. Nine," anticipated 2,000 years ago as the > The historic significance of this period "third woe" by St. John the Divine, alluded > cannot indeed be overestimated. For it was to by both S_hayk_hA b a d and Siyyid KBzim > a hundred years ago that a Faith, which -the twin luminaries that heralded the ad- > had already been oppressed by a staggering vent of the Faith of the BLb-specifically > weight of untold tribulations; which had mentioned and extolled by the Herald of > sustained shattering blows in MLzindarLn, the Bahi'i Dispensation in His Writings, and > Nayriz, TihrLn and Zanjb, and indeed eulogized by both the Founder of our Faith > throughout every province in the land of and the Center of His Covenant. In that > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 119 > > year, the year "after Hin" (68), mentioned There, as He Himself has recorded, under > by S_hayk_h Ahmad, the year that witnessed the impact of this dream, He experienced > the birth of the Mission of the promised the onrushing force of His newly revealed > "Qayytim," specifically referred to by Siyyid Mission, that "flowed" even as "a mighty > Kgzim, the "requisite number" in the words torrent" from His "Head to His "breast," > of Bahi'u'llih, "of pure, of wholly conse- whereupon "every limb" of His body "would > crated and sanctified souls7' had been "most be set afire." There, in a vision, the "Most > secretly consummated." In that year, as tes- Great Spirit," as He Himself has again testi- > tified by the Pen of the Bgb, the "realities of fied, appeared to Him, in the guise of a > the created things" were "made manifest," "Maiden" "calling" with "a most wondrous, > "a new creation was born" and the seed of a most sweet Voice" above His Head, whilst > His Faith revealed its "ultimate perfection." "suspended in the air" before Him, and, > In that year, as borne witness by 'Abdu'l- "pointing with Her finger" unto His Head, > Bah6, a hitherto "embryonic Faith" was imparted "tidings which rejoiced" His > born. In that year, while the Blessed Beauty "soul." There appeared above the horizon > lay in chains and fetters, in that dark and of that dungeon in the city of Tihrin, the > pestilential Pit, "the breezes of the All- > rim of the Orb of His Faith, whose dawning > Glorious," as He Himself described it, "were > wafted" over Him. There, whilst His neck light had, nine years previously, broken > was weighted down by the Qara-Guhar, His upon the city of S_hhir&z,-an Orb which, > feet in stocks, breathing the fetid air of the after suffering an eclipse of ten years, was > Siyih-Chil, He dreamed His dream and destined to burst forth, with its resplendent > heard, "on every side," "exalted words," rays, upon the city of Baghdid, to mount its > and His "tongue recited" words that "no zenith in Adrianople, a n d to set eventually > man could bear to hear." in the prison-fortress of 'AkkB. > Hands of the Cause attending the First Intercontinental Bahi'i Conference in Kampala, Uganda, Africa > Left to right: Mu& Bangni, Valiyu'llih Varqi, SJhu'B'u'llih 'AlB'i, Mason Remey, Horace Holley, T > D-hikru'llgh K_hh6dem, Leroy Ioas, Dorothy Baker, 'Ali-Akbar Funitan. > The Kampala Haziratu'l-Quds is in the background. > 2. THE AFRICAN INTERCONTINENTAL > TEACHING CONFERENCE HELD IN > KAMPALA, UGANDA, FEBRUARY, 1953 > (1) > THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE TO THE CONFERENCE > Presented by LEROY > IOAS > > T O T H E Hands of the Cause, the Mem- ponderance of the members of this same > bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies, race at so significant a Conference, a phe- > the pioneers, the resident believers and visi- nomenon unprecedented in the annals of > tors attending the African Intercontinental Bahi'i Conferences held during over a cen- > Teaching Conference in Kampala, Uganda. tury, and auguring well for a ;orresponding > multiplication in the number of the repre- > Well-beloved Friends: sentatives of the yellow, the red and brown > I hail with a joyous heart the convocation races of mankind dwelling respectively in > in the heart of the African continent of the the Far East, in the Far West and in the > first of the four Intercontinental Teaching islands of the South Pacific Ocean, a multi- > Conferences constituting the highlights of plication designed ultimately to bring to a > the world wide celebrations of the Holy proper equipoise the divers ethnic elements > Year which commemorates the hundredth comprised within the highly diversified > anniversary of the birth of the Mission of world-embracing BahB'i Fellowship. > the Founder of our Faith. I welcome with I feel moved, on this auspicious occasion, > open arms the unexpectedly large number to pay a warm tribute to the elected repre- > of the representatives of the pure-hearted sentatives, as well as the members, of the > and the spiritually receptive Negro race, so British, the Persian, the American, the > dearly loved by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, for whose Egyptian and the Indian BahB'i Communi- > conversion to His Father's Faith He so ties which have participated, in pursuance of > deeply yearned and whose interests He so their respective Plans, in the opening stage > ardently championed in the course of His of a colossal teaching campaign, consti- > memorable visit to the North American tuting a vital phase of the impending dec- > continent. I am reminded, on this historic ade-long World Crusade, and aiming at the > occasion, of the significant words uttered by spiritual conquest of the entire African con- > Bah&'ulll&hHimself, Who as attested by the tinent. I desire in particular to express to all > Center of the Covenant, in His Writings, those gathered at this Conference my feel- > "compared the colored people to the black ings of abiding appreciation of the magnifi- > pupil of the eye," through which "the light cent role played and of the remarkable > of the spirit shineth forth." I feel particu- > larly gratified by the substantial participa- > tion in this epoch-making Conference of > - > prizes won, by the small band of Persian, > British and American pioneers, in th- course > of the initial stage of this divinely propelled > the members of a race dwelling in a conti- and mysteriously unfolding collective en- > nent which for the most part has retained terprise, which has overshadowed both the > its primitive simplicity and remained uncon- Latin American and European teaching > taminated by the evils of a gross, a rampant campaigns launched in recent years, which > and cancerous materialism undermining the is destined to exert an incalculable influence > fabric of human society alike in the East and on the fortunes of the Faith throughout the > in the West, eating into the vitals of the con- world, and which may well have far-reach- > flicting peoples and races inhabiting the ing repercussions among the two chief races > American, the European and the Asiatic dwelling in the North American continent. > continents, and alas threatening to engulf T o the American BahL'i Community, the > in one common catastrophic convulsion the chief executor of 'Abdu'l-Bah&'s Divine > generality of mankind. I acclaim the pre- Plan; to the British BahB'i Community, des- > I2I1 > 122 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > tined to play in future decades a predomi- namely: The National Spiritual Assembly of > nating role in opening to the Faith of Bahb'- the BahL'is of Central and East Africa, to be > u'llih not only the British Territories formed under the aegis of the National > throughout the African continent, but the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the > divers Dependencies of the British Crown British Isles, with its seat in Kampala; the > scattered on the surface of the globe; to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is > Persian Bahb'i Community, at once the most of South and West Africa, to be formed un- > venerable and most consistently persecuted der the aegis of the National spiritual As- > among its sister communities in both the sembly of the Bahb'is of the United States > East and the West; to the Egyptian Bahi'i of America, with its seat in Johannesburg; > Community that may well boast of having the National Spiritual Assembly of the > erected in that continent the first pillar of Bahb'is of North West Africa, to be formed > the Universal House of Justice; to the In- under the aegis of the National Spiritual As- > dian Bahb'i Community, fated to contribute, sembly of the Bahb'is of Egypt and Siidin, > to a marked degree, to the spiritual quicken- with its seat in Tunis. > ing of the Indians constituting a noble ele- Second, the initial purchase of land for > ment of the population of Africa-to these the future construction of three Mdriqu'l- > Communities I feel I must acknowledge my A w i r s , one in Cairo, one in Kampala and > deep sense of thankfulness for the strenuous one in Johannesburg, situated respectively in > efforts exerted by their pioneers to raise aloft the north, the heart and the south of the > the standard of the Faith in the territories African continent. > allocated to them in Liberia, Uganda, Tan- Third, the opening of the following thirty- > ganyika, the Gold Coast, Kenya, Somali- three virgin territories and islands: Cape > land, Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia, Libya, Verde Is., Canary Is., French Somaliland, > Algeria, Zanzibar and Madagascar. TO French Togoland, Mauritius, Northern Ter- > others who, though not following the fixed ritories Protectorate, Portuguese Guinea, > pattern of the Plan initiated for the present Reunion I., Spanish Guinea, St. Helena, and > African campaign, have arisen to introduce St. Thomas I., assigned to the National > the Faith in the Territories of Sierra Leone, Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of the > Angola, Mozambique and Southern Rhode- United States of America; Ashanti Protector- > sia I feel, moreover, a debt of gratitude is ate, Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Italian So- > due for their share in extending the range maliland, Southern Rhodesia and Swaziland > of Bahb'i pioneer activity in that continent. assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly > The hour is indeed propitious, as the cli- of the Bahb'is of Persia; French Equatorial > max of the world wide rejoicings signalizing Africa, French West Africa, Morocco (Int. > the Holy Year approaches, for the National Zone), Rio de Oro, Spanish Morocco and > Spiritual Assemblies of these same Com- Spanish Sahara assigned to the National > munities to gird up their loins, in collabora- Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt > tion with the National Spiritual Assembly of and S6din; Comoro Is., French Cameroons, > the BahL'is of 'Iriq, in a supreme effort to Gambia, Ruanda-Urundi and Socotra I. as- > launch, on the morrow of this fateful Con- signed to the National Spiritual Assembly of > ference, that phase of the ten-year Crusade the Bahb'is of India, PikistAn and Burma; > which, God willing, will culminate in the the British Cameroons, British Togoland, > introduction of our glorious Faith in all the Madeira and South West Africa, assigned to > remaining territoriei of that vast continent the National Spiritual Assembly of the > as well as the chief neighboring islands lying BahL'is of the British Isles; and Seychelles > in the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. The Is. assigned to the National Spiritual As- > decade on whose threshold they now stand sembly of the Bahb'is of 'Iriq. > must, circumstances permitting, witness: Fourth, the translation and publication of > First, the erection of three additional pil- BahL'i literature in the following thirty-one > lars within the confines of that continent and languages to be undertaken by the National > its neighboring islands, designed to support, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the > together with no less than forty-five other British Isles: Accra, Afrikaans, Aladian, > National Spiritual Assemblies to be es- Ashanti, Banu, Bemba, Bua, Chuana, Gio, > tablished in other parts of the world, the Gu, Jieng, Jolof, Kuanyama, Krongo, Kroo, > final unit in the erection of the Administra- Luimbi, Malagasy, Nubian, Pedi, Popo, > tive Order of the Faith of BahL'u'llih, Ronga, Sena, Shilha, Shona, Sobo, Suto, > 124 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Wongo, Xosa, Yalunka, Yao, and Zulu. of the Bahi'is of Egypt and SGdBn, author- > Fifth, the consolidation of the twenty-four ized to hold, on behalf of its parent institu- > following territories already opened to the tion, property dedicated to the Holy Shrines > Faith in the African continent: Angola, at the World Center of the Faith in the State > Belgian Congo, Gold Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, of Israel. > Sierra Leone, Tanganyika, Uganda and Twelfth, the appointment, during Ridvin > Zululand, allocated to the National Spiritual 1954, by the Hand of the Cause in Africa, > Assembly of the Bahi'is of the British Isles; of an auxiliary Board of nine members who > Abyssinia, Algeria, Eritrea, Libya, French will, in conjunction with the six National > Morocco, Somaliland, SGdin and Tunisia, Spiritual Assemblies participating in the > allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly African Campaign, assist, through periodic > of the Bahgis of Egypt and SGdin; Mada- and systematic visits to Bahi'i Centers, in > gascar, Mozambique and Zanzibar, allocated the efficient and prompt execution of the > to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Plans formulated for the prosecution of the > Bahi'is of India, PBkistin and Burma; teaching campaign in the African continent. > Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, allo- May the six aforementioned National > cated to the National Spiritual Assembly of Spiritual Assemblies, aided by the Hand of > the Bahb'is of Persia; Liberia and South the Cause appointed in that continent, and > Africa, allocated to the National Spiritual the auxiliary Board to be chosen by him, > Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and supported by the national committees > of America. and sub-committees to be formed in due > Sixth, the establishment, circumstances course, and reinforced by the constant and > permitting, of a National BahL'i Court in energetic efforts of an ever-swelling number > the capital city of Egypt, the recognized of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant > center of both the Islamic and Arab worlds, teachers, and assisted by the whole-hearted > officially empowered to apply, in matters of collaboration of the indigenous believers in > personal status, the Laws and Ordinances all localities, be spiritually welded into a unit > revealed in the KitBb-i-Aqdas, the Mother- at once dynamic and coherent, and be suf- > Sook of the Bahb'i Revelation. fused with the creative, the directing and > Seventh, the incorporation of the three propelling forces proceeding from the > above-mentioned Regional National Spirit- Source of the Revelation Himself, and be > ual Assemblies. made, as the projected campaign unfolds, > Eighth, the establishment by those same the vehicle of His grace from on High, and > National Spiritual Assemblies of National prove themselves worthy and effective in- > BahL'i Endowments. struments for the execution and ultimate > Ninth, the establishment of a National coi~summationof one of the most thrilling > Ifaziratu'l-Quds in Johannesburg and one in and far-reaching enterprises undertaken in > Tunis and the conversion into a similar in- the Formative Age of the Faith and con- > stitution of the local Ha~iratu'l-Quds of stituting one of the noblest phases of the > Kampala. most glorious Crusade ever launched in the > Tenth, the formation of a National Bahi'i course of BahL'i history for the systematic > Publishing Trust in Cairo. propagation of the Cause of Bahi'u'llih over > Eleventh, the formation of an Israel the surface of the entire planet. > Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly > > REPORT OF THE AFRICAN INTERCONTINENTAL > TEACHING CONFERENCE > I< AMPALA, Uganda, is one of the lovelier the four Bahb'i Intercontinental Conferences > and more temperate spots of Africa where was held. > the native African and the European are Meetings took place in a large and well- > not in bitter conflict. In this Protectorate made army Marquee erected on the spacious > from February 12 to 18, 1953, the first of attractive grounds of the Kampala Haziratu'l- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 125 > > Quds. In that tent, which was literally and the past would result from our ability to > figuratively a tent of the Oneness of Man- strengthen the administrative order and > kind, two hundred and thirty-two BahCis, demonstrate the devotion and service which > representing thirty ethnic groups from nine- is the spirit of the Baha'i Faith. > teen countries of the continents of America, The Conference agenda was designed to > Asia, Europe and Africa, were assembled. draw upon the teaching and administrative > The Africans were well represented and con- experience of the Baha'is around the world. > stituted a majority of the Conference. They Talks of great wisdom, information and > came from eighteen tribes of Uganda and inspiration were given by the Hands of the > in addition, there were Baha'is from North, Cause, the Assembly representatives froin > South, East and West Africa. This mingling the United States, Great Britain, India and > of races and nationalities taking place on friin. The Africa pioneers who had done the > such a high and dignified level was produc- ground-breaking in Africa's widely differing > tive of much happiness and inspiration. areas contributed much in their down-to- > Thus the Kampala Conference demon- earth discussion of the pioneers' problems, > strated the ~ a h L ' i h a t t e r nfor harmony and and in their presentation of theAattitudes > unity among the children of men. Com- which they must be prepared to face and > pletely missing was the sense of alienation with which they must deal. > and tension characteristic of the meeting of Following are excerpts from some of the > races which have long practiced the embit- talks given: > tering separations established by old tradi- Horace Holley, American Hand of the > tions in Africa. The choice of the theme, Cause: 'Abdu'l-BahB said, "Blessed are those > "Light Over Africa," was amply justified. who work in groups." Small groups which > There was earnest consultation over the learn to solve their problems train them- > tasks and opportunities of the Great Teach- selves for larger problems. The small group > ing Crusade, the training of BahCi teachers, is but the flowerpot in which the seed is > the maturing of individual Baha'is to the planted. When the seed grows we transplant > spirit and principles of their Faith, and the it to a larger garden. > important work of developing and consoli- . > . . The BahCi local community with > dating BahCi groups and Assemblies the local assembly is civilization in minia- > throughout the African continent. ture. The individual begins to realize that > The earnest and beautiful prayers which the Faith establishes a social order. The uni- > opened the Conference gave it the momen- fied community is civilization. Human so- > tum and high spirit which prevailed. Fol- ciety is a series of human relationships. The > lowing this, powerful messages from the Be- Bahb'i Faith gives us the form of perfect > loved Guardian were read, giving a set of government for our own Baha'i affairs. Man > definite objectives and the magnificent scope is not wholly man until he learns the spirit > of the Crusade with its relationship to the of the Teachings. > development of the World Order of BahC- . . . The seed has all the potentialities of > u'116h. Along with these great messages, the the tree. The little group is the seed, and > Guardian sent a striking map of the world when it has attained a tiny sprout, com- > on which he had drawn the Crusade objec- munity development begins which will re- > tives, and, by means of colors and lines, sult in the maturity of the tree. God has no > charted the assignments and responsibilities time. He is timeless. Man conquers time > given to each cointry. when he is imbued with moral purpose. He > The messages and the maps were pre- knows that the power of God will bring His > sented by Leroy Ioas, Hand of the Cause, work to perfection. > who came as the Guardian's representative The Guardian wrote the American BahCis > to the Conference. He gave us the Beloved that the world is in dire need of the love of > Guardian's words and views, pointing out God. At every stage in the consolidation of > that through this Holy Crusade the BahCis the community, the friends must do their > would in ten years double the accomplish- utmost to convey the love that is born of > inents of the past one hundred and ten God. > years. "They will cover the earth with the 'AE Nal&java'ni, Persian pioneer to > glory of the Lord," thus fulfilling the ancient Africa: 'Abdu'l-BahB said that teaching is > prophecy of Daniel. He made us under- like the science of medicine. In each case > stand that the victories ahead like those of you find a different disease, and the treat- > African choir at Kampala Conference public meeting, singing "Lord, I want to be a Bah2i with a > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHAYU'LLiiH'S MISSION 127 > > ment changes accordingly. The Guardian ple working for certain ideas of civilization. > has given us the general principle for teach- In Africa, however, some of the groups have > ing in Africa, "One teaches the receptive not even evolved to the village stage, as we > souls one finds." Also in The Challenging know it in the West. The village for them > Requirements the Guardian emphasizes the is merely a boundary line for administration > fundamental prerequisites of Teaching and or collection of taxes. The African family > tells us teaching methods must be adapted often lives in two villages. There is little > to the various backgrounds, temperaments community life as we know it. As BahB'is > and susceptibilities of the races. the Africans have made the jump from a > The susceptibilities of the African people family or clan stage of society t o t h e sense > are (1) an abhorrence of any racial dis- of world community in only a few months. > crimination; (2) fear of plans and activities Only the power of BahB'u'llBh could have > originated by white people; ( 3 ) a dissatis- made this possible. It is only this power > faction with the methods used by mission- which can create a new society and environ- > aries; (4) a consciousness of the superiority ment for this progress. > of the outside world, coupled with a thirst The assuming of responsibility, as we un- > for knowledge and progress; (5) an under- derstand it in the West, will be new to the > standing and preference for simpler ideas; African. The African leaders never give > (6) a hesitation at the use of reason in the responsibility to the members of their flock. > study of religious methods; (7) an accept- They may dispense charity or similar ac- > ance of the teachings of the Church and the tions, but they never permit the development > Bible; (8) a sensitiveness and appreciation of responsibility. It must be noted, too, that > for true and sincere love, lack of prejudice the African has had very little experience in > and genuine hospitality; (9) a strong faith voting, in administrative responsibility and > in God and His Prophets. in the exercise of the mind over the dictates > . . . The first thing a pioneer must have of the heart; these are all new experiences > is devotion, understanding and love for the for him. The lack of equality between the > Guardian. He should study the writings con- sexes is another factor to be considered. > stantly and turn to the Guardian in his . . . The Bah2is must instill in the Afri- > heart. The second most important thing is can a crusading spirit for African advance- > prayer at all times, not in words, but in ment. They must demonstrate the Unity of > deeds. . . . Where there is more than one the Faith, and prove that they have come to > pioneer, there must be unity . . . real drive out disunity. To meet the need there > unity among the BahB'is. The spirit of love must be preparation, prayer, meditation, > and unity is absolutely necessary, or there study classes for deepening, and classes for > can be no success. Deeds not words must be educating the illiterate in every village. The > the attitude of the pioneer. Africans must be urged to help themselves > Philip Hainsworth, British pioneer to and to develop and share the Message of > Africa: An African once said to me . . . BahPu'llLh. . . . > "Our hearts are like mirrors, we reflect what > we see." Thus the African reflects the state The high spiritual note of the Conference > of mind of the person with whom he deals came when its participants were afforded the > or works. The white man's condemnation of privilege of viewing the photograph of the > the African is a condemnation of himself. portrait of the BBb which the Beloved > The success of the Persian pioneers is ex- Guardian had sent as a special gift. Prior > plained by the fact that they show such an to the actual viewing of the portrait, a short > abundance of love to the African who re- period was devoted to stories of the BBb re- > flects it back. lated by two Hands of the Cause, Mr. > Translation difficulties with the African Valiyu'll5h VarqL and Mr. Leroy Ioas. Mr. > language are not so much in words as in Varqi's story on the history of the portrait > ideas. The person of a narrow environment was as follows: > cannot understand the problems of the As part of a plot against the life of the > world. Then there are unique to Bgb, the Governor of Uriimiyyih invited > Africa. For thirteen hundred years the Him to the public bath when He arrived in > Islamic countries have been struggling to that city. A wild and dangerous horse, > develop ideas of nationalism. For two thou- notorious for its unruliness, was sent to the > sand years the Western world has had peo- BLb and the attendants accompanying the > horse had been instructed to run away as VarqS's father asked BahL'u'llBh if nine > soon as He had mounted. Under such cir- copies could be made for future Ma&riqu'l- > cumstances, the Governor was certain that Ad_hkBrs of the world but BahL'u'llBh said > the BBb would be killed. that only one or two copies could be made > On being told of the plot, the BBb merely of the countenance of that "Father of > replied, "I have left My Life in the Hands Beauty and Grandeur." The painter drew > of God." another and gave it to VarqB's father. When > According to plan, the dangerous horse He was martyred, this picture was taken to > was led to the Bib and as He mounted, the the House of the Bib and the original pencil > attendants ran away. At His first touch, sketch was taken to the House of the Mas- > however, the horse grew tame and gentle, ter. > carrying Him to the public bath calmly and Two water colors are in the World Center > comfortably. When the BBb dismounted, the Archives and another is at present in the > horse again became so unruly that seven or Royal Archives, but 'Abdu'l-BahB said the > eight men rushed to subdue it, but when the latter would come back to the BahS'is. The > BBb was ready to return home and the wild copy of the portrait sent to Kampala and > horse was once more led up to Him, the that sent to America are photographs of > same incidents occurred-the attendants the painting in the World Center Archives. > dashing away when the BBb mounted, and Mr. Leroy Ioas told the following story: > the dangerous horse becoming tame and When the BBb was martyred, His body > gentle. Thus, it carried the BBb back to His was thrown into a moat to be devoured by > home. dogs. This was done because there was a > Crowds of people who had heard of the verse in the Qur'in declaring that the dogs > vicious nature of the horse came to see the would not devour the body of the Promised > spectacle. They marveled at the behavior of One and they wished to make certain that > the animal, and to their simple minds the this prophecy would not apply to the BBb. > extraordinary demonstration appeared n6th- However, dogs did not molest the remains > ing short of a miracle. Therefore, when the and the body of the BBb was promptly res- > BBb left the bath, they hurried with recep- cued by the BBbis. > tacles and cloths to carry away every bit of Today the Guardian walks in the gardens > the water that had touched His Holy Person. on Mt. Carmel. He loves to point out that > After this episode, great numbers of peo- the most beautiful sepulcher in the world, > ple went to see the BAb and among them surrounded by lovely gardens, now houses > was a young painter who wanted to paint a those remains which were thrown into the > picture of the Holy Man. When he was per- moat, and that all over the world there are > mitted to visit Him and was ushered into friends who proclaim the Divinity and > His presence, the BAb gathered His 'ab6 Holiness of the Blessed BBb. > about Him, placed His hands on His knees The actual viewing of the portrait was an > and gazed intently at the painter, who stud- occasion of great reverence and spiritual > ied His face. On arriving home the painter dedication. Preceding the procession of the > tried to paint it from memory but could not, viewers, Mr. 'Ali-Akbar Furbtan, Hand of > so he went a second time to see the BBb. the Cause, chanted the Tablet of Visitation > Again the BAb pushed back His turban, in the original tongue. The portrait was set > drew His 'ab6 around Him, placed His upon a table covered with a fine silk cloth > hands on His knees and gazed intently at and adorned with roses. The believers > the painter. This whole incident was re- walked solemnly by so that they might gaze > peated once again and then the painter, hav- upon it. The Persians and Africans evi- > ing a perfect impression of the Countenance, denced great devotion, kneeling before the > drew the portrait with a pencil. When portrait and kissing the cloth beneath it. > Varq6s father was shown this portrait, he Tears streamed from many eyes, for every > asked the painter to do it in water color. heart was filled with love and respect for > This was executed and a copy sent to Bah2- the great suffering and service of the BAb > uYll6h, who upon receiving it, sent for a who was martyred for heralding the dawn of > great AfnAn, a cousin of the BBb, who hap- a World Faith. > pened to be in the Holy Land at that time, Along with the portrait the Guardian sent > to come and identify it. The AfnBn stated another very valuable and impressive gift to > that the portrait was a true likeness. the Conference. It was a beautifully lettered > CENTENARY O F BIRTH OF BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 129 > > Leroy Ioas greeting African BahB'is on behalf of the Guardian, > Kampala, Uganda, Africa, February, 1953. > > scroll of portions of the BBb's Comme~ltary gave concentrated attention during the Con- > on the S h i h of Joseph. This magnificent ference. They followed the consultation > revelation of the BBb was the one He gave closely and frequently participated, express- > on the night of His announcement of His ing their views on matters discussed. Two > Station and Mission. The Guardian said that African women of the Teso tribe addressed > this Commentary was the Bible of the early the Conference, being particularly con- > BBbis and that the BBb sent portions of it to cerned with the emphasis the Faith places > BahB'u'llBh, Who when He read it, acknowl- upon education and freedom from preju- > edged the BBb. In this highly significant dice. Several of the speakers made an appeal > Commentary, the BBb addressed the rulers for BahL'i teachers and schools. > and leaders of the world, giving prophecies Conference languages were English, Per- > concerning the suffering which would come, sian, Teso and Swahili. The African and > and the extension of the Faith to Africa. In Persian interpreters did a masterful job of > it, also, He first called the people of the translating the talks and the ensuing dis- > West to issue forth from their cities in the cussions. They spoke with eloquence and > service of the Faith. ease, so that none of the listeners lost the > Despite their primitive background, the expression and fire of what was said. > African Bahl'is showed great interest and The Persian Bahi'is brought a unique > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > spirit to the Conference. There was a spon- attracted lively comment in the Kampala > taneous and natural friendliness about them press and from it came an opportunity to > and they showed the African believers great reply to an article which misstated the teach- > courtesy and whole-hearted dection. One ings of the Faith. In addition to the public > of them, Tadw'llih Samandari, the only meetings and the press publicity, mention > living Hand of the Cause who saw Bah2u'- should be made of the two fine window dis- > llhh, enchanted all with the stories and remi- plays in prominent shops on the main street > niscences of his visit with Him. of Kampala, which were arranged by the > The American BahB'is also won the inter- Collisons and the Elstons, American pio- > est of the Africans who seemed eager to neers. The displays were of books, posters > learn about America and asked many ques- and pamphlets on the Faith, pictures of the > tions about it. The spirit of America's Louis Temple in Wihnette, and a circle of dolls > Gregory, first Negro Hand of the Cause, was which represented the various races and na- > keenly felt at the Conference. The story of tionalities. These windows drew crowds of > his life, as published by the National Spirit- people. > ual Assembly of the United States, was The Conference released a special booklet > eagerly read and the Africans expressed for teaching use in Africa. It was The > keen interest and deep admiration for this BahBi Life, an unusually fine compilation of > distinguished servant of the Cause of Bahg- the teachings selected and arranged by Rex > u'llih who devoted his life to the promulga- and Mary Collison for the British Africa > tion of the Teachings. Several asked that Teaching Committee who published it. > a large picture of Louis Gregory be sent to The Conference closed on a high note of > the Ha~iratu'l-Qudsin Kampala. dedication. Every believer there understood > Two public meetings were held in con- the grave responsibilities the BahB'is face > nection with the Conference in Kampala. as they enter upon the greatest religious > The first was at Makere College, the leading Crusade in history and every one resolved > college in East Africa for African natives, to share in the great task of achieving the > and was well attended by Europeans, Afri- goals. All knew that the victories sought > cans and Asians. Horace Holley, American come only through deeds which express > Hand of the Cause, and H. M. Balyuzi of sincere devotion, wisdom, purity of heart, > Great Britain were the speakers. The second and courageous and tireless service in the > was held under the Conference Marquee promotion of that which will advance the > and the speakers were Dorothy Baker, unity of mankind. The spiritual influence > American Hand of the Cause, and Matthew and fellowship this Conference generated > Bullock of the United States. This meeting will be far-reaching in its effect upon Africa. > > AFRICA'S NEW HORIZON > > I N THE months preceding the Kampala Most of the African BahB'is had joined the > Conference the Guardian spoke to many Faith during the six months preceding the > of the pilgrims who came to Haifa of the Conference, and the majority of them came > African BahB'is and how pure-hearted they from the interior bush country where they > were. Some of the pilgrims wondered how had had little contact with governmental > these Africans, coming from so primitive a processes. To this Conference came Bahi'is > culture, could integrate themselves in the of nineteen countries outside of Africa, and > BahB'i world which was trying to emerge as Africans representing thirty tribes. Even > the highest type of civilization the world had those in charge of the program could > yet known. It seemed beyond comprehen- scarcely visualize the result of mingling such > sion that these primitive people could learn, diverse elements of race and culture. > in so short a time, to function according to From the very moment that the African > Bahi'i principles when it had taken BahB'is Bahi'is began to arrive in Kampala and to > from the more highly developed countries meet the BahCs of other countries, new and > decades to evolve working communities. dazzling facets of the unity of the human > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 131 > > race appeared to all the participants with a the Aggrey Memorial School, composed a > brilliant clarity. Racial and cultural differ- letter to the Conference in which they wrote > ences disappeared into a pattern of unity. that they were glad of the long history of > For all the world to see, here was the ex- martyrdoms in the BahC'i Faith because > ample of an emerging world commonwealth when they might perhaps suffer a similar > with all races joining hands in a united ef- fate in teaching their African brothers they > fort for the betterment of all. Racial and would have this noble example before them. > cultural differences properly became the They went on to say that should they be > variations which added richness and color burned for their Faith they would hope > to men's lives rather than becoming sources that their ashes would be blown over Africa > of contention. Imbued with the noble prin- to fertilize the soil for the planting of the > ciples of the Teachings of Bah$u'llBh, de- seeds of the BahB'i Faith. > signed to weld the races of man together, All the Africans who spoke showed by > there was no difficulty whatever in making their comments how well they had grasped > a bridge from one Bahi'i to another, re- the basic principles of the Faith. Though the > gardless of national or racial origin. Ani- position of women in Africa is not high, the > mated by the same great purposes, the force women spoke with ease and freedom and > of unity increased with each passing day of declared their intention to share in the task > the Conference. It soon became apparent of teaching Africa. Both men and women > that the so-called diierences that divide men found in their Faith a fresh objective view- > were wholly imaginary and that all peoples point on the problems of Africa itself. More > have the same capacity to take their proper than that, their horizon had been broadened > share, as brothers, in the advancement of to include not only their own continent but > civilization. all the world. There was a newly acquired > The African BahB'is, in accepting the sense of responsibility that cried out for > principles of the Faith, had bridged a gap action-not action to overcome their prob- > of six thousand years of civilization and had lems by force, but to foster their own de- > advanced to a viewpoint which has not as velopment and that of their continent by > yet been achieved by the peoples of highly teaching the principles of their Faith. All > evolved nations. In the many hours of con- pleaded for education so that they might > sultation during the nine days of the Con- truly take their places as citizens of the > ference they spoke with dignity and wisdom world. > as individuals and not as "blocks" of people. This Conference, the first of four Inter- > When they voted on any question by 6 &ow continental Bahb'i Conferences, was also the > of hands it was easy to see that all were vot- first time that large groups of Bahgt'is from > ing as individuals and not by national or different continents had gathered to work > racial blocks. Though the Africans had had together. The ease with which all national > no previous experience in such conferences, and cultural barriers were hurdled bccame > both men and women freely participated in apparent even the first day. Orientals, Af- > an orderly fashion in the discussion of vari- ricans and Occidentals found no dificulty > ous questions. in understanding each other's viewpoint. > The BahB'is coming from outside of Af- Midway in the Conference it would have > rica were deeply moved to see and hear the been difficult for an outside observer to > many evidences of the love that the African guess that the participants had, for the most > Bahii't'is bore for their new-found Faith. part, never met until the Conference opened. > Their faith was no passing emotional fancy There was an atmosphere of love, trust and > but a firmly rooted conviction that they had mutual respect which blended all into a > found the truth for this day. Some spoke of cooperative whole, moving forward together > the fact that they wished it to be understood toward the great goal destined to launch the > that they had not come for material gain whole earth into a new era of understanding. > but for spiritual enrichment. Many spoke of Touching, indeed, to Bahgis long in the > their desire to teach their fellow Africans. Faith, were the devotion and respect of these > They considered it their responsibility to new Bahi'is, their desire to know everything > awaken their fellow Africans to this light in the Bahi'i books, their expressions of sur- > which had newly illumined their lives. A prise and joy when they realized that the > group of young men coming from diierent National Headquarters building belonged to > parts of Africa who were then attending them! Every one of the thousands of martyrs > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > who died for their Faith in the early years light on all the civilized world. Like them, > of its history would surely have felt his the Africans at once realized the burning > death newly vindicated in the glowing faces truth of Bahb'u'llgh's Message. Like them, > of these new Bahb'is as they walked with they longed to hasten with the tidings to > devout feet before the Portrait of the Bgb. their fellow-men. From them flows a dy- > In Him they saw the Herald who had given namic force of belief that will hasten the > His life that men might find the Promised emergence of their great continent and will, > One. in turn, spread its influence to other parts > BahL'is present who had been in the of the world. > Faith for many years felt a sharp sting of This Conference forever laid to rest the > remorse when the Africans asked why the time-worn idea that primitive people are > Bahb'is had waited one hundred and nine child-like and cannot shoulder their share of > years before bringing them the joyful tidings responsibility for world development. They, > of a new day. Well might they reproach like all other peoples, can readily assume > themselves, having at last discovered that in their place when their hearts and minds are > the heart of Africa were millions of souls won over to a noble ideal, divinely inspired. > untainted by the materialism now eating into This is the alchemy that brings the true > the vitals of the Western world. Here, wait- brotherhood of man and true progress in > ing, were a people as pure in heart as those civilization. > who first believed in Jesus Christ. The Though it was the Africans who thanked > Guardian has said that many of the Africans the Bahb'i visitors for having demonstrated > had accepted the BahB'i Faith like the Chris- to them the unity of man, it was the visitors > tians in The Boolc of Acts. Indeed, many who learned the profound lesson that spirit- > had come through dreams and visions as ually, there are no primitive people-only > did the early Christians whose faith shed those waiting to be awakened. > 3. T H E A L L - A M E R I C A I N T E R - > CONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE > HELD I N CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., > A P R I L 29-MAY 6, 1953 > THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGES TO THE CONFERENCE > > KHANUM > Presented by R ~ H ~ Y Y IH > > 0 N THE occasion of the launching of an > epochal, global, spiritual, decade-long cru- > course of the nlinistry of the Center of the > Covenant in twenty additional sovereign > sade, constituting the high-water mark of states and dependencies in both hemi- > the festivities commemorating the Centenary spheres, this Faith has spread, since the as- > of the birth of the Mission of BahB'u'llBh, cension of 'Abdu'l-BahL, to ninety-four > coinciding with the ninetieth Anniversary of countries, raising the total number of the > the Declaration of that same Mission in the territories within its pale to one hundred > Garden of Ridvkn, and synchronizing with twenty-nine, no less than eighteen of which > both the convocation of the All-American were added in a single year, while fifty-one > Intercontinental Teaching Conference in were opened in the course of the nine year > Chicago, and the fiftieth Anniversary of the interval separating the first from the second > inception of the holiest Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkLr BahL'i Jubilee. The number of eastern and > of the BahL'i world and its dedication to western languages into which its literature > public worship-on such a solemn and his- has been translated and printed, or is in the > toric occasion I invite His followers, the process of translation, and which reached > world over, to contemplate with me the forty-one a decade ago, is now ninety-one, > glorious and manifold evidences of the on- including thirteen African and twenty-five > ward march of His Faith and of the steady Indian and Burmese languages. The number > unfoldment of its embryonic World Order of settlements in Greenland provided with > both in the Holy Land and in the five con- BahVi Scriptures in the Greenlandic tongue > tinents of the globe. has been raised to forty-eight, including > This infinitely precious Faith, despite Thule beyond the Arctic Circle and Etah > eleven decades of uninterrupted persecution, near the 80th latitude, whilst Bahgi litera- > on the part of governments and ecclesiastics, ture in that same language has been des- > involving the martyrdom of its Prophet- patched as far north as the radio station at > Herald, the four banishments and forty- Brondlunsfjord, Pearyland, 82nd latitude, > year-long exile suffered by its Founder, the the northernmost outpost of the world. Rep- > forty years of incarceration inflicted upon resentatives of thirty-one races and of > its Exemplar, and the sacrifice of no less twenty-four African tribes have been en- > than twenty thousand of its followers, has rolled in the Bahi'i World Community. > succeeded in firmly establishing itself in all Contact has been established with the fol- > the continents of the globe, and is irresistibly lowing seventeen minority groups and races: > forging ahead, with accelerating momentum the Eskimos of Alaska and Greenland, the > bidding fair to envelop, at the close of the Lapps of Scandinavia, the Maoris of New > coming decade, the whole planet with the Zealand, the Sea-Dayaks of Sarawak, the > radiance of its splendor. Polynesians of the Fiji Islands, the Cree In- > Confined within the lifetime of its Martyr dians of Prairie Provinces, Canada, the > Prophet to two countries, reaching during Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, the > the period of the ministry of its Author thir- Oneida Indians in Wisconsin, the Omaha In- > teen' other lands; planting its banner in the dians in Nebraska, the Seminole Indians in > I-33 > 134 T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > Florida, the Mexican Indians in Mexico, the way for the formation of a BahL'i Inter- > Indians of the San Blas Islands, the Indians national Court and the eventual emergence > of Chichicastenango in Guatemala, the of the Universal House of Justice, the Su- > Mayans in Yucatan, the Patagonian Indians preme Legislative Body of the future Bahi'i > in Argentina, the Indians of La Paz in Commonwealth, has been established, en- > Bolivia and the Inca Indians in Peru. larged, and the functions of its members > The national Plans, formulated and vig- defined. The number of the pillars of the > orously and systematically prosecuted, in Universal House of Justice has been raised > the course of the concluding years of the to twelve through the successive formation > first, and the opening years of the second, of the Canadian, the Central American, the > epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith, by South American and the Italo-Swiss Na- > the Bahi'i Communities in the United tional Spiritual Assemblies. The stupendous > States, in Persia, in the British Isles, in Latin process of the rise and consolidation of the > America, in Canada, in India, Pbkistbn and World Administrative Center of the Faith > Burma, in 'Iriq, in Australia and New Zea- has been accelerated through the acquisi- > land, in Germany and Austria, in Egypt and tion, in the Plain of 'AkkL, of a one hundred > the SudLn, have raised the number of BahQi and sixty thousand square meter area, sur- > centers established in both hemispheres to rounding the Qiblih of the Bahi'i world, > two thousand five hundred maintained by permitting of the extension of the Outer > representatives of the white, the black, the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Tomb-to be > yellow, the red and the brown races of man- designated henceforth the Haram-i-Aqdas- > kind, comprising ten in the Arabian Penin- through the initiation, at the inception of > sula, over thirty in Egypt and the ShdBn, the Holy Year, of the landscaping and em- > over forty in the recently opened European bellishment of a tenth of the acquired area, > goal countries, over fifty in the British Isles, and through the adoption of measures for > over sixty in Australia, New Zealand and the extensive illumination of the entire Sanc- > Tasmania, over seventy in Germany and tuary and the erection of stately portals con- > Austria, over ninety in Canada, over ninety stituting a befitting tribute to the memory of > in India, Pbkistin and Burma, over one the Author of the Faith, within the Sacred > hundred in Central and South America, over Precincts of His Sepulcher, on the occasion > six hundred in Persia and over one thousand of the celebration of the Greatest Festival of > two hundred in the United States of Amer- the Year commemorating the Centenary of > ica. The Superstructure of the Sepulcher of the birth of His Mission. The fifty-year-old > the Martyr Herald of the Faith-a three- enterprise, involving the purchase of land > quarters of a million dollar enterprise-is for the construction, the exterior and inte- > nearing completion, on the slopes of the rior ornamentation, and the landscaping of > Mountain of God, within the heart of the the grounds of, the holiest House of Wor- > Holy Land, the nest of the Prophets, and ship ever to be reared to the glory of the > the divinely chosen Spiritual and Adminis- Most Great Name, the Mother Temple of > trative Center of the Bahi'i world. The the West, and involving the expenditure of > preliminary measures, heralding the unfold- over two and a half million dollars, has been > ment of the institution of Guardianship, the consummated, in time for its dedication to > pivot of 'Abdu'l-BahQs Will and Testament, public worship during the Ridvbn period of > have been adopted, through the appointment this Holy Year coinciding with both the > of the first two contingents of the Hands of fiftieth anniversary of the inception of this > the Cause, numbering nineteen, recruited enterprise and the one hundredth anniver- > from the five continents of the globe, repre- sary of the birth of Bahi'u'llbh's ministry. > sentative in their extraction of the three The design for the Ma&riqu'l-Adhkbr on > principal religions of mankind, and consti- Mt. Carmel, conceived by the architect ap- > tuting the nucleus of that august institution pointed by 'Abdu'l-BahL, has been com- > invested with such weighty and sacred func- pleted, and a model constructed, which is > tions by the Center of BahB'u'llBh's Cove- soon to be unveiled at the All-America > nant. The International Bahi'i Council, Intercontinental Teaching Conference, in > comprising eight members, charged with as- anticipation of the selection and the pur- > sisting in the manifold activities attendant chase of its future site, and of its ultimate > upon the rise of the World Administrative construction in the neighborhood of the > Center of the Faith, which must pave the Bib's Sepulcher. The total area of Bah2i > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 135 > > international endowments, surrounding and America. The Bahb'i Holy Days have been > permanently dedicated to the Tomb of the recognized by the Ministry of Education of > BLb has been raised, through recent succes- the State of Israel, in the British Isles, by the > sive purchases of extensive plots, overlook- state of Victoria in Australia, in Anchorage, > ing that hallowed Spot, to almost one- Alaska, in Washington, D.C. and in seven > quarter of a million square meters. The states of the American Union. National > estimated value of the Bahb'i international Bahb'i Conferences have been held in recent > endowments and holy Places at the World years in Bern, Ziirich, Basel, Rome; Na- > Center of the Faith, in the twin cities of tional Bahi'i Women's Conventions and > 'Akki and Haifa, has passed the four mil- Youth Conferences have convened in Tih- > lion dollar mark. The Bahb'i national en- rin, whilst Regional Teaching Conferences > dowments in the United States of America have been organized in Buenos Aires, in > now exceed three million dollars. The area Panama City, in Scandinavia, in the Iberian > of land purchased on the slopes of the Peninsula, and in the Benelux countries. > Elburz Mountains, overlooking the city of European International Teaching Confer- > Tihrin, in anticipation of the construction ences have been convened successively in > of the first Ma&riquYl-A&kir of Persia, has Geneva, in Brussels, in Copenhagen, in > reached approximately four million square Scheveningen and in Luxembourg City, pav- > meters. The area of land dedicated to the ing the way for the convocation of four suc- > Shrine of Bahb'u'IlLh, in the vicinity of the cessive Intercontinental Teaching Confer- > confines of the Holy Land, exceeds two mil- ences, the first of which has recently been > lion three hundred thousand square meters. held in Kampala, in the heart of the African > The area of land dedicated to the Shrine of continent, the rest to be successively con- > the Bib and registered in the name of the vened in Wilmette, Illinois, in Stockholm > Israel Branch of the National Spiritual As- and in New Delhi-Conferences which, > sembly of the Bahb'is of the United States God willing, will be the forerunners of the > ' of America, is more than one hundred thou- World Bahb'i Congress, to be convened in > sand square meters. Over one hundred and the City of Baghdid, on the occasion of the > fifty thousand square meters of land have centenary of The formal assumption by > been dedicated to the Faith in the Antipo- Bahb'u'llih of His prophetic Office. Recog- > des, eighty thousand square meters in the nition has been extended to the Faith by the > Territory of Alaska, whilst the lands con- United Nations as an international non- > tributed in Latin America for a similar pur- governmental organization enabling the > pose approximate one-half of a million Bahb'i International Community to appoint > square meters, ninety thousand of which accredited representatives, who have already > have been set aside near Santiago, Chile for attended, in their capacity as observers, the > the first Ma&riquYl-A&kkb of South Amer- Conference on Human Rights held in Ge- > ica. The estimated value of the National neva and the United Nations General As- > Bahi'i administrative headquarters estab- sembly held in Paris and participated in > lished in Tihrin, in Wilmette, Illinois, in United Nations regional non-governmental > BaghdLd, in Cairo, in New Delhi, in Sydney, conferences, held in localities as far apart > in Trankfurt and in Toronto, exceed one as New York, Santiago, Manila, Istanbul, > and three-quarters of a million dollars. The Den Passar, Paris, Managua, Geneva and > Bahb'i Spiritual Assemblies now incorpo- Montevideo. > rated number one hundred and fourteen, of So glorious a record of accomplishments > which nine are national and the rest local in the service of the Faith of Bahi'u'lltih, > Assemblies, fifty-six of which are in the whether local, national or international, in > United States of America, sixteen in India, both the teaching and administrative spheres > eleven in South America, six in Central of Bah6'i activity, can be regarded in no > America, three each in Pikistin, in Burma other light than as a prelude to a period of > and in Canada, two in Australia and one prodigious expansion and consolidation to > each in Germany, in BaluchistLn, in New be inaugurated by the launching of a global > Zealand, in the Philippine Islands and in spiritual crusade, on the threshold of which > Malaya. The Bah&'iMarriage Certificate has the Bah6'i world now stands. This crusade > been recognized by the Israel Civil Authori- extending through ten years will involve the > ties, as well as by twenty-one federal dis- simultaneous prosecution of twelve National > tricts and states of the United States of Plans, will necessitate the active and sus- > 136 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > tained participation of each of the twelve ing the Bahi'i World Community with the > existing National Spiritual Assemblies rep- United Nations; the opening to the Faith, > resenting no less than thirty-six nations and circumstances permitting, of eleven Repub- > will demand the utmost exertion, consecra- lics comprised in the Soviet Union, as well > tion and heroism. It aims at the broadening as two Soviet-controlled European states- > and the reinforcement of the foundations of all, please God, culminating in the convoca- > the Faith in each of the twelve areas that tion of a World Bah6'i Congress, in the > are to serve as operational bases for the vicinity of the Garden of Ridvin, in the > prosecution of these twelve National Plans; third holiest city of the BahL'i world, on the > the opening of one hundred and thirty-one occasion of the world-wide celebrations > territories to the Faith, the consolidation of commemorating the centenary of the formal > one hundred and eighteen territories; the assumption by BahL'u'llLh of His prophetic > translation and printing of literature in Office. > ninety-one languages; the construction of Let there be no mistake. The avowed, the > two Ma&iqu'l-Ad&k6rs; the acquisition of primary aim of this Spiritual Crusade is > sites for the f ~ ~ t u rconstruction > e of eleven none other than the conquest of the citadels > Temples; the formation of forty-eight Na- of men's hearts. The theater of its operations > tional Spiritual Assemblies; the founding of is the entire planet. Its duration a whole dec- > forty-seven National Ijaziratu'l-Quds; the ade. Its commencement synchronizes with > incorporation of fifty National Spiritual As- the Centenary of the birth of BahL'u'llLh's > semblies; the framing of BahL'i national Mission. Its culmination will coincide with > constitutions and the establishment of BahL'i the Centenary of the Declaration of that > national endowments by each of these Na- same Mission. The agencies assisting in its > tional Assemblies; the adoption of prelimi- conduct are the nascent administrative insti- > nary measures for the construction of BahL'- tutions of a steadily evolving divinely ap- > u'llLh's Sepulcher; the erection of the first pointed Order. Its driving force is the ener- > Dependency of the first Maariqu'l-AdJhkir gizing influence generated by the Revelation > of the western world; the development of heralded by the BLb and proclaimed by > the institution of the Hands of the Cause; BahL'u'llLh. Its Marshal is none other than > the transformation of the International the Author of the Divine Plan. Its standard- > BahL'i Council into an international B a h a bearers are the Hands of the Cause of God > court; the codification of the Laws and appointed in every continent of the globe. > Ordinances of the KitLb-i-Aqdas; the estab- Its generals are the twelve National Spiritual > lishment of six National BahL'i Courts in the Assemblies participating in the execution of > chief cities of the Islamic East; the extension its design. Its vanguard is the chief executors > of international BahL'i endowments in the of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Master Plan, their allies > Plain of 'Akki and on the slopes of Mt. Car- and associates. Its legions are the rank and > mel; the construction of the International file of believers standing behind these same > Bahi'i Archives in the neighborhood of the twelve National Assemblies and sharing in > BLb's Sepulcher; the construction of the the global task embracing the American, the > Tomb of the BLb's wife in SJhirfiz; the iden- European, the African, the Asiatic and > tification of the resting-places of Bahg- Australian fronts. The charter directing its > u'llfih's father, of the BLb's mother and of course is the immortal Tablets that have > His cousin and their reburial in the neigh- flowed from the Pen of the Center of the > borhood of the Most Great House; the ac- Covenant Himself. The armor with which > quisition of the Garden of Ridvin in Bagh- its onrushing hosts have been invested is the > did, and of the sites of the SiyLh-GhLl in glad tidings of God's own Message in this > Tihrkn, of the Bfib's martyrdom in Tabriz Day, the principles underlying the Order > and of His incarceration in Ghihriq; the es- proclaimed by His Messenger, and the laws > tablishment of six BahL'i National Publish- and ordinances governing His Dispensation. > ing Trusts; the formation of seven Israel The battlecry animating its heroes and > Branches of Bahi'i National Spiritual As- heroines is the cry of YL BahL'u'l-Abhi, Y i > semblies; the participation of women in the 'Aliyyu'l-A'li' . > membership of Bahl'i local and national So vast, so momentous and challenging a > Spiritual Assemblies in Persia; the establish- crusade that will, God willing, illuminate > ment of a Bahi'i National Printing-Press in the annals of the second epoch of the Form- > Tihr5n; the reinforcement of the ties bind- ative Age of the Faith of BahL'u'llLh, and > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 137 > > immortalize the second decade of the second Light, shining with added brilliancy in its > Bahi'i century, and the termination of crystal globe in Adrianople, aiid later on in > which will mark the closing of the first the fortress-town of 'Akks, to thirteen coun- > Epoch in the evolution of 'Abdu'l-BahB's tries in the Asiatic and African continents. > Divine Plan, will, in itself, pave the way for, The seventh was its projection, from the > and constitute the prelude to, the initiation Most Great Prison, in the course of the > of the laborious and tremendously long proc- ministry of the Center of the Covenant, > ess of establishing in the course of subse- across the seas and the shedding of its illu- > quent crusades in all the newly opened mination upon twenty sovereign states and > sovereign states, dependencies and islands of dependencies in the American, the Euro- > the planet, as well as in all the remaining pean, and Australian continents. The eighth > territories of the globe, the framework of part of that process was the diffusion of that > the Administrative Order of the Faith, with same Light in the course of the first, and the > all its attendant agencies, and of eventually opening years of the second, epoch of the > erecting in these territories still more pillars Formative Age of the Faith, over ninety- > to share in sustaining the weight, and in four sovereign states, dependencies and > broadening the foundation, of the Universal islands of the planet, as a result of the prose- > House of Justice. cution of a series of national Plans, initiated > Then, and only then, will the vast, the by eleven National Spiritual Assemblies > majestic process, set in m o t i ~ i iat the dawn throughout the Bahi'i world, utilizing the > of the Adamic cycle, attain its consumrna- agencies of a newly emerged, divinely ap- > tion-a process which commenced six thou- pointed Administrative Order, and which > sand years ago, with the planting, in the soil has now culnlinated in the One Hundredth > of the Divine Will, of the Tree of Divine Anniversary of the birth of Bahi'u'llih's > Revelation, and which has already passed Mission. The ninth part of this process-the > through certain stages and must needs pass stage we are now entering-is the further > through still others ere it attains its final diff~lsionof that same Light over one hun- > consummation. The first part of this process dred and thirty-one additional territories and > was the slow and steady growth of this Tree islands in both the Eastern and Western > of Divine Revelation, successively putting Hemispheres, through the operation of a > forth its branches, shoots and offshoots, and decade-long world spiritual crusade whose > revealing its leaves, buds and blossoms, as a termination will, God willing, coincide with > direct consequence of the light and warmth, the Most Great Jubilee commemorating the > imparted to it by a series of progressive centenary of the Declaration of Bahi'u'llBh > Dispensations associated with Moses, Zoro- in Baghdid. And finally the tenth part of > aster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and other this mGhtY process must be the penetration > Prophets, and of the vernal showers of blood of that Light, in the course of numerous > shed by countless martyrs in their path. The Crusades and of successive epochs of both > second part of this process was the fruition the Formative and Golden Ages of the > of this Tree, "that belongeth neither to the Faith, into all the remaining territories of > East nor to the West," when the BBb ap- the globe through the erection of the entire > peared as the Perfect Fruit and declared His machinery of Bahi'u'llih's Administrative > Mission in the Year Sixty in the City of Order in all territories, both East and West, > Khiriz. The third part was the grinding of the stage at which the Light of God's tri- > this sacred Seed, of infinite preciousness and umphant Faith shining in all its power and > potency, in the mill of adversity causing it glory will have suffused and enveloped the > to yield its oil, six years later, in the City of entire planet. > Tabriz. The fourth part was the ignition of This present Crusade, on the threshold of > this oil by the Hand of Providence in the which we now stand, will, moreover, by > depths and amidst the darkness of the Siyih- virtue of the dynamic forces it will release > Chi1 of Tihrin a hundred years ago. The aiid its wide repercussions over the entire > fifth, was the clothing of that flickering surface of the globe, contribute effectually > Light, which had scarcely penetrated the to the acceleration of yet another process of > adjoining territory of 'Iriq, in the lamp of tremendous significance which will carry the > Revelation, after an eclipse lasting no less steadily evolving Faith of BahB'u'llih > than ten years, in the City of Baghdid. The through its present stages of obscurity, of > sixth, was the spread of the radiance of that repression, of emancipation and of recogni- > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > tion-stages one or another of which BahL'i Christ-promised Kingdom of God on earth > national communities in various parts of the -the Kingdom of BahL'u'llhh-mirroring > world now find themselves in, to the stage of however faintly upon this humble handful > establishment, the stage at which the Faith of dust the glories of the AbhL Kingdom. > of BahL'u'llih will be recognized by the civil This final and crowning stage in the evo- > authorities as the State Religion, similar to lution of the Plan wrought by God Himself > that which Christianity entered in the years for humanity will, in turn, prove to be the > following the death of the Emperor Con- signal for the birth of a world civilization, > stantine, a stage which must later be fol- incomparable in its range, its character and > lowed by the emergence of the BahB'i state potency, in the history of mankind,-a civi- > itself, functioning, in all religious and civil lization which posterity will, with one voice, > matters, in strict accordance with the Laws acclaim as the fairest fruit of the Golden > and Ordinances of the KitQb-i-Aqdas, the Age of the Dispensation of BahL'u'llhh, and > Most Holy, the Mother-Book of the BahL'i whose rich harvest will be garnered during > Revelation, a stage which, in the fullness of future Dispensations destined to succeed one > time, will culminate in the establishment of another in the course of the five thousand > the World BahL'i Commonwealth, function- century BahL'i Cycle. > ing in the plenitude of its powers, and which -SHOGHI > will signalize the long-awaited advent of the May 4, 1953. > > (2) > Presented by R ~ H ~ WKHANUM > IH > > T O THE Hands of the Cause, the members summons issued by the Author of the Bahi'i > of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the Faith Himself, and enshrined for all time in > pioneers, the resident believers and visitors the Mother-Book of His Revelation and > attending the All-America Intercontinental Repository of His Laws, and addressed col- > Teaching Conference in Chicago, Illinois, lectively to the rulers of the entire Western > U.S.A. Hemisphere, conferring upon them an > honor such as has not been conferred by > Well-beloved Friends: Him on the rulers of any other continent of > With a heart overflowing with joy and the globe. With a throbbing heart I call to > thankfulness I acclaim, at this hour marking mind, at a distance of more than a century, > the climax of the world-wide festivities of since the Herald of the Faith bade in His > this Holy Year, the convocation, in the heart Qayyhmu'l-AsmB' the "peoples of the West" > of the North American continent and under to "issue forth" from their "cities" to aid His > the shadow of the newly consecrated Mother Cause, the long series of events which have > Temple of the West, of the second and, illuminated the annals of Bahsi history in > without doubt, the most distinguished of the the course of six memorable decades stretch- > four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences ing from the time when the name of BahL'- > commemorating the Centenary of the incep- u'llih was first publicly mentioned on the > tion of the Mission of Bahi'u'llih. On the American continent to the present hour > occasion of the opening of this epoch- when the first Mahriqu'l-AihkQr of the > making Conference, at which members of West has finally been dedicated to public > the United States, the Canadian, the Cen- worship on the occasion of the celebrations > tral American and South American National signalizing the termination of the first cen- > Spiritual Assemblies, as well as representa- tury since the birth of His Mission. I can > tives of the BahL'i Communities in the States but, at this juncture, touch upon certain out- > of the American Union, in the Provinces of standing episodes which, viewed in their > the Dominion of Canada, in Alaska, and in proper perspective, may well be regarded as > the Republics of Latin America, are as- landmarks in the rise and development of > sembled, I recall the unique, the historic, the the Faith of BahL'u'llQh throughout the > highly significant and profoundly moving Americas. I am particularly reminded of the > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 139 > > holding of the World Parliament of Reli- the incorporation of no less than four na- > gions of Chicago in September 1893; of the tional, and of more than fifty local, BahB'i > arrival of the first American Bahi'i pilgrims Spiritual Assemblies; in the recognition by > in the Holy Land in December 1898; of the eighteen States of the American Union of > inception of the Temple enterprise in June the Bahi'i Marriage Certificate; in the estab- > 1903; of the opening of the first American lishment of two national administrative > BahB'i Convention in March 1909; of headquarters, one in the Dominion of Can- > 'Abdu'l-BahB's arrival in America in April ada and the other in the heart of the North > 1912; of the laying by Him of the corner- American continent; in the framing of na- > stone of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkh in May tional BahPi constitutions; in the inaugura- > 1912; of the unveiling of the Tablets of the tion of summer schools; and in a notable > Divine Plan in April 1919; of the birth and progress in the translation, the printing and > rise of the Bahb'i Administrative Order on the dissemination of BahB'i literature. > the morrow of 'Abdu'l-BahB's ascension; The hour has now struck for the National > of the official inauguration of 'Abdu'l-BahA's Bahi'i Communities dwelling within the > Plan through the launching of the first confines of the Western Hemisphere-the > Seven-Year Teaching enterprise in April first region in the Western World to be > 1937; of the completion of the exterior warmed and illuminated by the rays of > ornamentation of the Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hkir, God's infant Faith shining from its World > on the eve of the Centenary Celebrations of Center in the Holy Land-to arise and, in > the Founding of the Faith, in May 1944; of thanksgiving for the manifold blessings con- > the inception of the second Seven-Year Plan tinually showered upon them from on high > in April 1946; of the formation of an inde- during the past six decades and for the in- > pendent National Spiritual Assembly in the estimable bounties of God's unfailing pro- > Dominion of Canada in April 1948; of the tection and sustaining grace vouchsafed His > establishment of the National Spiritual As- Cause ever since its inception more than a > semblies of Central and South America in century ago, and in anticipation of the Most > April 1951; and of the completion of the Great Jubilee which will commemorate the > interior ornamentation of the Temple in hundredth anniversary of BahB'u'll&h's for- > October 1952. mal assumption of His Prophetic Office, > So remarkable a development in the launch, determinedly and unitedly, the third > course of the past six decades, spanning the and last stage of an enterprise inaugurated > concluding phase of the Heroic, and the sixteen years ago, the termination of which > opening decade of the Formative, Age of will mark the closing of the initial epoch in > the Faith, and encompassing the length and the evolution of 'Abdu'l-BahL's Divine Plan. > breadth of a continent, so greatly blessed, so Standing on the threshold of a ten-year > richly endowed, has resulted in the extension long, world-embracing spiritual crusade > of the ramifications of a nascent Administra- these Communities are now called upon, by > tive Order to every State of the American virtue of the weighty pronouncement re- > Union, to every Province of the Dominion corded in the Most Holy Book, and in direct > of Canada, and to every Republic of Central consequence of the revelation of the Tablets > and South America; in the construction, the of the Divine Plan, to play a preponderating > ornamentation, and the dedication to public role in the systematic propagation of the > worship of the first Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hkgr of Faith, in the course of the coming decade, > the Western World; in the erection of no less which will, God willing, culminate in the > than four pillars destined with others to sus- spiritual conquest of the entire planet. > tain the weight of the final and crowning It is incumbent upon the members of the > unit of the Administrative Structure of the American BahB'i Community, the chief ex- > Faith; in the establishment of over ninety ecutors of 'Abdu'l-BahPs Divine Plan, the > centers in the Dominion of Canada, of over members of the Canadian BahL'i Commu- > an hundred centers in Latin America, and of nity acting as their allies, and the members > over twelve hundred centers in the Great of the Latin American BahB'i Communities > Republic of the West, covering a range that in their capacity as associates in the execu- > stretches from the Arctic Circle in the North tion of this Plan, to brace themselves and > to the extremity of Chile in the South; in the initiate, in addition to the responsibilities > founding of local and national endowments they have assumed, and will assume, in > estimated at over three million dollars; in other continents of the globe, an intercon- > 140 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > tinental campaign designed to carry a stage ica; of Bermuda, Costa Rica, Cuba, Domin- > further the glorious work already inaugu- ican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, > rated throughout the Western Hemisphere. Haiti, Hond~~ras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mex- > The task, at once arduous, thrilling and ico, Nicaragua and Panama allocated to the > challenging, which now confronts these four National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is > Bahl'i Communities involves: First, the for- of Central America; and of Argentina, Bo- > mation, under the aegis of the National livia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of the Paraguay, Perii, Uruguay and Venezuela, > United States, and in collaboration with the allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly > two existing National Assemblies in Latin of the Bahb'is of South America. Seventh, > America, of one National Spiritual Assem- the incorporation of the twenty-one above > bly in each of the twenty Latin American mentioned National Spiritual Assemblies. > Republics as well as the establishment of a Eighth, the establishment by these same Na- > National Spiritual Assembly in Alaska under tional Spiritual Assemblies of national > the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly Bahb'i endowments. Ninth, the establish- > of the Bahl'is of the United States of Amer- ment of a National Hwiratu'l-Quds in the > ica. Second, the establishment of the first capital city of each of the afore-mentioned > Dependency of the Mahriqu'l-A&kkb in Republics, as well as one in Anchorage, > Wilmette. Third, the purchase of land for Alaska. Tenth, the formation of two Na- > the future construction of two Mahriqu'l- tional Bahl'i Publishing Trusts, one in Wil- > A a k i r s , one in Toronto, Ontario; one in mette, Illinois, and the other in Rio de Ja- > Panama City, Panama, situated respectively neiro, Brazil. Eleventh, the formation of an > in North and in Central America. Fourth, Israel Branch of the National Spiritual As- > the opening of the following twenty-seven sembly of the BahB'is of Canada, authorized > virgin territories and islands: Anticosti Is- to hold, on behalf of its parent institution, > land, Baranof Island, Cape Breton Island, property dedicated to the holy Shrines at the > Franklin, Grand Manan Island, Keewatin, World Center of the Faith in the State of > Labrador, Magdalen Islands, Miquelon Is- Israel. Twelfth, the appointment during Rid- > land and St. Pierre Island, Queen Charlotte vin 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in the > Islands and Yukon, assigned to the National United States and Canada, of an auxiliary > Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of Can- Board of nine members who will, in con- > ada; Aleutian Islands, Falkland Islands, Key junction with the four National Spiritual As- > West and Kodiak Island assigned to the Na- semblies participating in the American cam- > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of paign, assist, through periodic and system- > the United States of America; Bahama Is- atic visits to Bahl'i centers, in the efficient > lands, British Honduras, Dutch West Indies and prompt execution of the Plans formu- > and Margarita Island, assigned to the Na- lated for the prosecution of the teaching > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of campaign in the American Continent. > Central America; British Guiana, Chi106 Mindful of the magnificent services ren- > Island, Dutch Guiana, French Guiana, Ga- dered during over half a century by the chief > lapagos Islands, Juan Feinandez Island, Lee- executors of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's Divine Plan, > ward Islands, and Windward Islands, as- within a territory that posterity will regard > signed to the National Spiritual Assembly of as the cradle of the embryonic World Order > the Bahl'is of South America. Fifth, the of BahB'u'llih and the stronghold of its nas- > translation and publication of Bahl'i litera- cent institutions, and confident that this vast > ture in the following ten languages, to be and historic assemblage, over which the na- > undertaken by the National Spiritual Assem- tional elected representatives of this privi- > bly of the Bahl'is of the United States of leged Community are presiding, will prove > America: Aguaruna, Arawak, Blackfoot, to be the harbinger of still greater victories, > Cherokee, Iroquois, Lengua, Mataco, Maya, I have been impelled to transmit, through > Mexican and Yahgan. Sixth, the consolida- my special representative, who will partici- > tion of Greenland, Mackenzie and New- pate on my behalf in the proceedings of this > foundland, allocated to the National Spirit- Conference and act as my deputy at the > ual Assembly of the BahB'is of Canada; of official dedication of the Maaiqu'l-Ad_hkir, > Alaska, the Hawaii Islands and Puerto Rico a reproduction of the Portrait of Bahb'u'llLh > allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly Himself, made in the prime of His life, > of the BahL'is of the United States of Amer- whilst an exile in Baghdbd, > - as a token of my > C E N T E N A R Y O F B I R T H O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 141 > > admiration for this Community's unflagging the most potent agency in paving the way > and herculean labors, and as a benediction for the launching of one of the most brilliant > and inspiration for those who, whether offi- phases of the grandest crusade ever under- > cially or unofficially, are participating in the taken by the followers of BahB'u'llBh since > proceedings of a Conference that will go the inception of His Faith more than a hun- > down in history as the most momentous dred years ago. > gathering held since the close of the Heroic -SHOGHI > Age of the Faith and will be regarded as Sunday, May 3, 1953. > > THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF > THE DEDICATION OF THE MOTHER-TEMPLE > OF THE WEST > Presented by R ~ H ~ Y YKHANUM > IH > > O N BEHALF of the Guardian of the hath surged, and the dispensations of Thy > Faith of BahL'u'llLh, I have the great honor providence have been promulgated unto the > of dedicating this first Mas_hriquYl-AdhkLr of followers of all religions . . . Lauded and > the Western World to public worship. glorified art Thou, 0 Lord my God! Thou > "Initiated fifty years ago, its foundation art He Who from everlasting hath been > stone laid by 'Abdu'l-Bahl, the son of the clothed with majesty, with authority and > Founder of the Faith, raised by contribu- power, and will continue unto everlasting to > tions from its followers all over the world, be arrayed with honor, with strength and > reared in the vicinity of the first Bah6'i cen- glory. The learned, one and all, stand aghast > ter established in the West, this House of before the signs and tokens of Thy handi- > Worship, now opening wide its doors to work, while the wise find themselves, with- > peoples of all creeds, of all races, of all na- out exception, impotent to unravel the mys- > tions and of all classes, is dedicated to the tery of Them Who are the Manifestations of > three fundamental verities animating and un- Thy might and power. Every man of insight > derlying the Bah6'i Faith-the Unity of hath confessed his powerlessness to scale the > God, the Unity of His Prophets, the Unity heights of Thy knowledge, and every man > of Mankind. of learning hath aclcnowledged his failure to > "I greet and welcome you on behalf of the fathom the nature of Thine Essence. > Guardian of our Faith within these walls, " 'Having barred the way that leadeth > > and invite you to share with us the words unto Thee, Thou hast, by virtue of Thine au- > recorded in the Sacred Scriptures which we thority and through the potency of Thy will, > believe to be repositories of the eternal and called into being Them Who are the Mani- > fundamental truths revealed by God in var- festations of Thy Self, and hast entrusted > ious ages, for the guidance and salvation of Them with Thy message unto Thy people, > all mankind. and caused Them to become the Day- > "May I now request you all to rise while Springs of Thine inspiration, the Exponents > I read on behalf of the Guardian of the > Faith these words of prayer written by the of Thy Revelation, the Treasuries of Thy > Author of the Bahki Revelation: knowledge and the Repositories of Thy > " '0 God, Who art the Author of all Man- Faith, that all men may, through Them, > ifestations, the Source of all Sources, the turn their faces towards Thee, and may draw > Fountain-Head of all Revelations, and the nigh unto the kingdom of Thy Revelation > Well-Spring of all Lights! I testify that by and the heaven of Thy grace. > Thy Name the heaven of understanding hath " 'I beseech Thee, therefore, by Thyself > > been adorned, and the ocean of utterance and by Them, to send down, from the right > 142 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > Ruhiyyih Khinum presenting the Guardian's Message of Dedication > of the BahC'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, May 2, 1953. > > hand of the throne of Thy grace, upon all Whose hand is the source of all gifts, that > that dwell on earth, that which shall wash they may all arise to serve Thy Cause, and > them from the stain of their trespasses may detach themselves entirely from all ex- > against Thee, and cause them to become cept Thee. Thou art the Almighty, the All- > wholly devoted to Thy Self, 0 Thou in Glorious, the Unrestrained.' " > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 143 > > REPORTS OF THE ALL-AMERICA > INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE > > REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE > > T H E second and, in the Guardian's words, the Conference itself was convened during > "without doubt, the most distinguished of Ridv6n period, the mid-point of the Holy > the four Intercontinental Teaching Confer- Year, was again due to the loving plans of > ences commemorating the Centenary of the our Guardian. > inception of the Mission of BahL'u7116h"was In all, twelve Hands of the Cause were > held in Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois, May present. Besides the three members of the > 3 through 6, 1953. As the Guardian stated Bahb'i International Council and the five > in one of his messages to the Conference, Hands of the Cause from Persia, there were > this occasion marked the launching of the Mr. M h 6 Ban6ni of Africa, Mr. Fred > "epochal, global, spiritual decade-long cru- Schopflocher of Canada, and Mrs. Dorothy > sade." This crusade represents the "third and Baker and Mr. Horace Holley of the United > last stage of an enterprise inaugurated six- States. > teen years ago, the termination of which will The Conference was held in the Medinah > mark the closing of the initial epoch in the Temple in Chicago, a large building which > evolution of 'Abdu'l-BahL's Divine Plan." comfortably accommodated the sessions and > The Inter-America Conference, convened activities attended by two thousand three > by the National Spiritual Assembly of the hundred and forty-four registered Bahb'is > Bahb'is of the United States, embracing the from thirty-three different countries of the > United States, Canada, Central and South world, including two hundred and thirty-five > America, was endowed by our beloved who came from countries other than the > Guardian with great and special blessings. United States. A total of some twenty-five > The sacrifice of the Guardian, already over- hundred BahL'is had attended the BahL'i > burdened with work, in sending to the Con- Consecration Service held at the House of > ference as his personal representative 'Ama- Worship on May 1. > tu'l-Bah6 Rithiyyih Khhnurn, gave to the de- One of the important services rendered by > liberations of the Conference and to the next the Jubilee Committee was the provision of > ten years their basic clue. a duplicate set of attractive, leather-bound > Guest Books for the registration of BahL'is > The presence of all five Hands of the attending all or any of the Jubilee events > Cause from Persia, ever ready with inspiring conducted in Medinah Temple. One of these > stories of heroic deeds, brought a unique volumes has been sent to the Guardian, and > blessing to this Conference of the West. Sac- the other is preserved permanently in the > rifice-love-deeds, these must needs be our National Archives. > equipment for the coming ten years, already A second set of duplicate volumes was > begun. maintained at the Temple for registration of > The Conference was especially blessed believers unable to attend the sessions held > with two tremendously pregnant messages in Chicago. > from Shoghi Effendi, read by Rlihiyyih From the moment, on Sunday morning, > KhAnum, one at the opening session and the May 3, that the Inter-America Conference > other the following day. was opened with prayers read in English and > The unveiling by Charles Mason Remey, Spanish and chanted in Persian, and the > president of the BahB'i International Council chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly > and Hand of the Cause, of the model of his of the United States, Paul Haney, spoke its > design for the Mas_hriqu'l-ALhk6r on Mount cordial welcome to all present, saying, "This > Carmel was also an event of this Conference is a unique and historic event," one felt > by the special request of the Guardian. That caught up in a transcending spiritual current > T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > which presaged indeed a new phase in the ing New Territories" during the afternoon > evolution of the Faith, the like of which had session, Mr. MGsA BanAni, Hand of the > never before been experienced in the world. Cause from Africa, gave an absorbing ac- > The roll call of visitors from the various count of how it is done in Africa. > countries included BahL'is from Persia, Tur- Mr. B a n h i first conveyed the greetings > Icey, Australia, Japan, Denmark, British East sent by the BahL'is from all centers of > Africa, Sweden, Finland, France, the prov- Africa. He stated that there were three rea- > inces of Canada, as well as the Northwest sons for the great success of the teaching > Territories, ten of the fourteen countries and work in Uganda: (1) The bounties and con- > islands of Central America opened to the firmations of BahL'u'llkh. (2) The complete > Faith, nine of the ten republics of South unity of the pioneers. ( 3 ) The exemplary > America, and forty-seven States of the way in which 'Ali NakhjavBni, one of the > United States, plus Alaska and Hawaii. pioneers, conducted himself, with absolute > Races represented included the Negro, freedom from prejudice. "He went and lived > North American Indian, Chinese, Japanese, with the Africans in the heart of the jungle," > Mongolian and Caucasian, Persian and Mr. Bankni said, "and this was a new experi- > Turkish. ence for the Africans, because at no time > The high note of the opening session previously had any white man acted toward > came when the love of the Guardian was these Africans as he did. In the past the > brought to the Conference by 'Amatu'l-Bahk Africans had heard many prom&es and > Rithiyyih Khknum and she read his opening many beautiful words from white men, but > message [see page 1331. in actions they had always seen the opposite. > At the morning session of the second day, When they saw that words and deeds were > the Guardian's second message was read by one in the person of 'Ali NakJ~javLni they > Ruhiyyih KhAnum. In this message the immediately warmed up to the Faith and > Guardian gives a monumental survey of the have received the Message of the Faith > progress of the Faith to date, which, how- very eagerly and in exultation." > ever, must be regarded as a "prelude" to the Mr. Bankni also emphasized how impor- > period now inaugurated. The beloved tant it is for the BahL'i pioneers to make the > Guardian, in his love and mercy, as ever authorities in the country understand that > holds before us the promise of the glorious BahL'is have no connection with politics. He > future, while outlining to us the challenging told a story of how cooperation with the > tasks of the present. police on the part of the Bah2i pioneer, in > Then Rithiyyih Khknum spoke to the letting them know he was making a trip to > Conference on "The Character and Purpose a region of the jungle, vitiated the attempts > of the World Crusade." [See page 151.1 of a white person to make trouble. Now one > Following this stirring session four pio- of the tribal villages visited has a spiritual > neer tables-one for each of the four assembly. Many of that tribe and others > "allied" and "associated" National Spiritual came to the Kampala Conference, eighty > Assemblies-were set up. During the lunch- Africans in all, invited as guests of the > eon period these tables were crowded with Guardian. The fact that they returned "hale > BahL'is volunteering to pioneer, leaving and hearty and much happier" after contact > their names and addresses with the respec- with the BahL'is resulted in fifty more com- > tive National Spiritual Assembly representa- ing into the Faith after the Conference. > tive. At the opening of the afternoon session Consultation on opening new territories > the co-chairman of the Conference, Mrs. was continued on Tuesday morning. The > Dorothy Baker, called all those, and others National Spiritual Assembly representatives > who wished to pioneer, to the platform to from Canada, Central America, South > give their names over the microphone. Most America (the "allied" and "associated" As- > of them also spoke a few words and stated semblies) and the United States each spoke > where they would like to go. An eventual of the opportunities presented in their virgin > total of one hundred and fifty BahB'is of areas, and gave short descriptions of the > various countries signified their wish to pio- territories assigned to each by the Guardian. > neer. Included were two anonymous offers All those who had had experience in pio- > to serve in leper colonies. neering anywhere were then asked to give > To implement the consultation on pio- their suggestions for opening new territories. > neering under the topic "The Art of Open- The role of BahL'i Youth in pioneering > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 145 > > Bah6'is gathered in the House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, > on the occasion of its Dedication. > > in the World Crusade was presented in the fied, and a recommendation was made to > afternoon session. Following the opening de- the National Spiritual Assembly that teach- > votions, Mrs. Amelia Collins spoke briefly ing committees be asked to make a special > and read the following words spoken by the point of contacting foreign students in our > Guardian, as they offer the "key for all of universities. > us today": The magnetic power is the action Mr. 'Ali-Akbar Furlitan, Hand of the > of the believers. If they arise and show the Cause and secretary of the National Spirit- > right spirit it will act as a magnet and attract ual Assembly of Persia, who has written > this power which is accumulated ready to textbooks for BahL'i children in Persia and > aid every believer who will arise t o serve. for teachers training the Youth, spoke about > The chairman of the National BahL'i the pioneering preparation given to Bah6'i > Youth Committee, Dwight Allen, empha- Youth in Persia. First, he said, it was made > sized the role of Youth as part of the BahL'i sure that every Bahii'i, young or old, was > Community in the Ten-Year Crusade-in convinced that this particular phase of the > consultation and in pioneering. He then Divine Plan could be achieved. Then, they > opened the discussion to all "Youth." Practi- were assured of the promise of Divine help. > cal points were brought out concerning the Mr. Furfitan gave the Guardian's three > need for Youth to orient their education guarantees for the fulfillment of the Ten- > toward work useful in pioneering and to Year Crusade as recently written to the > plan their lives and marriage to that end; Bahi'is of Persia: (1) To arise with love, > and concerning opportunities for jobs in (2) to persevere after one has arisen, and > international organizations. The problem of (3) the occurrence of certain events in the > Bahi'i Youth in military service was clari- world which will in some way assist the ful- > 146 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > fillment of this Crusade. Mr. FurfItan ex- She said: "There is nothing dBuse about > plained that the Youth are taught that pio- Shoghi Effendi. He is like the point of flame > neering has two aspects, the personal (that that comes out of a blowtorch. . . . Inten- > of prayer and study) and the administrative sity of concentration and action." > which involves cooperation with their As- Rtihiyyih Lhinum told of the way in > semblies and Committees. which the Guardian, in two and one-half > At this session there was also consultation months, had converted twelve thousand > concerning the work among the Indians and square meters (almost three acres) of land, > the Eskimos. Members of the Indian Teach- all sand, around Bahji and the Tomb of > ing Committees of Central and of South BahL'u'llih, into beautiful gardens. She said > America reported activities initiated to reach he concentrated sixteen hours a day on get- > the Indians. The efforts of Bahb'is in Green- ting this work done. "Otherwise it could > land and Alaska to reach the Eskimos were have taken two years. Everything he does, he > reported. Teaching in schools, nursing and does that way. And we must learn to work > study of anthropology were mentioned as the way Shoghi Effendi does, because only > valuable ways of making these contacts. Mr. in that way will we get the work accom- > Eli Powlas, a full-blooded Oneida Indian plished." > now a BahL'i, was one who spoke. He was She gave instances of the great integrity > asked by R~hiyyihLhinum to translate a of the Guardian. "Shoghi Effendi is like the > Bahi'i pamphlet into his language for . > law. . . He has the most tremendous > Shoghi Effendi. "This would make the courage where principle is concerned," And > Guardian happy," she said. Of course he she told of his returning thirty-four thou- > eagerly agreed to do it. sand pounds sterling donated at one time > during the Guardian's absence from Haifa > Riihfyyih Khhinum urged us to stud) the by a man "with whom Shoghi Effendi was > methods of the Guardian, to try to see things displeased. He considered that the man's > with far-seeing vision and make use, in our spirit was not right, that his motives were > teaching, of developments on the periphery not pure, and Shoghi Effendi could not ac- > of the Faith, as evidenced in his pamphlet cept money from him. He said, 'How can I > Information Statistical and Comparative, take his money and not reinstate him in my > 1844-1952 and his Appreciations of the good graces? And he can't buy me.' " RfI- > Bahd'i Faith, which we should use to give wyyih Khinum added: "You see, it is these > people an idea of the extent of the Faith and things that set the standard of BahL'is in the > the quality of those who speak favorably world. When our integrity is as shining and > of it. as clear cut as Shoghi Effendi's, we will not > Monday evening was the time set aside have much' trouble bringing people into the > for the Guardian's representative, 'Amatu'l- Faith." > Bahi Riihiyyih Khhinum, to speak to the R a y y i h a i n u m spoke of the absolute > Bahi'is from her heart. She spoke to the necessity for us to learn to think in terms of > heart of every Bahb'i, about many things, all principle and not in terms of personality. "It > helpful. She spoke chiefly of that which seems to be a terrible disease that we all > "you want most to hear about-Shoghi have, of constantly thinking of everything in > Effendi." And she told how when she first terms of personality. We never seem to get > went to serve with the Guardian she had a to terms of principle. You see, the Guardian > mental image of the Cause of God as a ship, doesn't care anything about personality. It > the Captain of the ship was Shoghi Effendi doesn't exist as far as he is concerned. He > and the Bah2is were all on deck and she cares only for principle. There are no ex- > was one of them. After a time the image ceptions to his rule. It doesn't matter who > needed revising-the Guardian was the ship, you are or what you have done, how much > the sea was the Cause of God and the you have given, how prominent you are, > BahB'is were traveling on the ship. "Time anything to do with you that you might feel > went by and that image was no longer large entitles you to some special consideration. > enough. Finally I came to the conclusion . > . . It is only principle. > that the ocean was the Guardian and the "Now the Bahb'is should learn to look at > Cause of God was the ship and the Cause of things that way. They have simply got to > God often gets a rough ride and the ocean is stop thinking in terms of personality. They > tossed by the winds of God." have got to start thinking in terms of prin- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 147 > > Amatu'l-Bahi Rithiy~ihKhAnum receiving the Bahi'is at reception > given in her honor at the All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference, > Chicago, Illinois, May 4, 1953. > > ciple. The principle is your Spiritual Assem- KJhLnum graciously answered about fifty > blies composed of nine people. They have questions written out by Bahi'is and sent to > been elected by you. They are supposed to the platform at her invitation. > fulfill certain functions specified in our The reception for Riihiyyih LhhLnum > teachings which are quite clear. Whether which followed gave the friends the oppor- > they do it very well or very poorly or you tunity to shake hands with her and speak > think Mrs. Jones is a person who actually a few words individually with her. > started the whole thing and you are sure it The evening of Tuesday, May 5 , was de- > is Mr. Smith who doesn't like you, or what- voted to the World Center, with the unveil- > ever the thing is that is going on in your ing by Charles Mason Remey of his model > mind, you have got to learn, always, that it for the Ma&riqu'l-Ad_hkLr to be erected on > is principle that is the thing to follow. . . . Mt. Carrnel, a talk by Mr. Funitan on the > We are never, never going to get this ad- institutions of the World Order of BahB'- > ministrative order swinging until we forget u'llih, and the viewing of color moving > all individuals, however much they get into pictures of the Shrines and gardens in Haifa > our hair, and devote ourselves to the appli- and Bahji, sent by the beloved Guardian to > cation of the principles involved. . . . You be shown at the Conference. > will be astonished what you can do if you As Mr. Rerney unveiled the model the > ever get over the question of personalities. friends saw the exquisitely beautiful design > . > . . Don't look at each other so much as for the Mas_hriqu'l-A&kLr of the Holy > an individual. Look at each other as all Land, with the landscaping of its surround- > BahB'is, all belonging to Bahi'u'llLh and all ing terrace. Five drawings were also dis- > belonging to Shoghi Effendi. . . And . played, of various elevations, cross section > when you see those things, think of that love and interior design. Acquisition of land for > ill your heart for Shoghi Effendi, and say, its erection is one of the objectives in the > 'All right, I love you.' " development of the World Center during > Following her stirring talk, Rchiyyih this Crusade. > 148 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Mr. Furtitan's talk on the World Order later, after he had also visited 'Abdu'l-BahL > was a very comprehensive review tracing the On this visit he had with him two of his > development of the Administration, the sons; one of them, RGhu'llBh, a very gifted > importance of the Will and Testament of child, was only eight years old. One day the > 'Abdu'l-BahB, the functions of the two great Greatest Holy Leaf, 'Abdu'l-Bahi's sister, > "pillars" of interpretation and legislation asked the boy what he did in Persia. He > > BahB'is attending the All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference > who had met 'Abdu'l-BahL. > > which support the Administrative Order, replied, "I was teaching." So the Greatest > and, finally, the steps outlined by the Guard- Holy Leaf asked him how he taught. He said > ian in his second communication to the Con- he spoke only to those who had "percep- > ference through which the development of tion." The Greatest Holy Leaf then asked > the Faith would progress. him to tell her whether two boys who were > At the last morning session of the Con- present (sons of Bahi'u'llkh) could under- > ference four of the Persian Hands of the stand what he had to say. R~hu'llkhwent to > Cause had been asked to speak on the the boys, looked attentively into their faces, > "Significance of the Year Ninem-General and returned to Bahiyyih Klhknum saying, > Shu'i'u'llBh 'Ali'i, Valiyu'llkh VarqB, TarL- "It is no use; they would not understand." > qu'llBh Samandari and D_hikru'llfih miidem. Both of these brothers of 'Abdu'l-BahB be- > General 'AlB'i read from passages in the came Covenant-breakers. > Writings of BahB'u'llBh and told that the Mr. VarqB himself had accompanied > exact site of the dungeon of the SiyBh-GhBl 'Abdu'l-Bahb on His visit to the United > is known but that large buildings have since States. > been built over this property. Mr. Samandari, the oldest Hand of the > Mr. VarqB had been asked to tell about Cause among the five Persians, is descended > his father and brother who attained to mar- from one of the pupils of S_hayk_h Ahmad, > tyrdom. He told the moving story of his first of the two forerunners of the Bkb. At > grandfather's making the trip to Bahji on the age of fifteen, Mr. Samandari attained > foot from Persia only to become ill and die the presence of Bahi'u7llBh. He recalled his > just before he reached his goal. He was impression of the great humility and the > buried by 'Abdu'l-BahB in a grave made grandeur and majesty of Bahi'u'llBh, and > with His own hands. Mr. VarqL's father at- told many reminiscences of that memorable > tained the presence of BahB'u'llbh several visit. > times and asked for martyrdom for himself Then, inevitably, came the closing session > and one of his sons. He was a physician and of the Conference, a Conference which the > traveled about Persia to promulgate the Guardian stated in his opening message > Faith. His wish was granted many years "will go down in history as the most mo- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 149 > > mentous gathering held since the close of the all of this I feel is the result of our Guard- > Heroic Age of the Faith, and will be re- ian's sacrifice. Let us just cherish this > garded as the most potent agency in paving thought all through the next ten years, that > the way for the launching of one of the most our Guardian is sacrificing for us daily, and > brilliant phases of the grandest crusade ever with great joy. To see the Guardian smile > undertaken by the followers of BahP'u'llLh just once is enough to cause you to wish to > since the inception of His Faith more than lay down your life, really and truly it is. > one hundred years ago." But that is not it. We are to make our > At this session the Guardian's own chosen Guardian happy, and this it is really our > representative, R6l$yyih KJhhum, called privilege to do." > upon us to "Mount Your steed^!''^' Mrs. Collins then concluded the Con- > When R6hiyyih LhLnum finished, just be- ference with reading 'Abdu'l-BahP's Tablet > fore the reading of the closing prayer Mrs. of Visitation. > Amelia Collins spoke briefly: "Now I have > witnessed in this audience day after day > : T h e s e were the words of Quddds as he led the > your great joy, your inspiration, your long- BAbfs at the siege of Tabarsf. See The Dawn-Brealcers, > ing to serve, the pledges you have made, and page 365. > > THE JUBILEE PUBLIC MEETINGS > > T H E impressive p ~ ~ b l ievents > c of the All- satisfaction which will be achieved when all > American Jubilee celebrations, which in- are gathered as brothers in one common > cluded four public meetings and the dedica- household of faith under one God. In a > tion of the House of Worship, received forceful manner, Dr. Hutchinson then pre- > widespread notice in the press and attracted sented his analysis of the hopeful factors- > much public attention and interest. Each of points of light-in the general darkness of > the four meetings, with their distinguished the present age. He outlined five such points > guest participants and outstailding BahP'i of light which exist in the thinking of com- > speakers, drew large audiences, estimated to mon men everywhere, and which therefore > have varied from fifteen hundred to twenty- offer promise for the future. These are: the > five hundred. faith of common men in the reality of prog- > The first meeting was held Wednesday ress, the belief in the reality and authority > evening, April 29, the opening day of Jubi- of moral values, the belief in the reality of > lee week, at Medinah Temple in Chicago. human oneness, common man's inlcreasiilg > Mr. Matthew Bullock was chairman and the awareness of the necessity for world govern- > two speakers on the theme of "Religion for ment, and his deep belief in the spiritual > Humanity" were Dr. Paul Hutchinson and basis for all life. > Mrs. Dorothy Baker. Mrs. Baker spoke on the "Mission of the > Dr. Hutchinson is widely known and Prophets" with eloquence and persuasive- > respected as an outstanding analyst of pres- ness. She identified the Prophets as the > ent day problems and spokesman for the lay founders of civilization and described their > Protestant Church world. He is editor of two-fold mission as individual and social, > the Christian Century, generally coilsidered "to glorify the individual and to safeguard > to be the most influential Protestant period- and unify the race." Then she traced the > ical. Dr. Hutchinson's subject was "Points of development of this two-fold mission in the > Light in the Dark World." He began his stories of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, > remarks by offering his congratulations on showing that religion has given repeated > the completion of the House of Worship, proofs that it is the source of human prog- > which he described as a symbol of man- ress and redemption. BahP'u'llLh was pro- > kind's oneness in this vital quest for spiritual claimed as the fountain-head of light and > 150 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > salvation for this chaotic hour. Mrs. Baker Mr. Haney then introduced the third > concluded by outlining the movement of member of the Technical Committee, Mr. > the Faith toward the achievement of the Edwin Eardley, and the Landscape Archi- > eternal plan of God-the "Kingdom indi- tect, Mr. Hilbert Dahl. The chairman pre- > visible, whose watchword is the oneness of sented Mr. William Alexander, the President > the human race-all rivers flow to the of the Village of Wilmette, to whom he ex- > ocean; all missions are fulfilled in this mis- pressed the appreciation of the BahL'is for > sion." the friendly attitude and cooperation ex- > tended by the village authorities during the > On the eve of the dedication of the Tem- years of the Temple's building. Mr. Alex- > ple, Friday, May 1, a public meeting was ander, in the name of the Village of Wil- > held in the New Trier High School, Win- mette, offered greetings and congratulations > netka, a suburb north of Chicago in the and stated that the village feels privileged to > vicinity of the House of Worship. BahL'is have this world famous structure in its com- > came from their special service of consecra- munity and has sincere regard for the lofty > tion held at the Temple in the afternoon to ideals which it represents. > join with guests-for the most part residents Mr. Horace Holley then gave a penetrat- > of the northern suburbs who have watched ing and profound definition of the purpose > the Temple during the long years of its of the BahL'i House of Worship. > building as they have flowed past on the The meeting was closed with the reading > highway that borders the Temple grounds- of an editorial from the Chicago Daily News > in a happy prelude to the great event of the on the dedication of the Temple, praising > next day, the public dedication. On this the ideals for which it stands. > evening the story of their beloved House of > Worship was publicly unfolded. R6hiyyih Lhknum, the Guardian's rep- > Mr. Paul Haney, the chairman, pre- resentative to the All-American Interconti- > sented several messages of greeting and con- nental Conference, and Dr. Charles Wesley > gratulations on the dedication of the House were speakers on the theme "One God and > of Worship from well-known people. One People," Sunday, May 3, at Medinah > The history, architecture and purpose of Temple in Chicago. There was much excite- > the Temple were discussed by BahL'is whose ment over the participation of RGhiyyih > close association with the work has famil- Lhhbnum in a public program and the large > iarized them with its every detail. Mr. Alien audience rose as she came on the huge stage > McDaniel, a former member of the National with Dr. Wesley, guest speaker, and Mr. > Spiritual Assembly, for many years supervis- 'Ali Yazdi, Chairman. > ing engineer of the building and more re- Dr. Charles H. Wesley, president of Cen- > cently on the Technical Committee, gave tral State College at Wilberforce, Ohio, au- > the history of the project from its beginning, thor, historian and educator, chose as his > through the purchase of the land, the choice topic "The Significance of Oneness-Prin- > of a plan and the completion of the con ciple or Expediency?" He stated that the > struction. Mr. Robert McLaughlin, Director principle of oneness is recognized and ad- > of the School of Architecture of Princeton vocated by the great religions and by most > University and Fellow of the American In- world thinkers, but practice departs from > stitute of Architects, who has served for theory. In application to life in the modern > some years on the Technical Committee, world, the principle of oneness has faced > described the unusual architectural elements obstacles which Dr. Wesley listed as selfish > of the building, pointing to the unique fitness nationalism, self-serving industrialism, and > of the plan to the Bahit'i conception of unity self-contained racism. In the movement to- > and manner of worship. He stressed the ward world unity and the oneness of man- > timeless quality of the architectural design kind, he questioned whether it would be > for it has stood apart and aloof from the reached by principle or expediency, the > changing fashions of the last thirty years. latter being thus far the most influential > Regarding it as an example of early BahL'i argument. Permanent and enduring change > architecture, Mr. McLaughlin speculated on will come only through the translation of > the wonders of world architecture that will democratic and religious ideals into practical > develop as the world becomes spiritually activities. What is needed, he asserted, "is a > and physically united. consistent application of principle by people > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 151 > > of principle with a consistent and intelligent prepare men for the modern crisis. He re- > plan of action. Resistance may be great, but counted vividly his experiences and impres- > the cause is greater." sions at Los Alamos, viewing the electronic > Rithiyyih u i n u m had chosen to speak brain, visiting a horribly scarred victim of > on "A World Crusade." She spoke at first the atom bomb at Hiroshima, Japan; seeing > directly to the comments of Dr. Wesley, and the refugees in Korea; and being at a ceme- > stressed the essential importance of the tery for American soldiers in Korea. His > principle of oneness to the Faith of Bah6'- analyses of the fundamental ills of this age > u'llih. She then announced that the BahL'is sprang from his critical examination of the > are undertaking a specific program to diffuse deep meanings of these events in the total > the teachings of one God, one people, and question of human destiny. He asked, could > one religion to all parts of the planet. She the deformed figure of the atom bomb vic- > presented the broad outlines of the ten-year tim and the pitiful plight of the refugee be > Crusade to reach practically all peoples and the face of tonlorrow's man? Man needs > remote corners of the world, closing with faith and "a rule of law in a responsible > the invitation to all to join this vast spiritual world government." The question, he con- > crusade, or if not, to wish us well. Certainly tinued, is what kind of qualities, human and > Rithiyyih KJhAnum herself impressed the spiritual, will be brought to bear on the crea- > large gathering more than any words that tion of world order? Men have created war > were spoken. Everyone was touched by the and destruction, and they can now create a > spirit which flowed through her, by her moral and just peace. > dignity, simplicity and candor, and even Dr. W. Kenneth Christian spoke on "Reli- > more by those indefinable qualities of a gion for a World Society." He reviewed > selfless Bahi'i. Each knew that he had spent some of the basic tenets of the BahL'i Faith, > a moment with a rare soul. stressing the progressive revelations of > God's Will and the oneness of mankind. > The fourth public meeting on the theme "Disunity is the disease of our civilization," > of "The Human Goal" was held the closing he asserted, and "we cannot have an endur- > evening of Jubilee week, Wednesday, May ing and peaceful world society without the > 6, at Medinah Temple. Mr. Norman Cous- spiritual foundation of a world faith." "If a > ins and Dr. W. Kenneth Christian shared the world government were set up and ready to > platform and Mr. H. Borrah Kavelin was start tomorrow, what ethics would knit to- > chairman. gether the actions of the people?" he asked. > Mr. Norman Cousins, well-known writer "What would supply the world loyalty to > and lecturer, is editor of The Saturday Re- support a world government?" He declared > view, America's oldest literary magazine, that only a "world religion can meet the > and president of the United World Federal- basic needs to support and firmly knit to- > ists. His most recent book Who Speaks for gether the billions of people on this planet." > Man? was currently receiving widespread "The Bahi'i Faith provides a standard of > notice. Mr. Cousins' subject was "A New morality and human rights above conven- > Moral Order." His friendly manner and in- ience and political pressure. Bahi'u'llih > formal style immediately won his audience, stands as the conscience of humanity in this > when he said he was scared because he was age." He calls men to "Unity of faith as > "in the presence of people who live out the rightful equals in the Kingdom of God." > things I have been talking about." He re- > ferred to his inclusion of quotations from It is interesting to the BahL'i to note the > the Faith in his latest book because it unanimity of basic ideas among our three > stresses "integration as opposed to com- eminent guest speakers. Though differing > partmentalization of mankind," and it talks markedly in approach each stressed that the > of the "unity of the whole man: economical > man, political man and social man." He essence of the problem of this age and the > stated that the crisis of modern man is one urgent need for the world of tomorrow is > of human destiny, one of unity versus frag- the oneness of mankind and world govern- > mentation and disintegration. He spoke of ment, demonstrating so clearly that the > the compartmentalization of life as the dis- humanitarian and spiritual principles enun- > ease of our age, and of the limitations of ciated decades ago by BahL'u'llih are now > education, whether religious or academic, to viewed by a world conscious of their source > 152 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > as fundamental verities of our time. Though means it could be achieved. The BahL'i > each man analyzed the crisis of society to- speakers, on the other hand, were able not > day, none could provide the answers as to only to describe the disease of society, but > the source of the power to realize these could and did deal quite fully with the > aims, nor could they define the character of healing remedy of the world religion, given > the goal of human destiny, or tell by what men in this era by BahC'u'llLh. > > JUBILEE AT WILMETTE > > O N FRIDAY afternoon, May 1, there down into the earth, that hollowed-,outhole; > was a simple consecration service at the this great mother-of-pearl bubble of a Tem- > Temple for Bahb'is alone; a private dedica- ple that can hardly stay on the ground and > tion and a commemoration of the Master's seems to float above it. If people want a > coming to this spot by the Lake in 1912 and miracle, this is it. > with His own hands placing the Temple cor- Elsie Austin of the National Spiritual As- > nerstone. This afternoon the BahL'is sembly was reading the words which the > swarmed all over the Temple walks and Master spoke as He laid the Temple corner- > steps, but upstairs in the vast auditorium stone in the fields here, forty-one years ago. > everything was quiet. Her delicate bronze profile shone out against > High up in the tip of the Dome against a the wing of flowers to her right. > white background the golden Greatest Name JinLb-i-VarqB, whose father and small > was written. The Hands of the Cause were brother both died for the Cause and who > seated directly before the reading stand. was present here in 1912, now chanted the > Microphones were placed in front of it, and Arabic Visitation Tablet (Pmyers and Medi- > behind at either side were huge bouquets of tations, p. 310) just as it is chanted in Bahji > yellow, pink and white flowers, stretched out and at the Shrine of the BQb. When the > like wings. The sun had come out but it was words came to: "Waft, then, unto me, 0 my > not too bright. In the second gallery above God and my Beloved, from the right hand > us there were great bug-like mechanisms, of Thy mercy and Thy loving kindness, the > startlingly black against the white; these holy breaths of Thy favors, that they may > were the "juniors," the lights which unseen draw me away from myself and from the > technicians working up in the air were fo- world unto the courts of Thy nearness and > cusing on the lectern. Thy presence'-I remembered being told > The people were absolutely silent. The that when the Master was here, He would > Dome, its white rays dropping away, poured sometimes chant or repeat these lines and > dcwn a lacy rain of grace. Light filtered then Lua Getsinger would weep, and she > through the closed Temple drapes. would say, "He is pleading so to go, to die > Madame Samihih BanBni, wife of the and then we shall be left alone." > Africa Hand of the Cause, now rose and > chanted a haunting Persian prayer. Then On Saturday afternoon, May 2, I had > Harlan Ober read the passage beginning hurried upstairs with the Press, to the first > "They apprehended Us" from the Epistle to gallery which looms high above the audi- > the Son of the W o l f . It tells of BahL'u'll&h7s ence level. A capacity crowd of eleven hun- > imprisonment in the slums of Tihrhn. The dred people waited below us. The silence > was absolute. Members of the Press were > contrast between the Black Pit and this Edi- > collecting wooden chairs on which to stand > fice and this Jubilee took sudden shape: that so they could peer over the high parapet into > darkness and stench, this light and fra- the crowd below; their comings and goings > grance; those murderers and thieves, these had to be utterly silent because of the acous- > massed disciples from around the world; tical properties of the Dome; any noise > those sweating walls, that slime, three flights would have dissipated the great spiritual > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 153 > > atmosphere that was accumulating from the Western world; he had sent on the exact > time and the place, the unseen presences and Persian and Arabic readings which were to > the actual presence of the Guardian's con- be chanted, together with translations where > sort, of the other Hands of the Cause-six these had been made; he had chosen Jin6b-i- > of whom were here from the far sids of the Furfitan and Jin6b-i-Khh6dem to chant the > earth-and of the multitudes of Bahi'is who selections, and had directed the Hands of > had come, in some cases with the greatest the Cause of God to choose who should > sacrifice, to witness this hour. Across dizzy chant the final commune, and they had cho- > space from us was the silent black-robed sen Jinib-i-Samandari. Just then someone > choir. The dedication was about to take parted the great off-white drapes, and I saw > place. below us a blinding flash of bright green > In a moment Paul Haney spoke: "On this tree tops over against the darker green of > historic occasion. . . . Shoghi Effendi Rab- the grass. > bani, Guardian of the Bah2i Faith, has sent he service was given, all except for > his wife, 'Amatu'l-Bahi Rdhiyyih Lhinum, 'Amatu'l-BahL's words of dedication, three > as his personal representative to present a times to accommodate the many more than > message of dedication from him as world capacity crowds which came. Horace Holley > leader of the Bahi'i Faith." And then we opened the second one, reading, as we all > heard Rdhiyyih K_h&nuin,in her grave and stood, the commune which Riihiyyih > youthful voice, giving full value to each of K_h&nurnhad read before. I sat in the first > the beautiful English words of the message row, off center, and watched the light com- > from our beloved Guardian dedicating this ing through the sixty red roses massed at > first Mas_hriqu'l-ALhkir of the Western either side of the reading stand, the Persian > World to public worship. rug glowing beneath it, and the shadow of > They say it was the first time in history the roses thrown by the lights against one of > that a woman figured so prominently in the the pillars. It was brighter than day from the > dedication of a Temple of an independent lights, except when they were dimmed as the > Faith. choir sang. Again I listened to words read > There was a pause. Then another voice or chanted in three languages, to the Hands > began, a man's voice, Borrah Kavelin's, of the Cause Furtitan, Lhidem and Saman- > reading from the nineteenth Psalm: "Their dari, to Albert Windust, Selma Solomon, > line is gone out through all the earth, and and David Bond. The end came when Ji- > their words to the end of the world." nib-i-Samandari, tiny under the looming > As Margot Worley, Chairman of the Na- white reaches of the Dome, with that austere > tional Assembly of South America, read dignity which is his special characteristic, > from the words of Jesus, I thought again finished his Persian chant, put on his glasses > how the references to Him in our teaching again, and took up the book which had been > are apt to be tender and full of pathos, like open but not referred to, on the reading > imminent spring not yet come on, or a re- stand before him. > curring song, mournful and delicate, as if > the world would never get over the Cruci- Like all other Bahi'i pilgrims, I had, > fixion, while time lasts. during successive visits to the Holy Land, > Matthew Bdlock read from the Qur'in, seen the Portraits of BahiYu'll&h.The one > as Louis Gregory had read from it under that remained in memory through the years > this same Dome, at the Centenary in 1944. was the photograph made in Adrianople, > After a delay of thirteen hundred years, where He was exiled from December 12, > Islim is being befittingly proclaimed in the 1863 to August 12, 1868. It has the direct, > West: "0 our Lord! Punish us not if we probing glance that all who saw Him de- > forget, or fall into sin. . . . 0 our Lord! scribe. It is not the face of youth, but of the > . . . lay not on us that for which we have Ancient of Days. > not strength; but blot out our sins and for- As RGhiyyih U i n u m described the sa- > give us, and have pity on us!" cred gift which the Guardian had sent us in > The Guardian had said to use the Psalms her care-the colored, photographically re- > ('Abdu'l-Bahi loved the Psalms) and to use produced Portrait of Bah6'u'llih "in the > the words of Jesus, and to quote from the bloom of manhood"-a new and different > Qur'in passages on the unity of God and Being began to take shape; a youthful Per- > His Prophets which would appeal to the sonage, still in His thirties, perhaps, or early > 154 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > forties, since the Portrait was done in BagJh- herded together for comfort. Some main- > did; One Whom painters forever wanted to tained that they waited five hours; I waited > paint and poets to write about. The Master about three. Finally we worked our way > tells how even hostile poets had eulogized clear up the Temple steps and reached the > Him, one of them writing: "He charms great glass doors. > men, H e drugs them; He is a hypnotizer! Here, one by one, we passed through, to > Beware! Beware!" (Promulgation o f Uni- find R6hiyyih Lhinum on our left, anoint- > versal Peace, p. 431). We know too that ing each one with attar of rose. The use of > others maintained H e bewitched His guests this attar, enjoined by Bahi'u'llQh, was fa- > by dropping a magic philter in their tea miliar to the early American BahC'is be- > (Dawn-Breakers, p. 113). Not yet, in this cause of its use by the Master, but some of > Portrait, the Manifestation Whom the world the newer BahL'is had not heard of the cus- > had forsaken (Gleanings, p. 261), the fresh- tom until Mrs. Amelia Collins had anointed > ness of Whose countenance had faded us on the Guardian's behalf at the Conven- > (Promised Day Is Come, p. 7 ) , the One tion in 1952. > Who cried with such a bitter cry that every We sat in fragrant silence, about sixteen > mother in her bereavement was bewildered hundred of us at a given time, and since > at Him and forgot her own anguish every detail had been carefully plaimed, we > (Prayers and Meditations, p. 271). 'Ama- had only to follow the ushers' directions and > tu'l-BahQ spoke of the strong and youthful were soon passing q~~ietly,single file, toward > beauty He had once and of the redness of the tables where two Portraits were placed. > His lips. She told us this Portrait-which It was a white ethereal and muffled-scene; > has never before been out of the hands of a verse from the Qur'in described it: "And > the Master or the Guardian-was made by low shall be their voices before the God of > a Christian artist who had seen Him at the Mercy, nor shalt thou hear aught but the > public baths. light footfall" (Surih 20: 107). We drew > We went remembering what the BQb had near to the Portraits and there was hardly > said: "Look not upon Him with any eye ex- > a moment to look, first on the grave coun- > cept His own. For whosoever looketh upon > Him with His eye, will recognize Him; oth- tenance of the Bib, the One "Who had > erwise he will be veiled from Him" (Epistle never taken His eyes away from the face of > to the Son of the W o l f , p. 153). God" (Gleanings, p. 221)-and then on the > That Sunday afternoon, May 3, a great young and joyous Bahi'u'llih. He seemed > crowd of us massed for hours on the Tem- to be greeting each one of us. > ple steps. It was cold and windy and we It was really jubilee. > > (7) > THE PUBLIC DEDICATION OF THE B A H N HOUSE > OF WORSHIP > By WILLIAMB. SEARS > > Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Be- values independent of words. To convey the > hold the man whose name is The Branch;* and exaltation that animated Bahgis on this > he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall never-to-be-repeated occasion is equally be- > build the temple of the Lord; Even he shall yond the power of expression. To each wor- > build the temple of the Lord; and he shall shiper, the moment was a personal one, as- > bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his > throne. . . . sociated with the heart and spirit. Therefore, > Zechariah 6:12, 13. these pages will try to share the joy and rap- > ture that filled one heart only. These pages > IT IS impossible to report upon a prayer > or a meditation. They exist in a realm of > will recall the wonderful river of memories > that flowed ceaselessly throughout the Dedi- > cation, the stream of thoughts that made > * "The Branch" is a title of 'Abdu'l-BahL. every barren period of the past become liv- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 155 > > ing and fertile, that banished all sorrow, When gazing upon a model of this House > healed all suffering; and led the wayfarer at of Worship, a famous professor of architec- > last to the sea of understanding, to this har- ture had said, "This is a new creation which > bor of the love of God, to safety inside this will revolutionize architecture in the world, > Ark of His Covenant. and it is the most beautiful I have ever > Across the aisle could be seen the glowing seen." > and triumphant faces of those apostles of The model had now become reality. The > BahL'u'llih who had stood upon this same dream had become clothed in flesh. Here, > plot of ground with 'Abdu'l-Bahi on that on this day of dedication, were gathered to- > cold, windy May day forty-one years ago. gether people of all races, religions and na- > They had watched their beloved Master ded- tions. The words had been fulfilled: "And > icate this spot, then an empty, open field, to they that are afar off shall come and build > the welfare of all humanity. The real Tem- in the temple of the Lord, and ye shall know > ple, he had told them, was the Word of that the Lord of Hosts has sent me unto > God; for to it all humanity must turn. Then you," for "Mine house shall be called a > he looked up, smiled, and assured them that house of prayer for all people," and "all na- > "in the unseen world, the Temple is already tions shall flow unto it." > built." > On that day of Dedication you could look From a lofty gallery, the unseen choir > into the tranquil, confident eyes of those fol- filled the Temple with the music and words > lowers of BahL'u'llih who had helped to "Who can comprehend Thee?" Through the > draft the immortal cablegram to the Holy mind flowed the wonderful creative words > Land back in 1909, a message which had of Bahi'u'llgh: > brought solace to the heavy-laden heart of "Lauded and glorified art Thou, 0 Lord, > 'Abdu'l-Bahi. In a Tablet written later to my God! How can I make mention of Thee, > His followers He told the story of its coming assured as I am that no tongue, however > and announced the triumphant event that deep its wisdom, can befittingly magnify > synchronized with it. Thy name, nor can the bird of the human > "The most joyful tidings is this, that the heart, however great its longing, ever hope > holy, the luminous body of the BBb . . . to ascend unto the heaven of Thy majesty > after having for sixty years been transferred and knowledge." > from place to place, . . . has, through the "Know thou of a certainty," BahL'u'llBh > mercy of the Abhi Beauty, been cere- proclaims further, "that the Unseen can in > moniously deposited, on the day of Naw- no wise incarnate His essence and reveal it > RGz, within the sacred casket in the exalted unto men. . . . He Who is everlastingly > Shrine on Mount Carmel. . . . By a hidden from the eyes of men can never be > strange coincidence, on that same day of known except through His Manifestation > Naw-RGz, a cablegram was received from [the Prophet], and His Manifestation can > Chicago, announcing that the believers in adduce no greater proof of the truth of His > each of the American centers had elected a Mission than the proof of His own person." > delegate and sent to that city . . . and defi- The music soared up to the dome of the > nitely decided on the site and construction Temple and departed. Then were heard the > of the Ma&riqu'l-A&kb" [House of Wor- first spoken words, delivered by RGhiyyih > ship]. Lhhinum, the representative of the Guardian > Every moment inside that dome of ex- of the BahL'i Faith. > quisite beauty and majesty, on the day of its "On behalf of the Guardian of the Faith > dedication, was enriched by memories of the of BahL'u'llih, I have the great honor of > love and sacrifice that had raised this jewel dedicating this first Mad~riqu'l-Ad_hkir of > of God. the Western World to public worship." [For > Its inception, the architect of the Temple the entire message of Dedication, see page > has himself testified, was not from man, for, 141.1 > as musicians, artists, poets receive their in- A; the address of Dedication ended, a > spiration from another realm, so the Tem- quiet settled over the assembled throng. > ple's architect, through all his years of labor, Through the doorway to the East could be > was ever conscious that BahCu'llih was the seen the blue waters of Lake Michigan rush- > creator of this building to be erected to His ing toward the Temple in great white waves, > glory. bowing and prostrating themselves upon the > 156 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > sand. Through the doors to the South were Christendom, Christ returned 'in the glory > visible the throngs of people streaming to- of the Father'; to W ' a h Islim, the return of > ward the Temple. The clouds, which had the Imim uusayn; to Sunni Islim, the de- > threatened to shut out the sun, parted and scent of the 'Spirit of God' [Jesus Christ]; to > down through the glass dome came the the Zoroastrians, the promised Zhih- > flooding sunlight as the first of the Holy Bahrim; to the Hindus, the reincarnation of > Books was opened. Krishna; to the Buddhists, the fifth Bud- > From the scriptures of all Faiths, the one dha." > religion of God was to be recognized as one This was the King of Glory, and this His > sheltering tree, of which Moses was the Temple, God's Temple, the House of Wor- > seed, Jesus the trunk, Muhammad the ship for all His prophets and people. > branches, the Bib the leaves, and BahL'u'- > llih the fruit. "The word is one, though the . . . The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord > speakers are many." mighty in battle. > From the Faith of Moses came the all en- Lift up your head, 0 ye gates; even lift them up, > compassing praise of one God: ye everlasting doors; and the King o f glory shall > come in. > The heavens declare the glory o f God; and the W h o is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, > firmament showeth his handywork. He is the King o f Glory. > Psalm 24. > Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto > night showeth knowledge. > There is no speech nor la~zguage,where their What moments of satisfaction these words > . . > voice is not heard. . > stirred in the mind. Those delicious hours > The law of the Lord is perfect. . . . > The statutes of the Lord are right. . . . when the teachings of the BahS'i Faith were > heard for the first time. Those exciting hours > Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation > of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, 0 Lord, of research and study, unveiling proof after > my strength, and my redeemer. proof of the vitality and the great need of > Psalm 19. Bah2u'llih's universal truth. Those equally > exciting mental expeditions deep into the > The statutes of the Lord are right! What holy scriptures of the past confirming the > untold blessings Moses has conferred upon conditions of the coming of the great Prom- > mankind. The ten commandments for which ised One to the mountain of God in Israel; > H e was the channel from God are the basis those prophecies which disclosed the en- > of the structure of law in the western world. forced journeys of BahL'u'llih, His exile to > The eternal fountain of the Faith of BaghdBd, His banishment to Constantinople, > Moses continued to pour out its words: ~ d z a n o p l e , and to the prison of 'Akki > across the bay from Mt. Carmel in Israel. > The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; BahL'u'llih, the shepherd of the one fold > the world, and they that dwell therein. of God, was to spend no less than a third of > For He hath founded it upon the seas, and His allotted span of life here in the "valley > . > established it upon the floods. . . of Achor" which in the book of Isaiah had > This is the generation of them that seek Him, been singled out as a "door of hope" for > . > that seek Thy face, . . > "my herds to lie down in." This was the land > Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates; and be ye lift > up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory promised by God to Abraham; sanctified by > shall come in. . . . the Revelation of Moses; honored by the > Psalm 24. lives and labors of the Hebrew patriarchs, > judges, kings, and prophets; revered as the > As the reading of the Psalm ended, the cradle of Christianity; and as the place > echo rang through the silence: "Who is this where Zoroaster, according to 'Abdu'l- > King of glory?' And the heart answered: Bahgs testimony, "held converse with some > "Who has brought together from all racial, of the prophets of Israel." This was the land > religious, and national backgrounds these associated by Islim with the apostles' night- > lovers of God? Bahk'u'lliih, whose very journey through the seven heavens to the > name means 'The Glory of God.' " throne of the Almighty. > "To Israel He was the incarnation of the "His enemies intended that His imprison- > 'Everlasting Father,' T h e Lord of Hosts' ment should completely destroy and anni- > come down 'with ten thousands of saints'; to hilate the blessed Cause," says 'Abdu'l-Bahl, > CENTENARY OF BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 157 > > "but this prison . . . . became the means Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or > of its development. . . . From this prison the prophets: I am come not to destroy, but to > His light was shed abroad; His fame con- Matthew 5 : 8 , 9, 16, 17. > quered the world, and the proclamation of > His glory reached the East and the West. > . . . His light at first had been a star, now From the Mount of Olives, Jesus had > it became a mighty sun." poured out His teachings into those hearts > Then the second Holy Book was opened: that were athirst for the words of God. They > were not His teachings, not His words, but > And He opened His mouth, and tazlght them, the words and counsels of an infinite, un- > saying, knowable God. How plainly Christ had tried > Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the to tell mankind this: "For I have not spoken > Kingdom o f heaven. . .. of myself; but the Father which sent me, He > Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst gave me a commandment, what I should > after righteousness: for they shall be filled. say, and what I should speak." > Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain These words of the Sermon on the Mount > mercy. were the "bread of life" which comes down > Matthew 5 : 2 , 3, 6, 7. > from Heaven in the time of each Prophet. > They are the food with which each Prophet > These were the words of Christ. Words nourishes mankind. This "bread of life" is in > alive with a new richness and power be- the Old Testament in the generous and lov- > cause of the fresh measure of love and de- ing "holiness code" of Leviticus, a model of > votion which Bahi'u'lliih had instilled in the charity, hospitality, kindness and unity. It > hearts of His followers for Jesus of Naza- came again in the Sermon on the Mount. It > reth. is once more in this day in the book of the > "Know thou," says BahB'u'lliih of His Hidden Words of Bahi'u'll6h. > Holiness Christ, "that when the Son of Man > yielded up His breath to God, the whole Judge not, that ye be not judged. > creation wept with a great weeping. By sac- For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be > rificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall > was infused into all created things. Its evi- be measured to you again. . . . > dences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye > earth, are now manifest before thee. The shall find; knock, and it slzatl be opened unto > deepest wisdom which the sages have ut- you. . . . > tered, the profoundest learning which any Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that > men should do to yoz~,do ye even so to them: > mind hath unfolded, the arts which the for this is the law and the prophets. > ablest hands have produced, the influence Matthew 7:1, 2, 7, 12. > exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but > manifestations of the quickening power re- > With the reading of the words of the > leased by His transcendent, His all-per- > "golden rule" from the New Testament, > vasive, and resplendent Spirit. > eyes met across the sunlighted interim of the > "We testify that when H e came into the > Temple. The teacher smiled, the student re- > world, He shed the splendor of His glory > sponded, and in that moment, memory re- > upon all created things. Through Him the > called the happy evening of the great dis- > leper recovered from the leprosy of per- > covery that the "golden rule" was to be > versity and ignorance. Through Him, the > found in all the Holy Books. It was like the > unchaste and wayward were healed. > theme of a symphony; it repeated, growing > Through His power, born of Almighty God, > ever stronger. The words were one because > the eyes of the blind were opened, and the > God is one, His prophets one, and His crea- > soul of the sinner sanctified." > tures inhabitants of one home, the earth. > The messages of the Books cry out that God > Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see is not in competition with Himself. There is > God. > Blessed are the peacemalzers: for they shall be no exclusive salvation for the Jew, the Bud- > called the children o f God. . .. dhist, the Christian, the Muslim, the BahA'i. > Let your light so shine before men, that they Christ did not come to the Christians; He > may see your good works, and glorify your Fa- came to the world. BahL'u'll6h did not come > ther which is in heaven. to the BahA'is; He came to all humanity. > 158 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > In the Old Testament man was his The Spirit of Truth has come! The light > brother's keeper; in the New Testament he of splendor has been shed upon the earth, > was his brother's brother; in this day of the but as in.the days of its previous appearance > great Covenant with all Faiths, it is written: in Jerusalem, only an eye that sees with the > "Blessed is he who prefers his brother be- sight of the true seeker can recognize Him. > fore himself, such a one is of the followers Raise thy voice in thanks within this House > of BahB'u'll6h." of God, that thou hast heard His voice for > What heart can fail to be stirred and "many are called, but few are chosen." > made richer by the belief in this oneness of "Call thou to remembrance Him who was > Almighty God, and this unity of His mes- the Spirit [Jesus]," Bahi'u'llih warns hu- > sengers, who are the lights stationed at in- manity, "Who, when He came, the most > tervals along one road of life-when the learned of His age pronounced judgment > light of one age and its prophet begins to against Him in His own country, whilst he > fade back into time and another appears to who was only a fisherman believed in Him. > banish darkness. They are the strata of earth Take heed, then, ye men of understanding > along the river bank that mark the history heart! Consider those who opposed the Son > of man. For a time, each was the topmost [Jesus], when He came unto them with sov- > layer from which grew the fruits, grains and ereignty and power. How many the Phari- > vegetables to nourish man. Each layer later sees who were waiting to behold Him, and > became the foundation for the next, the new were lamenting over their separation from > that was to grow upon it. Him! And yet, when the fragrance of His > In yet another way, the "word" of each coming was wafted over them, and His > Messenger is like unto the air which men beauty was unveiled, they t ~ ~ r n easide > d from > breathe in every part of the earth and in Him and disputed with Him. . . . None > every age. It never fails to give life to each save a very few, who were destitute of any > creature, in each age, in each part of the power among men, turned toward His > earth. It is the "word" that was with God face. . . ." > and "became flesh and dwelt amongst man" How our hearts had wept, when, as chil- > in the form of Moses, Krishna, Buddha, ZO- dren, we had heard how His own people had > roaster, Jesus, Muhammad, the B6b and refused to accept Jesus. They called him a > BahB'uYllBh. false prophet. "Nay, but He deceiveth the > Here, today, in this House of God, united people," they said. > as "leaves of one tree and the drops of one The Messiah, they insisted, was to come > ocean," the followers of BahB'u'llBh linked from an unknown place, to sit upon the > their hopes and energies with those of their throne of David, to rule with a sword, and > fellow-men and cried out together the joy to promulgate the law of Moses. "This > that is in their hearts: poverty-stricken upstart," they said of Jesus, > "This is the Day in which God's most ex- "fulfills none of these conditions. He is a > cellent favors have been poured out upon false prophet!" > men, the Day in which His most mighty Alas! Had they not blindly insisted on a > grace hath been infused into all created material fulfillment of these prophecies, they > things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples would have seen that although Jesus' body > of the world to reconcile their differences, came from the womb of His mother, Mary, > and, with perfect unity and peace, abide be- His spirit came from God, "the unknown > neath the shadow of the Tree of His care place," that the throne upon which He sat > and loving-kindness." was in the kingdom He established in the > The page of the Book of Jesus was hearts of the people. His sword was His > turned, and His words were read for all to tongue and teachings with which He con- > hear : quered the world. Today wherever the Bible > is read throughout the world, there we find > I have yet many things to say unto you, but the Old Testament of Moses linked with the > ye cannot bear them now. New Testament of Christ. Jesus brought the > Howbeit when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, Word and Book of Moses to people who > he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not would never have heard of Moses if Christ > speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, had not appeared. > that shall he speak: and he will shew you things > "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers > to come. > John 16:12. 13. . . . ." Jesus had cried out because of their > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 159 > > disbelief. "I send unto you prophets, and the Book of Christ in their hands-a Book > wise men, and scribes; and some of them ye laden with testimony of the coming of > shall kill or crucify; and some of them shall BahVu'llLh-they have repeated the sin of > ye scourge in your synagogues, and perse- the "generation of vipers." They have de- > cute them from city to city." nied the Messenger of God. > How accurately these words of Christ Every prophet seems false to the age in > were to be fulfilled not only in His own life, which He appears. He calls men from their > but again in the day of His return. The sensual desires and pleasures and they fight > herald of the BahL'i Faith had been against responding to His summons. They > "scourged in the synagogue" and "killed." ask for a great sign so they can be certain > He was lashed with the bastinado in the of His truth before they give up their physi- > prayer house in Tabriz. Later, in this same cal comfoi-ts and satisfactions. They wish to > city, He was suspended before a mocking be hypnotized into belief by miracles and > and disbelieving multitude as Christ had wonders so that they need not exert any > been suspended; finally, His breast was personal effort. > made a target for a volley of musket balls. BahVu'llLh recognized this insincerity > BahVu'llLh, the Founder of the Faith, and challenged it. While in exile in Bagh- > shared each step of persecution with His did, He was asked, as an evidence of She > Herald, the BLb. He was held captive in truth of His Mission, for a miracle that > TihrLn, Amul, and again "in the Black Pit" would satisfy completely all concerned. > of T i h r h . He was scourged in the prayer BahVu'llLh told them that the Cause of God > house of h u l . He was exiled from His was not a theatrical display to be presented > native city, TihrLn, to BaghdLd, 'IrLq, to be upon demand. "Although you have no right > persecuted "from city to ztY" as Jesus had to ask this," He said, "for God should test > foretold. He was banished from BaghdLd to His creatures, and they should not test God, > Constantinople, to Adrianople, and- finally still I allow and accept this request . . . . > to 'AkkL in Syria, across the bay from Mt. the 'ulam8s (clergy) must assemble, and > Carmel. with one accord, choose one miracle, and > "0Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest write that, after the performance of this > the prophets, and stonest them which are miracle, they will no longer entertain doubts > sent unto thee, how often would I have about Me, and that all will acknowledge and > gathered thy children together, even as a confess the Truth of My Cause. Let them > hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, seal this paper, and bring it to Me. This > and ye would not!" must be the accepted criterion: if the mira- > What a tragedy, that all through history cle is performed, no doubt will remain for > the liberals of one age become the orthodox them; and if not, We shall be convicted of > of the next. They accept the symbolical in- imposture." > terpretation of the prophecies that validate This clear, challenging, courageous reply, > their own prophet and call down shame unexampled in the annals of any religion > upon those who insist that the prophecies was addressed to the most illustrious of the > must be fulfilled to the letter. Then, having clergy in the heart of their stronghold. They > won their goal and captured the citadel, they did not accept the challenge. "What if He > turn the same well-directed cannon of or- should perform the miracle?'they asked > thodoxy upon those who come after them. themselves. The matter was dropped. . > No wonder His Holiness Christ censored Bahh'u'llih, the Spirit of Truth, has come > them saying, "Search the scriptures; for in to fulfill the prophecies of the past. He is > them ye think ye have eternal life: and the Father in the parable of the vineyard, > they are they which testify of me. . . . For who has seized the vineyard (this earth) > had ye believed Moses, ye would have be- from those who destroyed His servants (the > lieved me: for he wrote of me. But if ye prophets) and slew His son (Jesus). Bah6'- > believe not his writings, how shall ye believe u'llih (the Father) has come into the vine- > my words?" yard to give it out to those who will render > For years the Jews had searched the to Him the fruits of love and service. He > scriptures which testified to the coming of has come! The Spirit of Truth, the Father, > the Messiah, but still they denied Christ. the Lord of Hosts, the Glory of God! What > The followers of Jesus sighed sorrowfully tongue can voice its thanks? > at the perversity of the Jews, yet, holding "Address yourselves to the promotion of > 160 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > American Indian BahA'is at the All-America Intercontinental > Conference, Chicago, Illinois, May, 1953. > > the well-being and tranquillity of the chil- with joy and reverence. They were lifted to > dren of men," the Spirit of Truth has com- heaven with a devotion and respect long > manded. "Bend your minds and wills to the denied in the West to this glorious Mes- > education of the peoples and kindreds of the senger of the light of truth. > earth, that haply the dissensions that divide > it may, through the power of the Most Great Moreover, t o Moses gave we "the Book," and > Name, be blotted out from its face, and all we raised up apostles after him; and to Jesus, > mankind become the upholders of one Or- son o f Mary, gave we clear proofs o f his mis- > sion, and strengthened him by the Holy Spirit. > der, and the inhabitants of one City. Illu- > S o o f t then as an apostle cometh t o you with > mine and hallow your hearts; let them not that which your souls desire not, swell ye with > be profaned by the thorns of hate or the pride, and treat some as impostors, and slay > thistles of malice. Ye dwell in one world, others? > and have been created through the opera- Qur'dn 2:81. > tion of one Will. Blessed is he who mingleth > with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness There is a generation of vipers born to > and love." strike at the representative of God in what- > The tidings have been given, the song ever age He appears. God does not send a > sung, and the great bell tolled. But as in the Messenger to enforce His edicts. He sends > days of Jesus the ears are stopped up with the Laws and the Life. If we are athirst, we > the clay of desire. shall drink and be revived. If we are not, we > Then the third Holy Book was opened, will turn aside and wither away. The choice > and a voice spoke, calling us back to our is ours; the channel of God's grace, the > presence beneath the sheltering dome of this Prophet, offers us the cup. Perhaps none of > house of prayer. These words were the the Messengers of God have been more > words of the prophet of Islhm, words read maligned in the West than Muhammad, but > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 161 > > through the agency of BahL'u'llBh, who con- to Moses and to Jesus, and that which was given > nects and unifies all the links in God's chain to the prophets from their Lord. N o diflerence > of educators, Muhammad has come into His do we make between any of them: and to God > are we resigned. > rightful place in the hearts and minds of all > the people of the earth. > Here in the BahL'i Faith we had been The invisible choir, raising its voice to the > brought to a true understanding of IslBin. sunbathed dome, began the words "Have ye > Here is the only place in the Western world not heard?" The lips of the followers of > where the Prophet of Arabia has received BahL'u'llBh silently repeated the words, > an unprejudiced hearing as one of God's those words they had been crying out to all > Messengers. The truth and beauty of His mankind in every corner of the planet, > teachings have been acknowledged as God- "Have you not heard? He has come! The > given. His words, "Let there be no compul- new ~erusalemhas descended!" > sion in religion" witness to the tolerance of "All nations and kindreds . . . . will be- > Muhammad. come a single nation . . . . the hostility of > Love for His teachings and His life was races and peoples, and differences among > created in our hearts by the BahL'i World > Faith which spontaneously engenders a > nations, will be eliminated. All men . .. . > will have one common Faith, will be > depth of devotion for all the Messengers of blended into one race, and become a single > God-unmatched by the most zealous of people. All will dwell in one common fa- > those who support any one Faith exclu- therland, which is the planet itself." > sively. BahB'is have come to see Muhammad Then the Books of the Bahi'i World > through new eyes; Muhammad of stately Faith were opened, and the words of a > and commanding presence. He was de- prayer of the BBb, the Herald of the Faith, > scribed affectionately by one who knew him were chanted in the original tongue. > intimately as having "depth and feeling in > His dark black eyes and the winning expres- Is there any Remover of dificulties save God? > sion . . . . gained the confidence and love Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His > even of strangers." Another admirer de- servants, and all abide by His bidding. > clared, "He was the most generous of men. > It was as though the sunlight beamed in His The heart felt impelled to cry out in > countenance." triumph when it thought of the words spo- > The Prophet of Islam not only united the ken by this Holy Youth that night so long > warring tribes of Arabia in a common faith ago in ZhirBz, IrBn. It happened just two > in one God, but also by introducing the con- hours and eleven minutes after the sun had > cept of the nation as a unit in the organiza- set on the twenty-second of May in 1844. > tion of society, He made a major contribu- This was the hour of the birth of the BahL'i > tion to civilization. He recognized the rights Faith. "This night, this very hour," the BBb > of the individual, abolished privilege of had said, "will, in the days to come, be > birth, banished the concept of superiority of celebrated as one of the greatest and most > skin color, gave protection to the non- significant of all festivals." > believer, and advanced man's social con- The BBb, the Herald, had ushered in this > sciousness to a height so advanced that Eu- new Day of God. BahL'u'llBh, the Founder, > rope could not boast of accomplishing the had established it upon an enduring founda- > same until many centuries after His coming. tion. The words first spoken to but one soul > Human solidarity as well as spiritual one- on that historic night had echoed and re- > ness were basic principles in Isl6m. Small echoed down through the years until now > wonder that His words are recognized as its message had been planted and was bear- > God-inspired. ing fruit in almost every nation of the world. > Now in the western world, His words No Messenger was ever foretold with > were being voiced under the dome of the such accuracy and power, as the coming of > BahPi Temple: BahL'u'llBh was foretold by the BAb. Lest > the hour of BahL'u'llBh's appearance be mis- > W e believe in God, and that which hath been taken, the BBb wrote this clear prophecy, > sent to us, and that which hath been sent down "Ere nine will have elapsed from the incep- > to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob tion of this Cause, the realities of the cre- > and the tribes: and that which hath been given ated things will not be made manifest. All > 162 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > that thou hast as yet seen is but the stage those who were waiting to enter. Bahb'is > from the moist germ until We clothed it and their friends were still arriving on foot, > with flesh. Be patient, until thou beholdest a by bus, by car, from every direction. The > new creation." ceremony of Dedication would have to be > In the year Nine (1269 of the calendar of repeated until all had shared in this occa- > IslLm and 1853 of the Christian calendar) sion. > BahL'uYll6hwas imprisoned in the Black Pit 'Abdu'l-BahL had said that this Temple > in Tihr6n. He later described his experience would be one of the greatest of teachers. > there in these words: "I was but a man like "When that Divine Edifice is completed, a > others, asleep upon My couch, when lo, the most wonderful and thrilling motion will > breezes of the All-Glorious were wafted appear in the world of existence. . . . > over Me, and taught Me the knowledge of From that point of light the spirit of teach- > all that hath been. This thing is not from ing, spreading the Cause of God and pro- > Me, but from One Who is Almighty and moting the teachings of God, will permeate > All-Knowing. And He bade Me lift up My to all parts of the world." Out of this > voice between earth and heaven. . ." . Mother Temple of the West, thousands of > Then a song of oneness was heard as the Temples would be born, He had promised. > words of BahL'u'llLh, the unifier of man- "It marks," he furthermore had written, > kind, wafted upward in His holy house of "the inception of the Kingdom of God on > prayer. earth." > The world has long awaited such a house > That the divers communions of the earth, and of prayer. It is not dedicated to the East or > the manifold systems of religious belief, should the West, to the light or dark skin, to the > never be allowed to foster the feelings o f ani- rich or the poor, but to all humanity. It > mosity among men, is, in this Day, of the es- was established by BahL'u'llLh in His great > sence o f the Faith of God and His Religion. > These principles and laws, these firmly-estab- Book of Laws for this new age. This Temple > lished and mighty systems, have proceeded from is a symbol of the spirit of service which > one Source, and are rays of one Light. That gives life to the BahL'i World Community > they differone from another is to be attributed in its relation both to the Faith of God and > to the varying requirements o f the ages in to mankind in general. In the future, within > which they were promulgated. the walls of these Houses of Worship > throughout the world, the representatives of > The Books of all Faiths were closed, and Bahi'i local and national communities will > the moment sealed, forever, in the memory. gather daily at the hour of dawn to derive > The promises of all the Holy Books were the necessary inspiration enabling them to > fulfilled and the day of the "one fold and discharge their administrative responsibil- > one shepherd" had come at last. The choir ities as the elected and chosen trustees of > joyously sang out: the World Faith of BahC'u'll6h. > This House of Worship is the first fruit of > From the sweet-scented streams of Thine eter- a slowly maturing Administrative Order > nity give me to drink, 0 my God, and of the which will be guided by the words found > fruits o f the tree of Thy being enable me to above the Temple entrances: "The best be- > taste, 0 my Hope. . . . Within the meadows o f loved of all things in My sight is Justice; > Thy nearness, before Thy presence, make me > able to roam, 0 my Beloved. . . . T o the melo- turn not away therefrom if thou desirest > dies of the dove of Thy oneness suffer me to Me." "0 rich ones on earth! The poor in > hearken, 0 Resplendent One. . . . T o the your midst are My trust; guard ye My > heaven of Thy loving-kindness lift me up, 0 my trust." "The source of all learning is the > Quickener. . .. knowledge of God, exalted be His glory." > Only a future age will fully comprehend > The public dedication of the Bahi'i this great gift of Bahi'uyll&hto society. This > House of Worship was completed. As we House of Worship is the nucleus of a great > passed through one of the nine archways of social evolution which will establish the > the Temple, we could read the words of Kirigdom of God when the "Will" of God > BahL'u'llih, graven upon the stone above will be "done on earth as it is in Heaven." > our heads: "The earth is but one country; A temple will be the heart of a community > and mankind its citizens." center in each city. Around it will be built > The steps outside were thronged with a hospital, a hospice, an orphanage, a col- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 163 > > lege and scientific laboratories. These edu- It is a gift from the BahL'is; a house of > cational, humanitarian, and scientific institu- prayer with doors thrown wide open to men > tions will complete the dedication of the in- and women of all races and religions. In- > dividual to God. To the BahB'i there is no side its doors there is no infidel or pagan; > rigid division between the spiritual and prac- all are children of one God. All may turn > tical parts of life. their hearts to Him and know that they are > Services in the Temple will not be elab- brothers. > orate. There will be no ritual or set forms. > BahB'is have no professional clergy to pre- "Blessed is the spot, and the house, and > side. Services are for prayer, meditation, the place, and the city, and the heart, and > and the reading of writings from the sacred the mountain, and the refuge, arzd the cave, > scriptures of the Bahii'i Faith and other and the valley, and the land, and the sea, > great Faiths of the world. and the island, and the meadow where men- > This House of Worship does not belong tion o f God hath been made, and His praise > to the BahL'is alone; it belongs to humanity. glorified." > > UNVEILING THE MODEL OF TEMPLE TO > BE CONSTRUCTED ON MOUNT CARMEL > MASONREMEY > Address by CHARLES > > MANY years ago our beloved Master, > 'Abdu'l-BahQ, told us that certain material > ered from the top of the mountain. But it > was the center; that simple altar on the > objects, certain material constructions have mountain top, that place of worship, was > a spiritual mission in the world, have a spir- the center of the civilization of that day. In > itual effect in the world, and before the those days, the people lived pastoral lives in > BahL'i Temple, the Ma&riqu'l-Adhkir, was the valleys below, but on certain occasions > built here in Wilmette, he told us that when they went up onto the mountain top for > that Temple was built, it would have a great their spiritual worship, for their sacrifices. > spiritual effect in the world, that it would be Later on, centuries later, when Moses, the > a symbol manifesting forth to all of the Prophet of God, led the children of Israel > world the spiritual ideals and the services to out of Egypt, out of the land of bondage to > the world of humanity of the friends of the the land of promise, one of the first institu- > Bahi'i Faith. tions that He instituted was the Tabernacle. > As we study into the history of the re- The Tabernacle was a portable temple of > ligions of the past, we see that each religion worship. I suppose the Tabernacle described > has developed a civilization in the world and in the Old Testament was probably covered > has developed also a style of architecture with skins of animals, but it had certain ele- > which has found its full and perfect devel- ments of worship in it. There was the inner > opment in the t e m ~ l e sof the epoch. Way Holy of Holies, there was the court around > back in the very dawn of religious history, that, and finally the outer court, and during > when the Prophet Abraham came out from the long forty years that the children of Is- > his homeland and took his band of followers rael were in the wilderness, when they > to the Land of Promise, the Holy Land, one struck their camp, their first duty was to > of His first activities was building a temple set up this Tabernacle, so the Tabernacle > to the Lord, and that temple was a very sim- during those years was the center of their > ple place of worship, the altar which he built religious life in the wilderness. > on the mountain top for the sacrifices that Later on, when the Jewish civilization de- > He instituted as the ritual for the people of veloped in Jerusalem, the 'Temple of Solo- > His day. It was probably a very, very simple mon, the Temple in Jerusalem, was the cen- > affair, built, laid up, of rough stones gath- ter of their religious life and their cultural > 164 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > life, and it was built very much on the plan, institutions that go to make up the activities > the rudimentary plan, of the tabernacle in of a great world civilization. > the wilderness. There was the inner Holy of The first one of these BahL'i temples was > Holies and then the inner court and the built many years ago over in that country > outer court. east of the Caspian Sea, sometimes spoken > At that time, people flowed from all na- of as Trans-Caspian. There, in the City of > tions to Jerusalem in order to partake of the 'I&qLbid, our friends of the Orient built > learning and the culture that developed the first BahVi Temple. It was my privilege > around the civilization there, the center of to visit it back some forty-five years ago. We > which was the Temple. have heard very little about our friends > Centuries later, when the Christian there in the last few years. The present Rus- > Church was established, little by little, these sian Government has confiscated our Tem- > churches, places of worship, were the cul- ple and the Bahl'i community there in 'I&- > tural centers of Christianity. First, the style q&bLdhas been scattered and dispersed, but > developed out of the Roman style in the now, only in the last few days, we have ded- > City of Rome. Later on it developed into icated and completed the Temple here in > the Romanesque style in the West, into the Wilmette with which you are all so familiar. > Byzantine style of the Eastern Church, and A number of years ago, when I was still > after some thirteen or fourteen centuries, we a student of architecture, I first heard of the > have the flowering out of the magnificent Bahl'i Faith, and one of my first recollec- > cathedrals and churches of Europe. tions was that when the time came for me to > This style of architecture, the Gothic create my thesis in architecture, I would like > style, developed in its greatest fragrance and very much, indeed, to take as my subject a > development and beauty around in the cen- typical Bahl'i Temple. That was way back > tral part of France; the Cathedrals of Lyon, a little over fifty years ago and, following > of Chartres, of Amiens, Rheims, and Notre that, I spent a good deal of time in making > Dame of Paris are the outstanding temples different studies for BahVi Temples, and > of the Christian epoch. some of you may recall that when the de- > When Muhammad gave His teaching off sign was chosen for the Temple here in Wil- > in the deserts of Arabia, one of the first de- mette, a number of us architects offered > velopments of architecture was the Mosques drawings. Some of my drawings were of- > that were built in and about the city of fered at that time. But shortly after that, the > Cairo, and this Islamic culture went west- Master, 'Abdu'l-BahL, revealed a Tablet to > ward into Northern Africa and up into me and told me that my mission in the > Spain. It went East into Persia and then future would be to design the Temple to be > down into India and the Mosques of these built on Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land. > countries were the spiritual centers of edu- As we all know, the Holy Land is the > cation and culture in that magnificent civili- Holy Land of all the religions of the world. > zation which Islim gave to the world. The Jewish religion, the Christian religion, > And so it was with the other religions in it is the Holy Land for Islim, and now in > the far East. The place of worship has been these days, it is the Holy Land for all the > the cultural center and the point for the de- world in the BahL'i Faith. Our spiritual > velopment of architecture and all of the al- background is there and also our Adminis- > lied arts. trative Center is there, and it was the plan > Now, in the Bahl'i Faith, which is the in the mind of the Master, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, > new religion of the present day and present that there should be a Bahii'i Temple built > age, in the writings of BahPu'llih, we have upon Mt. Carmel. > exhortations that we should build in this During these years, I have made a num- > epoch, temples for worship, and He has ber of studies and along about five years > given us a general plan for these temples. ago, our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, > There shall be a temple proper, a circular wrote to me and told me that it was time to > building, built on the plan of a nine-sided begin to think of the design, the completed > polygon, which is to be the sanctuary for design for that Temple. > worship and prayer and meditation, and this At that time, in the latter part of 1947 > central temple is to be surrounded by vari- and the early days of 1948, I made a com- > ous institutions for the physical benefit of plete set of drawings for the Temple and > mankind, schools and hospitals and all the later on I took those drawings over to our > CENTENARY O F BIRTH OF BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 165 > > Guardian and he made a number of sugges- of this design and that it should be unveiled > tions that really created within my mind an here in this Conference, and 1 left Haifa a > entirely unique and different design from little over three months ago, and I went to > any of those studies that I had made before, Italy, and there in the City of Florence, I > a& that is the design that we are going to engaged a wood carver to make this model, > show you this evening. These designs were carved of wood. I had had some rather bad > made during the past two or three years that experience with some of the models that I > I have been spending in Haifa and they had made of plaster. It didn't hold up in > were made under the direction of our transportation, but this model of wood has > Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, and I must say transported very well and it is assembled > that the architecture, the architectural mo- and we are going to show it to you now. > tifs, are really his rather than mine. He gave This ensemble of models will give you an > me a great many criticisms, a great many idea of the architecture. It speaks for itself. > suggestions, and after a period of time, of It shows the Temple proper which will be > working and making drawings and submit- erected upon Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land, > ting them to him and restudying them, etc., surrounded by terraces and gardens, with > a design was made that he approved of, and fountains and avenues leading up to it. It > it was his idea that a model should be made speaks for itself. > > MESSAGES OF GREETING RECEIVED FOR > TEMPLE DEDICATION > > T H E Dedication of the Temple brought know. But perhaps not so many realize its > many messages of greeting from public lead- symbolic significance. It teaches the essential > ers. Following are excerpts from some of unity of mankind under one God, irrespec- > the greetings received. tive of the various sects and creeds that give > From the Ambassador of Israel in the expression to the various faiths. There is a > United States came the message: "On occa- basic wholeness among people the world > sion of dedication of Bahb'i House of Wor- around. There are spiritual ties that unite > ship I wish to convey to you sincere greet- them in the brotherhood of man. . . . The > ings and congratulations of State of Israel. important thing is recognition of the essen- > Israel people and government, harboring in tial unity of mankind under one God. That > their country the BahCi spiritual Center, is a force which cuts across politics, trade > have always cherished cordial, friendly re- routes, racial groupings the world around. > lations with Guardian of that Center and all It can be made a powerful moral force in > BahCis. Ideals of peace and brotherliness the practical affairs of the world if there is > underlying BahVi Faith are dear and sacred a dedication to the cause-the kind of dedi- > to Israel, ancient and revived alike. Wish cation that went into the long and difficult > you every success." (signed) Abba Evan, task of constructing the Bahgi House of > Ambassador, State of Israel. Worship at Wilmette." > From Charles Malik, Ambassador of Mrs. Ruth Bryan Rhode, former United > Lebanon in the United States, came: "The States Ambassador to Denmark sent this > devotion to the highest spiritual realities is message: "On the occasion of the dedication > the greatest thing in the world. I believe of the BahB'i House of Worship, I join in > without the judgment and guidance of God spirit with the Assembly whose aspiration > all is of no avail. May you therefore be is the unification of mankind. May the > quickened in your endeavors to search for, beauty of the edifice and its symbolism carry > know and worship Him." inspiration in wider and wider circles > Justice William 0. Douglas of the Su- around our troubled earth." > preme Court wrote: "The BahB'i House of Dr. Paul R. Anderson, President of the > Worship at Wilmette, Illinois, is a structure Pennsylvania College for Women, wrote: "I > of g e a i beauty, as millions who have seen it am delighted to learn of the dedication of > the Bah6'i House of Worship at Wilmette. wrote: "May I be permitted to send you my > In times like these it stands as a great monu- felicitations on this occasion and to express > ment of liberalism and internationalism. the hope that your newly-dedicated House > "I have never met more serious believers of Worship will be a source of inspiration > in the cause of humanity than BahB'is. Such and spiritual guidance to many people in > loyalty to the highest ideals is what we need our country." > to bring us closer to the goal of a peaceful, From Syracuse University, the Depart- > friendly world." ment of Philosophy, Dr. Raymond Frank > Dr. Marcus Bach, of the State University Piper, sent this message: "The BahB'i > of Iowa, sent the following tribute: "The House of Worship is a unique and magnifi- > Bah6'i emphasis on the unity of religions is cent achievement in the history of the > the richest adornment of our contemporary world's religions and cultures because it em- > faith. bodies, in incomparable, compelling, and > "While the dedication of your House of unforgettable beauty, the glorious ideal of > Worship symbolizes this fact in ceremonial, the enlightened and creative unity of reli- > it remains for true followers of the Glory of gions, and also because it is a sun-clear, en- > God to instill its principle in the hearts of during symbol which invites all religionists, > men. and others too, to work together in loving > "The words of BahB'u'llBh, which have sympathy for the sake of multiplying those > become a challenge and a working formula precious fruits of goodwill, wisdom, peace, > for our time, have long been my text, 'The and joy of which mankind now stands in > earth is but one country; and mankind its profound and painful need." > citizens.' A long letter came from Dr. Shao Chang > "These words, strengthened by my recent Lee, Head of the Department of Foreign > visit with the Guardian, are now further in- Studies at Michigan State College. With the > tensified by the rising influence demon- letter came a large Chinese card with the > strated in the Intercontinental Centenary twelve BahP'i principles beautifully lettered > Conferences. in Chinese by Dr. Lee. In his letter, Dr. > "It is my earnest hope that men of every Lee said in part: "I for one deeply appre- > belief and race may catch the spirit and ciate the efforts that you and other members > power inherent in the BahVi cause and that of the Assembly have made and are making > this day of dedication will hasten the dawn to achieve an integrated community of > of concord and direct the eyes of nations truth-loving and peace-loving peoples. At > toward the light of brotherhood and peace." this critical point in world history, you bring > Among the clergymen sending greetings to mankind the spiritual and practical values > was Dr. David Rhys Williams, of the First which Bahb'u'llkh has emphasized, and > Unitarian Church of Rochester, New York, which the world greatly needs." > who wired that the members of his congre- Dr. Kirtley F. Mather, Professor of Ge- > gation "extend fraternal greetings and best ology at Harvard University, wrote: "You > wishes for an inspiring centennial celebra- and your associates are greatly to be con- > ti0.n of the BahL'i Revelation and join you in gratulated upon the completion of this > affirming the oneness of all religions as you lovely edifice, but even more because of the > dedicate your beautiful Temple as a symbol effective work you are doing to unite the > of this oneness." people of many lands and creeds in a spir- > Dr. Karl M. Chworowsky, minister of the itual unity that cannot help but bear rich > First Unitarian Church of Fairfield County, fruits in coming years." > Conn., wrote: "The writer who for these From The Hoover Institute and Library, > past several years has enjoyed the high privi- Stanford University, the Chairman, Dr. > lege and profound inspiration of active fel- H. H. Fisher, wrote: "Please accept my sin- > lowship with the Bahi'is of New York, de- cere good wishes. I am sure that believers in > sires to join with your many friends and human brotherhood and workers for under- > well-wishers in congratulating the Bahb'is of standing among the peoples of the earth will > the United States on this occasion of the be happy to know, as I am, of the dedica- > dedication of your beautiful House of Wor- tion of this House of Worship to these great > ship. . . . The richest blessings of the Eter- causes." > nal One be and abide with you . . ." From the Sage School of Philosophy at > Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, of Cleveland, Cornell University, Dr. E. A. Burtt wrote: > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 167 > > "All I can say is that this seems to me a attempting to put into practice one of the > notable occasion in the history and progress highest ideals of religious and democratic > of religion in the United States, and that teachings. Our organization is dedicated to > I hope the Temple will increasingly help to the same end although through use of dif- > bring about a spirit of union and of hope ferent tools. We are, therefore, fellow- > among adherents of all religious creeds." soldiers trying to build a society in which > From Dr. Harry A. Overstreet came the there will be no place for distinctions and > following: "Your effort to make a new feel- differences based upon race, color, class or > ing come alive in us-that of ongoing reve- religion." > lation-is to me most impressive. This is the Mr. Roy Wilkins, Administrator for the > feeling all of us, I think, must somehow NAACP, wrote: "I am happy to send greet- > manage to make intimately part of our- ing to the members of the Bahi'i faith and > selves. This must be our worship of the One their friends upon the occasion of the dedi- > God that liveth." > cation of you; Temple to the brotherhood > Mr. Thurgood Marshall, Director and > Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and of man. Our poor world is in great need of > Educational Fund, wired: "We are happy to the deep faith and sincere and unostentati- > extend greetings and best wishes on the oc- ous practices of the Bahi'is." > casion of the dedication of the BahL'i House ~ r e e t i n ~were > s also received from: Dr. > of Worship. You affirmatively offer full re- Dwight J. Bradley; Dr. Albert Guerard; Dr. > ligious fellowship to all without distinctions Channing H. Tobias, Director of the Phelps > based upon race and color and are thereby Stokes Fund; and Dr. Frank H. Hankins. > > 4. T H E EUROPEAN INTERCONTINENTAL > TEACHING CONFERENCE HELD I N > STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JULY 21-26, 1953 > > THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE > Presented by UGOGIACHERY > > T O THE Hands of the Cause, the mem- I look back, with feelings of wonder, > bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies, thankfulness and joy, upon the chain of > the pioneers, the resident believers and vis- memorable circumstances which, a little > itors attending the European Intercontinen- over a century ago, accompanied the intro- > tal Teaching Conference in Stockholm, duction of the Faith into, and marked the > Sweden: inception of its nascent institutions within, a > continent which, in the course of the last > Well-beloved friends: two thousand years, has exercised on the > With a glad and grateful heart I welcome destiny of the human race a pervasive in- > the convocation, in the capital-city of fluence unequaled by that of any other con- > Sweden, of the third of a series of Inter- tinent of the globe. > continental Teaching Conferences associ- I feel impelled, on this historic occasion, > ated with the world-wide festivities com- when the members of the American, the > memorating the centenary of the Mission of British, the German and the newly formed > BahL'u'llAh and destined to exert a profound Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assemblies, as > and lasting influence on the immediate for- well as representatives of the Bahi'is of the > tunes of His Faith in all continents of the United Kingdom, of Eire, of Germany, of > globe. Austria, of the Scandinavian and Benelux > 168 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > countries, of the Iberian Peninsula, of Italy, munity-Plans which, within less than a > of Switzerland, of France, and of Finland decade, succeeded in laying the structural > are assembled, to pay a warm tribute to the basis of the Administrative Order of the > valiant labors of the early British and Faith in Wales, in Scotland, in Northern Ire- > French BahL'i pioneers, who at the very land and in Eire, in multiplying and con- > dawn of the Faith in Europe, strove with solidating BahL'i institutions throughout the > such diligence, consecration and resolution, British Isles, in broadening and strengthen- > to fan into flame that holy Fire which the ing the foundations of that same Order in > hand of the appointed Center of BahL'uY- Germany and Austria, in erecting the Na- > llgh's Covenant had kindled in the north- tional Administrative Headq~~arters of the > west extremity of that continent on the mor- Faith in the city of Frankfurt, in establish- > row of His Father's ascension. I recall the ing Spiritual Assemblies in the capital cities > slow eastward spread of that infant Light of no less than ten sovereign states in Eu- > which led to the gradual emergence of the rope, in reenforcing the administrative foun- > German and Austrian BahL'i Communities, dations of that Faith in those territories, in > during the darkest period of 'Abdu'l-BahL's providing the means for the convocation of > incarceration in the prison-fortress of five European, and a series of regional, > 'Akkg. I am reminded of His subsequent Teaching Conferences, and above all, in the > epoch-making visit, soon after His provi- convocation of the historic Convention in > dential release from His forty-year confine- Florence culminating in the emergence of > ment in the Most Great Prison, to these the National Spiritual Assembly of the > newly-fledged struggling Communities, of Bahi'is of Italy and Switzerland, the third > His patient seed-sowing destined to yield at in a series of institutions destined to play > a later age its first fruits, and constituting a their part in the eventual establishment of > landmark of the utmost significance in the the Supreme Legislative Body of the Ad- > rise and establishment of the Faith of BahL'- ministrative Order of the Faith of Bahg- > u'llgh in that continent. u'llih. > I, moreover, call to mind, on this occa- The hour is now ripe for these Commun- > sion, the successive episodes which, on the ities whether new or old, local or national, > morrow of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's ascension, in the already functioning on the Northern, the > course of the initial Epoch of the Formative Western and the Southern fringes of that > Age of the BahL'i Dispensation, signalized continent, as well as those situated in its > the emergence of those administrative insti- very heart, to initiate befittingly and prose- > tutions, both local and national, which pro- cute energetically the European Campaign > claimed the germination of those potent of a global Crusade which will not only con- > seeds which had lain dormant for more than tribute, to an unprecedented degree, to the > a decade in these newly-opened European broadening and the consolidation of the > territories, and which culminated in the foundations of the Faith of BahL'u'll5h on > construction of the framework of the Ad- the continent of Europe, but will also diffuse > ministrative Order of the Faith of BahL'u'- its light over the neighboring islands, and > llih and the erection of the first two pillars will, God willing, carry its radiance to the > destined to sustain in that continent the Eastern territories of that continent, and be- > weight of the final unit of that Order. yond them as far as the heart of Asia. > Nor can I fail to acclaim, as a further The privileged prosecutors of so revolu- > milestone in the irresistible evolution of that tionizing, so gigantic, so sacred and benefi- > Faith, the launching, following the creation cent a campaign, are, on the morrow of its > of the administrative agencies designed to launching, and, at such a crucial hour in the > provide the effectual instruments for its destinies of the European continent, sum- > propagation, of the Six-Year Plan of the moned to undertake: > British BahL'i Community followed succes- First, the formation, under the aegis of > sively by the European Teaching Campaign, the National Spiritual Assembly of the > inaugurated in accordance with the provi- BahL'is of the United States, of one Na- > sions of the second Seven-Year Plan of the tional Spiritual Assembly in each one of the > American BahL'i Community, the Five-Year Scandinavian and Benelux Countries, and > Plan conceived by the German and Austrian those of the Iberian Peninsula, and one in > BahL'i Communities and the Two-Year Plan Finland, as well as the establishment, in col- > later initiated by the British Bahl'i Com- laboration with the Paris Spiritual Assem- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 169 > > Hands of the Cause of God present at the Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference, > Stockholm, Sweden, July 21-26, 1953. > > bly, of the National Spiritual Assembly of thirty virgin territories and islands: Albania, > the Bahi'is of France, the establishment, Crete, Estonia, Finno-Karelia, Frisian Is- > under the aegis of the National Spiritual As- lands, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, > sembly of the Bahi'is of Germany and Aus- Rumania, White Russia, assigned to the Na- > tria, of the National Spiritual Assembly of tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of > the Bahi'is of Austria, and the establish- Germany and Austria; Channel Islands, > ment, under the aegis of the National Spirit- Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Hebrides Islands, > ual Assembly of the BahB'is of the United Malta, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, as- > States, and in association with the National signed to the National Spiritual Assembly of > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Italy the BahVis of the British Isles; Andorra, > and Switzerland, of independent National Azores, Balearic Islands, Lofoten Islands, > Spiritual Assemblies in Italy and Switzer- Spitzbergen, Ukraine, assigned to the Na- > land. tional Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of > Second, the construction of the first the United States of America; Liechtenstein, > Ma&riquYl-Ad_hkCof Europe in the city of Monaco, Rhodes, San Marino, Sardinia, > Frankfurt, the heart of Germany, which oc- Sicily, assigned to the National Spiritual As- > cupies such a central position in the conti- sembly of the BahVis of Italy and Switzer- > nent of Europe. land. > Third, the purchase of land for the future Fifth, the translation and publication of > construction of two Mas_hriqu'l-ALhkBrs, BahC'i literature in the following ten lan- > one in the North in the city of Stockholm, guages to be undertaken by the National > and one in the South in the city of Rome, Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of the > the seat and stronghold of the most power- United States of America, through its Eu- > ful church in Christendom. ropean Teaching Committee: Basque, > Fourth, the opening of the following Estonian, Flemish, Lapp, Maltese, Piedmon- > 170 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > tese, Romani, Romansch, Yiddish, Ziryen. tribute; on whose southern shores Christen- > Sixth, the consolidation of Belgium, Den- dom first established its home; along whose > mark, Finland, France, Holland, Italy, Lux- eastern marches the mighty forces of the > embourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Cross and the Crescent so frequently > Switzerland, allocated to the National Spirit- clashed; on whose southwestern extremity a > ual Assembly of the BahP'is of the United fast evolving Islamic culture yielded its fair- > States of America; of Austria, Bulgaria, est fruit; in whose heart the light of the Ref- > Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Russian ormation shone so brightly, shedding its > S.F.S., Yugoslavia, allocated to the National rays as far as the outlying regions of the > Spiritual Assembly of the BahP'is of Ger- globe; the well-spring of American culture; > many and Austria; of Eire allocated to the whose northern and western fringes were > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahfi'is first warmed and illuminated, less than a > of the British Isles; of Iceland allocated to century ago, by the dawning light of the > the National Spiritual Assembly of the Revelation of Bahfi'u'llih; in whose heart a > Bahfi'is of Canada; and of Corsica allocated Community, so rich in promise, was subse- > to the National Spiritual Assembly of the quently established; whose soil was later > Bahfi'is of Italy and Switzerland. sanctified by the twice-repeated visit of the > Seventh, the incorporation of the thirteen appointed Center of His Covenant; which > above-mentioned National Spiritual Assem- witnessed, in consequence of the rise and es- > blies. tablishment of the Administrative Order of > Eighth, the establishment by these same His Faith, the erection of two of the fore- > National Spiritual Assemblies of national most pillars of the future Universal House > Bahfi'i endowments. of ~ustice;which, in recent years, sustained > Ninth, the establishment of a national the dynamic impact of a series of national > Haziratu'l-Quds in the capital city of each Plans preparatory to the launching of a > of the countries where National Spiritual world spiritual crusade-such a continent > Assemblies are to be established, as well as has at last at this critical hour-this great > one in London and one in Paris. turning-point in its fortunes-entered upon > Tenth, the formation of a National ~?ihP'i what may well be regarded as the opening > Publishing Trust in Frankfurt, Germany. phase of a great spiritual revival that bids > Eleventh, the formation of Israel Branches fair to eclipse any period in its spiritual his- > of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the tory. > Bahfi'is of the British Isles and of Germany May the elected representatives of the > and Austria, authorized to hold, on behalf National BahP'i Communities entrusted with > of their parent institutions, property dedi- the conduct of this momentous undertaking > cated to the holy Shrines at the World Cen- launched on the soil of this continent, aided > ter of the Faith in the State of Israel. by the Hands of the Cause and their aux- > Twelfth, the conversion to the Faith of iliary Board, reinforced by the local com- > representatives of the Basque and Gypsy munities, the groups and isolated believers > races. Thirteenth, the appointment, during sharing in this massive and collective enter- > Ridvin 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in prise, and supported by the subsidiary agen- > Europe, of an auxiliary Board of nine mem- cies to be appointed for its efficient prosecu- > bers who will, in conjunction with the four tion, be graciously assisted by the Lord of > National Spiritual Assemblies participating Hosts to contribute, in the years immedi- > in the European campaign, assist, through ately ahead, through their concerted efforts > periodic and systematic visits to Bahb'i cen- and collective achievements, in both the > ters, in the efficient and prompt execution of teaching and administrative spheres of > the Plans formulated for the prosecution of Bahb'i activity, to the success of this glo- > the teaching campaign in the European con- > rious Crusade, and lend a tremendous im- > tinent. > A continent, occupying such a central and petus to the conversion, the reconciliation > strategic position on the entire planet; so and the ultimate unification of the divers > rich and eventful in its history, so diversified and conflicting peoples, races, and classes > in its culture; from whose soil sprang both dwelling within the borders of a travailing, > the Hellenic and Roman civilizations; the a sorely-agitated, and spiritually-famished > mainspring of a civilization to some of continent. > whose features Bahb'u'llih Himself paid May all the privileged participators, en- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 171 > > listing under the banner of Bahi'u'llih for heroism as will rival, nay outshine, the feats > the promotion of so preeminent and meri- accomplished nineteen hundred years ago, > torious a Cause, be they from the Eastern or by that little band of God-intoxicated disci- > Western Hemisphere, of either sex, white or ples who, fearlessly preaching the Gospel of > colored, young or old, neophyte or veteran, a newly-arisen Messiah, contributed so de- > whether serving in their capacity as ex- cisively to the illumination, the regeneration > pounders of the teachings, or administrators, and the advancement of the entire European > of His Faith, as settlers or itinerant teachers, continent. > distinguish themselves by such deeds of SHOGHI > > REPORT OF THE EUROPEAN INTERCONTINENTAL > TEACHING CONFERENCE > > T H E Third Intercontinental Bahi'i Teach- Giachery. On this occasion Mrs. Baker re- > ing Conference, held in Stockholm, Sweden, marked, "I begin to understand why Europe > from July 21-26, 1953, can be described in has been considered the pulse of the world. > one word, Action! In this Jubilee celebration If we regenerate its pulse, the world may be > of Bahi'u'llih's Mission "the spirit of the conquered!" > Year Nine was revived" and the European Then, as the believers answered the roll > campaign was launched. call, three hundred and seventy-seven from > Visualize, for a moment, the large audi- thirty countries responded: One hundred > torium of the Medborgarhus [Citizens Hall], and ten from the ten goal countries,' > its stage decorated with pink gladiolas, yel- seventy-six from Germany, sixty-six from > low roses and carnations; Ugo Giachery, the frin, forty-two from England, and forty- > special representative of the Guardian at the eight from other lands! > speaker's table with Edna True, Chairman On the afternoon of this first day of the > of the European Teaching Committee, Mar- Conference, following the reading of the > ion Hofman, Co-Chairman for the Confer- prayer, "The Remover of Difficulties," > ence, Honor Kempton and Anne Lynch, the story of the meeting of Mull5 Husayn > secretaries. with the Bib, and the chanting of the Tab- > The Conference was convened by Edna let of Ahmad by a descendent of the Bib, > True on Wednesday morning, July 22, and the sacred gift of our beloved Guardian- > the message of the Guardian was read by the blessed portrait of His Holiness the Bbb > Ugo Giachery, outlining the thirteen goals -was unveiled. Profound reverence touched > of "so revolutionizing, so gigantic, so sacred each heart as the friends gazed on the por- > and beneficent a campaign." Honor Kemp- trait of the Blessed Bgb, creating a sense of > ton read messages and greetings from the dedication and consecration which was to > International Bahi'i Council, many of the burst into a flame of action! It was a holy > National Spiritual Assemblies, the European moment, a moment in eternity. > Teaching Committee and countless local As- The public meeting, held that night in the > semblies and individuals. Concerthus, brought an audience of almost > The Chairman then presented each of the seven hundred to hear Mrs. Gerd Strand of > fourteen Hands of the Cause who were Oslo, Norway, and Professor Zeine N. Zeine > present: Amelia Collins, Vice-President of of Beirut, Lebanon. Hans Odemyr of Stock- > the International Bahi'i Council, Charles holm presented the speakers after giving a > Mason Remey, President of the Interna- brief rCsum6 of the principles of the Faith. > tional Bahi'i Council, Dorothy Baker, Her- Mrs. Strand, who spoke in Swedish on "The > mann Grossmann, Adelbert Miihlschlegel, Spiritual Regeneration of the Individual > Valiyu'llbh Varqi, SJhu'i'u'llih 'Ali'i, Tar%- Man." pictured the "winter darkness of > u'llih Samandari. 'Ali-Akbar Furtitan. > c l Georgea Townshen& r Mfisb B a n W S Horace , Norway, Denmark, &lgi Holland, > Holley, JXhikru'llbh Khbdem and Ugo Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, France, Finland. > 172 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > doubt and restlessness" with the Bahl'i Rev- might be called a token contribution of > elation "coming as a sunrise from the east, $250. "Undoubtedly, the first payment," he > carrying the hope and promise of spring in added. This was followed by an offer of > its bosom." She reviewed the effects of edu- $5,000 each for Stockholm and Frankfurt, > cation and religion on the character of man another of $1,000 for each, and then came > and closed her talk with a quotation from offers in kroner, pesetas, marks, lire, francs, > BahA'u'llih giving the BahL'i standards of so that in a few moments a total of $8,567 > conduct. Professor Zeine, speaking of "The each was reached. But this was not all, for > Reconstruction of Human Society," ex- the floodgates had opened and BahL'is, > plained that the reason "we are living in ti young and old, gave cameras, wedding > time of confusion, perplexity and insecurity rings, Bahl'i rings, diamonds, watches, > is that most people have lost their sense of necklaces, earrings. One young man offered > values and their sense of direction, admit- to sell his motorcycle and walk. Two broth- > ting no authority higher than their own, re- ers offered to w&-k for two months on the > jecting spiritual authority." He logically un- Mas_hriqull-AdJhkbr in Frankfurt. Many laid > folded his subject, showing that "only God on the altar of sacrifice the last piece of > can save humanity from itself" and ended jewelry belonging to the family, heirlooms, > with the thought that "human society can- precious and historic gifts associated with > not be reconstructed on any solid, lasting the Holy family and the early believers, ob- > foundation unless we turn to God again." jects which could never be replaced. Some > The session Thursday morning opened of the gifts were given in memory of de- > with the reading of the cable to be sent to parted mothers, sisters, brothers, pioneers > the Guardian: Dagmar Dole and Johanna Schubarth; in > "Three hundred and seventy-seven believ- memory of the chairman of the Persian Na- > ers (from) thirty countries humbly thank tional Assembly and of Louis Gregory, first > (the) beloved Guardian (for the) sacred, Negro Hand of the Cause of Bahl'u'll6h. > blessed bounty (of his) priceless gift (and) Numerous gifts were given for the Stock- > join (in) heartfelt loving greetings. (Our) holm Mas_hriquYl-Aak6r;photographs and > hearts (are) joyously, solemnly united paintings of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, Persian rugs car- > (and) uplifted (by) your message (sent) rying the symbol of the Greatest Name, em- > through (your) honored representative broidered cloths, a silver picture frame, a > (and by) greetings from fourteen revered, vase, precious soil from the home of the B6b > beloved Hands (of the) Cause. (The) vision in I~f6h6n and other offerings from the > (of) Europe's great destiny (and this) im- friends. > mense Crusade calls us (to) rededication In the afternoon a glimpse of the First > (and a) greater loyalty. (We are) entreating and Second International Conferences was > your prayers. Devoted love, Third Intercon- given as Miis6 Banhi, S_hu'l'uyll6h 'AI6'i, > tinental Conference." Horace Holley, Mildred Mottahedeh and > Introducing the subject, "Launching the Beatrice Ashton made their reports. Mr. > European Campaign of the World-Embrac- Ban6ni told many interesting incidents in > ing Crusade," Dr. Giachery summarized the connection with t h e preparations for the > Guardian's cable for us and made an impas- Kampala Conference and explained how > sioned appeal for us not to consider our lim- seemingly insurmountable obstacles had > itations and human frailties but to arise, one been miraculously overcome, many at the > and all, to shoulder our responsibilities. He very last moment. General 'All'i compared > listed the three immediate goals as follows: the gathering to an experimental farm, > 1. T o get our pioneers to the virgin terri- wherein God was trying out new seeds > tories as soon as possible. which were destined to bring in a bumper > 2. To start translations. crop. He confessed that, before the Confer- > 3. T o purchase land for future Mas_hri- ence, he had had misgivings as to the firm- > qu'l-ALhk6rs in Rome and Stockholm ness of the African believers so recently > and the construction of the Ma&riqu'l- converted to the Faith. Much to his joy he > A&kir in Frankfurt. found that "each of these African believers > The response began immediately with is deep in the Faith . . . and that their > Horace Holley's announcement that the knowledge is superior to that of many of the > Bahl'is of America, through their National people who have been in the Faith for > Spiritual Assembly, were making what years." > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 173 > > The Temple Dedication was vividly de- Justice. "By 1963 we shall have a Universal > scribed by Horace Holley, who spoke of the House of Justice, no doubt, and in Baghdid > structural beauty of the edifice and of its in- witness to that great day of ~ a n i e cHe > terior ornamentation and read the statement could not live to see that day but he said, > made at the dedication in behalf of the 'Blessed are they who will see that day.' . . . > Guardian by Rtihiyyih Khinum. Then Mrs. Daniel, whose grave is in 'Iriq, will, in each > Mottahedeh covered the high points of the one of us, see his prophecy fulfilled. . . ." > Second Intercontinental Teaching Confer- Friday morning Ugo Giachery read the > ence held in Wilmette. The afternoon ses- paragraph of the Guardian's cable setting > sion closed with a showing of slides and forth Europe's part in the Global Crusade, > films taken by believers at the First and Sec- listing the territories in which we must have > ond Intercontinental Conferences and the pioneers before the end of the Jubilee year, > Temple Dedication. These were explained just a little over two months from now! He > by Beatrice Ashton. made a moving appeal saying, "We are > Two evenings of the Conference were de- young and strong and able to go; we all have > voted to the early history of the Faith, with our businesses, our family connections and > George Townshend and D_hikru'llih KhC things that are important to do, but when > dem speaking Thursday evening on "The we realize that we can do without them and > Sufferings of Bahi'u'llih and Their Signifi- that by pioneering we can accomplish some- > cance." Mr. Townshend explained that "the thing that will last for all eternity! . . . > pains, the griefs, the sorrows, the sufferings, "I am hoping that before the day is over > the rejections, the betrayals, the frustrations we shall be able to cable the Guardian that > which were the common lot of all the High every place is filled. The Guardian will in- > Prophets reached their culmination in Him" scribe i h e name of every pioneer on a spe- > and, he significantly added, "Not He Him- cial scroll, the Knights of Bahi'u'llih, and > self alone but the Cause of God was in this will remain forever in the inmost tomb > prison." Again, he said: "Wrongs done to of Bahi'u'llih in Bahji." > the founder of a religion have two inevitable Dr. Giachery then announced that an- > effects: one is that of retribution against the other message from the Guardian had been > wrong done-the severity of which we may received and read it to the assembled be- > judge from the two thousand year exile of lievers. > the Jewish people; the other is that of re- This cable from the beloved Guardian set > ward to the High Prophet through the re- ablaze the true spirit of sacrifice and de- > lease of fresh powers of life that otherwise voted souls responded to the call; singly., in > would have lain latent, enabling Him to families, in couples, offering to go wherever > pour forth Divine energies which in their needed. Sixty-three volunteered, in all: > boundlessness will utterly overwhelm the twenty-seven from the Persian ranks, eleven > forces of evil and empower Him to say, 'Be from England, four from Germany, fifteen > of good cheer, I have overcome the world.' " from the ten goal countries with five of- > Mr. Townshend closed with these words, fers from American pioneers now serving > "Love is a priceless thing, only to be won under the European Teaching Committee > at the cost of death . . . Those heroic souls and one from America. > who are rapt in the love of the Lord, they On Friday afternoon, the friends had the > are the true lovers." joy of seeing moving pictures of the Holy > Mr. Khidem traced the life of Bahi'u'llih places of the Faith in Israel. The beauty of > in His imprisonments and banishment. He the gardens, as well as the tremendous > told of His great sufferings and loneliness, achievements at the World Center, is just > pointing out that, "When we look back a one more miracle to add to the wondrous > hundred years ago, Bahi'u'llih was alone, testimonies to the power of Bahi'u'llih in > but now His lovers all around the world in our day! > twenty-five hundred localities in one hun- Friday evening, Horace Holley, in his > dred and twenty-nine countries speak of presentation of "The Birth and Develop- > Him in ninety different languages!" He then ment of the Institutions of the Faith," traced > enumerated many of the achievements of the power and authority of Bahi'u'llih per- > the Faith, ending with the establishment of petuated in Bahi'i institutions. "Now what > the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly, we have here is indeed a divine creation. It > another pillar of the Universal House of is humanity being raised toward God and > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 175 > > the divine grace of God descending to hu- believers to study the history of the Faith > manity . . . Therefore, in our daily lives and compare it with the early days of past > when we have troubles and difficulties of an religions. Mr. FurGtan showed that the dis- > administrative nature, let us not be too im- ciples of other religions had not fully recog- > patient or too easily discouraged because we nized the true and exalted station of their > are in the process of making possible the own prophets and gave examples of disobe- > formation of that spiritual body of the Uni- dience to the expressed wishes and com- > versal House of Justice. There is the basis of mands of Moses, Christ and Muhammad. > the world's peace. There is the order and As contrast, he cited the many examples of > security of the world. There is the nobility absolute obedience in the Bahh'i Faith. One, > and enlightenment of the human race . . . taken from the record of the last days of the > If by the purity of our motives, by the depths earthly life of the BBb, tells that when the > of our self-sacrifice, we could hasten by one Bib called for a volunteer to take His life > year or one month the establishment of that (not wishing, as He said, to die by the hand > body, the whole human race would bless us of an unbeliever) a youth sprang to his feet, > for that great gift." Mr. Holley concluded ready to obey His command and later ex- > with this thought: " 'Abdu'l-Bahi told us to plained that his obedience was to His Cause, > see God in every human face, and we not to His person; to His Word, not to His > should also see God in our institutions. personality. > When we do this, we can with more patience Mr. Furiitan closed his remarks by quot- > and insight join in this great new order of ing a saying of 'Abdu'l-Bahi: "A small > justice and peace." piece of cotton can prevent the ear from > Mr. Tarazu'llBh Samandari spoke of "The hearing sweet melodies. A very thin veil can > Stirring Episodes of the Early Days of the cover the eyes and make it impossible for > Faith." He said: "When there is a Divine them to see. A very small headache can > Beloved, He needs lovers . . . A farmer cause our mind to stop functioning . . . a > . > needs, first of all, soil in which to plant . . small drop of mortal poison can kill the per- > The Manifestations require the heart in son who takes it. The veils of selfishness are > which to plant their love . . . In the days like the piece of cotton, the thin veil, the > of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi, there were small headache and the drop, but those > lovers who went through the fire of martyr- heroic souls, the Dawn-Breakers, did not let > dom." Mr. Samandari pointed out that to- any veils come in between them and their > day "Pioneering is the equivalent of martyr- true responsibility." > dom and suffering. They will reap the same At the opening of the session Saturday > fruits as the early believers for their sacri- morning a letter from King Gustav Adolph > fice." He told of 'Abdu'l-BahB's prophecy of Sweden was read in which he acknowl- > that kings would one day carry flowers to edged receipt of the Jubilee booklet. > the Shrine of BahB'u'llBh and visit the Holy Dr. Grossmann then called attention to > Places of the Bahh'i world. four maps of Europe on which were desig- > One time, in the presence of BahB'u'llBh nated the goals of each of the four National > as He chanted the Tablet to the Sulfin, Mr. Spiritual Assemblies and Local Spiritual As- > Samandari said: "He was seen in two states semblies in the European campaign and en- > at the same time; that of the majesty and deavored to orient, geographically, the > might of kingship, and one of modesty and needs of the Crusade. He brought out many > meekness; the two could be seen, side by interesting historical facts with regard to > side." In conclusion, he related a story of these countries and enumerated the lan- > the last days of the Blessed Perfection. He guages into which Bahgi literature is to be > had summoned all the believers to come to translated during the next ten years. > His bedside and chanted verses from the At this point a letter written by R6hiyyih > Book of Aqdas referring to His passing. See- KhBnum at the request of the Guardian was > ing the believers overcome with grief, He read by Dr. Giachery: 'The friends in > counseled them, "The most important attri- Stockholm must realize that the most im- > bute in the life of the believers should be portant institutions to support at this time > love and unity." are the London Haziratu'l-Quds and the > In beginning his presentation of "The funds for the Temple land in Stockholm and > Dawn-Breakers," Mr. 'Ali-Akbar FurGtan Frankfurt. The back of some of the hardest > said that the Guardian had instructed the work in the plan will then be broken. . . . > 176 T H E B A H A.'P W O R L D > > The Guardian wishes that the friends should 'Abdu'l-Bahi when He told them to build > do their utmost to fill the remaining virgin the Ma&riqu'l-ALhkBr. "Little by little the > territories and after returning home they friends began to contribute their funds to > should urge the Bahb'is generally to do the build the Temple. After a while we had suffi- > same. The Hands of the Cause in their cient funds to begin construction and by the > travels should do likewise. . . ." time the Temple was completed $2,600,000 > John Ferraby, Secretary of the National had been spent! Because the BahB'is con- > Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, was centrated on carrying out the Master's wish, > asked to report on the efforts made thus far they produced a building that is the glory of > in England to secure a site for their Haqira- America. The Master told Mrs. Corinne > tu'l-Quds. "Nearly the whole of the center True who was the first and, for many years, > of London is owned by a few landowners," the financial secretary, that they must make > he said, "and the few properties available a beginning and then all things would come > command a very high price indeed. There is and, therefore, no matter how small or how > only one property offered which seems in weak your community is, realize that it is > any way suitable. If we cannot find a the seed from which will come the fruitful > cheaper place, the Guardian has told us we trees!" > may purchase it. . . . For a lease they are At the beginning of the afternoon session, > asking five thousand pounds sterling, but for Amelia Collins, at the request of our Guard- > the land thirteen thousand pounds sterling, ian, showed the latest photographs of de- > making a total of eighteen thousand pounds velopments in the work on the Shrine of the > in all. The Guardian has cabled two thou- Bib and explained how, on the day of the > sand pounds toward the cost." Feast of RidvAn, the Guardian had sealed a > Again the Conference was moved to ac- bit of the plaster from the ceiling of the > tion and excitement mounted as contribu- prison room of the Bib at M6h-K6 behind > tions were offered. Soon it was announced one of the golden tiles in the Dome of the > that the London Ha~iratu'l-Quds was as- Shrine. > sured a very substantial amount by this Discussing "Opening up New Territo- > Conference. ries," Edna True outlined some salient con- > Consultation on the Guardian's cable siderations and shared experiences of the > continued and many points were clarified, European Teaching Committee in the work > among them the meaning of "incorporation" in Europe. Dorothy Ferraby, of England, > and "national endowments," set forth by reviewed the work of the British Africa > Horace Holley. "The legal incorporation of Committee in its collaboration with other > a national or local assembly," he said, "is National Spiritual Assemblies in the devel- > very important from several points of view. opment of the first world project. Dorothy > In the first place, it produces recognition Baker followed with practical suggestions > and enhances the prestige of the Faith and for opening new territories and placing pio- > in the second place, it brings to the BahB'i neers, using Spitzbergen as a concrete exam- > community the advantage of legal protec- ple. Honor Kempton spoke on spiritual > tion in the case of lawsuits, litigation, etc. prerequisites and practical preparation for > Finally, it creates of the institution of the pioneers, suggesting The Advent of Divine > Spiritual Assembly a legal person, a cor- Justice and The Challenging Requirements > porate body which is free from the personal- of the Present Hour as excellent textbooks > ities of the nine members. This legal person for this study. Many pioneers in the Euro- > has perpetuity of existence." In considering pean field shared their experiences for the > endowments, he added, "In the future the remainder of the afternoon. > Local Spiritual Assembly and, of course, the The night of the Unity Banquet arrived. > National Spiritual Assembly will build A full moon watched its reflection in the > schools, libraries and other BahB'i institu- waters surrounding Stockholm's Town Hall. > tions. As these institutions come into exist- Inside, the magnificent Golden Room, daz- > ence they are held legally by the aggregate zling in its splendor, was filled with joyous > body and not by the nine members of the "God-intoxicated souls" gathered to com- > Spiritual Assembly. The nine members of memorate the great Jubilee of the Year > the Spiritual Assembly are the trustees of Nine. In this perfect setting all were en- > these properties." He drew attention to the chanted, as the Guardian's special repre- > lesson taught the American believers by sentative, the President and the Vice-Presi- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 177 > > dent of the International Bahi'i Council, achieve settlement of the goal areas as > Hands of the Cause, seven members from quickly as possible. He read the following > National Spiritual Assemblies, delegates cable, sent to the Guardian by the Hands of > from each of the goal countries, and visitors the Cause and representatives of the Na- > from other lands were presented. Heart- tional Spiritual Assemblies: > warming greetings in many languages "Fourteen Hands (and) members (of the > heightened the spirit of love and unity in the following) National Spiritual Assemblies: > hearts until all were "as one soul in many United States, British Isles, Germany, Italo- > bodies." Each believer, leaving this golden Swiss, IrLn, 'Irgq, present (at) Stockholm, > scene, carried with him a precious little consulting (on the) rapid settlement (of) > packet of petals from the Shrine of Bahi'uY- pioneer territories, impressed (by the) spir- > llih, brought from the Holy Land for this itual fervor (and) capacity (of the) Third > occasion. As it had opened, the Unity Ban- Conference, pledge (and) humbly beseech > quet closed with chanting by Persian be- prayers. Devoted love." > lievers. The Jubilee had indeed been befit- Dorothy Baker reported that of the Euro- > tingly commemorated. pean goals assigned to the National Spiritual > Summarizing the Conference next morn- Assembly of the United States, the Azores, > ing, Marion Hofman declared, "These days Balearic Islands, Lofoten Islands, and Spitz- > have been days of faith, obedience, detach- bergen had been filled, leaving one virgin > ment, love, heroism, and sacrifice!" As ex- territory to be assigned-Andorra. As she > amples she pointed out that even before the spoke, a believer immediately offered to > Guardian's request that the friends establish pioneer in that country. > Funds to purchase Temple sites, $27,000 Dr. Eugen Schmidt announced that pio- > had been donated; that, in response to the neers under the National Spiritual Assembly > appeal of the Guardian for the participants of Germany and Austria had been assigned > to "swell the roll of honor through enlisting to Greece, Frisian Islands and Crete. > promptly under the unfurled banner of the Dr. Ugo Giachery announced for the > advancing Hosts of BahB'uqllhh," one out of Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly that > seven arose and enlisted under that banner. assignments have been made for Monaco, > A third achievement she likened to the Sicily, Rhodes, and Sardinia. This left Liech- > Holiest Temple of the B a h s World. "As tenstein and San Marino but, again, be- > that building of steel and concrete rose in lievers immediately rose to volunteer for > Wilmette, a symbol of the transcendence of these posts. > the Cause . . . it brought joy to the believ- Mr. Ferraby, Secretary of the National > ers around the world . . . even so does the Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, an- > arising of the European BahB'i community nounced assignments to Cyprus, Malta, and > reinforce all of us." the Shetland Islands. Pioneers were avail- > At the close of the morning session, Edna able to fill other posts, he said, but funds > True expressed the appreciation of the Eu- were lacking. A Persian believer at once as- > ropean Teaching Committee for the assist- sured the necessary amount to send pioneers > ance given by all who contributed to the to the Channel, Hebrides and Orkney Is- > success of the Stockholm Conference. Ugo lands, while a BahB'i from Sweden offered > Giachery, the Guardian's special representa- to settle in the Faroe Islands. > tive to the Stockholm Conference, com- Thus, pioneers were assigned to all the > mented on the maturity which the European territories to be opened to the Faith in > community had reached, lauded the Euro- Europe! For those territories where, for the > pean Teaching Committee and the pioneers present, admittance to the countries cannot > for their work and addressed special thanks be secured, the pioneers are preparing them- > to the Persian friends who contributed so selves by thrift and study for the moment > generously to the achievement of the Euro- when they shall take their posts. The others > pean goals. either are en route or planning their im- > Closing the Conference Sunday after- minent departures to positions for the wag- > noon, Horace Holley announced that the ing of the World Crusade. > representatives of the National Spiritual As- With these miracles of action the Confer- > semblies had held several sessions during ence drew to its close. In his farewell re- > the Conference and had appointed a special marks, Mr. Khidem drew attention to other > committee to accept all pioneer offers and tangible miracles: the presence at the Con- > 178 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > ference, as Bahi'is, of a descendent of backbone of the S_hayk_hisis broken." > Ni~iri'd-Din S_hih, a descendent of the The Third Intercontinental BahL'i Teach- > Imgm Jum'ih whose father's uncle was the ing Conference closed with the reading, in > Son of the Wolf, and the former head of English and in the original Persian, of > the S_hay&i School of Isfihin, at whose 'Abdu'l-BahB's prayer for the unity of East > declaration as a believer it was said, "the and West. > > 5. T H E ASIAN I N T E R C O N T I N E N T A L > T E A C H I N G C O N F E R E N C E H E L D I N NEW > DELHI, INDIA, OCTOBER 7-15, 1953 > > THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE TO THE CONFERENCE > Presented by CHARLES > MASONREMEY > > T O THE Hands of the Cause, the mem- Faith in the entire Eastern Hemisphere- > bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies, my thoughts, on such an occasion, go back > the pioneers, the resident believers and to the early dawn of our Faith, to those > visitors attending the Asian Intercontinental unforgettabie scenes of matchless heroism, > Teaching Conference in New Delhi, India. of dark tragedy, of imperishable glory > which heralded its birth, and accompanied > Well-beloved friends : the spread, of its infant Light in the heart of > With high hopes and a joyful heart I ac- the Asiatic continent. > claim the convocation, in the leading city of I vividly recall the meteoric rise of the > the Indian sub-continent, of the fourth and Faith of the Bib in the provinces of Persia > last of the Intercontinental Teaching Con- and the stirring episodes associated with His > ferences of a memorable Holy Year com- cruel incarceration in the mountain-fast- > memorating the centenary of the birth of nesses of Ad&rb&yjin, with the revelation > the prophetic Mission of BahB'u'llih. of the laws of His Dispensation, with the > On this historic occasion, when the mem- proclamation of the independence of His > bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Faith, with the peerless heroism of His dis- > the Bahi'is of the United States of America, ciples, with the fiendish cruelty of His foes > of the Dominion of Canada, of Central and -the Chief Magistrate, the civil authorities, > South America, of Persia, of the Indian sub- the ecclesiastical dignitaries and the masses > continent and of Burma, of 'Iriq and of of the people, of His native land-with the > Australasia, as well as representatives of the humiliation, the spoliation, the dispersal, the > sovereign states and dependencies of the eventual massacre of a vast number of His > Asiatic continent, of the Republics of followers, and, above all, with His own ex- > North, Central and South America, and of ecution in the City of Tabriz. > Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are With a throb of wonder I call to mind the > assembled, and are to deliberate on the early and sudden fruition of Ilis Dispensa- > needs and requirements of the recently tion in the capital city of that land, and the > launched triple Campaign embracing the > dramatic circumstances attending the birth > Asiatic mainland, the Australian continent > and the islands of the P a c s c Ocean-a of Bahi'u'llih's Revelation culminating in > campaign which may well be regarded as His precipitate banishment to 'Iriq. > the most extensive, the most arduous and I am reminded, moreover, of the initial > the most momentous of all the campaigns of spread of the light of this Revelation, in > a world-girdling Crusade, and which, in its consequence of the banishment of BahB'u'- > scope, is unparalleled in the history of the llih, to the adjoining territories of 'Irhq, > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 179 > > and, as far as the western fringes of that ism were performed, and in many of whose > continent, to Turkey and the neighboring territories such brilliant victories have been > territories of Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, won, to contribute, in association with its > and, at a later stage, to the Indian sub-con- sister continents, to the progress and ulti- > tinent and China, situated on the southern male triumph of this global Crusade, in a > and eastern extremities of that continent as manner befitting its unrivaled position in > well as to the Caucasus and Russian Turki- the entire BahQ'i world. > stin. The various BahB'i Communities dwelling > Nor can I fail to remember the series of within the borders of this continent and > alternating crises and victories each con- those situated to the south of its shores in > stituting a landmark in the evolution of the the Antipodes, which include the oldest and > Faith-which it has experienced in some of most venerable among all the communities > these territories, associated with the dis- of the Bahi'i world, and whose members in > tressful withdrawal of its Author to the their aggregate constitute the overwhelming > mountains of Suliminiyyih; with the glori- majority of the followers of Bahi'u'llih, are > ous Declaration of His Mission in Baghdid; called upon, in close association with four > with His second and third banishments to other Bahi'i communities in the Western > Constantinople and Adrianople; with the Hemisphere, to undertake in the course of > grievous rebellion of His half-brother; with the coming decade: > the proclamation of His own Mission; with First, the construction of the first Ma- > His fourth banishment to the desolate and driqu'l-Adhkir in Bahi'u'llih's native land, > far-off penal colony of 'Akki in Syria; with in the City of TihrAn, surnamed by Bahii'u'- > the revelation of the Kitib-i-Aqdas, His llih "Mother of the World." > Most Holy Book; with His ascension in the Second, the purchase of land for the > Holy Land; with the establishment of His future construction of three Mas_hriqu71- > Covenant and the inauguration of the Min- A a k i r s , one in the City of Baghdid, en- > A > > istry of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, His son and the shrining the "Most Great House," the third > Exemplar and authorized Interpreter of His holiest city of the Bahi'i world, one in New > teachings. Delhi, the leading city of the Indian sub- > These opening stages in the evolution of continent, and the third in Sydney, the > His Faith in the Asiatic continent were fol- oldest and foremost Bahi'i Center in the > lowed, while the first and Apostolic Age of Antipodes. > His Dispensation was drawing to a close, by Third, the formation of no less than > the opening of the Islands situated in the eleven National Spiritual Assemblies, one > Pacific Ocean, Japan in the north, and the each in PikistBn, Burma and Ceylon, under > Australian continent in the South. To these the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly > memorable chapters of Asian Bahi'i history of the Bahi'is of India, Pikistin and > another was soon added, on the morrow of Burma; one in Turkey and one in Afghini- > the ascension of the Center of Bahi'u'llih's stin, under the aegis of the National7Spir- > Covenant, and during the initial epoch of itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Persia; one > the Formative Age of the Faith, distin- in Japan, under the aegis of the National > guished by the rise of the Administrative Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the > Order and the erection of its pillars in the United States of America; one in New Zea- > cradle of that Faith, in 'Iriq, in India, land, under the aegis of the National Spir- > Pikistin and Burma and in the Antipodes. itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia > This memorable episode in its development and New Zealand, as well as four regional > in that vast continent was succeeded by the National Spiritual Assemblies, one in the > initiation, during the second epoch of that Arabian Peninsula, under the aegis of the > same Age, of a series of Plans in those same National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > territories in support of 'Abdu'l-BahL's Di- > vine Plan and as a prelude to the opening of of Persia; one in South-East Asia, under the > the recently launched world-embracing aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of > Spiritual Crusade. the BahB'is of India, Pikistin and Burma; > The hour has now struck for this conti- a third in the South Pacific, under the aegis > nent, on whose soil, more than a century of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > ago, so much sacred blood was shed, in BahL'is of the United States of America; > whose very heart deeds of such tragic hero- and a fourth in the Near East, under the > THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of Indonesia, Malaya, Nepal, PLkistSn, Sara- > the BahQis of 'Iriq. wak, Siam, allocated to the National Spirit- > Fourth, the opening of the following ual Assembly of the Bahb'is of India, Piki- > forty-one virgin territories and islands : s d n and Burma; of China, Formosa, Japan, > Andaman Islands, Bhutan, Daman, Diu, Korea, Manchuria, Philippine Islands, allo- > Goa, Karikal, MahB, Mariana Islands, Nico- cated to the National Spiritual Assembly of > bar Islands, Pondicherry, Sikkim, assigned the BahPis of the United States of America; > to the National Spiritual Assembly of the of Jordan, Koweit, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, > Bahb'is of India, PLkistLn and Burma; Caro- Trucial Sheiks, 'UmmLn, allocated to the > line Islands, Dutch New Guinea, Hainan National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis > Island, Kazakhstan, Macao Island, Sakhalin of 'Iriq; of Bismarck Archipelago, Fiji, > Island, Tibet, Tonga Islands, assigned to the New Caledonia, Australian New Guinea, al- > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis located to the National Spiritual Assembly > of the United States of America; Brunei, of the BahB'is of Australia and New Zea- > Chagos Archipelago, Kirgizia, Mongolia, land; of Hong Kong, allocated to the Na- > Solomon Islands, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan, tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of > assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly British Isles. > of the Bahb'is of Persia; Admiralty Islands, Seventh, the incorporation of the eleven > Cocos Island, Loyalty Islands, Mentawai above-mentioned National Spiritual Assem- > Islands, New Hebrides Islands, Portuguese blies, as well as those of Persia and 'Iriq. > Tirnor, Society Islands, assigned to the Na- Eighth, the establishment by these above- > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of mentioned eleven National Spiritual Assem- > Australia and New Zealand; Gilbert and blies of national Bahb'i endowments. > Ellice Islands, Marshall Islands, Tuamotu Ninth, the establishment of a national > Archipelago, assigned to the National Spir- Haziratu'l-Quds in the capital cities of each > itual Assembly of the BahPis of Central of the countries where National Spiritual > America; Hadhramaut, Kuria-Muria Islands, Assemblies are to be established, as well as > assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly one in Suva, one in Jakarta, one in Bahrayn > of the BahB'is of 'Iriq; Marquesas Islands, and one in Beirut. > Samoa Islands, assigned to the National Tenth, the establishment of a national > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of Can- Bahd'i Court in the capital cities of Persia, > ada; Cook Islands, assigned to the National of 'Irhq, of Pikistin and of Afghinistbn- > Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of South the leading Muslim centers in The Asiatic, > America. continent. > Fifth, the translation and publication of Eleventh, the establishment of two- na- > BahB'i literature in the following forty tional BahB'i Publishing Trusts, one in > languages, to be undertaken by the National TihrLn and one in New Delhi. > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of India, Twelfth, the formation of Israel branches > PikistLn and Burma, in association with the of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is Bahb'is of Persia, of 'IrLq, and of Australia, > of Australia and New Zealand: Abor Miri, authorized to hold on behalf of their parent > Aneityum, Annamese, Balochi, Bentuni, institutions property dedicated to the holy > Binandere, Cheremiss, Chungchia, Geor- Shrines at the World Center of the Faith in > gian, Houailou, Javanese, Kado, Kaili, the State of Israel. > Kopu, Kusaie, Lepcha, Lifu, Manchu, Thirteenth, the appointment, during Rid- > Manipuri, Manus Island, Marquesas, Men- vin 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in > tawai, Mongolian, Mordoff, Mwala, Na-Hsi, Asia and in Australia of an auxiliary Board > Nicobarese, Niue, Ossete, Ostiak, Pali, of nine members who will, in conjunction > Panjabi, Pashto, Perm, Petats, Samoan, with the eight National Spiritual Assemblies > Th6, Tibetan, Tongan, Vogul. participating in the Asiatic and Australian > Sixth, the consolidation of Aden Protec- campaigns, assist, through periodic and > torate, Ad_hirbiyjin, AfghinistLn, Ahsi, Ar- systematic visits to BahL'i centers, in the effi- > menia, Bahrayn Islanz Georgia, Hijgz, cient and prompt execution of the Plans > Saudi-Arabia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ye- formulated for the prosecution of the teach- > men, allocated to the National Spiritual As- ing campaigns in the continent of Asia and > sembly of the BahHs of Persia; of Balfichi- in the Antipodes. > stsn, Borneo, Burma, Ceylon, Indo-China, The Asiatic continent, the cradle of the > CENTENARY OF BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 181 > > principal religions of mankind; the home of the launching of a world-encompassing Cru- > so many of the oldest and mightiest civiliza- sade, on the threshold of an era that may > tions which have flourished on this planet; well recall in its glory and ultimate repercus- > the crossways of so many kindreds and sions, the great periods of spiritual revival > races; the battleground of so many peoples which, from the dawn of recorded history > and nations; above whose horizons, in mod- have, at various stages in the revelation of > ern times, the suns of two independent Rev- God's purpose for mankind, illuminated the > elations-the promise and consummation of path of the human race. > a six thousand year old religious Cycle- May this Crusade, launched simultane- > have successively arisen; where the Authors ously on the Asiatic mainland, its neighbor- > of both of these Revelations suffered banish- ing islands and the Antipodes, under the > ment and died; within whose confines the direction of eight National Spiritual Assem- > Center of a divinely-appointed Covenant blies, and through the operation of eight > was born, endured a forty-year incarcera- systematic Teaching Plans, and the con- > tion and passed away; on whose Western certed efforts of BahB'i communities in both > extremity the Qiblih of the BahC'i world has the East and the West, provide, as it unfolds, > been definitely established; in whose heart an effective antidote to the baneful forces > the city proclaimed by BahL'u'llBh as the of atheism, nationalism, secularism and > "Mother of the World" is enshrined; within materialism that are tearing at the vitals of > whose borders another City regarded as the this turbulent continent, and may it re-enact > "Cynosure of an adoring world" and the those scenes of spiritual heroism which, > scene of the greatest and most glorious Rev- more than any of-the secular revolutions > elation the world has witnessed is em- which have agitated its face, have left their > bosomed; on whose soil so many saints, everlasting imprint on the fortunes of the > heroes and martyrs, associated with both of peoples and nations dwelling within its > these Revelations, have lived, struggled and borders. > died-such a continent, so privileged among -SHOGHI > its sister continents and yet so long and so Haifa, Israel > sadly tormented, now stands at the hour of October, 1953. > > REPORT OF THE ASIAN INTERCONTINENTAL > TEACHING CONFERENCE > > T H E fourth Intercontinental Teaching sembled anywhere in the world. Here were > Conference held under the auspices of the seen the many races and peoples of India, > National Spiritual Assembly of India, PBki- Pikistin and Burma, Ceylon, Indonesia, > stQn and Burma convened the first interna- Australia and New Zealand, Persia, 'IrQq, > tional BahL'i gathering ever to be held in the Egypt, Africa, Turkey, Europe, Canada, > East. This great event took place in New United States, Central and South America, > Delhi, the picturesque metropolis of India, unified in spirit and purpose within the > from October 7-15, 1953. West had come Guardian's consummate application of the > East at the behest of the Guardian. The Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-BahB for the re- > attendance registered four hundred and demption and unification of humanity at the > eighty-nine, coming from thirty-one coun- time of impending peril. > tries. The President of the Indian Republic, Surmounting the difficulties of language, > Dr. Rajendra Prasad, declared that it was the Conference exemplified that world unity > the first gathering of its kind in the East. which already exists among Bahi'is. Its ses- > The delegates assembled beneath the sions concentrated the forces of the BahL'i > colorful canopy erected on the grounds of world upon those goals of the Ten-Year > the Constitution Club-undoubtedly the Plan which are to establish firmly the Faith > most varied coilgregation of Bal12is yet as- of BahL'u'llih throughout the lands of the > 182 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > Far East and the islands of the South Pacific race filled with tea tables under the soft light > Ocean. of late afternoon. There were about one > After devotions conducted in English, thousand guests, including high officials of > Persian, Hindustani and Burmese, the Con- the Indian government, representatives from > ference was opened by the Chairman of the embassies and consulates, and men from the > Indian National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. press. > 'Abbls 'Ali Butt, with a gracious address of In addition, the National Spiritual As- > welcome : sembly arranged to present delegations of > "On behalf of the Bahl'is of India, Plki- Bahb'is to the three leaders of the Indian > st6n and Burma, I welcome the representa- government-Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Presi- > tive of the beloved Guardian, the Hands of dent; Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President; > the Cause, the representatives of the Na- and Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister > tional Spiritual Assemblies, and the friends -each on a separate occasion and in his > who have come to participate in this great own office or reception room. > Conference." The evening before the Conference, a > Chairman Butt concluded his address reception was held at the Hotel Imperial > with the following survey of the Faith in for the representatives of the local and > India, Burma and PSkistSn. "We have a foreign press. Reporters from over thirty > Publishing Committee and have published newspapers and news agencies had the op- > Bahi'i literature in all the languages of portunity to meet Mr. Remey, the Guard- > India and PlkistLn and the principal lan- ian's representative, a number of other > guages of Burma, Ceylon and Indonesia, Hands of the Cause, and delegates from > reaching a total of twenty-six languages. many countries. Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, > "We hold trust properties valued at more International Observer for the Bahb'is at the > than one million rupees in the three coun- United Nations, served as chairman and > tries of India, PlkistQn and Burma. We have made a statement on the purpose of the > a school in Panchgani where we have re- New Delhi Conference. This was followed > cently purchased an extensive piece of land." by Mrs. Dorothy Baker's outline of the > All arrangements for the sessions, which history of the Cause and plans for expansion > were varied, dramatic and altogether ap- during the ten-year World Crusade. > pealing, were made by the Indian National One evening was devoted to a program of > Spiritual Assembly. They displayed remark- Indian dancing and music given by profes- > able initiative and resourcefulness in making sional entertainers. On another occasion, an > the Conference an occasion for outstanding organized sight-seeing tour, making use of a > public events and contacts. fleet of ten forty-seat buses, enabled the > As at the previous Intercontinental Con- delegates to visit historical and other famous > ferences, the agenda included public meet- spots. Looking upon the remnants of a > ings-one held on the grounds of the Con- glorious past, the visiting Bahi'is felt the > stitution Club and one in New Delhi Town inherent capacity of the Indian people to > Hall. The Guardian's representative, Charles build a new civilization, as part of the great > Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause and world civilization of the future. > President of the International Council, pre- To return to the Conference proper: fol- > sided at the first. The theme was "Universal lowing the address of welcome, the Guard- > Peace-A Need and Exigency of the Time," ian's message to the Conference was pre- > and the speakers were Horace Holley, Doro- sented by Mason Remey. > thy Baker and Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hands of Of the thirteen goals set forth by Shoghi > the Cause, and Stanley Bolton, Sr. Mrs. Effendi in this communication, the Con- > Baker presided at the Town Hall meeting ference made immediate effort to fulfill the > which was based on the theme "Towards fourth goal, "the opening of. . . . forty- > a World Federation," the speakers being one virgin territories and islands"; and the > H. C. Featherstone, John Robarts, Mildred second goal, "the purchase of land for the > Mottahedeh and Abu'l Qasim Faizi. future construction of three Ma&riquYl- > This Conference, however, surpassed the AakSrs, one in the city of BaghdSd, - en- > previous Conferences in that it provided a shrining the 'Most Great House,' the third > public reception and tea in the garden of the holiest city of the BahB'i world, one in New > Imperial Hotel. The scene was picturesque Delhi, the leading city of the Indian sub- > and charming-the spacious lawn and ter- continent, and the third in Sydney, the old- > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 183 > > est and foremost Bahfi'i center in the Antip- understanding engendered by the Guard- > odes." ian's Message was heightened by the privi- > The achievement of these goals was hand- lege of viewing the Portrait of the Bib, the > somely supported by the Conference: Forty- Martyr Prophet of the Faith. One by one, > five thousand dollars was contributed to- kneeling before it in awe and reverence, ris- > ward the purchase of the three tracts of ing to behold the likeness of the divine > land; seventy-four pioneers offered their Herald, anointed by the Guardian's repre- > services, were interviewed by a special com- sentative with attar of rose, the followers of > mittee and twenty-five of them were able to the Cause of God besought the purity es- > depart almost immediately to their posts; al- sential to service in His Kingdom. > most ten thousand dollars was contributed During the afternoon of the first day of > to a fund for pioneer budgets and all appli- the Conference, another message from the > cations from pioneers not assigned definite Guardian, a cablegram, was presented. It > posts at this time were referred to the Na- bore a triple announcement: the completion > tional Spiritual Assemblies concerned. of the Shrine of the Bib; the arrival of nine- > It was reported that the Indian National teen additional pioneers at their posts; and > Spiritual Assembly had chosen the site for preliminary steps taken toward the acquisi- > the future House of Worship, nine acres tion of an extensive area preparatory to pur- > overlooking New Delhi. chase of the site for the future House of > "Such a Continent," the Guardian wrote, Worship on Mt. Carmel, through the mu- > "so privileged among its sister continents nificent donation by Mrs. Amelia Collins, > and yet so long and so sadly tormented, now Hand of the Cause. > stands at the hour of the launching of a The Guardian urged that this triple > world-encompassing Crusade, on the thresh- bounty called for concerted exertion on the > old of an era that may well recall in its part of the assembled believers to carry out > glory and ultimate repercussions, the great a triple responsibility. First, redoubled con- > periods of spiritual revival which, from the secration to the task of sending pioneers, > dawn of recorded history have, at various particularly into the Pacific area; second, in- > stages in the revelation of God's purpose creased self-sacrifice in order to purchase > for mankind, illuminated the path of the land for future Temples in Asia; third, ear- > human race. nest consultation by representatives of the > "May this Crusade, launched simultane- Persian and 'Iriqi National Spiritual As- > ously on the Asiatic mainland, its neighbor- semblies and the assembled Hands of the > ing islands and the Antipodes, under the Cause on thorough investigation of ways > direction of eight National Spiritual As- and means to insure the purchase of Holy > semblies, and through the operation of eight Places, particularly the site of the Siyih- > systematic Teaching Plans and the con- Chil, as well as identification and transfer to > certed efforts of BahB'i communities in both Bahfi'i cemeteries of the bodies of relatives > the East and the West, provide, as it un- of the Bib and Bahfi'u'llih. The Guardian > folds, an effective antidote to the baneful also expressed his ardent hope that the New > forces of atheism, nationalism, secularism Delhi Conference would contribute in un- > and materialism that are tearing at the vitals precedented degree to the ultimate attain- > of this turbulent continent, and may it re- ment of the goals of the World Crusade. > enact those scenes of spiritual heroism The Conference agenda as prepared and > which, more than any of the secular revolu- printed by the Indian National Assembly > tions which have agitated its face, have left was set aside at this point because of the > their everlasting imprint on the fortunes of Guardian's cable and instead, the purchase > the peoples and nations dwelling within its of three Temple sites, the sending of pio- > borders." neers and the purchase of Holy Places in > The Guardian likewise described to the frin and 'Iriq took priority and became the > Conference the teaching campaign upon focus of attention. > which it was to deliberate, "a campaign Mr. Horace Holley emphasized the need > which may well be regarded as the most ex- for action and closed his talk by stating that > tensive, the most arduous and the most a world poised for suicide could never be > momentous of all the campaigns of a world- healed unless we spread the Faith of Bahi'- > girdling Crusade." u'llih. Dr. Ugo Giachery and other speakers > The spirit of consecration and deepened reiterated the call for action. > 184 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > To give inspiration and help to delegates Japan is endowed with the most remarkable > already thinking of offering their services as capacity for the spread of the Cause of > pioneers, those who had taken this step in God. . . .' " > earlier years spoke of their experiences. Mr. Mfis6 Ban6ni from Kampala, > These talks were interspersed with a steady Uganda [British East Africa] was then asked > flow of volunteering pioneers who came to to speak: > the platform and were presented to the as- "I was in Tihrin when the call of the > semblage. A moving statement was made by Guardian came for pioneers for Africa, and > 'Ali-Akbar Furhtan, Hand of the Cause, finally I decided to go with Mr. 'Ali Nakh- > quoting from 'Abdu'l-Bah6 on the spiritual jav6ni. Overcoming many difficulties, both > significance of pioneering, and likening of us got our visas. I settled in Kampala > events today to the early days of Christian- where 'Ali joined me and after some months > ity. we had two believers. We lived in a hotel > The first of the early pioneers to speak and the teaching work was done while walk- > was Mrs. Clara Dunn, Hand of the Cause, ing in the street; the morning prayers were > and spiritual mother of Australia and New held in the parks. Then the Guardian per- > Zealand, who said: mitted both Mrs. Banini and me to make > "Dear friends, this is the most wonderful the pilgrimage to Haifa. He gave us many > occasion of my life. My late husband, John instructions and on the last day, he ap- > Henry Hyde Dunn, and I responded to the pointed me Hand of the Cause for Africa. > Divine Plan. I want to tell those who have While we were away, 'Ali had been living > answered the call of the Guardian to stand and teaching in the villages and when we > and go. It will be the greatest joy and returned, little by little the number of be- > pleasure of your lives even if the tests come. lievers grew. > We need them to prove us. Bahi'u'll6h paid "We heard from the Guardian that the > the price, set the pace, and the Master majority of believers attending the Kampala > rAbdu'l-Bah61 gave us the path to follow. Conference would be Africans or native be- > We have nothing to fear. If we have faith lievers, but when the time came for the > we can conquer the whole world. The Su- Conference, they thought they would have > preme Concourse is waiting to help to stay at home to help with the harvest. > US. . . ." Moreover, their friends had told them that > Then Miss Agnes Alexander told the the white people would gather them in and > friends that she was in Geneva, Switzerland, sell them as slaves. 'Ali and another Bahii'i > when World War I broke out and found went to them and said, "Ali is not inviting > herself without luggage and unable to cash you; Banini is not inviting you; but you > her checks. On August 22, 1914, she re- will all be guests of the Guardian.' So many > ceived a letter from 'Abdu'l-Bahi telling her of them decided to come and thus, we had > to go to Japan. a majority of Africans at the Conference- > "Of course," she said, "I had no desire out of two hundred and thirty people, one > but to follow the Master's wish." She ex- hundred and forty were natives. They went > plained how miraculously she was enabled back to their villages extremely happy and > to do so. After 'Abdu'l-BahS's passing, their suspicious relatives were surprised to > Shoghi Effendi wrote a beautiful letter to see them." > the friends in Japan in which he stated: Mrs. Gloria Faizi spoke of the experi- > "As attendant and secretary of 'Abdu'l- ences of herself and her husband, Abu'l- > Bah6 for well nigh two years after the termi- Qasim Faizi: > nation of the Great War, I recall so vividly "The pioneers to Arabia are poor, very > the radiant joy that transfigured His face poor. The people belong to the Sunni sect > whenever I opened before Him your suppli- of Isl6m and whenever you openly speak > cations as well as those of Miss Agnes Alex- about the Faith, you are advised to keep > ander. What promises He gave us all regard- quiet if you wish to stay in Arabia. After > ing the future of the Cause in that land at the Guardian asked the Persians to volun- > the close of almost every supplication I read teer for Arabia many wanted to go, but only > to Him. Let me state straightaway, the most two families out of forty were able to get > emphatic, the most inspiring of them all. there. > These are His very words that still keep "We at Bahrayn are in a position to see > ringing in my ears: 'Japan will turn ablaze! all the pioneers who are on the way to > The President of the Union of India, Dr. Shri Rajendra Prasad, with some members of > the BahL'i delegation whom he received in his official residence during the > Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi, October, 1953. > > Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, with some members of the > BahL'i delegation, New Delhi, October 5, 1953. > 186 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > Arabia. We see young men who have fin- pioneering effort, he attended a moving pfc- > ished their studies in colleges and have ob- ture show and saw 'Abdu'l-Bahi's picture > tained their degrees, leaving their education and a view of the Temple in Wilmette. This > behind to take jobs as carpenters, tailors, gave him an opportunity to hand out litera- > barbers. After completing their studies, they ture to those leaving the theater and resulted > take a short course in some manual work so in his being questioned by the Police De- > that they can earn a livelihood. . . A . partment, but eventually they approved his > large family lives in only one room in the literature. > winter and during the summer months of Mrs. Shirin Fozdlr described the results > intense heat and moisture, they live on the of her pioneering in Singapore and the > roof of the house, which is merely a cover- prestige accorded her as a Bahl'i by civil > ing of palm branches and leaves. They have authorities there. Dr. H. M. Munji of India > no water in the house, nor electricity. Their dwelt on the difficulties a Bahi'i faces in > food consists of bread, rice, dates and tea, teaching the Cause to Hindus. > and in the winter a few vegetables. But do Other pioneers who shared their experi- > not think they are less happy than people in ences were Saeed Nahvi, Pondicherry, In- > other parts of the world. . . ." dia; Mr. 'Ilmi, PAkistln; Mr. Mawlavi, > Mr. Artemus Lamb of South America felt Aden; Mrs. Salisa Kirmani, Karikal, India; > that his experiences would be helpful to Oc- Mr. Alvin Blum, New Zealand, on tech- > cidentals: "Many believe that everything nique of pioneering; Dr. Lukmani, on teach- > will open up right away; often there comes a ing in India and Ceylon; and Mrs. Bahiyyih > rude awakening." He told how he left for Nldiri who presented greetings from a > South America with everything he thought Bahi'i pioneering in Zanzibar. > would be needed. Arriving in Mexico, he In the Guardian's first cablegram an- > went ashore sightseeing, leaving all belong- nouncing the completion of the shrine of > ings on board the ship. Returning later to the Blb, he requested that the Conference > continue the next stage of the voyage, he should hold a befitting memorial gathering > noticed people running toward the water- to pay tribute to Hand of the Cause Suther- > front and when he reached the wharf, there land Maxwell, the "immortal architect of > was his ship being towed out to sea in the arcade of the superstructure of the > flames. Thus he found himself in Mexico Shrine." He further suggested that acknowl- > without clothes, money, or any documents edgement should be made on the same occa- > for identification-indeed anything that sion to the "unflagging labors and vigilance > connected him with the past. At the mo- of Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery in ne- > ment, this seemed a sign of God and he felt gotiating contracts, inspecting and dispatch- > he should turn back. But later in a hotel ing all the materials required for the con- > room, he began to pray and then came the struction of the edifice," and also to the > realization that he must be detached from "assiduous and constant care of Hand of the > all else save God. So he prepared his mind Cause Leroy Ioas in supervising the con- > to go anywhere in Latin America. With the struction of both the drum and the dome." > help of the Consul, he was able to go to Two doors of the Shrine had recently been > Chile and in one-third of the time expected, given the names of Sutherland Maxwell and > arrived in the most southerly town of South Ugo Giachery. The cable announced that a > America. door of the octagon would be associated > Mr. J a m a i d Fozdlr, from Sarawak, henceforth with the name of Leroy Ioas. > Borneo, said that they had had their diffi- The memorial gathering held in accordance > culties in Sarawak-difficulties in finding with the Guardian's wishes was most im- > employment, housing and establishing them- pressive. Eulogies of Sutherland Maxwell > selves. Their activities came under suspicion, were given by John Robarts, Ugo Giachery > but they finally won the confidence of the and Mason Remey. Mrs. Mildred Mottahe- > authorities and were able to secure publicity deh paid tribute to Ugo Giachery and Mrs. > for the Faith. When he and Mrs. Fozdlr Dorothy Baker to Leroy Ioas. > left Sarawak, there was an assembly and Another undertaking urged by the Guard- > fourteen members in the community. Re- ian in his first cablegram was that the Hands > cently, he had heard of further enrollments. of the Cause, together with representatives > Mr. C. P. M. Anver Cadir of Thailand of frlnian and 'Irsqi National Spiritual As- > related that after twenty fruitless days of semblies, should consult on ways and means > CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 187 > > to acquire Holy Places of the Faith, par- which he felt were of the greatest concern > titularly the SiyBh-C_hBl, where, during His to the Guardian. First, the Guardian wanted > imprisonment in that foul dungeon, BahVu7- more cooperation and spiritual oneness > llPh received the first intimations of His mis- among the BahCis in India coming into the > sion. It was announced later that the con- Faith from different backgrounds, Hindu, > sultation had been held as the Guardian Muslim and Persian. BahVi love should be > > Public reception held during the Fourth BahVi Intercontinental Teaching Conference, > New Delhi, India, October, 1953. > > requested, and that Mr. Habib Sabet of New very strong among them. In America the > York City had offered to purchase the site white and colored should be united in the > of the SiyBh-C_hBl. This generous and cou- same way. Second, he hoped that the friends > rageous offer was received with great joy in India would give greater emphasis now > and word was promptly sent to the Guard- and in the future to teaching the Hindu peo- > ian. ple. In India where there is a preponderance > A second cablegram was received from of Hindus as compared with the Muslims, > the Guardian directed to the Hands of the the same proportion should be the goal: > Cause who were present at the Conference. twice as many Hindus as Muslims in the > It called upon them to disperse at the close BahVi community. Third, the Guardian was > of the Conference to teach for one or two now concentrating on the Pacific islands and > months in Asia, Africa and Australia, in the surrounding countries. Expansion of the > order to establish close contact with the re- Faith had been planned in stages and in the > spective National Assemblies, and assist following order: Latin America, the Ten > the local assemblies to attain the goals of the Goal countries of Europe, Central and > Ten-Year Plan. This message laid out the South America. Now the time had come to > itinerary of all the Hands, and the Guardian spread the Faith in the islands of the Pa- > contributed three thousand pounds for the cific and the countries nearby. With this new > expense of the undertaking. advance, the new emphasis on reaching > The evening of the third day of the Con- American Indians and Eskimos, together > ference was given over to the Guardian's with consolidating the gains already won, > representative, Mason Remey. It was de- the Bah&'iswould be busy indeed during the > signed to bring to the delegates a more vivid ten-year World Crusade. > realization of the Guardian as a person in When Mr. Remey was called upon to de- > lieu of his actual presence. liver a last word during the closing hours > Mr. Remey emphasized three matters of the Conference, he reiterated these same > 188 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > three points. At that time, Mr. Butt, Chair- recently been martyred there-the first > man of the National Spiritual Assembly for BahS'i to be conf?rmed from the ancient > India, Pikistin and Burma asked Mr. Re- John the Baptist community. A eulogy of > mey to let the Guardian know that enroll- him was delivered by Kamil 'Abbis. One > ments were coming in from the Hindu peo- session was devoted to a memorial gather- > ple and that the National Assembly was ing in honor of Mr. Fath-i-A'zam, a Persian > taking action to carry out still further the martyr. Mr. Furiitan chanted a prayer for a > Guardian's desire for the Hindus. still more recent BahS'i martyr of Persia. At > During the evening with the Guardian's the very first session, Siegfried Schopflocher, > representative, Mrs. Dorothy Baker upon Hand of the Cause, who had recently passed > being asked to give her impressions of the on, was eulogized and a prayer was chanted > Guardian said: for him. > "The Guardian is a new creation. You At the request of the National Spiritual > can never fully understand his station nor Assembly of India, PLkistLn and Burma, the > describe your meeting- with him. In some office of Conference Chairman was assumed > strange way your existence becomes in daily rotation by representatives of the > changed. You can never let go that first look participating Assemblies. The final sessions, > when he greets you. Then the moment at however, devoted to the BahS'i community > table when he talks about the Faith and the of India, and the concluding hours of the > teachings. It is so clear, so simple. . .. I Conference were conducted by our hosts in > left Haifa with this impression of the the persons of Mr. 'Abbis 'Ali Butt, Chair- > Guardian-the courtier and the court; the man, and Mr. A. RahmLn, Secretary. > lover and the beloved; the king and the vas- The Vice-Chairman of the Indian Na- > sal of God." tional Spiritual Assembly spoke on the > It would be impossible to include in this BahS'i School at Panchgani, which the > account of the New Delhi Conference ev- Guardian has said will become a University. > erything that deserves description. Much At present there are eighty-three children > that added richness must be omitted and living there and attending classes in BahL'i > only brief reference can be accorded to and academic subjects. Seventy-five thou- > other weighty occurrences. sand rupees [about sixteen thousand dollars] > JinLb-i-Fidil, who made two visits to are needed now for a new school building, > America, sent once by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and and additional sums for equipment, labora- > once by the Guardian, was called upon to tory and general repairs to the existing > address the Conference. He spoke chiefly of plant. Contributions were made for this pur- > the history of the Faith which the Guardian pose. > had asked him to write. It is to comprise Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh outlined BahS'i > nine volumes. Before coming to the Confer- activities in relation to the United Nations. > ence he had sent the completed eighth vol- Particularly enjoyed was her remark that the > ume in manuscript form to the Guardian. Non-Governmental Organization Confer- > The five Hands of the Cause from Trin, ence in Istanbul was conducted in the palace > Valiyu'llLh Varqi, Tarb~u'llih Samandari, of the Sultin who persecuted BahS'u'llLh. > 'Ali-Akbar Furfitan, Shu'S'u'llih 'AlS'i and The commission for interviewing pioneers > DJhikru'llLh Khidem, all graced the Confer- headed by Alvin Blum did magnificent > ence with their presence and were often work; Habib Sabet very capably handled the > heard as they chanted prayers and contrib- appeal for funds; and Abu'l Qasim Faizi's > uted to the consultations. Mr. Samandari's translation work was essential to the success > stories of his youthful contacts with BahVu'- of the Conference. > llih were greatly appreciated. This historic gathering closed with a cele- > The Conference was grieved by informa- bration of the Nineteen Day Feast, which > tion from Basra ['Iriq] that a BahS'i had signalized likewise the end of Holy Year. > THE C E N T E N A R Y OF THE > > T R I B U T E T O THE BAB > From the KZTAB-I-~QAN > > T H O U G H young and tender of age, and path of Thy love. Sufficient Witness unto me > though the Cause He revealed was contrary is God, the Exalted, the Protector, the An- > to the desire of all the peoples of earth, both cient of Days!" > high and low, rich and poor, exalted and Likewise, in His interpretation of the let- > abased, king and subject, yet He arose and ter "HA," He craved martyrdom, saying: > steadfastly proclaimed it. All have known "Methinks I heard a Voice calling in my in- > and heard this. He was afraid of no one; most being: 'Do thou sacrifice- the ihing > He was regardless of consequences. Could which Thou lovest most in the path of God, > such a thing be made manifest except even as Husayn, peace be upon him, hath > through the power of a divine Revelation, offered up his life for My sake?' And were > and the potency of God's invincible Will? I not regardful of this inevitable mystery, by > By the righteousness of God! Were any one Him, Who hath my being between His > to entertain so great a Revelation in his hands even if all the kings of the earth were > heart, the thought of such a declaration to be leagued together they would be power- > would alone confound him! Were the hearts less to take from me a single letter, how > of all men to be crowded into his heart, he much less can these servants who are > would still hesitate to venture upon so awful worthy of no attention, and who verily are > an enterprise. He could achieve it only by of the outcast . . . That all may know the > the permission of God, only if the channel degree of My patience, My resignation, and > of his heart were to be linked with the self-sacrifice in the path of God." > Source of divine grace, and his soul be as- Could the Revealer of such utterance be > sured of the unfailing sustenance of the regarded as walking any way but the way > Almighty. To what, We Wonder, do they of God, and as having yearned for aught > ascribe so great a daring? Do they accuse else except His good-pleasure? In this very > Him of folly as they accused the Prophets verse there lieth concealed a breath of de- > of old? Or do they maintain that His motive tachment, which if it were to be breathed > was none other than leadership and the full upon the world, all beings would re- > acquisition of earthly riches? nounce their lives, and sacrifice their souls. > Gracious God! In His Book, which He Reflect upon the villainous behavior of this > hath entitled "Qayybmu'l-Asmb',"-the generation, and witness their astounding in- > first, the greatest and mightiest of all books gratitude. Observe how they have closed > -He prophesied His own martyrdom. In it their eyes to all this glory, &d are abjectly > is this passage: "0 thou Remnant of God! pursuing those foul carcasses from whose > I have sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; I bellies ascendeth the cry of the swallowed > have accepted curses for Thy sake; and have substance of the faithful. And yet, what un- > yearned for naught but martyrdom in the seemly calumnies they have hurled against > 1.89 > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > those Daysprings of Holiness? Thus do We of divink wisdom which encompassed all > recount unto thee that which the hands of beings! In every city, all the divines and dig- > the infidels have wrought, they who, in the nitaries rose to hinder and repress them, and > Day of Resurrection, have turned their face girded up the loins of malice, of envy, and > away from the divine Presence, whom God tyranny for their suppression. How great the > hath tormented with the fire of their own number of those holy souls, those essences > misbelief, and for whom He hath prepared of justice, who, accused of tyranny, were > in the world to come a chastisement which put to death! And how many embodiments > shall devour both their bodies and souls. of purity, who showed forth naught but true > For these have said: "God is powerless, and knowledge and stainless deeds, suffered an > His hand of mercy is fettered." agonizing death! Notwithstanding all this, > Steadfastness in the Faith is a sure testi- each of these holy beings, up to his last > mony, and a glorious evidence of the truth. moment, breathed the Name of God, and > Even as the "Seal of the Prophets" hath soared in the realm of submission and resig- > said: "Two verses have made Me old." Both nation. Such was the potency and transmut- > these verses are indicative of constancy in ing infl~~ence which He exercised over them, > the Cause of God. Even as He saith: "Be that they ceased to cherish any desire but > thou steadfast as thou hast been bidden." His will, and wedded their soul to His re- > And now consider how this Sadrih of the membrance. > Ridvkn of God hath, in the prime of youth, Reflect: Who in this world is able to > risen to proclaim the Cause of God. Behold manifest such transcendent power, such per- > what steadfastness that Beauty of God hath vading influence? All these stainless hearts > revealed. The whole world rose to hinder and sanctified souls have, with absolute res- > Him, yet it utterly failed. The more severe ignation, responded to the summons of His > the persecution they inflicted on that Sadrih decree. Instead of complaining, they ren- > of Blessedness, the more His fervor in- dered thanks unto God, and amidst the > creased, and the brighter burned the flame darkness of their anguish they revealed > of His love. All this is evident, and none dis- naught but radiant acquiescence to His will. > puteth its truth. Finally, He surrendered His It is evident how relentless was the hate, and > soul, and winged His flight unto the realms how bitter the malice and enmity enter- > above. tained by all the peoples of the earth to- > And among the evidences of the truth of wards these companions. The persecution > His manifestation were the ascendancy, the and pain they inflicted on these holy and > transcendent power, and supremacy which spiritual beings were regarded by them as > He, the Revealer of being and Manifesta- means unto salvation, prosperity, and ever- > tion of the Adored, hath, unaided and alone, lasting success. Hath the world, since the > revealed throughout the world. No sooner days bf Adam, witnessed such tumult, such > had that eternal Beauty revealed Himself in violent commotion? Notwithstanding all the > S_hirkz, in the year sixty, and rent asunder torture they suffered, and manifold the af- > the veil of concealment, than the signs of flictions they endured, they became the ob- > the ascendancy, the might, the sovereignty, ject of universal opprobrium and execration. > and power, emanating from that Essence of > Essences and Sea of Seas, were manifest in ~ e t h i n k spatiencebas > , revealed only by vir- > every land. So much so, that from every city tue of their fortitude, and faithfulness itself > there appeared the signs, the evidences, the was begotten only by their deeds. > tokens, the testimonies of that divine Lumi- Do thou ponder these momentous hap- > nary. How many were those pure and kindly penings in thy heart, so that thou mayest ap- > hearts which faithfully reflected the liqht of prehend the greatness of this Revelation, > that eternal Sun, and how manifold the and perceive its stupendous glory. . . . > emanations of knowledge from that Ocean ( p p . 230-236) > C E N T E N A R Y O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 191 > > 2 . 'ABDU'L-BAHA'S TRIBUTE TO THE B A B > From SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS > > A S FOR the BB,'-may my soul be His and annihilate him, He alone withstood > sacrifice!-at a youthful age, that is to say them, and moved the whole of Persia. > when He had reached the twenty-fifth year Many 'Ulamri and public men, as well as > of His blessed life, He stood forth to pro- other people, joyfully sacrificed their lives in > claim His Cause. It was universally admitted His Cause, and hastened to the plain of > by the Shiites that He had never studied in martyrdom. > any school, and had not acquired knowledge The government, the nation, the doctors > from any teacher; all the people of Shhiriz of divinity, and the great personages, de- > bear witness to this. Nevertheless, He sud- sired to extinguish His light, but they could > denly appeared before the people, endowed not do so. At last His moon arose, His star > with the most complete erudition. Although shone forth, His foundations became firmly > He was but a merchant, He confounded all established, and His dawning-place became > the 'Ulam2 of Persia. All alone, in a way brilliant. He imparted divine education to an > which is beyond imagination, He upheld the unenlightened multitude and produced mar- > Cause against the Persians, who are re- velous results on the thoughts, morals, cus- > nowned for their religious fanaticism. This toms, and conditions of the Persians. He an- > illustrious soul arose with such power that nounced the glad tidings of the manifesta- > He shook the supports of the religion, of the tion of the Sun of Bahi to His followers, > morals, the conditions, the habits, and the and prepared them to believe. > customs of Persia, and instituted new rules, The appearance of such wonderful signs > new laws, and a new religion. Though the and great results, the effects produced upon > great personages of the State, nearly all the the minds of the people, and upon the pre- > clergy, and the public men, arose to destroy vailing ideas; the establishment of the foun- > dations of progress, and the organization of > l T h e BLb is here designated by His title Bazrati the principles of success and prosperity by a > 'AIL, His Supreme Highness; but for the convenience young merchant, constitute the greatest > of the reader we shall continue to designate Him by the proof that He was a perfect educator. A just > name under which He is known throughout Europe, > i.e., the Bkb. person will never hesitate to believe this. > 2 Doctors of the religion of Islkm. (pp. 30-31) > > 3 . THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE FOR THE > CENTENARY OF THE MARTYRDOM > OF THE BAB > > M o v m share (with) assembled repre- Cycle, Inaugurator (of the) five thousand > sentatives (of) American BahVi Commu- century Bah6i Cycle. > nity gathered beneath (the) dome (of the) Poignantly call (to) mind (the) circum- > Most Holy House (of) Worship (in the) stances attending (the) last act consummat- > BahA7 world, feelings (of) profound emo- ing (the) tragic ministry (of the) Master- > tion evoked (by this) historic occasion (of Hero (of the) most sublime drama (in the) > the) world-wide commemoration (of the) religious annals (of) mankind, signalizing > First Centenary (of the) Martyrdom (of the) (the) most dramatic event (of the) most > Blessed Bib, Prophet (and) Herald (of turbulent period (of the) Heroic Age (of > the) Faith (of) Bah$u'llih, Founder (of the) Bahi'i Dispensation, destined (to) be > the) Dispensation marking (the) culmina- recognized (by) posterity (as the) most > tion (of the) six thousand year old Adamic precious, momentous sacrifice (in the) > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > world's spiritual history. Recall (the) peer- ing army (of the) Faith (in the) Western > less tributes paid (to) His memory by (the) world. > Founder (of the) Faith, acclaiming Him (The) embryonic Faith, maturing three > Monarch (of) God's Messengers, (the) years after His martyrdom, traversing (the) > Primal Point round Whom (the) realities period (of) infancy (in the) course (of the) > (of) all (the) Prophets circle in adoration. Heroic Age (of the) Faith (is) now steadily > Profoundly stirred (by the) memory (of progressing towards maturity (in the) pres- > the) agonies He suffered, (the) glad-tidings ent Formative Age, destined (to) attain full > He announced, (the) warnings He uttered, stature (in the) Golden Age (of the) Bahgi > (the) forces He set (in) motion, (the) ad- Dispensation. > versaries He converted, (the) disciples He Lastly (the) Holy Seed (of) infinite pre- > raised up, (the) conflagrations He precipi- ciousness, holding within itself incalculable > tated, (the) legacy He left (of) faith (and) potentialities representing (the) culmination > courage, (the) love He inspired. Acknowl- (of the) centuries-old process (of the) evo- > edge with bowed head, joyous, thankful lution (of) humanity through (the) ener- > heart (the) successive, marvelous evidence gies released by (the) series (of) progres- > (of) His triumphant power (in the) course sive Revelations starting with Adam (and) > (of the) hundred years elapsed since (the) concluded (by the) Revelation (of the) Seal > last crowning act (of) His meteoric Min- (of the) Prophets, marked by (the) succes- > istry. sive appearance (of the) branches, leaves, > (The) creative energies released (at the) buds, blossoms (and) plucked, after six > hour (of the) birth (of) His Revelation, en- brief years (by the) hand (of) destiny, > dowing mankind (with the) potentialities ground (in the) mill (of) martyrdom (and) > (of the) attainment (of) maturity (are) de- oppression (but) yielding (the) oil whose > ranging, during (the) present transitional first flickering light cast (upon the) somber, > age, (the) equilibrium (of the) entire planet subterranean walls (of the) Siyah-Chal (of) > (as the) inevitable prelude (to the) con- Tihrin, whose fire gathered brilliance (in) > summation (in) world unity (of the) com- Baghdad (and) shone (in) full resplen- > ing (of) age (of the) human race. (The) dency (in) its crystal globe (in) Adrianople, > portentous (but) unheeded warnings ad- whose rays warmed (and) illuminated (the) > dressed (to) kings, princes, ecclesiastics fringes (of the) American, European, Aus- > (are) responsible (for the) successive over- tralian continents through (the) tender min- > throw (of) fourteen monarchies (of) East istering~(of the) Center (of the) Covenant, > (and) West, (the) collapse (of the) institu- whose radiance is now overspreading (the) > tion (of the) Caliphate, (the) virtual ex- surface (of the) globe during (the) present > tinction (of the) Pope's temporal sover- Formative Age, whose full splendor (is) > eignty, (the) progressive decline (in the) destined (in the) course (of) future mil- > fortunes (of the) ecclesiastical hierarchies leniums (to) suffuse (the) entire planet. > (of the) IslLmic, Christian, Jewish, Zo- Already the crushing (of) this God- > roastrian, (and) Hindu Faiths. imbued kernel upon (the) anvil (of) ad- > (The) Order eulogized (and) announced versity (has) ignited (the) first sparks (of > (in) His writings, whose laws BahQ'u'llkh the) Holy Fire latent within it through > subsequently revealed (in the) Most Holy (the) emergence (of the) firmly-knit world- > Book, whose features 'Abdu'l-BahS delin- encompassing community constituting no > eated (in His) Testament, (is) now passing less (than) twenty-five hundred centers es- > through (its) embryonic stage through tablished throughout a hundred countries > (the) emergence (of the) initial institutions representing over thirty races (and) extend- > (of the) world administrative order (in the) ing as far north as (the) Arctic Circle > five continents (of the) globe. (The) clarion (and) as far south (as the) Straits (of) > call sounded (in the) QayyGmu'l-AsmQ', Magallanes, equipped (with) literature > summoning (the) peoples (of the) West translated (into) sixty languages (and) pos- > (to) forsake (their) homes (and) proclaim sessing endowments nearing ten million dol- > His message, (was) nobly answered (by lars, enriched through (the) erection (of) > the) communities (of the) western hemi- two Houses (of) Worship (in the) heart (of > sphere headed (by the) valorous, stalwart the) Asiatic (and) North American conti- > American believers, (the) chosen vanguard nents. (the) stately mausoleum reared (in) > (of the) all-conquering, irresistibly-march- its World Center, consolidated through > C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R T Y R D O M O F THE BAB 193 > > (the) incorporation (of) over (a) hundred the) entire body (of the) American be- > (of) its national (and) local Assemblies lievers, (the) privileged occupants (and) > (and) reinforced through (the) proclama- stout-hearted defenders (of the) foremost > tion (of) its independence (in the) East, its citadel (of the) Faith, (to) re-dedicate > recognition (in the) West, eulogized by themselves (and) resolve, no matter how > royalty, buttressed (by) nine pillars sustain- great (the) perils confronting (their) sister > ing (the) future structure (of) its supreme communities (on the) European, Asiatic, > administrative council, energized through African (and) Australian continents, how- > (the) simultaneous prosecution (of) spe- ever somber (the) situation facing both > cific plans conducted (under the) aegis (of) > (the) cradle (of the) Faith (and) its world > its national councils designed (to) enlarge > center, however grievous (the) vicissitudes > (the) limits (and) extend (the) ramifica- > tions (and) consolidate (the) foundations they themselves may eventually suffer, (to) > (of) its divinely-appointed administrative hold aloft unflinchingly (the) torch (of the) > order (over the) surface (of the) entire Faith impregnated (with the) blood (of) > planet. innumerable martyrs (and) transmit it un- > (I) appeal (on) this solemn occasion, impaired so that it may add luster (to) > rendered doubly sacred through (the) ap- future generations destined (to) labor after > proaching hundredth anniversary (of the) them. > most devastating holocaust (in the) annals (signed) SHOGHI > (of the) Faith, (at) this anxious hour (in Haifa, Israel > the) fortunes (of this) travailing age, (to July 4, 1950. > > 4 . THE S T A T I O N OF THE B A B > From T H E W O R L D O R D E R O F BAHAU'LLAH > > D E A R L Y - B E L o v E D friends! That the actuating me to undertake the task of edit- > Bib, the ina~iguratorof the Bibi Dispensa- ing and translating Nabil's immortal Narra- > tion, is fully entitled to rank as one of the tive has been to enable every follower of the > self-sufficient Manifestations of God, that Faith in the West to better understand and > He has been invested with sovereign power more readily grasp the tremendous implica- > and authority, and exercises all the rights tions of His exalted station and to more ar- > and prerogatives of independent Prophet- dently admire and love Him. > hood, is yet another fundamental verity There can be no doubt that the claim to > which the Message of Bah2u'lliih insistently the twofold station ordained for the Bgb by > proclaims and which its followers must un- the Almighty, a claim which He Himself has > compromisingly uphold. That He is not to so boldly advanced, which BahL'uYllihhas > be regarded merely as an inspired Precursor repeatedly affirmed, and to which the Will > of the Bahgi Revelation, that in His person, and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi has finally > as He Himself bears witness in the Persian given the sanction of its testimony, consti- > Bayiin, the object of all the Prophets gone tutes the most distinctive feature of the > before Him has been fulfilled, is a truth Bah2i Dispensation. It is a further evidence > which I feel it my duty to demonstrate and of its uniqueness, a tremendous accession to > emphasize. We would assuredly be failing in the strength, to the mysterious power and > our duty to the Faith we profess and would authority with which this holy cycle has > be violating one of its basic and sacred prin- been invested. Indeed the greatness of the > ciples if in our words or by our c o n d ~ ~we > ct Bib consists primarily, not in His being the > hesitate to recognize the implications of this divinely-appointed Forerunner of so tran- > root principle of Bahgi belief, or r e f ~ ~ stoe scendent a Revelation, but rather in His > uphold unreservedly its integrity and dem- having been invested with the powers in- > onstrate its truth. Indeed the chief motive herent in the inaugurator of a separate re- > T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D > > ligious Dispensation, and in His wielding, to through the power of a Divine Revelation > a degree unrivaled by the Messengers gone and the potency of God's invincible Will? > before Him, the scepter of independent By the righteousness of Cod! Were any one > Prophethood. to entertain so great a Revelation in his > The short duration of His Dispensation, heart the thought of such a declaration > the restricted range within which His laws would alone confound him! Were the hearts > and ordinances have been made to operate, of all men to be crowded into his heart, he > supply no criterion whatever wherewith to would still hesitate to venture upon so aw- > judge its Divine origin and to evaluate the ful an enterprise." " N o eye," He in another > potency of its message. "That so brief a passage affirms, "hath beheld so great an > span," BahL'u'llLh Himself explains, "should outpouring o f bounty, nor hath any ear > have separated this most mighty and won- heard of such a Revelation of lovirzg-kind- > drous Revelation from Mine own previous . > ness . . The Prophets 'endowed with con- > Manifestation, is a secret that no man can stancy,' whose loftiness and glory shine as > unravel and a mystery such as no mind can the sun, were each honored with a Book > fathom. Its duration had been foreordained, which all have seen, and the verses o f which > and no man shall ever discover its reason have been duly ascertained. Whereas the > unless and until he be informed of the con- verses which have rained from this Cloud o f > tents o f M y Hidden Book." "Behold," divine mercy have been so abundant that > BahB'u'llLh further explains in the Kithb-i- none hath yet been able to estimate their > Badi", one of His works refuting the argu- number . . . How can they belittle this > ments of the people of the BayLn, "behold, Revelation? Hath any age witnessed such > how immediately upon the completion o f momentous happenings?" > the ninth year o f this wondrous, this most Commenting on the character and influ- > holy and merciful Dispensation, the requi- ence of those heroes and martyrs whom the > site number o f pure, of wholly coizsecrated spirit of the BLb had so magically trans- > and sanctified souls had been most secretly formed BahB'u'llBh reveals the following: > consummated." "If these companions be not the true strivers > The marvelous happenings that have her- after God, who else could be called by this > alded the advent of the Founder of the Bhbi name? . . . If these conzpanions, with all > Dispensation, the dramatic circumstances of their marvelous testimonies and wondrous > His own eventful life, the miraculous trag- works, be false, who then is worthy to claim > edy of His martyrdom, the magic of His in- for himself the truth? . . . Has the world > fluence exerted on the most eminent and since the days o f Adam witnessed such tu- > powerful among His countrymen, to all of mult, such violent commotion? . . Me- . > which every chapter of Nabil's stirring nar- thinks' . patience was revealed only by virtue > rative testifies, should in themselves be re- o f their fortitude, and faithfulness itself was > garded as sufficient evidence of the validity begotten only by their deeds." > of His claim to so exalted a station among Wishing to stress the sublimity of the > the Prophets. BLb's exalted station as compared with that > However graphic the record which the of the Prophets of the past, BahB'u'llBh in > eminent chronicler of His life has trans- that same epistle asserts: " N o understand- > mitted to posterity, SJ luminous a narrative ing can grasp the nature o f His Revelation, > must pale before the glowing tribute paid to nor can any knowledge comprehend the full > the BLb by the pen of BahL'u'llLh. This measure of His Faith." He then quotes, in > tribute the BBb Himself has, by the clear as- confirmation of His argument, these pro- > sertion of His claim, abundantly supported, phetic words: "Knowledge is twenty and > while the written testimonies of 'Abdu'l- seven letters. All that the Prophets have re- > BahL have powerfully reinforced its char- vealed are two letters thereof. N o man thus > acter and elucidated its meaning. far hath known more than these two letters. > Where else if not in the Kitib-i-fqAn can But when the QZim shall arise, He will > the student of the BBbi Dispensation seek cause the remaining twenty and five letters > to find those affirmations that unmistakably to be made manifest." "Behold," He adds, > attest the power and spirit which no man, "how great and lofty is His station! His > except he be a Manifestation of God, can rank excelleth that of all the Prophets and > manifest? "Could such a thing," exclaims His Revelation transcendeth the comprehen- > BahL'u'llLh, "be made manifest except sion and understanding of all their chosen > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 195 > > ones." "Of His Revelation," He further letter of Our Revelation, the world and all > adds, "the Prophets of God, His saints and that is therein to recognize, in less than the > chosen ones, have either not been informed, twinkling o f an eye, the truth of Our > or, in pursuance of God's inscrutable de- Cause." > cree, they have not disclosed." "I am the Primal Point," the Bib thus ad- > Of all the tributes which Bah2u'llih's un- dresses Muhammad $hLh from the prison- > erring pen has chosen to pay to the memory fortress of MLh-KG, "from which have been > of the Bib, His "Best-Beloved," the most generated all created things . . . I a m the > memorable and touching is this brief, yet Countenance of God Whose splendor can > eloquent passage which so greatly enhances never be obscured, the Iight o f God whose > the value of the concluding passages of that radiance can never fade . . . All the keys > same epistle. "Amidst them all," He writes, o f heaven God hath chosen to place on My > referring to the afflictive trials and dangers right hand, and all the keys o f hell on M y > besetting him in the city of BaghdLd, "We left . . . I am one of the sustaining pillars > stand life in hand wholly reesig5ed to His of the Primal Word of God. Whosoever > Will, that perchance through God's loving hath recognized Me, hath known all that is > kindness and grace, this revealed and mani- true and right, and hath attained all that is > fest Letter (Bah2u'llih) may lay down His good and seemly . . . The substance > life as a sacrifice in the path o f the Primal wherewith God hath created Me is not the > Point, the most exalted Word (the B i b ) . By clay out of which others have been formed. > Hinz, at Whose bidding the Spirit hath spo- He hath conferred upon Me that which the > ken, but for this yearning of Our soul, W e worldly-wise can never comprehend, nor the > would not, for one moment, have tarried faithful discover." "Should a tiny ant," the > any longer in this city." BLb, wishing to stress the limitless potential- > Dearly-beloved friends! So resounding a ities latent in His Dispensation, character- > praise, so bold an assertion issued by the istically affirms, "desire in this day t o be > pen of Bahi'u'llLh in so weighty a work, are possessed o f such power as to be able to un- > fully re-echoed in the language in which the ravel the abstrusest and most bewildering > Source of the Bibi Revelation has chosen to passages o f the Qur'a'n, its wish will no > clothe the claims He Himself has advanced. doubt be fulfilled, inasmuch as the mystery > "I am the Mystic Fane," the BLb thus pro- of eternal might vibrates within the inner- > claims His station in the Qayyilmu'l-Asm2, most being o f all created things." "If so > "which the Hand of Onznipotence hnth helpless a creature," is 'Abdu'I-BahL's com- > reared. I am the Lamp which the Finger o f ment on so startling an affirmation, "can be > God hath lit within its niche and caused to endowed with so subtle a capacity, how > shine with deathless splendor. I anz the much more eficacious must he the power > Flame of that supernal Light that glowed released through the liberal effusions of the > upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, and lay grace > - of Bahn"u'lldh!" > concealed in the midst of the Burning T o these authoritative assertions and > Bush." "0 Qurratu'l-'Ayn!" He, addressing solemn declarations made by BahVu'llLh and > Himself in that same commentary, ex- the BLb must be added 'Abdu'l-BahL's own > claims, "I recognize in Thee none other ex- incontrovertible testimony. He, the ap- > cept the 'Great Announcement'-the An- pointed interpreter of the utterances of both > nouncement voiced by the Concourse on BahVu'llLh and the Bib, corroborates, not > high. By this name, I bear witness, they that by implication but in clear and categorical > circle the Throne of Glory have ever knowrz language, both in His Tablets and in His > Thee." "With each and every Prophet, Testament, the truth of the statements to > WIzorn W e have sent down in the past," He which I have already referred. > further adds, "We have established a sepa- In a Tablet addressed to a Bah2i in > rate Covenant concerning the erner ern- Mjzindargn, in which He unfolds the mean- > brance of G o d and His Day. Manifest, irz ing of a misinterpreted statement attributed > the realm o f glory and through the power to Him regarding the rise of the Suil of > o f truth, are the 'Rernembrance of God' and Truth in this century, He sets forth, briefly > His Day before the eyes of the angels that but conclusively, what should remain for > circle His n~ercy-seat." "Should it be Our a11 time our true conception of the relation- > wish," He again affirms, "it is in Our power ship between the two Manifestations as- > to compel, through the agency of but one sociated with the Bah2i Dispensation. "drz > 196 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > making such a statement," He explains, "I keeper at their door." "Every proof and > had in mind no one else except the Ba'b and prophecy," is His still more emphatic warn- > Bahd'u'lldh, the character of whose Revela- ing, "every manner of evidence, whether > tiohs it had been m y purpose to elucidate. based on reason or on the text of the scrip- > The Revelation of the Ba'b may be likened tures and traditions, are to be regarded as > t o the sun, its station corresponding to the centered in the persons of Bnha"u'lld1z and > first sign of the Zodiac-the sign Aries- > the Ba'b. In them is to be found their com- > which the sun enters at the Vernal Equinox. plete fulfillment." > The station of Bahri'u'lla'h's Revelation, on > And finally, in His Will and Testament, > the other hand, is represented by the sign > the repository of His last wishes and parting > Leo, the sun's mid-summer and highest sta- > instructions, He in the following passage, > tion. By this is meant that this holy Dis- > pensation is illumined with the light of the specifically designed to set forth the guiding > principles of Bahl'i belief, sets the seal of > Sun o f Truth shining from its most exalted > station, and in the plenitude of its resplend- His testimony on the BQb's dual and exalted > station: "Tlae foundation o f the belief of the > ency, its heat and glory." > "The Bdb, the Exalted One," 'Abdu'l- people o f Bahd (may my life be offered up > BahL more specifically affirms in another for them) is this: His holiness the exalted > Tablet, "is the Morn o f Truth, the splendor One (the Bdb) is the Manifestation of the > o f Whose light shineth throughout all re- unity and oneness o f God and the Forerun- > gions. He is also the Harbinger o f the Most ner of the Ancient Beauty (BahPu'llQh). > Great Light, the Abha' Luminary. The His holiness, the Abhd Beazlty (BahL'u'llLh) > Blessed Beauty is the One promised by the (may my life be olflered up as a sacrifice for > sacred books of the past, the revelation of His steadfast friends) is the supreme Mani- > the Source of light that shone upon Mount festation of God and the Day-Spring o f His > Sinai, Whose fire glowed in the midst of the most divine Essence." "All others," He sig- > Burning Bush. W e are, one and all, servants nificantly adds, "are servants unto Him and > o f their threshold, and stand each as a lowly do His bidding." (pp. 223-128) > > 5. T H E EXECUTION'OF T H E B A B > From GOD PASSES BY:k > > T H E waves of dire tribulation that vio- fused to meet any of His friends, and was > lently battered at the Faith, and eventually reluctant to touch the meat and drink that > engulfed, in rapid succession, the ablest, the was offered Him. Tears rained continually > dearest and most trusted disciples of the from His eyes, and profuse expressions of > BQb,plunged Him, as already observed, into anguish poured forth from His wounded > unutterable sorrow. For no less than six heart, as He languished, for no less than > months the Prisoner of Chihriq, His chroni- five months, solitary and disconsolate, in > cler has recorded, was unable to either write His prison. > or dictate. Crushed with grief by the evil The pillars of His infant Faith had, for > tidings that came so fast upon Him, of the the most part, been hurled down at the first > endless trials that beset His ablest lieuten- onset of the hurricane that had been loosed > ants, by the agonies suffered by the besieged upon it. Quddtis, immortalized by'Him as > and the shameless betrayal of the survivors, Ismu'llQhi'l-Ak_hir(the Last Name of God) ; > by the woeful afflictions endured by the cap- on whom BahVu'llLh's Tablet of Kullu't- > tives and the abominable butchery of men, TaCQmlater conferred the sublime appella- > women and children, as well as the foul in- tion of Nuqtiy-i-Uk_hhrL (the Last Point) ; > dignities heaped on their corpses, He, for whom He elevated, in another Tablet, to a > nine days, His amanuensis has affirmed, re- rank second to none except that of the Her- > ald of His Revelation; whom He identifies, > * Chapter IV. in still another Tablet, with one of the > CENTENARY OF MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 197 > > "Messengers charged with imposture" men- zeal, was being, swiftly and inevitably, > tioned in the Qur'in; whom the Persian drawn into the fiery furnace whose flames > Bayin extolled as that fellow-pilgrim round had already enveloped Zanjin and its > whom mirrors to the number of eight Vi- environs. The Bib's maternal uncle, the only > hids revolve; on whose "detachment and the father He had known since His childhood, > sincerity of whose devotion to God's will His shield and support and the trusted > God prideth Himself amidst the Concourse guardian of both His mother and His wife, > on high;" whom 'Abdu'l-Bahh designated as had, moreover, been sundered from Him by > the "Moon o f Guidance;" and whose ap- the axe of the executioner in Tihrin. No less > pearance the Revelation of St. John the Di- than half of His chosen disciples, the Let- > vine anticipated as one of the two "Wit- ters of the Living, had already preceded > nesses" into whom, ere the "second woe is Him in the field of martyrdom. Tihirih, > past," the "spirit of life from GO&' must though still alive, was courageously pursu- > enter-such a man had, in the full bloom of ing a course that was to lead her inevitably > his youth, suffered, in the Sabzih-Maydin of to her doom. > BBrfur6&, a death which even Jesus Christ, A fast ebbing life, so crowded with the > as attested by BahPu'llih, had not faced in accumulated anxieties, disappointments, > the hour of His greatest agony. Mull6 Hu- treacheries and sorrows of a tragic ministry, > sayn, the first Letter of the Living, sur- now moved swiftly towards its climax. The > named the Bibu'l-Bib (the Gate of the most turbulent period of the Heroic Age of > Gate); designated as the "Primal Mirror;" the new Dispensation was rapidly attaining > on whom eulogies, prayers and visiting Tab- its culmination. The cup of bitter woes > lets of a number equivalent to thrice the vol- which the Herald of that Dispensation had > ume of the Qur'in had been lavished by the tasted was now full to overflowing. Indeed, > pen of the Bib; referred to in these eulogies He Himself had already foreshadowed His > as "beloved of M y Heart;" the dust of own approaching death. In the Kitib-i-Panj- > whose grave, that same Pen had declared, Sha'n, one of His last works, He had alluded > was so potent as to cheer the sorrowful and to the fact that the sixth Naw-RGz after the > heal the sick; whom "the creatures, raised in declaration of His mission would be the last > the beginning and in the end" of the BBbi He was destined to celebrate on earth. In > Dispensation, envy, and will continue to His interpretation of the letter H i , He had > envy till the "Day of Judgment;" whom the voiced His craving for martyrdom, while in > Kitib-i-fqin acclaimed as the one but for the QayyGmu'l-Asml' He had actually > whom "God would not have been estab- prophesied the inevitability of such a con- > lished upon the seat o f His mercy, nor as- summation of His glorious career. Forty > cended the throne of eternal glory;" to days before His final departure from Chih- > whom Siyyid K&im had paid such tribute riq He had even collected all the docu- > that his disciples suspected that the recipient ments in His possession, and placed them, > of such praise might well be the promised together with His pen-case, His seals and > One Himself-such a one had likewise, in His rings, in the hands of Mulls Biqir, a > the prime of his manhood, died a martyr's Letter of the Living, whom He instructed to > death at Tabarsi. Vahid, pronounced in the entrust them to Mulli 'Abdu'l-Karim-i- > Kitib-i-fqin to be the "unique and peerless Qazvini, surnamed MirzB Ahmad, who was > figure o f his age," a man of immense erudi- to deliver them to BahL'u'llih in Tihrin. > tion and the most preeminent figure to en- While the convulsions of MBzindarin and > list under the banner of the new Faith, to Nayriz were pursuing their bloody course > whose "talents and saintliness," to whose the Grand Vizir of NBviri'd-Din S_hih, anx- > "high attainments in the realm of science iously pondering the significance of these > and philosophy" the Bib had testified in His dire happenings, and apprehensive of their > Dall'il-i-Sab'ih (Seven Proofs), had al- repercussions on his countrymen, his gov- > ready, under similar circumstances, been ernment and his sovereign, was feverishly > swept into the maelstrom of another up- revolving in his mind that fateful decision > heaval, and was soon to quaff in his turn the which was not only destined to leave its > cup drained by the heroic martyrs of indelible imprint on the fortunes of his > MBzindarBn. uujjat, another champion of country, butwas to be fraught with such in- > conspici~ousaudacity, of unsubduable will, calcdable consequences for the destinies of > of remarkable originality and vehement the whole of mankind. The repressive meas- > 198 T H E B A H A. ' f W O R L D > > ures taken against the followers of the BBb, dom. The fad&-bB&i had abruptly inter- > he was by now fully convinced, had but rupted the last conversation which the BBb > served to inflame their zeal, steel their reso- was confidentially having in one of the > lution and confirm their loyalty to their rooms of the barracks with His amanuensis > persecuted Faith. The BBb's isolation and Siyyid Husayn, and was drawing the latter > captivity had produced the opposite effect to aside, and severely rebuking him, when he > that which the Amir-NizBm had confidently was thus addressed by his Prisoner: "Not > anticipated. Gravely perturbed, he bitterly until I have said to him all those things that > condemned the disastrous leniency of his I wish to say can any earthly power silence > predecessor, HBji MirzB AqBsi, which had Me. Though all the world be armed against > brought matters to such a pass. A more Me, yet shall it be powerless to deter Me > drastic and still more exemplary punish- from fulfilling, to the last word, My inten- > ment, he felt, must now be administered to tion." To the Christian SBm K_hBn-the > what he regarded as an abomination of colonel of the Armenian regiment ordered > heresy which was polluting the civil and ec- to carry out the execution-who, seized > clesiastical institutions of the realm. Nothr with fear lest his act should provoke the > ing short, he believed, of the extinction of wrath of God, had begged to be released > the life of Him Who was the fountain-head from the duty imposed upon him, the BBb > of so odious a doctrine and the driving force gave the following assurance: "Follow your > behind so dynamic a movement could stem instructions, and if your intention be sin- > the tide that had wrought such havoc cere, the Almighty is surely able to relieve > throughout the land. you o f your perplexity." > The siege of ZanjBn was still in progress Sgm =in accordingly set out to dis- > when he, dispensing with an explicit order charge his duty. A spike was driven into > from his sovereign, and acting independ- a pillar which separated two rooms of the > ently of his counsellors and fellow-ministers, barracks facing the square. Two ropes were > dispatched his order to Prince uamzih fastened to it from which the Bhb and one > MirzB, the Hi~hatu'd-Dawlih,the gover- of his disciples, the youthful and devout > nor of Ad_hirbByjBn, instructing him to exe- MirzB Muhammad-'Mi-i-Zuniizi, surnamed > cute the BBb. Fearing lest the infliction of Anis, who had previously flung himself at > such condign punishment in the capital of the feet of his Master and implored that un- > the realm would set in motion forces he der no circumstances he be sent away from > might be powerless to control, he ordered Him, were separately suspended. The firing > that his Captive be taken to Tabriz, and squad ranged itself in three files, each of > there be done to death. Confronted with a two hundred and fifty men. Each file in turn > flat refusal by the indignant Prince to per- opened fire until the whole detachment had > form what he regarded as a flagitious crime, discharged its bullets. So dense was the > the Amir-Ni?Bm commissioned his own smoke from the seven hundred and fifty > brother, MirzB Hasan K_hBn, to execute his rifles that the sky was darkened. As soon as > orders. The usual formalities designed to se- the smoke had cleared away the astounded > cure the necessary authorization from the multitude of about ten thousand souls, who > leading mujtahids of Tabriz were hastily and had crowded onto the roof of the barracks, > easily completed. Neither Mull5 Muham- as well as the tops of the adjoining houses, > mad-i-MamgqBni, however, who had beheld a scene which their eyes could > penned the BBb's death-warrant on the very scarcely believe. > day of His examination in Tabriz, nor HBji The BBb had vanished from their sight! > MirzL BBqir, nor Mull& MurtadCQuli, to Only his companion remained, alive and > whose houses their Victim was ignomini- unscathed, standing beside the wall on > ously led by the farrB&-bBs_hi, by order of which they had been suspended. The ropes > the Grand Vizir, condescended to meet face by which they had been hung alone were > to face their dreaded Opponent. severed. "The Siyyid-i-BBb has gone from > Immediately before and soon after this our sight!" cried out the bewildered specta- > humiliating treatment meted out to the tors. A frenzied search immediately ensued. > BBb two highly significant incidents oc- He was found, unhurt and unruffled, in the > curred, incidents that cast an illuminating very room He had occupied the night be- > light on the mysterious circumstances sur- fore, engaged in completing His interrupted > rounding the opening phase of His martyr- conversation with His amanuensis. ''I Izavs > C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R T Y R D O M O F T H E BAB > > finished M y conversation with Siyyid sure that none of them had survived, they > Husayn" were the words with which the were riddled with a second volley, after > Prisoner, so providentially preserved, which their bodies, pierced with spears and > greeted the appearance of the farrid? lances, were exposed to the gaze of the > bi&i, "Now you may proceed to fulfill people of Tabriz. The prime instigator of > your intention." Reballing the bold assertion the Bib's death, the implacable Amir- > his Prisoner had previously made, and N i z h , together with his brother, his chief > shaken by so stunning a revelation, the accomplice, met their death within two > farri&-b&&i quitted instantly the scene, years of that savage act. > and resigned his post. On the evening of the very day of the > Stim JQhin, likewise, remembering, with Bib's execution, which fell on the ninth of > feelings of awe and wonder, the reassuring July 1850 (28th of SJha'bin 1266 A.H.), > words addressed to him by the Bib, or- during the thirty-first year of His age and > dered his men to leave the barracks im- the seventh of His ministry, the mangled > mediately, and swore, as he left the court- bodies were transferred from the courtyard > yard, never again, even at the cost of his of the barracks to the edge of the moat out- > life, to repeat that act. Aq6 Jin-i-ghamsih, side the gate of the city. Four companies, > colonel of the body-guard, volunteered to each consisting of ten sentinels, were or- > replace him. On the same wall and in the dered to keep watch in turn over them. On > same manner the Bib and His companion the following morning the Russian Consul > were again suspended, while the new regi- in Tabriz visited the spot, and ordered the > ment formed in line and opened fire upon artist who had accompanied him to make a > them. This time, however, their breasts were drawing of the remains as they lay beside > riddled with bullets, and their bodies com- the moat. In the middle of the following > pletely dissected, with the exception of their night a follower of the BBb, Hiji Sulaymh > faces which were but little marred. "0 Lhin, succeeded, through the instrumental- > wayward generation!" were the last words ity of a certain Htiji Allih-Yir, in remov- > of the BBb to the gazing multitude, as the ing the bodies to the silk factory owned by > regiment prepared to fire its volley, "Had one of the believers of Milin, and laid them, > you believed in Me every one of you would the next day, in a specially made wooden > have followed the example o f this youth, casket, which he later transferred to a place > who stood in rank above most o f you, and of safety. Meanwhile the mullis were boast- > would have willingly sacrificed himself in fully proclaiming from the pulpits that, > My path. The day will come when you will whereas the holy body of the Immaculate > have recognized Me; that day I shall have Imim would be preserved from beasts of > ceased to be with you." prey and from all creeping things, this man's > Nor was this all. The very moment the body had been devoured by wild animals. > shots were fired a gale of exceptional vio- No sooner had the news of the transfer of > lence arose and swept over the city. From the remains of the Bib and of His fellow- > noon till night a whirlwind of dust obscured sufferer been communicated to Bahb'u'llih > the light of the sun, and blinded the eyes than He ordered that same Sulaymin g h i n > of the people. In S_hiriz an "earthquake," to bring them to Tihrin, where they were > foreshadowed in no less weighty a Book taken to the Imim-Zidih-Hasan, from > than the Revelation of St. John, occurred whence they were removed to different > in 1268 A.H. which threw the whole city places, until the time when, in pursuance of > into turmoil and wrought havoc amongst 'Abdu'l-Bahb's instructions, they were trans- > its people, a havoc that was greatly ag- ferred to the Holy Land, and were per- > gravated by the outbreak of cholera, by manently and ceremoniously laid to rest by > famine and other afflictions. In that same Him in a specially erected mausoleum on > year no less than two hundred and fifty of the slopes of Mt. Carmel. > the firing squad, that had replaced Sim Thus ended a life which posterity will > KJhin's regiment, met their death, together recognize as standing at the confluence of > with their officers, in a terrible earthquake, two universal prophetic cycles, the Adamic > while the remaining five hundred suffered, Cycle stretching back as far as the first > three years later, as a punishment for their dawnings of the world's recorded religious > mutiny, the same fate as that which their history and the Bahb'i Cycle destined to > hands had inflicted upon the Bib. To in- propel itself across the unborn reaches of > 200 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > time for a period of no less than five thou- martyrdom, instructed the Russian Consul > sand centuries. The apotheosis in which in Tabriz to fully inquire into, and report > such a life attained its consummation marks, the circumstances of so startling a Move- > as already observed, the culmination of the ment, a commission that could not be carried > most heroic phase of the Heroic Age of the out in view of the Bib's execution. In coun- > Bahb'i Dispensation. It can, moreover, be tries as remote as those of Western Europe > regarded in no other light except as the most an interest no less profound was kindled, > dramatic, the most tragic event transpiring and spread with great rapidity to literay, > within the entire range of the first Bahb'i artistic, diplomatic and intellectual circles. > century. Indeed it can be rightly acclaimed "All Europe," attests the above-mentioned > as unparalled in the annals of the lives of French publicist, "was stirred to pity and > all the Founders of the world's existing indignation . . . Among the IittCrateurs of > religious systems. my generation, in the Paris of 1890, the > So momentous an event could hardly fail martyrdom of the Bib was still as fresh a > to arouse widespread and keen interest even topic as had been the first news of His > beyond the confines of the land in which it death. We wrote poems about Him. Sarah > had occurred. "C'est un des plus magnifi- Bernhardt entreated Catulle Mendhs for a > ques exemples de courage qu'il ait CtC donnC play on the theme of this historic tragedy." > B l'humanitC de contempler," is the testi- A Russian poetess, member of the Philo- > mony recorded by a Christian scholar and sophic, Oriental and Bibliological Societies > government official, who had lived in Persia of St. Petersburg, published in 1903 a drama > and had familiarized himself with the life entitled "The Bib," which a year later was > and teachings of the Bib, "et c'est aussi une played in one of the principal theatres of > admirable preuve de I'amour que notre hB- that city, was subsequently given publicity > ros portait g ses concitoyens. I1 s'est sacrifie in London, was translated into French in > pour l'humanit6: pour elle il a donn6 son Paris, and into German by the poet Fiedler, > corps et son iime, pour elle il a subi les was presented again, soon after the Russian > privations, les affronts, les injures, la torture Revolution, in the Folk Theatre in Len- > et le martyre. I1 a scell6 de son sang le pacte ingrad, and succeeded in arousing the genu- > de la fraternit6 universelle, et comme J6sus ine sympathy and interest of the renowned > il a pay6 de sa vie I'annonce du rhgne de la Tolstoy, whose eulogy of the poem was > concorde, de l'6quitB et de l'amour du pro- later published in the Russian press. > chain." "Un fait Btrange, unique dans les It would indeed be no exaggeration to say > annales de I'humanit6," is a further testi- that nowhere in the whole compass of the > mony from the pen of that same scholar world's religious literature, except in the > commenting on the circumstances attending Gospels, do we find any record relating to > the Bib's martyrdom. "A veritable miracle," the death of any of the religion-founders of > is the pronouncement made by a noted the past comparable to the martyrdom suf- > French Orientalist. "A true God-man," is fered by the Prophet of Shiriz. So strange, > the verdict of a famous British traveler and so inexplicable a phenomenon, attested by > writer. "The finest product of his country," eye-witnesses, corroborated by men of rec- > is the tribute paid Him by a noted French ognized standing, and acknowledged by gov- > publicist. "That Jesus of the age . . . a ernment as well as unofficial historians > prophet, and more than a prophet," is the among the people who had sworn undying > judgment passed by a distinguished English hostility to the BBbi Faith, may be truly re- > divine. "The most important religious move- garded as the most marvelous manifestation > ment since the foundation of Christianity," of the unique potentialities with which a > is the possibility that was envisaged for the Dispensation promised by all the Dispensa- > Faith the BBb had established by that far- tions of the past had been endowed. The > famed Oxford scholar, the late Master of passion of Jesus Christ, and indeed His > Balliol. whole public ministry, alone offer a parallel > "Many persons from all parts o f the to the Mission and death of the BBb, a par- > world," is 'Abdu'l-Bahi's written assertion, allel which no student of comparative re- > "set out for Persia and began to investigate ligion can fail to perceive or ignore. In the > wholeheartedly the matter." The Czar of yonthfulness and meekness of the Inaugura- > Russia, a contemporary chronicler has tor of the Bgbi Dispensation; in the extreme > written, had even, shortly before the B6b's brevity and turbulence of His public min- > istry; in the dramatic swiftness with which Cycle" and the inception of the "Cycle o f > that ministry moved towards its climax; in Fulfillment," had simultaneously through > the apostolic order which He instituted, and His Revelation banished the shades of night > the primacy which He conferred on one of that had descended upon His country, and > its members; in the boldness of His chal- proclaimed the impending rise of that In- > lenge to the time-honored conventions, rites comparable Orb Whose radiance was to > and laws which had been woven into the envelop the whole of mankind. He, as af- > fabric of the religion He Himself had been firmed by Himself, "the Primal Point from > born into; in the r6le which an officially which have been generated all created > recognized and firmly entrenched religious things," "one of the sustaining pillars of the > hierarchy played as chief instigator of the Primal Word of God," the "1Mystic Fane," > outrages which He was made to suffer; in the "Great Annouizcement," the "Flame o f > the indignities heaped upon Him; in the that supernal Light that glowed upon Sinai," > suddenness of His arrest; in the interroga- the "Remembrance o f God" concerning > tion to which He was subjected; in the deri- Whom "a separate Covenant hath been es- > sion poured, and the scourging inflicted, tablished with each and every Prophet" had, > upon Him; in the public affront He sus- through His advent, at once fulfilled the > tained; and, finally, in His ignominious sus- promise of all ages and ushered in the con- > pension before the gaze of a hostile multi- summation of all Revelations. He the > tude-in all these we cannot fail to discern "Qi'im" (He Who ariseth) promised to the > a remarkable similarity to the distinguishing Shhi'ahs, the "Mihdi" (One Who is guided) > features of the career of Jesus Christ. awaited by the Sunnis, the "Return of John > It should be remembered, however, that the Baptist" expected by the Christians, the > apart from the miracle associated with the "Oaidar-MBh" referred to in the Zoro- > Bib's execution, He, unlike the Founder of astrian scriptures, the "Return of Elijah" > the Christian religion, is not only to be re- anticipated by the Jews, Whose Revelation > garded as the independent Author of a was to show forth "the signs and tokens o f > divinely revealed Dispensation, but must all the Prophets," Who was to "manifest > also be recognized as the Herald of a new the perfection o f Moses, the radiance o f > Era and the Inaugurator of a great universal Jesus and the patience of Job" had ap- > prophetic cycle. Nor should the important peared, proclaimed His Cause, been merci- > fact be overlooked that, whereas the chief lessly persecuted and died gloriously. The > adversaries of Jesus Christ, in His lifetime, "Second Woe," spoken of in the Apocalypse > were the Jewish rabbis and their associates, of St. John the Divine, had, at long last, ap- > the forces arrayed against the Bib repre- peared, and the first of the two "Messen- > sented the combined civil and ecclesiastical gers," Whose appearance had been prophe- > powers of Persia, which, from the moment sied in the Qur'in, had been sent down. The > of His declaration to the hour of His death, first "Trumpet-Blast," destined to smite the > persisted, unitedly and by every means at earth with extermination, announced in the > their disposal, in conspiring against the up- latter Book, had finally been sounded. "The > holders and in vilifying the tenets of His Inevitable," "The Catastrophe," "The Resur- > Revelation. rection," "The Earthquake o f the Last > The Bib, acclaimed by BahVu'llLh as the Hour," foretold by that same Book, had all > "Essence o f Essences," the "Sea o f Seas," come to pass. The "clear tokens" had been > the "Point round Whom the realities of the "sent down," and the "Spirit" had > Prophets and Messengers revolve," "from "breathed," and the "souls" had "waked > W h o m God hath caused to proceed the up," and the "heaven" had been "cleft," and > knowledge o f all that was and shall be," the "angels" had "ranged in order," and the > Whose "rank excelleth that of all the Proph- "stars" had been "blotted out," and the > ets," and Whose "Revelatioiz transcendeth "earth" had "cast forth her bzlrden," and > the comprehension and understanding of all "Paradise" had been "brought near," and > their chosen ones," had delivered His Mes- "hell" had been "made to blaze," and the > sage and discharged His mission. He Who "Book" had been "set," and the "Bridge" > was, in the words of 'Abdu'l-Bah$ the had been "laid out," and the "Balance" had > "Morn o f Truth" and "Harbinger of the been "set up," and the "mountains scattered > Most Great Light," Whose advent at once in dust." The "cleansing of the Sanctuary," > signalized the termination of the "Prophetic prophesied by Daniel and confirmed by > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Jesus Christ in His reference to "the abomi- had been clearly formulated and pro- > nation of desolation," had been accom- claimed. The Covenant which, despite the > plished. The "day whose length shall be a determined assaults launched against it, > thousand years," foretold by the Apostle of succeeded, unlike all previous Dispensa- > God in His Book, had terminated. The tions, in preserving the integrity of the > "forty and two months," during which the Faith of its Author, and in paving the way > "Holy City," as predicted by St. John the for the advent of the One Who was to be > Divine, would be trodden under foot, had its Center and Object, had been firmly and > elapsed. The "time of the e n d had been irrevocably established. The light which, > ushered in, and the first of the "two Wit- throughout successive periods, was to propa- > nesses" into Whom, "after three days and a gate itself gradually from its cradle as far as > half the Spirit of Life from GocE" would Vancouver in the West and the China Sea > enter, had arisen and had "ascended up to in the East, and to diffuse its radiance as > heaven in a cloud." The "remaining twenty far as Iceland in the North and the Tasman > and five letters to be made manifest," ac- Sea in the South, had broken. The forces > cording to Islamic tradition, out of the of darkness, at first coniined to the con- > "twenty and seven letters" of which Knowl- certed hostility of the civil and ecclesiastical > edge has been declared to consist, had been powers of ghhi'ah Persia, gathering momen- > revealed. The "Man Child," mentioned in tum, at a later stage, through the avowed > the Book of Revelation, destined to "rule all and persistent opposition of the Caliph of > nations with a rod of iron," had released, Islim and the Sunni hierarchy in Turkey, > through His coming, the creative energies and destined to culminate in the fierce > which, reinforced by the effusions of a antagonism of the sacerdotal orders as- > swiftly succeeding and infinitely mightier sociated with other and still more powerful > Revelation, were to instill into the entire religious systems, had launched their initial > human race the capacity to achieve its assault. The nucleus of the divinely or- > organic unification, attain maturity and dained, world-embracing Community-a > thereby reach the final stage in its age-long Community whose infant strength had al- > evolution. The clarion-call addressed to the ready plucked asunder the fetters of S_hhiCah > "concourse of kings and of the sons of orthodoxv.,, and which was. with everv ex- > kings," marking the inception of a process pansion in the range of its fellowship, to > which, accelerated by Bahi'u'llih's subse- seek and obtain a wider and still more sig- > quent warnings to the entire company of the nificant recognition of its claims to be the > monarchs of East and West, was to produce world religion of the future, had been > so widespread a revolution in the fortunes formed and was slowly crystallizing. And, > of royalty, had been raised in the Qay- lastly, the seed, endowed by the Hand of > yumh'l-Asmi'. The "Order," whose founda- Omnipotence with such vast potentialities, > tion the Promised One was to establish in though rudely trampled under foot and > the Kitiib-i-Aqdas, and the features of which seemingly perished from the face of the > the Center of the Covenant was to delineate earth, had, through this very process, been > in His Testament, and whose administrative vouchsafed the bpportunity To germinate > framework the entire body of His followers and remanifest itself, in the shape of a still > are now erecting, had been categorically more compelling Revelation-a Revelation > announced in the Persian Bayln. The laws > which were designed, on the one hand, to destined to blossom forth, in a later period > abolish at a stroke the privileges and cere- into the flourishing institutions of a world- > monials, the ordinances and institutions of a wide administrative System, and to ripen, in > superannuated Dispensation, and to bridge, the Golden Age as yet unborn, into mighty > on the other, the gap between an obsolete agencies functioning in consonance with the > system and the institutions of a world-en- principles of a world-unifying, world-re- > compassing Order destined to supersede it, deeming Order. > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB > > From THE DAWN-BREAKERS > (Nabil's Narrative) * > > D E P R I V E D of His turban and sash, the proaching victory. 'Tomorrow,' He said to > twin emblems of His noble lineage, the BBb, us, 'will be the day of My martyrdom. > together with Siyyid Husayn, His amanuen- Would that one of you might now arise and, > sis, was driven to yet another confinement with his own hands, end My life. I prefer to > which He well knew was but a step further be slain by the hand of a friend rather than > on the way leading Him to the goal He had by that of the enemy.' Tears rained from > set Himself to attain. That day witnessed a our eyes as we heard Him express that wish. > tremendous commotion in the city of We shrank, however, at the thought of tak- > Tabriz. The great convulsion associated in ing away with our own hands so hrecious a > the ideas of its inhabitants with the Day of life. We refused, and remained silent. Mirzi > Judgment seemed at last to have come upon Muhammad-'Ali suddenly sprang to his feet > them. Never had that city experienced a and announced himself ready to obey what- > turmoil so fierce and so mysterious as the ever the Bib might desire. 'This same youth > one which seized its inhabitants on the day who has risen to comply with My wish,' the > the BBb was led to that place which was to Bib declared, as soon as we had intervened > be the scene of His martyrdom. As He ap- and forced him to abandon the thought, > proached the courtyard of the barracks, a 'will, together with Me, suffer martyrdom. > youth suddenly leaped forward who, in his Him will I choose to share with Me its > eagerness to overtake Him, had forced his crown.' " > way through the crowd, utterly ignoring Early in the morning, Mirzi Hasan IQhBn > the risks and perils which such an attempt ordered his farrBs_h-bBs_hi[chief attendant] > might involve. His face was haggard, his to conduct the BBb into the presence of the > feet were bare, and his hair dishevelled. leading mujtahids of the city and to obtain > Breathless with excitement and exhausted from them the authorization required for > with fatigue, he flung himself at the feet of His execution. As the B6b was leaving the > the Bib and, seizing the hem of His gar- barracks, Siyyid Husayn asked Him what > ment, passionately implored Him: "Send he should do. "Confess not your faith," > me not from Thee, 0 Master. Wherever He advised him. "Thereby you will be en- > Thou goest, suffer me to follow Thee." abled, when the hour comes, to convey to > "Muhammad 'Ali," answered the BBb, those who are destined to hear you, the > "arise, and rest assured that you will be with things of which you alone are aware." He > Me. To-morrow you shall witness what God was engaged in a confidential conversation > has decreed." Two other companions, un- with him when the farrBsh-bB&i suddenly > able to contain themselves, rushed forward interrupted and, holding Siyyid Husayn by > and assured Him of their unalterable loy- the hand, drew him aside and severely re- > alty. These, together with MirzB Muham- buked him. "Not until I have said to him > mad-'Aliy-i-Zuniizi, were seized and placed all those things that I wish to say," the BBb > in the same cell in which the BBb and Siyyid warned the farrBs_h-bB&i, "can any earthly > Husayn were confined. power silence Me. Though all the world be > I have heard Siyyid Husayn bear witness armed against Me, yet shall they be power- > to the following: "That night the face of the less to deter Me from fulfilling, to the last > BBb was aglow with joy, a joy such as had word, My intention." The farr6sh-bBs_hiwas > never shone from His countenance. Indif- amazed at such a bold assertion. He made, > ferent to the storm that raged about Him, however, n o reply, and bade Siyyid Husayn > He conversed with us with gaiety and cheer- arise and follow him. > fulness. The sorrows that had weighed so > heavily upon Him seemed to have com- > pletely vanished. Their weight appeared to The Bib was, in His turn brouqht before > have dissolved in the consciousness of ap- Mulli Mul?ammad-i-MimBqini. No sooner > had he recognized Him than he seized the > * Pages 507-517. death-warrant he himself had previously > 204 THE BAHA' f WORLD > > written and, handing it to his attendant, reposed on the breast of his Master. As soon > bade him deliver it to the farr6&-b6s_hi. "No as they were fastened, a regiment of soldiers > need," he cried, "to bring the Siyyid-i-Bib ranged itself in three files, each of two hun- > into my presence. This death-warrant I dred and fifty men, each of which was or- > penned the very day I met him at the gath- dered to open fire in its turn until the whole > ering presided over by the Vali-'Ahd. He detachment had discharged the volleys of its > surely is the same man whom I saw on that bullets. The smoke of the firing of the seven > occasion, and has not, in the meantime, sur- hundred and fifty rifles was such as to turn > rendered any of his claims." the light of the noonday sun into darkness. > From thence the Bib was conducted to There had crowded onto the roof of the > the house of Mirzb Bkqir, the son of Mirz6 barracks, as well as the tops of the adjoining > a m a d , to whom he had recently suc- houses, about ten thousand people, all of > ceeded. When they a~rived,they found his whom were witnesses to that sad and mov- > attendant standing at the gate holding in his ing scene. > hand the BLb's death-warrant. "No need to As soon as the cloud of smoke had cleared > enter," he told them. "My master is already away, an astounded multitude were looking > satisfied that his father was right in pro- upon a scene which their eyes could scarcely > nouncing the sentence of death. He can do believe. There, standing before them alive > no better than follow his example." and unhurt, was the companion of the BBb, > Mu116 MurtadCQuli, following in the whilst He Himself had vanished uninjured > footsteps of the other two mujtahids, had from their sight. Though the cords with > previously issued his own written testimony which they were suspended had been rent in > and refused to meet face to face his dreaded pieces by the bullets, yet their bodies had > opponent. No sooner had the farrQs_h-b6s_hi miraculously escaped the volleys. Even the > secured the necessary documents than he tunic which MirzL Muhammad-'Ali was > delivered his Captive into the hands of S6m wearing had, despite the thickness of the > IQhAn, assuring him that he could proceed smoke, remained unsullied. "The Siyyid-i- > with his task now that he had obtained the B6b has gone from our sight!" rang out the > sanction of the civil and ecclesiastical au- voices of the bewildered multitude. They > thorities of the realm. set out in a frenized search for Him, and > found Him, eventually, seated in the same > room which He had occupied the night be- > S6m IQhkn was, in the meantime, finding fore, engaged in completing His interrupted > himself increasingly affected by the be- conversation, with Siyyid Husayn. An ex- > havior of his Captive and the treatment pression of unruffled calm was upon His > that had been meted out to Him. He was face. His body had emerged unscathed from > seized with great fear lest his action should the shower of bullets which the regiment > bring upon him the wrath of God. "I pro- had directed against Him. "I have finished > fess the Christian Faith," he explained to My conversation with Siyyid Husayn," the > the B6b, "and entertain no ill will against B6b told the farr6s_h-b6&i. "Now you may > you. If your Cause be the Cause of Truth, proceed to fulfil your intention." The man > enable me to free myself from the obliga- was too much shaken to resume what he > tion to shed your blood." "Follow your in- had already attempted. Refusing to accom- > structions," the BLb replied, "and if your plish his duty, he, that same moment, left > intention be sincere, the Almighty is surely that scene and resigned his post. He related > able to relieve you from your perplexity." all that he had seen to his neighbor, MirzL > S6m Kh6n ordered his men to drive a nail Siyyid Muhsin, one of the notables of Ta- > into the pillar that lay between the door of briz, who, as soon as he heard the story, was > the room that Siyyid Husayn occupied and converted to the Faith. > the entrance to the adjoining one, and to > make fast two ropes to that nail, from > which the BLb and His companion were to S5m IQhkn was likewise stunned by the > be separately suspended. MirzL Muham- force of this tremendous revelation. He or- > mad-'Ali begged S6m KhLn to be placed in dered his men to leave the barracks imme- > such a manner that his own body would diately, and refused ever again to associate > shield that of the B6b. He was eventually himself and his regiment with any act that > suspended in such a position that his head involved the least injury to the B6b. He > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 205 > > swore, as he left that courtyard, never again sun and blinded the eyes of the people. The > to resume that task even though his refusal entire city remained enveloped in that dark- > should entail the loss of his own life. ness from noon till night. Even so strange a > No sooner had SBm KhBn departed than phenomenon, following immediately in the > AkB JBn K_hBn-i-Khamsih, colonel of the wake of that still more astounding failure of > body-guard, known also by the names of SBm KhLn's regiment to injure the BBb, was > KJhamsih and NBsiri, volunteered to carry unable to move the hearts of the people of > out the order for execution. On the same Tabriz, and to induce them to pause and > wall and in the same manner, the BBb and reflect upon the significance of such mo- > His companion were again suspended, while mentous events. They witnessed the effect > the regiment formed in line to open fire which so marvelous an occurrence had > upon them. Contrariwise to the previous oc- produced upon SBm KJhBn; they beheld the > casion, when only the cord with which they consternation of the farrBs_h-bi&i and saw > were suspended had been shot to pieces, this him make his irrevocable decision; they > time their bodies were shattered and were could even examine that tunic which, de- > blended into one mass of mingled flesh and spite the discharge of so many bullets, had > bone. "Had you believed in Me, 0 wayward remained whole and stainless; they could > generation,"-were the last words of the BBb read in the face of the BBb, who had emerged > to the gazing multitude as the regiment was unhurt from that storm, the expression of > preparing to fire the final volley, "every one undisturbed serenity as He resumed His > of you would have followed the example of conversation with Syyid Husayn; and yet > this youth, who stood in rank above most of none of them troubled himself to inquire as > you, and willingly would have sacrificed to the significance of these unwonted signs > himself in My path. The day will come and wonders. > when you will have recognized Me; that day The martyrdom of the BBb took place at > I shall have ceased to be with you." noon on Sunday, the twenty-eighth of Sha- > The very moment the shots were fired, a 'bBn, in the year 1266 A.H. [July 9, 18501, > gale of exceptional severity arose and swept thirty-one lunar years, seven months, and > over the whole city. A whirlwind of dust of twenty-seven days from the day of His birth > incredible density obscured the light of the in ShirBz. > > 6. INTERNATIONAL OBSERVANCE > OF THE CENTENARY O F THE > M A R T Y R D O M O F T H E BAB > > T H E world-wide character of the Bahs'i suggestions for the conduct of both meet- > Faith has been demonstrated once more by ings. > the action of various National Spiritual As- > semblies in preparing memorial and public EGYPTAND SUDAN > programs for their respective communities. The National Spiritual Assembly has pub- > This survey briefly outlines the informa- lished a Memorial pamphlet in the Arabic > tion received to date from the national re- language. On account of the conditions of > ports and does not attempt to cover all the dispute among the three religions recognized > local activities, interesting and important as in the Muslim world, the pamphlet supplied > they might be. "historical, logical and traditional proofs > from the Qur'Ln, the Old and New Testa- > ments," to support the BahL'i Revelation. > From the National Spiritual Assembly we Its epilogue presented the Bahs'i teachings > learn that on June 1 a general letter was and principles as set forth by the Guardian > issued giving plans for a special Memorial in the Faith of BahBu'lla'h, World Religion, > Meeting and also a Public Meeting on the followed by a selection from Hidden Words, > Centenary date, with list of readings and and ended with "How to Live a Bah2i Life > 206 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > from Words of 'Abdu'l-BahB." The English Shrimati Shirin Boman-The Martyr-Prophet of > translation of the title of this pamphlet is a World Faith (In Hindustani) > "Page of Light." Shri S. N. Chaturvedi (Publicity Officer, U.S. of > Cards of invitation to the Public Meeting Rajasthan)-A Century of Spiritual Revival > (In English) > in Cairo were sent to more than eighty emi- > nent non-Bahi'is, of whom (including the All Are Cordially Invited > press) about forty attended. The motion > picture film of the Bahi'i Temple in Wil- > mette was shown. Press comments were very Two items have been received: a news- > favorable. paper clipping reporting a talk by Suhayl > The Centenary was also observed by the 'AlA'i at a gathering of Auckland and Dev- > BahL'is of Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. onport Bahi'i communities held to com- > memorate the Centenary; and a pamphlet > entitled "Martyrdom of the Bib, 1850- > The National Assembly prepared a spe- 1950" published by the National Spiritual > cial number of the Bahd'i News of Persia, Assembly. Its contents include: Foreword, > giving the Centenary program for use A Summary of the BahL'i Faith, The Mar- > throughout the local communities. The tyrdom of the BBb, Bahi'u'llih's Tribute to > world survey pamphlet prepared by the the Bgb, The Bib's Farewell Address to the > Guardian and published in the United States Letters of the Living, and Utterances of the > was translated into Persian and copies dis- BBb. It contains 24 pages with two full-page > tributed throughout the provinces. illustrations. > > On May 10 the National Assembly ad- > dressed a general letter to all local Assem- > blies appointing three Regional Committees, > each serving for the BahA'is in one of the > three countries. Nine items of advice and The Bahi'i House of Worship provided an > direction were given for the Commemora- ideal setting for the program carried out on > tion and Public Meetings. 'The poor shall Sunday, July 9, 1950, in commemoration of > be fed as far as possible. This may be done the Centenary. The "Holiest House of Wor- > through the Municipality," was one sugges- ship in the BahL'i World" bestowed its own > tion. A very attractive Centenary pamphlet special blessing upon the great gathering of > was also published, of 64 pages and illustra- some five hundred BahL'is convened in > tions. Its contents were listed as follows: Foundation Hall at the hour of noon, to see > "Foreword, A Prayer By the Bgb, The the Portrait of the Bgb which the Guardian > World Religion, The Execution of the BBb, made a most precious gift and trust to > BahL'u'llih's Tribute to the Bib, The Bib North America in 1944. > and the Revelation of Bahi'u'llBh, The This meeting, drawn together spiritually > Bgb's Address to the Letters of the Living, by the sublime nature of the occasion, re- > A Pattern for Future Society, Appreciations alized anew its grandeur when the Guard- > of the Bah6'i Faith." ian's cablegram, shared with the "assembled > representatives (of) American Bahi'i Com- > Program munity gathered beneath (the) dome (of > In Commemoration of the Centenary the) most Holy House (of) Worship (in > of the Martyrdom of the Bgb, the) Bahi'i World" his "feelings (of) pro- > the Forerunner of Bah2i Faith, found emotion evoked (by this) historic > Public Lectures will Be Held occasion."l This reading followed a brief > under the Chairmanship of period of silence for individual use of the > the Honourable Shri Sri Prakasa Daily Prayer. > at the Constitution Club, Curzon Road Bahi'u'llih's Tablet of Visitation (Prayers > New Delhi and Meditations, pp. 3 10-313) intensified > on July 9, 1950 at 9-30 A.M. the emotions to the degree of awe and ex- > Prof. Abdul-Majid Khan, Guest Speaker (For- alted reverence. > merly Indian Consul, Jidda, Saudi Arabia) > -A Century of World Crisis (In English) 1 This cablegram is given in full on pages 191 to 193. > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 207 > > Then, after the Portrait was placed on the welcomed the visitors in the name of the > rug-covered speakers' table, flanked by red BahL'is. She stated the purpose of the Cen- > roses, row by row the friends quietly filed tenary, the significance of the Martyrdom of > before the Portrait to behold the features the B6b, and referred to the Centenary > and likeness of the Martyr-Prophet whose meetings being carried out in all parts of the > mission inaugurated the world era in the life world. > of mankind. As Chairman Miss Austin then presented > When the BahL'is in the last row had re- the three speakers: Dr. G. A. Borgese, of > sumed their seats, the gathering departed the University of Chicago, member of the > from the Foundation Hall and entered by Committee to Frame a World Constitution, > the outside steps the auditorium of the ~ o u s e and director of the magazine Common > of Worship. Here, though the evidences of Cause; Mrs. Dorothy Beecher Baker, long- > construction were so apparent, the interior time member of the National Spiritual As- > ornamentation had b&h completed to a sembly, worker for unity, who has traveled > point where the beauty of the finished de- widely and lectured throughout North > sign impressed the hearts. Indeed, an archi- America, South America and Western Eu- > tectural sketch of the completed auditorium, rope; Mr. William Kenneth Christian, mem- > in color, had been placed outside the Foun- ber of the National Spiritual Assembly, on > dation Hall before noon, that the friends the faculty of Michigan State College, > might better visualize what the auditorium writer, former member of the editorial staff > will be when completed early in 1951. of World Order Magazine. > In this remarkable theater, signifying > both the majesty of the Faith and the sacri- The Shrine and Gardens > ficial efforts of the believers, the second part At 5:30 P.M., after the public meeting, > of the Centenary program unfolded: Read- the BahL'is gathered once more in Temple > ings from the Bahi'i Sacred Writings con- Foundation Hall. > cerning the Station and Martyrdom of the This meeting, concluding the Centenary > B6b. Seven readers presented these selec- program, had been arranged in order to > tions: Tablet of Alpnad; Prayers and Me&- project the moving picture film which the > tations by BahB'u'llkh, pp. 272-276; Some Guardian had sent from Haifa as one more > Answered Questions, pp. 30-31; Words of contribution to the Centenary celebration, > the B6b and of 'Abdu'l-Bahti from Dispen- which synchronized with the completion of > sation of Bahh'u'lla'h, pp. 35-36, p. 34; the Arcade surrounding the Shrine of the > Gleanings from the Writings of Baha"u'EEa'h, Bkb on Mt. Carmel. > pp. 291-293; pp. 74-75, 144-146; Prayer re- The showing of the films was preceded > vealed by the B6b, "IS There any Remover by the reading of a letter written by Mr. > of Difficulties"; Prayers and Meditations, Ben Weeden from Haifa describing the > pp. 84-86. The spirit of worship sustained progress of construction work on the Shrine > the gathering throughout these readings, of the B6b. (See Section VI, page 246.) > evoking power to realize the meaning of The film, a composite of numerous se- > these Holy Words and to reconsecrate one- lected views, created as a whole an intensely > self in service to so holy a Faith. interesting picture of the Shrines and gar- > The readings form a-gemlike compilation dens at the BahB'i World Center-the > which any one may from time to time Guardian's own project carried out at the > ponder for himself, renewing faith and spiritual heart of the Faith. > steadfastness whenever the world seems too It is not possible to reproduce these vivid > violent and chaotic to be overcome and photographic scenes in words. For the > transformed. BahL'is present it was no less an experience > than a psychic transportation to Haifa and > Public Meeting 'Akkti to see with their own eyes what has > At 3: 30 P.M. the BahL'is reconvened in been done since the days of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 to > Foundation Hall for the public meeting. glorify the remains of BahL'u'l16h7 the Bkb, > The estimated attendance of BahL'is and the Master and members of the Holy Fam- > non-BahL'is was about nine hundred. Sel- ily, and prepare the way for the building of > dom has Foundation Hall held a larger the international institutions of the Faith to > gathering. be centered in that holy region. The power > Miss Elsie Austin, presiding, graciously of the Guardianship, the vision, the super- > 208 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > human toil of the guardian, were realized as (the) conclusion (of the) holiest enterprise > seldom before. since (the) dawn (of the) Revela- > The final note was also sounded by tion. . . .3 3 2 > Shoghi Effendi in the reading of his cable- Thus this Centenary is not merely a re- > gram addressed to the Bahl'is through all calling, no matter how reverently, of a great > National Spiritual Assemblies, announcing Event which took place one hundred years > the termination of the initial step of the con- ago: it is an occasion on which the Bahi'is > struction of the "domed structure designed are challenged to carry forward the work of > (to) embellish (and) preserve (the) B6b's an ever-living and Divine Faith. > sepulcher on Mt. Carmel." > "(The) hour (is) ripe," the message con- Centenary Pamphlets > tinued, "(to) undertake (the) preliminaries Two pamphlets were published by the > (for the) erection (of the) octagonal first National Spiritual Assembly of the United > unit (of the) superstructure. . . . States as part of the Centenary commemora- > "(I) appeal (to) entire body (of) believ- tion. > ers (to) seize (this) priceless opportunity The first publication is the world survey > (to) stimulate (the) unfoldment (of) this compiled by the Guardian with data report- > process through generous, sustained contri- ing the spread of the Faith from 1844 to > butions (for the) furtherance (of an) enter- 1950, entitled The Bah& Faith-1844- > prise transcending any national institution 1950. > whether H ~ i r a or Ma&riqu'l-Adhkir, The second publication is The Martyr > reared (in the) past or (in) process (of) Prophet of a World Faith by William B. > construction. Sears, telling the story of the B6b for a > "The hour (is) propitious . . . (to) western public. > repay part (of the) infinite debt (of) grati- ZThis cable, dated Haifa, July 7, 1950, appears in > tude owed its martyrs, through hastening World Order Unfolds, page 12. > > 7 . THE MARTYR PROPHET OF > A WORLD F A I T H * > > The blistering July sun glared from the The chain of events leading to this scene > barrels of seven hundred and fifty rifles, began in 1844. > awaiting the command to fire and to take It was in an age of religious fervor. Ev- > His life. erywhere men were preaching the return of > He seemed so young to die, barely thirty, Christ. They urged the world to prepare for > and He was handsome, gentle, confident. it. Wolff in Asia, Sir Edward Irving in Eng- > Could He pos~.iblybe guilty of the shocking land, Leonard H. Kelber in Germany, Ma- > crime o f which He was accused? son in Scotland, Davis in South Carolina, > Thousands of eager spectators lined the and William Miller in Pennsylvania all > Public Square. They crowded along the agreed that their studies of the Scriptures > roof-tops overlooking the scene of death. clearly showed that the hour for Christ's re- > They wanted one last sight of Him for He turn was at hand. > was either good or evil, and hey were not James Russell Lowell's poem "The Crisis" > sure which. was written in that very hour of Advent en- > It was high noon, July 9, 1850, in a thusiasm: > parched corner o f Persia, the barracks > square o f the sun-drenched city of Tabriz. "Once to every man and nation > comes the moment to decide. > * Pamphlet issued by the National Spiritual Assembly > of the Bahi'is of the United States, commemorating the > Some great cause, God's new Messiah . . ." > Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Bib, Tabrfz, Persia, > July 9, 1850. The years between 1843 and 1847 were > C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R TY R D O M O F T H E BAB 209 > > generally accepted as the time for the return "I sat enraptured by the magic of His > of Christ. Careful study of the prophecies voice and the sweeping force of His revela- > had simultaneously led Bible scholars and tion. At last I reluctantly arose from my > students in different parts of the world to seat and begged to depart. He smilingly bade > these fateful years. me be seated, and said: 'If you leave in such > Did the years between 1843 and 1847 a state, whoever sees you will assuredly say: > pass with no sign of the return of Christ? This poor youth has lost his mind.' " > Or were these years comparable to those At that moment the clock registered two > which followed the birth and enunciation of hours and eleven minutes after sunset on the > Christ's original message? Years which eve of May 23, 1844. The Biib declared to > passed with no visible sign to the people of Mulli Husayn as he prepared to leave, "This > Palestine that the Promised One had come. night, this very hour will, in the days to > The crucifixion of a trouble maker from come, be celebrated as one of the greatest > Nazareth they had dismissed from their and most significant festivals." > minds. Was the story to wait, as it had One hundred years later, May 23, 1944, > waited in the time of Jesus, for over one in over eight hundred Bahgi communities > hundred years before it began to reach the of the world this hour was commemorated > consciousness of the people? Was the story as the dawn of a new age, the beginning of > of Calvary to be retold at an execution post the era of "one fold and one shepherd." > in the public square of Tabriz? In one century from the evening of its > birth, this World Faith heralded by the Bib > And during 1844, in Persia, this story had had spread to all the major countries of the > its beginning. earth, embracing people from every walk of > It was the eve of May 23rd in S i r i z , the life, every religious conviction, every shade > "city of nightingales and blue tile foun- of skin-color. > tains." ShirAz, in what was once the ancient > province of Elam given by Daniel, the The fame of the Bgb soon spread beyond > Prophet, as the place of visioil in the latter the circle of His disciples. It reached the > days and mentioned in the book of Jere- authorities of both church and state. They > miah: "And I will set my throne in Elam." were alarmed by the enthusiasm with which > A young man declared that He was the the people accepted the B6b's message. The > one foretold in all the holy books of the same wave of opposition and hatred that > past. He said He had come to usher in a had surrounded ~esus,began to engulf the > new era, a new springtime in the hearts of Bgb. The clergy at once initiated a com- > men. He was called "The B6b" which means bined attack upon Him. They gathered their > the door or the gate. His teaching was to be wisest and most capable scholars and speak- > the gateway to a new age of unity: The ers to argue with and try to confuse the > world is one country and mankind its citi- B6b. They arranged great public debates in > zens; there is only one religion and all the Shhiriz and invited the governor, the clergy, > prophets have taught it. the military chiefs, as well as the people, > As Jesus had spoken to Peter, the fisher- hoping to -discredit the young prophet of > man, the B6b spoke to a Persian student, Shiriz. > Mu116 IJusayn. Mull6 Husayn's own words He spoke such searching truths that day > can best describe the depth of this experi- by day the crowds increased. His purity of > ence : conduct at an age when passions are intense > "I sat spellbound by His utterance, ob- impressed the people who met Him. He was > livious of time. . . . This Revelation, so possessed of extraordinary eloquence and > suddenly and impetuously thrust upon me, daring. Instead of benefiting the clergy, the > came as a thunderbolt which, for a time, debates they arranged elevated the B6b at > seemed to have benumbed my faculties their expense. He exposed, unsparingly, > . . . Excitement, joy, awe, and wonder their vices and corruption. He proved their > stirred the depths of my soul. Predominant infidelity to their own doctrine. He shamed > among these emotions was a sense of glad- - - > Bahl'i Revelation, translated from the original Persian > ness and strength which seemed to have and edited bv Shoghi Effendi, Bahl'i Publishing Com- > transfigured me."' mittee, New -~ork,-1932.The quotations are f&m the > -- following pages of The Dawn-Breakers: 62-65, 61, 173- > 1The quotations cited are taken from The Dawn- 177, 239, 315-316, 321-322, 447, 450-452, 502, 507, 509, > Breakers, Nabfl's Narrative of the Early Days of the 512-517. > 210 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > them in their lives. He defeated them with Tihrin. The SJhih had received a letter from > their own Holy Book in His hand. the BBb requesting such an audience. The > Soon all of Persia was talking about the BBb said that He was confident of the just- > BBb. The ShBh himself, moved to investi- ness of the King and so He wished to come > gate the truth of the reports concerning the to the capital and hold conferences with the > Bib, delegated Siyyid Yahyiy-i-Dhibi, sur- priests of the empire in the presence of the > named Vahid, to go at once to S_hiriz and ShBh, the civil authorities, and the people. > investigate the matter in person. V*id was The BBb offered to explain His Cause and > chosen because he was called the "most His purpose. He said He would accept be- > learned and most influential" of all the forehand the judgment of the KhBh and, in > SJhih's subjects. case of failure, was ready to sacrifice His > Vahid had three interviews with the BBb. head. > After the first, he said to a friend, "I have The Bib never reached Tihrin. The > in His presence expatiated unduly upon my Prime Minister, Hiji Mirzi Aqisi, feared > own learning. He was able in a few words the consequences of such an interview. He > to answer my questions . . ." feared the influence the BBb might exert on > Of these interviews, Vahid said later, "As both the sovereign and the capital city. He > soon as I was ushered into His presence, a succeeded in persuading the Shih to trans- > sense of fear, for which I could not account, fer so dreaded a subject to MBh-K6, a pris- > suddenly seized me . . . The BBb, behold- on castle in the AdJhirbByjBn mountains to > ing my plight, arose from His seat, ad- the north. > vanced towards me, and, taking hold of my En route to MBh-K6, the BBb approached > hand, seated me beside Him. the gate of Tabriz. The news of His arrival > " 'Seek from me,' He said, 'whatever is stirred the hearts of the people and they set > your heart's desire. I will readily reveal it to out to meet Him, eager to extend their wel- > you.' come to so beloved a Leader. The officials > "Like a babe that can neither understand of the government refused to allow them to > nor speak, I felt powerless to respond. The draw near and receive His blessing. > Bib smiled as He gazed at me and said: As the Bib walked along the streets of > 'Were I to reveal for you [the answers to Tabriz, the cries of the multitude resounded > the questions you seek], would you acknowl- on every side. So loud was the clamor of > edge that My words are born of the spirit welcome that a crier was ordered to warn > of God? Would you recognize that My ut- the people of the danger to which they were > terance can in no way be associated with exposing themselves. The cry went forth: > sorcery or magic? . . . "Whosoever shall make any attempt to ap- > "How am I to describe this scene of in- proach the Siyyid-i-BBb, or seek to meet > expressible majesty? Verses streamed from him, all [that person's] possessions shall > His pen with a rapidity that was truly as- forthwith be seized and he himself con- > tounding. The incredible swiftness of His demned to perpetual imprisonment!" > writing, the soft and gentle murmur of His An undercurrent of excitement ran > voice, and the stupendous force of His style, through the city during the BBb's stay. With > amazed and bewildered me." saddened hearts and mixed feelings of help- > Vahid summed up his report on his in- lessness and confusion, the people watched > vestigation of the Bib by saying, "Such was the beloved Prophet leave Tabriz for the > the state of certitude to which I had at- castle of Mih-K6. They whispered among > tained that if all the powers of the earth themselves, as had the followers of Jesus > were to be leagued against me they would when they watched Him being delivered in > be powerless to shake my confidence in the turn to Caiaphas and Pilate: If this is the > greatness of His Cause." Promised One, why is He subjected to the > When word of this reached the SJhBh, he whims of the men of earth? > told his Prime Minister that he had been in- The Bib was given into the custody of > formed Vahid had become a follower of the 'Ali Khin, warden of the solid, four-towered > BBb. "If this be true, it behooves us to stone castle which sat on the summit of a > cease belittling the Cause of that Siyyid." mountain on the frontier of Russia, Turkey, > Still disturbed by Vahid's response to the and Persia. > Bzib's teachinq, the ShBh issued an order The Prime Minister was confident that > summoning the BBb to the capital city of few, if any, would venture to penetrate that > C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R T Y R D O M O F T H E BAB > > wild region. The people of the area were al- warned to profit by the failure of 'Ali > ready hostile to the BBb, and it was the at MBh-Ku. Yet, in spite of the open threat > Prime Minister's hope that this enforced se- to his own safety, Yahyi L h i n found him- > clusion among enemies would stifle the self powerless to obey. He soon felt the fas- > Faith at its birth and lead to its extinction. cination of his prisoner and forgot the duty > He soon realized how gravely he had un- he was expected to perform, for the love of > derrated the force of the Bib's influence. the BBb had claimed his entire being. > The hostility of the natives was subdued by Even the Kurds who lived in Chihriq, and > the gentle manners of the BBb. Their hearts whose fanaticism and hatred exceeded that > were softened by His love for them. Their of the inhabitants of MBh-KG, fell under the > pride was humbled by His modesty. Their transforming influence of the Bib. The love > opposition to His teaching was nlellowed by which the Bib radiated was a living thing. > the wisdom of His words. Even the warden, As Saul of Tarsus had fallen victim to the > 'Ali KJhin, began to relax the severity of enrapturing warmth of Jesus, in like manner > the Bkb's imprisonment, in spite of the whoever came in contact with the BBb was > Prime Minister's repeated warning against transported into a new world of joy and > falling under His spell. gladness. As the crowds had flocked to > Soon great numbers began to come from Jesus on the Mount of Olives, so came the > all quarters to visit the Bib at Mih-Kii. hungry, thirsty people of Persia to the > During this period, the Bib composed His Mountain of Chihriq. > Persian Baya'n, the most comprehensive of No sooner did this news reach the capital > all His writings. In it the Bib defined His than the infuriated Prime Minister de- > mission as two-fold: To call men to God, manded that the Bib be transferred at once > and to announce the coming of the Promise to Tabriz. He called an immediate confer- > of all ages and all religions-a great world ence of all the ecclesiastical dignitaries of > educator whose station was so exalted that Tabriz to seek the most effective means for > in the words of the Bib, "A thousand pe- bringing to an abrupt end the BBb's power > rusals of the Baya'n cannot equal the perusal over the people. > of a single verse to be revealed by 'Him The news of the impending arrival of the > Whom God shall make manifest.' "' Bib caused such popular enthusiasm that > The Prime Minister was informed of the the authorities decided to confine the BBb > affection which the once unfriendly people in a place outside the gate of the city. > of MBh-KG were showing toward the Bib. The crowds besieged the entrance to the > He was told of the flood of pilgrims to the meeting place the next day, impatiently > castle. Those who had been ordered to awaiting the time when they could catch a > watch developments reported to the Prime glimpse of His face. They pressed forward > Minister that the warden, 'Ali K_hBn, had in such large numbers that a passage had to > been enchanted by the Bib and treated Him be forced for the BBb. > as his host rather than as his prisoner. Both When the BBb entered the hall, a great > fear and rage impelled the Prime Minister stillness descended upon the people. At last > to issue an instant order for the transfer of the stillness was broken by the president of > the BBb to the castle of Chihriq, called the the gathering. "Who do you claim to be," > "grievous mountain." he asked the BBb, "and what is the message > The BBb said farewell to the people of which you have brought?" > MBh-K6 who, in the course of His nine Pontius Pilate had asked Jesus, "Art thou > months' captivity among them, had recog- a king then?'And Jesus replied, "Thou say- > nized to a remarkable degree the power of est that I am a king. To this end was I born, > His personality and the greatness of His and for this cause came I into the world, > character. that I should bear witness unto the truth. > Everyone that is of the truth heareth my > The Bib was subjected to a closer and more voi~e."~ > rigorous confinement at Chihriq. The Prime So did the Bib reply to the Assembly. "I > Minister left strict and explicit instructions am, I am, I am the Promised One! I am > to the keeper, Yahyi K_hBn, that no one was the One whose name you have for a thou- > to enter the presence of his prisoner. He was sand years invoked, at whose mention you > > 2 World Order of Bahd'u'lldh, page 100. 3 John 18:37. > 212 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > have risen, whose advent you have longed Prime Minister Hiji Mirzd A q h i was top- > to witness, and the hour of whose Revela- pled from power. The successor to the > tion you have prayed God to hasten. Verily throne was seventeen year old Ndsiri'd-Din > I say, it is incumbent upon the peoples of Mirzi, and the active direction of the affairs > both the East and the West to obey My of the nation fell to a new Prime Minister, > word and pledge allegiance to My person." MirzQ Taqi Lhin. His rule was iron-hearted > Immediately after He had pronounced and his hatred for the Bib more implacable > these words, a quiet fell over the hall; a than that of Hiji Mirzb Aqisi. He un- > feeling of awe seized those who were pres- chained a combined assault of civil and ec- > ent; the pallor of their faces betrayed the clesiastical powers against the Bib and His > agitation of their hearts. Faith. > The examination of the Bib continued to > its pre-arranged end. Yet, once again the When word of the suffering of His followers > purpose of the authorities had been frus- reached the Bib, who had been returned to > trated. The meeting had served only to up- the castle of Chihriq, He was plunged in > lift Him in the eyes of the people. sorrow. There was yet an added blow to > come to Him. His beloved uncle, by whom > The Bib was at length delivered to the head He had been reared in childhood, was ar- > of the religious court of Tabriz to be rested in TihrBn to await execution. > whipped with the bastinado. As Jesus had It was this same uncle who had served the > fallen under the scourge for His claim to be BQb with such devotion throughout His life, > a Redeemer of men, the Bib also was sub- who became one of His first and most ar- > jected to the same indignity. Eleven times dent disciples. It had been less than a year > the head of the religious court applied the before his arrest in Tihrdn that the BBb's > rod to the Bib's feet. He was struck across uncle had visited Him in His prison cell in > the face with one of the strokes intended Chihriq. He had gone from there to Tihrin > for His feet. to teach the Faith of the Bib and had re- > Dr. McCormick, an English physician, mained there until his arrest as one of four- > treated Him and recalled their meeting in teen prisoners. > the following manner, "He was a very mild The fourteen captives in TihrBn were im- > and delicate-looking man, rather small in prisoned in the home of one of the city of- > stature and very fair for a Persian, with a ficials. Every kind of ill treatment was in- > melodious soft voice, which struck me much flicted upon them to induce them to reveal > . > . . In fact his whole look and deportment the names and addresses of other believers. > went far to dispose one in his favour." The Prime Minister issued a decree threat- > His persecutors had fondly hoped that by ening with execution whoever among the > summoning the Bib to Tabriz they would fourteen was unwilling to recant his faith. > be able through threats and intimidations to Seven were compelled to yield to the pres- > induce Him to abandon His mission. They sure and were released at once. The remain- > had failed. As Jesus had said, "My teaching ing seven became known as the "Seven Mar- > is not mine, but His that sent me," the Bib tyrs of TihrQn." The Bib's uncle, one of the > too made it clear that this message was leading merchants of S_hdz, was one of > something greater than Himself. these seven. > The gathering in Tabriz had enabled Him His friends urged him to deny his faith > at last to set forth emphatically, in the pres- and save his life. A number of the more af- > ence of the authorities, the distinguishing fluent merchants offered to pay a ransom for > features of His claim. It had also enabled him. The BQb's uncle rejected their offer. > Him to destroy, in brief and convincing lan- Finally he was brought before the Prime > guage, the arguments of His enemies. Minister. > The news of this meeting spread rapidly "A number have interceded in your be- > throughout Persia. It awakened new zeal in half," the Prime Minister told him. "Emi- > the hearts of His followers. They redoubled nent merchants of Shiriz and Tihrin are > their efforts to spread His teachings. It en- willing, nay eager, to pay your ransom . . . > kindled a corresponding reaction among His A word of recantation from you is sufficient > adversaries. Persecutions, unprecedented in to set you free and ensure your return, with > their violence, swept over the nation. honors, to your native city." > The a i h succumbed to illness, and his The Bib's uncle boldly replied to these > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 213 > > words. "Your Excellency," he said, ". . . ship, better would it have been than to de- > my repudiation of the truths enshrined in clare your allegiance to one who is certainly > this Revelation would be tantamount to a inferior to you in knowledge." > rejection of all the Revelations that have "The knowledge which I have acquired," > preceded it. T o refuse to acknowledge the Qurbin-'Ali answered, "has led me to bow > Mission of the . . . Bib would be to . . . down in allegiance before Him." Qurbin- > deny the Divine character of the Message 'Ali boldly continued: "Ever since I attained > which Muhammad, Jesus, Moses, and all the age of manhood, I have regarded justice > the Prophets of the past have revealed." and fairness as the ruling motives of my > The Prime Minister could not hide his life. I have judged the B i b fairly" with my > impatience as the Bib's uncle signed his own mind and with my heart. I "have reached > death-warrant with his lips. the conclusion that should this Youth, to > The Bib's uncle continued: "God knows whose transcendent power friend and foe > that whatever I have heard and read con- alike testify, be false, every Prophet of God, > cerning the sayings and doings of those Mes- from time immemorial down to the present > sengers, I have been privileged to witness day, should be denounced as the very em- > the same from this Youth, this beloved bodiment of falsehood!" > Kinsman of mine, from His earliest boy- Neither the sweetness of bribes, nor the > hood to this, the thirtieth year of His life threat of death had any effect. > . . . I only request that you allow me to be "I am assured of the unquestioning devo- > the first to lay down my life in [His] path." tion of over a thousand admirers," Qurbin- > The Prime Minister was stupefied by such 'Ali told the Prime Minister, "and yet I am > an answer. Without uttering a word, he powerless to change the heart of the least > motioned that the Bib's uncle be taken out among them. This Youth, however, has > and beheaded. proved Himself capable of transmuting > The second to fall beneath the heads- . . . the souls of the most degraded among > man's axe was Mirzi Qurbin-'Ali. He was His fellow men. Upon a thousand like me > a close friend of many nobles. The mother He has, unaided and alone, exerted such in- > of the Shih, because of her friendship for fluence that, without even attaining His > Qurbin-'Ali, said to the King, "He is no presence, they have flung aside their own > follower of the Bib, but has been falsely desires and have clung passionately to His > accused." will. Fully conscious of the inadequacy of > So they sent for him. "You are a scholar, the sacrifice they have made, these yearn to > a man of learning," they said. "You do not lay down their lives for His sake . . ." > belong to this misguided sect; a false charge The Prime Minister hesitated. "I am loth, > has been preferred against you." whether your words be of God or not, to > Qurbin-'Ali replied, "I reckon myself one pronounce the sentence of death against the > of the followers and servants of the Bib, possessor of so exalted a station." > though whether or no He hath accepted me "Why hesitate?" burst forth Qurbin-'Ali. > as such, I know not." "[For this was I born.] This is . . . the day > They tried to persuade, holding out hopes on which I shall seal with my life-blood my > of a salary and pension. faith in His cause." Seeing the Prime Min- > "This life and these drops of blood of ister's uncertainty, he added quickly, "Be > mine," he said, "are of but small account; not, therefore, reluctant, and rest assured > were the empire of the world mine, and had that I shall never blame you for your act. > I a thousand lives, I would freely cast them The sooner you strike off my head, the > all at the feet of His friends." greater will be my gratitude to you." > Qurbin-'Ali was taken to the Prime Min- The Prime Minister paled. "Take him > ister. away from this place!" he cried. "Take him > "Since last night I have been besieged by away! Another moment, and . . . [he] will > all classes of State officials," the Prime Min- have cast his spell over me!" > ister told him, "who have vigorously inter- Qurbin-'Ali smiled gently. "You are > ceded in your behalf. From what I learn of proof against that magic that can captivate > the position you occupy and the influence only the pure in heart." > your words exercise, you are not much in- Infuriated, the Prime Minister arose from > ferior to the Siyyid-i-Bib himself. Had you his seat. His face was mottled and his whole > claimed for yourself the position of leader- frame shaking with anger as he shouted: > 'f WORLD > > "Nothing but the edge of the sword can sured that you will be with Me. Tomorrow > silence the voice of this deluded people!" you shall witness what God has decreed." > He turned to the executioners. It is enough. That night the face of the BBb was aglow > "No need to bring any more members of with joy, a joy such as had never shone from > this hateful sect before me. Words are His countenance. Indifferent to the storm > powerless to overcome their unswerving ob- that raged about Him, He conversed with > stinacy. Whomever you are able to induce to His companions with gaiety and cheerful- > recant his faith, release him; as for the rest, ness. The sorrows that had weighed so heav- > strike off their heads. I will face no more ily upon Him seemed to have completely > of them!" vanished. > > The news of the tragic fate which had be- The BBb saw the sun rise over the sands > fallen the seven martyrs of TihrBn brought of His native Persia for the last time. He > immeasurable sorrow to the heart of the was engaged in a confidential conversation > BBb. To His companions, the Bgb explained with one of His followers who served as His > that this event foreshadowed His own death secretary when He was interrupted by a gov- > soon to follow. ernment official. The chief attendant for the > The Prime Minister decided to strike at Prime Minister's brother had come to lead > the very head of the Faith. Remove the BBb, the BBb to the presence of the leading Doc- > he felt, and once more the old order could tors of Law in Tabriz to obtain from them > be restored. He called his counsellors to- the authorization for His execution. > gether and unfolded his plans. The BBb rebuked the attendant for his in- > "Nothing," he told them, "short of his terruption and held fast to His secretary's > [the BBb's] public execution can . . . en- hand. > able this distracted country to recover its "Not until I have said to him all those > tranquillity and peace." things that I wish to say," the Bgb warned > He dispatched an order commanding that the attendant, "can any earthly power si- > the BBb be brought to Tabriz a second time. lence Me. Though all the world be armed > Forty days before the arrival of this sum- against Me, yet shall they be powerless to > mons, the BBb collected all the documents deter Me from fulfilling, to the last word, > and writings in His possession. He placed My intention." > them in a box, along with His pen-case and The attendant was amazed at such bold- > ring, and made arrangements for their dis- ness and effrontery in a mere prisoner. He > posal. 'Abdu'l-Karim, to whom they were insisted that the BAb accompany him. The > eventually entrusted, informed his fellow- barracks doors were opened and the BBb > disciples that all he could reveal of the letter was brought into the courtyard, His conver- > which had been given him concerning the sation left unfinished. > contents of the box was that it was to be de- To the people of Tabriz, the B6b was no > livered into the hands of BahL'u'llBh, one of longer triumphant. The campaign of united > the Bgb's ablest defenders in TihrBn. opposition by church and state was having > At last the Bgb was escorted to the city of its effect. The BBb was now a humbled > Tabriz which was to be the scene of His prisoner. The crowd filled the streets and > martyrdom. Never had this city experienced people climbed on each other's shoulders > a turmoil so fierce. As the Bib was being led the better to see this man who was still so > through the courtyard to His cell in the city much talked about. > barracks, a youth leaped forward into His Just as Jesus had entered Jerusalem > path. This eighteen year old boy had forced hailed on all sides and with palms strewn in > his way through the crowd ignoring the peril His path only to be mocked and reviled in > to his own life which such an attempt in- that same Jerusalem within the week, in like > volved. His face was haggard, his feet were manner the glory that had attended the > bare, his hair dishevelled. He flung himself Bgb's first visit to Tabriz was forgotten > at the feet of the BBb and implored Him: now. This time the crowd, restless and ex- > "Send me not from Thee, 0 Master. Wher- citable, flung insulting words at the Bib. > ever Thou goest, suffer me to follow Thee." They pursued Him as He was led through > Reminiscent of the words of Jesus to the the streets. They broke through the guards > thief on the cross, the Bib answered him, and struck Him in the face. When some > saying, "Muhammad-'Ali, arise and rest as- missile hurled from the crowd would reach > its mark the guards and the crowd would The smoke from the firing of the seven > burst into laughter. hundred and fifty old-style rifles was such > As soon as the chief attendant secured the as to turn the light of the noonday sun into > death warrant, he delivered the Bib into the darkness. As soon as the cloud of smoke had > hands of Sim LhBn who was in charge of cleared away, the crowd looked upon a > the Armenian regiment which had been or- scene which reason could scarcely accept. > dered to execute Him. Standing before them, alive and unhurt, was > S i m L h i n had found himself increasingly the companion of the Bib, Muhammad-'Ali. > affected by the behavior of his captive. He The BBb Himself had vanished from their I > > was seized with great fear lest his action sight. The cords with which they had been > should bring upon him the wrath of God. suspended were torn into pieces by the bul- > He approached the Bib and spoke to Him. lets, yet their bodies had escaped the volleys. > "I profess the Christian Faith," he ex- The soldiers tried to quiet the crowd. The > plained, "and entertain no ill will against chief attendant began a frantic search for > you. If your Cause be the Cause of Truth, the Bib. He found Him seated in the same > enable me to free myself from the obliga- room which He had occupied the night be- > tion to shed your blood." fore. The BBb was completing the conversa- > "Follow your instructions," the BBb re- tion which had been interrupted that morn- > plied, "and if your intention be sincere, the ing by the chief attendant. > Almighty is surely able to relieve you from "I have finished My conversation with > your perplexity." My secretary," the Bib told the attendant. > SBm K_hh ordered his men to drive a nail "Now you may proceed to fulfil your in- > into the pillar that lay between the doors of tention." > the barracks. To the nail they made fast the The attendant was too much shaken to > ropes from which the BBb and His com- resume. He remembered the words the BBb > panion, Muhammad-'Ali, were to be sepa- had spoken that morning: "Though all the > rately suspended. world be armed against Me, yet shall they > The Bib remained silent, His pale hand- be powerless to deter Me from fulfilling, to > some face framed by a black beard and the last word, My intention." The attendant > small moustache. His appearance and His refused to continue. He left the scene and > refined manners, His white and delicate resigned his post. > hands, His simple but neat garments, all Meanwhile, in the courtyard the soldiers, > seemed out of place in the midst of this in order to quell the excitement of the > scene of violence. crowd, showed the cords which had been > Muhammad-'Ali begged Sim a B n to severed by the bullets. The seven hundred > place him in such a manner that his body and fifty musket balls had shattered the > would shield that of the BBb. He was even- ropes into fragments and freed the two, > tually suspended so that his head rested nothing more. > upon the breast of his Master. A. L. M. Nicolas, a European scholar, > About ten thousand people had crowded wrote of this episode, "It was a thing unique > onto the roofs of the adjoining houses, all in the annals of the history of humanity. > eager to witness the spectacle, yet all willing The volley severed their bonds and delivered > to change at the least sign from the BBb. As them without a scratch." M. C. Huart, a > the crowd that had passed by on Golgotha, French writer, stated, "It was a real mira- > reviling Him, wagging their heads and say- cle . . ." > ing, "Save thyself. If thou be the Son of SBm Khdn was likewise stunned. He re- > God, come down from the cross," so, too, called the words the BBb had addressed to > did the people of Tabriz mock the BBb and him: "If your intention be sincere, the Al- > jeer at His impotence. mighty is surely able to relieve you from > As soon as the BBb and His companion your perplexity." He ordered his regiment > were fastened to the post, the regiment of to leave the barracks square immediately. > soldiers ranged itself in three files. Sim He told the authorities that he would refuse > Chin could delay the command no longer. ever again to associate himself and his regi- > He ordered his men to fire. In turn, each of ment with any act that would involve the > the files opened fire upon them until the least injury to the BBb, even though his re- > whole detachment had discharged its volley fusal should entail the loss of his own life. > of bullets. After the departure of S6m Khin, the > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > colonel of the bodyguard volunteered to enlist our sympathies on behalf of the young > carry out the order for the execution. A Prophet of S_hirBz." > second time the BBb and His companion > were lashed to the fatal post while the firing At last the clergy and the state prided them- > squad formed in line before them. As they selves on having crushed the life from the > prepared to fire the final volley, the BBb Cause they had battled so long. The BBb > spoke His last words to the gazing multi- was no more. His chief disciples had been > tude. destroyed, the mass of His followers > "Had you believed in Me, 0 wayward throughout the land were being gradually > generation," He said, "every one of you cowed and exhausted. > would have followed the example of this Within three years, the Cause for which > youth, who stood in rank above most of the Bib had given His life seemed on the > you, and willingly would have sacrificed verge of extinction. The life of the ill-fated > himself in My path. The day will come Youth of ZhhirBz appeared to be one of the > when you will have recognized Me; that day saddest and most fruitless. > I shall have ceased to be with you." Yet this abyss of darkness and despair > The regiment discharged the volley. The was the very hour for which the Bib had > Bgb and His companion gave up their lives long been preparing His followers. Repeat- > as the bullets shattered their bodies. As edly He had told them that He was but the > Jesus had expired on the cross so that men humble forerunner of a Messenger of in- > might be called back to God, the BBb comparable greatness yet to follow. In His > breathed his last against the barracks wall book the Bay& the Bib had written, "Of > in the city of Tabriz. all the tributes I have paid to Him Who is > The martyrdom of the BBb took place at to come after Me, the greatest is this, My > noon on Sunday, July 9, 1850, thirty years written confession that no words of Mine > from the time of his birth in S_hirBz. can adequately describe Him, nor can any > reference to Him in My book, the Baya'n, do > There is but one parallel in all recorded his- justice to His C a ~ s e . " ~ > tory to the brief, turbulent ministry of the > Bkb. It is the passion of Jesus Christ. There Amid the shadows that were gathering > is a remarkable similarity in the distinguish- about the Faith of the BBb, the figure of > ing features of their careers: the youthful- Bah2u'llBh alone remained as the hope of > ness and meekness; the dramatic swiftness an unshepherded community; that same > with which their ministry moved toward its BahA'u'llBh, to whom the BBb had sent the > climax; the boldness with which they chal- box containing His personal possessions and > lenged the time-honored conventions, laws, His writings. > and rites of the religions into which they The marks of clear vision, of courage and > had been born; the r6le which the religious sagacity which BahB'u'llgh had shown on > hierarchy played as chief instigator of the more than one occasion ever since he rose > outrages they were made to suffer; the in- to champion the Cause of the Bab, ap- > dignities heaped upon them; the suddenness peared to qualify him to revive the fortunes > of their arrest; the interrogations to which of an expiring Faith. > they were subjected; the scourgings inflicted Yet even this hope seemed taken from the > upon them; the public affronts they sus- believers. Bah6'u'llBh was imprisoned in the > tained; and finally their ignominious suspen- "black pit" in Tihrin. He was stripped of > sion before the gaze of a hostile multitude. his possessions and was exiled to Baghdad > - > Sir Francis Younghusband in his book, in 'IrBq. > The Gleam, said, "His life must be one of The SJhBh and the Prime Minister re- > those events in the last hundred years which joiced. If they were to believe their coun- > is really worth study." sellors, they would never again hear of the > Edward Granville Browne, the famous BBb or His Faith. It was swiftly receding > Cambridge scholar, wrote, "Who can fail to into oblivion. > be attracted by the gentle spirit of the BBb? Once again they had underestimated the > His sorrowful and persecuted life; his purity character of this Faith and the source of its > of conduct, and youth; his courage and un- power. The BBb had promised His followers > complaining patience under misfortune . . . in His book, the BayLn, that the one > but most of all his tragic death, all serve to 4 World Order o f Bahd'u'lla'h, page 100. > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 217 > > "Whom God will make manifest" would ap- The Cause for which the Bib had given > pear nineteen years from the date of His His life no longer seemed to border on the > own declaration. In 1863 outside the city of verge of obliteration. The dawn had now > Baghdid, nineteen years from that evening given way to daylight. The era promised to > in a i r i z when the Bib had spoken to Mull6 the earth since the beginning of time, the > Husayn, BahL'u'llLh declared to the world day of the "one fold and one shepherd" had > that He was the One foretold by the Bib. been ushered in by His sacrifice. > > 8. PILGRIMAGE T O T H E SCENES O F T H E > BAB'S CAPTIVITY AND MARTYRDOM > By DHIKRU'LLAH > &I~DEM > > Translated by Marzieh Gail > > A HUNDRED years have now gone by these words of it: "Inevitable for us is > since the meek and holy Bib, the Gate of Ad_hirbiyjBn. Nothing can equal it . . ." > God, was put to death at noon on July 9, They are traveling to see the place with > 1850, and even to the present day the world their physical eyes, but also to weep over > and its peoples ("except for those into the anguish of that Lord of men in the > whose eyes God hath shed the radiance of Country of Sorrows itself, where earth and > His Face") are fast in a deathlike sleep, air, mountains and lakes, streams, trees, and > unconscious of a mighty Faith, a transcend- stones bear witness to the wrong that was > ent Dispensation, which made prophets and done Him. They will pour out for Him as > seers of past ages cry out and weep with a libation something of the sorrow of their > longing for it. hearts. > At this time the Bahi'is of the world, The bus goes fast. Again it slows. It ful- > from the northernmost point of the globe to fills the promise as to the Day of the Lord > the southernmost, and from Far East to Far and the coming of the Kingdom when, > West, following the example of Shoghi Ef- Scripture says, the earth will be rolled up. > fendi turned their hearts toward the Country All along our talk is of the passion of the > of Sorrows, to commemorate at the Guard- BBb. We pass through ZanjBn and remem- > ian's bidding the first Centenary of the BBb's ber how lightly Hujjat and his companions > martyrdom. In recognition of this event the tossed away their lives there. Wherever the > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is new road replaces the old, we turn like > of Persia went on a nine days' pilgrimage compass needles to the abandoned thor- > into AdJ~irbByjin.This is an account of their oughfare, because it was there that the Bib > journey and what it meant to one of them. passed by. At Miyinaj we see Him again- > in that house with the upper room. One of > the friends calls our attention to the fact > that the BBb loved high places; that even > It is Thursday, the 6th of July, 1950. It when they were leading Him away to prison, > is the day of Istijlil, the day of Qudrat, the wherever they would stop, in whatever town > month of Rahmat, of the year Javkb, of the or village, and even if there were only one > sixth VBhid of the first Kull-i-$hay'. The upper room in the place, it was there He > group of travelers has set out as pilgrims, in chose to stay. His prisons, too, whether in > a spirit of humility and penitence and great Tabriz or MBh-KG or Chihriq, were always > love, going to the place of the Bib's last in high places. In His Tablet to Muhammad > agony. They are traveling to that spot whose SJhih, revealed at Mih-KG, He speaks, how- > very name, some thousand years ago, set fire ever, of His abode as being still higher than > to the heart of Muhammad's descendent the the prison, for He says, "It is as if I were > ImBm Muhammad-BBqir, so that he spoke dwelling in the loftiest Paradise, delighting > 218 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Myself with the remembrance of God the of the earth be banded together they could > Most Great." not take from Me so much as a single letter > As we talk of all this, mountains and of a word." > deserts and pasture lands pass by us, and And again, in the Tablet to Muhammad > about midnight we come to Tabriz. Waiting S_h&h: "All the keys of heaven God hath > for us here are the believers. They welcome chosen to place on My right hand, and all > us, and carrying out the efficient arrange- the keys of hell on My left . . ." It was His > ments of the Tabriz Assembly, they guide own unconditioned will to cast down His > us away singly or by two's, to the different holy life in the pathway of the "Remnant of > houses where we are to stay. Here are peo- God"-He Whom the Splendor of God has > ple who have never laid eyes on us before, named "My previous Manifestation, the > approaching us with such pleasure. And Precursor of My Beauty." Of Whom, again, > afterward, when we went away, although we He has said, "I am He, He is I; I am His > had been with them only a few days, they Beloved; He is My Beloved." > wept and so did we. It is this that is stirring Could we sleep on a night like this? Day > all over the Bahi'i world today, because the finally breaks. The appointed time ap- > love of God has transfigured human nature. proaches. It is as if from all the streets and > It is two days before the Commemora- passageways of Tabriz souls are gathering > tion. Early on the day itself, all are to gather for Judgment. Yes, it is the Resurrection > at the Haziratu'l-Quds, where a general Day, the rise of the Q2im and the Qayy6m. > meeting will be held; communes will be The squares of Tabriz are black with > chanted, the Guardian's letter will be read, crowds. "Deliver us, most exalted Beloved > and then, one by one or two by two, the . . . forgive us then our sin and hide away > visitors, guided by local believers, are to from us our evil deeds." (Qur'kn 3 : 191.) > circle around the Barracks Square where the Some are hurrying, reverently, prayer- > B5b was offered up as a sacrifice, the holy fully, up to the "Ark," the Citadel where the > place of which it is written: "The souls of B5b was imprisoned, to that high place > the Prophets and Messengers do pace which even today dominates the whole city > about it." and which, once seen, is impressed on the > The meetings arranged throughout Tabriz heart forever. They go here, that they may, > are brilliant. Absent friends are remembered prior to commemorating the hour of the > and missed. We feel that the hearts of all Martyrdom, witness yet another stage in the > believers throughout East and West are fo- long passion of the B5b. Some wait till a > cused on this city, and this gives rise to emo- later hour to make this pilgrimage. These > tions that are best communicated not in stay in the vicinity of the BAbYsupper cham- > words but from heart to heart. ber, and bowing their foreheads to the earth > in that exalted place, are repeating excerpts > from His writings, such as the Commentary > Now it is the eve of the Martyrdom. The on the S6rih of Joseph. Not one has a > Bahfis are in their houses; they are gath- thought except for t h e ~ e l o v e d ;they are in > ered in small groups, or q ~ ~ i alone. > te They another world now, and they cannot easily > are communing with their Lord. I cannot return from it. > tell how it is. We recall the aspect of that At the base of the terrifying "Ark," at the > other night one hundred years ago: How entrance to the courtyard, the BQb has once > MirzL Muhammad-'Ali surnamed Anis and again demonstrated His power; for on a > Siyyid Husayn the amanuensis remained in structure they have raised here in memory > the presence of the Bib; the conversation of the dead, we find inscribed this verse > that took place that night between- disciple from the Qur'a'n: "Think not of those who > and Beloved; all this came to mind again. are slain in the path of God as dead; nay, > To emulate the kind of obedience that Anis alive with their Lord, are they richly sus- > offered his Lord that night-this is the ulti- tained." (S6rih 3: 163.) It stands as a secret > mate wish of every BahC'i. allusion to the BQb's agony and death. The > In a commentary the BAb had referred to pilgrims, reading this holy verse, seek leave > the circumstances of His approaching mar- to enter here, and thus they pass into the > tyrdom in this wise: "Had I not been gaz- prison with their hearts free from everything > ing upon this secret fact, I swear by Him in except God. > Whose hand is My soul, should all the kings The time has come to attend the meeting > C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R TYRDOM O F T H E BAB > > in Tabriz. The program goes forward; it is lieved in Me, every one of you would have > well arranged and deeply moving. Although followed the example of this youth, who > the friends in other areas have been advised stood in rank above most of you, and would > not to attend in large numbers, nevertheless have willingly sacrificed himself in My path. > some are here from other parts of Adbir- The day will come when you will have rec- > biyjBn for this historic day, and the great ognized Me; that day I shall have ceased to > auditorium of the Haziratu'l-Quds is be with you."l > jammed; those who cannot find seats stand In the words of 'Abdu'l-BahB, "The > in the doorways and in the embrasures of groaning of the Supreme Concourse is lifted > the windows. Prayers are chanted. Then we up. . . . The people of Paradise wail and > listen to the BBb's Tablet to Muhammad cry out, their eyes shedding tears, their > SJhih. Today the holy blood of the Bib is hearts afire." At this moment we are con- > coursing through the world, it is flowering scious of the loving attention of the Guard- > everywhere, and where is Muhammad ian, the beloved Shoghi Effendi, who labors > S_h&h?We search, but find no trace of him. at all times to exalt the BBb, who spreads > That foolish Minister of his has also sunk His utterances abroad, who is now devoting > into his tomb, and that other Prime Minis- his nights and days to constructing the > ter, Taqi the Bloodshedder, the Brazen, who Shrine of the Martyr-Prophet on Mt. Car- > condemned the Lord of the world to death, mel. > has vanished in eternal night. The circumambulation is complete. A > In the Turkish language, the Assembly feast is ready. But it is as if our bodies had > secretary then speaks. He tells impressively sustained a death wound, and the pain does > of the spread of the Faith across the world, not lessen . . . > and of the building of the Bib's Shrine on During the remainder of our stay a great > Mt. Carmel. The account of the Martyrdom number of gatherings are held, each one > is read. A strange spiritual atmosphere pre- generating a vivid, never-to-be-forgotten > vails; you would say a glimmer from the quality of the spirit. > world beyond is hovering here. With com- > plete humility, the Visitation Tablet of the > BBb is chanted. The following day we leave for Saysin. > It is almost noon. The pilgrims, led by Some of the friends have come out along > some of the local friends, have come in ut- the way to welcome us while others have > ter lowliness, imploring the help of God, to repaired and leveled the road ahead. What > circumambulate that place which is wor- is this joy, this feeling of exhilaration? In > shiped by the people of Paradise. Unob- the s~acious > I > auditorium-I think it meas- > trusively they pass around the Barracks ures nine by nineteen meters-of the new > Square. They see the very spot where the Hazira a morning and an afternoon meeting > Martyrdom took place. They visualize the are held. The auditorium is packed, there is > Barracks as they were that day, and the no room even to walk through, many are > roof tops black with people. They see the crowding the embrasures of the windows > BBb there, bound to Anis, and suspended and the doorways, and others stand outside > from the ropes. They hear again the words the building. Prayers are being chanted. As > that passed between the B6b and the far&&- the Assembly welcomes us in the accents of > bi&i; between the Bib and SBm K_hin. Ad_hirbiyjin, we recall the well-known > Then Anis, making himself a living shield verse, "When they speak Persian, Turks are > for the BBb. Then the first volley, by the will life-bestowers." Two of us, Varqi and Fur6- > of the Bib, setting forth His proof to the tan, reply with addresses in Turkish, telling > stupefied people, taking no effect. Anis of victories already won by the Faith, and > stands there before them in his immaculate victories to come. Labib, famed Bahi'i > white robe; not even the smoke from the photographer, takes pictures. He has made > seven hundred and fifty rifles has settled on photographs of all these places that relate > it. The Bib concludes His interrupted con- to the Bib in Ad_hirbiyjBn,the way-stations > versation with His amanuensis. Other sol- on His journey, the historic sites .. > . Food > diers are drawn up. The Bib utters His last is prepared foi. us. > words, and His blessed voice still seems to The next day we visit the holy sites at > ring across the Barracks Square: > "0 wayward generation! Had you be- 1 Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, page 53. > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > Urhmiyyih. We are to meet the friends of like their spiritual brothers and sisters across > this area on our return. The lake of UrG- Persia, they have left their homes and it is > miyyih rises before us, and we recall the their great joy to have taken part in the ex- > B6b's arrival at the city here, RidL'iyyih. As tensive teaching campaign; to have earned > one of the friends has said, it is not sadden- the approval of the beloved Guardian who > ing to visit these holy places, because out- wrote of the Plan: "It is a vital undertaking > wardly at least the Bib suffered no afflic- of the followers of the All-Merciful, con- > tions here. He was the guest of Malik Q6sim ceived and established in the opening years > Mirzb, who received Him with ceremony of the second century of the BahL'i Dis- > and forbade that any disrespect be shown pensation, and without peer or precedent > Him. The room of the Bbb, in the upper throughout all the brilliant history of the > story of the prince's house, is like His up- first century of this wondrous Cause in that > per chamber in SJhfrQz;it lifts the spirit. holy land"; and to have assisted in the > The entrance door and wall of the public Plan's successful completion by the Cente- > bath attended by the Bbb have been pre- nary of the Martyrdom. > served; they are just as they were then. They are rendering enviable services and > Dumbly they address the pilgrim. The pool their faces are nothing but light. Unforget- > of the bath is empty now. The people had tably now, a woman believer chants; her > carried away, to, the last drop, the water voice rises, all lowliness and supplication, so > used by the B6b for His ablutions, to bless that our hearts are drawn toward God. And > themselves with it and keep it as medicine out of that place, Salmbs, which lies near > . > for their ills. . . Chihriq-and which the poet H6fifiz has > We know that even an animal had a care named "the abode of Salmb," greeting it six > for Him here. The prince's unmanageable hundred years ago and calling down bless- > horse became quiet under His hand, and let ings upon it, saying, "Hail, a thousand times > Him mount-a strange thing to witness, and hail, to thee, 0 abode of Salmb! How dear > the memory of it will endure forever.' At is the voice of thy camel-drivers, how sweet > the same time, a warning to mankind; for the jingling of thy bells!"-out of Salmbs, > how is it that man in his unawareness has which lies between the "Open Mountain" > sunk even below the animal and has shut (Mbh-KG) and the "Grievous Mountain" > himself away from grace? (Chihriq), our unspoken prayers ring out > We cannot forget the meeting with our from one mountain to the other. Surely they > friends of RidL'iyyih, in a house blessed by are heard as well in the holy worlds of the > the Bgb with His presence. Here too the in- Beloved. > visible hand of the Bbb has been at work- Suddenly we decide to follow the road > across from the Bath we read the inscrip- taken by Mu116 Husayn when, in Madhad, > tion: "God is the Light of the heavens and he vowed to walk the whole distance that > of the earth." (Qur'a'n 24:35.) This verse separated him from the Bbb, and come to > appears in delicate calligraphy on sky-blue Him on the mountain of Mbh-KG. We long > tile, and serves as a guide post to "the Coun- to visit the spot on the mountain where the > tenance of God Whose splendor can never Lord shone forth, as promised by God in > be obscured, the light of God whose radi- the Qur'bnic verse: "When God manifested > ance can never fadeH-words uttered by Himself to the mountain." (Shrih 7: 139.) > the Primal Point Himself concerning His It so happened that the Guardian's mes- > own Essence. sage, sent by telegraph in commemoration > of the Martyrdom and addressed to the > long-afflicted Bahi'is of Persia, was dated at > this very day and hour. > It is morning. Our bus leaves for Tabrfz. The words of the Imbm who said, "I have > The driver has agreed to stop all along the known God by His disposal of man's re- > way so that we can meet with local friends, solves," were now demonstrated. Everyone > and some of these have been alerted ahead felt a longing to go on pilgrimage to "the > of time. The first place where we stop is Open Mountain." The plan to turn back to > SJhbhphr (Salmgs), and a meeting is held. Tabriz was changed; we determined to re- > The pioneers here are solidly established; main in m u y and prepare for the pilgrim- > age to M6h-KG. > 2 The Dawn-Breakers, pages 309-310. Some feel that although they are unable > to walk the entire distance that separated the mountain. For this reason I will not > Mull6 Husayn from the they will at ride." > least go on foot from Lhuy to M6h-Kh, fol- We strain our eyes, but we cannot see 'Ali > lowing in the footsteps of Mull& Husayn's EhQn now, and his honored visitors. But the > faithful attendant, Qambar-'Ali. Unfortu- memory of this event has, even till our day, > nately this cannot be done. It is now almost made the hearts of hundreds of thousands of > half past three in the afternoon, and the bus BahL'is all across the world beat faster; and > is leaving for MQh-Kh. Some of the friends God alone in His wisdom knows how many > of Khuy are with us. We find ourselves look- billions of other hearts, throughout the > ing up and down the road, searching for length of the Bah6'i Cycle which in the > Mull6 Husayn and Qambar-'Ali, and we words of 'Abdu'l-Bahk is to last "at least five > think of those two holy souls; we consider hundred thousand years," will turn their at- > their humility, their spiritual quality, their tention toward this place. > evanescence. Mountains and valleys pass by. We are still in the defile. We cannot see > The goal nears. M&h-KG. And then suddenly, around the > Over a wide area around M&h-KG the bend, there is "the Open Mountain" and the > plains are black; the world mourns at town of M&h-Kfion its slopes. > Mhh-Kh; for mile on mile the land is stud- You who may read this, believe me: I > ded with outcroppings of glistening black would swear by Him Who is the Lord of the > rock. Like ebony planets, these rocks rise mountain that in all the world there is no > out of the land; they flood it like waves of such terrifying sight as this. Those who have > an ebony sea. Posted haphazardly at the traveled to the ends of the earth will bear > mountain pass are other, monstrous shapes, me out: There is no other mountain like > terrifying rock formations that guard the this. It has no like, just as the anguish of > entry. All nature is a prison here, on guard the B6b had no like, so that the Blessed > over the Beloved of mankind, over that Beauty wrote in the Visitation Tablet: "I > Captive of Whom Bahk'u'llLh has written: bear witness that the eye of creation hath > "The purpose in creating the world and never gazed upon one wronged like Thee." > making it to flourish was His Manifesta- If, as scientists believe, our globe of dust > tion." detached itself one way or another from the > We come to a river that boils and clamors sun, and down through the endless ages > through the rocks; it has cut its way through came at last to be as we know it, it is certain > solid rock and is maybe fifteen feet deep. that wind and cloud, sun, moon, and sky > We remember how Nabil tells us that the worked from the beginning that had no be- > night before Mull&Husayn and his servitor ginning to bring about this mountain of > arrived-it was on the eve of the Feast of M6h-Kh, in just this wise, to serve as the > the New Year-'Ali KhQn, the frontier offi- prison of the BQb. It is not a place that writ- > cer in charge of the castle of MQh-Kfi,had a ers and painters can describe, this spot that > dream. He saw the Prophet Muhammad, was the destined setting against which the > followed by a companion, advancing to meet meekness of the B6b shone out. The reader > him from beside the bridge. In the dream, must see the mountain for himself, and the > Muhammad was on His way to visit the cas- prison house and the place where the Lord > tle, to greet the B&b on the occasion of the made Himself manifest, and he must then > New Year. 'Ali B Q n awoke with a sense observe what the sight has done to his own > of exhilaration. He performed his ablutions heart, and meditate on these things through > and prayed, dressed himself in his best gar- long, wakeful nights and at many a dawn, > ments, sprinkled rosewater on his hands, and and then, if he can, let him write of it. > went out on foot to receive the Visitor. He We are speaking of this when, after a > further instructed a servant to saddle and brief detour from the road in the frightening > bridle his three best horses and hold them in pass that leads through the mountain, we see > readiness at the bridge. But when he met on our right a view of "the Open Mountain" > Mull6 Husayn there, 'Ali Kh6n was told: "I and on its slopes the town of M6h-K6. At > have vowed to accomplish the whole of my this point the pass, lying between M6h-Kh > journey on foot, to visit an illustrious Per- and another high mountain that pushes into > sonage who is being held prisoner on top of the sky across from it, widens out. And > 3 Maahad is in the northeast corner of Persia; > again we come face to face with the heights > Mih-Kti in the extreme northwest corner. of MAh-Kfi. Then the pass narrows again as > T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > if it were the mouth of the Fathomless Pit. The two towers which nature has planted > The mountain stretches like a bow, be- on the slopes of the mountain seem from > tween the entrance and exit of the pass. It here more vigilant than ever, holding their > rises, awesome, overpowering, into the sky. Captive in full view. > It rivals the moon's heights, and shuts the A deep cleft runs crookedly from the > moon away. At either end of the bow, na- summit all the way down the mountain and > ture has piled two massive towers, lifting out across from the prison, like a knotted black > of the mountain, up and up into the Milky cord hanging; thousands of feet it swings > Way. From a distance you would say these down, a symbol of the anger of God. Per- > two are jailers, adding to the cruelty of the haps it means that God desires to pull down > BBb's imprisonment. Or again, that they are the mountain, to crush out nature and man > minarets from which was raised the cry, as well. Yet again, we believe that MBh-KG, > "Hasten ye to salvation! Hasten ye to salva- the prison of His Holiness, should exist for- > tion! I bear witness that He Who is 'Ali be- ever, that, as the ages unroll, the peoples of > fore Nabi14 ('Ali-Muhammad, the Bkb) is the earth may come at last to understand > the Gate of the Remnant of God!" some hint of the BBb's agony. So it is that > The city of MBh-KG lies within the curve the pull of the earth has not been able to > of the bow, the opening of which is several draw down this curving roof-like peak, > hundred meters across; it clings to the steep raised up "without pillars that can be seen" > slopes, an almost perpendicular street rises (Qur'a'n 3 1:9) and that castle and mountain > jaggedly from house to house, leading finally stand in their place. > up to the mountain top. Panting and sweat- This is MBh-K6 . . . > ing we climb toward the summit. Not all of The pilgrims, with two of the BahL'is who > us, however. One or two of the band who are pioneers at MBh-KG, reach only the base > set out from Khuy to make this pilgrimage of the mountain at sunset. They must climb > cannot keep on; the road is too rough, too the mountain before night shuts down, for > steep. They cannot reach that last point of at the summit is their long-desired goal. > all, the prison of the BBb. They complete At this time we bring to mind what > their pilgrimage by the roadside, and who Lhayk_h Hasan-i-ZunGzi said to the historian > knows, perhaps they show a special rever- Nabil: That as the BBb dictated His Teach- > ence in this. ings at MBh-KG, the rhythmic flow of His > As the BQb writes in the Tablet to Mu- chant could be heard by those who lived at > hammad S_h&h,the castle lies in the center the foot of the mountain, and mountain and > of the mountain and there is no higher point. valley re-echoed His voice. What a melody > The slope ends abruptly at the castle and that must have been; how it must have > above it there is not a span of earth where shaken the spirit! Our ears strain now in the > anything could be built or find a foothold. effort to hear it again, or to catch the song > Not jutting straight up in fortress-like walls, of the Kingdom that reverberates from slope > but inverted here in a wide arc, the moun- to slope. > tain becomes a great parasol or cupola shel- After long twisting and turning up the > tering the prison place. Rain and snow can- mountain we draw near to the abode of the > not fall here; stars and moon cannot cast Well Beloved. Here is another " ~ r a t o r y "at~ > down their light; only the cruel cold, the the base of the walls; from the heart of the > scorching heat can enter here. For all day mountain, gushing beneath the castle, a > long in the heat of summer, the fortress and stream of pity and anguish jets out with a > the mountain, like a concave mirror, gather noise like sighs and sobs and plunges down > in the heat, and all night long, while in other the mountain, scattering over the surface of > places people are restfully asleep, they ra- a massive rock. Here is clear delicate water, > diate it back. And wintertimes the cold is so well-suited to this holy place, fomr our ablu- > intense that the water which the BBb used tions. The friends are very careful not to > for His ablutions froze on His face. muddy it. > It is here that the Monarch of love was We come to the castle steps. Step after > beset by the legions of tyranny, and the step, our yearning mounts. Here then is the > Dove of holiness prisoned by owls. prison of the Lord of the Age. Here is the > 4According to the abjad reckoning, "Nabfl" and 5 Mugall&, "The Oratory," a favorite resort of the > "Muhammad" are numerical equivalents, the letters of poet If&@ near Shhiriz, watered by the stream of > each word totaling 92. Rukn&bBd. > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB > > place where they brought as a captive the rank and station to the spreading awareness > Sovereign and Possessor of the earth, of of this Order. > Whom it is written: "My Lord hath or- In the heart of this mountain the wrongs > dained that all which is and all which is not inflicted on Him Whom the world has > should belong to the Adored One that liveth wronged stand before us. But in the heart of > forever." another mountain, which seems now to rise > Now we can make out His cell and that face to face with this one and in sharp con- > of His guards. The sorrowing voice of the trast with this, the sovereignty, dominion > BBb, which could move a heart to its depths, and might of the Lord are made manifest. > seems to be ringing against the mountain- The Guardian of Bahb'u'llih's followers, the > side, and the sacred verses H e addressed to "primal branch" that hath grown out "from > Muhammad Shih from this very place speak the Twin Holy Trees," watches us here, > to our souls: "I swear by the Most Great watches the two mountains. Here is > Lord! Wert thou to be told in what place I Mih-KG; and there is the holy mountain > dwell, the first person to have mercy on Me where the Bib's body is laid to rest-named > would be thyself. In the heart of a mountain by Prophets thousands of years back in time > is a fortress . . . the inmates of which are the Mountain of God (Mt. Carmel). The > confined to two guards and four dogs. Pic- King of Glory has related that mountain to > ture, then, My plight . . ." His own Self. The Heavenly Father has > All of us, in complete humility, praying chosen that spot to hold the dust of the Bib, > and supplicating God, visit the cells and and has set it apart as the center of His new > rooms. We take up the dust of the holy place World Order. > for a blessing. We chant verses of the Bib: > "0 Thou the Consolation of Mine eyes! > Verily Thou art the Great Announcement!" Now that we speak of these things here > "0 Thou Remnant of God! I have sacrificed at Mih-KG in the Bib's prison, and Mt. > Myself wholly for Thee; I have accepted Carmel rises suddenly before us, it is not > curses for Thy sake, and have yearned for inappropriate to turn our thoughts toward > naught but martyrdom in the path of Thy His everlasting resting place, so that we may > love." We call to mind His Manifestation note how the long cruelties, the prison, and > and His longing to offer Himself up in at last the bullets-intended, in the words of > death. The Visitation Tablet is chanted. As the Almighty, to free mankind from the > we stand there in the dark of the night, we chains of self and passion-were changed > remember that the Holy Being spent His into abiding glory. How BahL'u'llLh, in the > nights on the mountain in total darkness; pathway of Whose love the BLb sought and > there was not even a candle for Him here. found death, fulfilled the promises voiced by > Our hearts are heavy; grief bows us down. the Prophets of God back through the end- > But suddenly we are comforted by the words less ages, when He named Mt. Carmel as the > of the Primal Point to His own Essence: Shrine of the Bib. How at His command the > "Be patient, 0 Consolation of Mine eyes, for blessed hands of 'Abdu'l-Bahi reared the > verily God hath vowed to establish Thy divine edifice; how redemption of the prom- > glory in every land, amongst all that dwell ises set down in the Tablet of Carme16 was > on earth." Our minds are now flooded with entrusted to the mighty arm of Shoghi Ef- > joy. It is as if from one end of the sky to the fendi, the wondrous, unique and priceless > other a blinding light shines down. We see Guardian. > that the BLb-Who in this place out of the What is the best way to go on pilgrimage > very depths of His captivity and His anguish to the City that has come down from > revealed unnumbered utterances-com- heaven, as the Shrine of the Bib is called in > pletely disregarded the prison, and con- the Tablet of Carmel; the Shrine which, > tinued to exercise that all-powerful, all- Bahb'u'llbh tells us, Mt. Zion circumambu- > pervasive Will, against which no worldly lates? Shall we take the path that leads from > might prevails. In His Book, the Persian the Pilgrims' House all the way to the Tomb > Baya'n, written on this mountain top, from -the house that after its builder is named > this dark and narrow cell, He alludes to His Ja'far-AbLd? 'Abdu'l-BahL said that Hifiz > own glory; and with His promise of World referred to this house when he wrote: > Order bestows new life on all mankind, and 6 In Gleanings from tlze Writings of Bahri'u'lldh, > relates the exaltation of His own eternal pages 14-17. > 224 T H E B A H A. ' f W O R L D > > Between Ja'far-Abid and Musalli u'llih, the Point of Adoration, Him Whom > Laden with ambergris the north wind God made manifest. > blows. 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Who had cast aside His > Or, as in the case of Mhh-Kii, when we turban and wept and sobbed aloud as, with > looked first at the mountain itself, shall we His own hands, He laid the Bib's body in > contemplate the Shrine from a distance and the heart of Carmel, Himself rests now be- > set these two mountains against each other side the Bib. The companion who died with > and compare them each to each? I think this the Bib has never been separated from Him. > last is best. . . . Near them are built the tombs of the Most > We follow the Guardian over the flower- Exalted Leaf, and of the brother, the > ing slopes of Haifa. They seem to glitter mother, and consort of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > with colored gems and pearls, like a bride at From the foot of the mountain all the > her wedding, and we repeat to ourselves the way to the Shrine, the nine terraces rise in > lines, "From every branch within the blos- memory of nine Letters of the Living, and, > soming grove, a thousand petals are cast be- in accord with the Guardian's design, from > fore the king." We observe the Guardian's the Shrine to the summit of Mt. Carmel nine > gait, and we think that if men's eyes were more shall complete the number. > seeing eyes, this in itself would be proof The beloved Guardian, called by the Mas- > enough. ter "My Shoghi," was from his early child- > We have watched the sea in the sunset hood enamored of the Bib. He dreamed of > and now we are returning. We look upon the Bib, and he was named Rabbini in > Carmel, heart of the world, and at its center memory of the Bib's title Rabb-i-A'lL. It is > the Bib's Shrine, heart of Carmel. We see its he who, standing on the heights of the > terraces from far away, burning like lighted Shrine, drew the geometric designs of the > torches before the eyes of its builder. The terraces. He laid out the gardens, and estab- > Guardian smilingly contemplates all this. lished the International Bahi'i Endowments > His voice, strong and clear, rings down the about the Shrine. He has placed here the In- > mountain; he is saying, "Terraces of light; ternational Archives, of whose treasures > light upon light." Bah6'u111ih had promised, "Ere long souls > His words echo back from the slopes and will be raised up who will preserve every > the sea. We think of the contrast between holy relic in the most perfect manner." The > those long nights on Mih-Kii, when the Bhb portrait of the Bib, drawn in Uriimiyyih > was denied even a candle, and now, when and gazed upon by Bahi'u'llhh Himself, is > the terraces of His Shrine are light upon here. Here too are His outer garments and > light, the face of the building is a solid sheet His shirt, soaked in His blood. A copy of the > of light, the whole mountain is to blaze with portrait and locks of the Bhb's hair have > light. We remember two lines that were been sent as a historic gift to the Bahi'i > chanted by 'Abdu'l-Bahh: "Glad tidings, House of Worship in the United States, > glad tidings! Zion is dancing! Glad tidings, which has been completed under the Guard- > glad tidings! The Kingdom of God whirls in ianship of Shoghi Effendi; and the Guardian > delight !" has promised a copy to Persia, cradle of the > Instead of panting and struggling up the Faith, as soon as the first Persian Ma&riqu'l- > narrow twisted road at Mih-K6, stopping at AdJhkir is built. > times because we can climb no more, here The Guardian has added to the Shrine on > we can rest on every terrace in the midst of Mt. Carmel three rooms built according to > gardens and trees, in lovely settings of the same plan as those already constructed > mountainside and sea. Pools and fountains by the Master. He has extended the length, > are to be built here that will reflect the sky width and height of the Shrine, and is now > and heaven. Each terrace is dedicated to one protecting the Edifice like a pearl of great > of the Letters of the Living, and we are re- price within the shell of an arcade and > ceived as it were by him. We forget our sor- crowning it with a balustrade set with pan- > rows, as we take deep breaths of the delicate els, the central one to the north bearing a > air. great green and gold mosaic of the Greatest > No longer is the Bib a captive on Name. > Mih-K6. He rests in the divine gardens on It is the Guardian who has widely spread > the Mountain of God. He lies across the the works of the Bhb. In "The Dispensation > Bay of Haifa from His Well-Beloved, Bahi'- of Bahi'u'llih" he has set forth the exalted > C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R TY R D O M O F T H E BAB 225 > > station of the Bib. By translating the narra- and delicate gardens have no equal any- > tive of Nabil he has published the days of where else. > the Bib across the earth. He has seen to it When the famed Orientalist A. L. M. > that in every area the Centenaries of the Nicolas, who had longed to see the Bib's > Bib's Declaration and of His Martyrdom Shrine exalted, received as a gift from > were befittingly celebrated. Across over a Shoghi Effendi a copy of its design, together > hundred countries he has added thousands with a copy of The Dawn-Breakers of Na- > upon thousands of souls to the company of bil, he was so moved that he kissed the bear- > those who love the Bib, and he is looking er's hand. Strangers love this place, how > for yet more countries to come. much more do the friends. > At this time the Guardian is concen- Within the holy precincts we put on slip- > trating his labors on completion of the Edi- pers and anoint ourselves with rose water > fice, importing marbles and granite and poured out by the Guardian himself, this > other priceless rock materials that had lain wonderful personage who has arisen "with > in the earth down endless ages until at last the most perfect form, most great gift, most > they should serve for the building of just complete perfection." His handsome face is > such a Shrine-rock materials in jade and so phenomenally bright that the Master > rose, that are symbols of the Bib's lineage wrote, "His face shineth with a brightness > and the way He died. Following the archi- whereby the horizons are illumined." > tect's design (you can see it in color, in the Within the Shrine his voice, resonant, > pages of that mirror of Bahb'i activities haunting, lifts in the Visitation prayer: "The > around the globe, The Bahd'i World),7 the praise which hath dawned from Thy most > arcade and balustrade have been completed, august Self, and the glory which hath shone > and the Guardian is now working day and forth from Thy most effulgent Beauty, rest > night to direct completion of the superstruc- upon Thee . . ." > ture and rear the great golden dome. Then I wonder if I am awake or in a dream. > the light will pour out of this source of "Bless Thou, 0 Lord my God, the Divine > light and envelop all mankind, and the "peo- Lote-Tree and its leaves, and its boughs, and > ple of BahZ1" referred to in the Tablet of its branches . . . as long Thy most excel- > Carmel will be made manifest, and God will lent titles will endure and Thy most august > sail His ark upon His holy mountain, and attributes will last." If we observe the > the laws of God will be made known to all Guardian when he places flower petals on > men, and the Tabernacle of the Lord of the threshold of the Bib's sepulcher, we > Hosts will be pitched on the heights of Car- shall see as he strews the roses and violets > mel, and the divine World Order be un- there how intense are the stirrings of His > veiled; and there near the resting place of love. > the Most Exalted Leaf (the sister of 'Abdu'l- Today from the mountain of M i h - K I ~the > Bahi) and the other blessed ones, and in anguished cry of the Bib is raised no more: > the neighborhood of the Holy Shrine, the "In this mountain I have remained alone, > Universal House of Justice will be estab- and have come to such a pass that none of > lished, and the promise "Then shalt thou see those gone before Me have suffered what I > the Abhi paradise on earth" will be re- have suffered, nor any transgressor endured > deemed. what I have endured!" With these great vic- > Let us go into the gardens around the tories, these new and mighty institutions, > Shrine-Tomb. Let us walk there on the surely the sorrow of His heart is stilled at > Mountain of God, and "unravel the mys- last, and out of the verses of the Baya'n He > teries of love from its windflowers," for is calling: "Well is it with him who fixeth > "solaced are the eyes of them that enter and his gaze upon the Order of BahL'u'llih and > abide therein!" Let us see with our own eyes rendereth thanks unto His Lord!" > how "the rose-gardens that grow around His Today the Bib is not alone on the moun- > Holy Tomb have become the pleasure-spot tain any more: "The people of the Supreme > of all kinds and conditions of men," how the Horizon and the presences who dwell in the > flower beds and fruit-bearing trees cluster so eternal paradise circle around His Shrine." > thick around the Shrine. Visitors, not The love of the Bahb'is around the globe, > Bahi'is, will tell you these fresh and green from Anchorage to Magallanes, from far- > thest East to farthest West, gathered within > 7 Frontispiece, Volume IX. the shelter of the Branch of the Sinaitic > 226 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Tree, centers on this place and is offered up upon them, to spread this Faith. And when > continuously to Him; while the Guardian their labors are completed they will hasten > labors by day and by night to bring to pass to this sacred place, and in complete humil- > the prophecy of the Master when He said: ity, supplicating God, bowing down before > "I see the ships of all the kings of the world Him, in utter lowliness, they will circle > berthed at the docks of Haifa. I see the round the Holy Shrines, and lifting their > sovereigns disembark. Bareheaded and bare- voices will cry out to heaven, extolling and > footed, and carrying on their shoulders vases magnifying and glorifying the Lord, and > studded with jewels, they advance toward they will unveil and establish before all the > the Shrine." And to fulfill these written peoples of the earth the incalculable great- > words set down by the Pen of Glory: ness of this almighty Faith." > "After that which is inevitable shall have > come to pass, these very kings and presi- In this unfaithful world, this house of > dents will follow in the footsteps of the grief, where all things die except the Face of > champions of the C a ~ ~ of s e God. They will the Beloved, where in a little while there > enter the field of service. They will fling in will be no sign of us left, let us bequeath to > the dust the crowns of their perishable sov- those who will come after us an enduring > ereignty and place on their heads the proof of what we feel. So that they will re- > diadems of utter servitude, and in the front member us, who lived in the days of the first > ranks of the pioneers they will labor with all Guardian; so that they will tell one another, > their heart, with all their possessions, with for five thousand centuries to come, how we > all that God in His bounty hath bestowed loved the Primal Point. > > 9. A CENTURY O F WORLD CRISIS, > 1850-1950* > > Professor of Italian Literature, The University of Chicago; Founder and Secretary > General of the Committee to Frame a World Constitution; Director o f Common > Cause > > T H E world crisis as it existed a few weeks distinguish the scientific factors of the crisis > ago was bland as compared with its present from those related to education and culture, > phase.l I shall, however, cling to the topic of as it is also very difficult or sheerly impossi- > my brief talk, while apologizing if it is in- ble to separate sharply all these from the > herently difficult or practically impossible to political and the social causes of the dis- > * From stenographic notes of an address delivered order. > at the Centenary Commemoration of the Martyrdom Obviously the main political factor in the > of the Bib held at the Bahb'i House of Worship, crisis of the last century has been the rise > Wilmette, Illinois, July 9, 1950. > In this talk Dr. Borgese outlines some of the ele- of the national states to absolute independ- > ments of the crisis of western civilization in the last ent sovereignties with no superior authority > century. He uses as an explanatory key the proposal > that the cause of the crisis has been the fragmentation acknowledged. Hence ultimately the bound- > of the humanistic and cosmopolitan culture of eight- less bellurn ornniurn contra ornnes-the war > eenth century Europe, a time in which educated people > were in surprising agreement as to their social and of everybody against everybody. There was > educational ideals and in their scientific and artistic still, at the beginning of the nineteenth cen- > interpretations of the world. Using this fragmentation as tury, a certain shadow if not reality of su- > a general theme, he traces its development in successive > areas of human endeavor-in political, social and eco- perior authority. There was striving for > nomic organization and in science, education and the something that could connect the various > arts. Finally, Dr. Borgese argues that the only way to > end the crisis is to bring about a reunification of social national, local efforts. Napoleon tried it in > and cultural ideals by a return to the true nature of a bad way in his wars of conquest-in a cer- > religion. (Editors.) > 1 The invasion of Korea occurred on June 25, 1950, > tain other way, perhaps not quite so bad as > two weeks before this address was delivered. (Editors.) those we have seen since, he tried it. At the > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 227 > > middle of the nineteenth century all his cos- level at that moment. In the future a strong > mopolitan schemes and other remainders of government would always hold a monopoly > all-embracing authority had collapsed. Na- of arms. The derogatory conception of the > tions and nation-states emerged in their self- popular revolutions, as they had been arising > sufficient power. at that time, had two faces, two aspects. On > Obviously, also, the main social factor has the one hand there was the Communist > been, as everybody knows, the maturation Manifesto of Marx and Engels of 1848, es- > of the industrial revolution. Here three con- tablishing or contending that nothing like > sequences can be distinguished. The first of bourgeois revolutions can lead anywhere, > these is the growth in the absolute power of that the reformation must be deeper and in- > management, a development which built the finitely more radical, and that this reforma- > basic pattern for any totalitarianism, fascist tion must also be against the assumption of > or other. Then there is the depersonalization the bourgeois revolution's ideas of liberty, > of capital, so that anybody can have shares justice and what-not. On the other hand, the > in a factory manufacturing fertilizers or other aspect of the crisis at that moment is > shares in an automotive industry, without seen in the dominating behavior of the gov- > knowing the least thing about either activity ernments, whether extant or in the making, > and without having any contact with plan- in so far as they conceived governance as > ning and production. power, or acquisition, of power, as a matter > And finally, a third factor as a conse- of power, exercised from on high, not as a > quence of the maturation of the industrial tumult from below. > revolution: the sharp demarcation between If you take the examples of the two most > the owner class and the working class, creat- recent national unities in Europe, that is, > ing a division of classes deeper than has Italy and Germany, you see the phenome- > been known in the Middle Ages or in the non happening in both countries. In Italy > early modern age. from the Mazzinian or great popular ideal- > Now when we speak of these factors, ism we step over to the wise calculation of > which are supposed to be well known to any the man on horseback, Cavour; and the free > cultivated and thoughtful mind, we must, bourgeois progressive Germany of Frank- > however, incur the danger of speaking furt disappears, vanishes, before the iron fist > moralistically, of sermonizing, as if the only policy and success of Bismarck. These are > perilous things that have happened were due some of the events that happened at the cul- > to the ill will of a few men or states, and as mination of the nineteenth century. > if we were holier than they and we could There is another crisis in the fields to > have avoided them if we had been at the which I have referred, that is, in science, > helm. No such boastful and ridiculous im- education and culture, which in a very sim- > plication is included in my presentation. ilar way belongs in the same trend. One of > Anything that has happened must be looked the epoch-making events immediately after > at with a certain kind of reverence toward the culmination of the nineteenth century > what was evidently inevitable or at least was was the publication in 1859 of the basic > not avoided. book of Darwin, On the Origin of Species > True, the subject suggested to me, "A by Means o f Natziral Selection, or (the title > Century of World Crisis, 1850-1950," is continues) the Preservation of Favoured > connected with the event of the martyrdom Races in the Struggle for Life. > of the Biib that Sunday-it was a Sunday, There have been a number of occasions > too, I have learned-July 9, 1850. How- on which I have indicated that the real reli- > ever, the connection is not merely arbitrary gion of our age is evolution, meaning by > or pious. As a matter of fact, things of an religion the complex of imaginations and > epoch-making nature did happen at the mid- beliefs, that is, the Weltanschauung, the cos- > dle and around the culmination of the nine- mic conception of the whole. But I am glad > teenth century. The Revolutions of 1848, to make it clear that evolution is neverthe- > that upsurge of idealistic popular will, were less a religion which falls into two churches: > suppressed. No occasion for resistance was There is evolutionism of the right and there > any more offered. The balance between the is evolutionism of the left. The evolutionisin > possible armaments of the armed people of of the right is a popular interpretation of > the barricades and the armaments in the Darwin which had its heyday in the latter > hands of the government reached a decisive part of the nineteenth century and which > 228 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > finally received its most glamor-like accent judgments. But he is right when he speaks > in Nietzsche's philosophy. This church of against what we have called the aesthetics > the right is a church of discord, of struggle, of expressionism, saying that art or poetry > the survival of the fittest. One can say it is or fiction is not expression alone, it is com- > the religion of Eris, discord, whereas the munication. It is a communicated expression > church of the left, evolutionism of progress, which has power over the minds and hearts > achieved through cooperation, through mu- of our fellow men. "Art," he wrote, "is not a > tual aid, much rather than through conflict, pleasure, a solace or an amusement. Art is a > should be called the church of Eros, the great matter. Art is an organ of human life, > church of love. The evolutionary church of transmuting man's reasonable perception > the right had a prevalence during the latter into feeling. The task of art is enormous. > part of the nineteenth century and the be- It is through the influence of the real art > ginning of ours. that the peaceful cooperation of man which > In education the consequences both of the is now plagued by external means should be > prevalence of the natural sciences and of the obtained, by man's free and joyous activity. > mechanical sciences and of the industrial Art should- cause violence to be set aside, > revolution were necessarily specialization. and it is only art that can accomplish this." > The vocational skill was deepened and Now if we consider what is our present > sharpened in the one direction of labor and attitude toward these main factors of the > production, while the universality of hu- crisis through which we have lived and are > manism went to pieces. living, we see that the first factor consisted > In another field, that of culture, we have, of national policies and the industrial revo- > in 1857, the publication of Baudelaire's lution mastered by the will to power, both > Fleurs du Ma1 (the flowers of evil), a book of them to be considered together-military > of grandiose lyrical power which, however, political power in the state, production and > has the effect of making amends to the enlargement of production in industry. We > prophetic, the moral, the ethical kind of have also had regimentation, a second factor > poetry which was represented at that time, in the fragmentation of humanism, that is, > particularly by Victor Hugo in France, but specialized and vocational skill. The third > you may also remember as part of its imita- factor is deviation of the arts and of culture > tions Tennyson in England or Walt Whit- in general, which have become an assem- > man in the United States. Even at the risk blage of facts, a deviation from a feeling of > of exposing the moralistic poetry to ridicule, responsibility as communication to its fever- > of sapping the authority of the Good and ish exultation in pure expressionism. > establishing Beauty as the criterion, even as If we look at our attitudes toward these > the Flower ( L a Fleur) on the root and stem evils, the progress that has been achieved is > of evil, the former poetry no longer has the that we have become cautious, we have be- > approval of Baudelaire and those who fol- come aware of them, and we realize that the > low. Most of the poetry since Baudelaire higher and bloodier the crisis arises, the > has stressed Beauty in the form of expres- more tensely are we in quest of remedies, > sion over the Good. of rewards. There are remedies that have > However, I cannot help returning to a been proposed of the reactionary, of the > crude but extremely significant book by retrograde kind, that is, to dig out some > Tolstoy, written around, very shortly before, things from the past ancient medieval civili- > the end of the nineteenth century, the title zation or even from the monistic2 liberal > of which is What Is Art? It is crude because civilization of the eighteenth century, and to > the taste of Tolstoy was, shall I say, fanati- build them anew and give them a new > cally colored-a direction of judgment that chance for life; that is the fertilization of > was taken by him in that he did not have fossils. It cannot be successful. At least the > any remorse or any restraint. Having estab- second kind of remedy is more hopeful, and > lished that music can be corruptive, he that is the creation of something new from > breaks his lances not only against Wagner's the past with the clear vision that when we > Siegfried but also against Beethoven's Kreut- speak of politics and industrial revolution > zer Sonata, even against the Ninth Sym- > phony with which he should have felt him- 2 Monistic, that is, the humanized world as composed > > self in complete agreement. And equally of interrelated cultures which was destroyed (broken > up into fragmentary concepts) in the nineteenth century. > savage is he in scores of other particular (Editors.) > C E N T E N A R Y O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 229 > > and science and technology and education that the Jew, the Christian and the Arabian > and culture and liberty and the arts, we are all, after all, believe the same thing. > simply naming and listing the boughs of one Then, in later times, it seemed as if the > tree, the tree being religion, provided that West had gone its own way; as if only the > the word religion is understood in its cosmic self-enclosed or impoverished elements of > sense. the IslBmic tradition were at work in the > It is very curious that even at the acme of Near and Middle East. > scientism, of positivism, it is Auguste Comte There is something dramatic and thrilling > who already at the beginning of the latter in the appearance of this solitary man, the > part of the nineteenth century tried to trans- BBb, who resumes the IslLmic tradition from > mute the belief in science into a mystical be- its sources and who brings it to the neces- > lief. He created, together with a sublime sary conclusion that there is one mankind, > woman friend of his, an unsuccessful and one world, and "mankind its citizens." And > yet significant religion of science. But then, that there is only one religion and all the > even more convincing, you see a personality Prophets have taught that one. > like Gandhi arise from the tail end of Hin- So there is another spur, and it is another > duism and extract from Hinduism what is of revelation of the concomitance of the good > universal and permanent value, leaving the efforts all around the world; the fact that the > metaphors and imaginations and the myths BBb and His successors have been able to > to the delight of the cultivated mind or to raise congregations in the United States is > the pleasure of the uncultivated, to the another evidence, if you are ready for the > pleasure and comfort of the popular mind, paradox, that the real Christianity or real > but hallowing and cleansing the substance of Judaism is not quite dead in this country, so > the Hindu teaching as the age wants it to be that an IslBmic prophecy could be accepted > understood. Nor is the experience of Tolstoy in so far as it found a terrain in traditions > different, who, after all, performed the same of the West which you did not want to dis- > operation in what concerned Christianity. honor or disown. > He did not even want to know, right or Now I have finished, with the desire only > wrong as he may have been, anything about of adding one more expression of my thank- > the resurrection of Jesus, or about redemp- fulness for having been singled out for this > tion through Christ's sacrificial death; all appearance. As a matter of fact the dis- > this was for him superstition or myth. What tance, physical, between Wilmette and the > he wanted was the Christian idea of the uni- South Side of Chicago where the University > versality of man, and of brotherly love, to is located, and a little house where are the > be extracted as the real, permanent, inex- offices of the Committee to Frame a World > tinguishable quintessence of the historical Constitution, in which is located the Com- > transformation of the Christian creed. mon Cause of which I am the director-the > But the importance-I should not say distance between Wilmette and the South > but, I should say and-the real meaning and Side of Chicago is small. The distance be- > importance of your religion of the Bah&'i tween what you are doing and worshiping > Faith is in this trend, that it is again a con- here and what we are doing and attempting > tribution through the very curvilinear ways, there is nothing. It has been said in 1936 by > one might say providential, of Islam which Shoghi Effendi, and similar words have ap- > had been separated for centuries from the peared in earlier Writings of the Bahi'i > culture of the human progressive family and Faith: > which enters it again through a twig arising "A world federal system, ruling the whole > from that branch of the Isliimic tree which earth and exercising unchallengeable au- > had already given the fruits that everybody thority over its unimaginably vast resources, > remembers in the late Middle Ages and in blending and embodying the ideals of both > the Sufi poetry of that Persia where Tabriz, the East and the West, liberated from the > the place of the martyrdom of the BBb, is curse of war and its miseries, and bent on > located. Nor could anybody forget that the exploitation of all the available sources > civilization owed to IslAm one of the most of energy on the surface of the planet, a > creative elements of progress in the late system in which Force is made the servant > Middle Ages and in the eve of the Renais- of Justice, whose life is sustained by its uni- > sance, that is, the principle of religious toler- versal recognition of one God and by its al- > ance, or even more than tolerance, the idea legiance to one common Revelation-such > 230 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > is the goal towards which humanity, im- those who can, to join physically or spiritu- > pelled by the unifying forces of life, is ally in what ways would be the best to fur- > m~ving."~ ther the Fourth World Congress for World > And we wrote in the Preamble of our pre- Federal Union which we are calling to be > liminary draft of a World Constitution: assembled in Rome in 19514-a year of de- > "The people of the earth having agreed that cision. The spirit which leads us there is > the advancement of man in spiritual excel- yours as it is ours. Nowhere has it been said > lence and physical welfare is the common better what unites us to you and you to us, > goal of mankind, that universal peace is the as a symbolic meeting of what should be > prerequisite for the pursuit of that goal, that and shall be, the universal meeting of the > justice in turn is the prerequisite of peace, human mind, than in the first two and most > and peace and justice stand or fall together, basic of the nine selected utterances of > that iniquity and war inseparably spring Bahi'u'llgh carved on the exterior of this > from the competitive anarchy of the na- House of Worship. The first repeats: "The > tional states, that therefore the age of na- earth is but one country and mankind its > tions must end and the era of humanity be- citizen^."^ The second: "The best beloved of > gin." all things in My sight is Justice. Turn not > That is what we wrote and write, because away therefrom if thou desirest Me."6 > our work proceeds. It counts on your help > and on your vicinity. This is a good occa- 4The Fourth World Congress for World Federal > Government was held in Rome, Italy, April 2-9, 1951. > sion for me to invite all of you, or at least The Prelimfizary Draft of a World Constitution has been > published by The University of Chicago Press, 1948. > 3 From "Unfoldment of World Civilization," written 5 Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd'u'lldh, page > * c,, > in 1936, by Shoghi Effendi, published in World Order o f LJU. > Bahd'u'lldh, p. 204. 6 Hidden Words (Arabic), verse 2. > > 10. DER 100. JAHRESTAG DES > OPFERTODES DES BAB > > E S SIND heute 100 Jahre, dass an jenem mehr als 100 L'indern auf allen Kontinenten, > wildbewegten Sommertag, am 9. Juli 1850 in Hunderten von Stadten und Dorfern, > in Tabris in Aserbeidschan (Persien) ein viele Hunderttausende aller Rassen und > junger Perser, erst 31 jahrig, auf Geheiss Stande zu einer Gedenkfeier zusammen, die > einer fanatischen, muhammadanischen dem Martyrertod des genannten Persers > Geistlichkeit und seiner Regierung von einem gewidmet ist, dem B&b,das soviel besagt wie > Regiment Soldaten unter ungewohnlichen das Tor oder die Pforte zu einem neuen > Urnstanden erschossen wurde. Mit roher Gottgesandten, einer gottlichen Manifesta- > irdischer Gewalt wurde das Leben eines tion. > grossen Menschen ausgeloscht, der sechs > DURCHOPFER ZUR WELTORDNUNG > Jahre lang das Evangelium einer neuen > religiosen Sendung verkiindete. In der Geschichte der Volker, im Auf- > Obwohl der Hingerichtete-Sein Name und Niedergang ihrer Kulturen sind es nicht > war 'Ali Muhammad-in seinem Lande viele menschliche Opfertaten, die die Ge- > eine machtige geistige Bewegung ausloste, schicke der Menschheit wesentlich bestimm- > wurde jenem Ereignis wenig Beachtung ten. Wohl kennen wir manche heldenmutige > geschenkt, in einer Zeit, die in den grosseren Taten von Menschen, die aus politischen > Bann neuer Erfindungen, nationaler Macht- oder sozialen Griinden den Einsatz ihres > entfaltung und materiellen Reichtums personlichen Lebens nicht scheuten. Es sind > gezogen war. uns auch menschliche Opfer um des Glau- > Heute, nach 100 Jahren seit jenem bens oder einer Idee willen bekannt. Die > denkwiirdigen Geschehen, finden sich in erhabensten und erschiitterndensten Zeug- > C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R T Y R D O M O F T H E BAB 23 1 > > nisse von Selbstiiberwindung und Opfer- den Menschheit an, eine neue Menschheit, > gang sind uns aber in der fortschreitenden die ein grosserer als Er, eine gottliche, Mani- > Entwicklung der Religion gegeben. festation, zu einer befriedeten, geistigen > Es sind die unvergesslichen Beispiele Einheit herauffiihren werde. > bedingungsloser Unterwerfung iiberragender Der BBb als das Tor zu einem neuen, > einzelner unter den Willen Gottes, die eine erleuchteten Zeitalter war mehr als ein Re- > erlosen.de Kraft und zukunftsweisendes formator oder Mystiker auf muharnmada- > Licht in das Dunkel der Menschheitsent- nisch-persischem Boden-Er war selbst ein > wicklung hineintrugen. Das Leben, Wirken Sprecher Gottes, ein Herold gottlicher Fiih- > und Leiden der wenigen Grossen, der rung, der in wenigen gefahrvollen Jahren in > gottlichen Boten, wiesen den Menschen bezwingender geistiger Macht die Rechte > immer wieder durch jener opfervolle Hin- der Menschheit iiber die der Rasse, Klasse > gabe den Weg zu deren hochsten Bestim- und Nation erhob und unter Hinweis auf > mung, zur liebenden Hingabe an den Schop- die grosse Offenbarung einen trennende > fer und die Mitmenschen. Bekenntnisse iibergreifenden, universalen > Wenn Abrahams Opferbereitschaft noch Glauben verkiindete. Er legte den Grund zu > darin gepriift wurde, dass er seinen iiber einer mit Seinem Blut geweihten Weltreli- > alles geliebten Sohn Gott auf dem Altar des gion und machte den Weg frei fur jenen, > Opfers darbringen sollte, so steht uns der ,,den Gott offenbaren wird," BahL'u'llBh- > Opfertod Christi als das bezwingendste die Herrlichkeit Gottes-Der, im Jahre > Zeugnis des bedingungslosen Gehorsams ge- 1863, Seine vom BBb vorausgesagte Sen- > geniiber Gott vor Augen. Das Geschehen dung offentlich verkiindigte. > von Golgotha, der Kreuzestod des Naza- Der denkwiirdige 9. Juli 1850, an dem der > reners, wurde fiir das Abendland zu einem BBb hingerichtet wurde, ist durch Augen- > geschichtsbildenden Ereignis von nicht zeugenberichte von Freunden nnd Feinden > geahnter Kraft und Bedeutung, hat aber seit fur die Nachwelt festgehalten worden. > der Reformation mehr und mehr an Ein- Unterdriickung, Verfolgung und Einker- > fluss auf das Volkerleben verloren. Die kerung des neuen Propheten konnten nicht > kulturschopferische Macht der Sendung verhindern, Seine AnhSnger starker und > Muhammads, die im Mittelalter bis nach mutiger anwachsen zu lassen, weshalb trotz > Spanien vordrang, verebbte in den letzten Fehlens einer Bestatigung durch ein Gericht > Jahrhunderten ebenfalls in wachsendem und ohne letzte Rechtfertigungsmoglichkeit > Masse und verfiel ebenso wie das Christen- des BBb das von der geistlichen Fiihrung > tum einer Verweltlichung und Verflachung. gefillte Todesurteil am 9. Juli 1850 in THb- > An die Stelle der aussohnenden, verbin- ris ausgefiihrt wurde. Dem Bruder des > denden Religion hat der aufgeklarte Mensch Grosswesirs, Mirzii SBm K h h , einem Chri- > der Neuzeit die Vernunft, Systeme von sten, wurde als Oberst eines armenischen > Lebensanschauungen, Philosophien und Regiments der Befehl zur Hinrichtung des > Ideologien gesetzt, die die inneren, sittlichen BBb gegeben. Dem Regimentskommandeur > Bindungen des einzelnen wie der Gemein- fie1 das edle Betragen seines Gefangenen so > schaft bedrohlich lockerten und aushohlten. sehr auf, dass er dem BBb erklarte, keine > Ein Autor unserer Zeit gab kennzeichnen- hose Absicht gegen Ihn zu hegen und dass > denveise seinem Buch iiber den Weg des er, erfiillt von Furcht, dass seine Tat den > 19. Jahrhundertsl den Untertitel: ,,Am Ab- Zorn Gottes herbeifiihren wiirde, den Verur- > grund der Ersatzreligionenc'! teilten bat, ihn von der ihm auferlegten > Nun haben sich aber seit 1844 Dinge Pflicht zu entbinden, wenn Seine Sache die > ereignet, die wir bis jetzt auf Geschichts- Sache der Wahrheit sei. Der BBb gab dem > und Zeittafeln nicht verzeichnet finden, die Obersten darauf folgende Zusicherung: > jedoch den Beginn eines neuen Zeitalters ,,Folgen Sie ihren Anweisungen, und wenn > fiir die Menschheit bedeuten. Der BBb, von Ihre Absicht aufrichtig ist, so ist der All- > dem wir eingangs sprachen und Dessen machtige sicher imstande, Sie aus Ihrer > Opfertod am heutigen Tag wir und viele mit Verlegenheit zu befreien." > uns in tiefster Ehrfurcht und Liebe geden- Noch ein bedeutungsvolles Vorkommnis > ken, kiindigte Mitte des letzten Jahrhunderts ereignete sich vor der Hinrichtung des BBb. > eine geistige Wiedergeburt der straucheln- Der Farris_h-BBs_hi, der die Durchfiihrung > des Befehles des Grosswesirs iibernahm, > 1 Hermann Ullmann (Chr. Kaiser Verlag, Miinchen). hatte schroff die letzte Unterhaltung unter- > 232 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > brochen, die der Blb vertraulich in einem tet hatte, Sein unterbrochenes Gesprach > der Raume der Kaserne mit Seinem vertrau- mit Siyyid Husayn vollendend. Ein Ausdruck > ten Gehilfen Siyyid Husayn fuhrte, und zog ruhigsten Friedens war auf Seinem Antlitz. > den letzteren beiseite und schalt ihn heftig Sein Korper war dern Kugelhagel, den das > aus, als er von seinem Gefangenen also Regiment auf Ihn gerichtet hatte, unbeschE > angeredet wurde: digt entgangen.-,Ich habe meine Unter- > ,,Nicht ehe Zch ihm alles gesagt habe, haltung mit Siyyid Husayn beendet', sagte > was Zch ihm sagen will, kann irgend eine der BAb zum Farr&s_h-B&s_hi. ,Nun mogen sie > irdische Macht Mich zum Schweigen ihre Absicht erfiillen.' > bringen. Moge auch die ganze Welt gegen ,,Der Mann war zu sehr erschiittert, um > Mich in Waffen stehen, so sol1 es ihr doch fortzufahren. Er weigerte sich, seiner Auf- > nicht gelingen, Mich a m Vollbringen gabe nachzukommen, verliess augenblicklich > Meiner Absicht bis zum letzten Wort zu den Schauplatz und legte seinen Posten nie- > hindern." . > der . . S6m Kh6n war genau so betaubt > ALISThe Dawn-Breakers,' entnehmen wir von der Wucht dieser gewaltigen Offenba- > auch : rung. Er befahl seinen Leuten, die Kaserne > ,,S6m Khln befahl seinen Leuten, einen sofort zu verlassen und verweigerte fur sich > Nagel in den Pfeiler zwischen der Tiir zu und sein Regiment jede Handlung, die auch > dern von Siyyid Husayn bewohnten Zim- nur die kleinste Unbill fiir den BBb eintra- > mer und dern Eingang zum Nebenraum gen konnte. Er schwor beim Verlassen des > einzuschlagen und zwei Seile an ihn zu hef- Hofes, nie wieder die Aufgabe zu uberneh- > ten, von denen der B6b und Sein Gefihrte men, selbst wenn seine Weigerung ihm den > gesondert herabhangen sollten. Mirzl Mu- Tod einbringen sollte. > hammad-'Ali [der Gefahrte des B6b] bat ,,Kaum hatte Sgm Kh6n sich entfernt, als > S6m Khln, so angebunden zu werden, dass sich Aq6 J6n Khin-i-Khamsih, Oberst der > sein Korper an der Brust des B6b ruhte . . . Leibgarde, auch bekannt unter den Namen > Sobald sie angebunden waren, trat ein Re- Khamsih und Ngsiri, freiwillig erbot, den > giment Soldaten in drei Gliedern an, jedes Hinrichtungsbefehl zu vollstrecken. Der B6b > zu 250 Mann, mit der Weisung, wechsel- und Sein Gefahrte wurden an der gleichen > weise zu feuern, bis die ganze Abteilung Mauer und in der gleichen Weise wieder > ihre Salven verschossen hatte. Der Pulver- hochgehingt, und das Regiment trat in Li- > dampf der feuernden 750 Gewehre war nie an, um auf sie zu feuern. Anders als > geeignet, das Licht des Mittags in Dunkel vorher, da nur ihr Hingeseil in Stiicke ge- > zu wandeln. Auf dern Dach der Kaserne schossen war, wurden ihre Korper diesmal > sowohl als auch auf den angrenzenden Hau- verletzt und zu einer einzigen Masse von > sern hatten sich an zehntausend Menschen Fleisch und Knochen vermengt. > angesammelt, von denen jeder Zeuge dieses > traurigen und erregenden Schauspiels war. > ,, ,Hattest du, o widerspenstiges Geschle- > cht, an Mich geglaubt', waren die letzten > ,,Sobald der Rauch sich verzogen hatte, > Worte des Bdb an die gaffende Menge, > starrte eine verbluffte Menge auf ein Bild, > wiihrend sich das Regiment anschickte, > das ihre Augen kaum zu fassen vermochten: > die letzte Salve abzufeuern, ,so wiirde > Da stand der Gefiihrte des Bib vor ihnen, > jeder von euch dern Beispiel dieses Jiing- > lebend und unversehrt, wahrend Er Selbst > lings, der im Rang hoch iiber den meisten > ohne Schaden ihren Blicken entschwunden > von euch stand, gefolgt sein und sich gern > war. Obgleich die Kugeln ihre Hlngestricke > auf Meinem Pfad geopfert haben. Der > zerfetzt hatten, waren ihre Leiber wunder- > Tag wird kommen, da ihr Mich erkannt > barerweise den Salven entgangen. Selbst das > haben werdet, an jenem Tag werde ich > Gewand Mirzl Muhammad-'Ali's war, trotz > aufgehiirt haben, in eurer Mitte zu wei- > der Dichte des Rauches, ohne Flecken ge- > blieben. ,Der Siyyid-i-B6b ist unseren Blicken Zen.' > entschwunden!', so tonten die Stimmen der ,,Im Augenblick, als die Schiisse fielen, > bestiirzten Menge. Rasend fing sie an, Ihn erhob sich ein Sturm von ungewohnlicher > zu suchen und fand Ihn schliesslich in dern Stirke und fegte uber die ganze Stadt hin. > Zimmer sitzend, in dern Er zuvor iibernach- Ein unglaublich dichter Wirbel von Staub > verdunkelte die Sonne und blendete die Au- > 2 "Nabil's Narrative" (New York, 1932), Kapitel gen der Leute. Die ganze Stadt blieb in das > XXIII. Dunkel gehiillt von Mittag bis Abend." > CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 23 3 > > EIN JAHRHUNDERT > IM ZEICHENDER chte, dem alle iibrigell untergeordnet sind, > NEUEN GOTTESOFFENBARUNG bleibt der Konflikt des Glaubens und Un- > glaubens"? > Heute, ein Jahrhundert, nachdem die Aus der Diagnose der tiefsten Ursachen > Stimme des B8b durch seine Hinrichtung der heutigen allgemeinen Unsicherheit, des > zum Schweigen gebracht wurde, miissen wir Misstrauens und des Zweifels, der Verant- > erkennen, dass die ganze Menschheit ihr wortungsmudigkeit und des Glaubens- > eigenes, selbstverschuldetes Martyrertum schwundes ergibt sich fur den tiefer Schauen- > erleidet, weil sie sich immer noch weigert, den fast zwangslaufig die Antwort, dass nur > dem gottlichen Ruf zu folgen und sich in eine neue sittlich-religiose Fundamentierung > einem umfassenden Glauben auszusohnen der einzelmenschlichen, gesellschaftlichen > und zu vereinigen. Gleichsam wie ein Me- und zwischenstaatlichen Beziehungen und > teor trat der BBb mit prophetischer Ver- Bindungen eine durchgreifende Wendung > heissung der unmittelbar bevorstehenden der bedrohlichen Lage der Menschheit her- > Heraufkunft eines Gottgesandten am Fir- beifiihren kann. Verstandigung oder Chaos, > mament auf und wurde durch seinen Opfer- Ordnung oder Untergang heisst die alterna- > tod zum Wegbereiter und Lichtstrahl der tive Lebensfrage der Menschheit. > erlosenden Wahrheit, die der von Ihm Ver- Wir sind der gleichen Auffassung wie > heissene, Bah$u'llgh, in der Niederlegung Toynbee, der sagt: ,,Was der modernen > einer gerechten Weltordnung im Zeichen Welt zutiefst not tut, ist eine Neugeburt des > der Einheit der Menschheit und der Reli- Glaubens an das Uebernatiirliche." Wahrer > gionen bald nach dem erschutternden Ereig- Glauben kann aber nur aus der Religion > nis in Tabris offenbarte. kommen und diese kann heute nur eine sol- > Der berufene Erklher der Sendungen des che sein, die die ganze Menschheit erneuert > Bkb und BahL'u'llih's, 'Abdul-Bah8, legt die und vereinigt. > Beziehungen zwischen den beiden mit der Die Sicherung des Weltfriedens und eines > BahB'i-Sendung verbundenen Manifestatio- sozialen Ausgleichs ist ohne die Errichtung > nen wie folgt dar : einer gerechten Weltordnung nicht denkbar > ,,Die Oflenbarung des Bhb mag mit der und diese wiederulll kann nur dann von Be- > Sonne verglichen werden, deren Stand stand sein, wenn sie gottlichen Ursprungs > dem ersten Tierkreiszeichen entspricht, ist. > dern Zeichen des Widders, in welches die In religionsgeschichtlicher Einmaligkeit > Sonne mit der Tag- und Nachtgleiche hat nun BahL'u'll8h schon vor mehr als 80 > des Friihlings eintritt. Die Stufe der O f - Jahren trotz Verfolgung, Verbannung, Ein- > fenbarung Bah6'u'lldhJs dagegen wird kerkerung und Lebensbedrohung ,,den Zir- > durch das Zeichen des Lowen dargestellt, kel der Einigkeit gefuhrt, Er hat einen Plan > wenn die Sonne die Sommermitte und niedergelegt fur die Vereinigung aller > ihren hochsten Stand erreicht hat. Das Volker, um sie alle unter dem schiitzenden > bedeutet, dass diese heilige Offenbarung Zelt der Einigkeit zu sammeln." ('Abdu'l- > erleuchtet ist vom Lichte der Sonne der BahA) > Wahrheit, die von ihrem erhabensten Es ist zum Ereignis geworden: Fur die > Punkte aus in der Fulle ihres Glanzes, Volker der Welt lie@ seit dem Erscheinen > ihrer Warme und ihrer Herrlichkeit he- BahL'u'll8h's eine gottlich geoffenbarte Welt- > rabscheint." Charta in authentischdokumentarischer > Die heutigen Probleme des Aufbaus einer Form bereit. Die Zukunft der Menschheit > friedlichen und gerechten Weltordnung wird durch deren allgemeine Annahme und > iibersteigen menschliches Konnen und Ver- Verwirklichung bestimmt werden. > mogen; sie erheischen wahrlich eine gottliche Die von BahL'u1118h niedergelegte Welt- > inspirierte Losung, die nur aus dem Bereich ordnung und deren autoritative Erlauterung > der Religion kommen kann. Alle grossen durch Seinen Bltesten Sohn 'Abdu'l-BahB > Kulturen hatten ihren Aufstieg einem re- verbiirgen in ihrem Aufbau soziale Gerech- > ligiasen Impuls zu verdanken und zerfielen tigkeit, treuhiinderische, beratende und > mit dem Niedergang ihrer gottlichen Bin- ubernationale Zusammenarbeit im Bewusst- > dungen. Hatte Goethe nicht recht, wenn er sein wahrer und weltoffener Bruderschaft. > sagte: ,,Das eigentlich einzige und tiefste Ausgehend von der tragenden Idee der gei- > Thema der Welt- und Menschheitsgeschi- stigen Einheit der Menschheit zielt die Welt- > 3 Die Sendung Baha'u'llah's, S. 40. ordnung von BahL'u'llLh auf die schliess- > 234 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > liche Bildung eines Weltgemeinwesens ab, schheit durch die vereinenden Lebenskrafte > da die nationalstaatliche Entwicklung ihren zustrebt." > Abschluss gefunden hat. Zu den wesentli- Gott geht voriiber betitelte Shoghi Effendi > chen Bestandteilen der iiberstaatlichen Vo1- sein Buch iiber das erste Bah2i-Jahrhun- > kergemeinschaft werden folgende Vorausset- dert. Wenn wir heute des freiwilligen Opfer- > zungen zahlen: Ueberwindung aller irnperia- todes des BBb gedenken, konnen wir uns der > listischen Macht- und Herrschaftsanspriiche, erlosenden und verpflichtenden Macht die- > Einfiihrung der obligatorischen interna- ses erschiitternden Ereignisses nicht entzie- > tionalen Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit und Bildung hen. Christi Wort: ,,Nehme dein Kreuz auf > eines Internationalen Schiedsgerichtshofes dich und folge mir nach" hat durch den > nebst einer Weltpolizei als Sicherheits- und Opfergang des BBb und die von Bah2uYllBh > Vollzugs-Weltorgan, allgemeine Abriistung, aus freiem Entschluss auf sich genommene > Kriegfiihrung nur bei unbestrittener Vertei- 40-jahrige Freiheitsberaubung in unbe- > digungszwangslage irn Sinne einer kollekti- schreiblicher, hartester und erniedrigender > ven Verteidigungs- und Schutzpflicht im Ag- Gefangnis- und Kerkerhaft eine unvergleich- > gressionsfalle, Abschaffung der allgemeinen liche Steigerung erfahren. Die neue Welt- > Wehrpflicht ohne unbedingte Kriegsdienst- ordnung muss von wiedergeborenen Men- > venveigerung, Losung der sozialen Fragen schen getragen werden, von opferbereiten, > auf der Grundlage der Wiirdigung jeglicher glaubensstarken Menschen, deren liebende > menschendienenden Arbeit und einer Be- Taten sie zur Stufe des wahren Menschen > grenzung von Armut und Reichtum nach erheben. > Grundsatzen der Leistung und gerechter Die tiefste Bedeutung, die erlosende Kraft > Teilhaberschaft am Arbeitsertrag, Einheit des Opfers erschliesst sich den Menschen in > von Religion und Wissenschaft als Basis der dem Geschehen der fortschreitenden Got- > Volkerverstandigung, Einfiihrung einer tesoffenbarung, in der unbedingten Hingabe > Welthilfssprache und Einheitsschrift, einer der Gottgesandten an Gott fiir die Men- > Weltverfassung unter Einbeziehung der un- schen, in ihrer Wahrheitsoffenbarung. > verletzlichen Menschenrechte und -Pflich- Dem Glauben an den Erloser muss aber > ten. die sittliche Tat der Selbstiibenvindung des > Shoghi Effendi schrieb d a r ~ b e r : ~ Menschen folgen. > ,,Ein Weltbundsystem, das die ganze Erde Die folgenden Worte Bah2u'll&h's mogen > beherrscht und eine unanfechtbare Befugnis uns am heutigen Gedenktag zur 100. Wie- > iiber ihre unvorstellbar umfassenden Hilfs- derkehr des Martyrertodes des BBb die hohe > quellen ausiibt, die Ideale sowohl des Ostens Berufung des Menschen unserer Zeit verge- > als auch des Westens verschrnilzt und ver- genwartigen: > kijrpert, von dem Fluch des Krieges und ,,0 Sohn des Menschen! > seines Elends befreit ist und sich auf die Auf die Tafel des Geistes schreibe alles, > Ausniitzung aller verfiigbaren Kraftquellen was Wir dir verkiindet haben, mit der > auf der OberfEache des Planeten richtet, ein Tinte des Lichtes. Wenn du dies nicht > System, in dem die Starke zur Dienerin der vermagst, so mache zu deiner Tinte d m > Gerechtigkeit gemacht ist, dessen Dasein Wesen deines Herzens. Bist du auch dazu > durch seine allumfassende Anerkennung des nicht imstande, dann schreibe mit der > einen Gottes und durch seinen Gehorsam roten Tinte, die auf dem Pfade zu Mir > gegen eine gemeinsame Offenbarung getra- vergossen wurde. Wahrlich, dies ist Mir > gen wird-dies ist das Ziel, dem die Men- kostbarer als alles andere, denn solches > Licht wahret ewiglich." > 4Aus World Order of Bahri'u'lldh, by Shoghi Ef- > fendi, S. 204. 5 Verborgene Worte (Arabische v. 7 1 ) . > THE COMPLETION OF THE > CONSTRUCTION OF THE > SEPULCHER O F T H E B A B > IN T H E HOLY LAND, 1953 > 1 . E N T O M B M E N T O F T H E BAB'S R E M A I N S > ON M T . CARMEL > From GOD PASSES BY* > > W I T H I N a few months of the historic following their execution, through the pious > decree which set Him free, in the very year intervention of Hbji Sulaymbn Kh6n, from > that witnessed the downfall of Sultan 'Ab- the edge of the moat where they had been > du'l-Hamid, that same power from on high cast to a silk factory owned by one of the > which had enabled 'Abdu'l-Bahb to preserve believers of Milgn, and were laid the next > inviolate the rights divinely conferred on day in a wooden casket, and thence carried > Him, to establish His Father's Faith in the to a place of safety. Subsequently, accord- > North American continent, and to triumph ing to Bahi'u'll6h's instructions, they were > over His royal oppressor, enabled Him to transported to Tihrbn and placed in the > achieve one of the most signal acts of His shrine of Im6m-Zbdih Hasan. They were > ministry: the removal of the B6b's remains later removed to the residence of HAji Su- > from their place of concealment in Tihrbn 1aymAn a 6 n himself in the Sar-C_has_hmih > to Mt. Carmel. He Himself testified, on quarter of the city, and from his house were > more than one occasion, that the safe trans- taken to the shrine of Im6m-Z6dih Ma'sGm, > fer of these remains, the construction of a where they remained concealed until the > befitting mausoleum to receive them, and year 1284 A.H. (1867-1868), when a Tab- > their final interment with His own hands in let, revealed by BahL'u'llbh in Adrianople, > their permanent resting-place constituted directed Mu116 'Ali-Akbar-i-SJhahmirz6di > one of the three principal objectives which, and Jam61-i-BurGjirdi to transfer them with- > ever since the inception of His mission, He out delay to some other spot, an instruction > had conceived it His paramount duty to which, in view of the subsequent reconstruc- > achieve. This act indeed deserves to rank as tion of that shrine, proved to have been > one of the outstanding events in the first providential. > BahL'i century. Unable to find a suitable place in the > As observed in a previous chapter the suburb of Sh6h 'Abdu'l-'A~im, Mullb 'Ali- > mangled bodies of the B6b and His fellow- Akbar and his companion continued their > martyr, Mirzb Muhammad-'Ali, were re- search until, on the road leading to C_has_h- > moved, in the middle of the second night mih-'Ali, they came upon the abandoned > and dilapidated Masjid-i-Ma&L'u'll6h, > * From Chapter XVIII. where they deposited, within one of its > 23 6 T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > walls, after dark, their precious burden, hav- few months later, was to commence. About > ing first re-wrapt the remains in a silken that same time, the marble sarcophagus, de- > shroud brought by them for that purpose. signed to receive the body of the Bib, an > Finding the next day to their consternation offering of love from the BahPis of Ran- > that the hiding-place had been discovered, goon, had, at 'Abdu'l-Bahi's suggestion, > they clandestinely carried the casket through been completed and shipped to Haifa. > the gate of the capital direct to the house of No need to dwell on the manifold prob- > Mirzi Hasan-i-Vazir, a believer and son-in- lems and preoccupations which, for almost > law of Hiji Mirzi Siyyid 'Aliy-i-Taf- a decade, continued to beset 'Abdu'l-BahP > ris_hi, the Majdu'l-A&rif, where it remained until the victorious hour when He was able > for no less than fourteen months. The long- to bring to a final consummation the his- > guarded secret of its whereabouts becoming toric task entrusted to Him by His Father. > known to the believers, they began to visit The risks and perils with which Bahi'u'llih > the house in such numbers that a communi- and later His Son had been confronted in > cation had to be addressed by Mulli 'Ali- their efforts to insure, during half a century, > Akbar to Bahi'u'llih, begging for guidance the protection of those remains were but a > in the matter. HBji ghih Muhammad-i- prelude to the grave dangers which, at a > Man&idi, surnamed Aminu'l-Bayin, was later period, the Center of the Covenant > accordingly commissioned to receive the Himself had to face in the course of the > Trust from him, and bidden to exercise the construction of the edifice designed to re- > utmost secrecy as to its disposal. ceive them, and indeed until the hour of His > Assisted by another believer, Hiji ghih final release from His incarceration. > Muhammad buried the casket beneath the The long-drawn out negotiations with the > floor of the inner sanctuary of the shrine of shrewd and calculating owner of the build- > Imim-Zidih Zayd, where it lay undetected ing-site of the holy Edifice, who, under the > until Mirzi Asadu'llih-i-I~fihini was in- influence of the Covenant-breakers, refused > formed of its exact location through a chart for a long time to sell; the exorbitant price > forwarded to him by Bahi'u'llih. Instructed at first demanded for the opening of a road > by Bah&'u'llih to conceal it elsewhere, he leading to that site and indispensable to the > first removed the remains to his own house work of construction; the interminable ob- > in Tihrin, after which they were deposited jections raised by officials, high and low, > in several other localities such as the house whose easily aroused suspicions had to be > of Husayn-'Aliy-i-IsfBhini and that of Mu- allayed by repeated explanations and assur- > hammad-Karim-i-'AttBr, where they re- ances given by 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself; the > mained hidden until the year 1316 (1899) dangerous situation created by the mon- > A.H., when, in pursuance of directions is- strous accusations brought by Mirzi Mu- > sued by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, this same Mirz6 hammad-'Ali and his associates regarding > Asadu'llih, together with a number of other the character and purpose of that building; > believers, transported them by way of Isfi- the delays and complications caused by > hin, Kirmin&ih, Baghdid and Damascus, 'Abdu'l-Bahi's prolonged and enforced ab- > to Beirut and thenceby sea to 'Akki, ar- sence from Haifa, and His consequent in- > riving at their destination on the 19th of the ability to supervise in person the vast > month of Ramadin 1316 A.H. (January 3 1, undertaking He had initiated-all these > 1899), fifty lunar years after the Bib's exe- were among the principal obstacles which > cution in Tabriz. He, at so critical a period in His ministry, > In the same year that this precious Trust had to face and surmount ere He could > reached the shores of the Holy Land and execute in its entirety the Plan, the outline > was delivered into the hands of 'Abdu'l- of which Bahfi'u'llih had communicated to > Bahl, He, accompanied by Dr. Ibrihim Him on the occasion of one of His visits to > K_hayru711&h,whom He had already honored Mt. Carmel. > with the titles of "BahiYs Peter," "The Sec- "Every stone of that building, every stone > ond Columbus" and "Conqueror of Amer- o f the road leading to it," He, many a time > ica," drove to the recently purchased site was heard to remark. "I have with infinite > which had been blessed and selected by tears and at tremendous cost, raised and > Bahi'u'llih on Mt. Carmel, and there laid, placed in position." "One night," He, ac- > with His own hands, the foundation-stone of cording to an eye-witness, once observed, "I > the edifice, the construction of which He, a was so hemmed in by My anxieties that I > C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 237 > > had no other recourse than to recite and Shrine on Mt. Carmel . . . By a strange > repeat over and over again a prayer o f the coincidence, on that same day o f Naw-Rdz, > Ba'b which I had in My possession, the re- a cablegram was received from Chicago, an- > cital of which greatly calmed Me. The next nouncing that the believers in each o f the > morning the owner o f the plot himself came American centers had elected a delegate and > to Me, apologized and begged Me to pur- sent to that city . . . and definitely decided > chase his property ." on the site and construction of the Ma&- > Finally, in the very year His royal ad- riqu'l-AdJhka'r." > versary lost his throne, and at the time of With the transference of the remains of > the opening of the first American Bahi'i the BBb-Whose advent marks the return of > Convention, convened in Chicago for the the Prophet Elijah-to Mt. Carmel, and > purpose of creating a permanent national their interment in that holy mountain, not > organization for the construction of the far from the cave of that Prophet Himself, > Maariqu'l-AdJhkBr, 'Abdu'l-BahB brought the Plan so gloriously envisaged by Bahg- > His undertaking to a successful conclusion, u'llBh, in the evening of His life, had been at > in spite of the incessant machinations of last executed, and the arduous labors as- > enemies both within and without. On the sociated with the early and tumultuous years > 28th of the month of Safar 1327 A.H., the of the ministry of the appointed Center of > day of the first Naw-Rfiz (1909) which He His Covenant crowned with immortal suc- > celebrated after His release from His con- cess. A focal center of Divine illurnillation > finement, 'Abdu'l-BahB had the marble sar- and power, the very dust of which 'Abdu'l- > cophagus transported with great labor to the Bahl averred had inspired Him, yielding in > vault prepared for it, and in the evening, sacredness to no other shrine throughout the > by the light of a single lamp, He laid within BahPi world except the Sepulcher of the > it, with His own hands-in the presence of Author of the BahL'i Revelation Himself, > believers from the East and from the West had been permanently established on that > and in circumstances at once solemn and mountain, regarded from time immemorial > moving-the wooden casket containing the as sacred. A structure, at once massive, sim- > sacred remains of the BBb and His com- ple and imposing; nestling in the heart of > panion. Carmel, the "Vineyard of God"; flanked by > When all was finished, and the earthly re- the Cave of Elijah on the west, and by the > mains of the Martyr-Prophet of ShhirBz were, hills of Galilee on the east; backed by the > at long last, safely deposited for their ever- plain of Sharon, and facing the silver-city > lasting rest in the bosom of God's holy of 'AkkB, and beyond it the Most Holy > mountain, 'Abdu'l-BahB, Who had cast aside Tomb, the Heart and Qiblih of the Bahi'i > His turban, removed His shoes and thrown world; overshadowing the colony of Ger- > off His cloak, bent low over the still open man Templars who, in anticipation of the > sarcophagus, His silver hair waving about "coming of the Lord," had forsaken their > His head and His face transfigured and lu- homes and foregathered at the foot of that > minous, rested His forehead on the border mountain, in the very year of Bahi'u'llBh's > of the wooden casket, and, sobbing aloud, Declaration in BaghdBd ( 1863), the mauso- > wept with such a weeping that all those who leum of the BBb had now, with heroic effort > were present wept with Him. That night He and in impregnable strength been estab- > could not sleep, so overwhelmed was He lished as "the Spot round which the Con- > with emotion. course on high circle in adoration." Events > "The most joyful tidings is this," He have already demonstrated through the ex- > wrote later in ~ a b l e tannouncing to His tension of the Edifice itself, through the em- > followers the news of this glorious victory, bellishment of its surroundings, through the > "that the holy, the luminous body of the acquisition of extensive endowments in its > Ba'b . . . after having for sixty years been neighborhood, and through its proximity to > transferred from place to place, by reason the resting-places of the wife, the son and > o f the ascendancy o j the enemy, and from daughter of Bahi'u'llBh Himself, that it was > fear o f the malevolent, and having known destined to acquire with the passing of the > neither rest nor tranquillity has, through the years a measure of fame and glory com- > mercy o f the Abha' Beauty, been ceremo- mensurate with the high purpose that had > niously deposited, on the day of Naw-RBz, prompted its founding. Nor will it, as the > within the sacred casket, in the exalted years go by, and the institutions revolving > 23 8 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > around the World Administrative Center of Revelation. Well is it with him that circleth > the future BahL'i Commonwealth are grad- around thee, that proclaimeth the revelation > ually established, cease to manifest the la- o f thy glory, and recounteth that which the > tent potentialities with which that same im- bounty o f the Lord thy God hath showered > mutable purpose has endowed it. Resist- upon thee." "Call out to Zion, 0 Carmel!" > lessly will this Divine institution flourish and He, furthermore, has revealed in that same > expand, however fierce the animosity which Tablet, "and announce the joyful tidings: > its future enemies may evince, until the f ~ ~ l lHe that was hidden from mortal eyes is > measure of its splendor will have been dis- come! His all-conquering sovereignty is > closed before the eyes of all mankind. > "Haste thee, 0 Carmel!" BahQ'u'llQh,sig- manifest; His all-encompassing splendor is > nificantly addressing that holy mountain, revealed. Beware lest thou hesitate or halt. > has written, "for lo, the light of the Coun- Hasten forth and circumambulate the City > tenance o f God . . . hath been lifted upon of God that hath descended from heaven, > thee . . . Rejoice, for God hath, in this the celestial Kaaba round which have cir- > Day, established upon thee His throne, hath cled in adoration the favored o f God, the > made thee the dawning-place of His signs pure in heart, and the company of the most > and the dayspring o f the evidences o f His exalted angels." > > 2. CONSTRUCTION O F THE SUPER- > STRUCTURE OF THE SHRINE O F > THE BAB > ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE GUARDIAN > . , construction (of the) shell designed (for) > 1AM) happy (to) announce (the) com- its embellishment (and) preservation, addi- > tional height by one-third, additional width > pletion of plans and specifications for (the) by one-fifth, enhancing (the) massiveness > erection of (the) arcade surrounding the (of the) edifice embosomed (in the) Moun- > BQb's Sepulcher, constituting (the) first step tain of God, heralding (the) erection (of > in (the) process destined to culminate in the) lofty gilded dome that will eventually > (the) construction of the Dome anticipated shine forth in solitary splendor from its > by 'Abdu'l-BahQ and marking (the) con- heart. > summation of (an) enterprise initiated by > Him fifty years ago according to instruc- (b) > tions given Him by BahL'u'llQh. > (On the) occasion (of the) fivefold his- > Announce (to the) friends (the) comple- toric celebration-(the) dedication (for) > tion, (on the) eve (of) Naw-Rfiz, (of the) public worship (of the) holiest Ma&riqu'l- > erection (of) parapet crowning (the) east- Ad_hk&r(of the) Bahgi world; (the) convo- > ern f a ~ a d e(of) Holy Shrine one year after cation (of the) Second Intercontinental > placing (the) first threshold stones upon Teaching Conference (of the) Holy Year; > (the) foundation (of the) arcade. (The) (the) Anniversary (of the) Declaration > beauty (and) majesty (of the) finely carved (of) BahA'u'llQh (in the) Garden of Rid- > panels surmounting (the) soaring arches v&n; (the) holding (of the) Forty-Fifth > spanning (the) rosy monolith columns, em- American BahL'i Convention, (and the) > blazoned with emerald green and scarlet launching (of the) epochal, global spiritual > mosaic bymbolizing (the) BQb's lineage and Crusade, marking (the) climax (of the) fes- > martyrdom, (is) strikingly revealed. (The) tivities associated (with the) Centenary (of > original pearl-like structure raised by (the) the) Birth (of) BahL'u'llQh's Mission-an- > hands (of the) Center (of the) Covenant, nounce (to) His followers (of) East (and) > enshrining (the) remains (of the) Martyr West (that the) final phase (of the) con- > Prophet (of the) Faith, acquiring, through struction (of the) Biib's Sepulcher (has > C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 239 > > been) ushered in through (the) erection stage (of the) initial epoch (in the) evolu- > (of) scaffolding (for the) completion (of tion (of the) process initiated over sixty > the) shuttering (of the) dome. years ago (by the) Founder (of the) Faith, > Forty-four gilded tiles out of (a) total (in the) heart (of the) Mountain (of) God, > (of) twelve thousand, designed (to) cover (is) consummated. (The) finishing touches > two hundred fifty square'meter surface (of (of the) installation (of) stained glass win- > the) dome (were) placed (in) permanent dows (in the) Drum (and) Octagon, (the) > position (on the) eve (of the) ninth day of removal (of) scaffolding (from the) exte- > the) Ninetieth Anniversary (of the) Ridvkn rior (and) interior (of the) edifice, (the) > Festival. (On the) afternoon (of the) same interior calcimining (of the) Dome, Drum > day, during (the) course (of a) moving (and) Octagon, tuckpointing, cleaning > ceremony (in the) presence (of) pilgrims (and) floodlighting (the) entire Structure > (and) resident believers (of) 'AkkB (and) (have been) completed, synchronizing > Haifa, (there was) placed reverently (a) (with the) closing weeks (of the) glorious > fragment (of the) plaster ceiling (of the) twelve-month (in the) annals (of the) Holy > Bgb's prison cell (in the) Castle (of) Mkh- Faith. > Kfi, beneath (the) gilded tiles (of the) (A) steadily swelling throng (of) visitors > crowning unit (of the) majestic edifice. Cir- (from) far (and) near, (on) many days ex- > cumambulated (the) base (of the) dome, ceeding (a) thousand, (is) flocking (the) > paid homage (to) His memory, recalled gates leading (to the) Inner Sanctuary (of > (His) afflictive imprisonment (and) offered this) majestic mausoleum; paying homage > prayers (on) behalf (of the) friends (of) (to the) Queen of Carmel enthroned (on) > East (and) West (on a) subsequent visit (to God's Mountain, crowned (in) glowing > the) interior (of) His Shrine. gold, robed (in) shimmering white, girdled > Preparatory steps are now being taken (in) emerald green, enchanting every eye > (for the) pouring (of) concrete (for the) from air, sea, plain (and) hill. > construction (of the) ribs (of the) dome, as ( I am) moved (to) request (the) attend- > well as for (the) placing (of) ornamental ants (at the) Conference (to) hold (a) be- > stones surrounding its base. fitting memorial gathering (to) pay tribute > (My) hopes (are) heightened (that the) (to the) Hand (of the) Cause, Sutherland > termination (of the) five-year-long, three- Maxwell, immortal architect (of the) Ar- > quarter million dollar enterprise, undertaken cade (and) Superstructure (of the) Shrine. > (in the) heart (of) Carmel, (will) coincide (I) feel, moreover, acknowledgement > (with the) termination (of the) world-wide (should) be made (at the) same gathering > celebrations commemorating (the) Cente- (of the) unflagging labors (and) vigilance > nary (of the) inception (of) BahL'u'llBh's (of the) Hand (of the) Cause, Ugo Gia- > Ministry. chery, (in) negotiating contracts, inspecting > (and) despatching all materials required > (for the) construction (of the) Edifice, as > (On the) occasion (of the) conclusion well as (of the) assiduous, constant care (of > (of the) Holy Year ( I am) overjoyed (to the) Hand (of the) Cause, Leroy Ioas, (in) > share the) following triple announcement supervising (the) construction (of) both > (with the) attendants (at the) fourth (and) Drum (and) Dome. To two doors (of the) > h a 1 Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Shrine recently named after (the) first two > marking (the) termination (of) festivities aforementioned Hands, (the) Octagon > associated (with the) Centenary (of the) Door, now added, (will) henceforth (be) > Birth (of) BahL'uYllkh'sProphetic Mission. associated (with the) third Hand who con- > (The) five-year-old, three-quarter million tributed (to the) raising (of this) stately, > dollar enterprise, constituting (the) final sacred Structure. . . . > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 3 . A N A C C O U N T O F THE P R E P A R A T O R Y > WORK I N I T A L Y > > O N April 22, 1948, at four o'clock in the tion."' For around and above the original > afternoon, in a room of the Hotel Savoia in Edifice erected by 'Abdu'l-BahL this beauti- > Rome, William Sutherland Maxwell, acting ful new exterior is being placed, as by en- > for Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the chantment, within the matchless setting of > BahQ'i Faith, signed the first contract for the magnificent gardens. The Persian gardens of > marble necessary to complete the Shrine of Haifa are the finest in the East, and the con- > the BLb on Mt. Carmel. As the signatures stant loving supervision of the Guardian has > were being affixed to the document, the fine embellished them to a degree almost impos- > drizzle which had been falling for many sible to visualize. > hours ceased as by magic, and a ray of the At ground level the design of the Shrine > warm spring sun lit up the room. calls for a quadrate colonnade, with twenty- > All those present looked at the skies four columns and eight pilasters of Rose > through the open balcony and smiled cheer- Granite of Baveno, each fifteen feet high > fully, while this correspondent reviewed and resting on bases of the same granite. > rapidly in his mind the contrasting condi- All tourists who have visited Italy know > tions prevailing on this joyous occasion and Lake Maggiore. Between Stresa and Ver- > those during the tremendous hours which bania on the shores of this romantic lake, > followed the noon of July 9, ninety-eight stands Mt. Mottarone, famous for the > years before, when an obscuring gale swept unique view of Lombardy's plains. On the > the city of Tabriz at the time of the Bib's north side of this mountain, lies the Cava > martyrdom. del Camoscio, or Quarry of the Chamois, > On May 5 a second contract was signed from which the rose granite for the col- > in the same room, and a complex and pon- umns, pilasters and bases has been quarried. > derous machinery was set in motion. Archi- Huge blocks have been hewn from the side > tects, draftsmen, quarriers, stonecutters, of the mountain, thence lowered by cograil > sculptors, and artists began a momentous to the plains and transported by sturdy > activity. Many are familiar with the beauti- horse-drawn carts to the marble works in > ful color plate giving the architect's design Gravellona. Scores of men have been at > of the Shrine as it appears in Volume IX of work on these blocks, week after week, pro- > The B a h a World as the frontispiece. But ducing by their accurate, painstaking labor > only a few have seen the counties> accurate the most perfect columns that glisten like > and detailed drawings of this unique build- mirrors in the sun. Every column has been > ing, a mighty work done by one man. packed as if it were precious glassware, in > The Italian architects who have had the mammoth wooden boxes, for shipment to > opportunity to examine these plans have ex- Haifa. > pressed their admiration, with the highest The columns and pilasters support beau- > words of praise, for the conception, the tifully carved capitals of rare design, em- > style, the elegance, and the exquisite intri- bodying classic elements of ancient Greco- > cacy of the decoration which characterizes Roman architecture and the delicate filigree- > the entire project. like motifs of Persia. Twenty-eight carved > So begins the befitting completion of the arches sustain the f a ~ a d ewith sculptured > work envisioned by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, which He panels and join the four monumental cor- > so dramatically described, "Every stone of ners into a harmonious ensemble. The > that building, every stone of the road leading arches, panels, corners, and f a ~ a d e shave > to it, I have with infinite tears and at tre- been made, piece by piece, of a marble-like > mendous cost, raised and placed in posi- 2 Cited in God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi, page > 275. The original Edifice was completed in 1908 and the > 1 Dr. Giachery was appointed by Shoghi Effendi as Bib's remains were laid to rest therein on March 21, > his personal representative for the work in Italy for the 1909. (ffe "Entombment of the Bbb's Remains on Mt. > Shrine of the Bib. (Editors.) Carmel, page 235 this Section.) > C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 24 1 > > stone called Chiampo. This stone, which is liam Sutherland Maxwell, the architect for > quarried near Vicenza, fifty miles northwest the Shrine, had signed, on behalf of the > of Venice, is hard, compact, of uniform tex- Guardian, the first contract much had al- > ture, and the delicate tint of wheat straw ready been accomplished. > at harvest time. Seventy-two wooden cases, occupying 67 > Car loads of large blocks of Chiampo cubic meters and weighing 90 metric tons, > have been carried from the quarry to were stowed safely in the holds of the S.S. > Pietrasanta, on the Tyrrhenian sea. Pietra- Norte, to be carried through a blockade of > santa, just north of Pisa, is one of the fore- hostile naval vessels to its final destination > most marble working centers of Italy, not in Haifa. Those early months will remain in > far from Carrara. Here a large group of our memory as the most difficult of the en- > skilled artists, carvers, stonecutters, carpen- tire period necessary to the procurement of > ters, and sculptors have been mobilized un- material for the Shrine. > der the guidance of two able architects There was no mail service at this time > (one, a college professor) to transfer into between Italy and the nascent State of > stone the dream-like conception of Mr. Israel; a few letters which had been posted > Maxwell. had been returned to the sender. shipping > This correspondent has had the special was erratic, and only a very few steamers > privilege of visiting the laboratory of Pietra- dared to approach the shores of Israel as > santa where over sixty men work daily with there was constant danger of confiscation of > incredible facility to make the various hieces the cargo by hostile warships. To maintain > of the building which dovetail to perfection. correspondence with the International > It is a sight never to be forgotten: dozens of Bahb'i Center in Haifa was the most com- > men at work in clouds of dust raised by plex and difficult problem. Plans and archi- > their drills and chisels, deft fingers mov- tectural drawings had to be sent back and > ing with care and skill, shaping the stone forth. Photographs of the work accom- > they have learned to love, humble artists plished had to be submitted to Mr. Maxwell > contributing to the engraving of pages of for his approval. Cablegrams sent only at > splendor in the history of the Bahb'i Faith, the sender's risk and without promise of de- > unknown actors in the unfolding of the most livery, if transmitted, were delayed by the > glorious of all Plans as envisaged by censor for weeks at a time. After much > Bahb'u'llgh. searching, a method was found by which > In Pietrasanta, also, a large portion of the the necessary and vital correspondence > outdoor yard is ever covered with immense could be carried on: Once a week there > packing cases containing the completed passed through Rome a lone plane going > pieces ready for shipment to Haifa. from Prague to Haifa. By complying with a > It was on November 16, 1948, that the tedious and endless procedure of filling out > following memorable cablegram was sent forms, waiting in long queues and obtain- > from Rome to Shoghi Effendi in Haifa, and ing government permits, it became possible > was despatched with deep emotion by this to entrust to the crew of the plane the pack- > correspondent: ages of mail. These were delivered with > "First shipment granite, stone holy Bgb's regularity but with much delay on account > Shrine left Leghorn Sunday November 14th of the censorship. In looking back, it all > Steamship Norte due Haifa twenty-third en- seems a continuous chain of miracles! > trusting safety beloved Guardian's prayer The activity which originated in Rome > assistance Blessed Perfection ever-present with the signing of three contracts in less > Master's guiding hand. Loving devotion. than three months included, in the begin- > Ugo Giachery." ning, the choice of the stone or marble to > This message, the delivery of which was be used in the construction. Mr. Maxwell > not guaranteed in war-torn I ~ r a e l ,was > ~ to wanted very much to match a Palestinian > bring to the Guardian the much awaited stone with a similar Italian marble. To > news that the fruits of the first six months simplify the search Mr. Maxwell was taken > of intense activity and toil in four different to the Geological Office of Rome, a govern- > parts of Italy were ripe and ready to be de- ment institution where samples of stones of > livered. Since that day in April, when Wil- every geological era and description are > 3 Israel was declared an independent Republic in > available. With the assistance of the director > May, 1948. of the Office a stone was found which > 242 T H E B A H A.'I W O R L D > > matched the Palestinian stone in color, Then, when operation was resumed at the > structure and geological formation. It was a first signs of spring, the stratum uncovered > typical Italian marble used chiefly in the was imperfect and criss-crossed by flaws. > civil building trade. When the contractor for Weeks of anxiety followed until another > the work on the Shrine, Messrs. Guido M. perfect stratum was struck and the much > Fabbricotti, Successors, of Carrara, was needed material started to flow again from > charged with locating the quarry and mak- Chiampo to Pietrasanta. > ing a substantial purchase of this stone, it For the columns, the pilasters and their > was found that all the approaches to the bases, which were made of Rose Baveno > quarry had been blown up during the war granite, the matter was not so complicated > and that to put the quarry back into opera- as the quarry yielded perfect blocks for all > tion would require many months of work our needs. This part of the work was carried > and a considerable sum of money. out in the little town of Gravellona near > Taken aback but undaunted, we directed Lake Maggiore. > the search in other directions and after a From the same district came also the > second visit to the Geological Office an- green marble used in the panels of the balus- > other quarry was located, in Northern Italy trade and as background for the central > at the little town of Chiampo, not far from panel of the Greatest Name.5 "Verde Ugo" > Venice. is the name of this beautiful green marble > Signor Andrea R ~ c c a , the ~ energetic chosen by Mr. Maxwell; it is named after > Italian architect who has been carrying out the owner of the quarry, Count Ugo d'Ivrea > all the technical details of the work in Italy of Gressoney, Piedmont. > as envisaged by Mr. Maxwell, was dis- After the first shipment had arrived safely > patched immediately to this quarry to make in Haifa, we initiated a continuous flow of > a thorough survey of the material. The re- material from the Italian ports of Genoa, > ports were good and heartening, and ar- Leghorn and Venice to Haifa. Obstacles of > rangements were made to quarry the needed every nature arose from time to time, from > quantity of large blocks of "Chiampo," to the most unexpected sources. The most > be sent by lorries, or trucks, to the Tyr- serious was created by the drought which > rhenian side of the Italian peninsula where prevailed in Italy during the winter and > the stone would be cut and carved. spring of 1949. All industrial electric power > The reader should consider for a moment was curtailed to three working days per > the arduous and intricate process of stone week. The workmen could not operate the > q~~arrying as applied to the requirements for pneumatic drills and chisels; the great cut- > the Shrine. A perfect stone was needed, ting saws were idle, and the production of > without blemishes or even the most minute cut stone lagged behind the schedule which > imperfection. Tons upon tons of rock had to had been set. After this correspondent had > be removed first in order to reach the vein prevailed on the contractors to purchase a > or stratum of the marble to be quarried. diesel electric generator, the rain started > After that, a quantity about three times again and things went back to normal. > larger than needed was to be removed and During these crises one of the partners of > shipped to the laboratory. To illustrate this the contracting firm became very ill and > point, for example, in order to carve to suddenly died. He was Colonel Alberto > perfection an ornate capital, weighing when Bufalini of Carrara, a fine and competent > finished about one ton, a block three times gentleman in whom Mr. Maxwell and this > that weight was initially required-and correspondent had placed a great deal of > there were thirty-two capitals to be carved! trust and responsibility. His death was a real > After the signing of the third and fourth loss, an irreparable loss to the firm and his > contracts, when much more "Chiampo" was family. His last words addressed to his wife > needed, considerable difficulties were met were an exhortation to complete the work of > with. First, the quarry had to be closed on the Shrine in the best possible manner, as > account of the frigid weather and much this was the greatest thing he had done in > snow which made any work impossible. his life time. Fortunately, his two young > sons are carrying on, with competence and > 4The Academy of Fine Arts of Carrara bestowed > upon Signor Rocca the honorary Professorship in Ar- > chitecture of that Academy, in recognition of his meri- 5 YL-BahL'u'l-AbhL, or Allih-u-Abhi, meaning ''God > torious skill as an artist and an architect. the All Glorious!" > C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 243 > > interest, the work so well initiated by their Rockefeller "Cloister" which was moved > father. from France to New York City. > Great anxiety was also caused by the The Guardian's desire was to have the > shipping situation. We would engage a complete colonnade surrounding the origi- > steamer to take a cargo on a certain date nal Shrine, built by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, erected > from a certain port. The precious cargo of and finished for the one hundredth anniver- > material for the Shrine would be brought to sary of the Martyrdom of the Bib-July 9, > the wharf and there it would have to wait 1950. > for days and days until the ship arrived. One Time was racing by fast. New contracts > time the steamer arrived on schedule but an were concluded for the parapet which > earthquake sent the population of Leghorn crowns the colonnade. Samples of gold and > fleeing to the countryside, and there was no green mosaics were submitted for approval. > one to load the ship! In another instance, Their acceptance started a new activity, the > when the steamer was unloading our cargo completion of twenty-eight large panels > of stone in the port of Haifa, the captain be- carved and embellished with "blue-green" > came alarmed at a plane flying overhead and mosaic and "scarlet-red" blossoms. The > hastily took the ship out of the port, re- great central panel, the one which was to > turning half of the cargo back to Italy. An- bear the Greatest Name, was completed > other time a fire broke out on board the with its huge star of green marble in one > steamer Sacro Cuore, endangering all our piece and with background rays filled in > shipment, but it remained miraculously un- with gold mosaic. > damaged. Still another time a full load of he shipment of these panels presented a > stone which had been transferred from the great problem. They were heavy, large in > ship to a lighter in the port of Haifa went to size and delicate to handle on account of the > mosaic. After thorough consultation with > the bottom of the sea, when a stiff wind > arose and capsized the lighter. Again good the Contractors and Signor Rocca it was de- > fortune was on our side and a salvage com- cided to ship the panels in double cases to > be sure they would arrive in Haifa in excel- > pany with the aid of a diver brought every > lent condition. The Guardian approved this > case to the surface undamaged. > plan, and every panel reached its destination > The testing of all the cut stone has been > in the utmost state of perfection. But the > one of the most meticulous tasks and has > problem of moving such large cases was not > been carried out with unfailing precision a small one; again another link was added > and accuracy. The reader should realize that to the chain of miracles. > the stone shipped was not merely cut; it was To ship all the columns, pilasters, capi- > cut to a size prescribed by plans made by tals, star panels, arches of the arcade, walls > the architect, then carved, finished to a of the arcade, monumental corners, cor- > smooth surface, and placed with its neigh- nices, small pilasters and panels of the para- > boring stones in the actual part of the build- pet, we used seventeen different steamers > ing erected in the marble works, in sections over a period of nineteen months. Nearly > held together by plaster of Paris. Specialized eight hundred tons of finished material were > workers then went over every single stone shipped and safely delivered in Haifa, in > to eliminate any imperfection to the fraction 1,800 wooden cases. The largest piece > of a line. The stones were then numbered, shipped weighed over three tons, and the > the temporary part of the building disman- largest carved piece of "Chiampo" weighed > tled, and every piece placed in a strong over one ton. Altogether 4,587 finished > wooden box made especially for it, to be pieces were transported from Italy to Mt. > shipped to Haifa. Carmel during this period. > A detailed list would give the number of Over 100 trucks were required, to carry > the case and the number of each stone the material from the laboratory to the > contained in it, while a master key-plan wharves to be shipped, and more than 100 > indicated the location of each stone in the railroad cars and lorries were used to bring > building. A fascinating gigantic puzzle. An the stone blocks from the quarry to the lab- > Italian journalist has stated that this appears oratory. > to be the largest prefabricated building to On May 8, 1950, the last shipment left > move from the European continent to any Leghorn on the S.S. Maria-the last 44 > point in the world, even larger than thk cases containing the precious cargo for the > T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > BAb's Shrine. This steamer entered the har- without damaging its structure or impairing > bor of Haifa on May 20, thus bringing to a in any manner the sacred entirety of the > close the nineteen months of intense labor Holy Tombs. To carry out this bold plan, > on the Italian side of the Mediterranean Sea. this correspondent was called upon to pro- > On June 29, 1950, the last small stone was vide and ship at the earliest possible moment > put in position at 3 :30 P.M. in the Arcade of a large amount of structural steel, eight huge > the Shrine on Mt. Carmel, in ample time for Manesmann pipesG and 100,000 pounds of > the commemoration of the Centenary of the cement-all material it was impossible to se- > Martyrdom of the Bib. The Guardian's cure in Israel. On the other hand, Italy's re- > foresight had won; the colonnade was com- construction program made these materials > pleted and all the BahB'i world rejoiced at extremely scarce in Italy and they were ex- > the announcement. portable only under special Government li- > The morning of the first of September, censes. Twice the cement was obtained and > 1950, a cable from Shoghi Effendi was re- twice, with great swiftness, its shipment was > ceived, announcing the shipment by plane prevented by ever-changing and unheralded > of the architectural drawings for the octagon Government regulations. After weeks of > section of the Shrine superstructure, to ob- stubborn perseverance, and soliciting and > tain an estimate of the cost and of the time pleading with Government agencies, the > required to complete this part of the con- licenses were obtained and the material left > struction. On September 8 the drawings fi- the port of Leghorn on two ships, the S.S. > nally arrived. After a series of conferences Komemiut and the S.S. Frankis, on April 5 > and consultations with Architect Rocca and and 13, 1951, respectively. > representatives of the firm of Messrs. Guido Professor Neuman has personally de- > M. Fabbricotti, Successori, of Carrara, a scribed to this correspondent the fascinating > new contract for the carved Chiampo neces- and highly skilled work of casting the eight > sary to erect the octagon was stipulated. The huge piers and the eight-pointed star on > contract was signed in Rome, at Via Liguria which the entire new structure-the octa- > 38, on Saturday, October 21. Again a com- gon, the drum and the dome-will rest. The > plex machinery was set in motion with a star consists of eight interlocked beams of > speed that, at the time, left both this corre- reinforced concrete, each measuring one > spondent and the contractors spellbound foot wide, six feet deep and forty-three feet > and breathless; immediately a representative long, each point of the star resting on one > of the contractor was dispatched to Chiampo of the eight vertical piers. The lower edge of > to purchase all the blocks of marble re- the beams is a distance of about one foot > quired, before the closing of the quarry from the roof of the original Shrine. On the > which, on account of the inclement weather, upper part of the beams is laid a mighty > was scheduled the first week of November. concrete platform which constitutes the > As soon as the work of cutting and carv- floor of the octagon and the foundation for > ing the stone started, new technical prob- the eight steel columns. As all the beams are > lems of vital importance arose in Haifa interlocked (like two superimposed quad- > which demanded skillful, rapid and accurate rangles), it was necessary to cast this enor- > solution. The reader should consider that the mous foundation in one day-something of > ensemble of the octagon, the drum and the a miracle, "epoch-making, unique in the his- > dome-a mighty construction weighing over tory of engineering in the entire Middle > 1,000 tons-could not be laid on the roof East," said Professor Neuman, "as we had > of the original Shrine, this venerable Edifice to cast 135 cubic meters of concrete in one > erected by 'Abdu'l-BahA being unable to single day." > hold such tremendous weight. During this search for the materials men- > Prof. H. Neuman of Haifa Institute of tioned, another cablegram from Shoghi > Technology, the engineer for the project, de- Effendi requested an estimate of the cost of > vised a very ingenious system to support the the cylinder (or drum) and of the dome. > entire superstructure by planning to sink Again new conferences and consultations > eight mighty piers, of unusual dimensions, took place, to agree on many important > all the way through the original Shrine to technical details and to discuss costs and la- > reach the bedrock lying under its founda- bor. > tion. It was a truly gigantic and delicate task G Hollow steel columns 15 feet high and one foot > to break through the masonry of the Shrine wide, to support the drum aild the dome. > C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 245 > > After several quotations were submitted The task of cutting and carving the > to the Guardian, authority was received to Chiampo stone for the octagon was proceed- > stipulate a new contract at a favorable cost, ing with great alacrity. It was a meticulous > and on Friday, March 24, the contract was and vast undertaking to carve out of the > signed at Via Liguria, in Rome. During ne- stone eight fa~adeseach measuring twenty- > gotiations for this contract, additional re- four by twenty-six feet, with intricate orna- > quests were received from time to time from mental carvings and eight huge pinnacles to > Shoghi Effendi which resulted in new con- be placed at the summit of every corner. > > 1 EDIFICE BUILT > B Y 'ABDU'L-BAHA' > > -3. REINFORCED > CONCRETE BEAM > > C O N C R E T E PIERS > T O BED-ROCK > > Haif a, Israel. > Sketch of the eight-pointed star foundation for the Octagon: > 1. Outline of original Edifice, built by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, roughly square > in shape. > 2. Eight reinforced concrete piers rising from bedrock to one foot > above roof level of original Edifice. > 3. Reinforced concrete eight-pointed star foundation, consisting of eight > interlocked concrete beams one foot wide, six feet deep and > forty-three feet long. The eight points of this star rest on the > eight concrete piers; the entire star is raised one foot above the roof > of the original Edifice. > 4. Dotted line connecting points of the star foundation represents the > f a ~ a d eof the Octagon. Small circles at intersections of beams > indicate position of the eight hollow steel columns (Manesmann pipes). > > tracts for the beautiful hand-wrought iron Over fifty highly skilled stone cutters and > railing for the octagon, iron window frames artist carvers accomplished this work, some- > for the same structure and for the cylinder times laboring until late at night in order to > -a total of eighteen large windows, eight of deliver the material in less than a year. Ship- > medium size, sixteen small ones-and an ments were made from time to time. The > oak door with wrought-iron grill. In addition first lot of Chiampo, 18 tons carefully > to these items other contracts were drawn packed in sealed wooden boxes, left the port > up for lamp posts to embellish the terraces of Leghorn on May 4, on the S.S. De Vil- > outside the Shrine and for artistic wrought- hena. Another important shipment of 105 > iron gates for the completion of the terraces. tons was made on August 2 on the S.S.Resi, > 246 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > and was followed by other shipments of 54 precedented violence were lashing the north > tons on the same steamer on September 26, and the south of the Italian peninsula, bring- > of 30 tons on the S.S. Rapido on November ing about the disastrous floods which devas- > 12, and the balance on the S.S. De Vilhena tated all the Polesine region in the north and > on December 3. a good part of Calabria in the south. The > About the middle of September an addi- Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic seas were > tional request was received, for structural stormy as they had never been in the mem- > steel, another 100,000 pounds of cement, a ory of any living man. Right at that moment > huge quantity of construction lumber, all to a large cargo of Chiampo stone, of steel and > permit the erection of the cylinder and the a good part of the lumber had been sent to > dome. By this time the Italian Government the port of Leghorn for shipment. No > had made it almost impossible to purchase > steamer was then able to enter or leave any > or to ship abroad any quantity of steel, even > port. All shipping was paralyzed for a few > the smallest. Petitions to the proper author- > ity, and verbal pleading seconded by written weeks and our precious and most needed > statements stressing the importance of com- cargo lay idle at the wharf. It was only on > pleting the cylinder and the dome of the November 12 (BahL'u'llLh's birthday) that > Shrine, which would extol1 the skill of Ital- the S.S. Rapido, after completing hasty load- > ian artistry, brought the capitulation of the ing operations, sailed from Leghorn with the > adamant Committee on Exports, and with weather still unsettled. > the great rejoicing of this correspondent the At the present date, January, 1952, the > export license for the steel, cement and lum- work is proceeding with great speed to com- > ber was granted. "This is an exceptional plete the cylinder with its eighteen intri- > measure," stated the government official cately carved windows, the eighteen great > who signed the license, "as no such permit ribs of the dome, and the stone lantern > has been granted for months, even to larger which crown this superstructure of the > corporations with world-wide trade." Shrine, like outstretched arms and uplifted > By the middle of October storms of un- hands joined in a prayer to the Almighty. > > 4. R E P O R T S ON T H E CONSTRUCTION > O F THE ARCADE > > SHOGHI > EFFENDI has asked me to where the Bhb's earthly remains should be > write you about the progress of the building placed at rest. That was a memorable day > of the arcade about the Shrine of the BBb and it is fitting that one of the BahL'is pres- > on Mt. Carmel from time to time, with the ent at the time should now be residing at the > suggestion that it be printed in BahBi News BahL'i Pilgrim House near the Shrine and > for the information of the friends. This is a acting as host to all visitors-Hussein Ek- > rather large task for so poor a servant to bal. He is a fine and kindly, elderly gentle- > nndertake, for truly the erection of this ar- man, and it is a privilege to meet and know > cade will be an epic milestone in the annals him. > of the Bah6'i Faith, and will foreshadow the All Bah6'is know that 'Abdu'l-BahL was > erection of the golden dome, some one hun- able to bring the precious remains of the > dred and twenty feet in height, and the com- BBb to Mt. Carmel and to erect six of the > pletion of the enterprise conceived by BahL'- nine rooms of the present Shrine building. > u'116h sixty years ago. Perhaps, something not so well known, is > Many of the friends will recall the circu- that one day in 1915, 'Abdu'l-BahB was sit- > lar group of cypress trees near the Shrine, ting on the terrace at the top of the steps of > under which BahL'u'llBh sat when He indi- His home looking up to the building then on > cated to 'Abdu'l-BahL the spot upon which Mt. Carmel and remarked that as yet the > the Shrine of the Bib was to be erected, and Shrine of the BBb was "unbuilt" and that > C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 247 > > considerable sums of money would be told by Ugo Giachery who rendered so great > needed, but God willing, they would be a service in all this work, and continues to > forthcoming. How significant that word "un- act as Shoghi Effendi's appointed represent- > built," and yet, how precious are the rooms ative in Italy in the matter of stone for the > built at His direction! How indicative it was Shrine of the B5b. > that He envisaged the beautiful structure Very quickly after the return from Italy, > which is to be raised about the precious on May 15, affairs in Palestine took on a > kernel He had placed on Mt. Carmel. You swifter tempo. The British Mandate had > may be sure no stone which was laid at His come to an end and the State of Israel came > desire will ever be disturbed. This same will to birth. This latter event forced a change in > hold true of the three rooms added by Sho- the construction plans for the Shrine. The > ghi Effendi after the passing of 'Abdu'l- first intent was to use Palestinian stone for > Bahi, and in accordance with His desire. the thresholds, the corners, walls, and the > The present nine-room structure will always cornices, but circumstances left the quarries > remain the kernel of the Shrine and the of the needed stone in the hands of the > present project will only be a beautiful and Arabs. This looked like a serious obstacle > glorious shell to protect and preserve it. and might cause a serious delay, but Shoghi > Even with this bit of background in mind, Effendi immediately communicated with > few will ever know the intense longing Ugo Giachery and within a surprisingly > which has been in the heart of Shoghi Ef- short time Ugo was able to place a further > fendi, over a long period of years, to start contract with Guido M. Fabbricotti, Suc- > the construction of the edifice he knew was cessors, for the cutting, in Chiampo granite, > so dear to the heart of 'Abdu'l-Bahh. Then, of all the stone needed to construct the ar- > suddenly, in the spring of this year, 1948, he cade. Everyone feels this has been a happy > felt that the end of his patient waiting had turn of events as this Chiampo granite is a > come, even though conditions in the world, very fine and beautiful stone. The placing of > and especially in Palestine, were far from this latest contract means that all the stone > propitious. However, he well knew that of the arcade will be Italian and it is possi- > every great step forward in our Bahi'i Faith ble that when the time comes to add the > has been taken under severe difficulties, balustrade and the tall dome the master > therefore, he did not hesitate to send Mr. stonecutters of Italy will have more work > William S. Maxwell to Italy with his exqui- to do. > sitely designed plans, to contract for the cut- With the matter of the stonework de- > ting and carving of the stone necessary to cided, Shoghi Effendi took swift action to- > bring out the full richness and delicacy of ward preparing the site about the Shrine for > the arcade he, Mr. Maxwell, has conceived. the work to come. This is a huge task in > It might be mentioned that his designs and itself and is not without a little heartbreak > drawings have excited the admiration of for it means disturbing the beauty Shoghi > many of the finest stonecutters in Italy. This Effendi has devoted so many years to create > is justified and it is to be regretted that space about the Shrine, to gladden the hearts of > does not allow the telling of the labor and the pilgrims and visitors. There were hun- > devotion Mr. Maxwell has put into this dreds upon hundreds of finely laid tiles to be > work. It is great, very great. carefully removed and properly stored, > The trip to Italy was most successful; many yards of well-cared-for hedging and > with the very able assistance of Dr. Ugo R. trees to take up and replant, four huge, lead > Giachery, contracts were entered into with vases and their pedestals dismounted, the > Guido M. Fabbricotti, Successors, of Car- laying of the foundation and the taking of > rara, Italy, for twenty-four columns and many, many cubic yards of stone from the > eight pilasters, with their bases, to be cut high wall on the mountain side of the > and polished from Rose Baveno granite, the Shrine. The laying of the foundation has > capitals for these, together with the twenty- been completed and the cutting of the rock > eight graceful arches, star panels and deli- wall progressing swiftly under Shoghi Ef- > cate, curved corner panels to be cut and fendi's direction. > carved of cream, Chiampo granite. The While work was progressing in Haifa > search for a proper stone and the selection much of the work in Italy was being finished > of Chiampo granite for this fine carved and packed for shipment. The excitement of > work is a tale in itself and could better be the day Shoghi Effendi asked Ugo Giachery > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > to arrange for the first shipment of stone bors both great and small, it is to be hoped > was only equaled by the day we learned that that the friends who read it will not forget > the S. S. Norte had left Italy with some one the importance and great purpose behind > hundred and twelve tons of columns, pi- these strivings. The structure 'Abdu'l-Bah6 > lasters, bases, socles, and threshold stones, hoped one day, God willing, would be raised > and would arrive in Haifa on November 28. upon the side of Mt. Carmel is taking tangi- > Activities increased greatly here as there was ble form under the hands of our beloved > much to be done to clear the shipment Guardian. > through customs, arrange transportation Haifa, Dec. 28, 1948 > from the port and prepare a space near the > Gardens where this precious cargo could be With completion of the foundation to- > stored. And then came word from Ugo that ward the end of 1948, the enlarging of the > an additional forty tons was being loaded on site of the Shrine began. This meant cutting > the S. S. Campidoglio and would arrive in into the side of the mountain and the re- > Haifa on December 3. One hundred and moval of many hundreds of yards of earth > fifty-two tons of cut, carved and polished and rock. It was a difficult work and was not > stone on the high seas! Only a small part of made easier by the very cold and rainy > the six hundred and fifty odd tons to come winter such as has not been experienced in > from Italy, but the flow of stone had started! Israel for many years. Yet, despite the ad- > At last the 28th came and the slow and verse circumstances, under the direction of > careful unloading got underway. A good Shoghi Effendi, this work, including the nec- > measure of the pieces were unloaded into essary retaining wall, was completed within > lighters but the great columns and pilasters, a period of time that amazed the engineers. > weighing about three tons each, had to be It was truly a herculean task in itself and is > taken from the S.S. Norte by one of the big the more remarkable if consideration is > shore cranes. It was a grand sight to see given to the fact that Shoghi Effendi also > those huge crates rise slowly out of the hold extended the terrace of the Garden upon > of the ship and be gently lowered onto the which the Shrine is located, by a matter of > quay. With the unloading completed, the some two hundred feet. A truly large under- > work of clearing the shipment was quickly taking in itself due to the steepness of the > finished and the transportation to the storage mountain. > space near the Gardens started. Before this As this work neared completion a new > task was completed the S.S. Campidoglio ar- drainage system for the Shrine was put in > rived with forty additional tons, was cleared and the day the first of stones so carefully > and in due time all stone transported to the cut in Italy, was to be laid, drew close. On > storage space to await the day it can be March 14, 1949, one week before the forti- > placed in its position to form the arcade eth anniversary of the placing by 'Abdu'l- > about the Shrine of the Bbb. Bahb of the Bfib's blessed remains in the > How everyone is looking forward to the sarcophagus presented by the Burmese > day when the first stone will be laid on the BahL'is for this purpose-the first threshold > foundation! Then day by day this great and stone weighing half a ton, was set in its > beautiful structure will take form. The exact place upon the foundation. The beau- > polished rose granite bases will be put into tiful arcade for the Shrine of the B6b on > position, the twenty-four polished, rose Mt. Carmel, conceived by Mr. William S. > granite columns and eight pilasters will be Maxwell, was really taking form. Dreams > stood proudly erect ready to receive their were taking on reality. > intricately carved Chiampo stone capitals, The setting of the one hundred and forty > the beautifully designed curved corners will threshold stones proceeded swiftly and the > rise stone upon stone, the twenty-eight base stones for three of the comers were put > graceful arches will rest secure on the capi- in position. At this point there was an inter- > tals, the delicately carved star panels inset ruption due to the long drought in Italy > and at last the cornices put into place. Thus which cut the use of electric power to three > will be completed the first step in the con- days a week. This delayed the arrival of > struction of the glorious rose and gold edi- stone we needed to continue. How we would > fice which will forever guard and protect the have liked to have sent some of our excess > Shrine of the Bib on Mt. Carmel. rain to Italy! Still, this interrupti0.n was not > While this letter is mostly a recital of la- without its benefit, for it did give time to de- > COMPLETION O F SEPULCHER O F T H E BAB 249 > > vise a special gantry to be used to lift the progress of the work at the Shrine of the > huge Rose Baveno pilasters and columns Bib on Mt. Carmel. A goodly amount of > into place, and other pieces of stone work progress has taken place since the last re- > ranging up to a ton or more. port, in fact, the arcade has been over half > With the arrival of the needed pieces of completed, but not without difficulties. > stone the work was resumed with-renewed The continued drought in Italy still de- > vigor and with lightened hearts. It is pro- layed stone shipments, as mentioned in the > gressing swiftly and in a most encouraging last report. This made the planning of con- > manner. The three corners upon which work struction progress difficult. Plans would be > is being done have taken on a strength and made for ihearrival of a shipment and then > promise of beauty difficult to picture, with it would be delayed. This was annoying but > the erection of the two great, square Rose when a lighter load of sixty-one cases of > Baveno pilasters with which each finely pro- stone sank in the harbor one stormy night > portioned corner is bound. To see one of we felt we had a real burden on our shoul- > these solid pieces of granite some fifteen feet ders. However, like all burdens and tests we > long rise into position is a sight never to be found it not as severe as we thought and > forgotten. It is raised slowly and with infi- that it did add to our experience. It was not > nite care until it is above its base and then, long before a diver had salvaged the cases > with much measuring, lowered into the posi- from the bottom of the harbor and not a > tion it will hold for ages. Six of these fine stone had been damaged. We had a further > monoliths have been put into position and experience of a like nature when a case was > the stone work of Chiampo granite forming dropped into the water when it slipped from > these corners is over half way to the top of the sling while unloading. We also had the > the pilasters. This includes some of the very experience of a ship catching afire while she > fine carved work of the curved section of was unloading, and it was necessary to flood > the corners. Even in the present construction her to put out the fire. We were very wor- > stage of these corners, they bring exclama- ried about this as can be imagined, but we > tions of delight from those who view them. found that not a single one of our precious > Who can say how the first sight of the com- cases had been harmed in the slightest. With > pleted arcade will ravish the hearts of all the vicissitudes many of our shipments have > who behold it? passed through it is miraculous that no dam- > Sitting within sight of the Shrine of the age was done to a single stone which would > Bhb, as this report is being written, makes it have called for a long delay in the work > difficult to keep thoughts within due bounds while it was being recut. > of a true report. Knowing that on the mor- While these difficulties were heartrending, > row a start is to be made in preparation for still the work on the arcade went steadily on. > raising twelve of the graceful Rose Bavena The three magnificent curved corners took > columns tends to distracting thoughts of the on more height and grandeur. Twelve of the > future. Aye, that future! Those twelve great huge Rose Baveno granite columns were set > columns, and the twelve to follow, each with upon their bases, each with its beautifully > its carved capital, the graceful arches, the carved Chiarnpo granite capital. A momen- > walls with the inset star panels, then the tous occasion truly! Then followed the > balustrade and over all the great dome! placing of the finely cut graceful arches, > That is what a Bahl'i would envisage if sit- seven on the east side and seven on the > ting here. That is what a Bahi'i would en- north. This led to the building up of the > visage upon seeing just one stone set in place walls to the height of the architrave, includ- > and to be able to touch it. Further, a BahL'i ing the star panels and half star panels, those > would sense something of the great import gems which relieve the austerity of the walls > of what our beloved Guardian is creating on and balance the fine, ornate, curved corners. > the side of Mt. Carmel for the future of the With the completion to the architrave of the > world. How the Bahl'is would strive and beautiful corners at the southeast, northeast > pray for the completion of the glorious cov- and northwest and the walls to the east and > ering for the Shrine of the Bib if they but north, the summer came to a close and plans > knew something of this! for the winter work were made. > One of the first steps in this work is al- > Our beloved Guardian has asked that a ready nearing completion, the excavation of > third report be made to the friends on the the mountain on the west and south sides > 250 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > of the Shrine. This has meant the removal of space might be pled, the real need is the > of many, many hundreds of cubic yards of abilities of a poet or a great artist to picture > rock and earth and the building of a retain- what is now being created in Italy. > ing wall which on the south side will reach The expressions of admiration made by > a height of nearly ten meters. The earth and the many many visitors to our beautiful > rock excavated will be used to extend the BahL'i Gardens on the work already done > terrace upon which the Shrine stands, to the on the arcade, when they get a partial view > east or the right as you stand facing the sea of it from the unrestricted part of the Gar- > and the city of 'Akkh. dens, are heartwarming, and one wonders to > As soon as the wall is completed, work what length they will go when the arcade is > will start on the southwest curved corner, finished and open to the public. What will > the setting of its two great pilasters and the they feel and think when they see the deli- > placing of the twelve remaining columns cate rose of the tall columns, the light cream > with their capitals. Then the arches and the of the impressive and strong corners and > wall stones of the west and south sides. As walls and last, but not least, the crown of > this work progresses the concrete ceilings glory, the parapet, with its green panels (the > will be poured, and the stones of the archi- green emblematic of the Bgb's lineage) and > trave and cornices set in place. Then will the gold of the Greatest Names and the rays > come the momentous setting up of the para- to add the final touch of color and balance > pet, which is to be such a fitting crown for to it all? To this beautiful harmony of color > this splendid and glorious arcade the labors will be added the superb carving, so exqui- > of our beloved Guardian are bringing into site in design, and the proportions which > being about our holy Shrine of the BAb on convey such a feeling of strength and age- > Mt. Carmel. less endurance. Do you doubt but what it > In mid-summer, in anticipation of this last will leave a vision in their hearts that will > momentous part of the work, our Guardian last throughout a lifetime? > instructed Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, as his rep- Please do not ask what it will mean to a > resentative in Italy, to negotiate a fourth Bah&'imaking a pilgrimage to this holy spot. > contract with Guido M. Fabbricotti, Succes- My prayer is that you all may have this > sors, of Carrara, Italy, for the fabrication of privilege and bounty, God willing. > this intricate stone work. On September 7, > 1949, the contract was signed and calls for With the passing of an unusually severe > close to two hundred tons of fine carving winter (1949-1950), and one of many and > and delicate mosaic work. Mr. W. S. Max- diverse labors, despite the adverse weather, > well has created a masterpiece of beauty and the construction plans for the winter were > design. There will be thirty-two Chiampo more than fulfilled and the completion of > stone posts with carved caps. There will be this glorious and sacred arcade enveloping > twenty-seven large panels carved in low re- the Shrine of the Bhb is rapidly approach- > lief with a background of variegated blue- ing. > green opaque glass mosaic. These panels will At the beginning of the winter, construc- > be in single slabs and weigh nearly a ton tion on the west and south sides of the ar- > each. There will be a special central panel cade began in earnest. The southwest curved > for the fro.nt faqade of the arcade, with a corner with its huge rose granite pilasters > large star with radiating gold rays, and there rapidly took shape. Twelve great rose col- > will be the Greatest Name done in metal umns and their capitals were put in place. > and gilded superimposed upon the green While this work was going on, the wall of > marble star. This panel will be complete the mountain on the south side of the Shrine > with the intricately designed 'B's' to the right was strengthened and the terrace upon > and the left of the circle of green marble en- which the Shrine of the Bgb stands was ex- > closing the star and the golden rays. The tended to the east. This extension required > 'B's' will be in low relief and the back- the building of a high retaining wall and was > ground mosaic. The four curved corners will a major engineering undertaking in itself, > have beautifully designed ornamentation in but under the guidance of our Guardian it > which there will be a large oval of green went forward at amazing speed and is now > marble and again the Greatest Name will be a flourishing garden. > superimposed upon each oval. This is a very With these activities at their height the > inadequate description, and while the lack first shipment of the parapet stones arrived. > COMPLETION O F SEPULCHER O F T H E BAB > > Included in this shipment were the first of report but you may all be assured that con- > the twenty-seven mosaic panels which with struction of the arcade about the Shrine of > their artistry and beauty of design conceived the BBb is nearing its conclusion. A great > by Mr. Maxwell will so enhance the majesty step forward will have been taken when the > of the glorious crown now being placed last stone has been laid. A breath-taking edi- > upon the towering walls of the arcade which fice of beauty will stand in a garden of great > is to protect the holy Shrine of the BBb for splendor, which our beloved Guardian has > all posterity. Our impatience to open one of already created, for all the world to be > these cases of panels knew no bounds. drawn to in admiration, and all BahVis in > When, at last, one of the panels had been reverence and devotion. > carefully exposed it is nee.dless to say our Haifa, Israel > admiration also knew no bounds. The bowl May 30, 1950 > of our expectations overflowed. The crafts- > manship of the Italian artisans in stone and At three-thirty o'clock in the afternoon on > mosaic work was beyond compare and Mr. May 29, 1950, the last stone was placed in > Maxwell's design and plan had become a position in the huge corner panel at the > noble fruit. As Mr. Maxwell is extremely southeast corner of the arcade about the > reticent in speaking of his work and is not Shrine of the BBb on Mt. Carmel. It was > given to a display of his emotions one will only a small stone, being about a foot long > never know the extreme pleasure it must and ten inches in width, triangular in shape, > have been for him to stand before this but how filled with import the setting of it > beautiful creation and know that he had in- was! The placing of this small stone brought > spired it. to a close the first stage in the construction > With these wonderful panels on hand the of one of the most magnificent and im- > workmen went forward with added zest to portant edifices in the world of today and > prepare for the setting of them. Soon the the long long tomorrow of the future. > day came when the first panel on the east You know something of the extraordinary > side of the arcade was brought carefully into conditions existing at the World Center > place and raised into position. At the end of when our beloved Guardian sent Mr. Max- > the second day the other six panels were well to Italy to arrange for the nearly eight > placed with the small pillars standing be- hundred tons of stone to be used in com- > tween. Not long after, the cover stones and pleting the arcade. You know something of > the finials of the pillars were added thus the many difficulties that have been en- > completing the east side of the arcade. countered and overcome, that are so remi- > Now the staging needed for all this con- niscent of every great forward step taken in > struction could be removed and the full the advancement of our beloved Faith. An > beauty of these labors stood revealed: The attempt has been made in reports to picture > delicate rose of the huge columns and the something of the splendor and beauty of the > pilasters, the graceful arches, the light cream edifice conceived by Mr. Maxwell and > of the wall stones and then the wondrous brought into reality through storm and stress > and glorious crown of glory, the balustrade under the sure guidance of the Guardian, up > with its panels of carved Chiampo granite to and including the large mosaic panels of > with a background of light green, glass mo- the balustrade. You must be anxious to > saic with a few flecks of red and a narrow know something of the great and tall corner > green border of Ugo Vert granite, with sub- panels and the jewel of splendor the magnifi- > dued touch of color so masterfully added to cent central panel, a gem of great price set > bring out the full beauty, dignity and glory in the diadem of our arcade. > of this magnificent edifice. And how sym- Those towers of massive strength, the > bolic of the BBb's martyrdom are those concave curved corners are most fittingly > panels-those gems set in the crown of crowned by curved panels rising nearly nine > gloriousness, the balustrade! The white Chi- feet in height, and tapering to a point. The > amp0 stone denoting the pure light of His central stone, weighing over a ton and a > Message, the green symbolical of His lineage half, has a large oval of Ugo Vert marble > and the red flecks the drops of blood of His set into it upon which is mounted the Great- > Martyrdom. As one stands before this est Name in the calligraphy used on BahVi > beauty one's heart is near to bursting. ring stones, done with a special gold-fired > There is little more to be added to this bronze. This green oval is wreathed in a sim- > 252 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > ple floral design. The upper portion of the background of bright gold mosaic; all being > panel tapers to a point with finely carved enclosed in a narrow band of dark green > wings diminishing in size to make a fitting Ugo Vert marble. The cover stones for this > frame for the carving over the oval that glorious panel are harmoniously carved to > adds so much to the strength, dignity and make a perfect setting for this truly inspiring > harmony of these four immense corner masterpiece. This central panel is truly a > panels. The dignity and majesty of these masterpiece, and perhaps something more, > curved corner panels are enhanced by the for as one views it there is a glow and radi- > simplicity of the square panels with their ance about the nine-pointed star that does > cover stones of quiet leaf-fluting which flank not come from just the white stone and gold > the curved sect'lons. These square panels mosaic. There is a golden aura that is a sign > have their centers cut back in two steps and a promise of the Golden Age our be- > taking away any feeling of weight, and this loved Faith is to bring to the world. > inset carving is so finely proportioned in size The real evidence of the greatness of this > and depth that these panels become the per- step initiated by, inspired by and which has > fect union between the beautiful mosaic been completed under the guidance of our > panels of the sides and the imposing curved beloved Guardian, now stands in all its > panels at each corner. majesty and glory in the Bahi'i Gardens, > The central panel, set in the balustrade of also created by our Guardian, on the side of > the north f a ~ a d ewhich faces 'AkkB and Mt. Carmel, the most holy mountain-the > overlooks Mt. Carmel Avenue, is a true arcade about the Shrine of the Bib. It is the > crown jewel. Its center is a great five-foot initial stage in the erection of the glorious > circle resting between two quarter panels edifice which is always to guard and protect > each having carved upon them an exqui- the sacred building 'Abdu'l-BahB caused to > sitely designed floral "B" with backgrounds be reared under terrible adversity, on the > of light green mosaic. The great circle has spot designated by Bahi'u'llih as the final > a huge nine pointed star of dark green mar- resting place for the Sacred Remains of the > ble set in it upon which is mounted the Bib and within which He, 'Abdu'l-BahB, > Greatest Name done in gold-fired bronze placed those Sacred Remains with His own > and in the Persian calligraphy so familiar to loving hands. It is to be remembered that > all Bahi'is. From the nine-pointed star radi- this inspiring edifice will ever stand as a > ate carved rays of Chiampo stone having a shining light for all the world to glory in. > VII > T H E INAUGURATION O F T H E > W O R L D B A H A ' ~ CRUSADE > > 1. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE GUARDIAN > > H A I L , (with) feelings (of) humble BahQ'i Community (in the) five continents, > thankfulness (and) unbounded joy, opening may each (and) all, through their victorious > (of the) Holy Year com~nemorating(the) consummation, add distinct fresh luster (to > centenary (of the) rise (of the) Orb (of) the) world-wide festivities constituting (the) > BahQ'u'llih's most sublime Revelation mark- collective tribute paid (by the) followers (of > ing (the) consummatio~l(of the) six thou- the) Most Great Name (to the) memory > sand year cycle ushered in (by) Adam, glo- (of the) august Founder (of) their Faith in > rified (by) all past prophets (and) sealed honor (of the) centenary (of the) birth (of) > (with the) blood (of the) Author (of the) His Mission (and the) eternal glory (of) > Bibi Dispensation. Evoke (on this) auspi- His embryonic, majestically unfolding > cious occasion (the) glorious memory (and) World Order. > acclaim (the) immortal exploits (of the) Feel hour propitious (to) proclaim (to the) > Dawn-Breakers (of the) Apostolic Age (of entire BahQ'i world (the) projected launch- > the) BahL'i Dispensation (in the) cradle (of ing (on the) occasion (of the) convocation > the) Faith (and the) mighty feats (of the) (of the) approaching Intercontinental Con- > champion builders (of) its rising World ferences (on the) four continents (of the) > Order (in the) Western Hemisphere as well globe (the) fate-laden, soul-stirring, decade- > as (the) multitude (of) valo~ousachieve- long, world-embracing Spiritual Crusade > ments (of the) past (and) present genera- involving (the) simultaneous initiation (of) > tions (of) their brethren (in the) European, twelve national Ten Year Plans (and the) > Asiatic, African (and) Australian conti- concerted participation (of) all National > nents, whose combined accomplishments Spiritual Assemblies (of the) Bahi'i world > during (the) one hundred (and) nine years aiming (at the) immediate extension (of) > (of) its existence contributed (to the) sur- Bahi'u'llih's spiritual dominion as well > vival (of) God's struggling Faith, (the) as (the) eventual establishment (of the) > reinforcement (of) its infant strength, (the) structure (of) His administrative order > safeguarding (of the) unity (of) its sup- (in) all remaining Sovereign States, Prin- > porters, (the) preservation (of the) integ- cipal Dependencies comprising Principali- > rity (of) its teachings, (the) enrichment (of ties, Sultanates, Emirates, S_haykJhdoms, > the) lives (of) its followers, (the) rise (of Protectorates, Trust Territories, (and) > the) institutions (of) its administrative Crown Colonies scattered (over the) sur- > order, (the) fashioning (of the) agencies face (of the) entire planet. (The) entire > for (the) systematic diffusion (of) its light body (of the) avowed supporters (of) > (and the) broadening (and the) consolida- BahQ'u'llih's all-conquering Faith (are) now > tion (of) its foundations. Moved (to) ex- summoned (to) achieve (in a) single dec- > press (the) confident hope as (the) cen- ade feats eclipsing (in) totality (the) > tenary celebrations now commencing, attain achievements which (in the) course (of > (their) climax during (the) approaching the) eleven preceding decades illuminated > Widvin period, (that the) plans formulated (the) annals (of) BahQ'i pioneering. > (by the) valiant members (of the) World (The) fourfold objectives (of the) forth- > 25 3 > 254 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > coming Crusade, marking (the) third (and) erection (of the) first dependency (of the) > last phase (of the) initial epoch (of the) Ma&riqu'l-Adhkir (in) Wilmette. (The) > evolution (of) 'Abdu'l-BahB's Divine Plan development (of the) functions (of the) > (are) destined (to) culmiilate (in the) institution (of the) Hands (of the) Cause. > world-wide festivities commemorating (the) (The) establishment (of a) BahB'i Court > fast-approaching Most Great Jubilee. First, (in the) Holy Land, preliminary (to the) > development (of the) institutions (at the) emergence (of the) Universal House (of) > World Center (of the) Faith (in the) Holy Justice. > Land. Second, consolidation, through care- Codification (of the) laws (and) ordi- > fully devised measures (on the) home front nances (of the) Kitib-i-Aqdas, Mother > (of the) twelve territories destined (to) Book (of the) BahL'i Revelation. Establish- > serve (as) administrative bases (for the) ment (of) six national BahB'i Courts (in the) > operations (of the) twelve National Plans. chief cities (of the) Islamic East, Tihrin, > Third, consolidation (of) all territories al- Cairo, Baghdid, New Delhi, Karichi, Kibul. > ready opened (to the) Faith. Fourth, (the) ~xtension(of) international BahB'i endow- > opening (of the) remaining chief virgin ments (in the) Holy Land, (on the) plain > territories (on the) planet through specific (of) 'Akki (and the) slopes (of) Mt. > allotments (to) each National Assembly Carmel. Construction (of) international > functioning (in the) BahL'i world. BahP'i Archives (in the) neighborhood (of > (The) projected historic, spiritual ven- the) Bib's Sepulcher. Construction (of a) > ture, at once arduous, audacious, challeng- tomb (for the) wife (of the) Bib (in) > ing, unprecedented (in) scope (and) char- SJhirBz. Identification (of the) resting places > acter (in the) entire field (of) Bahi'i his- (of the) father (of) Bahi'u'llih (and the) > tory, soon to be set (in) motion, involves mother (and) cousin (of the) Bib (for) > (the) adoption (of) preliminary measures reburial (in the) Bahi'i cemetery (in the) > (to the) construction (of) Bahi'u'llih's vicinity (of the) Most Great House. Ac- > Sepulcher (in the) Holy Land. quisition (of the) Garden (of) Ridvin (in) > Doubling (the) number (of) countries BaghdLd, site (of the) Siyih-chi1 (in) > within (the) pale (of the) Faith through Tihyin, (site of the) martyrdom (of the) > planting its banner (in the) remaining Sov- Bib (in) Tabl-iz, (and of) His incarceration > ereign States (of the) planet as well as (the) (in) Chihriq. > remaining virgin Territories mentioned (in) More than quadruple (the) number (of) > 'Abdu'l-BahB's Tablets (of the) Divine National Spiritual Assemblies, twenty-one > Plan, involving (the) opening (of) forty- (on the) American, thirteen (on the) Euro- > one countries (on the) Asiatic, thirty-three pean, ten (on the) Asiatic, three (on the) > (on the) African, thirty (on the) European, African (and) one (on the) Australian con- > twenty-seven (on the) ~ m e r i c a ncontinents. tinents. Multiply sevenfold national Ha- > Over twofold increase (in the) number (of) ~iratu'l-Quds, their establishment (in the) > languages into which Bah6'i literature (is) capital cities (of the) chief Sovereign States > translated, printed or (in) process (of) (and) chief cities (of the) principal De- > translation-forty (in) Asia, thirty-one (in) pendencies (of the) planet, twenty-one (in) > Africa, ten each (in) Europe (and) Amer- America, fifteen (in) Europe, nine (in) > ica, to be allocated (to the) American, Asia, three (in) Africa, one (in) New Zea- > British, Indian (and) Australian BahB'i land. Framing national Bahi'i constitutions, > communities, including for (the) most part establishment national Bahi'i endowments > those into which Gospels (have been) al- (in) same capitals and cities (of) same > ready translated. Doubling (the) number States (and) Dependencies. > (of) Mas_hquYl-Adhkirs, through (the) More than quintuple (the) number (of) > initiation (of the) construction (of) one incorporated National Assemblies, twenty- > (on the) Asiatic (and the) other (on the) one (in) America, thirteen (in) Europe, > European continent. (The) acquisition (of twelve (in) Asia, three (in) Africa, one (in) > the) site (of the) future Ma&riquYl-Awir Australasia. (The) establishment (of) six > (on) Mt. Carmel. (The) purchase (of the) national Bahi'i Publishing Trusts, two (in) > land (for) eleven future Temples, three (on America, two (in) Asia, one (in) Africa, > the) American, three (on the) African, two one (in) Europe. > (on the) Asiatic, two (on the) European, (The) participation (of the) women (of) > one (on the) Australian continents. (The) Persia (in the) membership (of) national > I N A U G U R A T I O N O F WORLD BAHA'f CRUSADE 255 > > (and) local Assemblies. Establishment (of) Supreme Commander. (The) Lord (of) > seven Israel branches (of) National Spir- Hosts, (the) King of Kings, (has) pledged > itual Assemblies, two (in) Europe, two (in) unfailing aid (to) every crusader battling > Asia, one each (in) America, Africa (and) (for) His Cause. Invisible battalions (are) > Australia. (The) establishment (of a) na- mustered, rank upon rank, ready (to) pour > tional Bahb'i printing press (in) TihrBn. forth reinforcements from on high. BahC- > Reinforcement (of the) ties binding (the) u'll6h's army (of) light (is) standing (on > Bahi'i World Community (to the) United the) threshold (of the) Holy Year. Let > Nations. Inclusion, circumstances permit- them, as they enter it, vow (with) one voice, > ting, (of) eleven Republics comprised within one heart, one soul, never (to) turn back > Union (of) Soviet Social Republics and (in the) entire course (of the) fateful dec- > two European Soviet-controlled States ade ahead until each (and) every one will > within (the) orbit (of the) Admin- have contributed (his) share (in) laying on > istrative Order (of the) Faith. Convocation (a) world-wide scale an unassailable admin- > World Bahi'i Congress vicinity Garden (of) istrative foundation for BahC'uYll6h'sChrist- > RidvLn, Baghd&d, third holiest city Bahi'i promised Kingdom on earth, swelling > world, (on The) occasion (of the) world- thereby (the) chorus (of) universal jubila- > wide celebrations (of the) Most Great Ju- tion wherein earth (and) heaven will join as > bilee, commemorating (the) Centenary (of prophesied (by) Daniel, echoed (by) > the) Ascension (of) BahC'u'lliih (to the) 'Abdu'l-Bah6; "on that day will (the) faith- > Throne (of) His Sovereignty. ful rejoice with exceeding gladness." > Current Bahi'i history must henceforth, Call upon fifteen Hands (from) five con- > as second decade (of) second Bahl'i cen- tinents, by virtue (of) their supreme func- > tury opens, move rapidly (and) majestically tion as chosen instruments (for the) propa- > as (it has) never moved before since (the) gation (of the) Faith, (to) inaugurate his- > inception (of the) Faith over (a) century toric mission through (the) appointment, > ago. Earthly symbols (of) Bah6'uYll&h'sun- during Ridvsn 1954, (of) five auxiliary > earthly Sovereignty must needs, ere (the) boards (one) each continent, (of) nine > decade separating (the) two memorable Ju- members each, who will, as their adjuncts, > bilees draws (to a) close, be raised as far or deputies, and working (in) conjunction > north as Franklin beyond (the) Arctic Cir- (with the) various National Assemblies > cle (and) as far south as (the) FaIkland Is- functioning (on) each continent, assist, > lands, marking (the) southern extremity (of through periodic systematic visits (to) > the) western hemisphere, amidst (the) re- > mote, lonely, inhospitable islands (of the) Bahi'i centers, (in the) efficient, prompt > archipelagos (of the) South Pacific, (the) execution (of the) twelve projected Na- > Indian (and) Atlantic oceans, (the) moun- tional Plans. Moreover request communities > tain fastnesses (of) Tibet, (the) jungles (of) observing Bahi'i Holy Days, solar calendar, > Africa, (the) deserts (of) Arabia, (the) celebrate (with) befitting solemnity (the) > steppes (of) Russia, (the) Indian Reserva- approaching anniversary (of) Bahi'u'llAh's > tions (of) North America, (the) wastelands Birthday, falling (in the) middle (of the) > (of) Siberia (and) Mongolia, amongst (the) two month period during which, a hundred > Eskimos (of) Greenland (and) Alaska, (the) years ago, (the) Author (of the) Faith re- > Negroes (of) Africa, Buddhist strongholds ceived (the) first intimation (of) His glori- > (in the) heart (of) Asia, (amongst) Lapps ous Mission. > (of) Finland, (the) Polynesians (of the) Advise American Bahi'i community com- > South Sea Islands, Negritos (of the) Archi- memorate occasion (by) special gathering > pelagos (of the) South Pacific Ocean. (in the) Temple (in) Wilmette (and) urge > (The) broad outlines (of the) world- attendance (of) as many believers (as) pos- > encircling plan (were) divinely revealed. Its sible (and) invite Hands (of the) Cause > course (was) chartered (by) 'Abdu'l-Bahi's (in) United States (and) Canada (to) par- > infallible Pen. Its shining goals (have been) ticipate as my representatives. > set. (The) requisite administrative machin- SHOGHI > ery (has been) created. Signal (has been) Haifa, Israel > given by (the) Author (of the) Plan, (its) October 8, 1952 > 256 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 2. T E N - Y E A R I N T E R N A T I O N A L B A H A ' I > TEACHING AND CONSOLIDATION PLAN > 1953-1963 > > 1. Adoption of preliminary measures for the construction of BahL'u'llLh's Sepulcher > in the Holy Land. > 2. Doubling the number of countries within the pale of the Faith, involving the open- > ing of: > 41 countries in the Asiatic Continent > 33 countries in the African Continent > 30 countries in the European Continent > 27 countries in the American Continent > 3. Over twofold increase in the number of languages into which BahL'i literature has > been translated and printed, or is in process of translation: > 40 in Asia > 3 1 in Africa > 10 in Europe > 10 in America > allocated to American, British, Indian, and Australian Bah2i Communities. > 4. Doubling the number of Ma&riquYl-Adhkirsthrough the initiation of construction > of: > 1 in the Asiatic Continent > 1 in the European Continent > 5. Acquisition of a site for the future Ma&riqu'l-AdJhk6r on Mt. Carmel. > 6. Erection of the first dependency of the Ma&riquYl-Adhkir in Wilmette, Illinois, > U.S.A. > 7. Purchase of land for eleven future Temples: > 3 in the American Continent > 3 in the African Conti.nent > 2 in the Asiatic Continent > 2 in the European Continent > 1 in the Australian Continent > 8. Development of the functions of the institution of the Hands of the Cause. > 9. ~stablishmentof a BahL'i Court in the Holy Land, as a preliminary to the emer- > gence of the Universal House of Justice. > 10. Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitib-i-Aqdas, the Mother Book of > the BahL'i Revelation. > 11. Establishment of six National Bah2i Courts in the chief cities of the Islamic East: > Tihr Ln > Cairo > Baghdid > New Delhi > Karichi > Kibul > 12. Extension of the International BahL'i Endowments in the Holy Land, in the plain > of 'Akki and on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. > 13. Construction of the International Bahi'i Archives in the neighborhood of the B6b7s > Sepulcher. > INAUGURATION OF WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 257 > > 14. Construction of the tomb of the Wife of the BBb in KhirBz. > 15. Identification of the resting-places of the Father of BahL'u'llbh, and of the Mother > and of the Cousin of the Bbb, and their reburial in the BahB'i cemetery in the > vicinity of the Most Great House. > 16. Acquisition of the Garden of Ridvbn in Baghd6d, and of the site of the SiyGh-C_h&l > in TihrBn, of the Martyrdom of the Bbb 5 Tabriz, and of His incarceration in > Chihriq. > 17. More than quadruple the number of the National Spiritual Assemblies: > 21 in the American Continent > 13 in the European Continent > 10 in the Asiatic Continent > 3 in the African Continent > 1 in the Australian Continent > 18. Multiply sevenfold the number of the National Haziratu'l-Quds and their establish- > ment in the capital cities of the chief Sovereign States and in the chief cities of the > principal Dependencies of the planet: > 21 in America > 15 in Europe > 9 in Asia > 3 in Africa > 1 in New Zealand > 19. Framing of national BahB'i constitutions and the establishment of national BahB'i > endowments in the capitals and cities of the same States and Dependencies. > 20. More than quintuple the number of incorporated National Spiritual Assemblies: > 21 in America > 13 in Europe > 12 in Asia > 3 in Africa > 1 in Australia > 21. Establishment of six national BahL'i Publishing Trusts: > 2 in America > 2 in Asia > 1 in Africa > 1 in Europe > 22. Participation by the women of Persia in the membership of National and Local > Assemblies. > 23. Establishment of seven Israel branches of National Spiritual Assemblies: > 2 Europe > 2 Asia > 1 America > 1 Africa > 1 Australia > 24. Establishment of a National BahL'i printing press in TihrGn. > 25. Reinforcement of the ties binding the Bahb'i World Community to the United Na- > tions. > 26. Inclusion, circuinstances permitting, of eleven republics comprised within the Union > of Soviet Socialist Republics and of two European Soviet-controlled States within > the orbit of the Administrative Order of the Faith. > 27. Convocation of a World Bahb'i Congress in the vicinity of the Garden of Ridvbn, > Baghclbd, the third holiest city in the BahB'i world, on the occasioil of the world- > wid; celebrations of the Most Great Jubilee, commemorating the Centenary of the > Ascension of Bahgu'llBh to the throne of His sovereignty. > 258 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 1. Afghhnisthn 56. Japan > 2. ~ l g k a 57. Java > 3. Andorra 58. Juan Fernandez > 4. Argentina 59. Korea > 5. Austria-Hungary 60. Lesser Antilles > 6. Bahama Islands 61. Liechtenstein > 7. Balearic Islands 62. Low Archipelago > 8. Belgium 63. Loyalty Islands > 9. Belize (or British Hon duras) 64. Luxembourg > 10. Bermuda 65. Madagascar > 11. Bismarck Archipelago 66. Madeira Islands > 12. Bolivia 67. Malta > 13. Borneo 68. Marquesas > 14. Brazil 69. Marshall Islands > 15. British Guiana 70. Mauritius > 16. British Isles 7 1. Melanesia > 17. Bulgaria 72. Mexico > 18. Canary Islands 73. Micronesia > 19. Cape Verde Islands 74. Moluccas > 20. Caroline Islands 75. Monaco > 21. Celebes 76. Montenegro > 22. Ceram 77. New Caledonia > 23. Ceylon 78. New Guinea > 24. Chile 79. New Hebrides > 25. China 80. New Zealand > 26. Colombia 81. Nicaragua > 27. Corsica 82. Norway > 28. Costa Rica 83. Orkney Islands > 29. Crete 84. Panama > 30. Cuba 85. Paraguay > 3 1. Denmark 86. Peru > 32. Dutch Guiana 87. Philippine Islands > 33. Ecuador 88. Polynesia > 34. Falkland Islands 89. Portugal > 35. Faroe Islands 90. Puerto Rico > 36. Fiji Islands 91. Rhunion Island > 37. France 92. Rumania > 38. French Guiana 93. Russia (Asia) > 39. French Indo-China 94. Russia (Europe) > 40. Friendly Islands 95. Saint Helena > 4 1. Galapagos Islands 96. Salvador > 42. Germany 97. Samoa Islands > 43. Gilbert Islands 98. San Marino > 44. Greater Antilles 99. Santo Domingo > 45. Greece 100. Sardinia > 46. Guatemala 101. Serbia > 47. Haiti 102. Shetland Islailds > 48. Hawaiian Islands 103. Siam > 49. Hebrides 104. Sicily > 50. Holland 105. Society Islands > 51. Honduras 106. Solomon Islands > 52. Iceland 107. South Africa > 53. India 108. Spain > 54. Italy 109. Straits Settlements > 55. Jamaica 110. Sumatra > INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 259 > > 11 1. Sweden 1 16. Trinidad > 112. Switzerland 1 17. Uruguay > 1 13. Tasmania 1 18. Venezuela > 114. T i o r 119. Watling Island > 115. Tobago 120. Zanzibar > > LIST OF TERRITORIES > ALPHABETICAL TO BE OPENEDTO THE FAITH, 1953-1963 > > Showing Allocation to National Spiritual Assemblies > Admiralty Is. (As.) (Aus.) French Cameroons (Af.) (In.) > Albania (E) (Ger.) French Equatorial Africa (Af .) (Eg.) > Aleutian Is. (Am.) (U.S.A.) French Guiana (Am.) (S.Am.) > Andaman Is. (As.) (In.) French Somaliland (Af.) (U.S.A.) > Andorra (E) (U.S.A.) French Togoland (Af.) (U.S.A.) > Anticosti I. (Am.) (Can.) French West Africa (Af.) (Eg.) > Ashanti Protectorate (Af.) (Per.) Frisian Is. (E) (Ger.) > Azores (E) (U.S.A.) > Galapagos Is. (Am.) (S.Am.) > Bahama Is. (Am.) (C.Am.) Gambia (Af.) (In.) > Balearic Is. (E) (U.S.A.) Gilbert and Ellice Is. (As.) (C.Am.) > Baranof I. (Am.) (Can.) Goa (As.) (In.) > Basutoland (Af.) (Per.) Grand Manan I. (Am.) (Can.) > Bechuanaland (Af.) (Per.) Greece (E) (Ger.) > Bhutan (As.) (In.) > British Cameroons (Af.) (Br.) Hadhramaut (As.) (Ir.) > British Guiana (Am.) (S.Am.) Hainan I. (As.) (U.S.A.) > British Honduras (Am.) (C.Am.) Hebrides Is. (E) (Br.) > British Togoland (Af.) (Br.) > Brunei (As.) (Per.) Italian Somaliland (Af.) (Per.) > Canary Is. (Af.) (U.S.A.) Juan Fernandez Is. (Am.) (S.Am.) > Cape Breton I. (Am.) (Can.) > Cape Verde Is. (Af.) (U.S.A.) Karikal (As.) (In.) > Caroline Is. (As.) (U.S.A.) Kazakhstan (As.) (U.S.A.) > Chagos Archipelago (As.) (Per.) Keewatin (Am.) (Can.) > Channel Is. (E) (Br.) Key West (Am.) (U.S.A.) > Chilo6 I. (Am.) (U.S.A.) Kirgizia (As.) (Per.) > Cocos Is. (As.) (Aus.) Kodiak I. (Am.) (U.S.A.) > Comoro Is. (Af.) (In.) Kuria-Muria Is. (As.) (Ir. ) > Cook Is. (As.) (S.Am.) > Crete (E) (Ger.) Labrador (Am.) (Can.) > Cyprus (E) (Br.) Latvia (E) (Ger.) > Leeward Is. (Am.) (S.Am.) > Daman (As.) (In.) Liechtenstein (E) (1t.Sw.) > Diu I. (As.) (In.) Lithuania (E) (Ger.) > Dutch Guiana (Am.) (S.Am.) Lofoten Is. (E) (U.S.A.) > Dutch New Guinea (As.) (U.S.A.) Loyalty Is. (As.) (Aus.) > Dutch West Indies (Am.) (C.Am.) > Macao I. (As.) (U.S.A.) > Estonia (E) (Ger.) Madeira (Af.) (Br.) > Magdalen Is. (Am.) (Can.) > Falkland Is. (Am.) (U.S.A.) Mah6 (As.) (In.) > Faroe Is. (E) (Br.) Malta (E) (Br.) > Finno-Karelia (E) (Ger.) Margarita I. (Am.) (C.Am.) > Franklin (Am.) (Can.) Mariana Is. (As.) (In.) > 260 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Marquesas Is. (As.) (Can.) San Marino (E) (1t.Sw.) > Marshall Is. (As.) (C.Am.) Sardinia (E) (1t.Sw.) > Mauritius (Af.) (U.S.A.) Seychelles (Af. ) (Ir.) > Mentawai Is. (As.) (Aus.) Shetland Is. (E) (Br.) > Miquelon I. and St Pierre I. (Am.) (Can.) Sicily (E) (It.Sw.1 > Moldavia ( E ) (Ger.) Sikkim (As.) (In.) > Monaco (E) (1t.Sw.) Society Is. (As.) (Aus.) > Mongolia (As.) (Per.) Socotra I. (Af.) (In.) > Morocco (1nt.Zone) (Af.) (Eg.) Solomon Is. (As.) (Per.) > South Rhodesia (Af.) (Per.) > New Hebrides Is. (As.) (Aus.) South West Africa (Af.) (Br.) > Nicobar Is. (As.) (In.) Spanish Guinea (Af.) (U.S.A.) > Northern Territories Protectorate (Gold Spanish Morocco (Af.) (Eg.) > Coast) (Af.) (U.S.A.) Spanish Sahara (Af.) (Eg.) > Spitzbergen ( E ) (U.S.A.) > Orkney Is. (E) (Br.) St. Helena (Af.) (U.S.A.) > St. Thomas I. (Af.) (U.S.A.) > Pondicherry (As.) (In.) Swaziland (Af.) (Per.) > Portuguese Guinea (Af.) (U.S.A.) > Portuguese Timor (As.) (Aus.) Tadzhikistan (As.) (Per.) > Tibet (As.) (U.S.A.) > Queen Charlotte Is. (Am.) (Can.) Tonga Is. (As.) (U.S.A.) > Tuamotu Archipelago (As.) (C.Am. ) > RCunion I. (Af.) (U.S.A.) > Rhodes (E) (1t.Sw.) Ukraine ( E ) (U.S.A.) > Rio de Oro (Af.) (Eg.) Uzbekistan (As.) (Per.) > Ruanda-Urundi (Af .) (In.) > Rumania (E) (Ger.) White Russia (E) (Ger.) > Windward Is. (Am.) (S.Am.) > Sakhalin I. (As.) (U.S.A.) > Samoa Is. (As.) (Can.) Yukon (Am.) (Can.) > > 'Division of Activities According to Continents > > ASIA: 41 Territories > > I. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLY > O F THE BAHB'iS OF INDIA, > P ~ I S T A NAND > , BURMA > 1. Andaman Is. 7. MahC > 2. Bhutan 8. Mariana Is. > 3. Daman 9. Nicobar Is. > 4. Diu 10. Pondicherry > 5. Goa 11. Sikkim > 6. Karikal > > 11. NATIONALSPIRITUALASSEMBLYOF THE B A ~ OF > ~ sTHE UNITEDSTATESOF > AMERICA > 1. Caroline Is. 5. Macao I. > 2. Dutch New Guinea 6. Sakhalin I. > 3. Hainan I. 7. Tibet > 4. Kazakhstan 8. Tonga Is. > INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 261 > > 111. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY > OF THE B A ~ I OF > s PERSIA > 1. Brunei 5. Solomon Is. > 2. Chagos Archipelago 6. Tadzhikistan > 3. Kirgizia 7. Uzbekistan > 4. Mongolia > > IV. NATIONALSPIRITUALASSEMBLY > OF THE B A H ~ O~FS AUSTRALIA > AND NEW > ZEALAND > 1. Admiralty Is. 5. New Hebrides Is. > 2. COCOS Is. 6. Portuguese Timor > 3. Loyalty Is. 7. Society Is. > 4. Mentawai Is. > > V. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL O F THE B A H ~OF > ASSEMBLY ~ SCENTRAL > AMERICA > 1. Gilbert and Ellice Is. > 2. Marshall Is. > 3. Tuamotu Archipelago > > VI. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY > OF THE B A H ~OF > ~S'IRAQ > 1. Hadhramaut > 2. Kuria-Muria Is. > > VII. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE B A H ~OF > ASSEMBLY ~ SCANADA > 1. Marquesas Is. > 2. Samoa Is. > > VIII. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE B A H ~OF > ASSEMBLY ~SSOUTHAMERICA > 1. Cook Is. > > AFRICA: 33 Territories > > I. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE B ~ d i O > ASSEMBLY s F UNITEDSTATES > OF AMERICA > 1. Canary Is. 7. Portuguese Guinea > 2. Cape Verde Is. 8. Rbunion I. > 3. French Somaliland 9. Spanish Guinea > 4. French Togoland 10. St. Helena > 5. Mauritius 11. St. Thomas L > 6. Northern Territories > Protectorate > > 11. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > OF THE B A H ~O~ FSPERSIA > 1. Ashanti Protectorate 4. Italian Somaliland > 2. Basutoland 5. South Rhodesia > 3. Bechuanaland 6. Swaziland > > 111. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE B A H ~OF > ASSEMBLY ~ SEGYPTAND S~DAN > 1. French Equatorial Africa 4. Rio de Oro > 2. French West Africa 5. Spanish Morocco > 3. Morocco (Int. Zone) 6. Spanish Sahara > > IV. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY > OF THE BAHA'~sOF INDIA, > PAKISTAN,AND BURMA > 1. Comoro Is. 4. Ruanda-Urundi > 2. French Cameroons 5. Socotra I. > 3. Gambia > 262 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D > > V. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ~ s BRITISHISLES > OF THE B A H ~ 'OF > 1. British Cameroons 3. Madeira > 2. British Togoland 4. South West Africa > > VI. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLY ~ S'IRAQ > O F THE B A H ~OF > 1. Seychelles > > EUROPE: 30 Territories > I. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLY > OF THE BAHA'ISO F GERMANY > AND AUSTRIA > 1. Albania 7. Latvia > 2. Crete 8. Lithuania > 3. Estonia 9. Moldavia > 4. Finno-Karelia 10. Rumania > 5. Frisian Is. 11. White Russia > 6. Greece > > 11. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE BAHA'is O F THE BRITISHISLES > ASSEMBLY > 1. Channel Is. 5. Malta > 2. Cyprus 6. Orkney Is. > 3. Faroe Is. 7. Shetland Is. > 4. Hebrides Is. > > 111. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY > OF THE BAHA'iS OF THE UNITEDSTATESO F > AMERICA > 1. Andorra 4. Lofoten Is. > 2. Azores 5. Spitzbergen > 3. Balearic Is. 6. Ukraine > IV. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE BAHA'~s > ASSEMBLY OF ITALYAND SWITZERLAND > 1. Liechtenstein 4. San Marino > 2. Monaco 5. Sardinia > 3. Rhodes 6. Sicily > > AMERICA: 27 Territories > I. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLY > O F THE BAHA'~s OF CANADA > 1. Anticosti I. 7. Labrador > 2. Baranof I. 8. Magdalen Is. > 3. Cape Breton I. 9. Miquelon I , and St. Pierre I. > 4. Franklin 10. Queen Charlotte Is. > 5. Grand Manan I. 11. Yukon > 6. Keewatin > > 11. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLY > OF THE BAHA'ISOF SOUTHAMERICA > 1. British Guiana 5. Galapagos Is. > 2. Chi106 I. 6. Juan Fernandez Is. > 3. Dutch Guiana 7. Leeward Is. > 4. French Guiana 8. Windward Is. > > 111. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLY > OF THE B A H ~OF > ~ SUNITEDSTATESOF AMERICA > 1. Aleutian Is. 3. Key West > 2. Falkland Is. 4. Kodiak I. > > IV. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY > O F THE B A H ~O~F SCENTRAL AMERICA > 1. Bahama Is. 3. Dutch West Indies > 2. British Honduras 4. Margarita I. > INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 263 > > TERRITORIES TO THE FAITH, > TO BE OPENED 1953-1963 > Division of Activities According to National Spiritual Assemblies > > I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: 29 Territories in 4 Continents > 1. AFRICA > ( 1) Canary Is. (7) Portuguese Guinea > (2) Cape Verde Is. (8) Rtunion I. > (3) French Somaliland (9) Spanish Guinea > (4) French Togoland .(lo) St. Helena > (5) Mauritius (1 1) St. Thomas I. > (6) Northern Territories Protectorate > > 2. ASIA > ( 1) Caroline Is. (5) Macao I. > (2) Dutch New Guinea (6) Sakhalin I. > (3) Hainan I. (7) Tibet > (4) Kazakhstan (8) Tonga Is. > > 3. EUROPE > (1) Andorra (4) Lofoten Is. > (2) Azores (5) Spitzbergen > (3) Balearic Is. (6) Ukraine > > 4. AMERICA > (1) Aleutian Is. (3) Key West > (2) Falkland Is. (4) Kodiak I. > > 11. INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND BURMA: 16 Territories in 2 Continents > 1. ASIA > (1) Andaman Is. (7) Mah6 > (2) Bhutan (8) Mariana Is. > (3) Daman (9) Nicobar Is. > (4) Diu I. ( 10) Pondicherry > (5) Goa (11) Sikkim > (G) Karikal > > 2. AFRICA > (1) Comoro Is. (4) Rumda-Urundi > (2) French Cameroons (5) Socotra I. > (3) Gambia > > 111. PERSIA: 13 Territories in 2 Continents > 1. ASIA > (1) Brunei (5) Solomon Is. > (2) Chagos Archipelago (6) Tadzhikistan > (3) Kirgizia (7) Uzbekistan > (4) Mongolia > > 2. AFRICA > (1) Ashanti Protectorate (4) Italian Somaliland > (2) Basutoland (5) South Rhodesia > (3) Bechuanaland (6) Swaziland > 264 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > IV. CANADA: 13 Territories in 2 Continents > 1. AMERICA > (1) Anticosti I. (7) Labrador > (2) Baranof I. (8) Magdalen Is. > (3) Cape Breton I. (9) Miquelon I. and St. Pierre 1. > (4) Franklin (10) Queen Charlotte Is. > (5) Grand Manan I. (11) Yukon > (6) Keewatin > > 2. ASIA > (1) Marquesas Is. (2) Samoa Is. > > V. BRITISH ISLES: 11 Territories in 2 Continents > 1. EUROPE > (1) Channel Is. (5) Malta > (2) Cyprus (6) Orkney Is. > (3) Faroe Is. (7) Shetland Is. > (4) Hebrides Is. > > 2. AFRICA > ( 1) British Cameroons (3) Madeira > (2) British Togoland (4) South West Africa > > VI. GERMANY AND AUSTRIA: 11 Territories in 1 Continent > 1. EUROPE > (1) Albania (7) Latvia > (2) Crete (8) Lithuania > (3) Estonia (9) Moldavia > (4) Finno-Karelia (10) Rumania > (5) Frisian Is. ( 11) White Russia > (6) Greece > > VII. SOUTH AMERICA: 9 Territories in 2 Continents > 1. AMERICA > (1) British Guiana (5) Galapagos Is. > (2) Chi106 I. (6) Juan Fernandez Is. > (3) Dutch Guiana (7) Leeward Is. > (4) French Guiana (8) Windward Is. > > 2. ASIA > (1 ) Cook Is. > > VIII. CENTRAL AMERICA: 7 Territories in 2 Continents > 1. AMERICA > (1) Bahama Is. ( 3 ) Dutch West Indies > (2) British Honduras (4) Margarita I. > > 2. ASIA > (1) Gilbert and Ellice Is. > (2) Marshall Is. > (3) Tuamotu Archipelago > INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 265 > > IX. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: 7 Territories in 1 Continent > 1. ASU > (1) Admiralty Is. ( 5 ) New Hebrides Is. > (2) cocos Is. (6) Portuguese Timor > (3) Loyalty Is. (7) Society Is. > (4) Mentawai Is. > > X. EGYPT AND SODAN: 6 Territories in 1 Continent > 1. AFRICA > ( 1) French Equatorial Africa > (2) French West Africa > ( 3 ) Morocco (International Zone) > (4) Rio de Oro > (5) Spanish Morocco > (6) Spanish Sahara > > XI. ITALY AND SWITZERLAND: 6 Territories in 1 Continent > 1. EUROPE > ( 1) Liechtenstein (4) San Marino > (2) Monaco (5) Sardinia > (3) Rhodes (6) Sicily > > XII. 'IRAQ: 3 Territories in 2 Continents > 1. ASIA > (1 ) Hadhramaut > (2) Kuria-Muria Is. > > 2. AFRICA > (1 ) Seychelles Is. > > ALPHABETICAL > LIST OF LANGUAGES > INTO WHICHB A HLITERATURE > ~ ~ IS TO BE > TRANSLATED,1953-1963 > Abor Miri (borders of Tibet and Cherokee (Carolina, U.S.A.) > N.E. Assam) Chuana (Bechuanaland) > Accra or Ga (Gold Coast) Chungchia (S.W. China) > Afrikaans (S. Africa) Estonian (Estonia) > Aguaruna (Peru) Flemish (Belgium) > Aladian (Ivory Coast) Georgian (Caucasus) > Aneityum (New Hebrides) Gio (Liberia) > Annamese (Indo-China) Gu (French W. Africa) > Arawak (Guiana) Houailou (Wailu) (New Caledonia) > Ashanti (W. Africa) Iroquois (Ontario) > Balochi (Baluchistan) Javanese (Java) > Banu (French Equat. Africa) Jieng or Dinka (S6dkn) > Basque (Pyrenees) Jolof or Wolof (Gambia) > Bemba or Wendea (N. Rhodesia) Kado (China) > Bentuni (New Guinea) Kaili (Celebes) > Binandere (Papua) Kopu (S.W. China) > Blackfoot (Canada) Krongo (SGdiin) > Bua (Belgian Congo) Kroo (Liberia) > Cheremiss (Kazan, Russia) Kuanyama (S.W. Africa) > 266 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Kusaie (Caroline Is.) Piedmontese (Piedmont, Italy) > Lapp (Norway) Popo (Togoland) > Lengua (Paraguay) Romani, German (Gipsies S. Germany) > Lepcha or Rong (Sikkim) Romansch (Grisons, Switzerland) > Lifu (Loyalty Is.) Ronga (Mozambique) > Luimbi (Angola) Samoan (Samoan Is.) > Malagasy (Madagascar) Sena (Lower Zambezi) > Maltese (Malta) Shilha (Morocco) > Manchu (Manchuria) Shona (S. Rhodesia) > Manipuri (Manipur) Sobo (Nigeria) > Manus Island (Admiralty Is.) Suto (Basutoland) > Marquesas (Marquesas Is.) Th6 (Indo-China) > Mataco (Argentina) Tibetan (Tibet) > Maya (Yucatan) Tongan (Tonga Is.) > Mentawai (Mentawai Is.) Vogul (W. Siberia) > Mexican (Mexico) Wongo (Belgian Congo) > Mongolian (Mongolia) Xosa or Kafir (S. Africa) > Mordoff (Central Russia) Yahgan (S. Chile) > Mwala (Solomon Is.) Yalunka (Sierra Leone) > Na-Hsi (Yunnan, S. China) Yao (Nyasaland) > Nicobarese (Nicobar Is.) Yiddish (Israel) > Niue (Cook Is.) Ziryen (Russian S.F.S.R.) > Perm (Perm, Russia) Zulu (Zululand) > Petats (Solomon Is.) > > ASIA: 40 > 1. Abor Miri 15. Kusaie 29. Ossete > 2. Aneityum 16. Lepcha 30. Ostiak > 3. Annamese 17. Lifu 31. Pali > 4. Balochi 18. Manchu 32. Panjabi > 5. Bentuni 19. Manipuri 33. Pashto > 6. Binandere 20. Manus Island 34. Perm > 7. Cheremiss 21. Marquesas 35. Petats > 8. Chungchia 22. Mentawai 36. Samoan > 9. Georgian 23. Mongolian 37. Th6 > 10. Houailou 24. Mordoff 38. Tibetan > 11. Javanese 25. Mwala 39. Tonga > 12. Kado 26. Na-Hsi 40. Vogul > 13. Kaili 27. Nicobarese > 14. Kopu 28. Niue > > EUROPE: 10 > 1. Basque 5. Maltese 8. Romansch > 2. Estonian 6. Piedmontese 9. Yiddish > 3. Flemish 7. Romani 10. Ziryen > 4. Lapp > > AFRICA: 3 1 > 1. Accra 6. Bemba 11. Jieng > 2. Afrikaans 7. Bua 12. Jolof > 3. Aladian 8. Chuana 13. Kuanyama > 4. Ashanti 9. Gio 14. Krongo > 5. Banu 10. Gu 15. Kroo > INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 267 > > 16. Liumbi 22. Seila 27. Wongo > 17. Malagasy 23. Shilha 28. Xosa > 18. Nubian 24. Shona 29. Yalunka > 19. Pedi 25. Sob0 30. Yao > 20. Pop0 26. Suto 31. Zulu > 21. Ronga > > AMERICA: 10 > 1. Aguaruna 5. Iroquois 8. Maya > 2. Arawak 6. Lengua 9. Mexican > 3. Blackfoot 7. Mataco 10. Yahgan > 4. Cherokee > > 1. Preliminary steps for the construction of the Sepulcher of BahPu'llah. > 2. Purchase of Land for the Temple on Mt. Carmel. > 3. Establishment of an International BahPi Court. > 4. Construction of the International BahPi Archives. > 5. Extension of international Bah2i endowments. > 6. Development of the functions of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause. > 7. Codification of the Laws of the KitLb-i-Aqdas. > 8. Reinforcement of ties binding the World BahPi Community to the United Nations. > 9. Convocation of a World BahPi Congress in the vicinity of the Garden of Ridvan, > City of Baghdad, on the occasion of the world-wide celebration of the Most Great > Jubilee commemorating the centenary of the formal assumption by Bahb'u'llGh of > His Prophetic Office. > 10. Establishment of Israel Branches of seven National Spiritual Assemblies. > > TERRITORIES > ALREADYOPENEDTO THE FAITH,ALLOCATED > TO B A I PNATIONAL > ~~ > SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLIESFOR CONSOLIDATION > 1953-1963 > > I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: 23 Territories > > 1. EUROPE > 1. Belgium 7. Luxembourg > 2. Denmark 8. Norway > 3. Finland 9. Portugal > 4. France 10. Spain > 5. Holland 11. Sweden > 6. Italy 12. Switzerland > > 2. A s i ~ > 1. China 4. Korea > 2. Formosa 5. Manchuria > 3. Japan 6. Philippine Is. > > 3. AMERICA > 1. Alaska 3. Puerto Rico > 2. Hawaiian Is. > > 4. AFRICA > 1. Liberia > 2. South Africa > 268 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 11. PERSIA: 14 Territories > > 1. ASIA > 1. Aden Protectorate 7. Hash (Ahsa) > 2. Ad_hirbhyjhn 8. Hijhz > 3. Afghhnisthn 9. Saudi-Arabia > 4. Armenia 10. Turkey > 5. Bahrayn Is. 11. Turkmenistan > 6. Georgia 12. Yemen > > 2. AFRICA > 1. North Rhodesia > 2. Nyasaland > > 111. INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND BURMA: 14 Territories > > 1. ASIA > 1. BalG&isthn 7. Malaya > 2. Borneo 8. Nepal > 3. Burma 9. Phkisthn > 4. Ceylon 10. Sarawak > 5. Indo-China 11. Siam > 6. Indonesia > > 2. AFRICA > 1. Madagascar 3. Zanzibar > 2. Mozambique > > IV. CENTRAL AMERICA : 13 Territories > > AMERICA > 1. Bermuda 8. Honduras > 2. Costa Rica 9. Jamaica > 3. Cuba 10. Martinique I. > 4. Dominican Republic 11. Mexico > 5. El Salvador 12. Nicaragua > 6. Guatemala 13. Panama > 7. Haiti > > V. BRITISH ISLES: 11 Territories > > 1. AFRICA > 1. Angola 6. Sierra Leone > 2. Belgian Congo 7. Tanganyika > 3. Gold Coast 8. Uganda > 4. Kenya 9. Zululandi > 5. Nigeria > > 2. EUROPE > 1. Eire > > 3. ASIA > 1. EIong Kong > I N A U G U R A T I O N O F W O R L D BAHA'I C R U S A D E 269 > > VI. SOUTH AMERICA: 10 Territories > AMERICA > 1. Argentina 6. Ecuador > 2. Bolivia 7. Paraguay > 3. Brazil 8. Peru > 4. Chile 9. Uruguay > 5. Colombia 10. Venezuela > > VII. EGYPT AND SUDAN: 8 Territories > AFRICA > 1. Abyssinia 5. Morocco (French) > 2. Algeria 6. Somaliland > 3. Eritrea 7. Sildtin > 4. Libya 8. Tunisia > > VIII. GERMANY AND AUSTRIA: 7 Territories > 1. EUROPE > 1. Austria 5. Poland > 2. Bulgaria 6. Russian S.F.S.R. > 3. Czechoslovakia 7. Yugoslavia > 4. Hungary > > IX. 'IRAQ: 7 Territories > 1. ASIA > 1. Jordan 5. Syria > 2. Koweit 6. Trucial sheiks > 3. Lebanon 7. 'Umrn&n > 4. Qatar > > X. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: 6 Territories > 1. ASIA > 1. Bismarck Archipelago 3. New Caledonia > 2. Fiji 4. New Guinea (Australia) > > 2. AUSTRALASIA > 1. New Zealand > 2. Tasmania > > XI. CANADA: 4 Territories > 1. AMERICA > 1. Greenland > 2. Mackenzie > 3. Newfoundland > > 2. EUROPE > 1. Iceland > > XII. ITALY AND SWITZERLAND: 1 Territory > 1. EUROPE > 1. Corsica > 270 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Allocation According to National Spiritual Assemblies > 1. UNlTED STATES OF AMERICA: 23 > 12 in Europe, 6 in Asia, 3 in the Americas, 2 in Africa > 2. PERSIA: 14 > 12 in Asia, 2 in Africa > 3. INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND BURMA: 14 > 11 in Asia, 3 in Africa > 4. CENTRAL AMERICA: 13 > 13 in the Americas > 5. BRITISH ISLES: 11 > 9 in Africa, 1 in Europe, 1 in Asia > 6. SOUTH AMERICA: 10 > 10 in the Americas > 7. EGYPT AND SODAN: 8 > 8 in Africa > 8. GERMANY AND AUSTRIA: 7 > 7 in Europe > 9. 'IRAQ: 7 > 7 in Asia > 10. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: 6 > 4 in Asia, 2 in Australasia > 11. CANADA: 4 > 3 in the Americas, 1 in Europe > 12. ITALY AND SWITZERLAND: 1 > 1 in Europe > > 1. Sydney, Australia 7. Rome, Italy > 2. Toronto, Canada 8. Johannesburg, South Africa > 3. Panama City, Central America 9. Santiago, South America > 4. Cairo, Egypt 10. Stockholm, Sweden > 5. New Delhi, India 11. Kampala, Uganda > 6. Baghdkd, > - 'Ir6q > > 1. TihrAn, Persia > 2. Frankfurt, Germany > > 1. Afghinistln 5 . Belgium 9. Ceylon > 2. ~ l G k a 6. Bolivia 10. Chile > 3. Argentina 7. Brazil 11. Colombia > 4. Austria 8. Burma 12. Costa Rica > I N A U G U R A T I O N O F W O R L D B A H A ' ~C R U S A D E 271 > > 13. Cuba 23. Honduras 33. Paraguay > 14. Denmark 24. Italy 34. Peru > 15. Dominican Republic 25. Japan 35. Portugal > 16. Ecuador 26. Luxembourg 36. Spain > 17. El Salvador 27. Mexico 37. Sweden > 18. Finland 28. New Zealand 38. Switzerland > 19. France 29. Nicaragua 39. Ttu-key > 20. Guatemala 30. Norway 40. Uruguay > 21. Haiti 31. Pikistin 41. Venezuela > 22. Holland 32. Panama > > 1. Arabia (Bahrayn) > 2. Central and East Africa (Kampala) > 3. Near East (Beirut) > 4. North West Africa (Tunis) > 5. South East Asia (Jakarta) > 6. South Pacific Islands (Suva) > 7. South and West Africa (Johannesburg) > > NATIONAL > SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLIES > TO BE ESTABLISHED > 1953-1963 > Division According to Continents > AFRICAN CONTINENT: 3 Assemblies > 1. Central and East Africa (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of the British > Isles > 2. North West Africa (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of Egypt and > S6din > 3. South and West Africa (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of the United > States > AMERICAS: 21 Assemblies > National Assemblies to be formed by the N.S.A. of the United States: > 1. Alaska 12. Guatemala > 2. Argentina 13. Haiti > 3. Bolivia 14. Honduras > 4. Brazil 15. Mexico > 5. Chile 16. Nicaragua > 6. Colombia 17. Panama > 7. Costa Rica 18. Paraguay > 8. Cuba 19. Peru > 9. Dominican Republic 20. Uruguay > 10. Ecuador 2 1. Venezuela > 11. El Salvador > ASIATIC CONTINENT: 10 Assemblies > 1. AfghLnistin To be formed by the N.S.A. of Persia > 2. ~ u r m a To be formed by the N.S.A. of India, > PLkistin, and Burma > 3. Ceylon To be formed by the N.S.A. of India, > Pikistin, and Burma > 4. Japan To be formed by the N.S.A. of the United > States > 272 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 5. Pikistin To be formed by the N.S.A. of India, > Pikistin, and Burma > 6. Turkey To be formed by the N.S.A. of Persia > 7. Arabia (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of Persia > 8. Near East (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of 'Iriq > 9. South East Asia (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of India, > Pikisth, and Burma > 10. South Pacific Is. (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of the United > States > > AUSTRALASIA: 1 Assembly > 1. New Zealand ..................... To be formed by the N.S.A. of Australia > and New Zealand > > EUROPEAN CONTINENT: 13 Assemblies > 1. Austria ......................... To be formed by the N.S.A. of Germany > and Austria > To be formed by the N.S.A. of the United States: > 2. Belgium 6. Holland 10. Portugal > 3. Denmark 7. Italy 11. Spain > 4. Finland 8. Luxembourg 12. Sweden > 5. France 9. Norway 13. Switzerland > > ALPHABETICAL > LIST OF BA&I NATIONALSPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLIES > TO BE > INCORPORATED > 1953-1963 > I. REGIONAL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES > 1. N.S.A. of Arabia 5. N.S.A. of South East Asia > 2. N.S.A. of Central and East Africa 6. N.S.A. of the South Pacific Islands > 3. N.S.A. of the Near East 7. N.S.A. of South and West Africa > 4. N.S.A. of North West Africa > 11. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES > 8. N.S.A. of Afghinistin 30. N.S.A. of Honduras > 9. N.S.A. of ~ l G k a 3 1. N.S.A. of 'Iriq > 10. N.S.A. of Argentina 32. N.S.A. of Italy > 11. N.S.A. of Austria 33. N.S.A. of Japan > 12. N.S.A. of Belgium 34. N.S.A. of Luxembourg > 13. N.S.A. of Bolivia 35. N.S.A. of Mexico > 14. N.S.A. of Brazil 36. N.S.A. of New Zealand > 15. N.S.A. of Burma 37. N.S.A. of Nicaragua > 16. N.S.A. of Ceylon 38. N.S.A. of Norway > 17. N.S.A. of Chile 39. N.S.A. of Pikistin > 18. N.S.A. of Colombia 40. N.S.A. of Panama > 19. N.S.A. of Costa Rica 41. N.S.A. of Paraguay > 20. N.S.A. of Cuba 42. N.S.A. of Persia > 21. N.S.A. of Denmark 43. N.S.A. of Peru > 22. N.S.A. of Dominican Republic 44. N.S.A. of Portugal > 23. N.S.A. of Ecuador 45. N.S.A. of Spain > 24. N.S.A. of El Salvador 46. N.S.A. of Sweden > 25. N.S.A. of Finland 47. N.S.A. of Switzerland > 26. N.S.A. of France 48. N.S.A. of Turkey > 27. N.S.A. of Guatemala 49. N.S.A. of Uruguay > 28. N.S.A. of Haiti 50. N.S.A. of Venezuela > 29. N.S.A. of Holland > INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 273 > > I. REGIONAL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES > 1. N.S.A. of Arabia 5. N.S.A. of South East Asia > 2. N.S.A. of Central and East Africa 6. N.S.A. of the South Pacific Islands > 3. N.S.A. of the Near East 7. N.S.A. of South and West Africa > 4. N.S.A. of North West Africa > > IS. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES. > 8. N.S.A. of AfghAnistAn 30. N.S.A. of Guatemala > 9. N.S.A. of ~ l a T k a 3 1. N.S.A. of Haiti > 10. N.S.A. of Argentina 32. N.S.A. of Holland > 11. N.S.A. of Austria 33. N.S.A. of Honduras > 12. N.S.A. of Belgium 34. N.S.A. of Italy > 13. N.S.A. of Bolivia 35. N.S.A. of Japan > 14. N.S.A. of Brazil 36. N.S.A. of Luxembourg > 15. N.S.A. of the British Isles 37. N.S.A. of Mexico > 16. N.S.A. of Burma 38. N.S.A. of New Zealand > 17. N.S.A. of Canada 39. N.S.A. of Nicaragua > 18. N.S.A. of Ceylon 40. N.S.A. of Norway > 19. N.S.A. of Chile 41. N.S.A. of PAkistAn > 20. N.S.A. of Colombia 42. N.S.A. of Panama > 21. N.S.A. of Costa Rica 43. N.S.A. of Paraguay > 22. N.S.A. of Cuba 44. N.S.A. of Peru > 23. N.S.A. of Denmark 45. N.S.A. of Portugal > 24. N.S.A. of Dominican Republic 46. N.S.A. of Spain > 25. N.S.A. of Ecuador 47. N.S.A. of Sweden > 26. N.S.A. of El Salvador 48. N.S.A. of Switzerland > 27. N.S.A. of Finland 49. N.S.A. of Turkey > 28. N.S.A. of France 50. N.S.A. of Uruguay > 29. N.S.A. of Germany 51. N.S.A. of Venezuela > > 1. Anchorage * 18. Jakarta 34. Paris > 2. Asuncidn "19. Johannesburg 35. Port-au-Prince > 3. Auckland 20. KAbul 36. Quito > "4. B6rayn *21. Kampala 37. Rangoon > "5. Beirut 22. KarA&i 38. Rio de Janeiro > 6. Bern 23. La Paz 39. Rome > 7. Bogota 24. Lima 40. San Jose > 8. Brussels 25. Lisbon 41. San Salvador > 9. Buenos Aires 26. London 42. Santiago > 10. Caracas 27. Luxembourg 43. Stockholm > 11. Ciudad Trujillo 28. Madrid *44. Suva > 12. Colombo 29. Managua 45. Tegucigalpa > 13. Copenhagen 30. Mexico City 46. The Hague > 14. Guatemala 3 1. Montevideo 47. Tokyo > 15. Havana 32. Oslo *48. Tunis > 16. Helsingfors 33. Panama City 49. Vienna > 17. Istanbul > * Belong to Regional National Assemblies > 274 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 1. Baghdbd ('Iriq) 3. Kbbul (Afghlnistbn) 5. New Delhi (India) > 2. CaiFo (Egypt) 4. Karbc_hi ( ~ z k i s t i n ) 6. Tihrbn (Persia) > > 1. National Spiritual Assembly of Australia > 2. National Spiritual Assembly of British Isles > 3. National Spiritual Assembly of Canada > 4. National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt and Shdbn > 5. National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria > 6. National Spiritual Assembly of 'Iriq > 7. National Spiritual Assembly of Persia > > 1. Cairo, Egypt 4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil > 2. Frankfurt, Germany 5. Tihrbn, Persia > 3. New Delhi, India 6. Wilmette, Illinois > > '$1. Armenia 6. Kazakhstan > N' 2. Ad_hirbiyjln 7. Kirgizia > 3. Estonia 8. Latvia > 4. Finno-karelia 9. Lithuania > "5. Georgia 10. Moldavia > * 11. Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republics > (1) Bashkiria (7) Marii > (2) Buryat Mongolia (8) Mordovia > (3) Chuvashi (9) N. Ossetia > (4) Daghestan ( 10j Tatarstan > (5) Karbardinia ( 1 1) Udmurt > (6) Komi (12) Yakutia > 12. Tadzhikistan 15. Uzbekistan > '$13. Turkmenistan 16. White Russia (Byelorussia) > 14. Ukraine > ;"lready opened to the Faith. > > 1. Albania 3. Rumania > 2. Mongolia 4. Sakhalin I. > > 1. Germany > 2. Persia > 3. United States of America > PART TWO > THE WORLD ORDER OF > > 1. PRESENT DAY ADMINISTRATION O F > T H E BAHA'I F A I T H > THE FORMATION OF AN ORGANIC RELIGIOUS > COMMUNITY > > I N accepting the message of BahL'u711&h, Prophets according to the separateness of > every BahPi has opened his mind and heart their bodies, their countries and their times. > to the dominion of certain fundamental The BahL'i, morever, recognizes that the > truths. These truths he recognizes as divine realm of truth is inexhaustible, the creator > in origin, beyond human capacity to pro- of truth God Himself. Hence the BahL'i can > duce. In the realm of spirit he attests that identify truth as the eternal flow of life itself > these truths are revealed evidences of a in a channel that deepens and broadens as > higher reality than man. They are to the man's capacity for truth enlarges from age > soul what natural law is to physical body of to age. For him, that definition of truth > animal or plant. Therefore the believer to- which regards truth as tiny fragments of ex- > day, as in the Dispensation of Christ or perience, to be taken up and laid down, as a > Moses, enters into the condition of faith as shopper handling gems on a counter, to buy > a status of relationship to God and not of if one gem happens to please or seems be- > satisfaction to his own limited human and coming-such a dcfinition measures man's > personal will or awareness. His faith exists own knowledge, or interest, or loyalty, but > as his participation in a heavenly world. It truth is a living unity which no man can > is the essence of his responsibility and not a condition. It is the sun in the heavens of > temporary compromise effected between his spiritual reality, while self-will denies its > conscience or reason and the meaning of dominion because self-will is the shadow of > truth, society, virtue, or life. a cloud. > The BahL'i accepts a quality of existence, There are times for the revelation of a > a level of being which has been created larger area of the indivisible truth to man- > above the control of his own active power. kind. The Manifestation of God signalizes > Because on that plane the truth exists that the times and He is the revelation. When > mankind is one, part of his acceptance of He appears on earth He moves and speaks > the message of Bah6'u'llBh is capacity to see with the power of all truth, known and un- > that truth as existing, as a heavenly reality known, revealed in the past, revealed in > to be confirmed on earth. Because likewise Him, or to be revealed in the future. That > on that higher level the inmost being of realm of heavenly reality is brought again in > Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the BBb, and its power and universality to knock at the > Bah6'u'llBh is one being, part of the be- closed door of human experience, a divine > liever's acceptance of the BahB'i message is guest whose entrance will bless the house- > capacity to realize the eternal continuance hold eternally, or a divine punishment when > of that oneness, so that thereafter never will debarred and forbidden and condemned. > he again think of those holy and majestic BahP'uYllih reveals that area of divine > 280 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > truth which underlies all human association. in that He addressed these particular words > He enlarges man's capacity to receive truth to our deepest inner understanding. Their > in the realm of experience where all men import is not confined to any subjective > have condemned themselves to social chaos realm. The motive and the realization He > by ignorance of truth and readiness to sub- invokes has become the whole truth of soci- > stitute the implacable will of races, classes, ology in this era. > nations and creeds for the pure spiritual Or, as we find its expression in another > radiance beneficently shining for all. Spirit- passage: "All men have been created to > ual reality today has become the principle carry forward an ever-advancing civiliza- > of human unity, the law for the nations, the tion" And the truth reappears in still an- > devotion to mankind on which the future other form: "How vast is the tabernacle of > civilization can alone repose. As long as the Cause of God! It hath overshadowed all > men cling to truth as definition, past experi- the peoples and kindreds of the earth, and > ence, aspects of self-will, so long must this will, erelong, gather together the whole of > dire period of chaos continue when the sep- mankind beneath its shelter." > arate fragments of humanity employ life not The encompassing reach of the Cause of > to unite but to struggle and destroy. God in each cycle means the particular as- > In the world of time, BahL'u'll6h has pect of experience for which men are held > created capacity for union and world civil- responsible. Not until our day could there > ization. His Dispensation is historically new be the creation of the principle of moral > and unique. In the spiritual world it is noth- cause and effect in terms of mankind itself, > ing else than the ancient and timeless reality in terms of the unifiable world. > of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad disclosed The mission of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, following > to the race in a stage of added growth and Bahi'u'll6h's ascension in 1892, was to raise > development so that men can take a larger up a community of believers through whom > measure of that which always existed. collectively He might demonstrate the op- > Like the man of faith in former ages, the eration of the law of unity. 'Abdu'l-Bahb's > BahB'i has been given sacred truths to cher- mission became fulfilled historically in the > ish in his heart as lamps for darkness and experience of the Bahi'is of North America. > medicines for healing, convictions of im- In them He developed the administrative > mortality and evidences of divine love. But order, the organic society, which exemplifies > in addition to these gifts, the Bahb'i has that the pattern of justice and order Bahi'u'llLh > bestowal which only the Promised One of had creatively ordained. By His wisdom, > all ages could bring: nearness to a process His tenderness, His justice and His complete > of creation which opens a door of entrance consecration to Bahi'u'll6h, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 > into a world of purified and regenerated hu- conveyed to this body of Bahi'is a sense of > man relations. The final element in his rec- partnership in the process of divine crea- > ognition of the message of Bah6'uYllih is tion: that it is for men to re-create, as civili- > that Bah2uYll6hcame to found a civilization zation, a human and earthly replica of the > of unity, progress and peace. heavenly order existing in the divine will. > "0 Children of Men! Know ye not why The Bahi'i administrative order has been > We created you all from the same dust? described by the Guardian of the Faith as > That no one should exalt himself over the the pattern of the world order to be gradu- > other. Ponder at all times how ye were ally attained as the Faith spreads throughout > created. Since We have created you all from all countries. Its authority is BahL'u'llih, its > one same substance it is incumbent on you sources the teachings He revealed in writ- > to be even as one soul, to walk with the same ing, with the interpretation and amplifica- > feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in tion made by 'Abdu'l-Bah6. > the same land, that from your inmost being, The first conveyance of authority by > by your deeds and actions, the signs of one- Bahb'u'llih was to His eldest son. By this > ness and the essence of detachment may be conveyance the integrity of the teachings > made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, was safeguarded, and the power of action > 0 concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel implicit in all true faith directed into chan- > that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness nels of unity for the development of the > from the tree of wondrous glory." Cause in its universal aspects. No prior > Thus He describes the law of survival Dispensation has ever raised up an instru- > revealed for the world today, mystical only ment like 'Abdu'l-BahB through whom the > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 28 1 > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the United States of America, > elected April, 1953. > Left to right: H. B. Kavelin, Mrs. Mamie L. Seto, W. Kenneth Christian, > Miss Elsie Austin, Paul E. Haney, Miss Edna M. True, Horace Holley, > Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Matthew Bullock. > > spirit and purpose of the Founder could ciated the administrative institutions of the > continue to flow out in its wholeness and Faith with His trusted and cherished meth- > purity until His purpose had been achieved. ods of service, so that the contact between > The faith of the Bahi'i thus remains un- their society and their religion has remained > tainted by those elements of self-will which continuous and unimpaired. > in previous ages have translated revealed The second conveyance of authority made > truth into creeds, rites and institutions of by Bahi'u'lldh was to the institution He > human origin and limited aim. Those who termed "House of Justicem:-"The Lord > enter the Bahi'i community subdue them- hath ordained that in every city a House of > selves and their personal interests to its sov- Justice be established wherein shall gather > ereign standard, for they are unable to alter counsellors to the number of Bahd [i.e., nine] > the Cause of Bahi'uYll&hand exploit its . . . It behooveth them to be the trusted > teachings or its community for their own ones of the Merciful among men and to re- > advantage. gard themselves as the guardians appointed > 'Abdu'l-Bahi's l i e exemplified the work- of God for all that dwell on earth. It is in- > ing of the one spirit and the one truth sus- cumbent upon them to take counsel together > taining the body of believers throughout the and to have regard for the interests of the > world. He was the light connecting the sun servants of God, for His sake, even as they > of truth with the earth, the radiance en- regard their own interests, and to choose > abling all Bahi'is to realize that truth pene- . ." > that which is meet and seemly. . "Those > trates human affairs, illumines human prob- souls who arise to serve the Cause sincerely > lems, transcends conventional barriers, to please God will be inspired by the divine, > changes the climate of life from cold to invisible inspirations. It is incumbent upon > warm. He infused Himself so completely . > all [i.e., all believers] to obey. . . Ad- > into the hearts of the BahB'is that they asso- ministrative affairs are all in charge of the > T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > House of Justice; but acts of worship must to turn unto Shoghi Effendi-the youthful > be observed according as they are revealed branch branched from the two hallowed > in the Book." and sacred Lote-Trees [i.e., descended from > The House of Justice is limited in its both the Bkb and BahL'u'llBh] . . . as he is > legislative capacity to matters not covered the sign of God, the chosen branch, the > by the teachings of BahL'u'llBh Himself:- guardian of the Cause of God . . unto . > "It is incumbent upon the Trustees of the . > whom . . His loved ones must turn. He > House of Justice to take counsel together is the expounder of the words of God and > regarding such laws as have not been ex- after him will succeed the first-born of his > pressly revealed in the Book." A high aim lineal descendants. > is defined for this central administrative "The sacred and youthful branch, the > organ of the Faith:-"The men of the guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the > House of Justice of God must, night and Universal House of Justice, to be universally > day, gaze toward that which hath been re- elected and established, are both under the > vealed from the horizon of the Supreme Pen care and protection of the AbhB Beauty. > for the training of the servants, for the up- . . . Whatsoever they decide is of God. > building of countries, for the protection of . . . The mighty stronghold shall remain > men and for the preservation of human impregnable and safe through obedience to > honor." him who is the guardian of the Cause of > In creating this institution for His com- . > God. . . No doubt every vainglorious one > munity, Bahb'u'llBh made it clear that His that purposeth dissension and discord will > Dispensation rests upon continuity of divine not openly declare his evil purposes, nay > purpose, and associates human beings di- rather, even as impure gold would he seize > rectly with the operation of His law. The upon divers measures and various pretexts > House of Justice, an elective body, trans- that he may separate the gathering of the > forms society into an organism reflecting people of BahB." > spiritual life. By the just direction of affairs "Wherefore, 0 my loving friends! Con- > this Faith replaces the institution of the pro- sort with all the peoples, kindreds and re- > fessional clergy developed in all previous ligions of the world with the utmost truth- > Dispensations. fulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, > By 1921, when 'Abdu'l-Bah5 laid down good-will and friendliness; that all the world > His earthly mission, the American BahL'i of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy > community had been extended to scores of . > of the grace of Bah& . ." > cities and acquired power to undertake tasks "0 ye beloved of the Lord! Strive with > of considerable magnitude, but the adminis- all your heart to shield the Cause of God > trative order remained incomplete. His Will from the onslaught of the insincere, for > I and Testament inaugurated a new era in the souls such as these cause the straight to be- > Faith, a further conveyance of authority come crooked and all benevolent efforts to > and a clear exposition of the nature of the produce contrary results. . . . To none is > elective institutions which the BahL'is were given the right to put forth his own opinion > called upon to form. In Shoghi Effendi, His or express his particular convictions. All > grandson, 'Abdu'l-Bah5 established the must seek guidance and turn unto the Cen- > function of Guardianship with sole power to ter of the Cause and the House of > interpret the teachings and with authority to Justice. . . ." > carry out the provisions of the Will. The In each country where BahL'is exist, they > Guardianship connects the spiritual and participate in the world unity of their Faith > social realms of the Faith in that, in addi- through the office of the Guardian at this > tion to the office of interpreter, he is con- time, and they maintain local and national > stituted the presiding officer of the inter- BahB'i institutions for conducting their own > national House of Justice when elected; and activities. > the Guardianship is made to descend from In each local civil community, whether > generation to generation through the male city, township or county, the Bahb'is an- > line. nually elect nine members to their local > From the Will these excerpts are cited: Spiritual Assembly. In America the Bahi'is > "After the passing away of this wronged of each State join in election of delegates > one, it is incumbent upon . . . the loved by proportionate representation and these > ones of the 'AbhB Beauty [i.e., BahC'u'llBh] delegates, to the full number of one hundred > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 283 > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Persia, elected April, 1951. > > and seventy-one, constitute the Annual Con- dowed the part with the quality of the whole. > vention which elects the members of the To receive, we give. In comparison to this > National Spiritual Assembly. These national divine creation, the traditional claims of in- > bodies, in turn, will join in the election of dividual conscience, of personal judgment, > an international Assembly, or House of Jus- of private freedom, seem nothing more than > tice, when the world BahB'i community is empty assertions advanced in opposition to > sufficiently developed. the divine will. It cannot be sufficiently em- > The inter-relationship of all these admin- phasized that the BahB'i's relationship to this > istrative bodies provides the world spirit of new spiritual society is an expression of > the Faith with the agencies required for the faith, and faith alone raises personality out > maintenance of a constitutional society bal- of the pit of self-will and moral isolation > ancing the rights of the individual with the into which so much of the world has fallen. > paramount principle of unity preserving the There can be no organic society, in fact, > whole structure of the Cause. The BahB'i as without social truth and social law embrac- > an individual accepts guidance for his con- ing the individual members and evoking a > duct and doctrinal beliefs, for not otherwise loyalty both voluntary and complete. The > can he contribute his share to the general political and economic groups which the in- > unity which is God's supreme blessing to dividual enters with reservations are not > the world today. This general unity is the true societies but temporary combinations > believer's moral environment, his social uni- of restless personalities, met in a truce which > verse, his psychic health and his goal of can not endure. Bahi'u'll&h has for ever > effort transcending any personal aim. In solved the artificial dilemma which confuses > the BahPi order, the individual is the mu- and betrays the ardent upholder of indi- > sical note, but the teachings revealed by vidual freedom by His categorical statement > BahB'u7116hare the symphony in which the that human freedom consists in obedience to > note finds its real fulfillment; the person at- God's law. The freedom revolving around > tains value by recognizing that truth tran- self-will He declares "must, in the end, lead > scends his capacity and includes him in a to sedition, whose flames none can quench. > relationship which 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said en- . > . . Know ye that the embodiment of lib- > 284 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of the British Isles, 1953. > > erty and its symbol is the animal. . . . True unites the thoughts and inspires the actions > liberty consists in man's submission unto of all believers today. > My commandments, little as ye know it." From these letters are selected a number > The Guardian, applying the terms of the of passages presenting fundamental aspects > Will and Testament to an evolving order, of the world order initiated by BahL'u'llLh. > has given the present generation of BahL'is 1. On its nature and scope:- > a thorough understanding of Bah6'i institu- "I cannot refrain from appealing to them > tions and administrative principles. Rising who stand identified with the Faith to dis- > to its vastly increased responsibility result- regard the prevailing notions and the fleet- > ing from the loss of the beloved Master, ing fashions of the day, and to realize as > 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the BahL'i community itself never before that the exploded theories and > has intensified its efforts until in America the tottering institutions of present-day civ- > alone the number of believers has been more ilization must needs appear in sharp contrast > than quadrupled since 1921. It has been with those God-given institutions which are > their destiny to perfect the local and na- destined to arise upon their ruin. . . . > tional BahL'i institutions as models for the "For BahL'u'll6h . . . has not only im- > believers in other lands. Within the scope of bued mankind with a new and regenerating > a single lifetime, the American BahB'i com- Spirit. He has not merely enunciated cer- > munity has developed from a small local tain universal principles, or propounded a > group to a national unit of a world society, particular philosophy, however potent, > passing through the successive stages by sound and universal these may be. In addi- > which a civilization achieves its pristine pat- tion to these He, as well as 'Abdu'l-Bah6 > tern and severs itself from the anarchy and after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of > confusion of the past. the past, clearly and specifically laid down > In Shoghi Effendi's letters addressed to a set of Laws, established definite institu- > this Bahi'i community, we have the state- tions, and provided for the essentials of a > ment of the form of the administrative or- Divine Economy. These are destined to be > der, its function and purpose, its scope and a pattern for future society, a supreme in- > activity, as well as its significance, which strument for the establishment of the Most > T H E W O R L D O R D ER O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 285 > > Great Peace, and the one agency for the lude: 'The world's equilibrium hath been > unification of the world, and the proclama- upset through the vibrating influence of this > tion of the reign of righteousness and justice most great, this new World Order. Man- > upon the earth. . . . kind's ordered life hath been revolutionized > "Unlike the Dispensation of Christ, un- through the agency o f this unique, this > like the Dispensation of Muhammad, unlike wondrous System-the like of which mortal > all the Dispensations of the past, the apos- eyes have never witnessed. . . .'" > tles of Bahl'u'llih in every land, wherever 2. On its local and national institu- > they labor and toil, have before them in tions:- > clear, in unequivocal and emphatic lan- "A perusal of some of the words of Bahl'- > guage, all the laws, the regulations, the prin- u'llkh and 'Abdu'l-Bahi on the duties and > ciples, the institutions, the guidance, they re- functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in ev- > quire for the prosecution and consummation ery land (later to be designated as the local > of their task. . . . Therein lies the distin- Houses of Justice), emphatically reveals the > guishing feature of the Bahl'i Revelation. sacredness of their nature, the wide scope of > Therein lies the strength of the unity of the their activity, and the grave responsibility > Faith, of the validity of a Revelation that which rests upon them. > claims not to destroy or belittle previous "Addressing the members of the Spiritual > Revelations, but to connect, unify, and ful- Assembly in Chicago, the Master reveals the > fill them. . . . following:-'Whenever ye enter the council- > "Feeble though our Faith may now ap- chamber, recite this prayer with a heart > pear in the eyes of men, who either de- throbbing with the love of God and a > nounce it as an offshoot of Islim, or con- tongue purified from all but His remem- > temptuously ignore it as one more of those brance, that the All-powerful may graciously > obscure sects that abound in the West, this aid you to achieve supreme victory:-'0 > priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now still God, my God! We are servants of Thine > in its embryonic state, shall evolve within that have turned with devotion to Thy Holy > the shell of His law, and shall forge ahead, Face, that have detached ourselves from all > undivided and unimpaired, till it embraces beside Thee in this glorious Day. We have > the whole of mankind. Only those who have gathered in this spiritual assembly, united in > already recognized the supreme station of our views and thoughts, with our purposes > BahB'u'llBh, only those whose hearts have harmonized to exalt Thy Word amidst man- > been touched by His love, and have become kind. 0 Lord, our God! Make us the signs > familiar with the potency of His spirit, can of Thy Divine Guidance, the Standards of > adequately appreciate the value of this Di- Thy exalted Faith amongst men, servants to > vine Economy-His inestimable gift to Thy mighty Covenant. 0 Thou our Lord > mankind. . . . Most High! Manifestations of Thy Divine > "This Administrative Order . . . will, as Unity in Thine Abhi Kingdom, and re- > its component parts, its organic institutions, splendent stars shining upon all regions. > begin to function with efficiency and vigor, Lord! Aid us to become seas surging with > assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity the billows of Thy wondrous Grace, streams > to be regarded not only as the nucleus but flowing from Thy all-glorious Heights, > the very pattern of the New World Order goodly fruits upon the Tree of Thy heavenly > destined to embrace in the fullness of time Cause, trees waving through the breezes of > the whole of mankind. . . . Thy Bounty in Thy celestial Vineyard. 0 > "Alone of all the Revelations gone before God! Make our souls dependent upon the > it this Faith has . . . succeeded in raising a Verses of Thy Divine Unity, our hearts > structure which the bewildered followers of cheered with the outpourings of Thy Grace, > bankrupt and broken creeds might well ap- that we may unite even as the waves of one > proach and critically examine, and seek, ere sea and become merged together as the rays > it is too late, the invulnerable security of its of Thine effulgent Light; that our thoughts, > world-embracing shelter. . . . our views, our feelings may become as one > "To what else if not to the power and reality, manifesting the spirit of union > majesty which this Administrative Order- throughout the world. Thou art the Gra- > the rudiments of the future all-enfolding cious, the Bountiful, the Bestower, the Al- > Bahb'i Commonwealth-is destined to man- mighty, the Merciful, the Compassionate.' > ifest, can these utterances of Bahl'u'lllh al- "In the Most Holy Book is revealed:- > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of Germany and Austria > for the Year 110 (1953-1954). > > 'The Lord hath ordained that in every city humility and lowliness amongst His loved > a House of Justice be established wherein ones, patience and long-suffering in di£fi- > shall gather counsellors to the number of culties and servitude to His exalted Thresh- > Bah6, and should it exceed this number it old. Should they be graciously aided to ac- > does not matter. It behooveth them to be quire these attributes, victory from the un- > the trusted ones of the Merciful among men seen Kingdom of Bah6 shall be vouchsafed > and to regard themselves as the guardians to them. In this day, assemblies of consulta- > appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. tion are of the greatest importance and a > It is incumbent upon them to take counsel vital necessity. Obedience unto them is es- > together and to have regard for the interests sential and obligatory. The members thereof > of the servants of God, for His sake, even must take counsel together in such wise that > as they regard their own interests, and to no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may > choose that which is meet and seemly. Thus arise. This can be attained when every mem- > hath the Lord your God commanded you. ber expresseth with absolute freedom his > Beware lest ye put away that which is own opinion and setteth forth his argument. > clearly revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, 0 Should any one oppose, he must on no ac- > ye that perceive.' count feel hurt for not until matters are > "Furthermore, 'Abdu'l-Bahh reveals the fully discussed can the right way be re- > following:-'It is incumbent upon every one vealed. The shining spark of truth cometh > not to take any step without consulting the forth only after the clash of differing opin- > Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly ions. If after discussion, a decision be car- > obey with heart and soul its bidding and be ried unanimously, well and good; but if, the > submissive unto it, that things may be Lord forbid, differences of opinion should > properly ordered and well arranged. Other- arise, a majority of voices must prevail.' > wise every person will act independently "Enumerating the obligations incumbent > and after his own judgment, will follow his upon the members of consulting councils, > own desire, and do harm to the Cause.' the Beloved reveals the following:-'The > " 'The prime requisites for them that take first condition is absolute love and harmony > counsel together are purity of motive, radi- amongst the members of the assembly. They > ance of spirit, detachment from all else save must be wholly free from estrangement and > God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, must manifest in themselves the Unity of > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 287 > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Canada, 1953-1954. > > God, for they are the waves of one sea, the forced. In short, whatsoever thing is ar- > drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, ranged in harmony and with love and purity > the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, of motive, its result is light, and should the > the flowers of one garden. Should harmony least trace of estrangement prevail the result > of thought and absolute unity be non-exist- shall be darkness upon darkness. . . . If > ent, that gathering shall be dispersed and this be so regarded, that assembly shall be > that assembly be brought to naught. The of God, but otherwise it shall lead to cool- > second condition:-They must when com- ness and alienation that proceed from the > ing together turn their faces to the Kingdom Evil One. Discussions must all be c o d n e d > on high and ask aid from the Realm of to spiritual matters that pertain to the train- > Glory. They must then proceed with the ut- ing of souls, the instruction of children, the > most devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and relief of the poor, the help of the feeble > moderation to express their views. They throughout all classes in the world, kindness > must in every matter search out the truth to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances > and not insist upon their own opinion, for of God and the exaltation of His Holy > stubbornness and persistence in one's views Word. Should they endeavor to fulfill these > will lead ultimately to discord and wran- conditions the Grace of the Holy Spirit shall > gling and the truth will remain hidden. The be vouchsafed unto them, and that assembly > honored members must with all freedom ex- shall become the center of the Divine bless- > press their own thoughts, and it is in no wise ings, the hosts of Divine confirmation shall > permissible for one to belittle the thought of come to their aid, and they shall day by day > another, nay, he must with moderation set receive a new effusion of Spirit.' > forth the truth, and should differences of "So great is the importance and so su- > opinion arise a majority of voices must pre- preme is the authority of these assemblies > vail, and all must obey and submit to the that once 'Abdu'l-Bah5 after having Himself > majority. It is again not permitted that any and in His own handwriting corrected the > one of the honored members object to or translation made into Arabic of the Ishriiq5t > censure, whether in or out of the meeting, (the Effulgences) by KheikJh Faraj, a Kur- > any decision arrived at previously, though dish friend from Cairo, directed him in a > that decision be not right, for such criticism Tablet to submit the above-named transla- > would prevent any decision from being en- tion to the Spiritual Assembly of Cairo, that > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand, > Year 110 (1953-1954). > > he may seek from them before publication tains to the general interest of the Cause > their approval and consent. These are His in that land, then it is incumbent upon the > very words in that Tablet:-'His honor, Spiritual Assembly to submit it to the con- > SJheM Faraju'llih, has here rendered into sideration and approval of the national body > Arabic with greatest care the Ishriqit and representing all the various local assemblies. > yet I have told him that he must submit his Not only with regard to publication, but > version to the Spiritual Assembly of Egypt, all matters without any exception whatso- > and I have conditioned its publication upon ever, regarding the interests of the Cause in > the approval of the above-named Assembly. that locality, individually or collectively, > This is so that things may be arranged in an should be referred exclusively to the Spirit- > orderly manner, for should it not be so any ual Assembly in that locality, which shall > one may translate a certain Tablet and print decide upon it, unless it be a matter of na- > and circulate it on his own account. Even tional interest, in which case it shall be re- > a non-believer might undertake such work, ferred to the national body. With this na- > and thus cause confusion and disorder. If tional body also will rest the decision > it be conditioned, however, upon the ap- whether a given question is of local or na- > proval of the Spiritual Assembly, a transla- tional interest. (By national affairs is not > tion prepared, printed and circulated by a meant matters that are political in their > non-believer will have no recognition what- character, for the friends of God the world > ever.' over are strictly forbidden to meddle with > "This is indeed a clear indication of the political affairs in any way whatever, but > Master's express desire that nothing what- rather things that affect the spiritual activ- > ever should be given to the public by any ities of the body of the friends in that land.) > individual among the friends, unless fully "Full harmony, however, as well as co- > considered and approved by the Spiritual operation among the various local assem- > Assembly in his locality; and if this (as is blies and the members themselves, and par- > undoubtedly the case) is a matter that per- ticularly between each assembly and the na- > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH > > tional body, is of the utmost importance, bers of the International House of Justice, > for upon it depends the unity of the Cause that Supreme Council that will guide, or- > of God, the solidarity of the friends, the full, ganize and unify the affairs of the Move- > speedy and efficient working of the spiritual ment throughout the world. > activities of His loved ones. "It is expressly recorded in 'Abdu'l-BahA's > "Large issues in such spiritual activities Writings that these National Assemblies > that affect the Cause in general in that land, must be indirectly elected by the friends; > such as the management of the Star of the that is, the friends in every country must > West and any periodical which the National elect a certain number of delegates, who in > Body may decide to be a BahA'i organ, the their turn will elect from among all the > matter of publication, of reprinting BahB'i friends in that country the members of the > literature and its distribution among the National Spiritual Assembly. In such coun- > various assemblies, the means whereby the tries, therefore, as America, Great Britain > teaching campaign may be stimulated and and Germany, a fixed number of secondary > maintained, the work of the Ma&riqu'l- electors must first be decided upon. . . . > Ad_hkAr, the racial question in relation to the The friends then in every locality where the > C a ~ ~ sthe > e , matter of receiving Orientals and number of adult declared believers exceeds > association with them, the care and mainte- nine must directly elect its quota of sec- > nance of the precious film exhibiting a phase ondary electors assigned to ^it in direct > of the Master's sojourn in the United States proportion to its numerical strength. These > of America as well as the original matrix secondary electors will then, either through > and the records of His voice, and various correspondence, or preferably by gathering > other national spiritual activities, far from together, and first deliberating upon the > being under the exclusive jurisdiction of any affairs of the Cause throughout their coun- > local assembly or group of friends, must try (as the delegates to the Convention), > each be min~ltely and fully directed by a elect from among all the friends in that > special board, elected by the National Body, country nine who will be the members of > constituted as a committee thereof, responsi- the National Spiritual Assembly. > ble to it and upon which the National Body "This National Spiritual Assembly, which, > shall exercise constant and general supervi- pending the establishment of the Universal > sion. . . . House of Justice, will have to be re-elected > "Regarding the establishment of 'National once a year, obviously assumes grave re- > Assemblies,' it is of vital importance that in sponsibilities, for it has to exercise full au- > every country, where the conditions are fa- thority over all the local Assemblies in its > vorable and the number of the friends has province, and will have to direct the activ- > grown and reached a considerable size, such ities of the friends, guard vigilantly the > as America, Great Britain and Germany, Cause of God, and control and supervise > that a 'National Spiritual Assembly' be im- the affairs of the Movement in general. > mediately established, representative of the "Vital issues, affecting the interests of the > friends throughout that country. Cause in that country such as the matter of > "Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, translation and publication, the Ma&riqu'l- > unify and coordinate by frequent personal Ad_hklr, the Teaching Work, and other sim- > consultations, the manifold activities of the ilar matters than stand distinct from strictly > friends as well as the local Assemblies; and local affairs, must be under the full juris- > by keeping in close and constant touch with diction of the National Assembly. > the Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct "It will have to refer each of these ques- > in general the affairs of the Cause in that tions, even as the local Assemblies, to a > countrv. special Committee, to be elected by the > "It serves also another purpose, no less members of the National Spiritual Assem- > essential than the first, as in the course of bly, from among all the friends in that coun- > time it shall evolve into the National House try, which will bear to it the same relation > of Justice (referred to in 'Abdu'l-BahL's as the local committees bear to their re- > Will as the 'secondary House of Justice'), spective local Assemblies. > which according to the explicit text of the "With it, too, rests the decision whether > Testament will have, in conjunction with a certain point at issue is strictly local in its > the other National Assemblies throughout nature, and should be reserved for the con- > the BahB'i world, to elect directly the mem- sideration and decision of the local Assem- > 290 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > bly, or whether it should fall under its own sembly, but should also fulfill the functions > province and be regarded as a matter which of an enlightened, consultative and coopera- > ought to receive its special attention. The tive body that will enrich the experience, > National Spiritual Assembly will also decide enhance the prestige, support the authority, > upon such matters which in its opinion and assist the deliberations of the National > should be referred to the Holy Land for Spiritual Assembly. It is my firm conviction > consultation and decision. that it is the bounden duty, in the interest of > "With these Assemblies, local as well as the Cause we all love and serve, of the > national, harmoniously, vigorously, and ef- members of the incoming National Assem- > ficiently functioning throughout the Bahh'i bly, once elected by the delegates at Con- > world, the only means for the establishment vention time, to seek and have the utmost > of the Supreme House of Justice will have regard, individually as well as collectively, > been secured. And when this Supreme Body for the advice, the considered opinion and > will have been properly established, it will the true sentiments of the assembled dele- > have to consider afresh the whole situation, gates. Banishing every vestige of secrecy, of > and lay down the principle which shall di- undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, > rect, so long as it deems advisable, the affairs from their midst, they should radiantly and > of the Cause. . . . abundantly unfold to the eyes of the dele- > "The need for the centralization of au- gates, by whom they are elected, their plans, > thority in the National Spiritual Assembly, their hopes, and their cares. They should > and the concentration of power in the vari- familiarize the delegates with the various > ous local Assemblies, is made manifest when matters that will have to be considered in > we reflect that the Cause of Bahh'u'llhh is the current year, and calmly and conscien- > still in its age of tender growth and in a tiously study and weigh the opinions and > stage of transition; when we remember that judgments of the delegates. The newly > the full implications and the exact signifi- elected National Assembly, during the > cance of the Master's world-wide instruc- few days when the Convention is in ses- > tions, as laid down in His Will, are as yet sion and after the dispersal of the dele- > not fully grasped, and the whole Movement gates, should seek ways and means to culti- > has not sufficiently crystallized in the eyes vate understanding, facilitate and maintain > of the world. the exchange of views, deepen confidence, > "It is our primary task to keep the most and vindicate by every tangible evidence > vigilant eye on the manner and character of their one desire to serve and advance the > its growth, to combat effectively the forces common weal. Not infrequently, nay often- > of separation and of sectarian tendencies, times, the most lowly, untutored and inex- > lest the Spirit of the Cause be obscured, its perienced among the friends will, by the > unity be threatened, its Teachings suffer cor- sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent > ruption; lest extreme orthodoxy on one devotion, contribute a distinct and memo- > hand, and irresponsible freedom on the rable share to a highly involved discussion > other, cause it to deviate from that Straight in any given Assembly. Great must be the > Path which alone can lead it to suc- regard paid by those whom the delegates > cess. . . . call upon to serve in high position to this > "Hitherto the National Convention has all-important though inconspicuous manifes- > been primarily called together for the con- tation of the revealing power of sincere and > sideration of the various circumstances at- earnest devotion. > tending the election of the National Spirit- "The National Spiritual Assembly, how- > ual Assembly. I feel, however, that in view ever, in view of the unavoidable limitations > of the expansion and the growing impor- imposed upon the convening of frequent and > tance of the administrative sphere of the long-standing sessions of the Convention, > Cause, the general sentiments and tenden- will have to retain in its hands the final de- > cies prevailing among the friends, and the cision on all matters that affect the interests > signs of increasing interdependence among of the Cause in America, such as the right to > the National Spiritual Assemblies through- decide whether any local Assembly is func- > out the world, the assembled accredited rep- tioning in accordance with the principles > resentatives of the American believers laid down for the conduct and advancement > should exercise not only the vital and re- of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that > sponsible right of electing the National As- they will utilize their highly responsible po- > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahA'is of India, PAkisth and Burma, > 1952-1953 and 1953-1954. > > sition, not only for the wise and efficient after mature deliberation, unanimity in vital > conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also decisions. Indeed, it has ever been the cher- > for the extension and deepening of the spirit ished desire of our Master, 'Abdu'l-BahB, > of cordiality and wholehearted and mutual that the friends in their councils, local as > support in their cooperation with the body well as national, should by their candor, > of their co-workers throughout the land. their honesty of purpose, their singleness of > The seating of delegates to the Convention, mind, and the thoroughness of their discus- > i.e., the right to decide upon the validity of sions, achieve unanimity in all things. > the credentials of the delegates at a given Should this in certain cases prove impracti- > Convention, is vested in the outgoing Na- cable the verdict of the majority should pre- > tional Assembly, and the right to decide vail, to which decision the minority must > who has the voting privilege is also ulti- under all circumstances, gladly, spontane- > mately placed in the hands of the National ously and continually, submit. > Spiritual Assembly, either when a local Spir- "Nothing short of the all-encompassing, > itual Assembly is being for the first time all-pervading power of His Guidance and > formed in a given locality, or when differ- LoGe can enable this newly-enfolded order > ences arise between a new applicant and an to gather strength and flourish amid the > already established local Assembly. While storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in > the Convention is in session and the accred- the fullness of time vindicate its high claim > ited delegates have already elected from to be universally recognized as the one > among the believers throughout the country Haven of abiding felicity and peace." > the members of the National Spiritual As- 3. On its international institutions:- > sembly for the current year, it is of infinite "It should be stated, at the very outset, > value and a supreme necessity that as. far as in clear and unambiguous language, that > possible all matters requiring immediate de- these twin institutions of the Administrative > cision should be fully and publicly consid- Order of Bah2u'lldh should be regarded as > ered, and an endeavor be made to obtain divine in origin, essential in their functions > 292 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Egypt and S6d&n,1950-1951. > > and complementary in their aim and pur- extraordinary distinctions. Even the station > pose. Their common, their fundamental ob- of prophethood hath been his birthright.' > ject is to insure the continuity of that Without such an institution the integrity of > divinely-appointed authority which flows the Faith would be imperiled, and the sta- > from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard bility of the entire fabric would be gravely > the unity of its followers and to maintain endangered. Its prestige would suffer, the > the integrity and flexibility of its teachings. means required to enable it to take a long, > Acting in conjunction with each other these an uninterrupted view over a series of gen- > two inseparable institutions administer its erations would be completely lacking, and > affairs, coordinate its activities, promote its the necessary guidance to define the sphere > interests, execute its laws and defend its sub- of the legislative action of its elected repre- > sidiary institutions. Severally, each operates sentatives would be totally withdrawn. > within a clearly defined sphere of jurisdic- "Severed from the no less essential insti- > tion; each is equipped with its own attendant tution of the Universal House of Justice this > institutions-instruments designed for the same System of the Will of 'Abdu'l-Bahi > effective discharge of its particular responsi- would be paralyzed in its action and would > bilities and duties. Each exercises, within the be powerless to fill in those gaps which the > limitations imposed upon it, its powers, its Author of the Kitlb-i-Aqdas has deliberately > authority, its rights and prerogatives. These left in the body of His legislative and ad- > are neither contradictory, nor detract in the ministrative ordinances. > slightest degree from the position which " 'He is the Interpreter of the Word of > each of these institutions occupies. Far from God,' 'Abdu'l-Bahl, referring to the func- > being incompatible or mutually destructive, tions of the Guardian of the Faith, asserts, > they supplement each other's authority and using in His Will the very term which He > functions, and are permanently and funda- Himself had chosen when refuting the argu- > mentally united in their aims. ment of the Covenant-breakers who had > "Divorced from the institution of the challenged His right to interpret the utter- > Guardianship the World Order of BahS'u'- ances of Bahii'u'lliih. 'After him,' He adds, > lllh would be mutilated and permanently 'will succeed the first-born of his lineal de- > deprived of that hereditary principle which, scendants.' 'The mighty stronghold,' He > as 'Abdu'l-Bahi has written, has been in- further explains, 'shall remain impregnable > variably upheld by the Law of God. 'In all and safe through obedience to him who is > the Divine Dispensations,' He states, in a the Guardian of the Cause of God.' 'It is in- > Tablet addressed to a follower of the Faith cumbent upon the members of the House of > in Persia, 'the eldest son hath been given Justice, upon all the A g-h ~ l n the > , Afnln, the > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH > > Hands of the Cause of God, to show their ment, but invests this body with the addi- > obedience, submissiveness and subordina- tional right and power to abrogate, accord- > tion unto the Guardian of the Cause of ing to the exigencies of time, its own enact- > God.' ments, as well as those of a preceding House > " 'It is incumbent upon the members of of Justice. 'Inasmuch as the House of Jus- > the House of Justice,' BahL'u'llLh, on the tice,' is His explicit statement in His Will, > other hand, declares in the Eighth Leaf of 'hath power to enact laws that are not ex- > the Exalted Paradise, 'to take counsel to- pressly recorded in the Book and bear upon > gether regarding those things which have daily transactions, so also it hath power to > not outwardly been revealed in the Book, repeal the same . . . This it can do because > and to enforce that which is agreeable to these laws form no part of the divine ex- > them. God will verily inspire them with plicit text.' > whatsoever He willeth, and He verily is the "Referring to both the Guardian and the > Provider, the Omniscient.' 'Unto the Most Universal House of Justice we read these > Holy Book' (the KitLb-i-Aqdas), 'Abdu'l- emphatic words: 'The sacred and youthful > BahL states in His Will, 'every one must Branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, > turn, and all that is not expressly recorded as well as the Universal House of Justice to > therein must be referred to the Universal be universally elected and established, are > House of Justice. That which this body, both under the care and protection of the > whether unanin~ouslyor by a majority doth Abhk Beauty, under the shelter and un- > carry, that is verily the truth and the pur- erring guidance of the Exalted One (the > pose of God Himself. Whoso doth deviate BBb) (may my life be offered up for them > therefrom is verily of them that love dis- both). Whatsoever they decide is of God.' > cord, hath shown forth malice, and turned "From these statements it is made in- > away from the Lord of the Covenant.' dubitably clear and evident that the Guard- > "Not only does 'Abdu'l-BahL confirm in ian of the Faith has been made the Interpre- > His Will BahL'u'llBh's above-quoted state- ter of the Word and that the Universal > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of 'IrLq, 1952-1954. > 294 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > House of Justice has been invested with the neither rich nor poor, neither white nor > function of legislating on matters not ex- colored. Its watchword is the unification of > pressly revealed in the teachings. The in- the human race; its standard the 'Most Great > terpretation of the Guardian, functioning Peace'; its consummation the advent of that > within his own sphere, is as authoritative golden millennium-the Day when the king- > and binding as the enactments of the Inter- doms of this world shall have become the > national House of Justice, whose exclusive Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of > right and prerogative is to pronounce upon BahB'u'llBh." > and deliver the final judgment on such laws Sixty years have passed since the Cause > and ordinances as BahB'u'llhh has not ex- of BahB'u'llBh was first brought to North > pressly revealed. Neither can, nor will ever, America. Three generations of believers > infringe upon the sacred and prescribed do- have worked and sacrificed and prayed in > main of the other. Neither will seek to cnr- order to produce a body of BahB'is large > tail the specific and undoubted authority enough to demonstrate the principles here > with which both have been divinely in- summarized in a few pages for the present- > vested. . . . day student of these teachings. What 'Ab- > "Let no one, while this System is still in du'l-Bahh employed as unifying element for > its infancy, misconceive its character, be- the American community during a period > little its significance or misrepresent its pur- before more than rudimentary local admin- > pose. The bedrock on which this Adminis- istrative bodies could be established was the > trative Order is founded is God's immutable construction of the House of Worship, the > Purpose for mankind in this day. The MaGriqu'l-Aaikhr, in Wilmette. He in fact > Source from which it derives its inspiration referred to the House of Worship as the > is no less than BahL'u'llBh Himself. Its "inception of the Kingdom." Around its > shield and defender are the embattled hosts construction devotedly gathered the Ameri- > of the AbhL Kingdom. Its seed is the blood can friends. 'Abdu'l-Bahh approved their ac- > of no less than twenty thousand martyrs who tion in setting up a religious corporation to > have offered up their lives that it may be hold title to the property and provide a basis > born and flourish. The axis round which its for collective action. In surveying those days > institutions revolve are the authentic provi- from 1904 to 1921, one realizes how, in > sioils of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l- every stage of progress, the believers rushed > BahP. Its guiding principles are the truths forward in devotion before they could per- > which He Who is the unerring Interpreter ceive the full results of action or compre- > of the teachings of our Faith has so clearly hend the full unfoldment of their beloved > enunciated in His public addresses through- Master's intention. In their hearts they knew > out the West. The laws that govern its op- that unity is the keynote of their Faith, and > eration and limit its functions are those they were assured that the new power of > which have been expressly ordained in the unity would augment until it encompassed > Kitfib-i-Aqdas. The seat round which its the whole of mankind. But as to the nature > spiritual, its humanitarian and administra- of world order, the foundation of universal > tive activities will cluster are the Mahriqu'l- peace, the principles of the future economy, > AdJhkBr and its Dependencies. The pillars while the clear picture eluded them, they > that sustain its authority and buttress its went forward with enthusiasm to the Light. > structure are the twin institutions of the > In a continent consecrated to the pioneer, > Guardianship and of the Universal House > of Justice. The central, the underlying aim the early American BahL'is pioneered in the > which animates it is the establishment of world of spirit, striving to participate in a > the New World Order as adumbrated by work of supreme importance whose final re- > BahL'u'llhh. The methods it employs, the sult was the laying of a foundation on which > standard it inculcates, incline it to neither human society might raise a house of justice > East nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, and a mansion of peace. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH > > APROCEDUREFORTHECONDUCTOF ALOCAL > SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > Adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahQ'is of the > Uv~itedStates and Canada > > must take counsel together in such wise that > no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may > A PERUSAL of some of the words of arise. This can be attained when every mem- > Bah6'u'll&h and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 on the duties ber expresseth with absolute freedom his > and functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in own opinion and setteth forth his argument. > every land (later to be designated as the Should any one oppose, he must on no ac- > local Houses of Justice), emphatically re- count feel hurt for not until matters are > veals the sacredness of their nature, the fully discussed call the right way be re- > wide scope of their activity, and the grave vealed. The shining spark of truth cometh > responsibility which rests upon them."- forth only after the clash of differing opin- > S H ~ G HEFFENDI, > I March 5, 1922. ions. If, after discussion, a decision be car- > "The Lord hath ordained that in every ried unanimously, well and good; but if, the > city a House of Justice be established Lord forbid, differences of opinion should > wherein shall gather counselors to the num- arise, ,a majority of voices must pre- > ber of Bah6. . . . It behooveth them to be vail. . . ." > the trusted ones of the Merciful among men "The first condition1 is absolute love and > and to regard themselves as the guardians harmony amongst the members of the As- > appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. sembly. They must be wholly free from > It is incumbent upon them to take counsel estrangement and must manifest in them- > together and to have regard for the inter- selves the Unity of God, for they are the > ests of the servants of God, for His sake, waves of one sea, the drops of one river, > even as they regard their own interests, and the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, > to choose that which is meet and seemly. the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one > Thus hath the Lord yo-ctr God commanded garden. Should harmony of thought and ab- > you. Beware lest ye put away that which solute unity be non-existent, that gathering > is clearly revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, shall be dispersed and that Assembly be > 0 ye that perceive."-BA~U'LL~H. brought to naught. The second condition: > "It is incumbent upon every one not to They must when coming together turn their > take any step without consulting the Spirit- faces to the Kingdom on High and ask aid > ual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey from the Realm of Glory. They must then > with heart and soul its bidding and be sub- proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, > missive unto it, that things may be properly dignity, care and moderation to express > ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every their views. Thev must in everv matter > person will act independently and after his search out the truth and not insist upon > own judgment, will follow his own desire, their own opinion, for stubbornness and > and do harm to the Cause. persistence in one's views will lead ulti- > "The prime requisites for them that take mately to discord and wrangling and the > counsel together are purity of motive, radi- truth will remain hidden. The honored > ance of spirit, detachment from all else save members must with all freedom express > God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, their own thoughts, and it is in no wise per- > humility and lowliiless amongst His loved missible for one to belittle the thought of > ones, patience and long-suffering in difficul- another, nay, he must with moderation set > ties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. forth the truth, and should differences of > Should they be graciously aided to a c q ~ ~ i r e opinion arise a majority of voices must pre- > these attrib~~tes, victory from the unseen vail, and all must obey and submit to the > Kingdom of Bahi shall be vouchsafed to majority. It is again not permitted that any > them. In this day, Assemblies of consulta- one of the honored members object to or > tion are of the greatest importance and a censure, whether in or out of the meeting, > vital necessity. Obedience unto them is es- any decision arrived at previously, though > sential and obligatory. The members thereof that decision be not right, for such criticism > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > would prevent any decision from being en- spired, that one and all should submit to its > forced. In short, whatsoever thing is ar- decision unreservedly and with cheerful- > ranged in harmony and with love and purity ~ ~ S S . " ~ H O G H EFFENDI, > I February 23, > of motive, its result is light, and should the 1924. > least trace of estrangement prevail the result > shall be darkness upon darkness. . . . If > this be so regarded, that Assembly shall be > of God, but otherwise it shall lead to cool- > ness and alienation that proceed from the The various functions of the local Spirit- > Evil One. Discussions must all be confined ual Assembly, and its nature as a consti- > to spiritual matters that pertain to the train- tutional body, are duly set forth in Article > ing of souls, the instruction of children, the VII of the By-Laws of the National Spirit- > relief of the poor, the help of the feeble ual Assembly, and are more definitely de- > throughout all classes in the world, kindness fined in the By-Laws of a local Spiritual > to all peoples, the dBusion of the fragrances Assembly approved by the National Spirit- > of God and the exaltation of His Holy ual Assembly and recommended by the > Word. Should they endeavor to fullill these Guardian. Each local Spiritual Assembly, > conditions the grace of the Holy Spirit shall and all members of the local Bahi'i com- > be vouchsafed unto them, and that Assem- munity, shall be guided and controlled by > bly shall become the center of the Divine the provisions of those By-Laws. > blessings, the hosts of Divine confirmation > shall come to their aid, and they shall day > by day receive a new effusion of Spirit."- > 'ABDU'L-BA~. > "The importance, nay the absolute neces- > sity of these local Assemblies is manifest In addition to its observance of the gen- > when we realize that in the days to come eral functions vested in the institution of a > they will evolve into the local House of Jus- Spiritual Assembly, each Spiritual Assembly > tice, and at present provide the firm founda- has need of a procedure for the conduct of > tion on which the structure of the Master's its meetings. The following items represent > Will is to be reared in the future." the outline of the parliamentary rules of > "In order to avoid division and disruption, procedure which the National Spiritual As- > that the Cause may not fall a prey to con- sembly has adopted and recommends to > flicting interpretations, and lose thereby its each and every local Spiritual Assembly > purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs may throughout the United States. > be conducted with efficiency and prompt- C~llingof Meetings > ness, it is necessary that every one [that is, > every member of the Bahti'i community] A meeting of the Spiritual Assembly is > should conscientiously take an active part valid only when it has been duly called, that > in the election of these Assemblies, abide by is, when each and every member has been > their decision, enforce their decree, and co- informed of the time and place. The gen- > operate with them wholeheartedly in their eral practice is for the Assembly to decide > task of stimulating the growth of the Move- upon some regular time and place for its > ment throughout all regions. The members meetings throughout the Bah2i year, and > of these Assemblies, on their part, must dis- this decision when recorded in the minutes > regard utterly their own likes and dislikes, is sufficient notice to the members. When > their personal interests and inclinations, and the regular schedule cannot be followed, or > concentrate their minds upon those meas- the need arises for a special meeting, the > ures that will conduce to the welfare and secretary, on request by the chairman or > happiness of the Bahki community and pro- any three members of the Spiritual Assem- > mote the common weal."-SHOGHI EF- bly, should send due notice to all the mem- > FENDI, March 12, 1923. bers. > "Let us recall His explicit and often- > Order of Business > repeated assurances that every Assembly > elected in that rarefied atmosphere of self- Roll call by the Secretary (or Recording > lessness and detachment is, in truth, ap- Secretary). > pointed of God, that its verdict is truly in- Prayer. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 297 > > Reading and approval of Minutes of pre- Discussion of any matter before the As- > vious meetings. sembly may be terminated by a motion duly > Report of Secretary (or Corresponding made, seconded and voted calling upon the > Secretary), including presentation of chairman to put the matter to a vote or to > letters received by the Assembly since proceed to the next matter on the agenda. > its last meeting, and of any and all The purpose of this procedure is to prevent > recommendations duly adopted by the any member or members from prolonging > community at the last Nineteen Day the discussion beyond the point at which > Feast. full opportunity has been given all members > Report of Treasurer. to express their views. > Report of Committees. When the Assembly has taken action > Unfinished business. upon any matter, the action is binding upon > New business, including conferences with all members, whether present or absent > members of the community and with from the meeting at which the action was > applicants for enrollment as members taken. Individual views and opinions must > of the community. be subordinated to the will of the Assembly > Closing Prayer. when a decision has been made. A Spiritual > Assembly is an administrative unit, as it is a > Conduct of Business spiritual unit, and therefore no distinction > between "majority" and "minority" groups > A Spiritual Assembly, in maintaining its or factions can be recognized. Each member > threefold function of a body given (within must give undivided loyalty to the insti- > the limits of its jurisdiction) an executive, tution to which he or she has been elected. > a legislative and a judicial capacity, is Any action taken by the Assembly can be > charged with responsibility for initiating ac- reconsidered at a later meeting, on motion > tion and making decisions. Its meetings, duly made, seconded and carried. This re- > therefore, revolve around various definite consideration, according to the result of the > matters which require deliberation and col- consultation, may lead to a revision or the > lective decision, and it is incumbent upon annulment of the prior action. If a majority > the members, one and all, lo address them- is unwilling to reconsider the prior action, > selves to the subject under discussion and further discussion of the matter by any > not engage in general speeches of an irrele- member is improper. > vant character. The Assembly has a responsibility in fill- > Every subject or problem before an As- ing a vacancy caused by the inability of any > sembly is most efficientlyhandled when the member to attend the meetiugs. "It is only > following process is observed: first, ascer- too obvious that unless a member can at- > tainment and agreement upon the facts; tend regularly the meetings of his local As- > second, agreement upon the spiritual or ad- sembly, it would be impossible for him to > ministrative Teachings which the question discharge the duties incumbent upon him, > involves; third, full and frank discussion of and to fuliill his responsibilities as a repre- > the matter, leading up to the offering of a sentative of the community. Membership in > resolution; and fourth, voting upon the reso- a local Spiritual Assembly carries with it, in- > lution. deed, the obligation and capacity to remain > A resolution, or motion, is not subject to in close touch with local BahPi activities, > discussion or vote until duly made and sec- and ability to attend regularly the sessions > onded. It is preferable to have each resolu- of the Assembly.''-S~o~~~ EFFENDI,Janu- > tion clear and complete in itself, but when ary 27, 1935. > an amendment is duly made and seconded, > The Spiritual Assembly, as a permanent > the chairman shall call for a vote on the > amendment first and then on the original body, is responsible for maintaining all its > motion. An amendment must be relevant to, records, including Minutes of meetings, cor- > and not contravene, the subject matter of respondence and financial records, through- > the motion. out its existence as a BahL'i institution. Each > The chairman, or other presiding officer, officer, therefore, on completing his or her > has the same power and responsibility for term of office, shall turn over to-the Assem- > discussion and voting upon motions as other bly all records pertaining to the business of > members of the Assembly. the Assembly. > 29 8 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 111. CONSULTATION > WITH THE September 8 November 4 January 19 > COMMUNITY September 27 November 23 February 7 > October 16 December 12 March 2 > A . The institution of the Nineteen Day December 3 1 > Feast provides the recognized and regular > occasion for general consultation on the The Spiritual Assembly is responsible for > part of the community, and for consultalion the holding of the Nineteen Day Feast. If > between the Spiritual Assembly and the the BahL'i calendar for some adequate rea- > members of the community. The conduct of son cannot be observed, the Assembly may > the period of consultation at Nineteen Day arrange to hold a Feast at the nearest pos- > Feasts is a vital function of each Spiritual sible date. > Assembly. Only members of the BahL'i community, > From Words of 'Abdu'l-BahL, "The Nine- and visiting BahL'is from other communi- > teen Day Feast was inaugurated by the BLb ties, may attend these meetings, but young > and ratified by BahL'u'llLh, in His Holy people of less than twenty-one years of age, > Book, the Aqdas, so that people may gather who have studied the Teachings and de- > together and outwardly show fellowship and clared their intention of joining the com- > love, that the Divine mysteries may be dis- munity on reaching the age of twenty-one, > closed. The object is concord, that through may also attend. > this fellowship hearts may become perfectly Regular attendance at the Nineteen Day > united, and reciprocity and mutual helpful- Feast is incumbent upon every BahL'i, ill- > ness be established. Because the members of ness or absence from the city being the only > the world of humanity are unable to exist justification for absence. Believers are ex- > without being banded together, cooperation pected to arrange their personal affairs so > and helpf~~lness are the basis of human so- as to enable them to observe the BahL'i > ciety. Without the realization of these two calendar. > great principles no great movement is > pressed forward." London, England, De- Order of Business for the > cember 29, 1912. (Quoted in Bah& News, Consultation Period > No. 33.) > The Nineteen Day Feast has been de- The chairman or other appointed repre- > scribed by the Guardian as the foundation sentative of the Spiritual Assembly presides > of the World Order of BahL'u'llLh. It is to during the period of consultation. > be conducted according to the following The Spiritual Assembly reports to the > program: The first part, entirely spiritual in community whatever communications have > character, is devoted to readings from Ba- been received from the Guardian and the > h8'i Sacred Writings; the second part con- National Spiritual Assembly, and provides > sists of general consultation on the affairs of opportunity for general discussion. > the Cause. The third part is the material The Assembly likewise reports its own > feast and social meeting of all the believers, activities and plans, including committee ap- > and should maintain the spiritual nature of pointments that may have been made since > the Feast. the last Feast, the financial report, arrange- > BahL'is should regard this Feast as the ments made for public meetings, and in gen- > very heart of their spiritual activity, their eral shares with the community all matters > participation in the mystery of the Holy that concern the Faith. These reports are to > Utterance, their steadfast unity one with an- be followed by general consultation. > other in a universality raised high above the A matter of vital importance at this meet- > limitations of race, class, nationality, sect, ing is consideration of national and inter- > and personality, and their privilege of con- national BahL'i affairs, to strengthen the > tributing to the power of the Cause in the capacity of the community to cooperate in > realm of collective action. promotion of the larger BahL'i interests and > to deepen the understanding of all believers > Calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast concerning the relation of the local com- > m q i t y to the BahL'i World Community. > March 21 May 17 July 13 Individual BahL'is are to find in the Nine- > April 9 June 5 August 1 teen Day Feast the channel through which > April 28 June 24 August 20 to make suggestions and recommendations > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH > > to the National Sairitual Assemblv. These presentation of annual reports, tellers' report > recommendatioils are offered first to the lo- of the election, approval of the tellers' re- > cal community, and when adopted by the port. > community come before the local Assem- > bly, which then may ill its discretion for- C. In addition to these occasions for gen- > ward the recommendation to the National eral consultation, the Spiritual Assembly is > Spiritual Assembly accompanied by its own to give consultation to individual believers > considered view. whenever requested. > Provision is to be made for reports from During such consultation with individual > committees, with discussion of each report. believers, the Assembly should observe the > Finally, the meeting is to be open for sug- following principles: the impartiality of each > gestions and recomn~endations from indi- of its members with respect to all matters > vidual believers on any matter affecting the under discussion; the freedom of the indi- > Cause. vidual BahL'i to express his views, feelings > The local Bahi'i community may adopt and recommeildations on any matter affect- > by majority vote ally resalution which it ing the interests of the Cause; the confiden- > wishes collectively to record as its advice tial character of this consultation, and the > and recommendation to the Spiritual As- principle that the Spiritual Assembly does > sembly. not adopt any resolution or make any final > Upon each member of the community decision, ~ ~ n t the > i l party or parties have > lies the obligatioil to make his or her utmost withdrawn from the meeting. > contribution to the consultation, the ideal Appeals from decisions of a local Spiritual > being a gathering of Bah6'is inspired with Assembly are provided for in the By-Laws > one spirit and concentrating upon the one and the procedure fully described in a state- > aim to further the interests of the Faith. ment published in Bahci'i News, February, > The Secretary of the Assembly records 1933. > each resolution adopted by the community, When confronted with evidences of > as well as the various suggestions advanced unhappiness, whether directed against the > during the meetings, in order to report these Assembly or against members of the com- > to the Spiritual Assembly for its considera- munity, the Spiritual Assembly should real- > tion. Whatever action the Assembly takes ize that its relationship to the believers is not > is to be reported at a later Nineteen Day merely that of a formal constitutional body > Feast. but also that of a spiritual institution called > Matters of a personal nature should be upon to manifest the attributes of courtesy, > brought before the Spiritual Assembly and patience and loving insight. Many condi- > not to the community at the Nineteen Day tions are not to be remedied by the exercise > Feast. Concerning the attitude with which of power and authority but rather by a sym- > believers should come to these Feasts, the pathetic understanding of the sources of the > Master has said, "You must free yourselves difficulty in the hearts of the friends. As > from everything that is in your hearts, be- 'Abdu'l-BahL has explained, some of the > fore you enter." (Bahci'i News Letter of the people are children and must be trained, > N. S. A. of Germany and Austria, Decem- some are ignorant and must be educated, > ber, 1934.) some are sick and must be healed. Where, > however, the problem is not of this order > B. The Annual Meeting on April 21, but represents flagrant disobedience and dis- > called for the election of the Spiritual As- loyalty to the Cause itself, in that case the > sembly, provides the occasioll for the pres- Assembly should coilsult with the National > entation of annual reports by the Assembly Spiritual Assembly concerning the necessity > and by all its Committees. for disciplinary action. > The chairman of the outgoing Assembly Members of the Bahi'i community, for > presides at this meeting. their part, should do their utmost by prayer > The order of business includes: Reading and meditation to remain always in a posi- > of the call of the meeting, reading of ap- tive and joyous spiritual condition, bearing > propriate Bahb'i passages bearing up011 the in mind the Tablets which call upon BahL'is > subject of the election, appointment of tell- to serve the world of humanity and not > ers, distribution of ballots, prayers for the waste their precious energies in negative > spiritual guidance of the voters, the election, complaints. > 300 T H E BAHA'I: W O R L D > > IV. B A HANNIVERSARIES, > ~ ~ FESTIVALS > AND Ascension of BahL'u'llsih, May 29, 1892. > DAYSOF FASTING Martyrdom of the Bib, July 9, 1850. > Birth of the Bib, October 20, 1819. > The Spiritual Assembly, among its vari- Birth of BahL'u'llsih, November 12, 1817. > ous duties and responsibilities, will provide Day of the Covenant, November 26. > for the general observance by the local com- Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah$ November > munity of the following Holy Days: 28, 1921. > Period of the Fast, nineteen days begin- > Feast of RidvAn (Declaration of Bah2- ning March 2. > u'llAh) April 21-May 2, 1863. Feast of Naw-Rfiz (BahB'i New Year), > Declaration of the BAb, May 23, 1844. March 21. > > THE INSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL > SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > > T H E sacred Writings of the Bah(.i Faith all the local Assemblies in its province, and > create organic institutions having a member- will have to direct the activities of the > ship elected by the BahL'i community. friends, guard vigilantly the Cause of God, > BahL'u'llih called these institutions into and control and supervise the affairs of the > being; their establishment, definition, train- [Faith] in general. > ing and development came later, in the min- "Vital issues, affecting the interests of the > istry of 'Abdu'l-BahA and in that of the Cause in that country . . . that stand dis- > Guardian appointed in 'Abdu'l-BahL's Testa- tinct from strictly local affairs, must be > ment. under the full jurisdiction of the National > Since the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bah5 in 1921, Assembly. It will have to refer each of these > the formation of local Spiritual Assemblies questions . . . to a special Committee, to > has multiplied in East and West, and the be elected by the members of the National > institution of the National Spiritual Assem- Spiritual Assembly, from among all the > bly has become k m l y established. Concern- friends in that country . . . > ing this national administrative body Shoghi "With it, too, rests the decision whether a > Effendi has provided clear information and certain point at issue is strictly local in its > direction. Its purpose, its power, its responsi- . > nature . . or whether it should fall under > bility and its functions and duties are defi- its own province and be regarded as a mat- > nitely prescribed. ter which ought to receive its special atten- > "Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, tion."l > unify and coordinate by frequent personal "The need for the centralization of au- > consultations the manifold activities of the thority in the National Spiritual Assembly, > friends [believers] as well as the local As- and the concentration of power in the vari- > semblies; and by keeping in close and con- ous local Assemblies, is . . . manifest."' > stant touch with the Holy Land [BahL'i "The authority of the National Spiritual As- > World Center], initiate measures, and direct sembly is undivided and unchallengeable in > in general the affairs of the Cause in that all matters pertaining to the administration > country. of the Faith [throughout its co~ntry]."~ > "It serves also another purpose, no less The individual BahL'i has spiritual citizen- > essential than the first . . . in conjunction ship in a world community of believers act- > with the other National Assemblies through- ing through local, national and international > out the BahL'i world, to elect directly the bodies. There is no division of interest or > members of the International House of Jus- conflict of authority among these institu- > tice, that Supreme Council that will guide, tions, for ever since the ascension of Baht?- > organize and unify the affairs of the [Faith] > 1 Bahd'i Adminisfration (1945 edition), pp. 39-40. > throughout the world. 2 Ibid., p. 42. > ". . . it has to exercise full authority over 3 Bahri'S Procedure (1942), p. 63. > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 301 > > First National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Central America, Mexico and > the Antilles, elected April, 1951. > Seated, left to right: Dr. David Escalante (San Salvador), James V. Facey (Colon), > Miss Elena Marsella (Ciudad Trujillo) , Artemus Lamb (San Josh). > Standing, left to right: Mrs. Louise Caswell (Tegucigalpa), Zenayda Jurado C. (Mexico > City), Mrs. Cora H. Oliver (Colon), Sra. Raquel J. Fran~oisde Constante (Panama > City), Natalia A. ChBvez (Tegucigalpa). > > u'llBh in 1892 His Faith has uninterruptedly During the ministry of 'Abdu'l-BahB, after > possessed an infallible Interpreter, a spiritual He had approved the petition submitted to > Head, in the person of 'Abdu'l-BahB until Him by the American Bahb'is expressing > 1921, and in the Guardianship after that their desire to construct a House of Wor- > date. The action of a BahL'i administrative ship, these Bahi'is formed a national body > body, therefore, while rationally determined known as BahVi Temple Unity, incorpo- > by constitutional principles, operates in a rated for the purpose of gathering funds and > spiritual realm revealed by the Manifesta- coordinating plans to erect the Temple in > tion of God and maintained free from politi- Wilmette. That body, though national in > cal pressure and the influence of material- scope and elected by delegates representing > ism. Apart from the appointed Interpreter, the various local Bahi'i communities, was > no Bahi'i has individual authority. Decisions not a National Spiritual Assembly. It is in- > are confined to the sphere of action and are teresting to note that in BahL'i Temple Unity > made by a body of nine persons. the American BahL'is established a body re- > The advice and direction clarifying the flecting their own national historical experi- > nature and operation of a National Spiritual ence. The local communities preceded the > Assembly have been compiled by the Amer- national body in time and each exercised an > ican BahL'is from letters written them by independent -authority in the conduct of its > Shoghi EffendL4 own affairs. When their representatives > agreed to form a national BahL'i body with > 4 Bahd'r' Admiizistmtion; Declaration of Trust and By- > Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahs'is full jurisdiction over Temple matters, they > of the United States. transferred to it powers which vested final > 302 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > First National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of South > America, elected April, 1951. > Front row, left to right: Edmund J. Miessler (Sao P a d o ) , > Mrs. Margot Worley (Bahia) , Miss Eve Nicklin (Lima), > Manuel Vera (Lima). > Rear, left to right: Dr. Alejandro Reid (Punta Arenas), Mrs. > Gayle Woolson (Bogotk), EstBban Canales L. (Asuncion), > Srta. Mercedes Sanchez (Lima), Rangvald Taetz > (Montevideo). > > decision not in its directors but in the An- Within its own realm the National Spirit- > nual Convention. The vital distinction be- ual Assembly is an institution created by the > tween Temple Unity and the National Spir- Teachings of the Faith independent of the > itual Assembly when later established lay in Bahi'is who elect its members and of the > this field of ultimate authority. The National Bahi'is composing its membership. In no > Spiritual Assembly possessed original au- way does this institution reflect either the > thority, powers and functions of its own. It political or the ecclesiastical influences of its > came into existence through election of its environment, whether in America, Europe > nine members at a National Convention but or the East. This fact has paramount im- > constituted a continuing authority derived portance. On the one hand it reveals the > from the Bahi'i Teachings and not con- existence of an organic religious society; on > ferred by any action of the believers, the other hand it demonstrates the freedom > whether as local communities or as dele- of this new community from the legalisms > gates. This authority emerged supreme in re- and devices acting within every human insti- > lation to BahL'i matters within the national tution. > community but subject to the higher author- While the transition from BahL'i Temple > ity of the Guardian and also of the future Unity to National Spiritual Assembly in > International House of Justice. North America emphasizes certain princi- > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 303 > > First Italo-Swiss BahB'i National Spiritual Assembly, 1953-1954. > Seated, left to right: Prof. Mario Fiormtini, Mrs. Anna Kunz, Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, > Miss Elsa Steinmetz, Mrs. Stella Lonzar. > Standing, left to right: Mrs. Anne Lynch, Friedrich Schar, Mrs. Marion Little, > Prof. Alessandro Bausani. > > ples inherent in BahL'i institutions, the for- for the election of the delegate or delegates > mation of a National Spiritual Assembly in assigned to each. The elected delegates were > a new area represents more profoundly the provided with ballots and a copy of the Con- > creation of a new type of society. Every na- vention agenda. The agenda, meanwhile, > tional BahB'i community has gone through had been prepared in the light of the general > some evolution reflecting its historical back- nature of a Bahi'i National Convention and > ground before its National Spiritual Assem- with respect to the particular conditions of > bly was established. the Bahi'i community. > In Central and South America, the pre- The National Spiritual Assembly of the > liminary teaching work and formation of BahB'is of the United States selected from its > local communities was conducted by a com- own membership two persons to attend each > mittee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Convention, one to open the meeting as tem- > the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, porary chairman, the other to call the roll, > and when the Bahi'is of Canada formed and both to supervise the election of perma- > their own National Assembly, by a commit- nent convention officers from the member- > tee appointed and sustained from the United ship of the delegates present. With that elec- > States. The process of establishing new Na- tion the Convention proceeded as an inde- > tional Assemblies in those areas involved a pendent body, but acting under friendly su- > number of steps. pervision, to fulfill its own special functions: > The membership list of qualified adult consultation on current BahB'i matters, and > BahUs was carefully prepared. The number election of the members of the first National > of delegates to be elected to each of the first Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahi'is of Cen- > Annual Conventions under the principle of tral and South America. The nine persons > proportionate representation was deter- receiving the highest number of votes on the > mined. The Convention date and site were first ballot, in accordance with the principle > chosen. A call was issued to the participating of plurality, were declared and certified to > local communities through their Assemblies be Assembly members. > 304 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > After the Conventions the newly elected the basis of the model approved by the > bodies entered upon their duties in consulta- Guardian of the Bahi'i Faith. All the Na- > tion with the representatives from the tional Spiritual Assemblies collectively, > United States, who had prepared a list of under the title of The B a h a International > actions to be taken annually by a national Community, constitute an international non- > Bahb'i body. governmental organization whose delegates > Such an occasion as the birth of a national are accredited by United Nations for at- > Bahl'i institution is cherished in the memory tendance and participation in its regional > of all present. Among the significant events conferences. > are the receipt of a message from the Guard- Through the institution of the National > ian of .the Faith and greetings from all other Spiritual Assembly, BahL'is are enabled to > National Spiritual Assemblies. Nine Assem- carry out plans of considerable magnitude, > blies existed at the time the two bodies were collaborate with BahL'is of all other lands > established in Latin A m e r i ~ a . ~ in matters of international interest, maintain > The functions of a National Spiritual As- common standards of administrative princi- > sembly are manifold: the publication of ple, and take advantage, in the appointment > BahL'i literature; national teaching plans; of committees, of particular talents and apti- > supervision of local communities; encour- tudes possessed by individual believers. The > agement and direction of all the BahPis in National Spiritual Assembly stands as one > their service to the Faith; and representation > of the pillars supporting the BahL'i world > of the BahL'is in relation to the civil au- > thorities. Each national body prepares and community. Participation in national Bah6'i > adopts its own constitution, formulated on activities serves to insulate the individual > BahCi from infection by the psychic ills > 5 These National Spiritual Assemblies were, in the > order of their establishment, India and Burma (1923), > which afflict modern society as result of its > Germany and Austria (1923), British Isles (1923), lack of faith and spiritual direction. Within > Egypt (1924), United States (1925), 'Iriq (1931), Per- the shelter of this emerging order the storms > sia (1934), Australia and New Zealand (1934), and > Canada (1948). (See God Passes By, p. 333.) of partisanship cannot engulf the soul. > > APROCEDUREFORTHECONDUCTOFTHEANNUAL > BAM'f CONVENTION > the present material has been prepared to > meet the need indicated by that recommen- > A SUMMARY of the constitutional basis > of the Convention has been made by the Na- > dation. > > tional Spiritual Assembly and approved by Order of Business > the Guardian . .. Prayer and devotional readings, provided > by the outgoing National Spiritual Assem- > bly. > Opening of the Convention by Presiding > The National Spiritual Assembly deter- Officer of the National Spiritual Assembly. > mines the date, duration and place of the Roll call of delegates by the Secretary of > Annual Convention and provides for such the National Spiritual Assembly. > meetings in connection with the Convention Election by secret ballot of Convention > as it may feel are desirable. Chairman and Secretary. The Convention > Officers are to be elected by the assembled > delegates from among the entire number of > delegates who are present at the Convention. > The Twenty-sixth Annual Convention [of Annual Report of National Spiritual As- > the BahL'is of the United States and Can- sembly. > ada], held in 1934, voted a recommendation Annual Financial Report of National > calling upon the National Spiritual Assem- Spiritual Assembly. > bly to supply a parliamentary procedure for Convention message to the Guardian of > the conduct of the Annual Convention, and the Faith. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 305 > > Annual Committee Reports: These are to suggestions of the assembled delegates; and > be considered as part of the Report of the to contribute to the unity, in spirit and in > National Spiritual Assembly. They are action, of the entire American Bahd'i com- > whenever possible published in Bahsi'i News munity. > in advance of the Convention date, for the The freedom of each and every delegate > information of the delegates. to take part in discussion and to initiate mo- > Subjects for Consultation. Any delegate tions is-untrammeled save as the undue acl > may, before the Convention convenes, rec- tivity of one delegate might hamper the > ommend to the National Assembly such rights of the other delegates. Any necessary > topics as he deems of sufficient importance limitation to be placed upon individual dis- > to be included in the Convention agenda; cussion shall be determined by the Chair- > and the National Spiritual Assembly, from man in the absence of any specific motion > the list of topics received from delegates, duly voted by the delegates themselves. > and also suggested by its own knowledge It shall be the duty of the Chairman to > and experience, is to prepare an agenda or encourage general consultation and make > order of business as its recommendation to possible the active participation of the great- > the Convention. est possible number of delegates. > This agenda may include, as part of the The Chairman has the same power and > National Assembly's Annual ,Report, the responsibility for discussion and voting upon > presentation of special subjects by well qual- motions as other delegates. Members of the > ified members, committee representatives or outgoing and incoming National Assembly > non-Bah8'i experts whose exposition is nec- who are not delegates may participate in the > essary or desirable for the information of the consultation but not vote. > delegates. A resolution, or motion, is not subject to > On motion duly made, seconded and discussion or vote until duly made and sec- > voted, any such subject may be omitted, and onded. It is preferable to have each resolu- > also on motion duly made, seconded and tion clear and complete in itself, but when an > voted, any other subject may be proposed amendment is duly made and seconded, the > for special consultation. Chairman shall call for a vote on the amend- > Annual Election. The election of mem- ment first and then on the motion. An > bers of the National Spiritual Assembly is to amendment must be relevant to, and not > take place approximately midway during the contravene, the subject matter of the mo- > Convention sessions, so as to enable the dele- tion. > gates to consult with both the outgoing and The Chairman shall call for votes by oral > incoming Assemblies, in accordance with expression of ayes and nays, but where the > the Guardian's expressed desire. result of the vote is doubtful by a show of > hands or a rising vote. A majority vote de- > Conduct of Business termines. > Every deliberative body, to fulfill its func- Discussion of any matter may be termi- > tions, must conduct its deliberations in ac- nated by motion duly made, seconded and > cordance with some established rules of voted, calling upon the Chairman to bring > order. The parliamentary procedure here set the matter to an immediate vote or proceed > forth for the Convention is based upon the to other business. > procedure already adopted for meetings of The transactions of the Convention shall > local Assemblies and communities. It ac- be recorded by the Secretary, and when cer- > cordingly extends to sessions of the Annual tified by the Convention officers shall be > Convention the same procedure under given to the National Spiritual Assembly. > which the delegates, in their other BahPi > activities, are accustomed to conduct discus- Annual Election > sion and consultation. The electors in the Annual Election shall > The purpose of consultation at the An- consist of those delegates included in the > nual Convention is threefold: to arrive at Roll Call prepared by the National Spiritual > full and complete knowledge of the current Assembly. > conditions, problems and possibilities of the Ballots and tellers' report forms shall be > Faith in America; to give to the incoming provided by the National Assembly. > National Assembly the benefit of the col- The election shall be conducted by the > lective wisdom, guidance and constructive Convention, but delegates unable to attend > 306 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > the Convention shall have the right to vote 4. The ballots, together with the tellers' > by mail. report, certified by all the tellers, are to be > The Chairman shall appoint three tellers, given the National Spiritual Assembly for > chosen from among the assembled delegates. preservation. > The electoral method shall be as foliows: > 1. The Convention Secretarv shall call IV. THE CONVENTION RECORD > the roll of delegates, whereupon each dele- The permanent record of each successive > gate, in turn, shall place his or her ballot in Annual Convention shall consist of the fol- > a ballot box; and as the names are called lowing:-(1) Convention Call as issued by > ballots received by mail shall be placed in the National Spiritual Assembly, including > the ballot box by the Secretary of the Na- list of participating BahVi Communities; > tional Assembly. (2) list of accredited delegates; (3) Annual > 2. The ballot box shall then be handed to Reports of the National Spiritual Assembly > the tellers, who shall retire from the Conven- and of its Committees; (4) Messages sent to > tion Hall to determine the result of the elec- and received from the Guardian; (5) Reso- > tion. lutions and other transactions of the assem- > 3. The result of the election is to be re- bled delegates; (6) the result of the Annual > ported by the tellers, and the tellers' report Election. > is to be approved by the Convention. -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > > THE NON-POLITICAL CHARACTER OF > THE BAHA'f FAITH > > T H E BahL'i principles clearly define and God, and the love of Him Who is the Mani- > explain the non-political character of the festation of His Essence, and the observance > Faith, and serve as a guide for conduct in of whatsoever He chooseth to prescribe unto > the relations of BahVis with one another, you, did ye but know it. > with their fellow men, and in their relations "Say: Let truthfulness and courtesy be > with different departments of the civil gov- your adorning. Suffer not yourselves to be > ernment. A brief summary of excerpts from deprived of the robe of forbearance and jus- > the BahL'i Writings will show that non-par- tice, that the sweet savors of holiness may > ticipation in political affairs is one of the be wafted from your hearts upon all created > basic axioms of BahC'i action. things. Say: Beware, 0 people of BahL lest > The keynote to this theme may be found ye walk in the ways of them whose words > in the Writings of BahL'u'llfih. He has stated: differ from their deeds. Strive that ye may > "That one is indeed a man who, today, be enabled to manifest to the peoples of the > dedicateth himself to the service of the en- earth the signs of God, and to mirror forth > tire human race. The Great Being saith: His commandments. Let your acts be a > Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to pro- guide unto all mankind, for the professions > mote the best interests of the peoples and of most men, be they high or low, differ > kindreds of the earth. In another passage He from their conduct. It is through your deeds > hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride that ye can distinguish yourselves from oth- > himself who loveth his own country, but ers. Through them the brightness of your > rather for him who loveth the whole world. light can be shed upon the whole > The earth is but one country, and mankind . > earth . ."2 > its citizens."l > "Sow not the seeds of discord among men, The aim of the Faith is to produce the > and refrain from contending with your reality of virtue in souls and evolve institu- > . > neighbor . . Open, 0 people, the city of tions capable of dealing with social matters > the human heart with the key of your ut- justly, in the light of the revealed truths. > terance .. . This is entirely distinct from the province > "That which beseemeth you is the love of filled by partisan civil institutions. > 1 Gleanings from the Writings o f Bahd'u'lldh, p. 250. 2 Ibid., pp. 303-305. > THE WORLD ORDE > > 'Abdu'l-Bahi counseled the BahB'is from and authority; or in their affiliations with > the early beginnings of the American BahB'i kindred societies and organizations, it is, I > community not to discuss political affair^:^ am firmly convinced, their first and sacred > ". . . All conferences (i.e., all consulta- obligation to abstain from any word or deed > tion and discussion) must be regarding the that might be construed as a violation of this > matters of benefit, both as a whole and indi- vital principle. Theirs is the duty to demon- > vidually, such as the guarding of all in all strate, on one hand, their unqualified loyalty > cases, their protection and preservation, the and obedience to whatever is the considered > improvement of character, the training of judgment of their respective governments. > children, etc. "Let them refrain from associating them- > "If any person wishes to speak of govern- selves, whether by word or by deed, with > ment affairs, or to interfere with the order the political pursuits of their respective na- > of government, the others must not combine tions, with the policies of their governments > with him because the Cause of God is with- and the schemes and programs of parties > drawn entirely from political affairs; the and factions. In such controversies they > political realm pertains only to the Rulers should assign no blame, take no side, further > of those matters; it has nothing to do with no design, and identify themselves with no > the souls who are exerting their utmost system hrejudicial to -the best interests of > energy to harmonizing affairs, helping char- that world-wide Fellowship which it is their > acter and inciting (the people) to strive for aim to guard and foster. Let them beware > perfections. Therefore no soul is allowed to lest they allow themselves to become the > interfere with (political) matters, but only tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be > in that which is commanded." entrapped by the treacherous devices of the > With the development of a world-wide ad- plotters and the perfidious among their > ministrative structure within the Bah2i countrymen. Let them so shape their lives > Faith, institutions have been set up in na- and regulate their conduct that no charge of > tional and local areas which assure the unity secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of intimida- > and integrity of the Faith. In unfolding these tion may, however ill-founded, be brought > administrative institutions Shoghi Effendi against them. Let them rise above all partic- > has reiterated the importance of the non- ularism and partisanship, above the vain dis- > political character of the BahL'i teachings in putes, the petty calculations, the transient > a letter written March 21, 1932, to the passions that agitate the face, and engage the > BahL'is of the United States and Canada:4 attention, of a changing world. It is their > "I feel it, therefore, incumbent upon me duty to strive to distinguish, as clearly as > to stress, now that the time is ripe, the im- they possibly can, and if needed with the aid > portance of an instruction which, at the of their elected representatives, such posts > present stage of the evolution of our Faith, and functions as are either diplomatic or > should be increasingly emphasized, irrespec- political from those that are purely admin- > tive of its application to the East or to the istrative in character, and which under no > West. And this principle is no other than circumstances are affected by the changes > that which involves the non-participation by and chances that political activities and > the adherents of the Faith of BahB'u'llih, party government, in every land, must nec- > whether in their individual capacities or col- essarily involve. Let them affirm their un- > lectively as local or national Assemblies, in yielding determination to stand, firmly and > any form of activity that might be inter- unreservedly, for the way of BahB'u'llAh, to > preted, either directly or indirectly, as an in- avoid the entanglements and bickerings in- > terference in the political affairs of any par- separable from the pursuits of the politician, > ticular government. Whether it be in the and to become worthy agencies of that Di- > publications which they initiate and super- vine Polity which incarnates God's immuta- > vise; or in their official and public delibera- ble Purpose for all men. > tions; or in the posts they occupy and the "It shoud be made unmistakably clear > services they render; or in the communica- that such an attitude implies neither the > tions they address to their fellow-disciples; slightest indifference to the cause and inter- > or in their dealings with men of eminence ests of their own country, nor involves any > insubordination on their part to the author- > 3 Bahd'l' World Faith, p. 407. ity of recognized and established govern- > 4 World Order of Bahd'u'lMh, pp. 64-67. ments. Nor does it constitute a repudiation > 308 THE BAHA 'f W O R L D > > of their sacred obligation to promote, in the munities to avoid any action that might, by > most effective manner, the best interests of arousing the suspicion or exciting the antag- > their government and people. It indicates the onism of any one government, involve their > desire cherished by every true and loyal fol- brethren in fresh persecutions or complicate > lower of BahL'u'llLh to serve, in an unselfish, the nature of their task. How else, might I > unostentatious and patriotic fashion, the ask, could such a far-flung Faith, which > highest interests of thk country to which he transcends political and social boundaries, > belongs, and in a way that would entail no which includes within its pale so great a > departure from the high standards of in- variety of races and nations, which will have > tegrity and truthfulness associated with the to rely increasingly, as it forges ahead, on > teachings of his Faith. the good-will and support of the diversified > "As the number of the BahL'i communi- and contending governments of the earth- > ties in various parts of the world multiplies how else could such a Faith succeed in pre- > and their as a social force, becomes serving its unity, in safeguarding its interests, > increasingly apparent, they will no doubt and in ensuring the steady and peaceful de- > find themselves increasingly subjected to the velopment of its institutions? > pressure which men of authority and influ- "Such an attitude, however, is not dictated > ence, in the political domain, will exercise in by considerations of selfish expediency, but > the hope of obtaining the support they re- is actuated, first and foremost, by the broad > quire for the advancement of their aims. principle that the followers of BahL'u'llLh > These communities will, moreover, feel a will, under no circumstances, suffer them- > growing need of the good-will and the as- selves to be involved, whether as individuals > sistance of their respective governments in or in their collective capacities, in matters > their efforts to widen the scope, and to con- that would entail the slightest departure > solidate the foundations, of the institutions from the fundamental verities and ideals of > committed to their charge. Let them beware their Faith. Neither the charges which the > lest, in their eagerness to further the aims of uninformed and the malicious may be led to > their beloved Cause, they should be led un- bring against them, nor the allurements of > wittingly to bargain with their Faith, to com- honors and rewards, will ever induce them > promise with their essential principles, or to to surrender their trust or to deviate from > sacrifice, in return for any material advan- their path. Let their words proclaim, and > tage which their institutions may derive, the their conduct testify, that they who follow > integrity of their spiritual ideals. Let them BahL'u'llbh, in whatever land they reside, > proclaim that in whatever country they re- are actuated by no selfish ambition, that they > side, and however advanced their institu- neither thirst for power, nor mind any wave > tions, or profound their desire to enforce the of unpopularity, of distrust or criticism, > laws, and apply the principles, enunciated by which a strict adherence to their standards > BahVu'llLh, they will, unhesitatingly, subor- might provoke." > dinate the operation of such laws and the And again: "The BahL'i Faith as it forges > application of such principles to the require- ahead throughout the western world and > ments and legal enactments of their respec- particularly in lands where the political ma- > tive governments. Theirs is not the purpose, chinery is corrupt and political passions and > while endeavoring to conduct and perfect prejudices are dominant among the masses, > the administrative affairs of their Faith, to should increasingly assert and demonstrate > violate, under any circumstances, the provi- the fact that it is non-political in character, > sions of their country's constitution, much that it stands above party, that it is neither > less to allow the machinery of their admin- apathetic to national interests nor opposed > istration to supersede the government of to any party or faction, and that it seeks > their respective countries. through administrative channels, rather than > "It should also be borne in mind that the through diplomatic and political posts to es- > very extension of the activities in which we tablish, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the > are engaged, and the variety of the commu- capacity, the sane patriotism, the integrity > nities which labor under divers forms of and highmindedness of its avowed adher- > government, so essentially different in their ents. This is the general and vital principle; > standards, policies, and methods, make it it is for the National representatives to ap- > absolutely essential for all those who are the ply it with fidelity and ~ i g o r . " ~ > declared members of any one of these com- 5 Bahri'i News, December, 1932. > THE WORLD ORDE > > These instructions raised the question merits of the individual, rather than because > whether BahL'is should vote in any public he belongs to one party or another. The > election. A Tablet revealed by 'Abdu'l-BahB matter must be made perfectly clear to the > to Mr. Thornton Chase was sent to the individuals, who will be left free to exercise > Guardian, and the following reply was re- their discretion and judgment. But if a > ceived, dated January 26, 1933 :6 certain person does enter into party politics > "The Guardian fully recognizes the au- and labors for the ascendancy of one party > thenticity and controlling influence of this over another, and continues to do it against > instruction from 'Abdu'l-BahL upon the the expressed appeals, and warnings of the > question. He, however, feels under the re- Assembly, then the Assembly has the riaht > sponsibility of stating that the attitude taken to refuse him the right to vote in ~ a l k ' i > by the Master (that is, that American citi- elections." > zens are in duty bound to vote in public > elections) implies certain reservations. He, That this principle, as do all Bahi'i prin- > therefore, lays it upon the individual con- ciples, has world-wide application is made > science to see that in following the Master's clear by Shoghi Effendi in a letter dated > instructions no Bahi'i vote for an officer nor March 11, 1936:S > Bahi'i participation in the affairs of the "The Faith of BahB'u'llBh has assimilated, > Republic shall involve acceptance by that by virtue of its creative, its regulative and > individual of a program or policy that con- ennobling energies, the varied races, nation- > travenes any vital principle, spiritual or alities, creeds and classes that have sought > social, of the Faith." The Guardian added its shadow, and have pledged unswerving > to this letter the following postscript: "I feel fealty to its cause. It has changed the hearts > it incumbent upon me to clarify the above of its adherents, burned away their preju- > statement, written in my behalf, by stating dices, stilled their passions, exalted their con- > that no vote cast, or office undertaken, by ceptions, ennobled their motives, coordi- > a Bahi'i should necessarily constitute ac- nated their efforts, and transformed their > ceptance, by the voter or office holder, of outlook. While preserving their patriotism > the entire program of any political party. No and safeguarding their lesser loyalties, it has > Bahi'i can be regarded as either a Republi- made them lovers of mankind, and the de- > can or Democrat, as such. He is, above all termined upholders of its best and truest in- > else, the supporter of the principles enunci- terests. While maintaining intact their belief > ated by BahB'u'llLh, with which, I am firmly in the Divine origin of their respective reli- > convinced, the program of no political party gions, it has enabled them to visualize the > is completely harmonious." underlying purpose of these religions, to dis- > In a letter dated March 16, 1933, the cover their merits, to recognize their se- > Guardian sent these further detail^:^ quence, their interdependence, their whole- > "As regards the non-political character of ness and unity, and to acknowledge the bond > the Bahk'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi feels that that vitally links them to itself. This uni- > there is no contradiction whatsoever be- versal, this transcending love which the fol- > tween the Tablet (to Thornton Chase, re- lowers of the Bahi'i Faith feel for their fel- > ferred to above) and the reservations to low-men, of whatever race, creed, class or > which he has referred. The Master surely nation, is neither mysterious nor can it be > never desired the friends to use their influ- said to have been artificially stimulated. It is > ence towards the realization and promotion both spontaneous and genuine. They whose > of policies contrary to any of the principles hearts are warmed by the energizing influ- > of the Faith. The friends may vote, if they ence of God's creative love cherish His > can do it, without identifying themselves creatures for His sake, and recognize in > with one party or another. To enter the every human face a sign of His reflected > arena of party politics is surely detrimental glory. > to the best interests of the Faith and will "Of such men and women it may be truly > harm the Cause. It remains for the indi- said that to them 'every foreign land is a > viduals to so use their right to vote as to fatherland, and every fatherland a foreign > keep aloof from party politics, and always land.' For their citizenship, it must be re- > bear in mind that they are voting on the membered, is in the Kingdom of Bah2u'- > Ilgh. Though willing to share to the utmost > 6 Ibid., April, 1933. > 7 Zbid., January, 1934. 8 World Order o f Bahi'u'llih, pp. 197-198. > Delegates to the Eighteenth Annual Convention of the Bahfis of Persia, held at the Haziratu'l-Quds, Tihrgn, > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 311 > > the temporal benefits and the fleeting joys in principle to that which the Austrian > which this earthly life can confer, though BahL'i belongs to. Where would be the unity > eager to participate in whatever activity that of the Faith then? These two spiritual broth- > conduces to the richness, the happiness and ers would be working against each other be- > peace of that life, they can, at no time, for- cause of their political affiliations (as the > get that it constitutes no more than a tran- Christians of Europe have been doing in so > sient, a very brief stage of their existence, many fratricidal wars). The best way for a > that they who live it are but pilgrims and Bahi'i to serve his country and the world is > wayfarers whose goal is the Celestial City, to work for the establishment of Bah6'u'- > and whose home the Country of never-fail- 116h's World Order, which will gradually > ing joy and brightness. unite all men and do away with divisive po- > "Though loyal to their respective govern- litical systems and religious creeds. . . ." > ments, though profoundly interested in any- In the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l- > thing that affects their security and welfare, Bah6 the BahL'is are instructed to "obey and > though anxious to share in whatever pro- be the well-wishers of the governments of > motes their b'est interests, the Faith with the land, regard disloyalty unto a just king > which the followers of BahL'u'116h stand as disloyalty to God Himself and wishing > identified is one which they firmly believe evil to the government a transgression of the > God has raised high above the storms, the Cause of God."lo In explanation of this > divisions, and controversies of the political statement the Guardian wrote, in a letter > arena. Their Faith they conceive to be essen- dated July 3, 1948:11 > tially non-political, supra-national in charac- "Regarding your question about politics > ter, rigidly non-partisan, and entirely disso- and the Master's Will; the attitude of the > ciated from nationalistic ambitions, pur- BahL'is must be twofold, complete obedi- > suits, and purposes. Such a Faith knows no ence to the government of the country they > division of class or of party. It subordinates, reside in, and no interference whatsoever in > without hesitation or equivocation, every political matters or questions. What the > particularistic interest, be it personal, re- Master's statement really means is obedience > gional, or national to the paramount inter- to a duly constituted government, whatever > ests of humanity, firmly convinced that in a that government may be in form. We are > world of inter-dependent peoples and na- not the ones, as individual BahB'is, to judge > tions the advantage of the part is best to be our government as just or unjust-for each > reached by the advantage of the whole, and believer would be sure to hold a different > that no abiding benefit can be conferred viewpoint, and within our own BahB'i fold a > upon the component parts if the general in- hotbed of dissension would spring up and > terests of the entity itself are ignored or destroy our unity. We must build up our > neglected." Bahh'i system, and leave the faulty systems > The unity of BahL'i action throughout the of the world to go their way. We cannot > world is further emphasized in a letter from change them through becoming involved in > Shoghi Effendi to the BahL'is of Vienna, them; on the contrary, they will destroy us." > written in 1947 through his secretary, in > which he said in part: Another application of this principle con- > "We Bahgis are one the world over; we cerns the right, propriety or usefulness of > are seeking to build up a new world order, exerting BahL'i influence for the enactment > divine in origin. How can we do this if every of legislative measures reflecting more or > BahL'i is a member of a different political less the purpose of some BahL'i principle or > party-some of them diametrically opposite teaching. For example, should a BahL'i com- > to each other? Where is our unity then? We munity, local or national, lend the name of > would be divided because of politics, against the BahL'i Faith to support legislation which > ourselves and this is the opposite of our pur- seeks to abolish race and religious discrim- > pose. Obviously if one BahL'i in Austria is ination in matters of industrial employment, > given freedom to choose a political party or intervene when measures concerning mil- > and join it, however good its aims may be, itary training of youth are before a legisla- > another BahB'i in Japan or America, or In- ture? > dia, has the right to do the same thing and The National Spiritual Assembly of the > he might belong to a party the very opposite 10 Bahh'i Administration (1945 e d . ) , p. 4, > 9 Bahb'i News, April, 1949. 11 Bahd'i News, January, 1949. > THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > BahPis of the United States has statedlz sion of the Movement, and the suspension > that, "as a general policy subject to the of which does not constit~~te in itself a de- > Guardian's specsc direction in special cases, parture from the principle of loyalty to their > BahPis and their administrative institutions Faith, the considered judgment and authori- > should not feel obligated to adopt a 'Bahi'i' tative decrees issued by their responsible > attitude or course of action on matters of rulers must, if they be faithful to Bah2uY- > civil legislation. Our teachings and basic 1lAh's and 'Abdu'l-BahL's express injunc- > principles speak for themselves. These we tions, be thoroughly respected and loyally > can always declare and set forth with all obeyed. In matters, however, that vitally af- > possible energy whenever occasions arise. fect the integrity and honor of the Faith of > But a truth which is sundered from its sus- Ba'ni'u'llAh, and are tantamount to a recan- > taining spiritual Source, lifted out of its tation of their faith and repudiation of their > organic relationship to the Bahi'i commu- innermost belief, they [the BahL'is] are con- > nity, broken off from the other truths, and vinced, and are unhesitatingly prepared to > made subject to the storm and stress of vindicate by their life-blood the sincerity of > secular controversy, is no longer a truth with their conviction, that no power on earth, > which we can usef~~lly have concern. It has neither the arts of the most insidious adver- > become an enactment to be carried out by sary nor the bloody weapons of the most > institutions and groups committed to other tyrannical oppressor, can ever succeed in > enactments, other aims and purposes and extorting from them a word or deed that > methods not in conformity with the 'Divine might tend to stifle the voice of their con- > Polity' entrusted to those alone who give science or tarnish the purity of their faith." > full loyalty to BahPu'llAh. Far better for "Small wonder if by the Pen of BahL'u'- > us to strive to mirror forth radiantly the llAh these pregnant words, written in antici- > individual and community virtues of a new pation of the present state of mankind, > era than to hope others than believers will should have been revealed: 'It is not for him > achieve the holy mission of the Faith. We to pride himself who loveth his ywn coun- > Bahi'is have in reality accepted a world or- try, but rather for him who loveth the whole > der and not merely a new decalogue of world. The earth is but one country, and > truths or commands. On the other hand, mankind its citizens.' And again, 'That one > obedience to civil government is an obliga- indeed is a man who today dedicateth him- > tion laid by BahL'u'llAh upon every Bahi'i." self to the service of the entire human race.' > 'Through the power released by these ex- > Shoghi Effendil3 points out, as a guiding alted words,' He explains, 'He hath lent a > principle of Bahfi'i conduct, that "in connec- fresh impulse, and set a new direction, to > tion with their administrative activities, no the birds of men's hearts, and hath oblit- > matter how grievously interference with erated every trace of restriction and limita- > them might aBect the course of the exten- tion from G o 8 s Holy Book.' "I4 > World, > 12 Bahri'i vol. 10, p. 278. > 13 Bahd'I Administration (1945 ed.), p. 162. 14 World Order of Bahri'u'Ildh, p. 198. > > LOYALTY TO GOVERNMENT > Statement Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Buh2is > of the United States o f America > > W H E N a great social crisis sweeps government where any of this community > through a civilization, moral values become reside, they must behave toward that gov- > impaired. In the crisis of our own time, ernment with faithfulness, trustfulness, and > members of the BahL'i Faith go on record truthfulness." > as firmly upholding the principle of loyalty Loyalty to government, in the BahB'i > to government. view, is an essential spiritual and social prin- > More than eighty years ago BahL'u'llAh, ciple. "We must obey and be the well-wish- > the founder of the Bahi'i Faith, set forth ers of the government of the land. . "The ." > this cardinal principle: "In every country or essence of the BahPi spirit is that in order > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 313 > > to establish a better social order and eco- emblems of His generosity amidst His peo- > nomic condition, there must be allegiance to ple." > the laws and principles of government." Without integrity of character in its citi- > This allegiance is part of the strong em- zens and without loyalty to government, a > phasis on integrity of character found in the nation will find itself torn asunder and un- > Bahb'i teaching. "Let integrity and upright- able to function as an organic society. Not > ness distinguish all thine acts." "Beautify only do the Bahb'i teachings obligate mem- > your tongues, 0 people, with truthfulness, > bers to be loyal to their government-they > and adorn your souls with the ornament of > honesty. Beware, 0 people, that ye deal not also specifically forbid them from taking any > treacherously with any one. Be ye the trus- part in subversive political and social move- > tees of God amongst His creatures, and the ments. > > CONCERNING MEMBERSHIP IN NON-BAHA'I RELIGIOUS > ORGANIZATIONS* > > T H E instruction written by Shoghi Effendi lying the new instruction, and our capacity > concerning membership in non-BahL'i reli- to perceive that the position which the > gious organizations, published in the July, Guardian wishes us to take in regard to > 1935, number of Bah& News, has brought church membership is a necessary and inevi- > forth some interesting and important com- table result of the steady development of > munications from local Spiritual Assemblies the World Order of BahL'uyllLh. > and also from individual believers, t o all of This essential principle is made clear > which the National Spiritual Assembly has when we turn to Shoghi Effendi's further > given careful and sympathetic attention. reference to the subject as published in > The National Assembly itself, on receiv- Bah& News for October, 1935-words > ing that instruction, made it the subject of written by the Guardian's own hand. > extensive consultation, feeling exceedingly In the light of these words, it seems fully > responsible for its own understanding of the evident that the way to approach this in- > Guardian's words and anxious to contribute struction is in realizing the Faith of Bah6'- > to the understanding of the friends. u'llLh as an ever-growing organism des- > In October, 1935, the Assembly sent in tined to become something new and greater > reply to some of these communications a than any of the revealed religions of the > general letter embodying its thoughts on the past. Whereas former Faiths inspired hearts > subject, and a copy of that letter was for- and illumined souls, they eventuated in for- > warded to Shoghi Effendi for his approval mal religions with an ecclesiastical organi- > and comment. His references to its con- zation, creeds, rituals and churches, while > tents, made in letters addressed to the Na- the Faith of BahL'u'ULh, likewise renewing > tional Spiritual Assembly on November 29 man's spiritual life, will gradually produce > and December 11, 1935, are appended to the institutions of an ordered society, ful- > this statement. filling not merely the function of the > Now that Shoghi Effendi's approval has churches of the past but also the function > been received, the National Assembly feels of the civil state. By this manifestation of > it desirable to publish, for the information the Divine Will in a higher degree than in > of all the American believers, the substance former ages, humanity will emerge from > of the October letter. that immature civilization in which church > While so fundamental an instruction is and state are separate and competitive in- > bound to raise different questions corre- stitutions, and partake of a true civilization > sponding to the digerent conditions existing in which spiritual and social principles are > throughout the BahL'i community, the most at last reconciled as two aspects of one and > important consideration is our collective the same Truth. > need to grasp the essential principle under- N o BahL'i can read the successive World > * A statement prepared by the National Spiritual As- Order letters sent us by Shoghi Effendi with- > sembly of the BahC'is of the United States. out perceiving that the Guardian, for many > 3 14 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > years, has been preparing us to understand BahVi Commonwealth, all the rights, the > and appreciate this fundamental purpose duties, and responsibilities incumbent upon > and mission of the Revelation of BahL'uYllih. the world's future super-state." > Even when the Master ascended, we were This passage stands as the keystone in the > for the most part still considering the noble structure which Shoghi Effendi has > BahVi Faith as though it were only the raised in his function as interpreter of the > "return of Christ" and failing to perceive Teachings of BahB'u'llAh. The Master de- > the entirely new and larger elements latent veloped the Cause to the point where this > in the Teachings of Bahi'u'llih. social Teaching, always existent in the Tab- > Thus, in the very first of the World Or- lets of BahL'u'llih, could be explained to the > der letters, written February 27th, 1929, believers and given its due significance as > Shoghi Effendi said: "Who, I may ask, when the fulfillment of Bahi'i evolution. As the > viewing the international character of the Guardian expressed it: "That Divine Civili- > Cause, its far-flung ramifications, the in- zation, the establishment of which is the > creasing complexity of its affairs, the di- primary mission of the BahL'i Faith." > versity of its adherents, and the state of (World Order of Bahd'u'llcih, pp. 3-4.) > confusion that assails on every side the in- For us these words mean that a Bahi'i is > fant Faith of God, can for a moment ques- not merely a member of a revealed Religion, > tion the necessity of some sort of admin- he is also a citizen in a World Order even > istrative machinery that will insure, amid though that Order today is still in its in- > the storm and stress of a struggling civili- fancy and still obscured by the shadows > zation, the unity of the Faith, the preserva- thrown by the institutions, habits and atti- > tion of its identity, and the protection of its tudes derived from the past. But since the > interests?" aim and end has been made known, our > Although for five years the Guardian had devotion and loyalty must surely express > been setting forth the principles of BahVi itself, not in clinging to views and thoughts > Administration in frequent letters, in 1927 emanating from the past, but in pressing > he apparently felt it necessary to overcome forward in response to the needs of the new > some doubts here and there as to the validity creation. > of the institutions the Master bequeathed to That true devotion, which consists in > the BahL'is in His Will and Testament. The conscious knowledge of the "primary mis- > series of World Order letters, however, goes sion," and unified action to assist in bring- > far beyond the point of defending and ex- ing about its complete triumph, recognizes > plaining their validity as an essential ele- that a BahL'i today must have singleness of > ment in the Faith of BahL'u'llih-the mind as of aim, without the division arising > Guardian vastly extended the horizon of our when we stand with one foot in the Cause > understanding by making it clear that the and one foot in the world, attempting to > Administrative Order, in its full develop- reconcile diverse elements which the Mani- > ment, is to be the social structure of the festation of God Himself has declared to > future civilization. be irreconcilable. > Thus, in that same letter quoted above, The principle underlying the Guardian's > he wrote: "Not only will the present-day instruction about membership in non-BahL'i > Spiritual Assemblies be styled differently in religious bodies has already been empha- > future, but will be enabled also to add to sized by Shoghi Effendi in another connec- > their present functions those powers, duties, tion-the instruction about the non-political > and prerogatives necessitated by the recog- character of the Faith which he incorporated > nition of the Faith of BahL'u'116h, not in his letter entitled "The Golden Age of the > merely as one of the recognized religious Cause of BahL'u'llAh." For example: "I feel > systems of the world, but as the State Re- it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, > ligion of an independent and Sovereign now that the time is ripe, the importance of > Power. And as the Bahi'i Faith permeates an instruction which, at the present stage > the masses of the peoples of East and West, of the evolution of our Faith, should be > and its truth is embraced by the majority increasingly emphasized, irrespective of its > of the peoples of a number of the Sovereign application to the East or to the West. And > States of the world, will the Universal House this principle is no other than that which in- > of Justice attain the plenitude of its power, volves the non-participation by the adherents > and exercise, as the supreme organ of the of the Faith of BahL'u'llih, whether in their > T H E W O R L D O R D E IR O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 315 > > individual capacities or collectively as local made such an open and sharp dissociation > or national Assemblies, in any form of activ- between it and other religious organizations, > ity that might be interpreted, either directly and particularly the Muslim Faith, not only > or indirectly, as an interference in the politi- inadvisable but practically impossible to > cal affairs of any particular government." establish. But since His passing events > Again, when the question was raised as to throughout the Bahi'i world, and particu- > membership in certain non-Bahi'i organiza- larly in Egypt where the Muslim religious > tions not directly religious or political in courts have formally testified to the inde- > character, the Guardian replied: "Regarding pendent character of the Faith, have de- > association with the World Fellowship of veloped to a point that has made such an > Faiths and kindred Societies, Shoghi Effendi assertion of the independence of the Cause > wishes to reaffirm and elucidate the general not only highly desirable but absolutely > principle that Bahi'i elected representatives essential." > as well as individuals should refrain from To turn now to the Guardian's words > any act or word that would imply a depar- published in October Bah& News: "The > ture from the principles, whether spiritual, separation that has set in between the in- > social or administrative, established by stitutions of the Bahl'i Faith and the Islamic > BahB'u'llih. Formal affiliation with and ac- ecclesiastical organizations that oppose it > ceptance of membership in organizations . . . imposes upon every loyal upholder of > whose programs or policies are not wholly the Cause the obligation refraining from > reconcilable with the Teachings is of course any word or action that might prejudice > out of the question." (Bahri'i News, August, the position which our enemies have . . . > 1933.) of their own accord proclaimed and estab- > Thus, not once b ~ repeatedly > ~ t the Guard- lished. This historic development, the begin- > ian has upheld the vital hrincipie underlying nings of which could neither be recognized > every type of relationship between Bahi'is nor even anticipated in the years immedi- > and other organizations, namely, that the ately preceding 'Abdu'l-BahB's passing, > Cause of Bahb'u'llih is an ever-growing may be said to have signalized the Forma- > organism, and as we begin to realize its tive Period of our Faith and to have paved > universality our responsibility is definitely the way for the consolidation of its adminis- > established to cherish and defend that uni- trative-order. . . . Though our Cause unre- > versality from all compromise, all admixture servedly recognizes the Divine origin of all > with worldly elements, whether emanating the religions that preceded it and upholds > from our own habits rooted in the past or the spiritual truths which lie at their very > from the deliberate attacks imposed by ene- core and are common to them all, its in- > mies from without. stitutions, whether administrative, religious > It will be noted that in the instruction or humanitarian, must, if their distinctive > published in July, 1935, B a h Z News, the character is to be maintained and recog- > Guardian made it clear that the principle nized, be increasingly divorced from the > involved is not new and unexpected, but outworn creeds, the meaningless ceremo- > rather an application of an established prin- nials and man-made institutions with which > ciple to a new condition. "Concerning mem- these religions are at present identified. Our > bership in non-Bahb'i religious associations, adversaries in the East have initiated the > the Guardian wishes to re-emphasize the struggle. Our future opponents in the West > general principle already laid down in his will, in their turn, arise and carry it a stage > communications to your Assembly and also further. Ours is the duty, in anticipation > to the individual believers that no Bahb'i of this inevitable contest, to uphold un- > who wishes to be a whole-hearted and sin- equivocally and with undivided loyalty the > cere upholder of the distinguishing princi- integrity of our Faith and demonstrate the > ples of the Cause can accept full member- distinguishing features of its divinely ap- > ship in any non-BahL'i ecclesiastical organi- vointed institutions." > zation. . . . For it is only too obvious that Nothing could be clearer or more em- > in most of its fundamental assumptions the phatic. These words, asserting again the > Cause of Bahii'u'llCih is completely at vari- essential universality of the Cause, likewise > ance with outworn creeds, ceremonies and repeat and renew the warning that the or- > institutions. . . . During the days of the ganized religions', even in America, will be- > Master the Cause was still in a stage that come bitterly hostile to the Faith of BahB'- > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > u'llih, denounce and oppose it, and seek its for such believers to repudiate their former > destruction in vain effort to maintain their allegiances and friendships, they should tly > own "outworn creeds" and material power. to gradually persuade them of the wisdom > Informed of this inevitable development, and necessity of such an action, and instead > can a BahL'i any longer desire to retain a of thrusting upon them a new principle, to > connection which, however liberal and make them accept it inwardly, and out of > pleasing it now seems, is a connection with pure conviction and desire. Too severe and > a potential foe of the Cause of God? The immediate action in such cases is not only > Guardian's instruction signifies that the time fruitless but actually harmful. It alienates > has come when all American believers must people instead of winning them to the > become fully conscious of the implications Cause. > of such connections, and carry out their loy- 'The other point concerns the advisabil- > alty to its logical conclusion. ity of contributing to a church. In this case > Shoghi Effendi's latest words are not also the friends must realize that contribu- > merely an approval of the foregoing state- tions to a church, especially when not reg- > ment, but a most helpful elucidation of ~ ~ l ado > r , not necessarily entail &iliation. The > some of the problems which arise when the believers can make such offerings, occasion- > friends turn to their local Assemblies for ally, and provided they are certain that > specific advice under various special cir- while doing so they are not connected as > cumstances. members of any church. There should be no > "The explanatory statement in connec- confusion between the terms afliliation and > tion with membership in non-Bahi'i re- association. While affiliation with ecclesi- > ligious organizations is admirably conceived, astical organizations is not permissible, asso- > convincing and in full conformity with the ciation with them should not only be tol- > principles underlying and implied in the erated but even encouraged. There is no > unfolding world order of BahL'u'llih." better way to demonstrate the universality > (November 29, 1933.) of the Cause than this. Bahi'uyll&h,indeed, > "The Guardian has carefully read the urges His followers to consort with all re- > copy of the statement you had recently pre- ligions and nations with utmost friendliness > pared concerning non-membership in non- and love. This constitutes the very spirit of > Bahi'i religious organizations, and is pleased His message to mankind." (December 11, > to realize that your comments and explana- 1935.) > tions are in full conformity with his views The National Spiritual Assembly trusts > on the subject. He hopes that your letter that the subject will receive the attention > will serve to clarify this issue in the minds of local Assemblies and communities, and > of all the believers, and to further convince that in the light of the foregoing explana- > them of its vital character and importance tions the friends will find unity and agree- > in the present stage of the evolution of the ment in applying the instruction to what- > Cause. - - - - > > ever situations may arise. In teaching new > ". . . In this case,l as also in that of suf- believers let us lay a proper foundation so > fering believers, the Assemblies, whether > local or national, should act tactfully, pa- that their obedience will be voluntary and > tiently and in a friendly and kindly spirit. assured from the beginning of their enroll- > Knowing how painful and dangerous it is ment as BahBis. In our attitude toward the > older believers who are affected bv the in- > 1 A special case involving an aged BahL'i, afflicted struction let us act with the patience and > with illness, for whom severance of church relations > might have been too great a shock. kindliness the Guardian has urged. > > THE B A HVIEW > ~ ~ OF PACIFISM "With reference to the absolute pacifists > or conscientious objectors to war: thkir atti- > I N a letter published in Bah& News, tude, judged from the B a h s standpoint, is > January, 1938, Shoghi Effendi, the Guard- quite anti-social and due to its exaltation of > ian of the BahBi Faith wrote through his the individual conscience leads inevitably to > secretary: disorder and chaos in society. Extreme paci- > fists are thus very close to anarchists, in the government. Thus Bah6'is do not, on the > sense that both of these groups lay an un- grounds of religious conviction, seek to > due emphasis on the rights and merits of abandon their obligation as citizens in time > the individual. The BahB'f conception of of war or national emergency. Neither do > social life is essentially based on the sub- they attempt to avoid the dangers and hard- > ordination of the individual will to that of ships which are inevitable in time of war, > society. It neither suppresses the individual and to which all citizens of military age are > nor does it exalt him to the point of making liable. > him an anti-social creature, a menace to Thus Bahj'is who are citizens of the > society. As in everything, it follows the United States are able to reconcile their > 'golden mean.' The only way society can fundamental spiritual convictions and their > function is for the minority to follow the civil obligations as citizens by applying for > will of the majority. noncombatant service under the existing > "The other main objection t o the con- Selective Service law and regulations. > scientious objectors is that their method of The members of the BahB'i Faith make > establishing peace is too negative. Non- no reservations in claiming that they are > cooperation is too passive a philosophy to fully obedient to all provisions of the laws > become an effective way for social recon- of their country, including the constitutional > struction. Their refusal to bear arms can right of the Federal government to raise > never establish peace. There should fist be armies and conscript citizens for military > a spiritual revitalization which nothing, ex- service. > cept the Cause of God, can effectively bring Although it is necessary for BahB'is to be > toevery man's heart." classiiied as ''conscientious objectors" to > combatant military service in order to ob- > tain a noncombatant status under the Se- > lective Service regulations, they are not > "conscientious objectors" in the sense of a > ( A Public Statement issued by the National refusal to obey the laws of their country or > Spiritual Assembly of the B a h a s of the to perform noncombatant military duties as > United States) members of the armed forces. Their status > is rather that of "conscientious co-opera- > In view of the increasing importance of tors" with the military authorities of their > a clear understanding of the details of the country, since they serve as members of the > Bah4i position on military service, the Na- armed forces in the Medical Corps, or in > tional Bah4i Assembly presents the follow- any capacity in which they may legally > ing statement of general principles for the maintain a noncombatant status, regardless > information and guidance of the members of the effect which this may have upon their > of the BahB'i Community in the United personal safety, their convenience, the type > States and others who may have an interest of activity they must discharge, or the rank > in the BahB'i viewpoint. to which they may be assigned. > The Bah4i teachings require that fol- > lowers of the Faith o%ey the laws of the SUMMARY .OF THE GUARDIAN'S > INSTRUC- > government under which they live, and this TIONS ON THE OBLIGATIONOF BA- > requirement includes the obligation for mil- HA'IS IN CONNECTION > WITH > itary service which rests upon all citizens. MILITARYSERVICE > However, Bah6'is are also required to apply > for noncombatant service whenever the During World War I1 the Bahii'i position > opportunity to do so is legally provided by on military training and service, and the > their government on the basis of religious obligation of individual BahVis to apply for > training and belief. and maintain a noncombatant status when > While the religious convictions of Ba- this is possible under the laws of their coun- > hL'is require them to seek whatever exemp- try, were outlined specifically in a series of > tion from combatant duty may be granted instructions and bulletins issued by the Na- > by their government on the grounds of re- tional Assembly. > ligious belief, they definitely are not paci- Since 1945, two items on this subject have > fists in the sense of refusal to cooperate been published in Bahli'i News; one in the > with and obey the laws of an established October, 1946 issue (pp. 9-10), and the > 318 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > other in the September, 1948 issue (p. 6). forces where they would be subject to or- > Both of these articles quoted the Guard- ders to engage in the taking of human life. > ian's instruction contained in a letter to the It is only through the Selective Service > National Assembly dated July 20, 1946, machinery of classification and induction > written in reply to a question as to whether that a noncombatant status can be secured > the existence of the United Nations in its and maintained. > present form should change the attitude of The N.S.A. statement in the September, > Bahi'is toward military duties which might 1948 issue of Bahd'i News called attention > require the taking of human life. The to passage of the Selective Service Act of > Guardian's answer to this question is again 1948, and to the fact that Section 6 (j) of > quoted below: this Act provides an exemption from com- > "As there is neither an International Po- batant service and training for those citizens > lice Force nor any immediate prospect of who are opposed to such service by reason > one coming into being, the Bahi'is should of religious training or belief. This provi- > continue to apply, under all circumstances, sion is similar to the one in Section 5 (g) > for exemption from any military duties that of the Selective Service Act of 1940, which > necessitate the taking of life. There is no was the legal basis for application for ex- > justification for any change of attitude on emption from combatant duty during the > our part at the present time." last war by BahL'is subject to the draft. > These words indicate that the Guardian It is the firm spiritual obligation of Ba- > still feels that a Bahi'i cannot voluntarily hi'is residing in the United States who must > enter any form of combatant military duty, fill out a Selective Service Questionnaire, to > and must seek exemption from such service indicate on this form (Series XIV) in the > if this is possible under the laws of his coun- space provided that they are opposed to > try. combatant military service and to claim the > The instruction given in the July 20, 1946 exemption povided under the Selective > letter was confirmed recently in a cable Service ~ c ont the grounds of religious > received from the Guardian by the National training and belief. They should also request > Assembly on January 17, 1951. > a copy of the special form (SS Form No. > The Guardian, in these and earlier com- > munications, has made it clear that it is 150) provided for those claiming such ex- > obligatory, and not an optional matter, for emption, and then fil! this out in accordance > all Bahi'is to apply for and maintain a non- with instructions contained in a special > combatant status if this is possible under the bulletin "Bahi'is and the Selective Draft," > law. When such a law exists, as is the case which may be obtained from the National > in the United States, Bahi'is cannot volun- Assembly or from Local Assembly Secre- > tarily enlist in any branch of the armed taries. > > INTERPRETATION OF THE WILL AND TESTAMENT O F > 'ABDU'L-BAHA > > W E L L is it with him who h e t h his gaze wondrous System-the like of which mortal > upon the Order of BahL'u'llAh and ren- eyes have never w i t n e s s e d . - B ~ H ~ I J ' ~ ~ ; ~ . ~ > dereth thanks unto his Lord! For He as- > suredly will be made manifest. God hath It is incumbent upon the AghsAn, the > indeed irrevocably ordained it in the Bay6n. AfnAn and My kindred to turn, one and all, > -THE BLB? their faces towards the Most Mighty > Branch. Consider that which We have re- > The world's equilibrium hath been upset vealed in Our Most Holy Book: 'When the > through the vibrating influence of this most ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the > great, this new World Order. Mankind's Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your > ordered life hath been revolutionized faces toward Him Whom God hath pur- > through the agency of this unique, this posed. Who hath branched from this An- > 1 World Order of Bahd'u'lldh, pp. 146-147. 2 Ibid., p. 146. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 319 > > cient Root." The object of this sacred verse the Originator and the Interpreter of the > is none except the Most Mighty Branch Law of God-the Will and Testament of > ('Abdu'l-Bahi) . Thus have We graciously 'Abdu'l-Bahi can no more be divorced from > revealed unto you Our potent Will, and I Him Who supplied the original and motiva- > am verily the Gracious, the All-Powerful. ting impulse than from the One Who ulti- > -BAH~u'LLAH.~ mately conceived it. BahB'u'llih's inscruta- > ble purpose, we must ever bear in mind, has > There hath branched from the Sadratu'l- been so thoroughly infused into the conduct > Muntahi this sacred and glorious Being, this of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and their motives have > Branch of Holiness; well is it with him that been so closely welded together, that the > hath sought His shelter and abideth beneath mere attempt to dissociate the teachings of > His shadow. Verily the Limb of the Law of the former from any system which the ideal > God hath sprung forth from this Root Exemplar of those same teachings has es- > which God hath firmly implanted in the tablished would amount to a repudiation of > Ground of His Will, and Whose Branch one of the most sacred and basic truths of > hath been so uplifted as to encompass the the Faith.--S~oGH1EFFENDI.^ > whole of creation.-B~&u'LLi~.~ > For BahL'u'llih, we should readily recog- > In accordance with the explicit text of the nize, has not only imbued mankind with a > Kitib-i-Aqdas, Bahi'u'llih hath made the new and regenerating Spirit. He has not > Center of the Covenant the Interpreter of merely enunciated certain universal princi- > His Word-a Covenant so firm and mighty ples, or propounded a particular philosophy, > that from the beginning of time until the however potent, sound and ~miversalthese > present day no religious Dispensation hath may be. In addition to these He, as well as > produced its ~~~~.-'ABDu'L-BAHA." 'Abdu'l-Bahh after Him, has, unlike the > Dispensations of the past, clearly and spe- > 'Abdu'l-Bah6, Who incarnates an institu- cifically laid down a set of Laws, estab- > tion for which we can find no parallel what- lished definite institutions, and provided for > soever in any of the world's recognized reli- the essentials of a Divine Economy. These > gious systems, may be said to have closed are destined to be a pattern for future > the Age to which He Himself belonged and society, a supreme instrument for the es- > opened the one in which we are now labor- tablishment of the Most Great Peace, and > ing. His Will and Testament should thus be the one agency for the unification of the > regarded as the perpetual, the indissoluble world, and the proclamation of the reign of > link which the mind of Him Who is the righteousness and justice upon the earth.- > Mystery of God has conceived in order to SHOGHIEFFENDI.^ > insure the continuity of the three ages that > constitute the component parts of the . . . the Spirit breathed by BahL'u'll6h > BahL'i Dispensation. . . . upon the world . . . can never permeate > The creative energies released by the Law and exercise an abiding influence upon man- > of BahL'u'llih, permeating and evolving kind unless and untrl it incarnates itself in > within the mind of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, have, by a visible Order, which would bear His > their very impact and close interaction, Name, wholly identify itself with His princi- > given birth to an Instrument which may be ples, and function in conformity with His > viewed as the Charter of the New World Laws . . . PHOGHI EFFENDI.^ > Order which is at once the glory and the > promise of this most great Dispensation. The Administrative Order, which ever > The Will may thus be acclaimed as the since 'Abdu'l-BahPs ascension has evolved > inevitable offspring resulting from that and is taking shape under our very eyes in > mystic intercourse between Him Who com- no fewer than forty countriesg of the world, > municated the generating influence of His may be considered as the framework of the > divine Purpose and the One Who was its Will itself, the inviolable stronghold wherein > vehicle and chosen recipient. Being the 6 Ibid., pp. 143-144. > Child of the Covenant-the Heir of both 7 Ibid., p. 19. > 8 Ibid., p. 19. > 3 Ibld., p. 134. 9 By 1950 this figure had reached over one hundred; > 4Ibid.. D. 135. by 1954, over two hundred. This excerpt is from World > Order of Bahd'u'Ndh, p. 144. > 320 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > this new-born child is being nurtured and discloses the full station of the Author of > developed. This Administrative Order, as it the Bah4i Revelation; asserts that "all > expands and consolidates itself, will no others are servants unto Him and do His > doubt manifest the potentialities and reveal bidding"; stresses the importance of the > the full implications of this momentous Kitlb-i-Aqdas; establishes the institution of > Document-this most remarkable expres- the Guardianship as a hereditary office and > sion of the Will of One of the most remark- outlines its essential functions; provides the > able Figures of the Dispensation of Bah2- measures for the election of the Interna- > u'llgh. It will, as its component parts, its tional House of Justice, defines its scope and > organic institutions, begin to function with sets forth its relationship to that Institution; > efficiency and vigor, assert its claim and prescribes the obligations, and emphasizes > demonstrate its capacity to be regarded not the responsibilities, of the Hands of the > only as the nucleus but the very pattern of Cause of God; and extolls the virtues of the > the New World Order destined to embrace indestructible Covenant established by > in the fullness of time the whole of man- Bahi'u'llfih. That Document, furthermore, > kind.-S~o~m EFFENDI. lauds the courage and constancy of the sup- > porters of Bahk'u'lllh's Covenant; expatiates > . . . The Charter which called into on the sufferings endured by its appointed > being, outlined the features and set in mo- Center; recalls the infamous conduct of > tion the processes of, this Administrative Mirzfi Yahyk and his failure to heed the > Order is none other than the Will and Testa- warnings of the B5b; exposes, in a series of > ment of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, His greatest legacy to indictments, the perfidy and rebellion of > posterity, the brightest emanation of His Mirzl Muhammad-'Ali, and the complicity > mind and the mightiest instrument forged of his son ShuG&'u'llfih and of his brother > to insure the continuity of the three ages Mirzg Badi'u'llAh; reaffirms their excom- > which constitute the component parts of His munication, and predicts the frustration of > Father's Dispensation.-SHOGHI EFFENDI?^ all their hopes; summons the Afnln (the > Bgb's kindred), the Hands of the Cause and > It was 'Abdu'l-Bahl Who, through the the entire company of the followers of > provisions of His weighty Will and Testa- Bahi'u'llgh to arise unitedly to propagate > ment, has forged the vital link which must His Faith, to disperse far and wide, to labor > for ever connect the age that has just ex- tirelessly and to follow the heroic example > pired with the one we now live in-the of the Apostles of Jesus Christ; warns them > Transitional and Formative period of the against the dangers of association with the > Faith-a stage that must in the fullness of Covenant-breakers, and bids them shield the > time reach its blossom and yield its fruit in Cause from the assaults of the insincere and > the exploits and triumphs that are to herald the hypocrite; and counsels them to demon- > the Golden Age of the Revelation of BahP- strate by their conduct the universality of > u'll6h.-S~o~m EFFENDI?^ the Faith they have espoused, and vindicate > its high principles. In that same Document > The Document establishing that Order, its Author reveals the significance and pur- > the Charter of a future world civilization, pose of the Huqfiqu'lllh (Right of God), > which may be regarded in some of its fea- already instituted in the Kitgb-i-Aqdas; en- > tures as supplementary to no less weighty a joins submission and fidelity towards all > Book than the Kitlb-i-Aqdas; signed and monarchs who are just; expresses His long- > sealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi; entirely written ing for martyrdom, and voices His prayers > with His own hand; its first section com- for the repentance as well as the forgiveness > posed during one of the darkest periods of of His enemies.--SHOGHI EFFENDI?^ > His incarceration in the prison-fortress of > 'Akk6, proclaims, categorically and un- > . . . We stand indeed too close to so > monumental a document to claim for our- > equivocally, the fundamental beliefs of the > followers of the Faith of Bahi'u'lllh; re- selves a complete understanding of all its > implications, or to presume to have grasped > veals, in unmistakable language, the two- > fold character of the Mission of the Bgb; the manifold mysteries it undoubtedly con- > tains. Only future generations can compre- > 10 God Passes By, p. 325. > 11 World Order of Bahrf'u'lldh,p. 98. 12 God Passes By, p. 328. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 321 > > hend the value and the significance at- the institution of the House of Justice and > tached to this Divine Masterpiece, which the of the Guardianship . . . To them alone > hand of the Master-builder of the world has will be revealed the suitability of the institu- > designed for the unification and the triumph tions initiated by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 to the char- > of the world-wide Faith of BahPuYll6h.Only acter of the future society which is to > those who come after us will be in a posi- emerge out of the chaos and confusion of > tion to realize the value of the surprisingly the present age . . . SHOGHI EFFENDI.'^ > strong emphasis that has been placed on 13 World Order of Bahci'u'Ndh, p. 8. > > EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI > > 1 HAVE been acquainted by the perusal of the > sions of these sacred documents will reveal > close relationship that exids between > your latest communications with the nature > of the doubts that have been publicly ex- them, as well as the identity of purpose and > pressed, by one who is wholly misinformed method which they inculcate. Far from re- > as to the true precepts of the Cause, regard- garding their specitic provisions as incom- > ing the validity of institutions that stand patible and contradictory in spirit, every > inextricably interwoven with the Faith of fair-minded inquirer will readily admit that > BahL'u'll6h. Not that I for a moment view they are not only complementary, but that > such faint misgivings in the light of an open they mutually confirm one another, and are > challenge to the structure that embodies the inseparable parts of one complete unit. A > Faith, nor is it because I question in the least comparison of their contents with the rest > the unyielding tenacity of the faith of the of Bahb'i Sacred Writings will similarly es- > American believers, if I venture to dwell tablish the conformity of whatever they > upon what seems to me appropriate observa- contain with the spirit as well as the letter > tions at the present stage of the evolution of of the authenticated writings and sayings of > our beloved Cause. I am indeed inclined to BahL'uYll6hand 'Abdu'l-Bah6. In fact, he > welcome these expressed apprehensions in- who reads the Aqdas with care and diligence > asmuch as they afford me an opportunity to will not h d it hard to discover that the > familiarize the elected representatives of the Most Holy Book [Aqdas] itself anticipates > believers with the origin and character of in a number of passages the institutions > the institutions which stand at the very basis which 'Abdu'l-Bah6 ordains in His Will. By > of the world order ushered in by BahL'u'll6h. leaving certain matters unspecified and un- > We should feel truly thankful for such futile regulated in His Book of Laws [Aqdas], > attempts to undermine our beloved Faith- BahL'u'llBh seems to have deliberately left > attempts that protrude their ugly face from a gap in the general scheme of Bahi'i Dis- > time to time, seem for a while able to create pensation, which the unequivocal provisions > a breach in the ranks of the faithful, recede of the Master's Will has filled. To attempt > finally into the obscurity of oblivion, and to divorce the one from the other, to in- > are thought of no more. Such incidents we sinuate that the Teachings of BahL'u'llBh > should regard as the interpositions of Provi- have not been upheld, in their entirety and > dence, designed to fortify our faith, to clar- with absolute integrity, by what 'Abdu'l- > ify our vision, and to deepen our under- BahB has revealed in his Will, is an unpar- > standing of the essentials of His Divine donable affront to the unswerving fidelity > Revelation. that has characterized the life and labors of > It would, however, be helpful and instruc- our beloved Master. > tive to bear in mind certain basic principles I will not attempt in the least to assert or > with reference to the Will and Testament of demonstrate the authenticity of the Will and > 'Abdu'l-Bahb, which, together with the Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahri, for that in itself > Kita'b-i-Aqdas, constitutes the chief deposi- would betray an apprehension on my part as > tory wherein are enshrined those priceless to the unanimous confidence of the believers > elements of that Divine Civilization, the es- in the genuineness of the last written wishes > tablishment of which is the primary mission of our departed Master. I will only confine > of the BahVi Faith. A study of the provi- my observations to those issues which may > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 323 > > assist them to appreciate the essential unity would be tantamount to a mutilation of the > that underlies the spiritual. the humani- body of the Cause, a separation that can > tarian, and the administrative principles only result in the disintegration of its com- > enunciated by the Author and the Inter- ponent parts, and the extinction of the Faith > preter of the BahB'i Faith. itself. > I am at a loss to explain that strange men- > tality that inclines to uphold as the sole cri- > terion on the truth of the Bahb'i Teachings > what is admittedly only at1 obscure and un- It should be carefully borne in mind that > authenticated translation of an oral state- the local as well as the International Houses > ment made by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, in defiance and of Justice have been expressly enjoined by > total disregard of the available text of all of the Kita'b-i-Aqdas; that the institution of > His universally recognized writings. I truly the National Spiritual Assembly, as an inter- > deplore the unfortunate distortions that have mediary body, and referred to in the Mas- > resulted in days past from the incapacity of ter's Will as the "Secondary House of Jus- > the interpreter to grasp the meaning of tice," has the express sanction of 'Abdu'l- > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and from his incompetence to BahL; and that the method to be pursued for > render adequately such truths as have been the election of the International and Na- > revealed to him by the Master's statements. tional Houses of Justice has been set forth > Much of the confusion that has obscmed by Him in His Will, as well as in a number > the understanding of the believers should be of His Tablets. Moreover, the institutions of > attributed to this double error involved in the local and national Funds, that are now > the inexact rendering of an only partially the necessary adjuncts to all Local and Na- > understood statement. Not infrequently has tional Spiritual Assemblies, have not only > the interpreter even failed to convey the been established by 'Abdu'l-Bahk in the > exact purport of the inq~~irer's specific ques- Tablets He revealed to the Bahb'is of the > tions, and, by his deficiency of understand- Orient, but their importance and necessity > ing and expression in conveying the answer have been repeatedly emphasized by Him in > of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, has been responsible for re- His utterances and writings. The concentra- > ports wholly at variance with the true spirit tion of authority in the hands of the elected > and purpose of the Cause. It was chiefly in representatives of the believers; the neces- > view of this misleading nature of the reports sity of the submission of every adherent of > of the informal conversations of 'Abdu'l- the Faith to the considered judgment of > Bahi with visiting pilgrims, that I have in- Bahb'i Assemblies; His preference for una- > sistently urged the believers of the West to nimity in decision; the decisive character of > regard such statements as merely personal the majority vote; and even the desirability > impressions of the sayings of their Master, for the exercise of close supervision over all > and to quote and consider as authentic only Bahb'i publications, have been sedulously > such translations as are based upon the au- instilled by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, as evidenced by > thenticated text of His recorded utterances His authenticated and widely-scattered Tab- > in the original tongue. lets. To accept His broad and humanitarian > It should be remembered by every fol- Teachings on one hand, and to reject and > lower of the Cause that the system of Bahi'i dismiss with neglectful indifference His > administration is not an innovation imposed more challenging and distinguishing pre- > arbitrarily upon the BahL'is of the world cepts, would be an act of manifest disloyalty > since the Master's passing, but derives its to that which He has cherished most in His > authority from the Will and Testament of life. > ' Abdu'l-Baha', is specifically prescribed in That the Spiritual Assemblies of today > unnumbered Tablets, and rests in some of will be replaced in time by the Houses of > its essential features upon the explicit pro- Justice, and are to all intents and purposes > visions of the Kita'b-i-Aqdas. It thus unifies identical and not separate bodies, is abun- > and correlates the principles separately laid dantly confirmed by 'Abciu'l-Bahi Himself. > down by BahP~~'ll& and 'Abdu'l-BahL, and He has in fact in a Tablet addressed to the > is indissolubly bound with the essential veri- members of the first Chicago Spiritual As- > ties of the Faith. To dissociate the admirlis- sembly, the first elected BahPi body insti- > tsative principles of the Cause from the tuted in the United States, referred to them > purely spiritual and humanitarian teachings as the members of the "House of Justice" > 3 24 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > for that city, and has thus with His own pen International House of Justice will have > established beyond any d0ub.t the identity of been removed. For upon the National > the present BahB'i Spiritual Assemblies with Houses of Justice of the East and West de- > the Houses of Justice refzrred to by Bah6'- volves the task, in conformity with the ex- > u'llih. For reasons which are not difficult plicit provisions of the Will, of electing di- > to discover, it has been found advisable to rectly the members of the International > bestow upon the elected representatives of House of Justice. Not until they are them- > BahL'i communities throughout the world selves fully representative of the rank and > the temporary appellation of Spiritual As- file of the believers in their respective coun- > semblies, a term which, as the position and tries, not until they have acquired the weight > aims of the BahL'i Faith are better under- and the experience that will enable them to > stood and more fully recognized, will gradu- f~~nction vigorously in the organic life of the > ally be superseded by the permanent and Cause, can they approach their sacred task, > more appropriate designation of House of and provide the spiritual basis for the con- > Justice. Not only will the present-day Spirit- stitution of so august a body in the BahL'i > ual Assemblies be styled differently in the world. > future, but will be enabled also to add to > their present functions those powers, duties, > and prerogatives necessitated by the recog- > nition of the Faith of BahL'u'llih, not It must be also clearly understood by ev- > merely as one of the recognized religious ery believer that the institution of Guardian- > systems of the world, but as the State Re- ship does not under any circumstances ab- > ligion of an independent and Sovereign rogate, or even in the slightest degree de- > Power. And as the BahL'i Faith permeates tract from, the powers granted to the Uni- > the masses of the peoples of East and West, versal House of Justice by BahL'u'llih in > and its truth is embraced by the majority of the Kita'b-i-Aqdas, and repeatedly and sol- > the peoples of a number of the Sovereign emnly confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi in His > States of the world, will the Universal Will. It does not constitute in any manner a > House of Justice attain the plenitude of its contradiction to the Will and Writings of > power, and exercise, as the supreme organ BahL'u'llih, nor does it nullify any of His > of the BahL'i Commonwealth, all the rights, revealed instructions. It enhances the pres- > the duties, and responsibilities incumbent tige of that exalted assembly, stabilizes its > upon the world's future superstate. supreme position, safeguards its unity, as- > It must be pointed out, however, in this sures the continuity of its labors, without > connection that, contrary to what has been presuming in the slightest to infringe upon > confidently asserted, the establishment of the inviolability of its clearly defined sphere > the Supreme House of Justice is in no way of jurisdiction. We stand indeed too close to > dependent upon the adoption of the BahQ'i so monumental a document to claim for > Faith by the mass of the peoples of the ourselves a complete understanding of all its > world, nor does it presuppose its acceptance implications, or to presume to have grasped > by the majority of the inhabitants of any the manifold mysteries it undoubtedly con- > one country. In fact, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Himself, tains. Only future generations can compre- > in one of His earliest Tablets, contemplated hend the value and the significance attached > the possibility of the formation of the Uni- to this Divine Masterpiece, which the hand > versal House of Justice in His own lifetime, of the Master-builder of the world has de- > and but for the unfavorable circumstances signed for the unification and the triumph > prevailing under the Turkish r&gime,would of the world-wide Faith of Bah6'u'lliih. Only > have, in all probability, taken the prelimi- those who come after us will be in a position > nary steps for its establishment. It will be to realize the value of the surprisingly > evident, therefore, that given favorable cir- strong emphasis that has been placed on the > cumstances, under which the BahB'is of Per- institution of the House of Justice and of > sia and of the adjoining countries under So- the Guardianship. They only will appreciate > viet Rule may be enabled to elect their na- the significance of the vigorous language > tional representatives, in accordance with employed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi with reference to > the guiding principles laid down in 'Abdu'l- the band of Covenant-breakers that has op- > Bah6's writings, the only remaining obstacle posed Him in Elis days. To them alone will > in the way of the d e k i t e formation of the be revealed the suitability of the institutions > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 325 > > BahB'is attending the National Convention of the Bahgis of Germany and Austria, held > in the newly erected Ha~iratu'l-Quds,Frankfurt-am-Main, April, 1951. > > initiated by 'Abdu'l-BahL to the character of fairs, the diversity of its adherents, and the > the future society which is to emerge out of state of confusion that assails on every side > the chaos and confusion of the present the infant Faith of God, can for a moment > . > age. . . question the necessity of some sort of ad- > ministrative machinerv that will insure, > amid the storm and stress of a struggling > civilization, the unity of the Faith, the pres- > ervation of its identity, and the protection > And now, it behooves us to reflect on the of its interests? To repudiate the validity of > animating purpose and the primary func- the assemblies of the elected ministers of the > tions of these divinely-established instit~l- Faith of Bahk'u'llhh would be to reject these > tions, the sacred character and the universal countless Tablets of Bahb'u'llhh and 'Ab- > efficacy of which can be demonstrated only du'l-Bahh, wherein they have extolled their > by the spirit they diffuse and the work they privileges and duties, emphasized the glory > actually achieve. I need not dwell upon of their mission, revealed the immensity of > what I have already reiterated and empha- their task, and warned them of the attacks > sized that the administration of the Cause is they must needs expect from the unwisdom > to be conceived as an instrument and not a of friends, as well as from the malice of > substitute for the Faith of Bahb'uYll&h,that their enemies. It is surely for those to whose > it should be regarded as a channel through hands so priceless a heritage has been com- > which His promised blessings may flow, that mitted to prayerfully watch lest the tool > it should guard against such rigidity as should supersede the Faith itself, lest undue > would clog and fetter the liberating forces concern for the minute details arising from > . > released by His Revelation. . . Who, I the administration of the Cause obscure the > may ask, when viewing the international vision of its promoters, lest partiality, am- > character of the Cause, its far-flung ramifi- bition, and worldliness tend in the course of > cations, the increasing complexity of its af- time to becloud the radiance, stain the > 326 T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > purity, and impair the effectiveness of the the rudimentary institutions of its future Ad- > Faith of Bahii'u'llLh.' ministrative Order. In Russia He had raised > its first House of Worship, whilst on the > slopes of Mt. Carmel He had reared a be- > fitting mausoleum for its Herald, and de- > posited His remains therein with His Own > With the passing of 'Abdu'l-BahL the first hands. Through His visits to several cities > century of the Bah6'i era, whose inception in Europe and the North American conti- > had synchronized with His birth, had run nent He had broadcast Bah6'u'llLh's Mes- > more than three quarters of its course. Sev- sage to the peoples of the West, and height- > enty-seven years previously the light of the ened the prestige of the Cause of God to a > Faith proclaimed by the Bhb had arisen degree it had never previously experienced. > above the horizon of ShhirLz and flashed And lastly, in the evening of His life, He > across the firmament of Persia, dispelling the had through the revelation of the Tablets of > age-long gloom which had enveloped its the Divine Plan issued His mandate to the > people. A blood bath of unusual ferocity, in community which He Himself had raised > which government, clergy and people, heed- up, trained and nurtured, a Plan that must > less of the significance of that light and in the years to come enable its members to > blind to its splendor, had jointly partici- diffuse the light, and erect the administra- > pated, had all but extinguished the radiance tive fabric, of the Faith throughout the five > of its glory in the land of its birth. BahC'- continents of the globe. > u'llLh had at the darkest hour in the for- The moment had now arrived for that un- > tunes of that Faith been summoned, while dying, that world-vitalizing Spirit that was > Himself a prisoner in TihrLn, to reinvigorate born in ShhirLz, that had been rekindled in > its life, and been commissioned to fulfill its TihrLn, that had been fanned into flame in > ultimate purpose. In BaghdLd, upon the Baghddd and Adrianople, that had been car- > termination of the ten-yeaidelay interposed riedto the West, and was now illuminating > between the first intimation of that Mission the fringes of five continents, to incarnate it- > and its Declaration, He had revealed the self in institutions designed to canalize its > Mystery enshrined in the BLb's embryonic outspreading energies and stimuIate its > Faith, and disclosed the fruit which it had . > growth. . . > yielded. In Adrianople Bah6'u'llLh's Mes- > sage, the promise of the BLbi as well as of The Administrative Order which this his- > all previous Dispensations, had been pro- toric Document has established, it should > claimed to mankind, and its challenge be noted, is, by virtue of its origin and char- > voiced to the rulers of the earth in both the acter, unique in the annals of the world's > East and the West. Behind the walls of the religious systems. No Prophet before Bah6'- > prison-fortress of 'Akkb the Bearer of God's u'llLh, it can be confidently asserted, not > newborn Revelation had ordained the laws even Muhammad Whose Book clearly lays > and formulated the principles that were to down the laws and ordinances of the Islamic > constitute the warp and woof of His World Dispensation, has established, authoritatively > Order. He had, moreover, prior to His as- and in writing, anything comparable to the > cension, instituted the Covenant that was to Administrative Order which the authorized > guide and assist in the laying of its founda- Interpreter of BahL'u'llLh's teachings has > tions and to safeguard the unity of its build- instituted, an Order which, by virtue of the > ers. Armed with that peerless and potent In- administrative principles which its Author > strument, 'Abdu'l-Bah6, His eldest Son and has formulated, the institutions He has es- > Center of His Covenant, had erected the tablished, and the right of interpretation > standard of His Father's Faith in the North with which He has invested its Guardian, > American continent, and established an im- must and will, in a manner unparalleled in > pregnable basis for its institutions in West- any previous religion, safeguard from > ern Europe, in the Far East and in Austra- schism the Faith from which it has sprung. > lia. He had, in His works, Tablets and ad- Nor is the principle governing its operation > dresses, elucidated its principles, interpreted similar to that which underlies any system, > its laws, amplified its doctrine, and erected whether theocratic or otherwise, which the > 1 From Woflil Order of Bnhb'dlldh, pp. 3-10. (This > minds of men have devised for the govern- > communication was dated February 27, 3929.) ment of human institutions. Neither in the- > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 3 27 > > ory nor in practice can the Administrative soring, failed utterly in its purpose. The > Order of the Faith of BahB'u'llBh be said agitation provoked by a deluded woman > to conform to any type of democratic gov- who strove diligently both in the United > ernment, to any system of autocracy, to any States and in England to demonstrate the > purely aristocratic order, or to any of the unautheilticity of the Charter responsible > various theocracies, whether Jewish, Chris- for its creation, and even to induce the civil > tian or Islamic which mankind has wit- authorities of Palestine to take legal action > nessed in the past. It incorporates within in the matter-a request which to her great > its structure certain elements which are to chagrin was curtly refused-as well as the > be found in each of the three recognized defection of one of the earliest pioneers and > forms of secular government, is devoid of founders of the Faith in Germanv. whom i' > > the defects which each of them inherently that same woman had so tragically misled, > possesses, and blends the salutary truths produced no effect whatsoever. The volumes > which each undoubtedly contains without which a shameless apostate composed and > vitiating in any way the integrity of the disseminated, during that same period in > Divine verities on which it is essentially Persia, in his brazen efforts not only to dis- > founded. The hereditary authority which rupt that Order but to undermine the very > the Guardian of the Administrative Order Faith which had conceived it, proved simi- > is called upon to exercise, and the right of larly abortive. The schemes devised by the > the interpretation of the Holy Writ solely remnants of the Covenant-breakers, who > conferred upon him; the powers and pre- immediately the aims and purposes of 'Ab- > rogatives of the Universal House of Justice, du'l-Bahi's Will became known arose, > possessing the exclusive right to legislate on headed by Mirzi Badi'u'llih, to wrest the > matters not explicitly revealed in the Most custodianship of the holiest shrine in the > Holy Book; the ordinance exempting its Bahgi world from its appointed Guardian, > members from any responsibility to those likewise came to naught and brought further > whom they represent, and from the obliga- discredit upon them. The subsequent attacks > tion to conform to their views, convictions launched by certain exponents of Christian > or sentiments; the specific provisions requir- orthodoxy, in both Christian and non-Chris- > ing the free and democratic election by the tian lands, with the object of subverting the > mass of the faithful of the Body that con- foundations, and distorting the features, of > stitutes the sole legislative organ in the this same Order were powerless to sap the > world-wide Bahi'i community-these are loyalty of its upholders or to deflect them > among the features which combine to set from their high purpose. Not even the in- > apart the Order identified with the Revela- famous and insidious machinations of a for- > tion of Bahi'u'llBh from any of the existing mer secretary of 'Abdu'l-Bah5, who, un- > systems of human government. taught by the retribution that befell Bahb'- > Nor have the enemies who, at the hour u'll6h's amanuensis, as well as by the fate > of the inception of this Administrative Or- that overtook several other secretaries and > der, and in the course of its twenty-three interpreters of His Master, in both the East > year existence, both in the East and-in the and the West, has arisen, and is still exerting > West, from within and from without, mis- himself, to pervert the purpose and nullify > represented its character, or derided and vil- the essential provisions of the immortal > ified it, or striven to arrest its march, or Document from which that Order derives > contrived to create a breach in the ranks of its authority, have been able to stay even > its supporters, succeeded in achieving their momentarily the march of its institutions > malevolent purpose. The strenuous exertions along the course set for it by its Author, or > of an ambitious Armenian, who, in the to create anything that might, however re- > course of the first years of its establish- motely, resemble a breach in the ranks of > ment in Egypt, endeavored to supplant it by its assured, its wide-awake and stalwart > the "Scientific Society" which in his short- supporters.' > sightedness he had conceived and was spon- 2 From God Passes By, pp. 323-324 and 326-328. > 328 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > THE STANDARD OFBAHA'f CHARACTER > Excerpts from THE ADVENT O F DIVINE JUSTICE* > > D E A R L y - B E L o v E D friends! Great as is idolatry and immorality, which had for so > my love and admiration for you, convinced long been the most distressing features of > as I am of the paramount share which you the tribes of Arabia and brought such shame > can, and will, undoubtedly have in both the upon them when Muhammad arose to pro- > continental and international spheres of claim His Message in their midst; the inde- > future BahL'i activity and service, I feel it scribable state of decadence, with its attend- > nevertheless incumbent upon me to utter, at ant corruption, confusion, intolerance, and > this juncture, a word of warning. The glow- oppression, in both the civil and religious > ing tributes, so repeatedly and deservedly life of Persia, so graphically portrayed by > paid to the capacity, the spirit, the conduct, the pen of a considerable number of schol- > and the high rank, of the American believ- ars, diplomats, and travelers, at the hour of > ers, both individually and as an organic com- the Revelation of Bah&'u'll6h-all demon- > munity, must, under no circumstances, be strate this basic and inescapable fact. To > confounded with the characteristics and na- contend that the innate worthiness, the high > ture of the people from which God has moral standard, the political aptitude, and > raised them up. A sharp distinction between social attainments of any race or nation is > that community and that people must be the reason for the appearance in its midst of > made, and resolutely and fearlessly upheld, any of these Divine Luminaries would be an > if we wish to give due recognition to the absolute perversion of historical facts, and > transmuting power of the Faith of Bahi'- would amount to a complete repudiation of > u'llhh, in its impact on the lives and stand- the undoubted interpretation placed upon > ards of those who have chosen to enlist un- them, so clearly and emphatically, by both > der His banner. Otherwise, the supreme and Bahi'u'llBh and 'Abdu'l-BahB. > distinguishing function of His Revelation, How great, then, must be the challenge > which is none other than the calling into to those who, belonging to such races and > being of a new race of men, will remain nations, and having responded to the call > wholly unrecognized and completely ob- which these Prophets have raised, to unre- > scured. servedly recognize and courageously testify > to this indubitable truth, that not by reason > of any racial superiority, political capacity, > or spiritual virtue which a race or nation > might possess, but rather as a direct conse- > How often have the Prophets of God, not quence of its crying needs, its lamentable > excepting BahL'u'llLh Himself, chosen to ap- degeneracy, and irremediable perversity, has > pear, and deliver their Message in countries the Prophet of God chosen to appear in its > and amidst peoples and races, at a time midst, and with it as a lever has lifted the > when they were either fast declining, or had entire human race to a higher and nobler > already touched the lowest depths of moral plane of life and conduct. For it is precisely > and spiritual degradation. The appalling under such circumstances, and by such > misery and wretchedness to which the Is- means that the Prophets have, from time > raelites had sunk, under the debasing and > immemorial, chosen and were able to dem- > tyrannical rule of the Pharaohs, in the days > onstrate their redemptive power to raise > preceding their exodus from Egypt under > the leadership of Moses; the decline that from the depths of abasement and of misery, > had set in in the religious, the spiritual, the the people b f their own race and nation, > cultural, and the moral life of the Jewish empowering them to transmit in turn to > people, at the time of the appearance of other races and nations the saving grace and > Jesus Christ; the barbarous cruelty, the gross the energizing influence of their Revelation. > * Pages 13-28, I n the light of this fundamental principle > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 329 > > it should always be borne in mind, nor can Faith, imagine for a moment that for some > it be sufficiently emphasized, that the pri- mysterious purpose or by any reason of in- > mary reason why the Bib and BahC'uYllih herent excellence or special merit Bah6'u'- > chose to appear in Persia, and to make it the llih has chosen to confer upon their country > first repository of their Revelation, was be- and people so great and lasting a distinction. > cause, of all the peoples and nations of the It is precisely by reason of the patent evils > civilized world, that race and nation had, which, notwithstanding its other admittedly > as so often depicted by 'Abdu'l-BahL, sunk great characteristics and achievements, an > to such ignominious depths, and manifested excessive and binding materialism has un- > so great a perversity, as to find no parallel fortunately engendered within it that the > among its contemporaries. For no more Author of their Faith and the Center of His > convincing proof could be adduced demon- Covenant have singled it out to become the > strating the regenerating spirit animating the standard-bearer of the New World Order > Revelations proclaimed by the Bib and envisaged in their writings. It is by such > BahP'u'llih than their power to transform means as this that BahL'u711ihcan best dem- > what can be truly regarded as one of the onstrate to a heedless generation His al- > most backward, the most cowardly, and mighty power to raise up from the very > perverse of peoples into a race of heroes, fit midst of a people, immersed in a sea of ma- > to effect in turn a similar revolution in the terialism, a prey to one of the most virulent > life of mankind. To have appeared among and long-standing forms of racial prejudice, > a race or nation which by its intrinsic worth and notorious for its political corruption, > and high attainments seemed to warrant the lawlessness and laxity in moral standards, > inestimable privilege of being made the re- men and women who, as time goes by, will > ceptacle of such a Revelation would in the increasingly exemplify those essential vir- > eyes of an unbelieving world greatly reduce tues of self-renunciation, of moral rectitude, > the efficacy of that Message, and detract of chastity, of indiscriminating fellowship, > from the self-sufficiency of its omnipotent of holy discipline, and of spiritual insight > power. The contrast so strikingly presented that will fit them for the preponderating > in the pages of Nabil's Narrative between share they will have in calling into being > the heroism that immortalized the life and that World Order and that World Civiliza- > deeds of the Dawn-Breakers and the de- tion of which their country, no less than the > generacy and cowardice of their defamers entire human race, stands ?n desperate need. > and persecutors is in itself a most impressive Theirs will be the duty and privilege, in > testimony to the truth of the Message of their capacity first as the establishers of one > Him Who had instilled such a spirit into the of the most powerful pillars sustaining the > breasts of His disciples. For any believer of edifice of the Universal House of Justice, > that race to maintain that the excellence of and then as the champion-builders of that > his country and the innate nobility of its New World Order of which that House is > people were the fundamental reasons for its to be the nucleus and forerunner, to incul- > being singled out as the primary receptacle cate, demonstrate, and apply those twin and > of the Revelations of the Bgb and BahP'uY- sorely-needed principles of Divine justice > lldh would be untenable in the face of the and order-principles to which the political > overwhelming evidence afforded so con- corruption and the moral license, increas- > vincingly by that Narrative. ingly staining the society to which they be- > To a lesser degree this principle must of long, offer so sad and striking a contrast. > necessity apply to the country which has Observations such as these, however dis- > vindicated its right to be regarded as the tasteful and depressing they may be, should > cradle of the World Order of BahP'ulll&h. not, in the least, blind us to those virtues > So great a function, so noble a role, can be and qualities of high intelligence, of youth- > regarded as no less inferior to the part fulness, of unbounded initiative, and enter- > played by those immortal souls who, prise which the nation as a whole so con- > through their sublime renunciation and un- spicuously displays, and which are being in- > paralleled deeds, have been responsible for creasingly reflected by the community of > the birth of the Faith itself. Let not, there- the believers within it. Upon these virtues > fore, those who are to participate so pre- and qualities, no less than upon the elimina- > dominantly in the birth of that world civili- tion of the evils referred to, must depend, to > zation, which is the direct offspring of their a very great extent, the ability of that com- > T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > munity to lay a firm foundation for the ioning the outward instruments, and of per- > country's future role in ushering in the fecting the administrative agencies, which > Golden Age of the Cause of BahL'u'llih. they can utilize for the prosecution of their > dual task under the Seven Year Plan; vital > How STAGGERING THE RESPONSIBILITY > and urgent as are the campaigns which they > are initiating, the schemes and projects > How great, therefore, how staggering the which they are devising, and the funds > responsibility that must weigh upon the which they are raising, for the efficient con- > present generation of the American believ- duct of both the Teaching 2nd Temple > ers, at this early stage in their spiritual and work, the imponderable, the spiritual, fac- > administrative evolution, to weed out, by tors, which are bound up with their own in- > every means in their power, those faults, dividual and inner lives, and with which are > habits, and tendencies which they have in- associated their human and social relation- > herited from their own nation, and to culti- ships, are no less urgent and vital, and de- > vate, patiently and prayerfully, those dis- mand constant scrutiny, continual self- > tinctive qualities and characteristics that are examination and heart-searching on their > so indispensable to their effective participa- part, lest their value be impaired or their > tion in the great redemptive work of their vital necessity be obscured or forgotten. > Faith. Incapable as yet, in view of the re- > stricted size of their community and the > limited influence it now wields, of produc- > ing any marked effect on the great mass of Of these spiritual prerequisites of success, > their countrymen, let them focus their at- which constitute the bedrock on which the > tention, for the present, on their own selves, security of all teaching plans, Temple proj- > their own individual needs, their own per- ects, and financial schemes, must ultimately > sonal deficiencies and weaknesses, ever rest, the following stand out as preeminent > mindful that every intensification of effort and vital, which the members of the Amer- > on their part will better equip them for the ican BahL'i community will do well to pon- > time when they will be called upon to eradi- der. Upon the extent to which these basic > cate in their turn such evil tendencies from requirements are met, and the manner in > the lives and the hearts of the entire body of which the American believers fulfill them in > their fellow-citizens. Nor must they over- their individual lives, administrative activi- > look the fact that the World Order, whose ties, and social relationships, must depend > basis they, as the advance-guard of the the measure of the manifold blessings which > future BahL'i generations of their country- the All-Bountiful Possessor can vouchsafe > men, are now laboring to establish, can to them all. These requirements are none > never be reared unless and until the general- other than a high sense of moral rectitude in > ity of the people to which they belong has their social and administrative activities, ab- > been already purged from the divers ills, solute chastity in their individual lives, and > whether social or political, that now so complete freedom from prejudice in their > severely afflict it. dealings with peoples of a different race, > Surveying as a whole the most pressing class, creed, or color. > needs of this community, attempting to esti- The first is specially, though not exclu- > mate the more serious deficiencies by which sively, directed to their elected representa- > it is being handicapped in the discharge of tives, whether local, regional, or national, > its task, and ever bearing in mind the nature who, in their capacity as the custodians and > of that still greater task with which it will be members of the nascent institutions of the > forced to wrestle in the future, I feel it my Faith of BahL'u'llih, are shouldering the > duty to lay special stress upon, and draw the chief responsibility in laying an unassailable > special and urgent attention of the entire foundation for that Universal House of Jus- > body of the American believers, be they tice which, as its title implies, is to be the > young or old, white or colored, teachers or exponent and guardian of that Divine Jus- > administrators, veterans or new-comers, to tice which can alone insure the security of, > what I firmly believe are the essential re- and establish the reign of law and order in, > quirements for the success of the tasks a strangely disordered world. The second is > which are now claiming their undivided at- mainly and directly concerned with the > tention. Great as is the importance of fash- Bah6'i youth, who can contribute so de- > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 33 1 > > cisively to the virility, the purity, and the cities of silver and gold, would not deign to > driving force of the life of the BahL'i com- look upon them, and whose heart would re- > munity, and upon whom must depend the main pure and undefiled from whatever > future orientation of its destiny, and the things can be seen in this world, be they its > complete unfoldment of the potentialities goods or its treasures. I swear by the Sun o f > with which God has endowed it. The third Truth! The breath of such a man is en- > should be the immediate, the universal, and dowed with potency, and his words with at- > the chief concern of all and sundry mem- traction." "By Him Who shineth above the > bers of the BahL'i community, of whatever Day-Spring of sanctity!" He, still more em- > age, rank, experience, class, or color, as all, phatically, has revealed, "If the whole earth > with n o exception, must face its challenging were to be converted into silver and gold, > implications, and none can claim, however no man who can be said to have truly as- > much he may have progressed along this cended into the heaven of faith and certi- > line, to have completely discharged the stern tude would deign to regard it, mtlch less to > responsibilities which it inculcates. seize and keep it. . . . They who dwell > A rectitude of conduct, an abiding sense within the Tabernacle o f God, and are estab- > of undeviating justice, unobscured by the lished upon the seats of everlasting glory, > demoralizing influences which a corruption- will refuse, though they be dying of hunger, > ridden political life so strikingly manifests; to stretch th.eir hands, and seize unlawfully > a chaste, pure, and holy life, unsullied and the property o f their neighbor, however vile > unclouded by the indecencies, the vices, the and worthless he may be. The purpose o f > false standards, which an inherently defi- the one true God in manifesting Himself is > cient moral code tolerates, perpetuates, and to summon all mankind to truthfulness and > fosters; a fraternity freed from that cancer- sincerity, to piety and trustworthiness, to > ous growth of racial prejudice, which is eat- resignatiosn and submissiveness to the will o f > ing into the vitals of an already debilitated God, to forbearance and kindliness, t o up- > society-these are the ideals which the rightness and wisdom. His object is to array > American believers must, from now on, in- every man with the mantle of a saintly char- > dividually and through concerted action, acter, and to adorn him with the ornament > strive to promote, in both their private and of holy and goodly deeds." > public lives, ideals which are the chief pro- "We have admonished all the loved ones > pelling forces that can most effectively ac- of God," He insists, "to take heed lest the > celerate the march of their institutions, hem of Our sacred vesture be smirched with > plans, and enterprises, that can guard the the mire of unlawful deeds, or be stained > honor and integrity of their Faith, and sub- with the dust of reprehensible conduct." > due any obstacles that may confront it in "Cleave unto righteousness, 0 people o f > the future. Bahci," H e thus exhorts them, "This, verily, > This rectitude of conduct, with its impli- is the comnzandment which this wronged > cations of justice, equity, truthfulness, hon- One hatlz given unto you, and the first > esty, fair-mindedness, reliability, and trust- choice o f His unrestrained will fo'r every > worthiness, must distinguish every phase of one of you." ' 2 good character," He ex- > the life of the BahB'i community. "The plains, "is, verily, the best mantle for men > companions of God," BahB'u'llBh Himself from God. With it He adorneth the temples > has declared, "are, in this day, the lump that of His loved ones. By My life! The light o f > must leaven the peoples of the world. They a good character surpasseth the light of the > must show forth suclz trustworthiness, suclz sun and the radiance thereof." "One right- > truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds eous act," He, again, has written, "is en- > and character that all mankind may profit dowed with a potency that can so elevate > by their example." "I swear by Him W h o is the dust as to cause it to pass beyond the > the Most Great Ocean!" He again affirms, heaven of heavens. It can tear every bond > "Within the very breath of such souls as are asunder, and hath the power to restore the > pure and sanctified far-reaching potential- force that halh spent itself and vanished. > ities are hidden. So great are these potential- . . . Be pure, 0 people of God, be pure; > ities tlial. they exercise their influence upon be righteous, be righteous. . . . Say: 0 > all created things." "He is the true servant people of God! That which can insure the > of God," He, in another passage has written, victory o f Him W h o is the Eternal Truth, > "who, in this day, were he to pass through His hosts and helpers on earth, hath been > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH > > set down in the sacred Books and Scrip- can distinguish yourselves from others. > tures, and are as clear and manifest as the Through them the brightness of your light > sun. These hosts are such righteous deeds, can be shed upon the whole earth. Happy is > such conduct and character, as are accept- the man that heedeth M y counsel, and keep- > able in His sight. Whoso ariseth, in this Day, eth the precepts prescribed by Him W h o is > to aid Our Cause, and sum~nonethto his the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." > assistance the hosts of a praiseworthy char- "0 army of God!" writes 'Abdu'l-Bahh, > acter and upright conduct, the influence "Through the protection and help vouch- > from such an action will, most certainly, be safed by the Blessed Beauty--may my life > diffused throughout the whole world." "The be a sacrifice to His loved ones-ye must > betterr~zent of the world," is yet another conduct yourselves in such a manner that > statement, "can be accomplished through ye may stand out distinguished and brilliant > pure and goodly deeds, through commend- as the sun among other souls. Should any > able and seemly conduct." "Be fair to your- one of you enter a city, he should become a > selves and to others," H e thus counseleth center of attraction by reason o f his sincer- > them, "that the evidences of justice may be ity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty > revealed through your deeds among Our and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving- > faithful servants." kindness towards all the peoples of the > "Equity," He also has written, "is the world, so that the people of that city may > most fundamental among human virtues. cry out and say: 'This man is unquestionably > The evaluation of all things must needs de- a BahBi, for his manners, his behavior, his > pend upon it." And again, "Observe equity conduct, his morals, his nature, and disposi- > in your judgment, ye men of understanding tion reflect the attributes of the BahBis.' > heart! He that is unjust in his judgment is Not until ye attain this station can ye be > destitute o f the characteristics that distin- said to have been faithful to the Covenant > guish man's station." "Beautify your and Testament o f God." "The most vital > tongues, 0 people," He further admonishes duty, in this day," He, moreover, has writ- > them, "with truthfulness, and adorn your ten, "is to purify your characters, to correct > souls with the ornament o f honesty. Be- your manners, hnd improve your conduct. > ware, 0 people, that ye deal not treacher- The beloved of the Merciful must show > ously with any one. Be ye the trustees of forth such character and conduct among > God amongst His creatures, and the em- His creatures, that the fragrance of their > blems o f His generosity amidst His people." holiness may be shed upon the whole world, > "Let your eye be chaste," is yet another and may quicken the dead, inasmuch as the > counsel, "your hand faithful, your tongue purpose of the Manifestation of God and > truthful, and your heart enlightened." "Be the dawning of the limitless lights of the In- > an ornament to the counlenance of truth," visible is to educate the souls o f men, and > is yet another admonition, "a crown to the refine the character of every living man. > brow o f fidelity, a pillar of the temple o f . . ." "Truthfulness," He asserts, "is the > righteousness, a breath o f life to the body foundation o f all human virtues. Without > o f mankind, an ensi'qn of the hosts of jus- truthfulness progress and success, in all the > tice, a luminary above the horizon of vir- worlds o f God, are impossible for any soul. > tue." "Let truthfulness and courtesy be your When this holy attribute is established in > adorning," is still another admonition, "suf- man, all the divine qualities will also be ac- > fer not yourselves to be deprived of the robe quired." > o f forbearance and justice, that the sweet Such a rectitude of conduct must mani- > savors o f holiness may be wafted from your fest itself, with ever-increasing potency, in > hearts upon all created things. Say: Beware, every verdict which the elected representa- > 0 people o f Bahii, lest ye walk in the ways tives of the BahL'i community, in whatever > of them whose words differ from their capacity they may find themselves, may be > deeds. Strive that ye may be enabled to called upon to pronounce. It must be con- > manifest to the peoples o f the earth the stantly reflected in the business dealings of > signs of God, and to mirror forth His com- all its members, in their domestic lives, in > ma~zdments.Let your acts be a guide unto all manner of employment, and in any serv- > all mankind, for the professions of most ice they may, in the future, render their > men, be they high or low, differ from their government or people. It must be exempli- > conduct. It is through your deeds that ye fied in the conduct of all BahL'i electors, > 334 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > when exercising their sacred rights and "Say," He again asserts, "He hath appeared > functions. It must characterize the attitude with that Justice wherewith mankind hath > of every loyal believer towards non-accept- been adorned, and yet the people are, for the > ance of political posts, non-identification most part, asleep." "The light of men is Jus- > with political parties, non-participation in tice," He moreover states, "Quench it not > political controversies, and non-membership with the contrary winds of oppression and > in political organizations and ecclesiastical tyranny. The purpose o f justice is the ap- > institutions. It must reveal itself in the un- pearance of unity among men." " N o radi- > compromising adherence of all, whether ance," He declares, "can-compare with that > young or old, to the clearly enunciated and o f justice. The organization of the world and > fundamental principles laid down by 'Ab- the tranquillity o f mankind depend upon it." > du'l-Bahi in His addresses, and to the laws "0 people of God!" He exclaims, "That > and ordinances revealed by BahL'u'llih in which traineth the world is Justice, for it is > His Most Holy Book. It must be demon- upheld by two pillars, reward and punish- > strated in the impartiality of every defender ment. These two pillars are the sources o f > of the Faith against its enemies, in his fair- life to the world." "Justice and equity," is > mindedness in recognizing any merits that yet another assertion, "are two guardians for > enemy may possess, and in his honesty in the protection of man. They have appeared > discharging any obligations he may have to- arrayed in their mighty and sacred names > wards him. It must constitute the brightest to maintain the world iiz uprightness and > ornament of the life, the pursuits, the exer- protect the nations." "Bestir yourselves, 0 > tions, and the utterances of every Bahi'i people," is His emphatic warning, "in an- > teacher, whether laboring at home or ticipation of the days of Divine jzistice, for > abroad, whether in the front ranks of the the promised hour is now come. Beware lest > teaching force, or occupying a less active ye fail to apprehend its import, and be ac- > and responsible position. It must be made counted among the erring." > the hall-mark of that numerically small, yet "The day is approaching," He similarly > intensely dynamic and highly responsible has written, "when the faithful will behold > body of the elected national representatives the day-star of justice shining in its full > of every Bahi'i community, which consti- splendor from the day-spring of glory." > tutes the sustaining pillar, and the sole in- "The shame I was made to bear," He sig- > strument for the election, in every commu- nificantly remarks, "hath uncovered the > nity, of that Universal House whose very glory with which the whole of creation had > name and title, as ordained by Bahi'u'llih, been invested, and through the cruelties I > symbolizes that rectitude of conduct which have endured, the day-star of justice hath > is its highest mission to safeguard and en- manifested itself, and shed its splendor > force. upon men." "The wwld," He again has writ- > So great and transcendental is this prin- ten, "is in great turmoil, and the minds o f > ciple of Divine justice, a principle that must its people are in a state of utter confusion. > be regarded as the crowning distinction of W e entreat the Almighty that He may gra- > all Local and National Assemblies, in their ciously illuminate them with the glory o f > capacity as forerunners of the Universal His Justice, and enable them t o discover > House of Justice, that BahL'u'llih Himself that which will be profitable unto them at all > subordinates His personal inclination and times and under all conditions." And again, > wish to the all-compelling force of its de- "There can be no doubt whatever that if the > mands and implications. "God is M y wit- day-star o f justice, which the clouds of > ness!" He thus explains, "were it not con- tyranny have obscured, were to shed its > trary to the Law o f God, I would have light upon men, the face of the earth would > kissed the hand o f M y would-be murderer, be completely transformed." > and would cause him to inherit My earthly "God be praised!" 'Abdu'l-Bahi, in His > goods. I am restrained, however, by the turn, exclaims, "The szln of justice hath > binding Law laid down in the Book, and risen above the horizon o f Bahri'u'lliih. For > am Myself bereft o f all worldly posses- in His Tablets the foz~ndationsof such a jus- > sions." "Know thou, of a truth," He sig- tice have been laid as no mind hath, from > nificantly affirms, "these great oppressions the beginning of creation, conceived." "The > that have befallen the world are preparing canopy o f existence," He further explains, > it for the advent o f the Most Great Justice." "resteth upon the pole o f justice, and not o f > T H E W O R L D O R D ER O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 335 > > forgiveness, and the life of mankind de- tions of those whose enviable position is to > pendeth on justice and not on forgiveness." propagate the Message, and to administer > Small wonder, therefore, that the Author the affairs, of the Faith of Bahb'u'lliih. It > of the Bahi'i Revelation should have chosen must be upheld, in all its integrity and im- > to associate the name and title of that plications, in every phase of the life of those > House, which is to be the crowning glory of who fill the ranks of that Faith, whether in > His administrative institutions, not with for- their homes, their travels, their clubs, their > giveness but with justice, to have made jus- societies, their entertainments, their schools, > tice the only basis and the permanent foun- and their univewties. It must be accorded > dation of His Most Great Peace, and to special consideration in the conduct of the > have proclaimed it in His Hidden Words as social activities of every Bahi'i summer > "the best beloved of all things" in His sight. school and any other occasions on which > It is to the American believers, particularly, Bahi'i community life is organized and fos- > that I feel urged to direct this fervent plea tered. It must be closely and continually > to ponder in their hearts the implications of identified with the mission of the BahL'i > this moral rectitude, and to uphold, with Youth, both as an element in the life of the > heart and soul and uncompromisingly, both BahVi community, and as a factor in the > individually and collectively, this sublime future progress and orientation of the youth > standard-a standard of which justice is so of their own country. > essential and potent an element. Such a chaste and holy life, with its im- > As to a chaste and holy life it should be plications of modesty, purity, temperance, > regarded as no less essential a factor that decency, and clean-mindedness, involves no > must contribute its proper share to the less than the exercise of moderation in all > strengthening and vitalization of the Bahi'i that pertains to dress, language, amuse- > community, upon which must in turn de- ments, and all artistic and literary avoca- > pend the success of any BahL'i plan or en- tions. It demands daily vigilance in the con- > terprise. In these days when the forces of ir- trol of one's carnal desires and corrupt in- > religion are weakening the moral fibre, and clinations. It calls for the abandonment of a > undermining the foundations of individual frivolous conduct, with its excessive attach- > morality, the obligation of chastity and holi- ment to trivial and often misdirected pleas- > ness must claim an increasing share of the ures. It requires total abstinence from all al- > attention of the American believers, both in coholic drikks, from opium, and from simi- > their individual capacities and as the re- lar habit-forming drugs. It condemns the > sponsible custodians of the interests of the prostitution of art and of literature, the > Faith of Bahi'u'llgh. In the discharge of practices of nudism and of companionate > such an obligation, to which the special cir- marriage, infidelity in marital relationships, > cumstances resulting from an excessive and and all manner of promiscuity, of easy fa- > enervating materialism now prevailing in miliarity, and of sexual vices. It can tolerate > their country lend particular significance, no compromise with the theories, the stand- > they must play a conspicuous and predomi- ards, the habits, and the excesses of a deca- > nant role. All of them, be they men or dent age. Nay rather it seeks to demon- > women, must, at this threatening hour when strate, through the dynamic force of its ex- > the lights of religion are fading out, and its ample, the pernicious character of such the- > restraints are one by one being abolished, ories, the falsity of such standards, the > pause to examine themselves, scrutinize hollowness of such claims, the perversity of > their conduct, and with characteristic reso- such habits, and the sacrilegious character > lution arise to purge the life of their com- of such excesses. > munity of every trace of moral laxity that "By the righteous~zess of God!" writes > might stain the name, or impair the integ- Bahi'u'll&, "The world, its vanities and its > rity, of so holy and precious a Faith. glory, and whatever delights it can offer, are > A chaste and holy life must be made the all, in the sight o f God, as worthless as, nay > controlling principle in the behavior and even more- contemptible than, dust and > conduct of all Bahi'is, both in their social ashes. Would that the hearts of men could > relations with the members of their own comprehend it. Wash yourselves thor- > community, and in their contact with the oughly, 0 people of Baha', from the defile- > world at large. It must adorn and reinforce ment of the world, and of all that pertaineth > the ceaseless labors and meritorious exer- unto it. God Himself beareth Me witness! > 336 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > The things of the earth ill beseem you. Cast nor pause. Such a man is assuredly of Me. > them away unto such as may desire them, From his garment the Concourse on high > and fasten your eyes upon this most holy can inhale the fragrance o f sanctity. . . . > and effulgent Vision." "0 ye M y loved And if he met the fairest and most comely > ones!" He thus exhorts His followers, "Suf- of women, he would not feel his heart se- > fer not the hem of M y sacred vesture to be duced by the least shadow of desire for her > smirched and mired with the things o f this beauty. Such an one indeed is the creation o f > world, and follow not the promptings o f spotless chastity. Thus instructeth you the > your evil and corrupt desires." And again, Pen of the Ancient o f Days, as bidden by > "0 ye the beloved of the one true God! Pass your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful." > beyond the narrow retreats o f your evil and "They that follow their lusts and corrupt in- > coirupt desires, and advance into the vast clinations," is yet another warning, "have > immensity of the realm of God, and abide erred and dissipated their efforts. They in- > ye in the meads of sanctity and of detach- deed are o f the lost." "It behooveth the peo- > ment, that the fragrance of your deeds may ple of Bahd," He also has written, "to die to > lead the whole o f mankind to the ocean o f the world and all that is therein, to be so > God's unfading glory." "Diserzcumber your- detached from all earthly things that the in- > selves," He thus commands them, "of all mates o f Paradise may inhale from their gar- > attachment to this world and the vanities ment the sweet smelling savor of sanctity. > thereof. Beware that ye approach them not, . . . They that have tarnished the fair name > inasmuch as they prompt you to walk after o f the Cause of God by following the things > your own lusts and covetous desires, and o f the flesh-these are in palpable error!" > hinder you from entering the straight and "Purity and chastity," He particularly ad- > glorious Path." "Eschew all manner o f monishes, "have been, and still are, the most > wickedness," is His commandment, "for great ornaments for the handmaidens o f > such things are forbidden unto you in the God. God is M y Witness! The brightness o f > Book which none touch except such as God the light o f chastity sheddeth its illumination > hath cleansed from every taint o f guilt, and upon the worlds of the spirit, and its fra- > numbered among the purified." " A race of grance is wafted even unto the Most Exalted > men," is His written promise, "incomparable Paradise." "God," He again affirms, "hath > in character, shall be raised up which, with verily made chastity to be a crown for the > the feet o f detachment, will tread under all heads of His handmaidens. Great is the > who are in heaven and on earth, and will blessedness of that handmaiden that hath at- > cast the sleeve o f holiness over all that hath tained unto this great station." "We, verily, > been created from water and clay." "The have decreed in Our Book," is His assur- > civilization," is His grave warning, '$0 often ance, "a goodly and bornntiful reward to > vaunted by the learned exponents of arts whosoever will turn away from wickedness, > and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the and lead a chaste and godly life. He, in > bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon truth, is the Great Giver, the All-Bountif~~l." > . > men. . . If carried to excess, civilization "We have sustained the weight of all calami- > will prove as prolific a source of evil as it ties," He testifies, "to sanctify you from all > had been of goodness when kept within the earthly corruption and ye are yet indifferent. > restraints o f moderation." . . . W e , verily, behold your actions. I f W e > "He hath chosen out of the whole world perceive from them the sweet smelling savor > the hearts of His servants," He explains, of purity and holiness, W e will most cer- > "and made them each a seat for the revela- tainly bless you. Then will the torzgues of the > tion of His glory. Wherefore, sanctify them inmates o f Paradise utter your praise and > from every defilement, that the things for magnify your names amidst them who have > which they were created may be engraven drawn nigh unto God." > upon them. This indeed is a token of God's "The drinking of wine," writes 'Abdu'l- > bountiful favor." "Say," He proclaims, "He Bahii, "is, according to the text of the Most > is not to be numbered with the people o f Holy Book, forbidden; for it is the cause o f > Bahd who followeth his mundane desires, or chronic diseases, weakeneth the nerves, and > fixeth his heart on things of the earth. He is consumeth the mind." "Drink ye, 0 hand- > my true follower who, if he come to a valley maidens of God," Bahb'u'lliih Himself has > of pure gold will pass straight through it affirmed, "the Mystic Wine from the cup o f > aloof as a cloud, and will neither turn back, My words. Cast @way, then, from you that > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 337 > > which your minds abhor, for it hath been no circumstances, to deny any one the le- > forbidden unto you in His Tablets and His gitimate right and privilege to derive the > Scriptures. Beware lest ye barter away the fullest advantage and benefit from the mani- > River that is life indeed for that which the fold joys, beauties, and pleasures with which > souls of the pure-hearted detest. Become ye the world has been so plentifully enriched > intoxicated with the wine o f the love o f God, by an All-Loving Creator. "Should a man," > and not with that which deadeneth your BahL'u'llLh Himself reassures us, "wish to > minds, 0 ye that adore Him! Verily, it hath adorn himself with the ornaments of the > been forbidden unto every believer, whether earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the > man or woman. Thus hath the sun o f My benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall > him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to in- > commandment shone forth above the hori- > tervene between him and God, for God hath > zon of M y utterance, that the handmaidens ordained every good thing, whether created > who believe in Me may be illumined." in the heavens or in the earth, for such of > It must be remembered, however, that the His servants as truly believe in Him. Eat ye, > maintenance of such a high standard of 0 people, o f the good things which God > moral conduct is not to be associated or con- hath allowed you, and deprive not your- > fused with any form of asceticism, or of ex- selves from His wondrous bounties. Render > cessive and bigoted puritanism. The stand- thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them > ard inculcated by Bahii'u'llih, seelts, under that are truly thankful." > > IMPORTANT MESSAGES FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI > 1950-1954 > > TO THE NATIONAL BA~li'fCONVENTION, doubly glorious, through association this his- > U.S.A., 1950 toric victory, representing (an) increase > (of) no less (than) twenty-two countries > (in the) brief span (of) six years, since > H A I L (the) valiant acts (during the) (the) Centennial (of the) Declaration (of) > course (of the) last twelve month; (of) His Mission. > members (of) firmly knit world embracing Number (of) centers (in) Australasia > divinely propelled Bahi'i Community, sin- now exceeds sixty; Canadian Community > gly, collectively, both sexes, all ages laboring nearing ninety centers already established; > (in) near (and) distant fields, (in) Eastern Alaskan territory eleven centers; European > (and) Western hemispheres, gathered goal countries thirty-five, number (of) > (from) diverse classes, creeds (and) colors; newly declared believers almost doubled > as administrators, in (the) respective home (during) course (of) past year. > lands or (as) settlers (or) itinerant teachers BahL'i literature enriched (by) translation > overseas; whether serving (in) private ca- (into) Welsh, Eskimo, Swahili, Hausa, > pacity or (in) official association (with) au- Chinyanja, raising (the) total number (of) > thorities. languages (to) sixty-three. > Second half (of) opening decade (of) Languages (in) process (of) translation, > second Bah2i century befittingly ushered in. eleven. > Recent exploits (in) virgin territories (of) Official recognition, constituting (a) > Western hemisphere, Arabian Peninsula, unique victory (in the) annals (of the) > South and East Asia raised (to) one hun- Faith (in the) East, (and) West, extending > dred (the) number (of) sovereign states (to) newly formed National Spiritual As- > (and) dependencies, enrolled (under the) sembly (of the) Dominion (of) Canada, > banner (of the) Faith. through granting act (of) Parliament, ena- > Forthcoming celebrations, commemorat- bling (the) National elected representatives > ing (the) Hundredth Anniversary (of the) (to) incorporate (as) religious organization. > Martyrdom (of the) Herald (of the) Faith, Additional contract placed (for the) con- > 338 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Canadian National Bahb'i Convention, > > struction (of the) parapet, crowning (the) quintupled number (of) Assemblies (in the) > Arcade (of the) Bib's Mausoleum (on) Mt. British Isles laid basis administrative struc- > Carmel, raising (the) total tonnage ordered ture (of the) Faith (in the) capital (of) > (to) almost eight hundred. Eire (and in the) chief cities (of) North > (The) erection (of the) ornamental col- Ireland (and) Scotland. > umns (of the) Temple interior commenced; Plan initiated Persian BahL'i Community > ventilation (and) heating systems installed; consummated 31 Assemblies, 17 Groups, 11 > number (of) visitors since (the) opening Isolated Centers formed beyond prescribed > (of the) edifice (to the) public, over four objectives. > hundred thousand. Recognition, long last, accorded (by) > Six year plan (of the) British Bahi'i 'Iriqi authorities (to) all marriages solem- > Community triumphantly concluded; almost nized (by) Bahi'i Assemblies (in) 'IrLq > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 339 > > Toronto, Ontario, Canada, April 29-30, 1953. > > through official registration (of the) mar- Eight islands (of) Hawaii granted author- > riage certificate by court, first instance set- ity (to) recognize BahA'i marriages. > ting (a) momentous precedent throughout Bah$i marriage contract legalized (by) > (the) Muslim East, constituting (a) signifi- attorney general throughout (the) territory > cant landmark (in the) process (of the) > emancipation (of the) Oriental followers BahB'i Holy Days recognized (by) Edu- > cational Department (of the) State (of) > (of the) Faith (from the) fetters (of) re- Victoria, Australia. > ligious orthodoxy. Second European Teaching Conference > Certificate authorizing (the) celebratio11 convened (in the) capital city (of) Belgitrm, > (of) Bahgi marriages issued (by the) Dis- > trict of Columbia court. > attended (by) hundred (and) > . - > . thirty repre- > sentatives '(irbm) nineteen countries. > 340 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > (The) historic first all-swiss BahL'i Con- tent pioneers, (the) emergency existing (in) > ference (the) latest, most promising fruit Central (and) South America, thereby en- > (of the) transatlantic enterprise initiated suring (the) glorious consummation (of > (by the) American Bahti'i Community, held the) thirteen-year-old enterprise through > (in the) Swiss capital, presaging (the) ac- (the) formation (of the) projected twin Na- > quisition by (the) goal countries (of an) in- tional Assemblies (in) Latin America. > dependent status within (the) family (of) -SHOGHI > BahL'i national communities. April 25, 1950. > (The) process (of) extension (of) BahL'i > endowments accelerated through (the) do- > nation (of) twenty acre property (near) > Anchorage, Alaska; purchase (of) twenty- Dearly beloved co-workers: > two acres (in) neighborhood (of) Auck- The first half of the two-year austerity > land, site (of) projected New Zealand sum- period, inaugurated at so anxious an hour in > mer school; grant (of) burial ground by the fortunes of the second Seven Year Plan, > Egyptian authorities (to) Port Said BahL'i has been successfully traversed, and deserves > Community. to be regarded as a memorable episode in > Ties binding (the) BahS'i International the history of the Faith and the unfoldment > Community (to the) United Nations rein- of the Plan in the North American conti- > forced through participation (in) European nent. An effort, prodigious, nation-wide, sus- > Regional Conference (of) nongovernmental tained, and reminiscent in its heroism and > organizations (in) Geneva; (and in) Latin consecration, of the immortal exploits of the > American Conferences (in) Chile, Uruguay; Dawn-breakers of the Apostolic Age of the > (and in) similar conferences (in) Kansas BahB'i Dispensation, has been exerted by > (and) Lake Success; (through) submission their spiritual descendents, in circumstances > (in) response (to the) request (of the) which, though totally different in character, > UNO Committee (of) statement (on the) are yet no less challenging and for a cause > BahL'i concept (and) method (of) com- as meritorious-an efTort that has indeed > munity worship, subsequently transmitted outshone the high endeavors that have dis- > (to the) Secretariat responsible (for the) tinguished for so long the record of service > planning (of) permanent headquarters (in associated with the American BahL'i Com- > the) United Nations. munity. All of its members who have par- > Last (but) not least, nay (the) crowning ticipated in this collective undertaking > achievement (of the) year just concluded should be heartily congratulated, particu- > (are the) stupendous exertions (of the) van- larly those who, by their acts of self-abnega- > guard (of the) resistlessly advancing BahL'i tion, have emulated the example of the > World Community resulting (in the) raising heroes of our Faith at the early dawn of its > (of) half (a) million dollars, virtually at- history. The entire BahL'i world is stirred > taining (the) objective set (for the) two- when contemplating the range of such an > year drive (to) ensure (the) completion (of effort, the depth of consecration reached by > the) interior ornamentation (of the) Mother those who have participated in it, the results > Temple (of the) West (in) anticipation (of) it has achieved, the noble purpose it has > its approaching jubilee. served. My heart overflows with gratitude > First stage (of) austerity period resolutely for the repeated evidences of worthiness > embarked upon, successfully traversed. demonstrated by this generous-hearted, val- > Resolution no less grim, self-abnegation iant and dedicated Community which has, > no less heroic, solidarity in sacrifice no less no matter how onerous the task, how chal- > striking, must needs distinguish (the) final lenging the issue, how distracting the ex- > phase (of the) stern struggle, still facing ternal circumstances with which it has been > (the) dauntless highminded spartan-souled surrounded, never shirked its duty or hesi- > American BahL'i Community, designed (to) tated for a moment. > liquidate (the) deficit (in the) General The high water mark of so gigantic an > Fund, marring (the) otherwise spotless rec- exertion, however, still remains to be > ord (of) colIective achievement, as well as reached. The year now entered, ushered in > (to) provide financial support imperatively and consecrated by the Centenary of the > required (to) meet, through prompt des- tragic execution of the Martyr Prophet of > patch (of) substantial number (of) compe- our Faith, and packed with poignant memo- > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 341 > > ries of the persecutions of Zanjgn which sponsibilities numerous and varied, as well > stained its history a hundred years ago and as urgent and sacred, are crowding, in quick > carried its fortunes to almost its lowest ebb, succession, upon a community youthful and > and were a prelude to the most ghastly holo- valorous in spirit, rich in experience, trium- > caust ever experienced by its followers, must phant in the past, sensible of its future obli- > witness as it rolls forward to its close, a still gations, keenly aware of the sublimity of its > more striking demonstration of the tenacity world mission, inflexibly resolved to follow > of the members of this Community, a still with unfaltering steps the road of its destiny. > nobler display of acts of self-sacrifice, a still The world situation is perilous and gloomy. > more inspiring manifestation of solidarity, Rumblings from far and near bode evil for > and evidences of a grimmer determination, the immediate fortunes of a sadly distracted > of a greater courage and perseverance in re- society. The Second Seven Year Plan is now > sponse to the triple call of this present hour. approaching its conclusion. The Centenary > The vital needs of the most holy House of of the Martyrdom of the Bib with all its > Worship reared in the service, and for the poignant memories is upon us. We are enter- > glory of the Most Great Name, though vir- ing a period crowded with the centenaries of > tually met, still require the last exertions to the direst calamities-massacres, sieges, cap- > ensure its completion as the hour of its jubi- tivities, spoliations and tortures involving > lee approaches. The Latin-American enter- thousands of heroes-men, women and chil- > prise, initiated thirteen years ago, and mark- dren-the world's greatest Faith has ever ex- > ing the initial collective undertaking perienced. Another Centenary commemo- > launched by the American Bah2i Commun- rating an event as tragic and infinitely more > ity beyond the confines of the Great Repub- glorious is fast approaching. Time is short. > lic of the West, and under the mandate of Opportunities, though multiplying with > 'Abdu'l-BahB's Divine Plan, still in a state of every passing hour, will not. recur, some for > emergency and rapidly advancing towards another century, others never again. How- > its initial fruition, demands unrelaxing vigi- ever severe the challenge, however multiple > lance, and calls for still more strenuous exer- the tasks, however short the time, however > tions and self-sacrifice on the part of those somber the world outlook, however limited > who have so enthusiastically embarked upon the material resources of a hard-pressed > it, who have so conscientiously and pains- adolescent community, the untapped sources > takingly shepherded it along its destined of celestial strength from which it can draw > course and throughout the early stages of its are measureless, in their potencies, and will > unfoldment, and who are now, as a result of unhesitatingly pour forth their energizing in- > their ceaseless exertions, witnessing the first fluences if the necessary daily effort be made > efflorescence of their mammoth pioneer la- and the required sacrifices be willingly ac- > bors. The construction of the Superstructure cepted. > of the Holy Sepulcher of the Blessed BBb, Nor should it be forgotten that in the > now, at this anxious and urgent hour, super- hour of adversity and in the very midst of > imposed on the manifold responsibilities confusion, peril- and uncertainty, some of > shouldered by members of the American the most superb exploits, noising abroad the > BahL'i Community, affording them the first fame of this Community have been > historic opportunity of directly sustaining, achieved. The construction of the super- > through their contributions, the most sacred structure of the Ma&riqu'l-Ad_hk&r during > enterprise ever undertaken in the history of one of the severest depressions experienced > the Faith, the first and most holy edifice by the people of the U~litedStates in this > reared at its World Center, and the initial in- century; the inauguration of the first Seven > ternational institution heralding the estab- Year Plan on the eve of and during the > lishment of the supreme legislative body at anxious years preceding the second world > the World Administrative Center, requires conflagration; its vigorous prosecution dur- > the immediate and sustained attention of the ing its darkest days and its triumph before > members of a community whose destiny has its conclusion; the launching of the Euro- > been linked, ever since its inception, with pean campaign on the morrow of the most > the various stages marking the rise and con- devasting conflict that rocked the continent > solidation of this divinely appointed, un- of Europe to its foundation-these stand > speakably holy Enterprise. out as shining evidences of the unfailing pro- > The hour is critical, laden with fate. Re- tection, guidance and sustaining power > T H E W O R L D O R D ER O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 343 > > vouchsafed its members, so readily and so Naw-Rhz second Bahi'i century, desire > abundantly, in the hour of their greatest share following triple announcement Bahi'i > need and danger. world through National Assemblies East > To consolidate the victories won, and re- (and) West. First: Safe arrival (in) Holy > inforce the foundations of the unnumbered Land (in the) course (of the) last six > institutions so diligently established, in the months successive consignments (of) stones > North American continent; to rear the twin (for the) remaining fagades (of the) Octa- > pillars of the Universal House of Justice in gon (and) Pinnacles, eighteen window > Latin America, with their concomitant ad- frames belonging (to the) Drum, one hun- > ministrative agencies functioning in no less dred tons (of) cement, thirty-five tons (of) > than twenty Republics of Central and South timber, fifteen tons (of) steel, eight wrought > America; to maintain in their present iron balustrades, stones (for the) lower sec- > strength the strongholds of the Faith in the tion (of the) Drum as well as (the) comple- > ten goal countries of Europe; to complete tion (of) construction (of the) Octagon > the interior ornamentation of the first (and the) erection (of) fifteen feet Pinna- > Ma&riqu'l-ALhkBr of the West, and its cles constituting, with (the) ornamental bal- > Mother Temple, in preparation of its jubi- ustrades (the) central adornment (of the) > lee; to assist in the erection of the super- Holy Edifice. (The) leaded glass required > structure of a still holier edifice, envisaged (for) twenty-four windows (of the) Octa- > by its Founder and established by the Center gon (and) eighteen lancet windows (of the) > of His Covenant on God's holy mountain, at Drum, ordered. Investigations initiated (for > the very heart and center of our beloved the) fabrication (of) gilded tiles, (the) final > Faith, would indeed constitute, by virtue of material necessary (for the) construction > their scope, origin and character, embracing (of the) Sepulcher. > three continents and including within their Recall (with) feelings (of) humble > range the world center of the Faith itself, a thankfulness (and) intense joy (the) series > worthy, befitting fivefold offering placed on (of) historic landmarks (in the) progress > the Altar of the Faith of BahB'u'llBh, on the (of the) sacred enterprise, associated, first, > occasion of the centenary of the birth of His (with the) formal entombment, Naw-Rhz > Mission by a community which, more than 1909, sixty lunar years after (the) BBb's > any sister community, in East or West, has martyrdom, (of) His dust (in the) vault (of > contributed, since the inception of the the) Shrine; second, (the) laying, forty > Formative Age of His Faith to the enlarge- years later, Naw-RGz 1949, (of the) first > ment of its limits, the rise and establishment threshold stones (of the) Arcade (of the) > of its Administrative Order and the spread Sepulcher; third, (the) completion, two > of its fame, glory and power. years later, Naw-R6z 1951, (of the) excava- > That this community may, in the course tion (for) eight piers, designed to support > of these three coming years, discharge its (the) Dome, followed (by the) placing, (a) > fivefold task-now assuming, through the year later, (on the) eve (of) Naw-RGz > stress of circumstances, still vaster propor- 1952, (of the) second crown (of the) same > tions, and investing itself with still greater Edifice. (The) way (is) now prepared for > blessedness and merit, than originally en- (the) erection of (the) Drum, including > visaged-with a spirit outshining any hith- eighteen windows symbolizing (the) eight- > erto shown in the course of its half-century een Letters of the Living, (the) appointed > stewardship to the Faith of Bah6'u'llBh, is transmitters (of the) dawning Light (of > my most fervent wish and the object of my the) Author (of the) BBbi Dispensation, as > special and ardent prayers at this time when well as (the) rearing (of the) golden Dome, > my heart and mind are fixed upon the suf- constituting (the) third (and) final unit (of > ferings and passion of the B B ~on the occa- the) triple crown destined (to) irradiate its > sion of the Centenary of His Martyrdom. splendor (in the) heart (of) God's Holy > Your true brother Mountain. Moved (to) pay warm, loving > July 5, 1950. SHOGHI tribute (to the) Shrine's immortal architect > (and) Hand (of the) Cause, Sutherland > Maxwell, (and the) services (of) Ugo Gia- > chery, UNO Representative (of the) Inter- > national BahVi community, recently ele- > Occasion approaching celebration ninth vated (to the) rank (of) Hand (of the) > 344 THE B A H A 'I W O R L D > > Cause, (and) newly-appointed member (of August (of the) same year (in the) capital > the) International Bahb'i Council, (who is) city (of) Sweden. Anticipate entrusting (to > ably discharging manifold responsibilities the) youngest among (the) twelve National > connected (with the) mighty undertaking. Assemblies (of) the Bahb'i World (a) spe- > Second announcement: (The) enlarge- cific plan enabling it, (in) conjunction (with > ment (of the) International Bahb'i Council. its) sister National Spiritual Assemblies (of > Present membership now comprises: Ama- the) Bahb'i World (to) promote (in the) > tu'l-BahA RGhiyyih, chosen liaison between course (of the) ten years separating (the) > me (and the) Council. Hands (of the) second from (the) Most Great Jubilee (the) > Cause, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins, Ugo Global Crusade designed (to) hoist (the) > Giachery, Leroy Ioas, President, Vice-presi- standard (of) Bahb'u'llLh (in the) remain- > dent, member at large, Secretary-General, ing states, dependencies (and) islands (of > respectively. Jessie Revell, Ethel Revell, Lot- the) whole planet. Invite (the) attendants > fullah Hakim, Treasurer, Western (and) (to the) third Bahb'i Intercontinental Con- > Eastern assistant Secretaries. ference (to) befittingly commemorate (the) > Third announcement: Following upon undreamt-of climax (of the) brilliant vic- > (the) missions entrusted (to the) Hands (of tories won (in the) course (of the) second > the) Cause (in) connection (with the) es- Seven Year Plan, eclipsing (the) feats ac- > tablishment (of) Haziratu'l-Quds (in the) complished (in the) Latin American field > Dominion (of) Canada (and) Central Af- (in the) course (of the) first Seven Year > rica, (have) instructed Ugo Giachery (to) Plan (and) presaging (the) tremendous tri- > take (in) conjunction (with the) European umph to be won (in the) course (of the) > Teaching Committee, immediate steps, after third Seven Yeas Plan (in the) African, Asi- > (the) conclusion (of his) pilgrimage, aim- atic (and) Australian continents. > ing (at the) formation, ere (the) termina- With throbbing heart call (to) mind (the) > tion (of) (the) American Community's sec- solemn affirmations (andj glowing promises > ond Seven Year Plan, (of the) first National recorded (in the) Tablets (of the) Divine > Spiritual Assembly (of the) Bahgis (of) Plan envisioning (the) evidences (of the) > Italy (and) Switzerland. Advise United everlasting dominion destined (to) signalize > States National Assembly arrange, through (the) inauguration, (and) accompany (the) > European Teaching Committee (the) elec- triumphal progress, (of the) mission (of > tion (on the) occasion (of) Naw-RGz 1953 the) vanguard (of) BahL'u'll&h's crusaders > (of) nineteen delegates by all local Assem- (and) champion builders (of) His world > blies already established (in) both countries. order (in the) European, Asiatic, African > Urge convocation RidvLn same year, (in (and) Australian continents (and the) is- > the) city (of) Florence, (on the) occasion lands (of the) Pacific Ocean. Advise Euro- > (of the) festivities (of the) Bahb'i Holy pean Teaching Committee (to) cable (the) > Year, (of the) first Convention (for the) text (of the) third announcement (to the) > express purpose (of) electing through (the) Assemblies (of the) capital cities (of) Italy > delegates (the) projected National Assem- (and) Switzerland and urge on my behalf > bly. Appeal (to the) American BahL'i com- (the) participation (of the) Swiss believers > munity, particularly (the) Bahb'is residing (in the) first teaching conference (in) > (in) Italy (and) Switzerland, (to) exert Rome (on the) eve (of) Naw-Rfiz this year > (their) utmost (to) insure (in the) course (for) consultation (with their Italian collab- > (of the) coming year (the) multiplication of orators (on the) prosecution (of the) soul- > Spiritual Assemblies (in) both countries, uplifting fateful undertaking (in the) heart > thereby broadening (the) basis (of the) (and) south (of the) European continent. > projected pillar (of the) future Universal -SHOGHI > House (of) Justice. Advise European March 8, 1952. > Teaching Committee, upon consummation > (of) the glorious enterprise (to) issue > formal invitation (to) their spiritual off- > spring, (the) newly-emerged National As- > sembly, (to) participate, together (with its) Extend heartfelt greetings (to the) at- > sister National Assemblies (of the) United tendants (at the) third European Teaching > States, (the) British Isles, (and) Germany, Conference convened (in the) capital city > (in the) Intercontinental Conference (in) (of) Denmark. (My) heart (is) uplifted > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 345 > > (in) thanksgiving (to the) Martyr Prophet ceeding (the) inauguration (of the) project, > (of our) beloved Faith (on the) occasion let them, undaunted (by the) perils (of the) > (of the) first historic assemblage on Scandi- progressively deteriorating international situ- > navian soil, (on the) morrow (of the) cen- ation, pursue relentlessly (their) allotted > tenary (of) His supreme sacrifice, represent- tasks through rapid increase (in) member- > ing diverse Bah2i communities (of the) ship, effective promotion (of the) recently > eastern and western hemispheres. (I) joy- initiated extension work, consolidation (of) > fully acknowledge (the) first evidences (of all administrative agencies, energetic dissem- > the) answer (to the) prayer (of the) Center ination (of) Bahi'i literature, closer col- > (of the) Covenant voiced (in) His Tablet laboration (with) sister Communities (in > over thirty years ago, supplicating (that) the) European continent, greater awareness > holy souls be raised up (to) promulgate (of their) inescapable responsibilities, > (the) Faith (in) northern lands. (I) recall deeper understanding (of the) verities (of) > (with) feelings (of) profound emotion Bah6'uYll6h'sRevelation, (of) His Covenant, > BahL'u'lliWs own anticipation (of the) es- World Order, (and) above all, through con- > tablishment (of) His Cause (in) lands (of stant daily effort aiming (at the) enrich- > the) extreme north (and) south through ment (of the) spiritual life (of the) indi- > provision (in) His Most Holy Book (of the) vidual, constituting (the) sole foundation > specific ruling related (to the) ordinance whereon (the) stability (of the) structure > (of) obligatory prayers. ( I am) highly grati- (of) every Administrative edifice must de- > fied (to) witness (the) far-reaching effect pend. > (of the) magnificent response (by the) -SHOGHI > American Bahi'i community (to the) mem- July 20, 1950. > orable summons issued (by the) Herald (of > the) Faith (in) His Qayyiunu'l-AsmB', call- To FOURTHEUROPEAN TEACHING CONFER- > ing (the) peoples (of the) West (to) for- ENCE, SCHEVENINGEN, HOLLAND,AUGUST > sake (their) homes (to) assure (the) tri- 3 1 TO SEPTEMBER > 10, 1951 > umph (of) God's Cause. (I) welcome ex- > pansion (in) scope (of the) annual Confer- Acclaim joyous occasion (of the) convo- > ence through inauguration (of the) Summer cation on Dutch soil (of the) historic Euro- > School designed (to) prolong (the) sessions pean Teaching Conference, constituting yet > (of the) Conference, (to) stimulate (the) another link (in the) chain (of) annual > spirit (of) BahB'i fellowship, (to) deepen gatherings (of the) representatives (and) > understanding (of the) fundamental spirit- followers (of the) Faith (of) Bahb'uYll6h > ual (and) administrative principles (of the) (in the) ten European goal countries as well > Faith, (to) fix (the) pattern (of) future in- as (in) BahB'i communities (of the) Eastern > dependent national Summer Schools (in (and) Western hemispheres, stop. > the) ten European goal countries. (I) ap- Heart dilated, spirit uplifted (by the) con- > peal (to the) assembled representatives (of templation (of the) range (and) quality (of > the) goal countries and through them (to the) service rendered; (by the) spirit dem- > the) entire body (of) believers (in the) re- onstrated, (by the) degree (of) maturity at- > spective homelands (to) rededicate them- tained (in the) diversified budding, virile > selves (to the) urgent tasks ahead (in the) communities rightly regarded (as the) first > course (of the) three coming years falling fruits (of the) operation (of) 'Abdu'l- > between (the) historic Centenaries (of the) BahB's Divine Plan (on the) European con- > B6b's martyrdom (and the) birth of Bah6'- tinent stop. > u'Ll6h's prophetic mission. Mindful (of the) Welcome with feeling (of) particular > struggles, sufferings (and) sacrifices (of gratification (the) participation (of the) > the) heroes, saints, (and) martyrs (of the) newly enrolled Dutch, Danish (and) Portu- > Faith (in the) opening phase (of the) Apos- guese believers (in the) enterprises initiated > tolic Age (of the) BahB'i Dispensation; fully (by the) Indian, Canadian, British, Bahi'i > aware (of the) circumstances attending communities (in) Indonesia, Greenland > (the) launching (of the) transatlantic proj- (and) African continent, presaging under- > ect amidst (the) confusion (and) prostra- takings destined (to) be systematically > tion afflicting (the) war-torn continent; launched (by the) elected representatives > heartened (by the) signal initial success (of the) newly emerged European commu- > achieved (in the) years immediately suc- nities throughout the remaining countries > 346 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > (of) Europe and possibly, beyond its con- American continents awaits (the) rise (of > fines, stop. the) establishment (of) similar institutions > (The) concluding years (of the) second (on the) Furopean mainland, each depend- > seven year plan must witness within each ing directly (on the) efforts now consciously > (and) every goal country, notable multipli- exerted by (the) champion builders (of the) > cation (of) centers, steady consolidation (of Administrative Order (of the) Faith (of) > the) Assemblies, rapid increase (in the) Bahl'uYll6h (on the) European continent, > number (of the) avowed supporters (of stop. > the) Faith, (a) clearer vision (of the) May (the) Conference be aided through > strenuous tasks ahead, deeper awareness (the) outpouring grace (of the) author (of > (of) their significance, (a) -firmer resolve the) Revelation (to) hasten, through (the) > (toward) their prosecution (and a) greater deliberations (and) consecration (of its) at- > dedication (to) their purpose, stop. tendants, so blissful (a) consummation, > Signal, wholly unexpected, manifold (to) lend unprecedented impetus (to the) > achievements, illuminating (the) annals (of present evolution (of the) Administrative > the) first five years (of the) operation (of Order and (to) accelerate (the) progress > the) second seven year plan embolden me leading (to the) future emergence (of the) > (to) confidently anticipate, upon (the) ter- World Order of BahB'u'lIQh. > mination (of the) brief span (of the) re- -SHOGHI > maining two years, (the) gradual formation > (of) regional National Assemblies (as) pre- > lude (to the) emergence (of a) separate Na- > tional Assembly (in) each goal country as > well as (the) launching (of) organized cam- Dear and valued co-workers: > paigns, in collaboration (with the) parent The virtual termination of the interior > community (of the) great republic of the ornamentation of the first Ma&riquYl- > West (in) conjunction (with the) long A a k L r of the West; the forthcoming forma- > standing, preeminent national community tion of the twin National Spiritual Assem- > laboring (in the) heart (of the) European blies of Latin America, following upon the > continent, aiming (at the) spiritual conquest establishment of a corresponding institution > (of the) remaining sovereign states (of) in the Dominion of Canada; the full attain- > Europe and, God willing, reaching beyond ment of the prescribed goals on the Euro- > its borders as far as (the) heart (of the) pean continent in accordance with the pro- > Asiatic continent, stop. visions of the second Seven Year Plan and > Intesval separating us (from the) inaugu- the consolidation already achieved in the > ration (of) yet another stage (in the) un- North American continent, do not, under > foldment (of the) Divine Plan (is) swiftly any circumstances, imply that the vast re- > diminishing, stop. sponsibilities, shouldered by a valiant, an > (The) perils confronting (the) sorely alert and resolute community, have been > tried continent (are) steadily mounting, fully and totally discharged, or that its mem- > stop. bers can afford, as the plan draws to its con- > (The) auspiciously inaugurated, mysteri- clusion, to sink into complacency or relax > oudy unfolding, highly promising widely for one moment in their high endeavors. > ramified crusade, embracing well nigh (a) The hour destined to mark the triumphant > score of dependencies (on the) African con- conclusion of the second stage in their his- > tinent presenting (to the) privileged prose- toric, divinely conferred world-encircling > cutors (of the) Divine Plan (in the) Euro- mission has not yet struck. Rumblings, loud > pean field (a) challenge at once severe, soul- and persistent, presaging a crisis of extreme > severity in world affairs, confront them with > stirring (and) inescapable, stop. > a challenge which, in spite of what they have > (The) future edifice (of the) Universal already accomplished, they cannot and must > House of Justice, depending for its stability not either ignore or underrate. The rise of > on (the) sustaining strength (of the) pillars the World Administrative Center of their > erected (in the) diversified communities (of Faith, within the precincts and under the > the) East (and) West, destined (to) derive shadow of its World Spiritual Center, a > added power through (the) emergence (of process that has been kept in abeyance for > the) three National Assemblies (on the) well nigh thirty years, whilst the machinery > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 347 > > Delegates to the National Convention of the BahL'is of Egypt and the Sfidin, 1950, > attended for the first time by a delegate from the Sfidgn (seated at extreme right). > > of the national and local institutions of a sorbed in the various tasks it shoulders. In > nascent Order was being erected and per- fact, as the Centenary of the birth of BahL'- > fected, presents them with an opportunity u'llhh's prophetic Mission approaches, His > which, as the champion-builders of that Or- American followers, not content with the > der and the torch-bearers of an as yet un- successful conclusion, in their entirety, of > born civilization, they must seize with alac- the tasks assigned to them, must aspire to > rity, resolution and utter consecration. The celebrate befittingly this historic occasion, as > initiation of momentous projects in other becomes the chosen recipients, and the priv- > continents of the globe, and particularly in ileged trustees, of a divinely conceived Plan, > Africa, as a result of the growing initiative through emblazoning with still more con- > and the spirit of enterprise exhibited by their spicuous exploits, their record of steward- > fellow-workers in East and West, cannot ship to a Faith whose Author has issued > leave unmoved the vanguard of a host sum- such a ringing call to the rulers of the Amer- > moned by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, its Divine Com- ican continent, and the Center of Whose > mander, and in accordance with the provi- Covenant has entrusted the American BahCi > sions of a God-given Charter, to play such Community with so glorious a mission. In- > a preponderating role in the spiritual con- deed the present stage in the construction of > quest of the entire planet. Above all, the the superstructure of so holy a shrine im- > rapid prosecution of an enterprise tran- peratively demands a concentration of atten- > scending any undertaking, whether national tion and resources commensurate with the > or local, embarked upon by the followers of high position occupied by this community, > the Faith of BahL'u'llhh, destined to attain with the freedom it enjoys and the material > its consummation with the erection of the means at its disposal. The signing of two > Dome of the Bhb's holy Sepulcher, imposes successive contracts, for the masonry of the > an added obligation, owing to unforeseen octagon, the cylinder and the dome of the > circumstances, on the already multitudinous ediice, necessitated by a sudden worsening > duties assumed by a community wholly ab- of the international situation, which might > 348 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > cut off indefinitely the provision of the same No sacrifice can be deemed too great, no > stones used for the erection of the Arcade expenditure of material resources, no degree > and the Parapet of that Sepulcher, and of renunciation of worldly benefits, comfort > amounting to no less than one hundred and and pleasures, can be regarded as excessive > ninety thousand dollars; the subsidiary con- when we recall the precious blood that > tracts for the provision of steel and cement flowed, the many lives for the erection of the wrought iron balus- the wealth of material possessions that was > trade and the metal window frames of both plundered during these most tumultuous and > the octagon and the cylinder, involving an cataclysmic years of the Heroic Age of our > additional expenditure of no less than Faith. > twenty thousand dollars, to which must be Nor will the sacrifices willingly and uni- > added the cost of the excavation for, and versally accepted by the followers of the > the sinking of, the eight piers designed to Faith in East and West for the sake of so > support the weight of the dome and of the noble a Cause, so transcendent an enter- > immediate construction of the octagon,- prise, fail to contribute their share towards > these call for a stupendous effort on the part the upbuilding of the World Administrative > of all BahP'i Communities and a self-abne- Center of that Faith, and the reinforcement > gation unprecedented in BahL'i history. A of the ties already linking this Center with > drastic reduction of national and local bud- the recognized authorities of a State under > gets; the allocation of substantial sums by all the jurisdiction of which it is now function- > National Assemblies; the participation of in- ing, ties which the newly-formed Interna- > dividuals through sustained and direct dona- tional BahL'i Council are so assiduously > tions to the first international and incom- striving to cement. > parably holy enterprise synchronizing with Already the completion of the construc- > the birth of the International BahQi Council tion of the Arcade of this majestic Sepulcher > at the very heart and center of a world-en- and of its ornamental Parapet has excited > circling Faith can alone ensure the uninter- the admiration, stimulated the interest, and > rupted progress of an undertaking which, enlisted the support, of both the local au- > coupled with the completion of the Mother thorities and of the central government, as > Temple of the West, cannot fail to produce evidenced by the series of acts which, ever > tremendous repercussions in the Holy Land, since the emergence of that State, have pro- > in the North American continent and claimed the good-will shown and the recog- > throughout the world. A period of austerity nition extended by the various departments > covering the two-year interval separating us of that State to the multiplying international > from the Centenary celebrations of the Year institutions, endowments, laws and ordi- > Nine, prolonging so ullexpectedly the aus- nances of a steadily rising Faith. > terity period already traversed by the Amer- The recognition of the sacred nature of > ican Bah6'i Community, and now extended the twin holy Shrines, situated in the Plain > to embrace its sister communities through- of 'Akki and on the slopes of Mt. Carmel; > out the Bah6'i world, is evidently not only the exemption from state and civic taxes, > essential for the attainment of so transcend- granted to the Mansion of Bahji adjoining > ent a goal, but also supremely befitting when the Most Holy Shrine, to the twin Houses, > we recall the nature and dimensions of the that of Bahi'u'llih in 'Akkg and 'Abdu'l- > holocaust which a hundred years ago crim- Bahi in Haifa, to the twin Archives, adjoin- > son-dyed the annals of our Faith, which ing the Shrine of the Bib and the resting- > posterity will recognize as the bloodiest epi- place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, and the > sode of the most tragic period of the Heroic twin Pilgrim Houses constructed in the > Age of the BahL'i Dispensation, which in- neighborhood of that Shrine, and of the resi- > volved the martyrdom of that incomparable dence of 'Abdu'l-Bahb; the delivery of the > heroine T'bhirih, which was immediately pre- Mansion of Mazra'ih by the authorities of > ceded by the imprisonment of Bahb'u'llih that same State to the BahB'i Community > in the subterranean dungeon of Tihrin, and and its occupation after a lapse of more than > which sealed the fate of thousands of men, fifty years; the setting apart, through govern- > women and children in circumstances of un- ment action, of the room occupied by Bah6'- > speakable savagery and on a scale unap- u'llbh in the Barracks of 'Akk9, as a place of > proached througho~~t subsequent stages of pilgrimage; the recognition of the BahL'i > Bahg'i history. Marriage Certificate by the District Com- > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 349 > > missioner of Haifa; the recognition of the ministrative Center of the Faith of BahV- > Bah6'i Holy Days, in an official circular pub- u'lllh and in the efflorescence of its highest > lished by the Ministry of Education and institutions constituting the embryo of its > Culture; the exemption from duty accorded future World Order. > by the Customs Department to all furniture For, just as in the realm of the spirit, the > received for BahB'i Holy Places as well as reality of the Blb has been hailed by the > for all material imported for the construc- Author of the BahB'i Revelation as "The > tion of the Bhb's Sepulcher, the exemption Point round Whom the realities of the > from taxes similarly extended to all interna- Prophets and Messengers revolve," so, on > tional BahVi endowments surrounding the this visible plane, His sacred remains consti- > Holy Tomb on Mt. Carmel, stretching from tute the heart and center of what may be re- > the ridge of the mountain to the Templar garded as nine concentric circles, paralleling > Colony at its foot, as well as to the holdings thereby, and adding further emphasis to the > in the immediate vicinity of the resting- central position accorded by the Founder of > place of the Greatest Holy Leaf and her our Faith to One "from Whom God hath > kinsmen-all these establish, beyond the caused to proceed the knowledge of all that > shadow of a doubt, the high status enjoyed was and shall be," "the Primal Point from > by the international institutions of a world which have been generated all created > Faith, in the eyes of this new-born State. things." > The construction of the Mausoleum of The outermost circle in this vast system, > the Bib, synchronizing with the birth of that the visible counterpart of the pivotal posi- > State, and the progress of which has been tion conferred on the Herald of our Faith, is > accompanied by these successive manifesta- none other than the entire planet. Within the > tions of the good-will and support of the heart of this planet lies the "Most Holy > civil authorities will, if steadily maintained, Land," acclaimed by 'Abdu'l-Bahh as "the > greatly reinforce, and lend a tremendous im- Nest of the Prophets" and which must be > petus to this procass of recognition which regarded as the center of the world and the > constitutes an historic landmark in the evo- Qiblih of the nations. Within this Most Holy > lution of the World Center of the Faith of Land rises the Mountain of God of imme- > BahB'u'llBh,-a process which the newly- morial sanctity, the Vineyard of the Lord, > formed Council, now established at its very the Retreat of Elijah, Whose Return the Bhb > heart, is designed to foster, which will gather Himself symbolizes. Reposing on the breast > momentum, with the emergence in the of this Holy Mountain are the extensive > course of time of a properly recognized and properties permanently dedicated to, and > independently functioning BahB'i court, constituting the sacred precincts of, the > which will attain its consummation in the Blb's holy Sepulcher. In the midst of these > institution of the Universal House of Justice properties, recognized as the international > and the emergence of the auxiliary admin- endowments of the Faith, is situated the > istrative Agencies, revolving around this Most Holy Court, an enclosure comprising > Highest Legislative Body, and which will re- gardens and terraces which at once embel- > veal the plenitude of its potentialities with lish, and lend a peculiar charm to, these Sa- > the sailing of the Divine Ark as promised in cred Precincts. Embosomed in these lovely > the Tablet of Carmel. and verdant surroundings stands in all its > I cannot at this juncture, over-emphasize exquisite beauty the Mausoleum of the BBb, > the sacredness of that Holy Dust embos- the Shell designed to preserve and adorn the > omed in the heart of the Vineyard of God, original structure raised by 'Abdu'l-Bahl as > or overrate the unimaginable potencies of the Tomb of the Martyr-Herald of our > this mighty institution founded sixty years Faith. Within this Shell is enshrined that > ago, through the operation of the Will of, Pearl of Great Price, the Holy of Holies, > and the definite selection made by, the those chambers which constitute the Tomb > Founder of our Faith, on the occasion of itself, and which were constructed by 'Ab- > His historic visit to that Holy Mountain, nor du'l-Bahi. Within the heart of this Holy of > can I lay too much stress on the role which Holies is the Tabernacle, the Vault wherein > this institution, to which the construction of reposes the Most Holy Casket. Within this > the superstructure of this Edifice is bound to Vault rests the alabaster Sarcophagus in > lend an unprecedented impetus, is destined which is deposited that inestimable Jewel, > to play in the unfoldment of the World Ad- the Bib's Holy Dust. So precious is this Dust > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > that the very earth surrounding the Edifice prosecution of the Second Seven Year Plan, > enshrining this Dust has been extolled by the must, simultaneously with this added and > Center of BahL'u'll6h's Covenant, in one of meritorious effort which is being exerted, in > His Tablets in which He named the five memory of the beloved BAb, and for the > doors belonging to the six chambers which spiritual emancipation of the down-trodden > He originally erected after five of the be- races of Africa, be carried to a triumphant > lievers associated with the construction of conclusion. Though the present deficit in > the Shrine, as being endowed with such po- their National Fund may, in a sense, register > tency as to have inspired Him in bestowing a failure on their part to meet their pressing > these names, whilst the Tomb itself housing obligations, and may arouse in their hearts > this Dust He acclaimed as the Spot round feelings of self-reproach and anxiety, I can > which the Concourse on high circle in ado- confidently assert that the supplementary > ration. duties they have discharged, and the mate- > To participate in the erection of the su- rial support they have extended, and are > perstructure of an Edifice at once so pre- now extending, for the conduct of activities, > cious, so holy; consecrated to the memory of not falling within the original scope of their > so heroic a Soul; whose site no one less than Plan, not only fully compensate for an ap- > the Founder of our Faith has selected; parent shortcoming, but constitute, instead > whose inner chambers were erected by the of a stain on their record of service, addi- > Center of His Covenant with such infinite tional embellishments to the scroll already > care and anguish; embosomed in so sacred inscribed with so many exploits for the > a mountain, on the soil of so holy a Land; Cause of BahL'u'll6h. > occupying such a unique position; facing on Assured that no blot has marred so splen- > the one hand the silver-white city of 'Akki, did a record of service; confident of their > the Qiblih of the BahL'i world; flanked on its destiny; reliant on the unfailing guidance of > right by the hills of Galilee, the home of the Founder of their Faith as well as on His > Jesus Christ, and on its left, by the Cave of sustaining power, let them address them- > Elijah; and backed by the plain of Sharon selves, with unrelaxing vigilance and un- > and, beyond it, Jerusalem and the Aqsa diminished vigor, to the task of rounding off > Mosque, the third holiest Shrine in Is16m- the several missions undertaken by them in > to participate in the erection of such an Edi- Latin America, and in the North American > fice is a privilege offered to this generation and European continents. > at once unique and priceless, a privilege The extension of the necessary material > which only posterity will be able to correctly support and administrative guidance to the > appraise. forthcoming National Assemblies of Central > In this supreme, this sacred and interna- and South America that will enable them to > tional undertaking in which the followers of develop along sound lines and without any > Bah6'uYll6h, in all the continents of the setback in the course of their unfoldment; > globe, are summoned to show forth the no- the steady consolidation of the victories al- > blest spirit of self-sacrifice, the members of ready won in the ten goal countries of Eu- > the American BahL'i Community must by rope; the maintenance, at its present level > virtue of the abilities they have already and at whatever cost, of the status of the > demonstrated and of the primacy conferred Assemblies and groups so laboriously built > upon them as the chosen trustees of a Di- up; the provision of whatever is required to > vine Plan, play a preponderating role, and, fully complete the interior of the Temple > together with their brethren residing in the and beautify the grounds surrounding it, in > Cradle of their Faith, who are linked by preparation for its formal inauguration and > such unique ties with its Herald, set an ex- its use for public worship-these should be > ample of self-abnegation worthy to be emu- regarded as the essential objectives of the > lated by their fellow-workers in every land. American BahC'i Community during the two > Whilst the members of this privileged year interval separating us from the Cen- > community, laboring so valiantly in the tenary celebrations of the prophetic Mission > Western Hemisphere, are widening the of the Founder of our Faith. > range of their manifold activities, and Time is running short. The effort required > thereby augmenting their responsibilities, to discharge the manifold responsibilities > in both the Holy Land and the African con- now challenging the members of a lion- > tinent, the original tasks, associated with the hearted community is truly colossal. The is- > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 351 > > sues at stake, demanding every ounce of den, rapid, devastating blows sweeping over > their energy, are incomparably glorious. An leaders (and) henchmen (of) breakers (of) > ominous international situation emphasizes Bahl'u'llih's Covenant foiling (the) > this challenge and reinforces the urgency of schemes, levelling (the) hopes, (and) well- > these issues. In the Holy Land, amid the nigh extinguishing (the) remnants (of the) > tribes of a dark continent, over the wide conspiring crew which dared challenge > expanses stretching from Panama to the ex- (the) authority, succeeded (in) inflicting > tremity of Chile, in the heart of its own untold sorrow (and) assiduously plotted > homeland, as well as in the new European (to) disrupt (the) Will (and) Testament > field, marking the projection of its world (of) its appointed Center. > mission across the seas, the American (The) triumphant, resistlessly expanding > BahL'i Community must deploy its forces, BahPi Administrative Order now embraces > (one) hundred (and) six sovereign states > hoist still higher its pennants, and erect still > more glorious memorials to the heroism, the (and) dependencies constituting (an) addi- > constancy and the devotion of its members. tion (of) no less (than) twenty-seven coun- > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Whose Plan they are exe- tries since (the) Centenary celebration (of > cuting in both Hemispheres, and to Whose the) Declaration (of the) Mission (of the) > summons they are now responding in the Holy BAb. > African continent; the Bib, Whose Sepul- (The) number of languages (into which) > cher they are helping to erect; above all BahL'i literature (is) translated (or in) > Bah$u'llbh, Whose embryonic World Order process (of) translation (is) over eighty. > they are building in the Holy Land and in (The) number (of) incorporated Assem- > other continents of the globe, look down blies, local (and) national, (is) (one) hun- > upon thcm from their retreats of glory, ap- dred (and) ten. > plauding their acts, guiding their footsteps, (The) Centenary (of the) Martyrdom > vouchsafing Their blessings, and laying up, (of the) Herald (of the) Faith (was) be- > in the storehouses of the AbhA Kingdom fittingly commemorated, synchronizing > such treasures as only They can bestow. (with the) completion (of the) Arcade > May the members of this Community (and) Parapet (of) His Sepulcher (on) > prove themselves, as they forge ahead and Mt. Carmel, marking (the) termination (of > approach yet another milestone on the the) two-year, quarter million dollar enter- > broad highway of their mission, worthy of prise. > still greater prizes, and fit to launch still (The) preliminaries (far the) erection > mightier enterprises, for the glory of the (of) two additional Pillars (of the) Univer- > Name they bear, and in the service of the sal House (of) Justice, culminating (in the) > Faith they profess. formation (of) National Assemblies (in) > -SHOGHI Central America, Mexico, (and the) Antil- > March 29, 1951. les, (and in) South America (has been) > successfully concluded, following (the) > TO THE NATIONAL BAHH CONVENTION, raising (of a) similar Pillar (in the) Do- > U.S.A., 1951 minion (of) Canada. > (The) interior ornamentation (of the) > (My) heart (is) filled (with) thankful- Mother Temple (of the) West (is) virtually > ness (at) contemplation (of the) chain (of) completed, paving (the) way (for the) > swiftly succeeding, epoch-making events provision (of) accessories (and) landscap- > transpiring (in the) course (of the) fifth ing (in) preparation (of its) public dedica- > year (of the) second Seven Year Plan, ren- tion destined (to) coincide (with the) twin > dered memorable through association (with celebrations (of the) consummation (of > the) Centenary (of the) Martyrdom (of the) fifty year old enterprise (and the) > the) Prophet-Herald (of the) Bahl'i Dis- Birth (of) Bahl'u'llAh's prophetic mission. > pensation testifying (to) God's unfailing (The) prelude (to the) historic African > protection (and the) manifold blessings campaign, (the) foremost objective (of > vouchsafed (to the) Community (of the) the) two year plan (of the) Bah2i Com- > Most Great Name alike (in) its World Cen- munity (of the) British Isles, linking in > ter (and in) all continents (of the) globe. formal association four National Assem- > Divine retributive justice (is) strikingly blies (is) marked by (the) departure (of > demonstrated through (a) series (of) sud- the) first pioneer (to) Tanganyika (and) > 352 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Bahb'is attending the First National Bahb'i Convention of South America, > Lima, Peru, April, 1951. > > plans (for) settlement Gold Coast (and) taken through (the) extension (of the) > Uganda. right (of) membership (in) local Assem- > Contracts amounting (to) over two hun- blies (to) women believers (in) Egypt. > dred ten thousand dollars successively (The) third European Teaching Confer- > placed (for) stones, window frames, railing, ence (and) Summer School (was) held > steel, cement required (for the) erection (of (in) Copenhagen (and) attended (by) > the) Octagon, Cylinder (and) Dome (of (one) hundred seventy-seven (persons) > the) BAb's Sepulcher raising (to) sixteen representing twenty-two countries. > hundred tons total tonnage ordered (from) (The) second All-Swiss Conference con- > Italy. vened (in) Ziirich, foreshadowing (the) > (A) quarter-century old project (is) ter- closer integration (of the) ten goal coun- > minated through (the) construction (of tries (of the) European continent through > the) last two terraces connecting (the) (the) eventual formation (of) regional Na- > same edifice (with the) Templar Colony (at tional Assemblies (in) Scandinavia, (the) > the) foot (of) Camel. Benelux countries, Switzerland, Italian > (The) four year plan initiated (by the) (and) Iberian peninsulas. > Persian National Assembly (in the) promo- BahL'i literature (in) Greenlandic, pre- > tion (of the) interests (of the) women viously disseminated as far (as) Thule, > members (of the) community (is) success- Etah, beyond (the) Arctic Circle, (has > fully concluded despite increasing disabili- been) dispatched (to) radio station (in) > ties resulting (from the) recrudescence (of) Brondlundsfjord, Peary Land, eighty-sec- > religious fanaticism afflicting (the) sore- ond latitude, northernmost outpost (of the) > pressed homeland (of) Bahb'u'lliih. globe. > (A) notable step (in the) progress (of) Ties, linking (the) World Center (of > Bahl'i women (of the) Middle East (is) the) Faith (with the) newly-emerged, > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 353 > > rapidly consolidating sovereign state (in the) African field, (and) construction (of > the) Holy Land, (have been) reinforced the) Bhb's Sepulcher (in the) Holy Land. > through (the) delivery (by the) Ministry (I am) thrilled (by the) multiple evi- > (of) Religious Affairs (of the) Mazra'ih dences (of the) simultaneous prosecution > Mansion (into) Bahb'i custody, (the) rec- (of) Bahb'i national plans, East (and) > ognition (of) BahB'i Holy Days (by the) West, (and the) rise (and) steady consoli- > Ministry (of) Education (and) Culture, dation (of the) World Center (of the) > following exemption granted (to) Bahb'i Faith, constituting (the) distinguishing > international endowments, (and) recogni- features (of the) second epoch (of the) > tion accorded BahL'i marriage certificate. Formative Age whose inception (on the) > Bah$u'll6h's residence (in) 'Akki, (the) morrow (of the) Second World War coin- > scene (of) severe crises (in the) course (of cided (with the) inauguration (of the) sec- > the) ministries (of the) Founder (of the) ond Bahb'i century, and which bids fair > Faith (and the) Center (of His) Covenant (to) eclipse (the) splendors (of the) pre- > renovated (and) furnished, (are) added (to ceding epoch, which posterity will associate > the) Holy Places already opened (to the) with (the) birth (and) rise (of the) em- > steadily swelling number (of) visitors both bryonic World Order of BahVu'llhh. > local (and) foreign. SHOGHI > (A) significant step (was) taken (by the) Received April 25, 1951. > City Governorate (of) Cairo presaging > (the) eventual recognition (by) state au- TO THE 1952 NATIONALBAHK~CONVEN- > thorities (of the) BahL'i laws (of) personal TION, U.S.A. > status, already codified (and) submitted (to > the) central government (by the) Egyptian Soul stirred, heart uplifted (by) recollec- > National Assembly. tion (of) events signalizing (the) twelve > Bonds binding (the) Bahb'i world com- month period preceding (the) fateful year > munity (to) United Nations strengthened destined (to) witness (the) consummation > (by) BahL'i participation (in) regional con- (of) series (of) plans formulated (by) > ference (of) Non-Governmental Organiza- BahPi National Assemblies (of) five conti- > tions (in) Geneva (and) Istanbul. nents, as well as (the) inauguration (of > Preliminary steps taken (in) preparation the) second, glorious Jubilee (of the) > (of) final design (for the) Ma&riqu'l- BahL'i Dispensation. (The) irresistible > Adhkhr (on) Mt. Carmel by President (of march (of the) Faith marked simultane- > the) International BahL'i Council, specifi- ously (by the) steady consolidation (of) its > cally appointed (by) 'Abdu'l-Bah6 (to be) administrative institutions (and the) rapid > its architect. enlargement (of its) limits. No less (than) > Process (of the) unfoldment (of the) eighteen countries (have been) enrolled, > ever-advancing Administrative Order ac- raising (the) total number (within) its orbit > celerated (by the) formation (of the) (to) (one) hundred twenty-four. Languages > International BahPi Council designated (in which) BahVi literature (is) printed (or > (to) assist (in the) erection (of the) super- is) being translated (are) now ninety, in- > structure (of the) BBb's Sepulcher, cement cluding twelve African languages. (The) > ties uniting (the) budding World Admini- vast process (of the) rise (and) establish- > strative Center with (the) recently estab- ment (of the) World Center (of the) Faith > lished state, (and) pave (the) way (for (has been) accelerated. Contingents (of) > the) formation (of the) Bahb'i Court, es- Hands (of the) Cause (have been) succes- > sential prelude (to the) institution (of the) sively appointed (in) every continent (of > Universal House (of) Justice. the) globe, five (of) whom (are) shoulder- > (I) hail particularly (the) brilliant vic- ing responsibilities (in the) Holy Land. > tory won (by the) American Bahl'i Com- (The) International Bahb'i Council (has > munity (in) meeting (the) financial re- been) enlarged (and) officers designated. > quirements (for the) completion (of the) (An) interview (was) accorded (by), > interior ornamentation (of the) Temple (and) literature presented (to the) Israel > (and) eliminating (the) deficit (in the) Prime Minister (in the) course (of his) > Victory Fund, exploits doubly meritorious American visit (by) representatives (of > owing (to the) added responsibilities coura- the) American National Assembly. Eight- > geously assumed (to) assist enterprise (in een plots, (a) twenty-two thousand square > 3 54 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > meter area, (have been) added (to the) Zanzibar (and) Madagascar (to the) In- > International Bahi'i endowments (on the) dian, (and) Libya (and) Algeria (to the) > slopes (of) Carmel. Government survey Egyptian, National Assemblies, raising > concluded paving (the) way (for the) (the) number (of) States (and) Dependen- > acquisition (of) over (one) hundred forty cies already soon (to be) opened (to the) > thousand square meters (of) property (in Faith (to) twenty-five. > the) precincts (of the) Most Holy Tomb First fruits garnered comprise purchase > (at) Bahji. (The) design (for the) Ma&- (of) seventeen thousand dollar Haziratu'l- > riqu'l-AdJtkBr (on) Carmel, conceived (by Quds (in) Kampala, settlement (of) Per- > the) President (of the) International sian, American, British, Egyptian (and) > Bahgi Council, completed. Privileges, ex- Portuguese pioneers (in) Liberia, North > emption already accorded BahB'i Holy Rhodesia, Angola, Libya, Spanish Morocco > Places (in) Israel (by) Ministry (of) (and) Mozambique, inauguration (of) > Finance extended (to) 'Abdu'l-BahB's teaching classes, public meetings (and) fire- > Home, Eastern (and) Western Pilgrim sides, enrollment (of) several native Afri- > Houses. Pilgrimages (to) World Center cans belonging (to the) Teso, Yao, > (of the) Faith resumed following decade Buganda (and) Mutoco tribes, (and the) > (of) external hostilities (and) internal dis- formation (of) Spiritual Assemblies (in) > turbances agilating (the) Holy Land. Eight Kampala (and) Dar es Salaam. > piers, designed (to) support (the) thousand European Teaching campaign, exceeding > ton superstructure (of the) BBb's Sepulcher fondest hopes, stimulated successively (by) > constructed. Successive contracts, totaling convocation (of the) fourth European > approximately forty-seven thousand dollars, Teaching Conference (in) Scheveningen, > (for the) construction (of the) structural representative (of) twenty-one countries, > work (and the) erection (of the) Octagon (the) first Iberian Conference (in) Ma- > signed, culminating (in the) completion (of drid, (the) third Swiss Conference (in) > the) first unit (of the) superstructure, (and Bern, (the) first Italian Conference (in) > the) raising (of) eight pinnacles, constitu- Rome, (the) first Benelux Conference (in) > ting (the) second crown (of the) Holy Brussels (and the) establishment (of) head- > Edifice. Preparations (to) build (the) quarters (in) Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxem- > Drum, (the) foundation unit (of the) bomg-Ville, Bern (and) Lisbon. > golden Dome (of the) Sepulcher, com- (The) process (of) consolidation (of > menced. the) Faith stimulated (by the) recognition > Twin pillars (of the) future House (of) (of) Bahgi Holy Days (by the) Superin- > Justice erected (in) Central (and) South tendent (of) Public Schools (in) Kenosha, > America, additional pillar projected (for) Superintendent School (in) Milwaukee, > Europe uniting (the) heart (and) south (of (and) Rhode Island State Department (of) > the) continent. Civil Service, (and of the) Bahi'i marriage > Preliminary measures initiated (for the) certificate (by) civil authorities (of) Indian- > convocation (of) four intercontinental con- apolis; (by the) authorization by Adjutant > ferences (in the) African, American, Euro- General (of) BahB'i identification (for) be- > pean (and) Asiatic continents, involving lievers serving (in) U.S. Armed Forces. > (the) participation (of) twelve National Bahi'i administrative centers steadily > Spiritual Assemblies, designed alike (to) multiplying (in) HijBz, Yemen, Bahrayn, > befittingly celebrate (the) Centenary (of Ahsa, Koweit, Qatar, Dubai, Masqat, Aden, > the) Year Nine (and to) launch ten year heralding convocation (of) historic Bahi'i > crusade destined (to) culminate (in the) Convention (in the) Arabian Peninsula, > Most Great Jubilee. destined (to) culminate (in the) erection > Two year plan (of the) BahL'i com- (of a) pillar (of the) Universal House (of) > munity (of the) British Isles formally Justice (in the) midmost heart (of the) > launched (on the) African continent Islamic world. > through (the) dispatch (of) pioneers (to (The) nineteen month plan, formulated > the) virgin territories (of) Tanganyika, (by the) National Spiritual Assembly (of > Uganda, (and the) Gold Coast, (has been) the) Indian subcontinent (and) Burma, > reinforced (by the) assignment (of) Liberia aiming among other things (at the) intro- > (to the) American, Somaliland, Nyasaland duction (and) consolidation (of the) Faith > (and) North Rhodesia (to the) Persian, (in the) capital cities (of) Nepal, Siarn, > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 355 > > Indo-China, Malaya, Indonesia (and) Sara- with) BahL'u'llBh's imprisonment (in the) > wak. SiyBh-chi1 (in) TihrBn, (to) arise (and) > Ties binding International Bah2i Com- scale still loftier heights (of) self-sacrifice > munity (to) United Nations reinforced (by) (and) efface (the) deficit (in the) National > official participation (of) Bahti'i delegates Fund. Address in particular fervent plea > (in) regional Non-Governmental Confer- (to) brace itself (to) play (a) preponder- > > Reception, South American National BahL'i Convention in Lima, Peru, 1953. > > ences (in) Istanbul, Managua, Den Passar, ating role (in the) impending world crusade, > Paris, (and) Lawrence, Kansas. Historic site which (a) world community, utilizing (the) > (of) House occupied (by) Bahi'u'llih (in) agencies (of a) divinely-appointed world ad- > Istanbul (has been) partly purchased, (and) ministrative order, (is) preparing (to) > investigations conducted (for the) acquisi- launch, amidst (the) deepening shadows > tion (of) similar sites associated (with the) (of a ) world crisis, (for the) execution (of) > exile (of the) Founder (of the) Faith (in) 'Abdu'l-BahL's world-encircling plan (and > Adrianople. the) subsequent unfoldment (of a) world > Northern outposts (of the) Faith rein- civilization, (and the) ultimate attainment > forced (by the) settlement (of) pioneers (of the) supreme objective, (the) illumina- > (in) Egedesminde, Greenland, (and in) tion (and) redemption (of a) whole world. > Yellowknife, Canadian North Western Ter- Advise share message National Assem- > ritories. blies East (and) West. > Last (but) not least, (the) internal orna- SHOGHI > mentation (of the) Mother Temple (of the) Received April 23, 1952. > West (has been) terminated, (and) design > adopted, funds allocated (by the) Temple > Trustees (for the) landscaping (of) its im- "DOUBLEANNOUNCEMENT"TO THE > > mediate surroundings, constituting (the) B A H ~WORLD > '~ > final step (for) its approaching Jubilee. Ap- > peal American Bah2i community standing (On) morrow (of) sixtieth anniversary > (on) threshold (of) concluding year (of) (of) BahPu'll&h's Ascension share double > second Seven Year Plan, traversing (the) announcement (with) B a h a world through > last stage (of the) austerity period, con- all National Assemblies: (The) rapid prog- > fronted (by the) approaching centenary (of ress (of the) enterprise majestically unfold- > the) darkest, bloodiest episode (in) BahL'i ing (in the) heart (of) God's Holy Moun- > history, associated (with the) nation-wide tain, (and the) steady decline (in the) > holocaust (of) Tghirih's martyrdom, (and fortunes (of the) remnant (of) old Cove- > 356 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > nant-breakers still defiantly challenging (the) Foreign Affairs, issued authorization (to) > combined strength (of the) BahPi world demolish (the) ruins. > community. Short-sighted action prompted (by) blind, > (The) termination (of the) Octagon, set- uncontrollable animosity, resulted (in the) > ting (the) second crown (on the) Holy Edi- irretrievable curtailment (of) long-standing > fice, synchronizing (with) last Naw-Rbz privileges extended (to the) Covenant- > Festival, (was) followed (by the) erection breakers (during the) course (of) six dec- > (and) gilding (of the) balustrade (during ades (on the) occasion (of the) celebration > the) course (of the) succeeding Ridvtin (of the) Bahb'i Holy Days. > period. Preliminary investigations culmi- (The) signal success (in the) removal (of > nated (in the) erection (of the) scaffolding the) ruins (was) immediately followed (by) > (and the) commencement (of the) con- landscaping (the) approaches (to the) > struction (of the) Drum (at an) estimated Shrine, (the) erection (of a) gate (and the) > cost (of) thirteen thousand pounds, consti- embellishment (of the) surroundings (of > tuting (the) third unit (of the) Edifice the) Tomb (of) Bahb'u'lltih, long denied > preparatory (to) raising (the) golden (a) befitting entrance through (the) delib- > Dome. Experiments, prior (to the) placing erate obstruction (by the) enemies (of the) > (of the) contract (for the) gilded tiles (for Faith. Public access (to the) heart (of the) > the) Dome, concluded. Confidently antici- Qiblih (of the) Bahi'i world (is) now made > pate (the) completion (of) all preliminaries, possible through traversing (the) sacred > enabling (the) builders (of the) mighty, precincts leading successively (to the) Holy > sacred Structure (to) start construction (of Court, (the) outer (and) inner sanctuaries, > the) Dome (on the) morrow (of the) open- (the) Blessed Threshold (and the) Holy > ing (of the) fast approaching Holy Year, (of) Holies. Recent events prelude (the) > paving (the) way (to the) fulfillment (of) acquisition. (and) development (of) over > 'Abdu'l-Bahi's prophecy, uttered (in the) thirty acres (of) property surrounding > dark days (of the) First World War, en- Bahb'u'lliih's resting place (and are) paving > visaging (the) glory (of the) resplendent (the) way (for the) erection (in the) course > Dome greeting (the) devout gaze (of) fu- (of) future decades (of a) befitting Mauso- > ture pilgrims drawing nigh (to the) shores leum destined (to) enshrine (the) Dust (of > (of the) Holy Land. the) Founder (of) God's Most Holy Faith. > Old Covenant-breakers, untaught (by ASHOGHI > the) lessons (of the) past sixty years, (the) Haifa, Israel, > reverses suffered (in) connection (with the) June 11, 1952. > restitution (of) keys (to the) Shrine, (the) > evacuation (and) restoration (of the) Man- > sion, (the) devastating loss (in) rapid suc- > cession (of) outstanding leaders (and) Dear and Valued Co-Worlters: > spokesmen, backed (by the) support (of The steady expansion of the activities > the) perfidious Sohrab, engaging (the) serv- conducted so devotedly and so efficiently, > ices (of a) clever, hostile lawyer, unitedly during the last twelve months, by the mem- > challenged (the) authority conferred (by) bers of the valiant and exemplary American > 'Abdu'l-BahPs Testament, (and) instituted Bahb'i Community, under the aegis of their > legal proceedings against (the) Guardian elected national representatives, is such as to > (of the) Faith, questioned (his) right (to) evoke feelings of deep and sincere admira- > demolish dilapidated house situated (within tion in my heart, and will serve to heighten > the) precincts (and) constituting (an) af- the esteem in which they are held by their > front (to the) Most Holy Shrine (of the) brethren in every continent of the globe. > BahPi world, were rebuffed through (the) The completion of the interior ornamen- > intervention (of the) Israel government de- tation of the holiest House of Worship ever > nying (the) competence (of the) civil court to be raised by the followers of the Faith of > (to) adjudicate (the) matter, subsequently Bahi'u'lltih, the initiation of the landscaping > threatened (to) appeal (the) government of the immediate approaches of this sacred > decision (to the) Supreme Court, provoked and majestic Edifice, the actual launching of > (the) authorities who, (in) consequence the highly promising, profoundly significant > (of) my representations (to) both (the) African Campaign, through the arrival and > Prime Minister (and the) Minister (of) settlement of American pioneers in both > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 357 > > East and West Africa; the energetic efforts length and breadth of the Great Republic of > exerted for the multiplication of Bah6'i ad- the West. > ministrative institutions and the stimulation So notable a record, such splendid > and consolidation of the all-important teach- achievements, investing, as they inevitably > ing work throughout the States of the Amer- must, the American BahL'1 Community with > ican Union; the generous, the unhesitating the potentialities so essential for the ade- > and effectual support extended to the newly quate conduct of the impending Ten Year > fledged communities in Latin America in Plan, that will constitute the third and last > their efforts for the consolidation of the ad- stage in the initial epoch, in the unfoldment > ministrative structure so laboriously erected of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Plan, and auguring well > in recent years; the ready and enthusiastic for the triumphant conclusion of the present > response to the world-wide call for a be- Seven Year Plan, can, and must, if the star > fitting celebration by the entire Bahi'i world of this enviable community is to continue to > of the hundredth anniversary of the birth of rise, rapidly and uninterruptedly, to its me- > BahVuyll6h'sprophetic Mission; the magnifi- ridian, be converted into a stepping-stone > cent services already rendered by the re- for the achievements of such feats as will, > cently elevated American Hands of the not only outshine the splendor of the serv- > Cause of God, in diversified spheres of ices already enumerated, but constitute a be- > Bahb'i activity, at the World Center of the fitting termination to the second collective > Faith, in the triple function of hastening the enterprise undertaken in American Bahii'i > construction of the B6bYsSepulcher, of con- history, in the service of the Cause of Bahg- > solidating the ties binding the International u'lltih, and for the execution of the grand > Bahi'i Council to the civil authorities of Design conceived by the Center of His > Israel, and of completing the design of the Covenant. > projected Ma&riquyl-Adhktir on Mt. Car- The support extended by a self-sacrificing, > mel, as well as in Latin America; the re- high-minded, ever alert community, for the > peated contributions made for the erection erection of the Drum of the Sepulcher of > of that Sepulcher, for the extension of the Btib and the raising of its crowning unit > BahQ'i international endowments and the in- -the Dome itself-must, in the course of > stitution of the Haziratu'l-Quds in Kampala; this current year, be consistently maintained, > the marvelous loyalty demonstrated in con- both by the individual members of this com- > nection with the repeated defection of mem- munity, and the body of its elected repre- > bers of the Holy Family and the nefarious sentatives. The assistance required for the > activities of Covenant-breakers, both old acquisition of extensive properties, com- > and new; as weU as the share a number of prising both lands and houses, in the imme- > these Hands have had in administering a diate neighborhood of the Most Holy Tomb > stunning defeat to the enemies of the Faith in Bahji, and for the embellishment of the > who, so boldly and shamelessly sought, approaches of that hallowed Shrine-the > through legal action, to challenge the au- Qiblih of the BahA'i world-as a necessary > thority of the Guardian of the Faith, and to prelude to the ultimate erection of a be- > publicly humiliate, the institution created fitting Mausoleum to enshrine the remains > through the provisions of 'Abdu'l-BahB's of God's Supreme Manifestation on earth, > Testament; the further unfoldment of the must be generously and systematically ex- > European project through the initiation of tended. The scheme of landscaping the area > the two historic Conferences held in the surrounding the recently completed Mother > Low Countries and in the Iberian Peninsula, Temple of the West, in time for its consecra- > and the convocation of the fateful Confer- tion and formal opening for public BahB'i > ence in Rome, heralding the formation of worship, must be rapidly and carefully car- > the Italo-Swiss National Assembly-the fair- ried out. The subsidiary Plan, formulated > for the intensification of the Campaign of > est fruit of that mighty Project-these stand internal expansion and consolidation in > out as the distinctive, the unforgettable, the every State of the American Republic, must > infinitely meritorious achievements which be assiduously executed, and under no cir- > posterity will record as the noblest exploits cumstances, be allowed to deteriorate or to > immortalizing the concluding years sf the fall into abeyance. The flow of pioneers to > Second Seven Year Plan, and conferring un- the African contin.ent, tci CrdYbcria, North. > told benefits on its executors throughout the Africa, West and East Africa, mus$ at what-. > 358 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > ever cost, and while there is yet time, be challenging, sacred in character, undreamt > substantially accelerated, as the essential of in their potentialities, urgent by their very > prerequisite to the Ten Year crusade to be nature, and inescapable in the responsibili- > launched by no less than five National As- ties they involve. At the World Center of the > semblies in the African continent, on the Faith, where, at long last the machinery of > morrow of the celebrations of the impend- its highest institutions has been erected, and > ing Holy Year. The process of multiplica- around whose most holy shrines the su- > tion of Bahs'i local Assemblies in the ten preme organs of its unfolding Order, are, in > goal countries of Europe, and particularly their embryonic form, unfolding; amidst the > in Italy and Switzerland, and the prepara- diversified tribes and races, peopling the De- > tory measures required to ensure the success pendencies and Principalities of the Dark > of the twin histoiic assemblages destined to Continent of Africa; in the far-flung terri- > commemorate the last year of the Seven tories of Central and South America so alien > Year enterprise launched in the European in culture, temperament, habits, language > continent-the European Teaching Confer- and outlook; in the capital cities and tradi- > ence in Luxembourg and the Italo-Swiss tional strongholds of a materially highly ad- > Convention in Florence-must be pushed vanced yet spiritually famished, much tor- > forward with extreme care, vigilance and mented, fear-ridden, hopelessly-sundered, > vigor. The utmost help and the necessary heterogeneous conglomeration of races, na- > guidance must be vouchsafed to the newly tions, sects and classes over-spreading the > emerged sister communities, in both Central continent of Europe; in the heart of the > and South America, to enable them to con- African continent, in the capital city of the > summate their spontaneously undertaken Indian sub-continent; in one of the leading > Plans, so vital to their future association capitals of the Scandinavian countries in > with the organized communities, in both the Northern Europe, in the very heart of the > Eastern and Western Hemispheres, in the leading Republic of the Western Hemi- > prosecution of the world-wide undertaking sphere, the standard-bearers of the Faith of > destined to be launched on the morrow of BahL'u'llBh, the champion-builders of the > the celebration of the approaching Great Administrative Order, the vanguard of the > Jubilee. Above all, the most careful, prayer- Heralds of His World Order, and the Chief > ful, concentrated attention should be given and appointed executors of the Master Plan > by your Assembly, in conjunction with the of the Center of His Covenant, have, in the > several national committees, appointed for course of the few, fast-fleeting months > this purpose, to the adequate celebration of ahead, separating them from the grandest > the fast approaching Holy Year, both lo- crusade thus far launched in BahL'i history, > cally, nationally and internationally, with been assigned tasks, obligations and respon- > particular emphasis on the three outstanding sibilities that they can afford to neither min- > functions which the members of this Assem- imize, neglect or shirk for a moment. > bly must discharge, namely, the solemn con- Within only a few weeks the Bahs'i World > secration of the completed House of Wor- will enter upon the centenary of that fateful > ship and the commemoration of its Jubilee, day of August the fifteenth, when a das- > the formal convocation of the Intercontinen- tardly act, fraught with such terrible conse- > tal Conference, and the holding of the An- quences, unleashed a series of tragic events > nual Convention in Wilmette, and the effec- that stained the annals of the Faith, that > tive participation of the members of the precipitated calamities on a scale unprece- > American BahL'i Community, both officially dented since its inception and unsurpassed > and unofficially, in the three other historic in their tragic character by any event except > ~ntercontinental Conferences to be con- the martyrdom of its Herald, which cul- > vened successively in Kampala, Stockholm minated in an holocaust reminiscent of the > and New Delhi. direst tribulations undergone by the perse- > The tasks ahead, calling for the expendi- cuted followers of any previous religion, and > ture of every ounce of energy on the part of which, in turn, paved the way, even as the > the members of the indefatigable, irresistibly darkest hour of the night precedes the dawn, > advancing, majestically unfolding American for the first glimmerings that were to pro- > BahSr'i community and for the unrelaxing claim, to an unsuspecting world, and amidst > vigilance of its national elected representa- the gloom and stench of the Siygh-chi1 of > tives, are immense, highly diversified, truly TihrPn, the birth of the Mission of the > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 359 > > Founder of our Faith. Less than four that left their lasting- imprint > - on His Min- > months separate us from the centenary cele- istry. > brations designed to befittingly commemo- Little wonder that, in the months immedi- > rate that glorious event in Bah2i history, an ately ahead, when our thoughts are fixed > event even more potent in its implications upon those days which heralded the out- > than the birth of the B6bi Dispensation, and break of this reign of unprecedented terror, > > Bah2i delegates and visting Bah6'is attending the First Bahb'i convention of > Central America, Mexico andthe Antilles, Panama City, April 22-24, 1951. > > yielding in sacredness to none other except and the outburst of a Iight of such incon- > the memorable occasion when the Founder ceivable brightness and in the twelve-month > of the Faith Himself ascended the throne of period immediately following when we com- > His spiritual sovereignty and formally as- memorate the centenary of that reign of ter- > sumed, in the City of Baghd6d, His Pro- ror as well as throughout the succeeding > phetic Office. The radiance light shining within the walls of that pesti- sary of the period following the birth of so > lential Pit-a radiance, an infinitesimal glim- glorious a Mission-little wonder that the > mer of which, as the Founder of the Faith, followers of the Author of such a Revela- > Himself, later testified, caused the dwellers tion should be called upon to pour forth, as > of Sinai to swoon away-seemed, as it were, a ransom for so much suffering, and in > to be intermingled, whilst Bailb'u'll6h lay in thanksgiving for such priceless benefits con- > chains and fetters in that subterranean dun- ferred upon mankind, their substance, exert > geon, and, for many months after, with the theinselves to the utmost, scale the summits > somberness of the tragedy which enveloped of self-sacrifice, accomplish the most' valor- > the members of a persecuted community in ous feats, and, through a concerted, deter- > almost every province of that hapless land. mined, consecrated ten-year-long effort, > The dawning light of the Revelation prom- achieve their greatest victories in honor of > ised and lauded by the Bbb marks the termi- the Founder of their Faith, in grateful mem- > nation of the second and darker crisis in the ory of His unnumbered slaughtered serv- > annals of the B6bi Dispensation, and signal- ants, and for the world establishment, and > izes the commencement of a ten-year-long ultimate triumph, of His embryonic World > crisis, the first of the three successive cnes Order. > 360 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > The four Intercontinental Conferences, therance of the Grand Design delineated in > constituting the highlights of the centenary 'Abdu'l-Bahl's immortal Tablets; to the > celebrations commemorating this unique members of the loyal, the assiduously labor- > period in BahL'i history, commingling so ing and highly diversified community in the > much tragedy and glory, as well as the pub- Indian sub-continent, whose geographic po- > lic consecration of the Most Holy House of sition entitles them to extend substantial as- > Worship ever to be raised for the glory of sistance to the prodigious task of awakening > the Most Great Name, must alike proclaim, the peoples of South East Asia to the re- > in no uncertain voice, the significance of the demptive Message of Bahi'u'lliih; to the > happenings which, a hundred years ago, en- members of the second most persecuted yet > dowed mankind with a potency unap- resolute community established in the heart > proached at any period in the world's spirit- of both the Arab and Muslim worlds, who, > ual history, and signalize the inauguration of by virtue of the position they occupy, must > what may yet come to be regarded as a play a distinctive part in the emancipation > period of collective administrative and of a proscribed Faith from the fetters of re- > teaching accomplishments distinguishing the ligious orthodoxy; to the members of the > Formative Age of our Faith and endowed youthful yet vigorously functioning com- > with a fertility comparable to that which munity, championing the Cause of Baht?- > marked the spiritual feats of the dawn- u'lliih in the Antipodes who, by reason of > breakers of the Heroic Age which pre- their close proximity, are expected to con- > ceded it. tribute a substantial share to the establish- > To the members of the valorous Amer- ment of the institutions of the Faith in the > ican BahL'i Community, the chosen trustees numerous and widely scattered islands and > and principal executors of 'Abdu'l-BahL's archipelagoes of the South Pacific Ocean; to > Divine Plan, who, by virtue of the mission the members of a long-established yet still > entrusted to them by the Center of Bahi'- persecuted community dwelling in a terri- > u'lliih's Covenant, have been empowered, tory which may well rank, next to the Holy > and are fully qualsed, to assume a pre- Land and the Cradle of our Faith, as the > ponderating role in the conduct of this most holy in the entire BahL'i world, who > world-encompassing crusade; to the long- are destined to share with their brethren in > suffering, the unflinching, the much loved Persia, Egypt and P5kist5n in the task of > and steadfast members of the venerable and achieving the recognition of a down-trodden > still persecuted community of BahL'u'lliih's Faith, by the ecclesiastical leaders of Isliim; > followers laboring in His native land, whose to the newly-fledged, spiritually alert com- > spiritual ancestors have left a legacy of un- munities of Central and South America, > surpassed heroism and saintliness to the ris- who, by virtue of the responsibilities in- > ing generation in both the East and the vested in the inhabitants of the Western > West; to the members of the small, yet in- Hemisphere through the ringing call of > tensely alive, community dwelling in the Bah5'uyll5h in the Aqdas and the utterances > heart and center of the far-flung British of the Center of His Covenant, are expected > Commonwealth of Nations, whose destiny is by their brethren, in both the East and the > to lend a notable impetus to the progress of West, to worthily play their part as asso- > this world Crusade, through awakening the ciates of the chief executors of the Plan be- > vast and heterogeneous multitudes that owe queathed by 'Abdu'l-Bah&; to the members > allegiance to the British Crown, and are dis- of the communities in Italy and Switzerland, > persed throughout the five continents of the as yet in the embryonic stage of their devel- > globe; to the members of the equally small opment, and who will soon take their place > yet virile and highly promising community, as an independent entity in the international > planted in the heart of the European conti- BahPi community, and must assume their > nent, whose mission is to spread the light of share in planting the banner of a triumphant > the Faith throughout the regions that lie in Faith in the heart of a continent regarded > its neighborhood and project its radiance as as the cradle of Western civilization as well > far as the heart of the Asiatic continent; to as in the stronghold and nerve-center of the > the members of the newly emerged yet most powerful church in Christendom; in- > swiftly advancing community established in deed, to each and every believer, whether > the Dominion of Canada, worthy allies of isolated, or associated with any local Assem- > the American BahB'1' Community in the fur- bly or group, who, though as yet unidenti- > THE WORLD O R D E R O F BAHA'U'LLAH 361 > > fied with any specific national Plan for the tain-fastnesses of Tibet, establish direct con- > systematic prosecution of this Crusade, can tact with the teeming and hapless multitudes > still, and indeed must, lend his particular as- in the interior of China, Mongolia and Ja- > sistance in this gigantic enterprise-to all, pan, sit with the leprous, consort with the > without distinction of race, nation, class, outcasts in their penal colonies, traverse the > color, age or sex, I feel moved, as the fateful steppes of Russia or scatter throughout the > hour of a memorable centenary approaches, wastes of Siberia, I direct my impassioned > to address my plea, with all the fervor that appeal to obey, as befits His warriors, the > my soul can command and all the love that summons of the Lord of Hosts, and prepare > my heart contains, to rededicate themselves, for that Day of Days when His victorious > collectively and individually, to the task that battalions will, to the accompaniment of > lies ahead of them. hozannas from the invisible angels in the > Under whatever conditions, the dearly AbhL Kingdom, celebrate the hour of final > loved, the divinely sustained, the onward victory. > marching legions of the army of BahL'u'llLh "0, that I could travel," 'Abdu'l-Bahg, > may be laboring, in whatever theater they crying out from the depths of His soul, gives > may operate, in whatever climes they may utterance to His longing, in a memorable > struggle, whether in the cold and inhospita- passage in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, > ble territories beyond the Arctic Circle, or addressed to the North American believers, > in the torrid zones of both the Eastern and "even though on foot and in the utmost > Western Hemispheres; on the borders of the poverty, to these regions, and raising the call > jungles of Burma, Malaya and India; on the of 'Yii-BahCu'l-Abh2 in cities, villages, > fringes of the deserts of Africa and of the mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the > Arabian Peninsula; in the lonely, far-away, Divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. > backward and sparsely populated islands How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye > dotting the Atlantic, the Pacific and the In- may achieve it!" > dian Oceans and the North Sea; amidst the "Teach ye the Cause of God, 0 people of > diversified tribes of the Negroes of Africa, BahL," the Author of our Faith, Himself, > the Eskimos and the Lapps of the Arctic admonishes His followers, 't .. for God > regions, the Mongolians of East and South hath prescribed unto every one the duty of > East Asia, the Polynesians of the South Pa- proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it > cific Islands, the reservations of the Red In- as the most meritorious of all deeds. . . . > dians in both American continents, the Ma- Should any one arise for the triumph of Our > ories of New Zealand, and the aborigines of Cause, him will God render victorious > Australia; within the time-honored strong- though tens of thousands of enemies be > holds of both Christianity and IslLm, leagued against him." "They that have for- > whether it be in Mecca, Rome, Cairo, Najaf saken their country," He assures them, for > or Karbilfi; or in towns and cities whose in- the purpose of teaching Our Cause-these > habitants are either immersed in crass ma- shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through > terialism, or breathe the fetid air of an ag- . > its power. . . Such a service is, indeed, > gressive racialism, or find themselves bound the prince of all goodly deeds, and the orna- > by the chains and fetters of a haughty intel- ment of every goodly act." "When the hour > lectualism, or have fallen a prey to the cometh that this wronged and broken- > forces of a blind and militant nationalism, winged bird will have taken its flight unto > or are steeped in the atmosphere of a nar- the celestial Concourse," is 'Abdu'l-BahL's > row and intolerant ecclesiasticism-to them last poignant call to the entire body of the > all, as well as to those who, as the fortunes followers of His Father's Faith, as recorded > of this fate-laden Crusade prosper, will be in His Will and Testament, "it is incumbent > called upon to unfurl the standard of an all- upon . . . the friends and loved ones, one > conquering Faith in the strongholds of Hin- and all, to bestir themselves and arise, with > duism, and assist in the breaking up of a heart and soul, and in one accord . to. . > rigid age-long caste system, who will replace teach His Cause and promote His Faith. It > the seminaries and monasteries acting as the behoveth them not to rest for a moment. > nurseries of the Buddhist Faith with the . . . They must disperse themselves in > divinely-ordained institutions of Bahi'- . > every land . . and travel throughout all > u'llfih's victorious Order, who will penetrate regions. Bestirred, without rest, and stead- > the jungles of the Amazon, scale the moun- fast to the end, they must raise in every land > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 3 63 > > the cry of 'YB-BahB'u'l-AbhP . . that . hearts (of the) assembled representatives > throughout the East and the West a vast (of the) BahPi Communities (on the) > concourse may gather under the shadow of European Continent (at the) prospect (of > the Word of God, that the sweet savors of the) forthcoming convocation (of the) > holiness may be wafted, that men's faces epoch-making convention (in) Florence, > may be illumined, that their hearts may be (the) harbinger (of the) birth (of the) > filled with the Divine Spirit and their souls Italo-Swiss BahPi National Assembly. Stop. > become heavenly." (The) projected institutions called (into) > No matter how long the period that sep- being amidst (the) world-wide celebrations > arates them from ultimate victory; however commemorating (the) inception (of) > arduous the task; however formidable the BahPu'llfh's prophetic Mission, constituting > exertions demanded of them; however dark fairest fruit (of the) initial stage (of the) > the days which mankind, perplexed and European crusade, bound (to) add its valu- > sorely-tried, must, in its hour of travail, able support (to the) triple pillars recently > traverse; however severe the tests with erected under (the) aegis (of the) same > which they who are to redeem its fortunes plan (in the) course (of the) same stage > will be confronted; however afflictive the (of) its evolution designed (to) sustain > darts which their present enemies, as well as (the) weight, (to) broaden (the) basis, > those whom Providence, will, through His (to) enhance (the) prestige, (to) add di- > mysterious dispensations raise up from versity (to the) elements (that are) destined > within or from without, may rain upon (to) participate (in) six continents (of the) > them, however grievous the ordeal of tem- globe, (in the) future election (of the) Uni- > porary separation from the heart and nerve- versal House (of) Justice. Stop. > center of their Faith which future unfore- Moved (to) warmly congratulate (the) > seeable disturbances may impose upon them, American National Spiritual Assembly, ably > I adjure them, by the precious blood that directing (the) vast operations (of the) > flowed in such great profusion, by the lives European crusade from (the) heart (of the) > of the unnumbered saints and heroes who North American Continent; (the) European > were immolated, by the supreme, the glori- Teaching Committee, (the) principal exe- > ous sacrifice of the Prophet-Herald of our cutor (of the) plan, inaugurating (the) > Faith, by the tribulations which its Founder, European phase (of) America's unfolding > Himself, willingly underwent, so that His mission; (the) European representative (of > Cause might live, His Order might redeem a the) Committee established (in) Geneva, > shattered world and its glory might suffuse vigilantly coordinating (the) ramifications > the entire planet-I adjure them, as this (of the) newly launched project; every sub- > solemn hour draws nigh, to resolve never to sidiary agency, regional (and) local, con- > flinch, never to hesitate, never to relax, until > tributing its share (to the) triumph (of the) > each and every objective in the Plans to be common cause; all pioneers, past (and) > proclaimed, at a later date, has been fully present; settlers, itinerant teachers, worthy > consummated. emissaries (of the) Center (of the) Cove- > Your true brother nant, who nobly responded (to) His call (in > USHOGHI the) length (and) breadth (of the) ten goal > June 30, 1952. countries; (the) entire body (of the) stead- > ily multiplying native believers, constituting > TO THE EUROPEAN TEACHING CONFERENCE (the) core (of the) vanguard (of the) > IN LUXEMBOURG army, singled out by (the) Lord (of) Hosts > (for the) quickening (and the) ultimate > (On the) occasion, auspicious opening conquest (of the) spiritually slumbering > Luxembourg Teaching Conference coincid- continent, particularly (the) members (of > ing (with the) eve (of the) historic Holy the) twin rapidly rising communities (of) > Year marking (the) conclusion (of the) Italy (and) Switzerland, who singly (and) > series (of the) memorable annual gather- collectively hastened, through high endeav- > ings, leaving (an) indelible imprint (on the) ors, (the) consummation (of the) enter- > annals (of the) second stage (of the) evolu- prise, exceeding fondest expectations. Stop. > tion (of) 'Abdu'l-BahBs Divine Plan, Hail this crowning exploit (of the) Second > wholeheartedly share feelings (of) joy, Seven Year Plan as (the) forerunner (of > pride (and) gratitude evoked (in the) the) formation (in) rapid succession, (in > 3 64 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > the) course (of the) third phase (of the) them, (the) propagation (of) His Faith > Plan conceived (by the) Center (of) Bah6'- (and the) consolidation (of the) agencies > u'llhh's Covenant, (of) Regional National (of) His rising Administrative Order > Assemblies (in) Scandinavia, Benelux coun- throughout (the) entire European Conti- > tries, Iberian Peninsula, themselves a pre- nent. > lude (to the) establishment (in) present -SHOGHI > (and) succeeding epochs (of the) evolution Haif a, > (of the) Divine Plan, (of) separate National August 23, 1952. > Assemblies (in) each sovereign state, princi- > pality, (and) chief dependency (on the) ACQUISITION > OF VITALLY-NEEDED > PROPERTY > European Continent, as well as (on the) SURROUNDING THE TOMBOF B A H . ~ ~ J ' L L ~ H > neighboring principal islands (of the) Medi- > terranean, Atlantic Ocean, (and) North Sea. Announce (to) Bahi'i communities, East > Stop. (and) West, (on the) joyous occasion (of > Earnestly appeal (to) all participants (in the) hundred (and) thirty-fifth Anniversary > the) phenomenal birth (and) rise (of the) (of) Bah6'uYllhh'sBirthday, (the) success- > communities constituting weighty elements ful termination (of the) protracted negotia- > (in the) life (of the) firmly knit world tions, initiated two years ago (and) culmi- > Bah2i family (to) prepare themselves dur- nating (in the) signature (to the) contract > ing present Conference (for the) future providing (the) eventual, formal transfer by > close collaboration (with the) long estab- (the) Development Authority (of the) State > lished sister communities (in the) British (of) Israel to (the) Palestine Branch (of > Isles, France (and) Germany (to) meet the) American National Spiritual Assembly > (the) challenge (of the) major strenuous (of the) extensive, long-desired, vitally- > task constituting (the) pivot (of the) delib- needed property surrounding (and) safe- > erations (of the) approaching Stockholm guarding for posterity (the) Most Holy > Intercontinental Conference, designed (to) Tomb (of the) Founder (of the) Faith, as > expand (and) consolidate (the) framework well as (the) adjoining Mansion. > (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith (The) acquired area, raising BahB'i hold- > (of) BahB'u'llhh (in the) north, south, west ings (on the) holy plain (of) 'AkkL from > (and) heart (of the) European Continent, four thousand to one hundred and fifty-five > foreshadowing (the) launching (of) future thousand square meters, (was) exchanged > enterprises (in) collaboration (with the) against property donated by children (of) > German, Persian, 'Irhqi BahQi Communi- Zikrullah, grandchildren (of) MirzL MU- > ties, calculated (to) extend (the) regenerat- hammad Quli, Bahb'u'llhh's faithful half- > ing influence (of the) same order (to) east- brother (and) companion (in) exile. > ern (and) southeastern territories (of the) (This) spontaneous offer contrasts (with > same continent (and) eventually beyond its the) shameful action (of the) family (in > confines, across (the) Ural Mountains (to the) sale to non-Bahi'is (of the) property > the) north, west (and) ultimately (to the) (in the) neighborhood (of the) Jordan val- > heart (of the) Asiatic Continent. Stop. ley purchased (through the) instrumentality > Urge all attendants (to) dedicate part (of (of) 'Abdu'l-BahL during Bahi'u'llhh's life- > the) sessions (of this) Conference synchro- time, pursuant (to) His instructions (and) > nizing (with) Centenary (of the) imprison- alluded (to in) His writings. > ment (of) Bahi'u'llhh (in the) Siyhh-Chh1 (The) forty acre property acquired (in > (in) prayerful remembrance (of the) som- this) single transaction almost equals (the) > ber tragedy preceding (the) rise (of the) entire Bahb'i international endowments pur- > resplendent Orb (of the) august Revelation, chased (in the) course (of) sixty years (in > (to) draw nigh (to) His spirit, (to) fix the) vicinity (of the) B&bib'sSepulcher (on > (their) thoughts (on) His promises, (to) the) slope (of) Mt. Carmel. > derive fresh inspiration (from the) glorious (The) exchange (of) said property, in- > triumph, following so closely (upon) His cluding land (and) houses (was) made pos- > agonizing ordeal, (to) contemplate (the) sible (by the) precipitate flight (of the) > magnitude (of) His Cause, (to) pledge former Arab owners, traditional supporters > themselves (to) ensure (in the) course (of (of the) old Covenant-breakers (and) de- > the) decade opening before them (the) suc- scendents (of the) notorious enemy (of) > cess (of the) twin colossal tasks assigned 'Abdu'l-BahL who placed (his) residence > (at the) disposal (of the) Committee (of) am impelled, on the occasion of the anni- > Investigation. versary of the Most Great Festival, coin- > (The) signature (to the) agreement sig- ciding with a triple celebration-the dedica- > nalized (the) commencement (of) large- tion of the Mother Temple of the West, the > scale landscaping, aiming (at the) beautifi- launching of a World Spiritual Crusade and > cation (of the) immediate precincts (of the Commemoration of the Birth of BahP- > the) holiest spot (in the) entire Bah6'i uYllLh'sMission-to pay warmest tribute to > world, itself (the) prelude (to the) eventual the pre-eminent share which the American > erection, as happened (in the) case (of the) BahL'i Community has had in the course of > Bib's Sepulcher, (of a) befitting Mauso- over half a century in proclaiming His Rev- > leum enshrining (the) precious Dust (of elation, in shielding His Cause, in cham- > the) Most Great Name. pioning His Covenant, in erecting the ad- > Desire (to) acknowledge (the) indefat- ministrative machinery of His embryonic > igable efforts exerted (by) both Larry World Order, in expounding His teachings, > Hautz (and) Leroy Ioas enabling (the) con- in translating and disseminating His Holy > summation (of the) initial stage (of the) Word, in despatching the messengers of His > enterprise destined (to) eclipse in its final Glad-Tidings, in awakening Royalty to His > phase (the) splendor (and) magnificence Call, in succoring His oppressed followers, > (of the) Bib's resting-place (on) Mt. Car- in routing His enemies, in upholding His > mel. Law, in asserting the independence of His > -SHOGHI Faith, in multiplying the financial resources > Haifa, Israel, of its nascent institutions and, last but not > November 12, 1952. least, in rearing its greatest House of Wor- > ship-the first Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hkk6r of the > Western World. > The hour is now ripe for this greatly > gifted richly blessed Community to arise > and reaffirm, through the lannching of yet > another enterprise, its primacy, enhance its > spiritual heritage, plumb greater depths of > Presented by Riihiyyih Khdnum consecration and capture loftier heights in > the course of its strenuous and ceaseless la- > My soul is ~~plifted in joy and thanksgiv- bors for the exaltation of God's Cause. > ing at the triumphant conclusion of the sec- The Ten Year Plan, constituting the third > ond Seven Year Plan immortalized by the and final stage of the initial epoch in the > brilliant victories simultaneously won by the evolution of 'Abdu'l-Bah%'s Master Plan, > vanguard of the hosts of Bahb'u'llih in which, God willing, will raise to greater > Latin America, in Europe and in Africa- heights the fame of the stalwart American > victories befittingly crowned through the Bahb'i Community, and seat it upon "the > consummation of a fifty year old enterprise, throne of an everlasting dominion," en- > the completion of the first Ma&riqu'l- visaged by the Author of the Tablets of this > A&hkk6r of the Western World. The signal same Plan, involves: > success that has attended the second col- First, the opening of the following virgir > lective enterprise undertaken in the course territories, eleven in Africa: Cape Verde Is- > of the American Bahb'i history climaxes a lands, Canary Islands, French Somaliland, > term of stewardship to the Faith of Bah6'u'- French Togoland, Mauritius, Northern Ter- > llgh, of almost three score years duration,- ritories Protectorate, Portuguese Guinea, > a period which has enriched the annals of R6union Island, Spanish Guinea, St. Helena > the concluding epoch of the Heroic, and and St. Thomas Island; eight in Ada: Caro- > shed luster on the first thirty years of the line Islands, Dutch New Guinea, Bainan Is- > Formative Age of the Bahb'i Dispensation. land, Kazakhstan, Macao Island, Sakhalin > So fecund a period has been marked by Island, Tibet and Tonga Islands; six in ELI- > teaching activities unexcelled throughout the rope: Andorra, Azores, Balearic Islands, > western world and has been distinguished Lofoten Islands, Spitzbergen and Ukraine, > by administrative exploits unparalleled in and four in America: Aleutian Islands, > the annals of any BahPi National C o m a - Falbland Islands, TCcy west and Kodiak b- > nity whether in the East or in the West. I land. > 366 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Second, the consolidation of the Faith in the number of incorporated local assemblies > the following territories, six in Asia: China, within the American Union. > Formosa, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Philip- Fifteenth, the raising to three hundred of > pine Islands; two in Africa: Liberia and the number of local spiritual assemblies in > South Africa; twelve in Europe: the ten that same country. > Goal Countries, Finland and France; three Sixteenth, the incorporation of spiritual > in America: the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska assemblies in the leading cities of Sweden, > and Puerto Rico. Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Lux- > Third, the extension of assistance to the embourg, Spain and Portugal, as well as of > National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahfis the spiritual assemblies of Paris, of Helsing- > of Central and South America, as well as to fors, of Tokyo, of Suva and of Johannes- > the National Spiritual Assembly of the burg. > Bahi'is of Italy and Switzerland, in forming Seventeenth, the quadrupling of the num- > twenty National Spiritual Assemblies in the ber of the local spiritual assemblies and the > Republics of Latin America and two in Eu- trebling of the number of localities in the > rope, namely in Italy and Switzerland; the aforementioned countries. > extension of assistance for the establishment Eighteenth, the translation of Bahfi lit- > of a National Haziratu'l-Quds in the capital erature into ten languages in Europe: > of each of the aforementioned countries as Basque, Estonian, Flemish, Lapp, Maltese, > well as of national Bahi'i endowments in Piedmontese, Romani, Romansch, Yiddish > these same countries. and Ziryen; ten in America: Aguaruna, Ara- > Fourth, the establishment of 'ten National wak, Blackfoot, Cherokee, Iroquois, Len- > Spiritual Assemblies in the following Euro- gua, Mataco, Maya, Mexican and Yahgan. > pean countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Nineteenth, the conversion to the Faith of > Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Spain, members of the leading Indian tribes. > Portugal, France and Finland. Twentieth, the conversion to the Faith of > Fifth, the establishment of a National representatives of the Basque and Gipsy > Spiritual Assembly in Japan and one in the races. > South Pacific Islands. Twenty-first, the establishment of sum- > Sixth, the establishment of the National mer schools in each of the Scandinavian and > Spiritual Assembly of Bahi'is of Alaska. Benelux countries, as well as those of the > Seventh, the establishment of the Na- Iberian Peninsula. > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Twenty-second, the proclamation of the > South and West Africa. Faith through the Press and Radio through- > Eighth, the incorporation of each of the out the United States of America. > fourteen above-mentioned National Spirit- Twenty-third, the establishment of a > ual Assemblies. BahVi Publishing Trust in Wilmette, Illinois. > Ninth, the establishment of national Twenty-fourth, the formation of an Asian > Bahi'i endowments by these same National Teaching Committee designed to stimulate > Spiritual Assemblies. and coordinate the teaching activities initi- > Tenth, the establishment of a National ated by the Plan. > Haziratu'l-Quds in the capital city of each May this Community-the spiritual de- > of the eleven of the aforementioned coun- scendents of the Dawn-Breakers of the He- > tries, as well as one in Anchorage, one in roic Age of the BahVi Faith, the chief re- > Suva, and one in Johannesburg. pository of the immortal Tablets of 'Abdu'l- > Eleventh, the erection of the first De- BahL's Divine Plan, the foremost executors > pendency of the first Ma&riqu'l-Ad_hkAr of of the Mandate issued by the Center of > the Western World. BahVu'llAh's Covenant, the champion-bucd- > Twelfth, the extension of assistance for ers of a divinely conceived Administrative > the purchase of land for four future Tem- Order, the standard-bearers. of the all-con- > ples, two in Europe: in Stockholm and quering army of the Lord of Hosts, the > Rome; one in Central America, in Panama torch-bearers of a future divinely inspired > City; and one in Africa, in Johannesburg. world civilization-arise, in the course of > Thirteenth, the completion of the land- the momentous decade separating the Great > scaping of the grounds of the Mas_hriquYl- from Most Great Jubilee, to secure, as befits > Ad_hkkQin Wilmette. its rank, the lion's share in the prosecution > Fourteenth, the raising to one hundred of of a global crusade designed to diffuse the > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 367 > > Light of God's Revelation over the surface first to lay an unassailable foundation for > of the entire Planet. the erection of auxiliary institutions de- > SHOGAI signed to multiply its financial resources; > April 29, 1953. and, more recently, the first to achieve, as > befits its primacy, the initial task devolving > upon it in pursuance of the newly-launched > world spiritual Crusade, this Community > has abundantly merited, by the quality of its > Dear and valued co-workers : deeds and the magnitude of its exploits, the > My soul is thrilled and my heart is filled distinctive titles of the Cradle of the World > with gratitude as I contemplate-looking Order of Bahit'u'llhh, of the Vanguard of > back upon six decades of eventful American His world-conquering Host, of the standard- > Bah6'i history-the chain of magnificent bearers of the Oneness of Mankind, of the > achievements which, from the dawn of the Chief Trustees of the Plan devised by the > Faith of BahL'u'lllh in the West until the Center of the Covenant and of the torch- > present day, have signalized the birth, bearers of an as yet unborn world civiliza- > marked the rise and distinguished the un- tion. > foldment of the glorious Mission of the The services rendered by this same Com- > American BahL'i Community. Of all BahL'i munity in recent years, in its capacity as the > Communities in both the Eastern and West- chief executors of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's Divine > ern Hemispheres, with the sole exception of Plan, in the course of the second stage of > its venerable sister-community in BahL'uY- the initial epoch in its evolution, are of such > ll6h's native land, it alone may well claim importance and significance as to deserve > to have released forces, and set in motion particular mention at this time. In the North > events, which stand unparalleled in the an- American continent, throughout the Repub- > nals of the Faith; while in the course of the lics of Latin America, in the Ten Goal coun- > last fifty years, comprising the concluding tries of Europe, on the shores and in the > years of the Heroic and the opening Epochs heart of the African continent, the members > of the Formative Age of the BahL'i Dis- of this community have, in conformity with > pensation, it can confidently boast of a rec- the provisions of the second Seven Year > ord of stewardship which, for its scope, ef- Plan, performed feats of such noble and en- > fectiveness and splendor, is unmatched by during heroism as to enhance immensely > that of any other community in the entire their prestige, demonstrate unmistakably the > BahL'i world. caliber of their faith and qualify them to as- > The first to awaken to the Call of the sume a preponderating share in the prosecu- > New Day in the Western world; the first to tion of the Ten Year Plan whose operations > spontaneously arise to befittingly erect the are to extend over the entire surface of the > Mother Temple of the West; the first to globe. > grasp the implications, evolve the pattern In the multiplication and consolidation of > and lay the basis of the structure of the Bahit'i Administrative institutions and their > BahL'i Administrative Order in the entire auxiliary agencies throughout Central > Bah6'i world; the first to openly and sys- America, the Antilles and every South > tematically proclaim the fundamental prin- American Republic-a task supplementing > ciples of the Faith, to adopt effectual meas- the initial enterprise undertaken, in pursu- > ures for its defense, to invite the attention of ance of the first Seven Year Plan, in con- > Royalty to its teachings, to devise an ade- nection with the introduction of the Faith > quate machinery for the translation, the into the Republics of Latin America; in the > publication and the dissemination of its lit- even more rapid development of nascent in- > erature and to provide the means for the stitutions of the Faith in Scandinavian, in > creation of its subsidiary institutions; the the Benelux countries, in Switzerland, in the > first to champion the cause of the oppressed Italian and Iberian Peninsulas; in the laying > and to generously contribute to the allevia- of the administrative basis of the World > tion of the sufferings of the needy and per- Order of BahL'u'lllh in the capital and in > secuted among the followers of BahL'u'lllh; some of the major cities of each of the ten > the first to inaugurate collective enterprises European sovereign states included within > for the propagation of His Cause; the first the scope of the Plan; in the convocation of > to assert its independence in the west; the a series of historic teaching Conferences in > 368 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > the North and in the heart of the European The stage is now set, and the hour propi- > continent-heralding the convocation of the tious, f o r a deployment of forces, and for > recently held, epoch-making intercontinental the revelation of the indomitable spirit ani- > Teaching Conferences; in the translation, mating this community, on a scale and to a > the publication and dissemination of Bahi'i degree unprecedented in the entire course > literature in various European languages; in of American Bahi'i history. To the Antilles > the still more dramatic evolution of the and the seventeen Republics of Central and > Faith in the African continent, culminating of South America-the scene of the initial > in the convocation of the first interconti- exploits of a community inaugurating the > nental Teaching Conference of the Holy opening phase of its world-girding Mission > Year in the heart of Africa; in the tremen- -to the ten sovereign states of Europe > dous sacrifices spontaneously and repeatedly which, at a subsequent stage in the unfold- > made to broaden and reinforce the founda- ment of that Mission, the members of this > tions of the Faith in the North American community enthusiastically and deter- > continent, to sustain the campaigns under- minedly arose to open up and conquer; to > taken in Latin America, Europe and Africa, the African Territories which, in addition to > and to meet the many demands of the BahVi their allocated task under the second Seven > Temple, rapidly nearing completion in Wil- Year Plan, they spontaneously endeavored > mette; in the successive emergence of three to win to the all-conquering Cause of BahC- > National Spiritual Assemblies in the West- u'llhh-to these numerous islands and ar- > ern Hemisphere-an outstanding contribu- chipelagoes, bordering the American, the > tion to the evolution and consolidation of European and African continents; Depend- > the structure of the world administrative encies extensive, well-nigh inaccessible, and > order of the Faith; in the completion of the remote from the base of their operations > interior ornamentation of the first Maariq- throughout the Asiatic continent; lastly, the > u'l-A&khr of the West, the provision of South Pacific area, the home of the one re- > its accessories and the initiation of the land- maining race not as yet adequately repre- > scaping of its grounds; in the support ex- sented in the Bahi'i world community, oc- > tended to the development of the institutions cupying spiritually so strategic a position > of the World Center of the Faith; in the role owing to its proximity to the Bahi'i com- > played by its representatives, whether as munities already lirmly entrenched in South > Hands of the Cause or members of the In- America, in the Indian sub-continent and in > ternational BahVi Council; in the financial Australasia, at once challenging the re- > aid unhesitatingly given to hasten the con- sources of no less than eight National Spir- > struction, and insure the completion, of the itual Assemblies, and the theater destined to > Superstructure of the Bgb's Sepulcher on witness the noblest and the most resounding > Mt. Carmel-above all, in the share its na- victories which the chosen executors of > tional elected representatives have assumed 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Divine Plan have been called > in providing the means for the convocation upon to win in the service of the Cause of > of the second intercontinental Teaching God-all these have now, in accordance > Conference of the Holy Year; in commemo- with the requirements of an irresistibly un- > rating worthily the dedication to public wor- folding Plan, been added, completing > ship of the Mother Temple of the West, on thereby the full circle of the world-wide ob- > the occasion of its Jubilee; in befittingly in- ligations devolving upon a community in- > augurating the launching of the World Spir- vested with spiritual primacy by the Author > itual Crusade, and in celebrating the climax of the immortal Tablets constituting the > of the Holy Year marking the centenary of Charter of the Master Plan of the appointed > the birth of BahVu'llLh's Mission-in all Center of Bahi'u'llhh's Covenant. > these the American BahL'i Community has "The moment this Divine Message," He > fully deserved the praise and gratitude of Who penned these Tablets and conferred > posterity, has merited the applause of the this primacy has most significantly affirmed, > Concourse on high and earned a full meas- "is propagated through the continents of > ure of the Divine blessings and of the celes- Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Austral- > tial sustenance of which it will stand in such asia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, > great need in the course of the prosecution this Community will find itself securely es- > of still mightier and more glorious enter- tablished upon the throne of an everlasting > prises in the days to come. dominion." Then, and only then, will, as He > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 3 69 > > Himself has so remarkably prophesied, "the as yet penetrated. It must, as it approaches > whole earth" "resound with the praises of its its conclusion, pave the way for the laying, > majesty and greatness." on an unassailable foundation, of the struc- > Now, indeed, is the time, after the lapse tural basis of an Administrative Order > of two score years; following the triumphant whose fabric must, in the course of succes- > conclusion of two successive historic Plans, sive Crusades, be laboriously erected > marking the opening stages of the first throughout the entire globe and which must > Epoch in the unfoldment of that same Mas- assemble beneath its sheltering shadow peo- > ter Plan; on the morrow of the brilliant cele- ples of every race, tongue, creed, color-and > brations climaxing the world-wide festivities nation. > of a memorable Holy Year; and while a Seconded by the neighboring fully fledged > triumphant Community, in the first flush of Canadian BahGi Community flourishing be- > enthusiasm, has just garnered the first fruits yond the northern frontier of its homeland; > of its campaigns in four continents of the supported by the newly emerged Latin > globe and is laden with its freshly won American Communities established in the > trophies, for this community to bestir itself, Antilles and in each of the Central and > and, assuming its rightful preponderating Southern Republics of the Western Hemi- > share in the conduct of a newly launched sphere; ably aided by its sister community > world Spiritual Crusade, to demonstrate, vigorously functioning in the heart of a far- > through a supreme and sustained effort em- flung Empire, and destined to lend its in- > bracing the entire surface of the planet, its estimable assistance in the spiritual conquest > ability to safeguard that primacy, to enrich of the numerous and widely scattered De- > immeasurably the record of its stewardship pendencies of the British Crown; reinforced > and to bring to a majestic conclusion the by the oldest and youngest national Bah&'i > opening Epoch in the evolution of a Plan communities on the European mainland > destined to reveal the full measure of its which are to play a prominent part in the > potentialities, not only throughout the suc- eastern and southern regions, and across the > cessive Epochs of the Formative Age of the frontiers of Europe, along the shores and in > Faith, but in the course of the vast reaches the islands of the Mediterranean; assisted by > of time stretching into the Golden, the last its venerable sister-community in the cradle > Age of the BahPi Dispensation. of the Faith and by the second oldest na- > This decade-long global Crusade must tional community in the Bahi'i world ac- > mark a veritable turning point in American tively engaged in the propagation of the > Bahgi history. It must prove itself to be, as Faith in the Asiatic contiilent; confident of > it develops, a force so pervasive and revolu- the help of its Egyptian and Indian sister- > tionary in its character as to leave a lasting communities, whose destiny is closely linked > imprint not only on the destinies of the with the African continent and Southeast > American Bahl'i Community but on the for- Asia, respectively, and, lastly, assured of the > tunes of the American nation as well. It unfailing cooperation of yet another na- > must, even as a baptismal fire, so purge its tional Community in the Antipodes which, > members from self as to enable them to owing to its geographical position, is bound > scale heights never as yet attained. It must, to assume a notable share in the introduc- > in its initial stages, witness a dispersal, com- tion of the Faith in the Islands of the South > bined with a consecration, reminiscent of Pacific Ocean, the American Bahi'i Com- > the dawn of the Heroic Age in Bah&'u'llih's munity must, as befits its rank as the chief > native land. It must, as it gathers momen- executor of the Divine Plan, play a domi- > tum, awaken the select and gather the spirit- nant and decisive role in the direction and > ually hungry amongst the peoples of the control of the manifold operations involved > world, as well as create an awareness of the in the prosecution of the North American, > Faith not only among the political leaders of the Latin American, the European, the Afri- > present-day society but also among the can, the Asian and the South Pacific cam- > thoughtful, the erudite in other spheres of paigns of this world Crusade, and ensure, by > human activity. It must, as it approaches its every means at its disposal and in conjunc- > climax, carry the torch of the Faith to re- tion with its junior partners, its ultimate and > gions so remote, so backward, so inhospita- total success. > ble that neither the light of Christianity or Within its own sphere, extending to every > Islfim has, after the revolution of centuries, continent of the globe, embracing no less > 370 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > than twenty-nine virgin territories and is- pating in this world Crusade-that the two- > lands, the members of this stalwart and pre- fold task of extension and consolidation > eminent Community are called upon, among must be supplemented by continuous and > other things and within the relatively brief strenuous efforts to increase speedily not > span of a single decade, to create nuclei, only the number of the avowed followers of > around which will crystallize future assem- the Faith in both the virgin and opened ter- > blies, in no less than-eleven territories and ritories and islands included within the > islands of Africa, eight of Asia, six of Eu- scope of the Ten Year Plan, but also to > rope, four of America; to inaugurate the es- swell the ranks of its active supporters who > tablishment of the future Dependencies of will consecrate their time, resources and > the Mother Temple of the West, and to ter- energy to the effectual spread of its teach- > minate the landscaping of its grounds; to ings and the multiplication and consolida- > consolidate and broaden the basis of the Ad- tion of its- administrative institutions. > ministrative Order already laid in twenty- The movement of pioneers, the opening > three territories and islands distributed in of virgin territories, the initiation of Houses > four continents of the globe and situated in of Worship and of administrative headquar- > the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; to assist in ters, the incorporation of local and national > the erection of no less than thirty-six pillars, elective bodies, the multiplication of assem- > twenty in Latin America, twelve in Europe, blies, groups and isolated centers, the in- > two in Asia, one in the North American crease in the number of races, represented > continent and one in Africa, designed to in the world BahB'i Fellowship, the transla- > help in sustaining the weight of the crown- tion, publication and dissemination of > ing unit of the Bahi'i Administrative Order, Bahi'i literature, the consolidation of ad- > and in the establishment of national Bahi'i ministrative agencies and the creation of > headquarters, of national endowments, and auxiliary bodies designed to support them, > of national incorporations in all of these however valuable, essential and n~eritorious, > continents; to lend its aid for the acquisition will in the long run amount to little and fail > of land in anticipation of the erection of to achieve the6 supreme purpose if not sup- > four Temples, two in Europe, one in Africa plemented by the equally vital task-which > and one in Central America; to lend an im- is one that primarily concerns continually > petus to the progress of the Faith in its and challenges each single individual be- > homeland through raising to three hundred liever whatever his rank, capacity or origin > the number of local Spiritual Assemblies -of winning to the Faith fresh recruits to > and to one hundred the number of incor- the slowly yet steadily advancing army of > porated Assemblies, as well as through the the Lord of Hosts, whose reinforcing > founding of a Bahi'i Publishing Trust and strength is so essential to the safeguarding of > the proclamation of the Faith through the the victories which the band of heroic > Press and Radio; to enroll in the ranks of BahP'i conquerors are winning in the course > the followers of Bahi'u'llrih members of the of their several campaigns in all the conti- > Indian, of the Basque and Gipsy races; to nents of the globe. > assume responsibility for the translation and Such a steady flow of reinforcements is > publication of BahL'i literature in twenty absolutely vital -and is of extreme urgency, > languages, ten in the Americas and ten in for nothing short of the vitalizing influx of > Europe; and to contribute to the consolida- new blood that will reanimate the world > tion of the Faith in eight of the European Bahb'i Community can safeguard the prizes > goal countries through the establishment of which, at so great a sacdice involving the > local incorporations, as well as through the expenditure of so much time, effort and > quadrupling of the number of local Assem- treasure, are now being won in virgin terri- > blies and the trebling of the number of local tories by Bahs'u'llAh's valiant Knights, > BahP'i centers in each one of them. whose privilege is to constitute the spear- > While this colossal task, which in its mag- head of the onrushing battalions which, in > nitude and potentialities transcends any pre- diverse theaters and in circumstances often > vious collective enterprise launched in the adverse and extremely challenging, are vy- > course of American BahU history, is being ing with each other for the spiritual con- > energetically carried out, it should be con- quest of the unsurrendered territories and > stantly borne in mind-and this applies to islands on the surface of the globe. > all communities without exception partici- This flow, moreover, will presage and > T H E WGRLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH > > hasten the advent of the day which, as signed to culminate in the establishment in > prophesied by 'Abdu'l-Bahk, will witness the its plenitude of the institution of the Ma&- > entry by troops of peoples of divers nations riqu'l-A&kL as conceived by Bahl'u'llih > and races into the BahB'i world-a day and envisaged by 'Abdu'l-BahL. Moreover, > which, viewed in its proper perspective, will immediate consideration should be given to > be the prelude to that long-awaited hour two other issues of prime importance, > when a mass conversion on the part of these namely the purchase of land, which need > same nations and races, and as a direct re- not exceed for the present one acre, in an- > sult of a chain of events, momentous and ticipation of the construction of the first > possibly catastrophic in nature, and which Ma&riqu'l-Adhkb of South Africa, and > cannot as yet be even dimly visualized, will the prompt translation of a suitable BahPi > suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the pamphlet into the American and European > Faith, derange the equilibrium of the world, languages allocated to your Assembly, and > and reinforce a thousandfold the numerical its publication and wide dissemination > strength as well as the material power and among the peoples and tribes for whom it > the spiritual authority of the Faith of Baht?- has been primarily designed. > u'llLh. The followers of the Most Great Name, > Of all the Objectives enumerated in my citizens of the Great Republic of the West; > message to the representatives of this om- constituting the majority and the oldest fol- > munity, assembled on the occasion of the lowers of His Faith in a continent wherein, > celebration of the climax of the Holy Year, in the words of 'Abdu'l-BahL, "the splen- > of the convocation of the seconcl inter- dors of His (Bahi'u'llLh's) Light shall be re- > continental Teaching Conference, of the in- vealed" and "the mysteries of His Faith > auguration of the Mother Temple of the shall be unveiled," addressed by Him in His > West and of the launching of the World Tablets of the Divine Plan as the "Apostles" > Spiritual Crusade, the most vital, urgent and of His Father; the recipients of the over- > meritorious, in this the opening year of the whelming majority of these same Tablets > initial phase of this world-embracing enter- constituting the Charter of that Plan; con- > prise, is, without doubt, the settlement of querors of most of the territories, whether > pioneers in all the virgin territories and is- sovereign states or Dependencies, already > lands assigned to this Community in all the included within the pale of the Faith; the > continents of the globe, with the exception Champion-builders of a world Adrninistra- > of the few which, owing to present political tive System which posterity will regard as > obstacles, can not as yet be opened to the the Harbinger of the World Order of Bahl'- > Faith of Bahl'u'llLh. This process already so uYllLh,must, if they wish to retain their > auspiciously inaugurated, which, in the primacy and enrich their heritage, insure > course of the first eight months of the Holy that, ere the opening of the second phase of > Year has gathered such splendid momen- this World Crusade, the names of the first > tum, and which bids fair to astonish, stimu- American Bahl'i conquerors to settle in > late and inspire the entire Bahi'i world, virgin territories and islands will, as befits > must, during the concluding months of this their primacy, be inscribed on the Scroll of > same year and the one succeeding it, be so Honor, now in process of preparation, and > accelerated as to ensure the atta'mment of designed to be permanently deposited at the > this paramount objective before the lapse of entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of > two years from the official launching of this Bahl'u'llLh's Most Holy Tomb, that the > World Crusade. limited area of land required for the erec- > While this goal is being vigorously pur- tion of four future Bahfi'i Temples, in > sued close attention must be directed to the Rome, Stockholm, Panama City and Johan- > preliminary measures for the establishment nesburg, will be bought, that the landscap- > of the first Dependency of the Mother Tem- ing of the grounds of the Temple in Wil- > ple of the West, as well as to the completion mette will be completed, and that the > of the landscaping of its grounds, a double translation and the publication of the afore- > task that will, on the one hand, mark the mentioned pamphlet in the specified lan- > termination of the fifty-year old process of guages will be accomplished. > the construction of the Central Bah2i The two years that lie ahead, three > House of Worship, and proclaim, on the months of which have already elapsed, will > other, the commencement of another de- swiftly and imperceptibly draw to a close > 372 T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > Tasks even more onerous, equally weighty potential adversaries; armed with the ef- > and requiring in a still greater measure the ficacious weapons their own hands have > expenditure of effort and substance, lie slowly and laboriously forged in anticipa- > ahead, which will brook of no delay, which tion of this glorious and inevitable encoun- > will carry the Faith to still higher levels of ter with the organized forces of supersti- > achievement and renown, which will en- tion, of corruption and of unbelief; placing > large, through the forging of fresh instru- their whole trust in the matchless potency of > ments, the framework of a steadily rising Bahi'u'llBh's teachings, in the all-conquer- > world Administrative Order, and which will ing power of His might and the infallibility > eventually, if worthily discharged, seal the of His glorious and oft-repeated promises, > triumph of the most prodigious, the most let them press forward, each according to > sublime, the most sacred collective enter- his strength and resources, into the vast > prise launched by the adherents of the arena now lying before them, and which, > Cause of God in both hemispheres since the God willing, will witness, in the years im- > early days of the Heroic Age of the Faith- mediately lying ahead, such exhibitions of > an enterprise which in its vastness, organiza- prowess and of heroic self-sacrifice as may > tion and unifying power, has no parallel in well recall the superb feats achieved by that > the world's spiritual history. immortal band of God-intoxicated heroes > To them, and indeed to the entire body who have so immeasurably enriched the an- > of the followers of Bahi'u'llfih, engaged in nals of the Christian, the Islamic and Bfibi > this global Crusade, I direct my appeal to Dispensations. > arise and, in the course of these fast fleet- On the members of the American Bahi'i > ing years, in every phase of the campaigns Community, the envied custodians of a Di- > that are to be fought in all the continents of vine Plan, the principal builders and de- > the globe, prove their worth as gallant war- fenders of a mighty Order and the recog- > riors battling for the Cause of BahL'u'llBh. nized champions of an unspeakably glorious > Indeed, from this very hour until the eve of and precious Faith, a peculiar and ines- > the Most Great Jubilee, each and every one capable responsibility must necessarily rest. > of those enrolled in the Army of Light must Through their courage, their self-abnega- > seek no rest, must take no thought of self, tion, their fortitude and their perseverance; > must sacrifice to the uttermost, must allow through the range and quality of their > nothing whatsoever to deflect him or her achievements, the depth of their consecra- > from meeting the pressing, the manifold, the tion, their initiative and resourcefulness, > paramount needs of this preeminent Cru- their organizing ability, their readiness and > sade. capacity to lend their assistance to less privi- > "Light as the spirit," "pure as air," "blaz- leged sister-communities struggling against > ing as fire," "unrestrained as the wind"-- heavy odds; through their generous and > for such is BahL'u'llfih's own admonition to sustained response to the enormous and > His loved ones in His Tablets, and directed ever-increasing financial needs of a world- > not to a select few but to the entire congre- encompassing, decade-long and admittedly > gation of the faithful-let them scatter far strenuous enterprise, they must, beyond the > and wide, proclaim the glory of God's Reve- shadow of a doubt, vindicate their right to > lation in this Day, quicken the souls of men the leadership of this world Crusade. > and ignite in their hearts the love of the One Now is the time for the hope voiced by > Who alone is their omnipotent and divinely 'Abdu'l-Bahi that from their homeland > appointed Redeemer. "heavenly illumination" may "stream to all > Bracing the fearful cold of the Arctic the peoples of the world" to be realized. > regions and the enervating heat of the torrid Now is the time for the truth of His re- > zone; heedless of the hazards, the loneliness markable assertion that that same home- > and the austerity of the deserts, the far- land is "equipped and empowered to accom- > away islands and mountains wherein they plish that which will adorn the pages of his- > will be called upon to dwell; undeterred by tory, to become the envy of the world and > the clamor which the exponents of religious be blest in both the East and the West," to > orthodoxy are sure to raise, or by the re- be strikingly and unmistakably demon- > strictive measures which political leaders strated. "Should success crown" their "en- > may impose; undismayed by the smallness terprise," He, moreover, has assured them, > of their numbers and the multitude of their "the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 373 > > the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be quently, as the result of the operation of the > firmly established." first Seven Year Plan, illuminated the an- > Would to God that this Community, nals of the Faith in both the North Amer- > boasting already of so superb a record of ican continent and throughout Latin Amer- > achievements both at home and overseas, ica and will eclipse the even more dramatic > and elevated to such dazzling heights by the exploits which, during the opening years of > hopes cherished and the assurance given by the second Epoch of the Formative Age of > the Center of Bahfu'lltih's Covenant, may the Faith, and in the course of the prosecu- > prove itself capable of performing deeds of tion of the second Seven Year Plan, have > such distinction, in the course of the open- exerted so lasting an influence on the for- > ing, as well as the succeeding phases of this tunes of the Faith of Bahb'u'lltih in the An- > World Spiritual Crusade, as will outshine tilles, throughout the Republics of Central > the dedicated acts which have already left America, in each of the ten Republics of > their indelible mark on the Apostolic Age South America, in no less than ten sovereign > of the Faith in the West; will excel the en- states in the continent of Europe, and in > during, the historic achievements associated, various Dependencies on the eastern and > at a later period, with this Community's western shores, as well as in the heart of the > memorable contribution to the rise and es- African continent. > tablishment of the world Administrative -SHOGHI > Order of Bahb'u'llAh; will surpass the mag- Haif a, Israel, > nificent accomplishments which, subse- July 18,1953. > > THE PROCESS OF INTERNATIONAL CONSOLIDATION > By the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahd'is of the United States > > T H E publication in this issue of Bnt5d.i the believers of East and West in the admin- > News [June, 19511 of a general communica- istration of the activities of their Faith. > tion from the International Bahfi Council, Now the consolidation of the interna- > signed on its behalf by its President, Mr. tional Bahb'i community is taking place be- > Charles Mason Remey, signalizes in a most fore our eyes. The call has been raised to in- > impressive manner the nature of the new dividual BahL'is and not alone to National > Bahi'i era in which we now live. Assemblies, to enter into this greatest arena > There are three stages in the evolution of of Bahb'i sacrifice, understanding and action > the Bahb'i world community. First, the for- as a direct and permanent element in our > mation of local groups and assemblies under lives. Together with a host of Bahb'is in > the Master's loving care. How many Tablets other lands, we raise our eyes to the larger > He revealed, charged with the spirit of goal, accepting personal responsibility for > unity, to raise up on this earth even small the success of the Guardian's noble plans to > bodies of believers inspired with mutual complete the Shrine of the B&band develop > love and trust and able to render united the BahL'i world center in the Holy Land. > service to a divine Faith! American Bahb'is This new stage in the evolution of the > still live who witnessed, and took active part Bahb'i community expects and req~~ires a > in, that miraculous work. fuller maturity than we have ever mani- > In the Master's time also, the beginning fested before. It means the most conscien- > of the national Bahb'i community could be tious balancing of effort and resource as we > discerned. The Temple project itself en- serve simultaneously on the three levels of > larged the horizon of the believer from his Bahi'i action: local, national and interna- > own local community -to the larger body of tional. > Bahb'is. The Guardian took up this work, Just as we have for years devoted re- > defined the duties and responsibilities of the sources for national projects, limiting the > Local and National Assemblies, and trained scope of local action for the sake of the > 374 T H E BAHA'f WORLD > > greater and more important collective task, means to a true and supreme end. The end > so now we, and all other Bahi'fs, while of our Bah6'i service is to create a world in > maintaining the essential work in both local which humanity is one and citizenship is > and national fields, extend our devotion to both spiritual and social integrity. > the supreme world purpose. We do not Great effort is needed for us to make the > eliminate responsibility for local and na- transition from youth to maturity. Cultur- > tional support, for the power of the local ally and psychologically this experience par- > community stands at the foundation of the allels those vast historic changes when fam- > entire Bahi'i structure, and the unity of the ily union enlarged to the unity of the tribe, > national community constitutes the pillar on and when tribal union became loyalty to the > which will rest the future House of Justice nation. > and the fullest expression of the Guardian's The Guardian's messages have been pre- > spirit in the establishment of world order paring us for this new stage. In April, 1950, > and peace. for example, he referred to the members of > It is a matter of enlargement of our a "firmly knit, world embracing, divinely > BahL'i life and not of choosing between dif- propelled BahL'i community." On July 5, > ferent alternatives. This process of interna- 1950, he emphasized the "first historic op- > tional consolidation prepares the BahVis for portunity of directly sustaining, through > the formation and operation of the House of their contributions, the most sacred enter- > Justice. Just as every BahVi in former days > prise ever undertaken in the history of the > felt an inner relationship to the Master, and > now an inner relationship to the Guardian, Faith," and on March 21, 1951-"I am > so now we are to experience a new sense of moved to renew my fervent plea addressed > loyalty and devotion to an unfolding World to all National and local Assemblies and be- > Center, fulfilling the loyalty we have learned lievers in all continents of the globe." > to render local and national administrative The degree to which we accept our whole > institutions. What to the child and the youth responsibility will supply a true measure of > seems to be an end, to the adult becomes a the value of our faith: > > APPOINTMENT OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD > > IN the unfoldrnent of the World Order of God is under the direction of the guardian > BahVu'll6h there is provision for the exist- of the Cause of God. He must continually > ence of the Hands of the Cause of God, a urge them to strive and endeavor to the ut- > body of believers who are to serve directly most of their ability to diffuse the sweet > under the Guardian of the Faith. 'Abdu'l- savors of God, and to guide all the peoples > Bah6 defines the functions of the Hands of of the world, for it is the light of Divine > the Cause in His Will and Testament: Guidance that causeth all the universe to be > "0 friends! The Hands of the Cause of illumined." > God must be nominated and appointed by > the guardian of the Cause of God. All must > be under his shadow and obey his com- > mand. . . . Recall feelings profound thankfulness joy > "The obligations of the Hands of the chain recent historic events heralding long > Cause of God are to diffuse the Divine anticipated rise establishment World Ad- > Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to ministrative Center Faith Bahi'uYll6hHoly > promote learning, to improve the character Land regarded third most momentous > of all men and to be, at all times and under epoch-making development since inception > all conditions, sanctified and detached from Formative Age morrow 'Abdu'l-Bahi's As- > earthly things. They must manifest the fear cension. > of God by their conduct, their manners, Quarter century constituting opening > their deeds and their words. epoch this age signalized successively by > "This body of the Hands of the Cause of erection consolidation over period no less > sixteen years local, national institutions BahB'i activity precursor final step summon- > BahC'i Administrative Order five continents ing assemblage representative communities > globe conformity provisjons Will Center all sovereign states, chief dependencies, is- > Covenant and initiation first Seven Year lands, entire planet. > Plan American Bahi'i Community marking Hour now ripe take long inevitably de- > inauguration first epoch execution 'Abdu'l- ferred step, conformity provisions 'Abdu'l- > BahL's Divine Plan unavoidably held abey- BahB's Testament, conjunction with six > ance over two decades pending creation above-mentioned steps through appointment > divinely-appointed administrative agencies first contingent Hands Cause God, twelve in > designed by its Author for its effective pros- number, equally allocated Holy Land, Asi- > ecution. atic, American, European continents. Initial > Opening years second epoch Formative step now taken regarded as preparatory > Age now witnessing long last commence- full development institution provided 'Ab- > ment third vast majestic fate-laden process du'l-BahL's Will, paralleled preliminary > following two above-mentioned develop- measure formation International Council > ments destined through gradual emergence destined culminate emergence Universal > manifold institutions World Center Faith House Justice. Nascent instit~~tion forging > crown administrative struciure Bahi'u'llih's fresh links binding rising World Center > embryonic World Order. Gigantic process Faith to consolidating World Community > now set motion opening decade second Ba- followers Most Great Name paving way > hL'i Century synchronizing with, deriving adoption supplementary measures calcu- > notable impetus through, birth sovereign lated reinforce foundations structure BahL'i > State, Holy Land, greatly accelerated Administrative Order. > through series swiftly succeeding events Nominated Hands comprise, Holy Land, > originated World Center Faith. Sutherland Maxwell, Mason Remey, Amelia > First, inauguration most holy world-wide Collins, President, Vice-President Interna- > enterprise unprecedented annals Faith con- tional BahC'i Council; cradle Faith, Va1iyu'- > struction heart Mount Carmel superstruc- llih VarqL, Tarizu'llih Samandari, 'Ali- > ture Bib's Sepulcher. Second, creation In- Akbar Furfitan; American continent, Hor- > ternational BahL'i Council precincts Holy ace Holley, Dorothy Baker, Leroy Ioas; > Shrine forerunner International House Jus- European continent, George Townshend, > tice, supreme legislative organ nascent di- Hermann Grossmann, Ugo Giachery. Nine > vinely conceived world-encircling BahL'i elevated rank Hand three continents outside > Administrative Order. Third, acquisition Holy Land advised remain present posts > restoration embellishment historic sites as- continue discharge vital administrative > sociated incarceration BahL'u'llih, 'Abdu'l- teaching duties pending assignment specific > Bahi, recognition their sacred character, functions as need arises. Urge all nine at- > exemption taxes newly formed State, ac- tend as my representatives all four forth- > cessibility appreciative general public. coming intercontinental conferences as well > Fourth, initiation formal negotiation central as discharge whatever responsibilities in- > municipal authorities same State twofold cumbent upon them at that time as elected > purpose preserve posterity immediate di- representatives national BahL'i communities. > rectly threatened neighborhood Most Holy Communicate text announcement all Na- > Tomb Founder Faith outskirts 'Akki, ac- tional Assemblies. > quire extensive, sorely needed properties vi- SHOGHI > cinity Bib's Sepulcher destined serve site Haifa, Israel, > future edifices envisaged 'Abdu'l-Bahi to December 24, 1951. > house auxiliary agencies revolving twin in- > stitutions Guardianship House Justice. Announce friends East (and) West, > Fifth, preparation design future Ma&riqu'l- through National Assemblies, following > Adhkir Mount Carmel outstanding indis- nominations raising (the) number (of the) > pensable feature unfoldment rising World present Hands (of the) Cause of God (to) > Administrative Order. Sixth, forthcoming nineteen. Dominion Canada (and) United > convocation four conferences embracing States, Fred Schopflocher (and) Corinne > eleven National Assemblies all continents True, respectively. Cradle (of) Faith, Dhik- > globe marking inauguration beyond limits ru'llih &hidem, Shu'2u711ih 'A16'i. Ger- > World Center Faith intercontinental stage many, Africa, Australia, Adelbert Miihl- > 376 T H E B A H A '' 1 W O R L D > > schlegel, M6sL Banani, Clara Dunn, respec- "Inform National Assemblies elevation > tively. Members august body invested (in) (of) JalAl LhAzeh (to) rank (of) Hand > conformity (with) 'Abdu'l-BahB's Testa- (of) Cause." > ment, twofold sacred function, (the) propa- -SHOGHI > gation (and) preservation (of the) unity > (of the) Faith (of) BahB'u'llAh, (and) des- (On) occasion (of) Centenary (of) > tined (to) assume individually (in the) Bah&'u'llAh's release (from) oppressive im- > course (of) time (the) direction (of) insti- prisonment (in the) SiyAh-C_hLl, TihrAn, > tutions paralleling those revolving around synchroilizing (with the) termination (of > (the) Universal House (of) Justice, (the) the) epoch-making, two-month period as- > supreme legislative body (of the) BahB'i sociated (with the) Birth (of) His Revela- > world, are now recruited (from) all five tion, unsurpassed, with (the) sole exception > continents (of) the globe (and) representa- (of the) Declaration (of) His mission, (by) > tive (of the) three principal world religions any episode (in the) world's spiritual his- > (of) mankind. Recently urged newly- tory, call upon Bah2i communities, East > (and) West, (to) ponder (the) unique sig- > appointed Hand (of) Canada, (on) occa- nificance, focus attention (on) imperative > sion (of his) pilgrimage (to) Holy Land, requirements (and to) respond worthily (to > (to) undertake preliminary measures, (in) the) challenge offered each (of the) four > conjunction (with) Canadian National As- fate-laden, fast-approaching Intercontinental > sembly (for the) establishment (of) na- Conferences, constituting (the) highlights > tional Haziratu'l-Quds similar (to) those (of) recently ushered-in Holy Year. > already founded (in) Tihr6n, Wilmette, Desire (to) announce (the) appointment > Baghdad, Sydney, Frankfurt, Cairo (and) (of the) Hands (of the) Cause, honored > ~ e w Delhi. Identical instructions (were) (by) direct association (with the) newly- > given appointed Hand (of) Africa (in) initiated enterprises (at the) world center > course (of his) just concluded pilgrimage, (of the) Faith, (to) act, (in) addition (to) > (for the) acquisition (of) property (in) their individual participation (in the) de- > Kampala (to) serve (as) local Haziratu'l- liberations (at the) forthcoming Confer- > Quds (to) synchronize (with) formation ences, (as) my special representatives, en- > trusted (with a) fourfold mission: (to) > (of) first Assembly (in) heart (of) Africa, bear, for (the) edification (of the) attend- > (to) be regarded (as) nucleus (of) national ants, a precious remembrance (of the) Co- > administrative headquarters (of) Faith des- founder (of the) Faith, deliver my official > tined (to) arise (on) morrow (of) forma- message (to the) assembled believers, eluci- > tion (of) National Spiritual Assembly (of) date (the) character (and) purposes (of > Central (and) Eastern Territories (of) Af- the) impending decade-long spiritual World > rican continent. Crusade (and) rally (the) participants (to) > -SHOGHI energetic, sustained, enthusiastic prosecu- > Cable received February 29, 1952. tion (of the) colossal tasks ahead. > Instructing (the) President (of the) In- > "(The) mantle (of) Hand (of) Cause ternational BahB'i Council, Mason Remey, > now falls (upon the) shoulders (of) his dis- Member at Large Ugo Giachery, (and) > tinguished daughter Amatu'l-Bah6 Rhhiy- Secretary-General Leroy Ioas, (to) dis- > yih, who (has) already rendered (and is) charge these functions (in the) course (of > still rendering manifold no less meritorious the) New Delhi, Stockholm (and) Kampala > self-sacrificing services (at) World Center Conferences, respectively. > (of) Faith (of) BahB'u'llbh." Delegating Amatu'l-Bah6, accompanied > (by) Vice-President (of the) International > March 26, 1952. Council, Amelia Collins, (to) fulfill three of > (the) above mentioned functions, as well as > "Announce (to) all National Assemblies carry (on) my behalf, (to) unveil (on the) > elevation (of) Paul Haney (to) rank (of) occasion (of the) completion (of the) con- > Hand of the Cause." struction (of the) Mother-Temple (of the) > -SHOGHI West, (to the) privileged attendants (at the) > Haifa, Israel, Wilmette Conference (a) most prized re- > March 19, 1954. membrance (of the) Author (of the) Faith, > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 377 > > (which) never before left (the) shores (of (This) newly constituted body, embarked > the) Holy Land, to be placed beneath (the) (on) its mission (with) such auspicious cir- > dome (of the) consecrated edifice. More- cumstances, (is) now entering (the) second > over assigning her (the) task (to) act (as) phase (of) its evolution signalized (by) > my deputy (at the) historic ceremony mark- forging (of) ties (with the) National Spir- > ing (the) official Dedication (of the) holiest itual Assemblies (of the) Bahi'i world (for > Ma&riqu'l-Adhkh (of the) BahI'i world the) purpose (of) lending them assistance > reared (to the) everlasting glory (and) (in) attaining (the) objectives (of the) Ten > honor (of the) Most Great Name (in the) Year Plan. > heart (of the) North American continent. (The) hour (is) ripe (for the) fifteen > SHOGHI Hands residing outside (the) Holy Land > Haifa, Israel, (to) proceed during RidvIn (with the) ap- > December 15, 1952. pointment, (in) each continent separately, > from among (the) resident Bahfi'is (of) that > Continent, (of) Auxiliary Boards, whose > UNFOLDMENT OF THE INSTITUTION OF THE members, acting (as) deputies, assistants > HANDSOF THE CAUSE (and) advisers (of the) Hands, must in- > creasingly lend (their) assistance (for the) > Message from the Guardian promotion (of the) interests (of the) Ten > Year Crusade. > To all the Hands of the Cause and all Advise (the) Hands (of the) Asiatic, > National Assemblies of the Bahi'i World: American (and) European Continents (to) > convene (in) Tihrin, Wilmette (and) > Hail emergence (of the) unfoldment (in Frankfurt respectively (for the) purposes > the) opening years (of the) second epoch (of) consultation (and) nomination. > (of the) formative age (of the) Bahfi'i Dis- (The) Hands (of the) Cause (of the) > pensation (of the) august Institution fore- African (and) Australian Continents must > shadowed (by the) Founder (of the) Faith exercise (their) functions (in) Kampala > (and) formally established (in the) Testa- (and) Sydney, respectively. > ment (of the) Center (of) His Covenant, (The) Auxiliary Boards (of the) Amer- > closely associated (in) provisions (of the) ican, European (and) African Continents > same Will (with) Institution (of the) must consist (of) nine members each, (of > Guardianship, destined (to) assume (in the) Asiatic (and) Australian continents > the) f~~llness (of) time, under (the) aegis (of) seven (and) two, respectively. > (of the) Guardian, (the) dual sacred re- (The) allocation (of) areas (in) each > sponsibility (for) protection (and) propa- continent to (the) members (of the) Auxil- > gation (of the) Cause (of) BahPuYll6h. iary Boards, as well as subsidiary matters > Desire (tb) pay warm tribute (to the) regarding (the) development (of the) activ- > services rendered severally (and) collec- ities (of the) newly appointed bodies, (and > tively (by) appointed Hands (at the) World the) manner (of) collaboration (with the) > Center (of the) Faith (and in) territories National Spiritual Assemblies (in their) re- > beyond its confines. spective Continents, (is) left (to the) discre- > Greatly value (their) support (in the) tion (of the) Hands. > erection (of the) BBb's Sepulcher (on Mt.) All Boards must report (and) be respon- > Carmel; (in) reinforcing ties (with the) sible (to the) Hands charged (with) their > newly emerged State (of) Israel; (in the) appointment. > extension (of the) International Endow- (The) Hands (of) each Continent (in) > ments (in the) Holy Land; (in the) initia- their turn must keep (in) close touch (with, > tion (of the) preliminary measures (for and) report (the) result (of the) nomina- > the) establishment (of the) Bah55 World tions (and) progress (of the) activities (of > Administrative Center, as well as (in their) the) Boards (to the) National Assemblies > participation (in) four successive Intercon- (in their) respective continents, as well as > tinental Teaching Conferences; (in their) (to the) four Hands residing (in the) Holy > extensive travels (in) African territories, Land destined (to) act (as) liaison between > (in) North, Central (and) South America, themselves (and the) Guardian (of the) > (in the) European, Asiatic (and) Australian Faith. > Continents. Urge (the) initiation (of) five Continen- > 378 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > tal Bahi'i Funds which, as they develop, Threshold (for an) unprecedented measure > will increasingly facilitate (the) discharge (of) blessings (on this) vital (and) indis- > (of the) functions assigned (to the) Boards. pensable organ (of the) embryonic (and) > Transmitting five thousand pounds (as) steadily unfolding Bahi'i Administrative Or- > my initial contribution (to) be equally di- der, presaging (the) emergence (of the) > vided (among the) five Continents. World Order (of) Bahi'u'llih which must > Appeal (to the) twelve National Assem- pave (the) way (for the) establishment (of > blies (and) individuals (to) insure (a) the) World Civilization destined (to) attain > steady augmentation (of these) Funds maturity (in the) course (of) successive > through annual assignment (in) National Dispensations (in the) Five Thousand Cen- > Budgets (and by) individual contributions. tury BahL'i Cycle. > Advise transmit contributions (to) Varqb, Airmail copies (to) all Hands and Na- > Holley, Giachery, Banbni (and) Dunn act- tional Assemblies. > ing (as) Trustees (of the) Asiatic, Amer- -SHOGHI > ican, European, African (and) Australian April 6, 1954. > Funds respectively. (Transmitted through Dr. Ugo Giachery, > Fervently supplicating (at the) Holy Hand of the Cause.) > > FORMATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BAHA'f COUNCIL > > (to) conduct negotiations related (to) mat- > ters (of) personal status (with) civil au- > PROCLAIM National Assemblies (of) thorities. To these will be added further > East (and) West weighty epoch-making de- functions (in) course (of) evolution (of) > cision (of) formation (of) first International this first embryonic International Institution, > Bahi'i Council, forerunner (of) supreme marking its development into officially rec- > administrative institution destined (to) ognized BahL'i Court, its transformation > emerge (in) fullness (of) time within pre- into duly elected body, its efflorescence into > cincts beneath shadow (of) World Spiritual Universal House (of) Justice, (and) its final > Center (of) Faith already established (in) fruition through erection (of) manifold aux- > twin cities (of) 'AkkL (and) Haifa. Fulfill- iliary institutions constituting (the) World > ment (of) prophecies uttered (by) Founder Administrative Center destined (to) arise > (of) Faith (and) Center (of) His Covenant (and) function (and) remain permanently > culminating (in) establishment (of) Jewish established (in) close neighborhood (of) > State, signalizing birth after lapse (of) two Twin Holy Shrines. Hail (with) thankful, > thousand years (of an) independent nation joyous heart (at) long last (the) constitu- > (in the) Holy Land, (the) swift unfoldment tion (of) International Council which his- > (of) historic undertaking associated (with) tory will acclaim (as the) greatest event > construction (of) superstructure (of the) shedding luster (upon) second epoch (of) > Bbb's Sepulcher (on) Mount Carmel, (the) Formative Age (of) Bahd'i Dispensation po- > present adequate maturity (of) nine vigor- tentially unsurpassed (by) any enterprise > ously functioning national administrative in- undertaken since inception (of) Administra- > stitutions throughout Bahd'i World, combine tive Order (of) Faith (on) morrow (of) > (to) induce me (to) arrive (at) this historic 'Abdu'l-Bahg's Ascension, ranking second > decision marking most significant milestone only (to) glorious immortal events associ- > (in) evolution (of) Administrative Order ated (with) Ministries (of the) Three Cen- > (of the) Faith (of) Bah2u'llih (in) course tral Figures (of) Faith (in) course (of) > (of) last thirty years. Nascent Institution First Age (of) most glorious Dispensation > now created (is) invested (with) threefold (of the) five thousand century Bahd'i Cycle. > function: first, (to) forge link (with) au- Advise publicize announcement through > thorities (of) newly emerged State; second, Public Relations Committee. > (to) assist me (to) discharge responsibilities SHOGHI > involved (in) erection (of) mighty super- Haifa, Israel, > structure (of the) Bib's Holy Shrine; third, January 9, 1951. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 379 > > Second announcement: (The) enlarge- of the Shrine is to be perhaps indefinitely > ment (of the) International Bahi'i Council. postponed. > Present membership now comprises: Ama- The friends the world over who are now > tu'l-Bahb RGhiyyih, chosen liaison between being called upon to share in the period of > me (and the) Council. Hands (of the) austerity which the American Bahi'is have > Cause, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins, Ugo already passed through during the past two > Giachery, Leroy Ioas, President, Vice-presi- years, and to do their utmost to economize > dent, Member at Large, Secretary-General, in local and national affairs during the com- > respectively. Jessie Revell, Ethel Revell, ing twenty-four months, in order to provide > Lotfullah Hakim, Treasurer, Western (and) the funds required so pressingly for the > Eastern assistant Secretaries. work of the Shrine, will no doubt be keenly > interested to hear the details of the plans > COMMUNICATIONS > FROM THE INTERNA- > being made here. > TIONAL BAHA'~ COUNCIL As you are aware, from the time when > HAIFA,ISRAEL Bahl'u'llih pointed with His own hand to > the present site of the Shrine, and instructed > ' ~ b d u ' l - ~ a h to > b purchase this land, and > Mr. Horace Holley, Secreta~ Y > .3 bring the Body of the Bbb from Persia and > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is inter it here, the constant thought of fist, > of the United States. the Master, and now, the Guardian has been > Dear BahL'i Friends: to complete this sacred undertaking. 'Ab- > Following the momentous decision of our du'l-Bahi succeeded in terminating, before > beloved Guardian to further consolidate the His ascension, six rooms of the nine rooms > work he has been doing here for thirty years of the Shrine. After His passing, Shoghi > by the appointment of the first International Effendi added the three more rooms which > B a h s Council, he has given us the privilege had been contemplated, and then for a pe- > and joy of keeping our fellow Bahl'is in- riod of over twenty years, concentrated on > formed of not only the progress being made purchasing land around the Shrine, and ex- > in the construction of the Shrine of the Bbb tending both the terraces approaching it and > on Mt. Carmel, but also of developments in the gardens immediately encircling it. It was > our relationship to the authorities of the not until the Centenary in 1944 that he was > State of Israel. able to disclose to the BahPis the plan for > The year 108 of the Bahi'i Era is ob- the completion of the building-a plan > viously one of very great importance to all which followed the wishes expressed by > believers, for it is during this year that we 'Abdu'l-Bahi himself. > must put forth our greatest united effort to You are all familiar, through previous re- > date on behalf of the first undertaking here ports, with the daculties which were over- > in the Holy Land, which has been character- come in placing the initial contracts for the > ized by the Guardian as not only of interna- arcade. You know from photographs pub- > tional scope and paramount importance, but lished how very beautiful the first part of the > as also being the most sacred task ever en- structure is. What perhaps the friends can- > trusted to our hands; namely, the raising of not realize is the great effect this building > the dome of the Sepulcher of the Bbb. has produced locally. There is no doubt that > It had been the hope of the Guardian to it has not only interested the public in gen- > carry forward this historic undertaking in eral, and tourists, but that it has become a > easy stages; but the very critical interna- source of pride to the people of Haifa, and > tional situation, the gowing scarcity of warmed the cockles of the hearts of the > primary materials, which is felt in the world authorities, as neither literature, nor admira- > market, and the uncertainty of what the out- tion for the high principles they associate > come would be if there was any interruption with the Bahl'is could ever have done. It > stands four-square on the soil of Israel, and > in the quarrying, cutting and preparation of > has become an advertisement for confidence > the stones in Italy for the Shrine, have in the future, no small thing, to a struggling > forced him to greatly quicken the tempo of people in a new State, surrounded by hostile > this work. What could have been done in a elements. > matter of years, he now sees must be done In March, 1949, the first threshold stones > in a matter of months, unless the completion were laid. By March, 1950, the carved para- > 3 80 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > pet, inlaid with green and gold mosaic, was along with the three hundred tons of stone, > being placed in position. At the beginning of trimmed and carved and ready to be built > March of this year, the most delicate opera- into position, which are required for the > tion associated with the entire structure, octagon and its eight pinnacles. He conse- > was commenced; namely the excavation, quently instructed our dear BahBi brother, > within the walls of the old original building, Dr. Ugo Giachery, to place the contract for > of the eight shafts required for the piers the stone work of the octagon, which > which will support the dome. Perhaps the amounted to $63,000.00. > friends do not realize that until a few weeks Reference to a photograph of the model > ago, every bit of work associated with plac- of the Shrine will show that the octagon has > ing 800 tons of granite, chiampo stone and a wrought iron railing, which forms an or- > mosaics in place, was carried out beyond the namental balustrade at this level. As such > walls of the old building and upon its roof. work is not procurable in this country, a > But of course in order to erect the octagon, further contract for $5,900.00 was signed in > the drum of the dome, and the dome upon Italy, covering this item. Likewise the > the existing building, new foundations had twenty-four windows of the octagon require > to be dug-foundations capable of holding metal frames, wholly unobtainable here, and > up more than 1,000 tons of weight. After a further contract for these was signed, > much consideration on the part of the archi- amounting to $1,855.00. In addition to these > tect, Mr. W. S. Maxwell, and the engineer, two contracts, fifty tons of cement, and > Prof. H. Neumann, it was decided that the thirty-three tons of steel were ordered. Upon > only feasible way of doing this was to con- being informed by Dr. Giachery of the ex- > ceal within the eight partition walls of the treme difficulty he had in getting permission > eight rooms which surround the ninth cen- to export to us cement and steel, the Guard- > tral innermost room, which is the Tomb of ian decided that the sooner the contract was > the Bib, eight reinforced concrete piers. placed in Italy for the remaining portions > This required excavation to bedrock in eight of the building, the better. He therefore > places under the floors of the rooms of the cabled Dr. Giachery to order all the stone > Shrine. work for the dome, the stone lantern sur- > At present these eight shafts have been mounting it, and the drum supporting it, at > successfully dug without in any way en- once. This necessitated committing us to > dangering the walls of the Shrine, some of another contract, amounting to $130,000.00, > them to a depth of over ten feet, and have to which must be added $3,210.00 for the > been filled with concrete. The complemen- metal window frames of the drum of the > tary eight shafts in the roof have likewise dome, which are eighteen in number. Whilst > been excavated, and eight channels cut contemplating the magnitude of the work > down the walls within which the concrete which has been ordered in Italy, we must > piers will be concealed, when they have been bear in mind that these contracts do not in- > poured. This part of the work has been very clude the surfacing of the dome with what- > delicate, necessitating as it did, cutting ever material is chosen to give it its golden > through the vaultings of the old ceilings, appearance, nor the actual cost of construc- > where in some places, the roof is over eight tion of the entire edifice above the roof level > feet thick. We have all been impressed with of the old Shrine, which must now be under- > the immense strength of the building which taken in this co~lntry. > %bduYl-Bah6constructed. It was indeed suf- In coming to the decision to commit the > ficiently strong to practically serve the pur- BahB'i World and its resources so heavily at > pose of a fortress, which as you remember, this time to this sacred enterprise, the > the enemies of the Faith accused it of being Guardian took two important points into > to the Turkish Commission which came to consideration: One was the quality of work- > %kki to investigate 'Abdu'l-BahL's activi- manship sf the building, and the other was > ties. the state of the world at present. When work > When the Guardian decided to place the requiring such high standards of craftsmm- > order for the octagon of the Shrine, he dis- ship is undektalcen, if the original staff is dis- > covered that steel and cement were practi- persed in the middle of the undertaking, it is > cally unobtainable in this country, and that very problematic whether, when constrnc- > the quickest and most economical procedure .tion is agah resumed, the same standard can > would be to order these matazids from Italy, be ~ a i n t a k ~ eDEfe~ent > d. workers have a dif- > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 381 > > ferent touch, and later work might be far several days, arrangements were made with > below the level of what has so far been re- the Ministry of Trade for receiving import > ceived. We must remember that the arcade licenses for the various materials to be used > was ordered shortly after the end of World in the building of the Shrine on Mt. Carmel, > War 11, when first-class labor was available. including all stone work, structural steel, > The other side of the picture which undoubt- cement, wrought-iron decorative balustrades, > edly has most strongly influenced the metal window frames, etc. The Customs De- > Guardian in coming to his decision, is the partment has likewise been most coopera- > gloomy political outlook at present, and the tive, and invariably frees all materials for > fact that any postponement of the construc- the Shrine and objects for the Gardens, as > tion of the Shrine might have turned out to well as the Holy Tombs and the Archives, > be practically an indefinite postponement. from duty. When the Shrine is completed, > We know that the Cause of God moves this will mean that over sixteen hundred > ahead in mysterious ways, and no doubt in tons of material for its construction have > the future, when the Shrine is completed, come in duty-free. > not the least interesting of the facts associ- On March 30th, the President of the In- > ated with it and the romance of its construc- ternational BahB'i Council was received by > tion will be that about sixteen hundred tons Rabbi J. L. Hacohen Maimon, Minister for > of granite was quarried, cut and carved in Religious Affairs in Israel. His Excellency, > Italy and imported to Israel during undoubt- the Minister, welcomed this representative > edly one of the most disturbed periods in the of our beloved Guardian, assuring him of > world's history, and more particularly, in the friendship of the State of Israel toward > the history of the Holy Land. all the religious commuilities in Israel, say- > In addition to the above-mentioned mo- ing that it was the desire of his goverilment > mentous decisions, the Guardian has been that freedom of religion exist in this country > able to carry out this winter another enter- and that their attitude toward all religious > prise most dear to his heart, and one which communities was one of friendship and of > he had been prevented from doing for over respect, and of the extension of their protec- > ten years, owing to the machinations of the tion to the Holy Places of these various re- > Covenant-breakers. The many friends who ligions, adding: "Have we not all one Fa- > have been pilgrims to Haifa, will recall that ther? Has not the one God created us all?" > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, having Himself built one ter- The President of the International Bahi'i > race directly in front of the Shrine of the Council then spoke of Israel as being the > Bib, had expressed the desire that a series Holy Land of the Bahi'is, as well as that of > of these should link the Holy Tomb with the Jews, Christians and Muslims; telling the > Carmel Avenue in the Templar Colony at Minister that fifty and more years ago the > the foot of Mt. Carmel, thus forming a di- Master, 'Abdu'l-Bahi had written that Pal- > rect line to the sea from the central door of estine would eventually become the Home > the Shrine. This spring the municipality of the Jewish people; and that this was pub- > looked favorably upon our application for lished in print at that time. The interview > permission to complete the last two terraces, was characterized by a sincere spirit of wel- > and the Guardian was able to extend the come on the part of the Minister and his as- > line of staircases, cypress trees, and walls, sociates who were present. A colored print > which comprise these terraces, by approxi- of the architect's design for the f a ~ a d eof > mately another thirty-five meters. He beauti- the Tomb of the Bib was presented to the > fied this termination of the Bahi'i properties Minister, and an invitation was extended to > leading to the Shrine of the Bib by erecting him and to Mrs. Maimon to visit the Shrine > four more lamp-posts, two pedestals with of the Bib and surrounding gardens when > beautiful lead vases, a temporary iron gate they could arrange to come to Haifa. > and considerable landscape gardening. The The President and Vice President of the > effect of the whole is most impressive, and International Council have likewise paid > has now made it possible for visitors to go calls upon both the Mayor of Haifa and the > straight up the staircases to the Shrine itself Mayor of 'Akki, as well as the Military > from the lower part of the town. Governor of Galilee. These visits were in > Recently the President and one of the the nature of courtesy calls, and established > Secretaries of the International Bahi'i Coun- a friendly contact between these officials and > cil visited Jerusalem, where, in the course of the officers of the Council. > 382 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > The President likewise had a very pleas- he could in connection with completing the > ant interview with the United States Ambas- Shrine of the BLb, as he considered it a > sador to Israel, Mr. Monett B. Davis. great embellishment to the city of Haifa. > On April 13, the International BahPi This kind offer was followed up, and > Council gave a reception in the nature of a through his good offices, the Government > tea party at the Mansion of BahL'ulll&hat has released to us fifty tons of cement. One > Bahji. This was the first formal entertain- would have to be a resident of this country > ment done by this body, and Government to realize just what that means. > officials, Consuls, Representatives from the Masra'ih is a Muslim religious endow- > Ministry of Religions in Jerusalem, as well ment, and it is consequently impossible, > as many friends and acquaintances, were under existing laws in this country, for it to > present. The reception received a friendly be sold. However, as the friends are aware, > write-up in the social column of the English- the Ministry of Religions, due to the direct > speaking newspapers of Israel, and was gen- intervention of the Minister himself, Rabbi > erally considered a great success. Maimon, consented, in the face of consider- > It is interesting to note that the formation able opposition, to deliver Masra'ih to the > of the International Council was mentioned BahPis as a Holy Place to be visited by > in various newspapers in this country in dif- BahPi pilgrims. This means that we rent it > ferent languages, and "Kol Israel" has also from the Department of Muslim and Druze > on a number of occasions broadcast news .&airs in the Ministry of Religions. The > concerning the Bahb'is, amongst other items, head of this Department is also a Rabbi, Dr. > to wish them a Happy Feast on such days Hirschberg. Recently he, his wife and party, > as Naw-Riiz and Ridvkn. visited all the BahPi properties in Haifa and > BahPi books have for a long time been in 'Akki, following upon a very pleasant tea > the library of the Hebrew University in party in the Western Pilgrim House with the > Jerusalem, and recently, at the request of members of the International BahPi Coun- > the Ministry, some of our literature has been cil. > placed in the library of the Ministry of Re- After completing his visit to Masra'ih, > ligions in Jerusalem. Books have also been Dr. Hirschberg and his party spent an hour > presented to His Excellency, Rabbi Mai- going through the Mansion of Bahji, and > mon, for his own personal library, he, him- were much interested in the archives, rec- > self, being a profound student of the reli- ords, photographs, maps, etc., which the > gions of the past. The books were given to Guardian has so impressively assembled in > him at his request. that building. The friends will be astonished > The nature of our contacts with the Gov- to know that during Passover Week, over > ernment might be said to be of two kinds: 1,000 people visited the Mansion. They > Sometimes we procure assistance from them come on conducted tours, by foot, in busses, > after considerable effort on our part; other and comprise important foreign visitors and > times, we receive attention from authorities whole schools of children and young people > in very agreeable and unexpected ways. An from the Kibutzim. > important case in point is that of the room The party of Dr. Hirschberg, accompa- > in the fortress of 'Akkk, which was occupied nied by the President and Vice President of > by BahPu'llPh upon His arrival in that city, the International BahPi Council, then mo- > for two years. Without our having made any tored to 'AkkL and visited the House of > solicitation regarding this historic spot, so BahA'u'llPh, in which He spent so many > sacred in our eyes for the memories it holds, years, and where the Aqdas was revealed, as > we were informed by the Government Doc- well as other important writings. Last of all, > tor who is in charge of the Hospital which a visit was made to the Mosque of 'AkkP- > has been established there, that he wished to it was Friday-the Muslim Sabbath, and a > deliver to the Bahgis the keys of Bahg- large congregation was assembled there. As > uYll5lh'sroom, and that it had been especially the worshippers came out of the Mosque, > set aside for us. This gesture was greatly ap- the Muslim Irnim who had been conduct- > preciated, and the room is now available for ing the prayers, came from the MilpPb, and > BahPi pilgrims and local believers to visit. welcomed our party, insisting that we have > His Worship, the Mayor of Haifa, likewise coffee with h i and the judge and other > was extremely cooperative and suggested Muslim officials of 'Akk&, within the court- > that he would be glad to assist in any way yard precincts of the Mosque. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 383 > > We see that the Faith towards which the ress of the Faith at its World Center, and to > authorities of the New State of Israel have inform them of what has been done during > always been friendly, is now gaining prestige the past year, under the guidance of the be- > in their sight, and that they have recognized loved Guardian. > it to be a World Faith in scope, a World Re- > ligion-distinct and apart from the other re- The Shrine of the Ba'b > ligions of the past, yet nevertheless closely > related to the Jewish, Christian and Muslim With the steady progress in the construc- > religions in their purity, as revealed by tion of the Shrine of the B5b on Mt. Carmel, > Christ and the Prophets. the eyes, not only of the Bahi'is, are be- > Already, a BahCi marriage certificate has coming increasingly fixed upon it, but also > been recognized by the local authorities of of the people of Israel. As the friends are al- > this new State, and its Ministry of Education ready aware, the octagon of the Shrine is > and Culture, unsolicited by us, has exempted now complete. The eight minaret-like pin- > BahCi school children throaghout the State nacles, as well as the wrought-iron panels of > from attending school on BahCi Holy Days. the balustrade are now erected, and consti- > This was done in a circular issued to all tute, as Shoghi Effendi so beautifully said, > schools. Our institutions, comprising two the second crown of the building, the first > Holy Shrines, those of the B5b and BahC- crown being the carved marble parapet of > uYll6h,two Archives housing sacred relics, the arcade with its green mosaic panels. This > one adjoining the Tomb of the Bgb, the balustrade has now been painted a deep > other, adjacent to the resting-place of the green, and the motif brought out through > Greatest Holy Leaf; two historical mansions, the application of gold leaf. The effect is > that of Bahji, where Bah6'u'ULh passed truly exquisite, so much so that many local > away, and that of Masra'ih, where He first people seem to be under the misapprehen- > resided upon leaving the prison walls of sion that the building is now completed. Evi- > 'AkkL; two Houses associated with Bah6'- dently what exists is to them sufficiently > u'll5h and the Master, namely, the one in charming to constitute the end of the enter- > 'Akk5, where the Manifestation of God re- prise. > vealed the Aqdas, and the one in Haifa, On April 8, the preliminary work com- > where 'Abdu'l-Bahi passed away, have all menced on the third unit, which consists of > been exempted from both Government and the drum section of the Shrine, containing > Municipal taxes; and objects received for eighteen lancet windows, symbolic in num- > them permitted to enter, duty free. ber of the Eighteen Letters of the Living. It > Likewise the area of over forty acres of is upon this intermediary unit, 11 meters > land, surrounding the Shrine of the B6b on ( 3 3 feet) high, that the dome of the Shrine > Mt. Carmel, has been exempted from taxa- must rest. In spite of the fact that this drum > tion. These things are the evidences of a is much smaller in circumference than the > spirit of true understanding and cooperation two previous units already built, it consti- > between the BahPi Community and the Is- tutes a knotty construction problem because > raeli authorities. We like to say to interested it must be a perfect circle, and because it > Jewish inquirers, that something very inter- has two walls, an outer stone wall and an > esting and beautiful is happening here-the inner thin reinforced concrete one, which > world's newest religion is growing up within must be built simultaneously. The fact that > the world's youngest State. we are gaining in height constantly, also in- > Faithfully yours in El Bahi creases the difficulty of the operation. > -INTERNATIONAL BAH~?COUNCIL From the unveiling of the Shrine model > Charles Mason Remey in 1944, on the occasion of the first Centen- > May, 1951. President ary of the Declaration of the Bkb, the ques- > tion of what material to use for the dome > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahgis was really the main problem which faced > of the United States, Mr. Sutherland Maxwell, its architect. He > Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. had an original and very beautiful idea: The > Dear BahCi Friends: dome of the Shrine of the Bib was to be > covered with a fish-scale pattern of tiles, in > The International BahPi Council wishes diminishing sizes. His concept had been of > to share with the friends news of the prog- either a green or a gold dome; but the > 384 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Guardian considered that a golden dome Guardian has felt that the longer the deIay > was much more suitable for this Second in building this extension, the more hope- > Holiest Structure in the BahBi world; the lessly expensive such a construction would > Qiblih of the Faith, the Tomb of BahB- be, and he has consequently commenced > u'lliih, being naturally the Most Sacred. The work which will when completed add ap- > problem of discovering a means of material- proximately 350 square meters to the ter- > izing this design faced the builders. Italian race of the Shrine towards the east. This ad- > gold mosaic was considered a possibility, but dition necessitates the construction of a nine > discarded by the Guardian because of the meter high wall of more than 350 cubic > uniform effect which the multitude of small meter content of stone. It is interesting to > facets would create at a distance, the origi- note that the stones for the work are being > nal and highly decorative concept of tiles carried up from the ruins of the old city of > being entirely lost by such a treatment. Cop- Haifa, which are being removed in order to > per was out of the question because of the make way for a new development. When > weight and the oxide staining which always this portion of the terrace is completed, peo- > occurs when this metal is used. That left ple visiting the Shrine will get the most won- > only some form of porcelain or clay tile, or derful view from this spot of the entire > possibly a plastic material. The investiga- building, with the rays of the rising sun > tions of Dr. Ugo Giachery showed that plas- bringing out the Greatest Name in brilliant > tic material was a risk, as no one can predict gold relief, in the northeastern corner of the > at present how it will react to years of ex- arcade. It is anticipated that in about a > posure in this climate. There remained there- month and a half, this extension will be > fore only tile as a feasible solution. completed. The cost of the work will be > While attending the 1951 European about $12,600. > Teaching Conference in Holland, Dr. Gia- Bahji, comprising the Shrine of Bah6'- > chery located an enterprising and long-estab- u'llgh and His Mansion, receives an even > lished firm of tile makers in Utrecht. After greater flow of visitors than the Gardens > a great deal of inquiry and experimentation here in Haifa; owing to the fact that because > on the part of this firm, a suitable solution of construction, the immediate surroundings > to the problem of the dome seems to have of the Shrine on Mt. Carmel are closed to > been reached, and one which will realize the the public. During the recent Passover cele- > architect's design. An under-glaze gold tile brations, more than 1,500 people visited > has now been developed and an order will Bahji, 500 of these in one day. The interiors > shortly be placed for over 27,000 tiles, rang- of the Shrine of Bah6'uYllihand the Man- > ing in height from eight centimeters to sion, as well as the House of BahBu'llGh in > twenty centimeters. The cost of these tiles 'Akkg and the Mansion of Mazra'ih, have > will be approximately $11,000. been greatly beautified during the past year, > Hand in hand with the work on the in preparation for the coming of the pil- > Shrine, the fame of the Shrine is spreading, grims. > and one hears more and more comments > upon it. The people not only of Haifa, but The Mansion of Bahd'u'lla'h > from many parts of Israel, take pride in it, > and when they learn something of the teach- For six months, the Cause at its Interna- > ings of the Faith, greatly admire what we tional Center went through a most irritating > stand for and what we are doing here in crisis and one which, had not the divine pro- > their country. tection been so clearly vouchsafed to the > The friends are no doubt aware that ever Guardian and the friends serving him here, > since the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bah&, Shoghi might have led to serious repercussions. > Effendi has been extending not only the ter- Ever since the Ascension of Bah&'u'll&h, > races between the Shrine and the Templar as the friends are aware, the party of Mu- > Colony at the foot of Mt. Carmel, but has hammad-'Ali, his children, his relatives and > been widening, eastward and westward, the a few supporters, have clustered around the > terrace upon which the Shrine itself rests. Sacred Tomb. Upon the death of their Fa- > One section has remained to be extended for ther, the sons of BahBu'lliih inherited shares > a number of years, but the engineering prob- in the Mansion where He passed away. In > lem involved was complicated, and the ex- the course of many years, this building, so > pense very great. This year, however, the full of sacred associations, has witnessed the > THE WORLD ORDE > > evidences of the violent animosity of the lined with bookcases and pict~~res of interest > Covenant-breakers toward the Center of the to the Bahi'i world, its cabinets containing > Covenant. Writings of Bahi'u'llih in the original, the > The friends will remember from their Room of Bahi'u'llih itself restored, and > perusal of Bahi'i history that already, while original relics of His placed in it. It made > Bahfu'lllh's body was being prepared for such an impression that he agreed to ask the > the grave, Muhammad-'Ali was concentrat- High Commissioner to include it as a Bahi'i > ing on his opposition to the Master. After Holy Place along with the Shrines and the > the Ascension, and indeed until 1932, Mu- House in 'Akki, and exempt it from taxa- > hammad-'Ali and his relatives resided in the tion. This was done. The status of the build- > Mansion of Bahf ~'1131,in spite of the fact ing changed from the personal residence of > that the majority of the shares in this build- a son of Bah2uYllAhto a Museum and Pil- > ing were owned by 'Abdu'l-Bahl. Badi'u'lllh grim House for the Bahfis; Maammad- > himself, in order to raise funds for his sedi- 'Ali could no longer return, and was forced > tious activities, sold his share of the house to remain where he had taken up his resi- > of his Father to the Inspector of Police of dence nearby. > 'Akkl. A ruined blacksmith's shop which had > After the death of this man, and with existed, owned and worked by one of the > tremendous inconvenience and legal compli- Covenant-breakers, right next to the wall of > cations, the Guardian succeeded in arrang- the Holy Tomb towards the east, the Guard- > ing to purchase back Badi'u'llih's original ian had likewise destroyed. He had removed > one-third share of the property. At this time, the old stables, and the unsightliness and > his son Musa Bahi'i was the Registrar of disorder had been cleared away, and a quiet > Lands in 'Akkl, and catching wind of the inner court created between the block of > transaction, succeeded at the last moment buildings in which the Tomb is situated, and > in bringing pressure to bear on the Police the wall of the Mansion Garden. > Inspector's heirs, and instead of the Cause Towards the south, however, a small one- > coming into possession of the remaining story building with five rooms, remained, > one-third of the title deed, the Guardian, and although since the days of BahB'u'lla > succeeded in getting only one-sixth, and the and the Master, it had been in Bah6'i posses- > other one-sixth fell into the hands of the sion, its title deed was part of the Mansion > Covenant-breakers and was registered in itself, of which the Covenant-breakers own > their names. one-sixth. > About 1932, the Mansion of Bahi'u'll$ih, Last December, the Guardian, in view of > which had been occupied by Muhammad- the fact that the roofs of three of the rooms > 'Ali and his family ever since 1892, had fal- had caved in and the walls were crumbling, > len into such a state of disrepair that the and the building becoming daily a more > roof was caving in. Shoghi Effendi consid- complete and dangerous ruin, instructed the > ered this not only a disgrace to the memory caretaker of the Holy Shrine to demolish it. > of the Blessed Perfection, but also a respon- While he was doing this, the police arrived > sibility which devolved upon the Bahi'is, with an Order of Stay from the Haifa Court, > and he therefore represented to Muham- to which the Covenant-breakers had ap- > mad-'Ali, the necessity of repairing the pealed, in view of the fact that without their > building. Muhammad-'Ali, claiming he had permission, property in which they had a > no funds for such a purpose refused, but ac- share was being destroyed. As the Covenant- > cepted the Guardian's proposal that he breakers had been left in their portion of the > should evacuate the building, and allow the Mansion property, in other words, part of > Bah2is to restore it; he moved into the adja- the building towards the north and some > cent building, where his son still lives. rooms toward the east, unmolested and un- > After the Mansion had been restored to interfered with by the Guardian, he natu- > its original glory (and such a term is not an rally supposed that after the Center of the > exaggeration, for it is a beautiful oriental Faith had been in undisputed possession of > palace built by a wealthy resident of 'Akki the building in question since 1892, he was > during the last century), the Guardian in- at liberty, as Custodian of the Bah&'i Holy > vited the British District Commissioner to Places, to tear it down. The bitterness, how- > inspecr it with him-furnished, its walls ever, of the Covenant-breakers still moti- > 386 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > vated by the evil genius of Majdi'd-Din, who had the temerity to summon the Head of > although only a few years short of 100, and the Faith himself as a witness, that he de- > paralyzed, is still living in the building ad- cided to appeal to the Government to lift > jacent to the Mansion, and led by the widow the matter entirely out of the jurisdiction of > of Musa Bahb'i, the daughter of Badi'u'llkh, the Civil Court. > their hatred and their perennial desire to The three members of the International > create mischief, again surged to the surface. BahC'i Council, Mr. Remey, Dr. Giachery > At the express request of the Covenant- and Mr. Ioas, consequently had interviews > breakers, a meeting was arranged at which with high-ranking officials of the Foreign > two of them were present with their lawyer, Office and the Prime Minister's office, as > the lawyer of the Guardian and two repre- well as with the Attorney-General and the > sentatives of the Guardian, in an effort to Vice-Minister of Religions. It was evident > settle the question peacefully out of court. immediately that the Government was quite > However, the interview proved fruitless, be- aware of the fact that the BahC'i Faith is > cause they continually raised the same old united under the leadership of its legitimate > issues of sixty years ago which arose when Guardian, and that he is the true Custodian > Muhammad-'Ali challenged the authority of of the Bahi'i Holy Places. In view of this, > the Master. They did, however, make a few the Attorney-General, in pursuance with in- > requests which the Guardian considered structions from the Minister of Religions, > were justiiied, such as being allowed to pray informed the President of the Haifa Court > alone in the Tomb, and that they would be that according to a law existing in the Stat- > permitted to enter during certain hours, etc. utes since 1924, the case in question should > In spite of this concession on his part, they not be tried by a Civil Court as it was a re- > decided to go to the Court and place the ligious matter. > matter before the Judge informally, rather To the astonishment of all concerned, the > than in the form of a trial. Twice the respec- lawyer of the Covenant-breakers decided to > tive lawyers and parties concerned met in challenge the authority of this order of the > the Judge's presence, but at both meetings Attorney-General on a technicality and to > the unreasoning animosity of the daughter appeal the case to the Supreme Court. This > of Badi'u'llkh, in particular, made any agree- in fact meant that the case would no longer > ment impossible. Indeed, it became evident be against the Guardian but against the > that working through her advocate, one of Government itself! > the sharpest in the country, and one whom Again interviews were had with the higher > she had carefully filled with all kinds of mis- authorities in Jerusalem and Hakirya, and > representations as to the true situation which the Guardian's own appeal to the Prime > arose after the ascension of BahC'u'llBh, she Minister was transmitted to him. This pro- > had no other intention than to prolong the duced an immediate reaction. The legal ad- > existing condition, which was that the viser of the Prime Minister met with the > Guardian had been prevented legally from Vice-Minister of Religions, the advocate of > tearing down the building, and, in the mean- the Guardian and the advocate of the Cove- > time the case was neither being decided out nant-breakers, and brought pressure to bear. > of Court nor being brought up in Court. The three Hands of the Cause, representing > Every reasonable solution having been con- Shoghi Effendi, were in one room in the > sistently set aside by the Covenant-breakers, Ministry of Religions, and the Covenant- > the first hearing of the Case was set. breakers in another, as the BahC'is had re- > The Guardian, in spite of his desire to fused to meet with them any more. A stiff > remove the unsightly rubble that the ruined tussle ensued in which the lawyer of the > house had become after its semi-demolition, Covenant-breakers repeatedly brought back > was willing that the case should as expedi- more claims from Badi'u'll~h's daughter, > tiously as possible be tried, knowing full well > and the lawyer of the Guardian as consist- > that any verdict could not but be in his fa- > vor, not only on religious grounds, but be- ently brought back from the members of > cause the building had been in his posses- the Council refusals to accept them. Finally > sion for over twenty years, which, according the representative of the Prime Minister in- > to the laws of this land, give a person cer- formed them that any further fight they > tain well-defined rights. wished to carry on would be with the Gov- > It was not until the Covenant-breakers ernment and if they wanted to do that, they > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 3 87 > > could. The result was acceptance on their New Garden at Bahji > part to drop the case and the appeal. > From December until the end of May, One week later, the Guardian of the > they had succeeded in preventing the Cause, who went over to Bahji himself to > Guardian from doing what he wished to in supervise the work, had created, in time for > the precincts of the Holy Tomb. They had, the night of the Ascension of Bahb'u'lltih a > from giving the impression of being poor beautiful entrance, into what is now called > people whose rights were being denied and the Holy Court leading to the Shrine. In > who objected to the demolition of a build- front of the Mansion, and in the very spot > ing in which they had a slight interest, where the ruined house had stood, a wide > gradually revealed themselves as being vin- expanse of garden sprung from the dust, > dictive, revengeful, and pursuing with great marble vases, carved white Carrara marble > determination and skill, a definite object, ornaments, lamp posts, cypress trees, bor- > which had nothing whatsoever to do with ders, pebbled walks-lo! like a dream they > the building in question, or whether it was spread before the eyes of the BahL'is. In- > torn down or rebuilt; but which revealed deed the Arab laborers would quote to each > itself as being a plan to either get a key for other an old saying: "The ring of Solomon > themselves to the Holy Shrine, which would has been found!", which stems from a > give them the position of joint Custodian tradition that the king lost his ring, and that > with the Guardian, or of securing rooms in whoever found it and turned it on his finger > the Mansion itself for their own "BahL'i -whatever he wished for would materialize > Archives." instantly. > It would be no exaggeration to say that Without the innocent remark thrown out > the entire course of the case was providen- by the Guardian one day as he left Bahji > tial; and indeed all those here had the feel- after visiting the Holy Tomb to the keeper: > ing that from beginning to end, it was pur- "Bring laborers and destroy these ruins," > suing a plan which no one could check or and which he made because he could no > interfere with. Over and over again, when longer tolerate this dilapidation so near the > it seemed that the case would be dropped Holy Shrine, and because he desired to build > or settled out of Court or brought before a befitting entrance at the end of the Gar- > the Judge and speedily dismissed, or the den adjacent to the Shrine, which had never > demolition Stay removed pending a hearing, had, for sixty years, any entrance, befitting > or that the ruins would be torn down be- or otherwise, the Covenant-breakers would > cause the proper Civil authority had issued not have once again been routed, suffered > a demolition order, at the last moment, defeat and lost many of the privileges they > everything would go awry and the case enjoyed for sixty years in respect to visiting > would continue, growing and growing in the Holy Shrine. Indeed, it has been ex- > importance, and going to ever higher offi- traordinary the way this case has brought > cial levels until it reached the Prime Minis- to the attention of almost every important > ter himself. In fact, it gathered itself up like Government Department in Israel, the true > a big summer thunder cloud, and when it stature of the Faith, what it is doing here, > burst, crashed with full force on the heads who is its Head, what its plans are for the > of those who have disputed BahL'u'll&h's future, what it has already accomplished. > instructions, the Successorship of His be- One could almost say that the International > loved Son, the Will and Testament, and the Council were strangers to the Government > Guardianship, for sixty years. in December, but, thanks to the good offices > When the three members of the Interna- of our enemies, they became warm ac- > tional BahL'i Council left the Ministry of quaintances! > Religions in Jerusalem, they had in their > possession a paper giving them full authority The Purchase of Eighteen Additional > Plots on MF.Carmel > to tear down the ruins at once. > Within forty-eight hours of their return, One of the most important events during > a flat surface of rubble was all that re- this past year has been the purchase at long > mained. Servants, Arab laborers and BahC'i last of eighteen additional plots on Mt. > pilgrims had scattered the stones of the Carmel, in the vicinity of the resting-places > building in a blast of joy. of the Sister, the Mother and the Brother > 388 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Upon the formation of the Amatu'l-Bahi Rfihiyyih K_hinum, Liaison > State of Israel in 1948, all enemy property between the Guardian and the Council > was seized and placed under the Controller Charles Mason Remey, President > of Absentee Property. Within the last eight- Amelia Collins, Vice-President > een months the Government established, Ugo Giachery, Member at Large > after the passing of suitable legislation in Leroy Ioas, Secretary-General > the Knesset (Parliament), a body known as Jessie Revell, Treasurer > the "Development Authority," empowered Ethel Revell, Western Assistant Secretary > to dispose of lands, subject to the approval Lotfullah Hakim, Eastern Assistant Secre- > of the Cabinet, either by lease or outright tary > sale for dollars. After over a year's negotia- There are now four Hands of the Cause > tions with the Government, the eighteen serving the Faith permanently at its Inter- > plots were purchased for the sum of $118,- national Center, as members of this Body. > 000, and in April, 1952, transferred to the Dr. Giachery has paid two visits to Israel > name of the Palestine Branch of the Na- during the past three months, in order to > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of assist with the work being undertaken here > the United States and Canada. In addition and this has meant that five Hands of the > to these eighteen plots, totaling about six Cause were in the Holy Land. In addition > acres in area, the Guardian was able to pur- to this, Mr. D_hikru'llBh ghadem, Mr. Shu'- > chase at the same time the remaining half b'uYllBh 'AlS'i, Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher > of an empty plot facing both the Western and Mr. M6sL Banini, Hands of the Cause, > BahL'i Pilgrim House and the House of have recently been in Haifa as pilgrims; in > 'Abdu'l-BahB, for the sum of $16,000. It fact, two of them had the inestimable privi- > was largely due to the intervention of His lege of hearing from the Guardian's own > Worship the Mayor of Haifa, Mr. Aba lips that he had appointed them as part of > Khoushy, that the Cause was able to secure the second contingent of Hands of the > this land at this price, the original price Cause. > having been very much higher. The assur- > ance it would be kept as a private open Plans Completed for Ma&riqu'l-Adzka'r > space induced His Worship to urge the Gov- on Mt. Carmel > ernment to make a concessioll to the BahS'is > in this matter. The President of the Council, Mr. > Charles Mason Remey, has now completed > Embryo of the Universal House of Justice his design for the Ma&riquYl-Ad_hkBr, > which will be erected at a future date, > The International BahB'i Council has somewhere on Mt. Carmel. During the past > been, during the past year, not only en- winter, he has had the opportunity of con- > larged but strengthened through the addi- sulting with the Guardian about the final > tion to its membership of Mr. Leroy Ioas, details, and having received his suggestions > who fulfills the function of Secretary- and approval, is now ready to order the > General; and Dr. Ugo Giachery, Member model of his Temple in Italy, so that it can > at Large. On more than one occasion, the be exhibited in the Mother Temple of the > Guardian has pointed out to the members West in Wilmette during the historic Con- > of the Co~~ncil that the Charter upon which vention of 1953. This building is very > the Spiritual and Administrative activities monumental in character. While not resem- > of the Faith in Israel rest is the Tablet of bling synagogue, church, mosque or any of > Carmel, revealed by BahPu'llih on Mt. the temples of former religions, it will 'nave > @armel. The "City of God" mentioned in a distinctive religious character and dignity > this Tablet, is the Shrine of the Bgb, and of its own. When constructed, it will greatly > the "Ark" means the Laws of God, and enhance the institutions of the Faith at the > refers to the Universal House of Justice, the > embryo of which is the present Interna- World Center and hlfill yet another of > tional BahL'i Council, which through suc- %bdu-'l-Bahb's cherished hopes. How soon > cessive stages will develop irio the Univer- work on it could be undertaken is not > sal House of Justice to be established and 1cnow1-1d psesent; but, the design carried out > function on this T6oIy Mountain. Tts mem- by archiiect cl~oseasfor this purpose by > bership now consists of: Master l+k-isdf, has naw~ been safe- > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 3 89 > > guarded for posterity, and is ready for meet with ready understanding, and when > execution when the appointed time comes. assistance is necessary, we get it. > > Recognition of the Faith by the Israeli Pilgrims t o Haifa-from the East and from > Government the West > > The relations of the State of Israel with No report of BahL'i activities during the > our beloved Guardian and the International past year could convey any sense of the > BahL'i Council have been friendly and stirring progress being made here that did > cordial. We are happy to report that steady not mention the arrival of the pilgrims. The > progress is being made in obtaining suitable first believer from the east to reach the Holy > legal recognition of the Faith here, from the Land after more than ten years, during > Government. During the past few months, which the pilgrimage had been perforce.sus- > the exemption already given by both the pended by the beloved Guardian, was Mr. > Mandate Authorities and the Jewish State Sami Doktoroglu, of Istanbul. After years > to material gifts received for the Shrine of of persecution, quiescence and obscurity, > BahB'u'llSh, the Shrine of the BSb, Mazra'ih, the Turkish believers have at last found > the House of BahB'u'llBh in 'AkkS and the themselves in a position to go ahead with > Gardens on Mt. Carmel, has been extended their work in the service of BahL'u'llSh. > to cover all things received for the Western Thanks to the instr~~ctions carried back to > and Eastern Pilgrim Houses and the Home them by this BahL'i brother from the pres- > of the Head of the Faith. In addition to ence of the Guardian, they have organized > this, the Government has been both under- their first three Spiritual Assemblies in the > standing and cooperative as regards the historic city of Istanbul, in Aintab and in > reduction of the heavy charges made in the Adana, and have recently purchased a por- > port on material sent for the Shrine of the tion of the land which is the site of the > BBb, and gifts received for the Holy Places. building once occupied by BahVu'llfih dur- > Aside from the very pleasant interview ing his sojourn there in Constantinople. > two of the present members of the Interna- The first BahVi pilgrim to arrive from the > tional BahL'i Council, Mrs. Collins and Mr. west was Mr. Lawrence Hautz of Milwau- > Ioas, had with the Israeli Prime Minister, kee. His eagerness to render any assistance > Mr. David Ben-Gurion, during his trip to within his power to the work here attracted > America last summer, when they formed the eye of Shoghi Effendi, who is ever ready > part of a delegation from the American Na- to embark on new activities when he finds > tional Spiritual Assembly received by him, willing hands! It was in no small measure > contact has been made by various members due to the enthusiasm and eagerness of this > of the Council and by Mr. Lawrence Hautz, western BahL'i friend that the purchase of > with the following high-ranking officials of the additional plots here in Haifa was so > the State: Dr. Chaim Weizmann, President, speedily and successfully concluded. He > at a reception at Rehovot; Miss Golda made many contacts with the Government > Myerson, Minister of Labor; Dr. David Z. and impressed upon them the importance > Pinkas, Minister of Communications; Mr. of the International Center of the Faith here > Eliezer Kaplan, Minister of Finance; as well to the BahVis the world over, assuring them > as Dr. W. Walter Eytan, Director General of that Israel has no better friends than the > the Foreign Ministry; Dr. Kurt Mendelsohn, people who believe that what BahVu'llBh > Director of Customs and Excise; Dr. Zerah promised will be fulfilled, and that His > Warhaftig, Minister of Religions; Mr. promises about Israel will likewise be ful- > Ahoud Avril, Director General to the filled. > Prime Minister, Mr. Shimon Eynat, Legal During four months, more than a hun- > dred friends have been the guests of the > Adviser to the Prime Minister and the At- > Guardian, and carried back from his > torney General, Mr. Kalman Cohen. It is presence inspiration, guidance, love and > both significant and interesting to note that boundless zeal to their fellow Bahii'is, upon > the higher one goes in government circles, their return to their own countries. The > the greater is the courtesy shown and the pilgrimage, due to lack of adeq~tateaccom- > wider the knowledge of the Faith possessed modation here, for large numbers of people, > by its officials. Likewise at high levels we has been limited to nine days, in order to > 390 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > enable more of the believers to come, and to the day when it will be feasible for ever- > there is now so much to see that the friends increasing numbers of the believers to have > are indeed kept very busy during their stay. the inestimable privilege of meeting their > They visit the two Holy Shrines, spending Guardian face to face, imbibing from him > at least one night at Bahji, in the Mansion of the essence of their Faith, laying their fore- > BahPu'lltih. They likewise visit the Room heads on the Thresholds of their Holiest > in the Most Great Prison once occupied by Shrines, and gazing with wonder at the > BahPu'lltih, and pray there. This room is > Sepulcher of the Btib, as we often see it at > now in the hands of the BahL'is, delivered > officially by the authorities to them. They night, illumined, shining like a glorious > also visit the House in 'Akkti occupied by white queen on the slope of the dark moun- > BahPu'lltih for many years, and in which tain, under a sky studded by brilliant stars, > He revealed the Aqdas, the Garden of the and the deep purple of the Mediterranean > Ridvtin, Mazra'ih, the two International stretching like a velvety carpet before it. > BahB'i Archives, and other local sites of Faithfully yours in El Bahti, > historic interest. Their hearts are full of joy -INTERNATIONAL B A HCOUNCIL > ~ ~ > when they arrive, and their eyes full of tears Charles Mason Remey, > when they depart. They constitute, as the President > Guardian has often pointed out, the stream Leroy C. Ioas, > of life-blood flowing in and out of the great Secretary -General > heart of the Faith here. The members of the Haif a, Israel, > International BahB'i Council look forward July 1, 1952. > 2. DOCUMENTATION O F THE BAHA'I > 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 character, voluntarily and joyously rallying round > their local and in particular their national centers of activity, upholding and promoting > their interests with complete unanimity and contentment, with perfect understanding, > genuine enthusiasm, and sustained vigor. This indeed is the one joy and yearning of my > life, for it is the fountainhead from which all future blessings will flow, the broad foun- > dation upon which the security of the Divine Edifice must ultimately rest."--SHOGHI > EFFENDI.^ > > T H E 1926-27 National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahgis of the United States and > Canada completed a task which, while pertaining to the outer and more material aspects > of the Cause, nevertheless has a special significance for its spirit and inward sacred pur- > pose. This task consisted in creating a legal form which gives proper substance and > substantial character to the administrative processes embodied in the Bah6'i Teachings. > The form adopted was that known as a Voluntary Trust, a species of corporation recog- > nized under the common law and possessing a long and interesting history. The famous > Covenant adopted by the Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower, the first legal document in > American history, is of the same nature as the Declaration of Trust voted by the National > Spiritual Assembly. This Declaration of Trust, with its attendant By-Laws, is published > for the information of the BahB'is of the world. Careful examination of the Declaration > and its By-Laws will reveal the fact that this document contains no arbitrary elements > nor features new to the BahB'i Cause. On the contrary, it represents a most conscientious > effort to reflect those very administrative principles and elements already set forth in the > letters of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, and already determining the methods and rela- > tionships of Bah6'i collective association. The provision both in the Declaration and in > the By-Laws for amendments in the future will permit the National Spiritual Assembly > to adapt this document to such new administrative elements or principles as the Guard- > ian may at any time give forth. The Declaration, in fact, is nothing more or less than a > legal parallel of those moral and spiritual laws of unity inherent in the fullness of the > BahB'i Revelation and making it the fulfillment of the ideal of Religion in the social as > well as spiritual realm. Because, in the BahB'i Faith this perfect correspondence exists > between spiritual and social laws, the BahB'is believe that administrative success is identi- > cal with moral success; and that nothing less than the true Bah6'i spirit of devotion and > sacrifice can inspire with effective power the world-wide body of unity, revealed by > Bahf uYllBh.Therefore it has seemed fitting and proper to accompany the Declaration of > Trust with excerpts from the letters of Shoghi Effendi which furnished the source whence > the provisions of the Declaration were drawn, and which furthermore give due emphasis > to that essential spirit without which any and every social or religious form is but a dead > and soulless body. (See pages 284-294, 321-327.) > HORACE HOLLEY > 1 Bahd'i Administration (1945 ed.), p. 67. > -- - -- > > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > Certificate of Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the BahL'is of the United States. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH > > DECLARATION OF TRUST > By the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY > SPIRITUAL OF THE B A ~ l i ' i s OF THE > STATES > UNITED > > W E , 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 Schopflocher > of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, duly chosen by the representatives of the BahL'is of the > United States and Canada at the Annual Meeting held at San Francisco, Calif., on April > 29, April 30, May 1, and May 2, 1926, to be the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, with full power to establish a Trust as herein- > after set forth, hereby declare that from this dati the powers, responsibilities, rights, > privileges and obligations reposed in said National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of > the United States and Canada by BahL'u'llih, Founder of the Bahi'i Faith, by 'Abdu'l- > Bah$ its Interpreter and Exemplar, and by Shoghi Effendi, its Guardian, shall be exer- > cised, administered and carried on by the above-named National Spiritual Assembly and > their duly qualified successors under this Declaration of Trust. > The National Spiritual Assembly ln adopting this form of association, union and fel- > lowship, and in selecting for itself the designation of Trustees of the BahB'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 con- > sequence of these activities the National Spiritual Assembly is called upon to administer > such ever-increasing diversity and volume of affairs and properties for the BahL'is of the > United States and Canada, that we, its members, now feel it both desirable and necessary > to give our collective functions more definite legal form. This action is taken in com- > plete unanimity and with full recognition of the sacred relationship thereby created. We > acknowledge in behalf of ourselves and our successors in this Trust the exalted religious > standard established by BahB'u'llBh for BahL'i administrative bodies in the utterance: > "Be ye Trustees of the Merciful One among men"; and seek the help of God and His > guidance in order to fulfill that exhortation. > > April 4, 1927. > > RESOLUTION BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > OF THE B A m ' f S OF THE UNITED STATES > WHEREAS the first Annual Convention of the BahL'is of Canada, on April 24, 1948 > duly elected the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Canada; and > WHEREAS the fortieth Annual Convention of the Bahi'is of the United States on > April 30, 1948 duly elected the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United > States; and > WHEREAS said Conventions were duly authorized by the Guardian of the BahL'i > Faith and empowered by the BahL'i administrative principles to elect their respective > National Spiritual Assemblies; and > WHEREAS in consequence of the foregoing it is now necessary to amend the Declara- > tion of Trust and By-Laws hereinafter described; > THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis > of the United States that from the date of its election, April 30, 1948, said Assembly > shall henceforth exercise within the United States, its territories and dependencies, d l the > functions and powers formerly vested in the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis > of the United States and Canada, as successor body thereto, and hold title to and pos- > 394 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > session of all funds, properties and trusts of national Bahi'i character existing within the > United States, its territories and dependencies on and after April 30, 1948; and > BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Declaration of Trust by the National Spirit- > ual Assembly of the BahCis of the United States and Canada as adopted at New York, > N.Y., on April 4, 1927, other than the Preamble thereto, and its By-Laws as from time > to time amended be and the same hereby are amended by substituting the name "Na- > tional Spiritual Assembly of the BahCis of the United States" for the name "National > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the United States and Canada" wherever the same > appears therein, and by deleting the words "and Canada" wherever such words now ap- > pear in said Declaration of Trust and By-Laws; that said By-Laws be further amended > by deleting the word "Provinces" and the word "Province" wherever the same appear > and by substituting for the word "Province" in Section 2 of Article VIII the words > "Territory or Federal District"; so that said Declaration of Trust and By-Laws shall > henceforth be the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the BahCis of the United States. > DOROTHY K. BAKER,Chairman > PAULE. HANEY,Vice-Chairman > HORACE HOLLEY,Secretary > EDNAM. TRUE, Recording Secretary > PHILIPG. SPRAGUE, Treasurer > ELSIEAUSTIN > WM. KENNETHCHRISTIAN > AMELIAE. COLLINS > LEROYIOAS > > The name of said Trust shall be the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahri'is o f the > United States. > > Sharing the ideals and assisting the efforts of our fellow Bahb'is to establish, uphold > and promote the spiritual, educational and humanitarian teachings of human brother- > hood, radiant faith, exalted character 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 application to the conditions of this > age in the life and utterances of BahCu'llLh-we declare the purposes and objects of this > Trust to be to administer the affairs of the Cause of BahCu'llLh for the benefit of the > BahPis of the United States according to the principles of Bahb'i affiliation and ad- > ministration created and established by BahCu'll&h, defined and explained by 'Abdu'l- > BahL, and amplified and applied by Shoghi Effendi and his duly constituted successor > and successors under the provisions of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-BahL. > These purposes are to be realized by means of devotional meetings; by public meetings > and conferences of an educational, humanitarian and spiritual character; by the publi- > cation 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, promoting and generally administering the activities of the BahCis of the > United States in the fulfillment of their religious offices, duties and ideals; and by any > other means appropriate to these ends, or anyof 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, associa- > tion, corporation, private, public or municipal or body politic, or any state, territory > or colony thereof, or any foreign government; and in this connection, and in all > transactions under the terms of this Trust, to do any and all things which a co- > partnership or natural person could do or exercise, and which now or hereafter > may be authorized by law. > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 395 > > b. To hold and be named as beneficiary under any trust established by law or other- > wise or under any will or other testamentary instrument in connection with any > gift, devise, or bequest in which a trust or trusts is or are established in any part > of the world as well as in the United States; 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 utter- > ances of Bahi'u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bahb and Shoghi Effendi, under which certain juris- > diction, 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 Bahi'is of the United States, are necessary, > proper and advantageous to promote the complete and successful administration of > this Trust. > > SECTION1. All persons, firms, corporations and associations extending credit to, con- > tracting with or having any claim against the Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual As- > sembly, and the members thereof, of any character whatsoever, whether legal or equita- > ble and whether arising out of contract or tort, shall look solely to the funds 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 or 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 beneficiaries > herein named shall be personally liable therefor. > SECTION2. 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. > > The Trustees,; i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly, shall adopt for the conduct of the > affairs entrusted to them under this Declaration of Trust, such by-laws, rules of pro- > cedure or regulations as are required to define and carry on its own administrative func- > tions and those of the several local and other elements composing the body of the Bahi'is > of the United States, not inconsistent with the terms of this instrument and all in accord- > ance with the explicit instructions given us to date by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the > Cause of Bahi'u'llbh, which instructions are already known to the Bahi'is of the United > States and accepted by them in the government and practice of their religious affairs. > > The central office of this Trust shall be located in the Village of Wilmette, State of > Illinois, United States of America, the site of the Bahg'i House of Worship. > > 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. 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 at any special meeting duly called for that > purpose, provided 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. > 396 T H E BAHA'I; W O R L D > > BY-LAWS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > > ARTICLEI > T H E National Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfillment 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, including paramount amhority in the ad- > ministration of this Trust. It shall endeavor to stimulate, unify and coordinate the mani- > fold activities of the local Spiritual Assemblies (hereinafter defined) and of individual > Bahb'is in the United States and by all possible means assist them to promote the oneness > of mankind. It shall be charged with the recognition of such local Assemblies, the scru- > tiny of all 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 electoral districts. It shall appoint all national Bahl'i committees and shall super- > vise the publication and distribution of BahL'i literature, the reviewing of all writings > pertaining to the Bahb'i Cause, the construction and administration of the Mas_hriqu'l- > ALhk6r and its accessory activities, and the collection and disbursement of all funds for > the carrying on of this Trust. It shall decide whether any matter lies within its own juris- > diction 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 Spirit- > ual Assemblies and shall have the right of final decision in all cases where the qualifica- > tion of an individual or group for continued voting rights and membership in the Bahb'i > body is in question. It shall furthermore represent the BahB'is of the United States in all > their cooperative and spiritual activities with the BahL'is of other lands, and shall consti- > tute the sole electoral body of the United States in the formation of the Universal House > of Justice provided for in the Sacred Writings of the Bahl'i Cause. Above all, the Na- > tional Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek to attain that station of unity in devotion to the > Revelation of Bahb'u'll6h which will attract the confirmations of the Holy Spirit and > enable the Assembly to serve the founding of the Most Great Peace. In all its deliberation > and action the National Assembly shall have constantly before it as Divine guide and > standard the utterance of Bah6'u7ll6h:- > "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 > dwell on earth. It is incumbent 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 in- > terests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly." > > The Bahb'is of the United States, for whose benefit this Trust is maintained, shall con- > sist of all persons resident in the several States, Territories or Federal Districts of the > United States who are accepted by the National Spiritual Assembly as fulfilling the re- > quirements of membership in the Bahl'i Community under the following qualifications > set forth by the Guardian of the Faith: > a. Full recognition of the station of the Biib as Forerunner, of Bahb'uYll6has Author > and of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 as True Exemplar of the Bahb'i religion; unreserved accept- > ance of, and submission to whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and > steadfast adherence to every clause of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's sacred Will; and close as- > sociation with the spirit as well as the form of Bahb'i Administraticn throughout > the world. > b. Attainment of the age of 21 years. > c. Declaration of faith to, and enrollment by, the local Spiritual Assembly if resident > in the area of jurisdiction of any local Assembly recognized by the National Spirit- > ual Assembly. > d. Declaration of faith to the National Spiritual Assembly on the membership form > provided for those residing outside any such area of local Bahl'i jurisdiction. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 397 > > The National Assembly shall consist of nine members chosen from among the Bahl'is > of the United States, who shall be elected by the said BahL'is in manner hereinafter pro- > vided, and who shall continue in office for the period of one year, or until their suc- > cessors shall be elected. > > 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 Assembly taken by secret ballot. > > 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 permanent Chair- > man shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be called by the Secretary of the > Assembly at the request of the Chairman or, in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice- > Chairman, or of any three members of the Assembly; provided, however, that the An- > nual Meeting of the Assembly shall be held at a time and place to be fixed by a ma- > jority vote of the Assembly, as hereinafter provided. > > Five members of the National Assembly present at a meeting shall constitute a quo- > rum, and a majority vote of those present and constituting 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 National 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. > ARTICLEVII > Whenever in any locality of the United States, be it municipality, township or county, > the number of Bahb'is resident therein recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly > exceeds nine, these may on April 21st of any year convene and elect by plurality vote a > local administrative body of nine members, to be known as the Spiritual Assembly of > the BahB'is of that community. Every such Spiritual Assembly shall be elected annually > thereafter upon each successive 21st 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 BahB'is in any authorized civil area is exactly nine, > these may on April 21st 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. > SECTION1. Each newly-elected local Spiritual Assembly shall at once proceed in the > manner indicated in Articles IV 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 > fulfillment of its spiritual duties. Immediately thereafter the Secretary chosen shall trans- > mit to the Secretary of the National Assembly the names of the members of the newly- > elected Assembly and a list of its officers. > 398 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > SECTION2. The general powers and duties of a local Spiritual Assembly shall be as > set forth in the writings of Bahi'u'llLh, 'Abdu'l-BahL and Shoghi Effendi. > SECTION3. Among its more specific duties, a local Spiritual Assembly shall have full > jurisdiction of all Bahb'i activities and affairs within the local community, subject, how- > ever, to the exclusive and paramount authority of the National Spiritual Assembly as de- > fined herein. > SECTION4. Vacancies in the membership of a local Spiritual Assembly shall be filled > by election at a special meeting of the local Bahi'i community duly called for that pur- > pose by the Assembly. In the event that the number of vacancies exceeds four, making a > quorum of the local Assembly impossible, the election shall be held under the super- > vision of the National Spiritual Assembly. > SECTION5. The business of the local Assembly shall be conducted in like manner as > provided for the deliberations of the National Assembly in Article VI above. > SECTION 6. The local Assembly shall pass upon and approve the qualifications of each > member of the Bahi'i community before such members shall be admitted to voting > membership; but where an individual is dissatisfied with the ruling of the local Spiritual > Assembly upon his Bahi'i qualifications, such individual may appeal from the ruling to > the National Assembly, which shall thereupon take jurisdiction of and finally decide the > case. > SECTION7. On or before the 1st day of November of each year the Secretary of > each local Assembly shall send to the Secretary of the National Assembly a duly certi- > fied list of the voting members of the local Bah2i.community for the information and > approval > - - of the National Assembly. > SECTION8. All matters arising within a local Bahb'i community which are of purely > local interest and do not affect the national interests 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. > SECTION9. Any member of a local Bahb'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 recon- > sideration. In the event that the National Assembly assumes jurisdiction of the matter, > its findings shall be final. > SECTION10. Where any dissension exists within a local BahPi co~nmunityof such > 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 Assembly, whose action in the matter shall be final. > SECTION11. All questions arising between two or more local Spiritual Assemblies, or > between members of different BahB'i communities, shall be submitted in the first in- > stance to the National Assembly, which shall have original and final jurisdiction in all > such matters. > SECTION12. The sphere of jurisdiction of a local Spiritual Assembly, with respect > to residential qualification of membership, and voting rights of a believer in any Bahi'i > community, shall be the locality included within the civil limits of the municipality, > township or county. > All differences of opinion concerning the sphere of jurisdiction of any local Spiritual > Assembly or concerning the affiliation of any Bahi'i or group of Bahb'is in the United > States shall be referred to the National Spiritual Assembly, whose decision in the matter > shall be final. > > ARTICLE > VIII > > The members of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be elected at an annual meet- > ing to be known as the National Convention of the BahL'is of the United States. This > Convention shall be held at a time and place to be fixed by the National Assembly. The > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 399 > > National Convention shall be composed jointly of representatives chosen by the Bahi'is > of each State, Territory or Federal District under the principle of proportionate repre- > sentation, and the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. > Notice of the annual meeting shall be given by the National Assembly sixty days in > advance in the Convention Call which sets forth the number of delegates assigned to > the various electoral units in proportion to the number of BahB'is resident in each such > unit, to a total number of one hundred seventy-one delegates for the Bahi'is of the > United States. > SECTION1. All delegates to the Convention shall be elected by plurality vote. BahB'is > who for illness or other unavoidable reasons are unable to be present at the election in > person shall have the right to transmit their ballots to the meeting by mail. The meeting > held in each State, Territory or Federal District for the election of delegates shall be > called by the National Spiritual Assembly and conducted by the BahB'is present under > whatever procedure may be uniformly laid down by said body. Immediately after the > meeting a certified report of the election containing the name and address of each dele- > gate shall be transmitted to the National Spiritual Assembly. > SECTION 2. All delegates to be seated at the Convention must be recognized Bahi'is > and residents of the State, Territory or Federal District represented by them. > SECTION3. The rights and privileges of a delegate may not be assigned nor may they > be exercised by proxy. > SECTION4. The recognition and seating of delegates to the National Convention shall > be vested in the National Spiritual Assembly. > SECTION5. Delegates unable to be present in person at the Convention shall have the > right to transmit their ballots for election of the members of the National Assembly > under whatever procedure is adopted by the National body. > SECTION6. If in any year the National Spiritual Assembly shall consider that it is > impracticable or unwise to assemble together the delegates to the National Convention, > the said Assembly shall provide ways and means by which the annual election and the > other essential business of the Convention may be conducted by mail. > SECTION7. The presiding officer of the National Spiritual Assembly present at the > Convention shall call together the delegates, who after roll call shall proceed to the > permanent organization of the meeting, electing by ballot a chairman, a secretary and > such other officers as are necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Con- > vention. > SECTION8. The principal business of the annual meeting shall be consultation on > Bahk'i activities, plans and policies, and the election of the nine members of the Na- > tional Spiritual Assembly. Members of the National Assembly, whether or not elected > delegates, may take a full part in the consultation and discussion but only delegates may > participate in the election of Convention officers or in the annual election of the mem- > bers of the national body. All action by the delegates, other than the organization of the > Convention, the transmission of messages to the Guardian and the election of the Na- > tional Assembly, shall constitute advice and recommendation for consideration by the > said Assembly, final decision on all matters concerning the affairs of the B a h a Faith in > the United States being vested solely in that body. > SECTION9. The general order of business to be taken up at the Annual Convention > shall be prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly in the form of an agenda, but any > matter pertaining to the BahB'i Faith introduced by any of the delegates may upon mo- > tion and vote be taken up as part of the Convention deliberations. > SECTION10. The election of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly shall > be by plurality vote of the delegates recognized by the outgoing National Spiritual As- > sembly, 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. In case, by reason of a tie vote or votes, the full membership is not determined > 400 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > on the first ballot, then one or more additional ballots shall be taken on the persons tied > until all nine members are elected. > SECTION11. All official business transacted at the National Convention shall be re- > corded and preserved in the records of the National Assembly. > SECTION12. Vacancies in the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly shall > be fdled 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. > > Where the National Spiritual Assembly 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 BahPi Cause in the United States, 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. > > Whatever functions and powers are not specifically attributed to local Spiritual As- > semblies in these By-Laws shall be considered vested in the National Spiritual Assembly, > which body is authorized to delegate such discretionary functions and powers as it > deems necessary and advisable to the local Spiritual Assemblies within its jurisdiction. > > In order to preserve the spiritual character and purpose of BahPi elections, the prac- > tice 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 reflection 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 as members of local > or national Spiritual Assemblies are:- > To 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 obligation to promote; to purge their deliberations and the general conduct > of their affairs of self-contained aloofness, the suspicion of secrecy, the stifling atmos- > phere 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 Bahi'is. > > 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. > Note: The foregoing By-Laws include all amendments adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly to July 16, > 1949. > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F BAHA'U'LLAH 401 > > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the BahPis of Persia. > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 403 > 404 THE BAHA'I WORLD > 406 THE BAHA'I WORLD > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 407 > > TREUHANDSCHAFTSERKLARUNG DES NATIONALEN > GEISTIGEN RATES DER BAHA'I IN DEUTSCHLAND > UND OSTERREICH e. V. > AND BY-LAWS > DECLARATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY > SPIRITUAL OF THE > B ~ ~ l i 'O > f Fs GERMANY > AND AUSTRIA > > W I R , Marta Blanche Brauns-Forel, Karlsruhe i. B.; Paul Ferdinand Gollmer, Stutt- > gart; Max Greeven, Bremen; Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Neckargemiind; Edith Elisabeth > Anna Horn, Stuttgart; Anna Maria Kostlin, Esslingen a. N.; Dr. Adelbert Friedrich > Alexander Marinus Muhlschlegel, Stuttgart; Dr. Karl Eugen Schmidt, Stuttgart; Alice > Corinna Gabriele Emma Amelia (Tahirih) Schwarz-Solivo, Stuttgart, erklaren hiermit > als der durch die Abgeordneten der Bahb'i in Deutschland und Osterreich anlasslich der > Jahrestagung in stuggart am 22. April 1934 ordnungsmassig gewahlte und mit allen > Vollmachten zur Errichtun~der nachfoleenden Treuhandschaft auseestattete Nationale > Geistige Rat der Bahi'i in heutschland l n d Osterreich, dass vorn hktigen Tage an die > diesem Rate durch Bahb'u'llih, den Begriinder des Bahb'i-Glaubens, 'Abdu'l-BahL, den > Ausleger und das Vorbild, und Shoghi Effendi, den Hiiter desselben, iibertragenen Be- > fugnisse, Verantwortlichkeiten, Rechte, Vorrechte und Pflichten von dem vorgenannten > Nationalen Geistigen Rat und seinen ordnungsmlssig bestellten Nachfolgern gemass > dieser Treuhandschaftserklhung ausgeubt, verwaltet und fortgefuhrt werden sollen. > Die Annahme dieser Form des Zusammenschlusses, der Vereinigung und Gemein- > schaft und die Zulegung der Bezeichnung als Treuhander der Bahb'i in Deutschland und > Osterreich erfolgt durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat als dem seit mehr als dreiund- > zwanzig Jahren bestehenden und verantwortlichen Verwaltungskorper einer Religionsge- > meinschaft. Infolge dieser Tatigkeit envachst dem Nationalen Geistigen Rat die Pflicht > zur Verwaltung der standig mannigfacher und umfangreicher werdenden Angelegen- > heiten und Vermogenswerte der BahB'i in Deutschland und Osterreich, weshalb wir als > dessen Mitglieder es fur wiinschenswert und notwendig erachten, unserer gemeinsamen > Tatigkeit eine fester umrissene, gesetzmassige Form zu geben. Wir tun dies in volliger > Einmutigkeit und in voller Erkenntnis der damit geschaffenen heiligen Bindung. Wir > anerkennen fur uns und unsere Nachfolger in dieser Treuhandschaft die erhabene re- > ligiose Richtschnur, die fur Bahi'i-Verwaltungskorperschaften in dem Worte Bah2u'- > 116h's zum Ausdruck kommt: ,,Seid Treuhander des Barmherzigen unter den Menschen" > und suchen den Beistand Gottes und Seine Fiihrung, damit wir dieser Ermahnung folgen > konnen. > 10. Februar 1935 > > ENTSCHLIESSUNG GEISTIGEN > DES NATIONALEN RATES > > Der Nationale Geistige Rat der Bahi'i in Deutschland und Osterreich e. V. musste sich > zufolge einer staatspolizeilichen Anordnung vom 7. Juni 1937 auflosen. Am 7. April > 1946 hat sich der Nationale Geistige Rat der BahB'i in Deutschland und ~sterreichge- > mzss der bis 1937 angewandten Treuhandschaftserklarungund Satzung von neuem kon- > stituiert. > Da die Treuhandschaftserklarung und Satzung des Nationalen Geistigen Rates der > BahB'i der Vereinigten Staaten schon bisher fur die administrative Ordnung der deut- > schen Bahi'i-Gemeinde als Vorbild dienie, hat der Nationale Geistige Rat der BahB'i in > Deutschland und Osterreich e. V., der am 18. Juni 1949 gew'alt wurde und sich am 20. > Juni 1949 konstituierte, am 8. Oktober 1949 beschlossen, seine Treuhandschaftserkla- > rung und Satzung der neuen Fassung des Nationalen Geistigen Rates der BahB'i in den > Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika, einschliesslich aller Erganzungen und Anderungen bis > 408 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 16. Juli 1949, sinngemass anzugleichen. Vorliegende Fassung wurde vom Nationalen > Geistigen Rat am 1. April 1950 verabschiedet. > Dr. Eugen Schmidt, Vorsitzender; Paul Gollmer, stellvertretender Vorsitzender; > Ruprecht Kruger, Sekretar; Albrecht Nagel, Rechner; Anna Grossmann; > Julius Henseler; Gunther Heyd; Dr. Adelheid Wger; Adolf Spieth. > > Die genannte Treuhandgemeinschaft fuhrt die Bezeichnung ,,Der Nationale Geistige > Rat der Bahi'i in Deutschland und Osterreich e. V." > > Wir teilen die Ideale unserer Mit-BahPi und arbeiten mit ihnen an der Aufrichtung, > Erhaltung und Forderung der geistigen, erziehlichen und menschenfreundlichen Lehren > menschlicher Bruderschaft, strahlenden Glaubens, erhabenen Charakters und selbstloser > Liebe, wie sie im Leben und in den Ausserungen aller Propheten und Botschafter Gottes, > der Begriinder der Offenbarungsreligionen in der Welt, geoffenbart und mit erneuter > Kraft und allumfassender Geltung fur die Gegebenheiten dieses Zeitalters durch das > Leben und die Worte Bahi'u'llLh's verkundet worden sind. Wir erkliren als Zweck und > Gegenstand dieser Treuhandgemeinschaft die Verwaltung der Angelegenheiten der Sache > Bahi'u'llLh's zum Besten der Bahi'i in Deutschland und Osterreich gemass den von > Bah$u'll&h geschaffenen und eingefuhrten, von 'Abdu'l-BahL naher bestimmten und > erliuterten und von Shoghi Effendi und dessen nach dem Willen und Testament 'Abdu'l- > Bahi's ordnungsmassig eingesetzten Nachfolger und Nachfolgern erweiterten und ange- > wandten Grundsatzen fur die BahB'i-Zugehorigkeitund -Verwaltung. > Der Erfiillung dieses Zweckes sollen Andachtszusammenkiinfte, offentliche Versamm- > lungen und Zusammenkiinfte erziehlichen, menschenfreundlichen und geistigen Charak- > ters, die Veroffentlichung von Buchern, Zeitschriften und Zeitungen, die Errichtung von > Tempeln allgemeiner Anbetung und anderer Einrichtungen und Bauten fur menschen- > freundliche Dienste, die fjberwachung, Vereinheitlichung, Forderung und allgemeine > Verwaltung der Angelegenheiten der BahL'i in Deutschland und Bsterreich in Erfiillung > ihrer religiosen Dienste, Pflichten und Ideale sowie jedes sonstige diesen Zielen oder einem > von ihnen forderliche Mittel dienen. > Weiterer Zweck und Gegenstand dieser Treuhandgemeinschaft ist: > a) das Recht, mit irgendwelchen Personen, Unternehmungen, Vereinigungen, priva- > ten, offentlichen oder gemeindlichen Korperschaften, dem Staat oder irgend- > welchen seiner Lander, Gebiete oder mit irgendwelchen fremden Regierungen in > jeder Art und Weise Vertrage abzuschliessen, zu vollziehen und zu erfullen, die > zur Forderung der Ziele dieser Treuhandschaft dienen, und im Zusammenhang > damit und bei allen Verrichtungen, die im Rahmen dieser Treuhandschaft erfol- > gen, alles und jedes tun, was eine Gesellschaft oder naturliche Person zu tun oder > auszuiiben vermag und was gegenwartig oder kiinftig vom Gesetz zugelassen ist, > b) bei allen durch Gesetz oder anderswie errichteten Verbanden oder Nachliissen und > sonstigen letztwilligen Verfugungen in Verbindung mit Schenkungen, Vermacht- > nissen oder Auflassungen jeder Art, in welchen ein oder mehrere Treuhinder in > irgend einem Teil der Welt sowohl, als auch in Deutschland und ~sterreichbestellt > werden, aufzutreten und als empfangsberechtigt zu gelten und Schenkungen, Ver- > machtnisse oder Auflassungen in Geld oder sonstigen Vermogenswerten anzuneh- > men, > c) alles und was immer in den schriftlichen Ausserungen Bahi'u'llLh's, 'Abdu'l-BahB's, > Shoghi Effendi's und seiner ordnungsmassigen Nachfolger, durch die den Nationa- > len Geistigen Riten gewisse Spruchrechte, Befugnisse und Gerechtsame gewahrt > sind, an verschiedenen Zwecken und Zielen niedergelegt ist und > d) gemeinhin alles zu tun und zu bewirken, was nach Ansicht der benannten Treu- > hander, d. h. des Nationalen Geistigen Rates der Bahi'i in Deutschland und Bster- > THE W O R L D O R D E R OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H 409 > > reich zur Forderung der vollstkhdigen und erfolgreichen Verwaltung dieser Treu- > handgemeinschaft erforderlich, geeignet und von Vorteil ist. > > 1. Abschnitt. Allen Personen, Unternehmungen, Korperschaften und Vereinigungen > gegeniiber, die den Treuhtindern, d. h. dem Nationalen Geistigen Rat und seinen Mit- > gliedern in ihrer Eigenschaft als solche Kredit gewahren, VertrQe mit ihnen schliessen > oder irgendwelche Anspriiche gegen sie, gleichviel welcher Art, ob rechtlich oder billig, > zu Recht oder zu Unrecht, haben, gilt lediglich das Treuhandvermogen und der Treu- > handbesitz als Masse fur Zahlung oder Sicherstellung bezw. fur die Begleichung irgend- > welcher Schulden, Ersatzanspruche, Auflagen und Bescheide oder irgendwelcher Betrage, > die in sonstiger Weise seitens der Treuhinder geschuldet oder zahlbar werden konnten, > so dass weder die Treuhinder, noch irgendeiner von ihnen, noch irgendeiner ihrer kraft > dieses ernannten Beauftragten oder Vertreters, noch irgendwelche hierin genannte > Berechtigte, sei es einzeln gemeinsam, personlich dafiir haften. > 2. Abschnitt. Alle Bescheinigungen, Schuldanerkenntnisse, Antrage, schriftlichen > Verpflichtungen und VertrHge oder sonstigen Vereinbarungen und Urkunden, die im > Rahmen dieser Treuhandschaft getroffen oder gegeben werden, werden ausdrucklich > vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat als Treuh'ander durch dessen ordnungsmassig ermHchtigte > Beauftragte und Vertreter vollzogen. > > Die Treuhander, d. h. der Nationale Geistige Rat, nehmen fur die Durchfiihrung der > ihm in dieser Treuhandschaftserklarung anvertrauten Obliegenheiten die zur Festlegung > und Erledigung der eigenen Verwaltungsaufgaben wie auch derjenigen der verschiedenen > ortlichen und sonstigen Gliederungen, die die BahL'i in Deutschland und dsterreich ver- > korpern, erforderlichen Satzungen, Bestimmungen und Dienstvorschriften gembs den > Zwecken dieser Einrichtung und in Urbereinstimmung mit den seitherigen ausdruck- > lichen, den BahL'i in Deutschland und ~sterreichbereits bekannten und von ihnen in der > Fiihrung und Handhabung ihrer religiosen Angelegenheiten iibernornmenen Weisungen > Shoghi Effendi's, des Huters des BahL'i-Glaubens, an. > > Die HauptgeschHftsstelle dieser Treuhandgemeinschaft befindet sich an demjenigen > Ort, der durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat von Zeit zu Zeit bestimmt wird. > > Das Siege1 dieser Treuhandgemeinschaft besitzt runde Form und zeigt folgende In- > schrift : > Der Nationale Geistige Rat der BahP'i in Deutschland > und dsterreich e. V. Treuhandschaftserklarung 1935. > > ARTIKEL > VII > Diese Treuhandschaftserkl5rung kann durch absoluten Mehrheitsbeschluss des Na- > tionalen Geistigen Rates der Bahi'i in Deutschland und dsterreich in jeder besonderen > Versammlung, die zu diesem Zwecke ordnungsmHssig einberufen worden ist, ergHnzt > werden, vorausgesetzt, dass mindestens dreissig Tage vor dem fur die Versammlung fest- > gesetzten Zeitpunkt eine Abschrift der vorgeschlagenen Erganzung oder Ergkhzungen an > jedes Ratsmitglied durch den Sekretzr mittels eingeschriebenen Briefes versandt wird. > 410 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > SATZUNG > DES NATIONALEN > GEISTIGEN > RATES > > Der Nationale Geistige Rat soll in Erfiillung seiner geheiligten Pflichten im Rahmen > dieses Treuhandverhiiltnisses ausschliessliches Spruch- und Hoheitsrecht iiber jede Tatig- > keit und alle Angelegenheiten der BahPi-Sache in Deutschland und Osterreich unter > Einschluss der Oberhoheit in bezug auf die Verwaltung dieser Treuhandschaft haben. Er > soll darnach streben, die (nachstehend erlluterte) vielgestaltige Tatigkeit der ortlichen > Geistigen Rite sowie diejenigen der einzelnen BahL'i in Deutschland und Osterreich an- > zuspornen, zu vereinigen und gleichzuordnen, und sie in jeder nur moglichen Weise in > der Forderung der Einheit der Menschheit unterstiitzen. Ihm obliegt die Anerkennung > derartiger ortlicher Rate, die Priifung der ortlichen Mitgliederrollen, die Einberufung > der Jahrestagung oder besonderer Versammlungen und die Einsetzung der Abgeordneten > zur Jahrestagung und ihre ziffernmassige Verteilung unter den verschiedenen Wahlbe- > zirken. Er soll samtliche nationalen Bahi'i-Ausschusse ernennen und die Veroffent- > lichung und Verteilung von Bahi'i-Schrifttum, die Uberpriifung aller die BahL'i-Sache > betreffenden Schriften, den Bau und die Verwaltung des Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hk6rYs und seiner > Nebeneinrichtungen und die Erhebung und Verwendung aller Gelder zur Fortfuhrung > dieser Treuhandschaft iiberwachen. Er soll entscheiden, ob irgendwelche Angelegenheiten > dem Bereiche seines eigenen Spruchrechtes oder demjenigen eines artlichen Geistigen > Rates angehoren. Er soll in Fallen, die ihm geeignet und notwendig erscheinen, Berufun- > gen aus Entscheidungen ortlicher Geistiger Rate annehmen und soll das Recht zur end- > giiltigen Entscheidung in allen Fallen haben, in denen die Befahigung eines einzelnen > oder einer Gruppe, standig das Wahlrecht auszuiiben ode^ Mitglied der Bahi'i-Gemein- > schaft zu sein, in Frage steht. Er soll ferner die Bahi'i in Deutschland und Osterreich > uberall vertreten, wo es sich um die Zusammenarbeit und geistige Betatigung mit den > BahS'i anderer Lander handelt, und sol1 das alleinige Wahlorgan der Bahi'i in Deutsch- > land und OstZrreich bei Bildung des in den Heiligen Schriften der Sache vorgesehenen > Universalen Hauses der Gerechtigkeit sein. > Vor allem aber soll der Nationale Geistige Rat stets jene Stufe der Einheit in Erge- > benheit gegenuber der Offenbarung BahL'uyll&h'serstreben, die die Bestatigung des Heili- > gen Geistes anzieht und den Rat zum Dienste an der Begriindung des Grossten Friedens > fihig machen wird. Bei allen seinen Beratungen und Handlungen soll der Nationale > Geistige Rat als gottlichen Fuhrer und Massstab standig die Ausser~~ng BahQ'u'llhh's vor > Augen haben : > ,,Es geziemt ihnen (d. h. den Geistigen Raten), die Vertrauten des Barmherzigen unter > den Menschen zu sein und sich fur Gottes auserwahlte Huter von allein, was auf Erden > ist, zu halten. Es obliegt ihnen, miteinander zu beraten und auf die Belange der Diener > Gottes acht zu haben, um Seiner Selbst willen, wie sie auf die eigenen Belange achten, > und das zu wshlen, was geziemend ist und schicklich." > > Die Bahi'i in Deutschland und Osterreich, zu deren Gunsten diese Treuhandschaft > errichtet ist, soll aus allen in Deutschland und Osterreich in den verschiedenen Landern > und Verwaltungsgebieten wohnhaften Personen bestehen, die vom Nationalen Geistigen > Rat als den Erfordernissen fur die Mitgliedschaft in der BahPi-Gemeinschaft gem5ss > den folgenden, durch den Huter des Glaubens festgelegten Fahigkeiten anerkannt sind: > a) volle Anerkennung der Stufe des B6b als Vorliufer, von BahC'uYll6hals Be- > griinder und von 'Abdu'l-Bah6 d s wahres Vorbild der Bahi'i-Religion; vorbehdt- > lose Annahme von allem und Unterordnung unter alles, was durch ihre Feder > geoffenbart worden ist; treues und standhaftes Festhalten an allen Teilen des ge- > heiligten Willens 'Abdu'l-BahPs und enge Verbindung sowohl mit dem Geiste als > auch mit der Form der Bahi'i-Venvaltung in der ganzen Welt. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 41 1 > > b) Vollendung des 21. Lebensjahres. > c) Glaubenserklarung gegenuber dem vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat anerkannten > ortlichen Geistigen Rat, in dessen Rechtsbereich er wohnhaft ist, sowie Eintragung > bei diesem. > d) Glaubenserklarung gegenuber dem Nationalen Geistigen Rat, in der fur die Mit- > gliedschaft vorgesehenen Form fur ausserhalb eines solchen ortlichen Rechtsbe- > reiches wohnhafte Personen. > > Der Nationale Geistige Rat soll aus neun aus dem Kreise der Bah6'i in Deutschland > und Osterreich gewahlten Mitgliedern bestehen, die von den genannten BahL'i in der > weiter unten beschriebenen Weise gewahlt werden und fiir die Dauer eines Jahres oder > bis zur Wahl ihrer Nachfolger im Amte bleiben sollen. > > Die geschaftsfiihrenden Mitglieder des Nationalen Geistigen Rates sollen aus einem > Vorsitzenden, stellvertretenden Vorsitzenden, Sekretar und Rechner und anderen Beauf- > tragten bestehen, die sonst noch fur die geeignete Fiihrung seiner Geschafte fur notig > erachtet werden mogen. Die geschaftsfiihrenden Mitglieder sollen mit absoluter Stim- > menmehrheit des Rates in geheimer Abstimmung gewahlt werden. > > Die erste Versamnilung eines neugewahlten Nationalen Geistigen Rates soll durch > dasjenige Mitglied einberufen werden, das bei der Wahl die hochste Stimmenzahl erhal- > ten hat, oder, soweit zwei oder mehr Mitglieder die gleiche hochste Stimmenzahl auf- > weisen, durch das unter diesen ausgeloste Mitglied. Dieses Mitglied soll den Vorsitz bis > zur Wahl des standigen. Vorsitzenden fuhren. Alle folgenden Sitzungen sollen durch den > Sekretar des Rates auf Ersuchen des Vorsitzenden oder, bei dessen Abwesenheit oder > Verhinderung, des stellvertretenden Vorsitzenden oder dreier beliebiger Ratsmitglieder > einberufen werden, wobei jedoch die Jahrestagung des Rates, wie weiterhin festgelegt, in > bezug auf Zeitpunkt und Ort von dem Rat durch absoluten Mehrheitsbeschluss festzu- > legen ist. > > Der Nationale Geistige Rat sol1 beschlussfahig sein, sobald funf Mitglieder desselben > in einer Sitzung anwesend sind, und die durch diese gefassten, absoluten Mehrheits- > beschliisse sollen gelten, soweit diese Satzung nichts anderes bestimmt, in gebiihrendem > Hinblick auf den in der Einrichtung eines Geistigen Rates enthaltenen Grundsatz der > Einheit und aufrichtigen Gemeinschaft als ausreichend zur Fiihrung der Geschafte. > Die Verhandlungen und Entscheidungen des Nationalen Geistigen Rates sind bei jeder > Sitzung durch den Sekretar zu protokollieren, der den Ratsmitgliedern nach jeder Sitzung > Abschriften der Protokolle zustellen und die Protokolle unter den offiziellen Urkunden > des Rates aufbewahren soll. > > ARTIKEL > VII > Wo immer in Deutschland und bterreich, in einer Stadt oder einer landlichen Ge- > meinde, die Zahl der darin wohnenden, vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat anerkannten > BahVi neun iibersteigt, konnen diese am 21. April eines Jahres zusammenkommen und > mit relativer Stimmenmehrheit eine ortliche Venvaltungskorperschaft von neun Personen > als Geistigen Rat der betreffenden Gemeinde wahlen. Jeder solche Geistige Rat sol1 > 412 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > darauf alljahrlich an jedem folgenden 21. Tag des April gewahlt werden. Die Mitglieder > sollen fiir die Dauer eines Jahres und bis zur Wahl und Anerkennung ihrer Nachfolger > im Amte bleiben. > Soweit dagegen die Zahl der Bah6'i im Bereich eines bestatigten Verwaltungsgebietes > genau neun betragt, konnen sich diese am 21. April eines Jahres oder in den nachfolgen- > den Jahren durch gemeinsame Erklarung zu einem ortlichen Geistigen Rat konstituieren. > Durch Beurkundung einer solchen Erklarung seitens des Sekretars des Nationalen Geisti- > gen Rates soll der besagte Neunerrat als mit allen Rechten, Vorrechten und Pflichten > eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates, wie sie in dieser Satzung festgelegt sind, eingesetzt > gelten. > 1. Abschnitt. Jeder neugewahlte ortliche Geistige Rat soll sofort gemks den in den > Artikeh IV and V dieser Satzung enthaltenen Anweisungen iiber die Wahl seiner ge- > schiftsfiihrenden Mitglieder verfahren, die aus einem Vorsitzenden, stellvertretenden > Vorsitzenden, Sekretb und Rechner und was der Rat sonst fiir die Fiihrung seiner > Geschafte und die Erfiillung seiner geistigen Pflichten an Beauftragten fur notig erachten > mag, bestehen. Unmittelbar darnach soll der gewahlte Sekretb dem Sekretar des Na- > tionalen Geistigen Rates die Namen der Mitglieder des neugewahlten Rates und eine > Liste seiner geschaftsfiihrenden Mitglieder iibermitteln. > 2. Abschnitt. Die allgemeinen Befugnisse und Pflichten eines ortlichen Geistigen > Rates sollen so sein, wie sie sich aus den Schriften BahL'u'llih's, 'Abdu'l-BahL's und > Shoghi Effendi's ergeben. > 3. Abschnitt. Unter die weiteren besonderen Pflichten eines ortlichen Geistigen > Rates soll das volle Spruchrecht iiber alle Bahb'i-Veranstaltungen und -Angelegenheiten > innerhalb der ortlichen Gemeinde, unbeschadet der hierin erklarten ausschliesslichen > Oberhoheit des Nationalen Geistigen Rates fallen. > 4. Abschnitt. Ausfallende Mitglieder eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates sollen auf einer > zu diesem Zwecke durch den Rat ordnungsmassig einberufenen, besonderen Gemeinde- > versammlung durch Wahl erganzt werden. Falls die Zahl der ausfallenden Mitglieder > hoher als vier ist, so dass die Beschlussfahigkeit des ortlichen Rates unmoglich ist, soll > die Wahl unter der Oberaufsicht des Nationalen Geistigen Rates vorgenommen werden. > 5. Abschnitt. Die Geschafte des ortlichen Rates sollen in gleicher Weise gefiihrt > werden, wie oben in Artikel VI fur die Beratungen des Nationalen Geistigen Rates fest- > gelegt ist. > 6 . Abschnitt. Der ortliche Rat soll die Eignung jedes Mitgliedes der BahL'i-Gemeinde > vor dessen Zulassung als wahlberechtigtes Mitglied iiberpriifen und gutheissen, doch > kann jeder, der mit der Entscheidung des ortlichen Geistigen Rates iiber seine BahL'i- > Fahigkeiten unzufrieden ist, gegen die Entscheidung beim Nationalen Geistigen Rat > Berufung einlegen, der den Fall aufgreifen und endgiiltig dariiber entscheiden soll. > 7. Abschnitt. Am oder vor dem ersten Tag im November jedes Jahres soll der > Sekretar jedes ortlichen Rates dem Sekretar des Nationalen Geistigen Rates eine ord- > nungsmassig beglaubigte Liste der stimmberechtigten Mitglieder der ortlichen Bahgi- > Gemeinde zur Unterrichtung und Gutheissung durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat ein- > senden. > 8. Abschnitt. AUe sich innerhalb einer ortlichen BahL'i-Gemeinde ergebenden An- > gelegenheiten von rein ortlichem Interesse, die nicht die nationalen Belange der Sache > beruhren, sollen in erster Instanz dem Spruchrecht des betreffenden ortlichen Geistigen > Rates unterstehen, doch liegt die Entscheidung dariiber, ob in einem besonderen Fall > durch die Angelegenheit die Belange und die Wohlfahrt der nationalen Bahsi-Gemein- > schaft beriihrt werden, b e h Nationalen Geistigen Rat. > 9. Abschnitt. Jedem Mitglied einer BahL'i-Gemeincle steht es frei, gegen eine Ent- > scheidung seixies Geistigera Rates beim Nationalen Geistigen Rat Ben~fungeinzulegen, > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 413 > > der dariiber befinden sol], ob er die Sache zur Entscheidung aufgreifen oder sie beim > ortlichen Geistigen Rat zur nochmaligen Erwagung belassen will. Greift der Nationale > Geistige Rat die Sache zur Entscheidung auf, so sol1 seine Findung endgultig sein. > 10. Abschnitt. Bestehen innerhalb einer BahPi-Gemeinde Meinungsverschiedenheiten, > die nicht durch die Bemiihungen des ortlichen Geistigen Rates beigelegt werden konnen, > so ist die Angelegenheit durch den Geistigen Rat dem Nationalen Geistigen Rate zur > Erwagung zu iiberweisen, dessen Vorgehen in der Sache dann endgiiltig sein sol]. > 11. Abschnitt. Alle Streitfragen zwischen zwei oder mehreren ortlichen Geistigen > Raten oder zwischen Mitgliedern verschiedener Bahi'i-Gemeinden sollen in erster Instanz > dem Nationalen Geistigen Rate unterbreitet werden, der bei allen derartigen Angelegen- > heiten das erste und letzte Spruchrecht haben soll. > 12. Abschnitt. Der Rechtsbereich eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates in bezug auf die > ortliche Zustandigkeit der Mitgliedschaft und Wahlberechtigung eines Glaubigen in einer > BahB'i-Gemeinde sol1 der durch die verwaltungsrechtlichen Grenzen einer Stadt oder einer > landlichen Gemeinde bestimmten Gebiete entsprechen. > Alle Auffassungsverschiedenheiten in bezug auf das Rechtsgebiet eines ortlichen Geisti- > gen Rates oder beziiglich der Angliederung irgend eines Bahi'i oder einer Gruppe von > Bahi'i in Deutschland und ijsterreich sind dem Nationalen Geistigen Rat zu unterbreiten, > dessen Entscheidung in der Sache endgiiltig sein soll. > > ARTIKEL > VIII > Die Mitglieder des Nationalen Geistigen Rates sollen in einer Jahresversammlung > gewalt werden, die als die Nationaltagung der BahL'i von Deutschland und ~sterreich > bezeichnet wird. > Zeitpunkt und Ort fur die Abhaltung dieser Tagung ist durch den Nationalen Geistigen > Rat zu bestimmen. Die Nationaltagung sol1 sich gemeinschaftlich zusammensetzen aus > den Vertretern, die nach dem Verhaltniswahlrecht von den Glaubigen der einzelnen > Liinder, Kreise oder Bezirke gewahlt sind sowie aus den Mitgliedern des Nationalen > Geistigen Rates. > Der Nationale Geistige Rat gibt den Zeitpunkt der Jahreszusammenkunft 60 Tage im > voraus bekannt, und zwar in der > Einberufung der National-Tagung, > die die Zahl der Abgeordneten bekannt gibt, wie sie den verschiedenen Wahlbezirken im > Verhaltnis zu der Anzahl der in diesen wohnhaften BahL'i zugeteilt ist, bei einer Ge- > samtzahl von 38 Abgeordneten fur die BahB'i von Deutschland und ijsterreich. > 1. Abschnitt. Alle Tagungsabgeordneten sollen mit relativer Stimmenmehrheit ge- > wshlt werden. BahPi, die durch Krankheit oder andere unvermeidliche Griinde verhin- > dert sind, an der Wahl personlich teilzunehmen, sollen das Recht haben, ihren Stimm- > zettel durch die Post der Versammlung zu iibermitteln. Die Zusammenkunft, die in jedem > Land, Verwaltungs- oder Wahlbezirk abgehalten wird, soll durch den Nationalen Geisti- > gen Rat einberufen und durch die BahPi durchgefiihrt werden, die gemass einem Ver- > fahren daran teilnehmen, das einheitlich durch die erwahnte Korperschaft niedergelegt > sein kann. Unmittelbar nach der Zusammenkunft sol1 ein beglaubigter Wahlbericht, der > Name und Anschrift jedes Abgeordneten enthalt, dem Nationalen Geistigen Rat iibermit- > telt werden. > 2. Abschnitt. Alle fur die Tagung gewahlten Abgeordneten miissen anerkannte Bahi'i > und Bewohner des von ihnen vertretenen Landes, Verwaltungs- oder Wahlbezirkes sein. > 3. Abschnitt. Die Rechte und Vorrechte eines Abgeordneten konnen weder iibertra- > gen noch durch einen Stellvertreter ausgeiibt werden. > 4. Abschnitt. Die Anerkennung und Einsetzung der Abgeordneten zur Nationalta- > gung sol1 vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat vollzogen werden. > 414 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 5. Abschnitt. Soweit Abgeordnete nicht personlich an der Tagung teilnehmen kon- > nen, sollen sie das Recht haben, ihre Stimmzettel zur Wahl der Mitglieder des Nationalen > Geistigen Rates zu den vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat festzusetzenden Bedingungen zu > iibermitteln. > 6. Abschnitt. Halt der Nationale Geistige Rat in irgendeinem Jahre das Zusammen- > rufen der Abgeordneten zur Nationaltagung fur undurchfiihrbar oder nicht geraten, so > setzt der Nationale Geistige Rat die postalischen Mittel und Wege fur die jahrliche Wahl > und Durchfiihrung anderer wesentlicher Geschifte der Nationaltagung fest. > 7. Abschnitt. Das auf der Nationaltagung anwesende vorsitzende, geschaftsfiihrende > Mitglied des Nationalen Geistigen Rates soll die Abgeordneten zusammenrufen, die zur > endgiiltigen Konstituierung der Versammlung schreiten, einen Vorsitzenden, einen Sekre- > tar und was weiter an Beauftragten fur die geeignete Fiihrung der Geschafte der Tagung > erforderlich ist, durch geheime Abstimmung wahlen sollen. > 8. Abschnitt. Die Hauptarbeit der Jahresversammlung soll die Beratung iiber die > Bahi'i-Tatigkeit, die Plane und Arbeitsweise sowie die Wahl der neun Mitglieder des > Nationalen Geistigen Rates sein. Mitglieder des Nationalen Geistigen Rates, ob als Ab- > geordnete gewahlt oder nicht, konnen an der Beratung und Diskussion vollen Anted > nehmen, jedoch diirfen nur Abgeordnete an der Wahl der Tagungsbeauftragten oder an > der jahrlichen Wahl der Mitglieder der Nationalen Korperschaft teilnehmen. Alle Hand- > lungen durch die Abgeordneten, mit Ausnahme der Konstituierung der Tagung, der > Ubermittlung von Botschaften an den Hiiter und der Wahl des Nationalen Geistigen > Rates, sollen Ratschlage und Empfehlungen zur Erwagung durch &en besagten Rat sein, > da endgiiltige Entscheidung iiber alle Angelegenheiten, die im Bereich der BahL'i-Religion > in Deutschland und dsterreich liegen, allein in jener Korperschaft getroffen werden. > 9. Abschnitt. Die auf der Nationaltagung anzunehmende Geschaftsordnung soll > durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat vorbereitet werden, doch konnen alle auf die Sache > beziiglichen Angelegenheiten, die von irgendeinem Abgeordneten vorgebracht werden, > auf Antrag, iiber den abzustimmen ist, als Punkt der Tagungsberatungen aufgenommen > werden. > 10. Abschnitt. Die Wahl der Mitglieder des Nationalen Geistigen Rates soll mit rela- > tiver Stimmenmehrheit durch die vom ausscheidenden Nationalen Geistigen Rat aner- > kannten Abgeordneten erfolgen, d. h. als gewahlt gelten diejenigen neun Personen, die > im ersten Wahlgang der bei der Tagung anwesenden Abgeordneten sowie derjenigen > Abgeordneten, deren Stimme dem Sekretar des Nationalen Geistigen Rates postalisch > iibermittelt worden ist, die grosste Anzahl Stimmen erhalten haben. Falls infolge Stim- > mengleichheit die volle Mitgliederzahl nicht im ersten Wahlgang erreicht wird, finden > ein oder mehrere weitere Wahlgange fur die Personen, welche gleiche Stimmenzahl er- > halten haben, statt, bis samtliche neun Mitglieder gewahlt sind. > 11. Abschnitt. Alle bei der Nationaltagung offiziell behandelten Angelegenheiten sol- > len unter die Protokolle des Nationalen Geistigen Rates aufgenommen und mit diesen > verwahrt werden. > 12. Abschnitt. Freigewordene Mitgliedssitze des Nationalen Geistigen Rates sollen mit > relativer Stimmenmehrheit seitens der Abgeordneten der Nationaltagung, die den Rat > gewahlt haben, neu besetzt werden, wobei die Wahl in brieflicher oder irgend sonstiger > durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat bestimmter Form zu erfolgen hat. > > Soweit dem Nationalen Geistigen Rat durch diese Satzung in irgendwelchen, die Ta- > tigkeit und die Angelegenheiten der Bahgi-Sache in Deutschland und Osterreich betref- > fenden Fragen ausschliessliches und hochstrichterliches Spruchrecht sowie vollziehende > Oberhoheit iibertragen ist, gilt dies mit der Weisung, dass alle beziiglich solcher Fragen > getroffenen Entscheidungen oder erfolgten Massnahmen in jedem Falle dem Hiiter der > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 415 > > Sache oder dem Universalen Hause der Gerechtigkeit zur endgiiltigen Prufung und > Billigung zu unterbreiten sind. > > Soweit Aufgaben und Befugnisse durch diese Satzung nicht ausdriicklich den orllichen > Geistigen Raten ubertragen sind, gelten sie als dem Nationalen Geistigen Rate verliehen, > wobei dieser Korperschaft das Recht zur Ubertragung solcher beliebiger Verrichtungen > und Befugnisse zusteht, die sie innerhalb ihres Spruchrechtes als fur ortliche Geistige > Rate erforderlich und ratsam erachtet. > > Zur Wahrung des geistigen Charakters und Zweckes der Bahl'i-Wahlen soll weder der > Brauch der Wahlvorschlage noch irgendein sonstiges, eine stille und von Gebeten getra- > gene Wahl beeintrachtigendes Wahlverfahren aufkommen, so dass jeder W'hler fiir > niemanden stimmen soll, als wen ihm Gebet und Uberlegung eingegeben haben. > Zu den hervorragendsten und geheiligtsten Pflichten derer, die berufen werden, die > Angelegenheiten der Sache als Mitglieder ortlicher oder nationaler Geistiger Rate aufzu- > greifen, zu fuhren und gleichzuordnen, gehort: > auf jede nur mogliche Weise das Vertrauen und die Zuneigung derer zu gewinnen, > denen zu dienen sie das Vorrecht haben; die Meinungen, vorherrschenden Empfindun- > gen und die personliche Uberzeugung derjenigen, deren Wohlergehen zu fordern ihre > feierliche Pflicht ist, zu erforschen und sich mit ihnen vertraut zu machen; ihre E r w b > gungen und die allgemeine Fuhrung ihrer Angelegenheiten von verschlossener > Teilnahmslosigkeit, dem Anschein der Heimlichkeit, dem erstickenden Dunstkreis > diktatorischer Bestimmungen und von allen Worten und Handlungen zu reinigen, die > den Eindruck von Parteilichkeit, Selbstsucht und Vorurteilen erwecken konnen, und > unter Vorbehalt des geheiligten Rechtes endgiiltiger Entscheidung zur Besprechung > einzuladen, Beschwerden nachzugehen, Ratschllge zu begriissen und das Gefuhl der > gegenseitigen Abhangigkeit und Mitbeteiligung, des Verstandnisses und wechselseitigen > Vertrauens unter sich und allen ubrigen Bahl'i zu pflegen. > > Diese Satzung kann vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat in jeder regelmassigen oder be- > sonderen Sitzung mit absoluter Stimmenmehrheit erganzt werden, vorausgesetzt, dass > mindestens vierzehn Tage vor dem fur die betreffende Versammlung festgesetzten Zeit- > punkt eine Abschrift der vorgeschlagenen Erganzung oder Erganzungen an jedes Rats- > mitglied vom Sekretar durch die Post gesandt wird. > In allen Fallen, in denen uber den durch den Wortlaut ausgedruckten Sinn dieser > Treuhandschaftserklarung und Satzung Unklarheit auftreten sollte, ist der englische > Wortlaut der Declaration of Trust and By Laws der Bahl'i der Vereinigten Staatenl zu > Rate zu ziehen. > 1 Ausgabe von 1949. > Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the BahPis 'Irfiq. > T H E W O R L D O R D E R OF BAHA'U'LLAH 417 > 418 THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 419 > 420 THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE W O R L D ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 421 > > I > I > 422 THE BAHA'I WORLD > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH > > CONSTITUCION > > ASAMBLEA ESPIRITUAL NACIONAL DE LOS BAHA'fS > DE SUD-AMERICA > PREAMBULO > > L A ASAMBLEA Espiritual Nacional de 10s BahS'is de Sud-America fuB establecida por > la Primera Convenci6n Anual Bahi'i celebrada en Lima, Perii, el 23 y 24 de Abril de > 1951, compuesta de veintisiete delegados, representantes de 10s BahL'is de las comuni- > dades locales existentes en 10s paises de Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, > Ecuador, Paraguay, Perii, Uruguay y Venezuela. > La primera Convenci6n Anual BahPi de 10s Bahl'is de Sud-AmBrica, actuando con > la autoridad concedida a ella por Shoghi Effendi, Guardiin de la Fe BahB'i y su Cabeza > Internacional, llev6 a cab0 una elecci6n el 24 de Abril de 1951, en la que resultaron > nombrados : > Margot Worley, de Bahia, Brasil; Rangvald Taetz, de Montevideo, Uruguay; Manuel > Vera, de Lima, Peni; Gayle Woolson, de Cali, Colombia; Alejandro Reid, de Punta > Arenas, Chile; Eve Nicklin, de Callao, P e d ; Mercedes Sinchez, de Lima, Perb; Ed- > mund Miessler, de Sao Paulo, Brasil; y Esteban Canales, de Asuncibn, Paraguay; que- > dando establecida la Instituci6n y constituida por Bstos miembros esta Asamblea Espiri- > tual Nacional. > La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional ha sido reconocida y aprobada por el Guardiin de > la Fe. Esti facultada con 10s poderes, autoridad, responsabilidades y deberes concedidos > por las escrituras administrativas Bahi'is a todas las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales. > La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, actuando bajo su autoridad general como el cuerpo > supremo administrativo de 10s BahP'is de Sud-AmBrica, ha adoptado una Constituci6n > que establece sus varios poderes y deberes y 10s de las Asambleas Espirituales locales, y > ha publicado el texto para la informaci6n y guia de 10s BahCis que residen en el irea > de su jurisdicci6n. > > Articulo 1.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de 10s BahPis de Sud-AmBrica es una > instituci6n de la Fe Bahi'i establecida en el texto de las Escrituras de BahPu'llih, el > Fundador, descrita en las Escrituras de 'Abdu'l-Bahi, el Intbrprete de la religi6n de > BahPu'llih, y autorizada por Shoghi Effendi, el Guardiin de la Fe Bahi.'i, quien fub > nombrado en la Voluntad y Testamento de 'Abdu'l-Bahi. La Asamblea Nacional es un > cuerpo religioso de caricter internacional, que actba en obediencia a las leyes y autori- > dades civiles de 10s paises bajo su jurisdicci6n. > Articulo 2.-Los prop6sitos de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional son: > a) Promover 10s ideales espirituales, Bticos y humanitarios de la hermandad y coope- > raci6n humanas establecidos en las Escrituras Sagradas Bahi'is. > b) Administrar 10s asuntos de la FB BahPi para bien de 10s BahPis de Sud-AmCrica, > de acuerdo con 10s principios de afiliaci6n y administraci6n creados y establecidos > por BahPu'llih, definidos y explicados por 'Abdu'l-Bahi, y ampliados.y aplicados > por Shoghi Effendi, y su sucesor y sucesores debidamente constituidos bajo las > disposiciones de la Voluntad y Testamento de 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > Articulo 3.-El tBrmino de duraci6n de esta Instituci6n es perpetuo. > Arficulo 4.-El capital de la Institucicin estari formado por las contribuciones volun- > tarias de 10s BahPis de Sud-Amkrica. > 424 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Articulo 5.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional se constituye con nueve miembros > elegidos entre 10s BahB'is de Sud-AmCrica en la forma dispuesta mis adelante y conti- > nuarin en el ejercicio de sus funciones por el period0 de un aiio, o hasta que sus suce- > sores Sean elegidos. > Articulo 6.-Los oficiales de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional serin el Presidente, el > Vice-Presidente, el Secretario y el Tesorero, y cualesquier otros que la Asamblea estime > necesarios designar para el buen desempeiio de sus funciones. Los oficiales serin elegi- > dos por mayoria de votos, de todos 10s miembros de la Asamblea, en votaci6n secreta. > Articulo 7.-La autoridad de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional emana del mayor > ndmero de votos de sus miembros, y esta autoridad, bajo ninguna circunstancia, podri > surgir solamente de alguno de sus miembros, a menos que, por mayoria de votos de la > Asamblea, se le haya otorgado autoridad especial. > > Articulo 8.-La primera reuni6n de la nuevamente elegida Asamblea Espiritual Na- > cional seri convocada por el miembro que result6 electo con el mayor ndmero de votos, > y en caso de que dos o mis miembros hubiesen recibido el mismo niimero de votos, > entonces serB el miembro seleccionado entre ellos. Este miembro presidiri la reuni6n > hasta que se elija el Presidente. Todas las siguientes reuniones serin convocadas por el > Secretario de la Asamblea mediante autorizaci6n del Presidente o, en su ausencia o impo- > sibilidad, por el Vice-Presidente, o por cualesquiera otros tres miembros restantes de la > Asamblea; siempre que, sin embargo, la reuni6n anual de la Asamblea se efectuare en el > tiempo y lugar fijados por la mayoria de votos de la Asamblea, seg6n lo dispuesto rnis > adelante. > Articulo 9.-Habri quorum para las reuniones con la concurrencia de cinco ( 5 ) > miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional. La mayoria de votos de 10s presentes y > que constituyan quorum serin suficientes para diligenciar 10s asuntos, salvo por dispo- > sici6n contraria expuesta en esta Constituci6n, y debida consideraci6n a1 principio de > unidad y cordial fraternidad que entrafia la-Instituci6n de la Asamblea Espiritual. Las > transacciones y decisiones de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional serBn registradas en cada > reuni6n por el Secretario, quien suministrarL copias de las actas a 10s miembros de la > Asamblea despuks de cada reuni6n, y preservari las actas en 10s archivos oficiales de la > Asamblea. > > CAPITULO > IV. MEDIOSPARA REALIZAR > LOS PROPOSITOS > > Articulo 10.-Los Prop6sitos de la Institucibn se realizarin por medio de reuniones > devocionales; por reuniones y conferencias pdblicas de carBcter educacional, humanitario > y espiritual; por la publicaci6n de libros, revistas y peri6dicos; por la construccidn de > Casas de Adoracihn y otras instituciones y edificios de servicio humanitario; por la > direccicin, unificaci6n, foment0 y administraci6n en general de las actividades BahL'is en > Sud-AmQica en el desempeiio de sus funciones, deberes e ideales religiosos; y por > cualquer otro medio apropiado conducente a Cstos fines, o a cualquiera de ellos. > > Articulo 11.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, en el cumplimiento de sus deberes > sagrados, bajo esta Constitucibn, tendrL jurisdicci6n y autoridad exclusivas sobre todas > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 425 > > las actividades y asuntos de la FB BahL'i a travBs de Sud-AmBrica, y la autoridad su- > prema en la administraci6n de esta Constituci6n. > Articulo 12.-Tendrl el deber de estimular, unificar y coordinar las m6ltiples activi- > dades de las Asambleas Espirituales locales (definidas m h adelante) y de 10s BahL'is de > Sud-ArnBrica, y por todos 10s medios posibles, ayudarles a promover la unidad del gBnero > humano. > Articulo 13.-Tendrl a su cargo el reconocimiento de las Asambleas Espirituales.lo- > cales; el estudio de sus listas de miembros; la convocatoria de la Convencidn Anual a > reuniones especiales; el reconocimiento de 10s delegados a la Convenci6n Anual y la > decisi6n del niimero de delegados a que tienen derecho las Comunidades Bahi'is. > Articulo 14.-Nombrarl todos 10s comitks Bahi'is nacionales y dirigirL la publicaci6n > y distribuci6n de la literatura Bahi'i; la revisi6n de todos 10s escritos que conciernen a > la Fe BahL'i; la construcci6n y administracidn de Casas BahL'is de Adoracidn y sus ac- > tividades accesorias, y la colecta y gastos de todos 10s fondos de la Institucibn. > Articulo 15.-DecidirL si un asunto dado estL dentro de su propia jurisdiccidn o > dentro de la jurisdiccidn de una Asamblea Espiritual local. > Articulo 16.-En 10s casos en que la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional lo considere con- > veniente y necesario, ella estudiarl las apelaciones de las decisiones de las Asambleas > Espirituales locales, y tendrl el derecho de dictar la decisi6n final en todos 10s casos en > que estB en duda la condicidn de un individuo o grupo de continuar con su derecho a1 > voto o a su calidad de miembro de la Comunidad BahL'i. > Articulo 17.-RepresentarL a 10s Bahi'is de Sud-AmBrica en todas las actividades > cooperativas y espirituales con 10s BahL'is de otros paises. > Articulo 18.-Serl el 6nico cuerpo electoral de 10s Bahi'is, dentro de su jurisdiccibn, > en la formacidn de la Casa Universal de Justicia estipulada en las Escrituras Sagradas > de la Fe Bahi'i. > Articulo 19.-Sobretodo, la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional se esforzarb, siempre, por > lograr un estado de unidad en la devocidn a la Revelaci6n de Bahi'u'llbh que atraerl las > confirmaciones del Espiritu Santo y capacidad para servir en el establecimiento de la > Mlxima Paz. > Articulo 20.-Entre 10s deberes n16s sobresalientes y sagrados que incumbe a aquellos > que han sido llamados a iniciar, dirigir y coordinar 10s asuntos de la Fe como miembros > de Asambleas Espirituales son: > 1. Ganar por todos 10s medios a su alcance, la confianza y afecto de aquellos a > quienes tienen el privilegio de servir. > 2. Investigar y familiarizarse con 10s puntos de vista, 10s sentimientos prevalecientes > y convicciones personales de aquellos cuyo bienestar es su solemne obligaci6n > fomentar. > 3. Purificar sus deliberaciones y el desempeiio general de sus asuntos de toda actitud > de alejamiento egoista; de secreto; de una atm6sfera sofocante de imposici6n > dictatorial y de toda palabra y hecho que demuestre parcialidad, egocentrism0 y > prejuicios. > 4. Aunque retienen en sus manos el derecho sagrado de la decisi6n final, deberln > invitar a la discusidn; a ventilar las quejas, recibir consejos y fomentar el sentido > de inter-dependencia y de fraternidad, de comprensi6n y de confianza mutua entre > ellos y 10s demL BahL'is. > Articulo 21.-En todas las deliberaciones y acciones, la Asamblea Espiritual Na- > cional tendrl constantemente ante ella como guia y norma Divinas la siguiente expresi6n > de BahL'u'l1lh:-"Les corresponde ser 10s fideicomisarios del Misericordioso entre 10s > hombres y considerarse com6 10s guardianes nombrados por Dios para todos 10s que > moran en la tierra. Les incumbe deliberar juntos y tomar en consideracihn 10s intereses > de 10s siervos de Dios, por El, como si fueran sus propios intereses, y escoger lo que sea > conveniente y correcto." > 426 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Articulo 22.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional tendri el poder de ejecutar todos o > cualquiera de 10s varios prop6sitos y objetivos establecidos en las Escrituras de BahV- > u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bahl y Shoghi Effendi, que otorgan a las Asambleas Espirituales Nacio- > nales alguna jurisdicci6n, poderes y derechos. > Articulo 23.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional tendrl el poder de hacer, en general, > todas las cosas y acciones que, a su juicio, Sean necesarias, apropiadas y benCficas para > promover la administraci6n completa y exitosa de esta Constituci6n. > > VI. FACULTAD > CAPITULO CORPORATIVA > PARA CONTRATAR > > Articulo 24.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional tendri la facultad de celebrar contra- > tos de toda indole en procura de 10s prop6sitos de esta Constituci6n con cualquier per- > sona, firma, asociaci6r1, corporaci6n, privadas, ptiblicas o municipales, o con cualquier > estado, territorio o colonia, o cualquier gobierno extranjero; y hari cualquiera o todas > las cosas que una persona natural o juridica pueda hacer o ejercer, y que estln autori- > zadas por la ley. > Articulo 25.-Podri ser nombrada beneficiaria de cualquier fideicomiso establecido > por la ley o de otro modo, o en testamento o en instrumento pGblico o privado; aceptar > donaciones, legados; recibir dinero u otras propiedades, sean muebles o inmuebles, en > cualquier parte del mundo, y de Sud-AmCrica en particular. > Articulo 26.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional tiene el poder para autorizar a cual- > quiera Asamblea Espiritual local existente dentro de su irea de jurisdicci6n para adqui- > rir y mantener propiedades como agentes de esta Asarnblea y para actuar en su nombre > bajo cualesquiera condiciones seiialadas a la Asamblea Espiritual local por esta Institu- > ci6n por escrito. > Articulo 27.-Todas las personas, firmas, corporaciones y asociaciones que concedan > crCdito, hagan contratos o tengan al@n reclamo contra la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, > de cualquier caricter que sea, originado en un contrato o cuasi-contrato, presentarl su > reclamo a la Instituci6n para el pago o indemnizaci6n, pues, ni 10s nliembros de la > Instituci6n, ni sus oficiales o agentes nombrados por ellos, ni ningljn beneficiario o > beneficiarios nombrados en este documento, serin personalmente deudores. > Articulo 28.-Todo vale, bono, propuesta, obligaci6n o contrato por escrito u otro > acuerdo o instrumento hecho o dado bajo esta ConstituciBn, seri ejecutado estrictamente > por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, por medio de sus oficiales o agentes debidamente > autorizados, en nombre de la Asamblea. > > Articulo 29.-Los BahPis de Sud-AmGica, para cuyo beneficio se ha establecido esta > Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, serin todas las personas residentes en Sud-AmCrica que > hayan cumplido, a satisfacci6n de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, 10s requisitos exigi- > dos para tener la calidad de miembros en la Comunidad Bahb'i de acuerdo con las > siguientes normas expuestas por el Guardiin de la Fe Bahb'i: > a) Pleno reconocimiento de la posici6n del Bib como Precursor; de Bahi'u'llih como > Autor y de 'Abdu'l-Bahi como el Verdadero Ejemplar de la Religi6n Bahb'i; > aceptaci6n sin reservas y conformidad con todo lo que ha sido escrito por ellos; > adherencia fie1 y firme a cada una de las cllusulas de la sagrada Voluntad y Testa- > mento de 'Abdu'l-Bahi; y ,asociaci6n estrecha con el espiritu, tanto como con la > forma, de la Administraclon BahP'i a travCs del mundo. > b) Haber cumplido 21 aiios. > C) Haber hecho una declaraci6n de fe a la Asamblea local, y haber sido inscrito por > ella, si es residente en la irea de jurisdicci6n de cualquier Asamblea local recono- > cida por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional. > d) Haber hecho una declaraci6n de fe a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional bajo cuales- > quiera condiciones determinadas por ella, por aquellos que residen fuera de la > Brea de jurisdicci6n de una Asamblea local. > VIII. ASAMBLEAS > CAPITULO ESPIRITUALES > LOCALES > Articulo 30.-Cuando en una localidad de Sud-AmBrica, sea ciudad, pueblo o aldea, > el niimero de Bahl'is residentes reconocidos por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional ex- > ceda de nueve, Cstos eligirin el dia 21 de Abril, por mayoria de votos, un cuerpo ad- > ministrativo local de nueve personas, conocido como la Asamblea Espiritual local de > 10s BahPis de esa comunidad. Cada Asamblea Espiritual local seri elegida anual- > mente en lo sucesivo, el 21 de Abril. Los miembros durarin en sus puestos por un aiio, > o hasta la elecci6n de sus sucesores. > Articulo 31 .-Cuando el niimero de Bahi'is en cualquier irea civil autorizada sea > exactamente de nueve, Cstos el dia 21 de Abril, se constituirin en Asamblea Espiritual > local por declaraci6n mancomunada. A1 registrar esta declaraci6n el Secretario de la > Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, dicho cuerpo de nuevo quedari establecida con 10s > derechos, privilegios y deberes de una Asamblea Espiritual local, se@n lo expuesto en > esta Constituci6n. > Articulo 32.-Tanto las Asambleas Espirituales locales como 10s grupos Bahl'is y > creyentes aislados en Sud-America estin bajo la jurisdicci6n administrativa de la > Asarnblea Espiritual Nacional. > Articulo 33.-Los derechos, privilegios y deberes de una Asamblea Espiritual local > son: > Secci6n 1.-Cada Asamblea Espiritual local nuevamente elegida procederl inmedi- > atamente en la manera indicada en 10s Articulos 6 y 8 de esta Constituci6n a elegir sus > oficiales, o sea, un Presidente, un Vice-Presidente, un Secretario y un Tesorero, y cuales- > quier otros oficiales que la Asamblea estime necesarios para el ejercicio de sus funciones > y el cumplimiento de sus deberes espirituales. Inmediatamente despuBs, el Secretario > elegido transmitiri a1 Secretario de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional 10s nombres de 10s > miembros de la nuevamente elegida Asamblea local y una lista de sus oficiales. > Secci6n 2.-Los poderes y deberes en general de una Asamblea Espiritual local serin > segfin lo establecido en las Escrituras de Bahl'u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bahi y Shoghi Effendi. > Secci6n 3.-Entre sus deberes especificos, una Asamblea Espiritual Local tendri juris- > dicci6n plena sobre todas las actividades y asuntos Bahl'is dentro de la Comunidad > local, sujeta, sin embargo, a la autoridad superior de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, > segiin lo expuesto en esta Constituci6n. > Secci6n 4.-Las vacantes en una Asamblea Espiritual local se llenarin por elecci6n > en una reuni6n especial de la Comunidad Bahl'i local debidamente convocada por la > Asamblea para este prop6sit0, per0 en el evento de que el nfimero de vacantes excede > de cuatro, haciendo imposible el quorum de la Asamblea Local, la elecci6n se efectuari > bajo la direcci6n de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional. > Secci6n 5.-Los asuntos de la Asamblea Espiritual local se efectuarin en la misma > forma dispuesta para las deliberaciones de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional en el > Articulo 9. > Secci6n 6.-La Asamblea local estudiari y aprobari las condiciones de cada persona > antes de admitirla como miembro votante; per0 en 10s casos en que un aspirante estC > insatisfecho con la decisi6n de la Asamblea Espiritual local sobre sus condiciones de > miembro Bahs'i, aquBl podri apelar de la decisi6n a la Asamblea Nacional, la cual > tomari jurisdicci6n en el caso y dari la decisi6n final. > Secci6n 7.-El 1 " de Noviembre de cada aiio, o antes de esta fecha, el Secretario de > cada Asamblea local enviari a1 Secretario de la Asamblea Nacional una lista debida- > mente certificada de 10s miembros votantes de la Comunidad BahPi local para informa- > ci6n y aprobaci6n de la Asamblea Nacional. > sedcibn 8.-Todos 10s asuntos que se presenten dentro de una Comunidad Bahi'i > local, que Sean puramente de interis local y no afecten 10s intereses nacionales de la > Fe, estarin bajo la jurisdicci6n principal de la Asamblea Espiritual local de esa localidad; > per0 la decisi6n de si un asunto particular concierne al inter& y bienestar del cuerpo > Bahs'i nacional o n6, la hari la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional. > 428 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Secci6n 9.-Cualquier miembro de una Comunidad Bahl'i local puede apelar de > una decisi6n de su Asamblea local a la Asamblea Nacional, la cual determinari si toma > la jurisdicci6n del asunto o lo deja para reconsideraci6n de la Asamblea local. En el > caso de que la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional asuma jurisdicci6n sobre el asunto, su > determinaci6n seri definitiva. > Secci6n 10.-Cuando ocurra alguna disenci6n dentro de una Comunidad local > Bahl'i de caricter tal, que no puede ser remediada por 10s esfuerzos de la Asamblea > Espiritual local, Bsta presentari la situacidn a la consideraci6n de la Asamblea Espiritual > Nacional, cuya acci6n en el asunto seri definitiva. > Secci6n 11.-Todos 10s asuntos que se presenten entre dos o m b Asambleas Espiri- > tuales locales, o entre miembros de diferentes Comunidades Bahl'is, serin sometidos, > desde el principio, a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, la cual tendrti jurisdicci6n original > y final en todos 10s asuntos de esta indole. > Secci6n 12.-La esfera de jurisdiccidn de una Asamblea Espiritual local, con respecto > a 10s requisites de residencia y derecho a1 voto de un miembro en cualquier Comunidad > Bahi'i serti el territorio incluido dentro de 10s limites civiles de la ciudad, pueblo o > aldea. > Cualquier diferencia de opini6n respecto a la esfera de jurisdicci6n de cualquier Asam- > blea Espiritual local o que concierne la afiliaci6n de cualquier BahC'i o grupo de > Bahl'is en Sud-ArnBrica, seri sometida a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, cuya decisi6n > sobre el asunto es definitiva. > Articulo 34.-Las funciones y deberes no atribuidos especificamente a las Asambleas > Espirituales locales en esta Constituci6n, se considerarib de competencia de la Asamblea > Espiritual Nacional, la cual esti autorizada para delegar tales funciones, y, 10s poderes > que estime necesarios y aconsejables, a las Asambleas Espirituales locales dentro de > su jurisdiccibn. > > CAPITULO > IX. LA CONVENCION > ANUAL > > Articulo 35.-Los miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional serin elegidos en > una reuni6n anual que se llamari la Convenci6n de 10s BahVis de Sud-AmBrica. Esta > Convenci6n se llevari a cab0 en la fecha y lugar determinados por la Asamblea Espiritual > Nacional. La Convenci6n seri compuesta de 10s delegados elegidos por 10s Bahl'is de > las unidades electorales que serin definidas por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, de > acuerdo con el principio de representacibn proporcional, y de 10s miembros de la > Asamblea Espiritual Nacional. > Articulo 36.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional notificari a 10s miembros de la > Comunidad Bahi'i de la Convenci6n con debida anticipacibn y les informarti del niimero > de delegados asignados a las distintas unidades electorales. > Secci6n 1.-Todos 10s delegados a la Convenci6n serin elegidos por mayoria de > votos. Los delegados quienes, por enfermedad u otros motivos inevitables, no pudieran > asistir personalrnente a la eleccihn, tendrin el derecho de transmitir sus balotas por > correo. La reuni6n celebrada por cada unidad electoral para elegir 10s delegados ser6 > convocada por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional y dirigida por 10s Bahl'is presentes, de > acuerdo con cualquier procedimiento uniforme que dicho cuerpo haya establecido. > Inmediatamente despuCs de la reunibn, se transmitir6 a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional > un informe certificado de la elecci6n avisando el nombre y direccidn de cada delegado. > Secci6n 2.-Todos 10s delegados reconocidos en la Convenci6n tendrin que ser > Bahi'is reconocidos y residentes de la irea de jurisdicci6n de las unidades electorales > que representan. > Secci6n 3.-Los derechos y privilegios de un delegado no podrin ser asignados a > otra persona ni podrin ser ejercidos mediante apoderado. > Secci6n 4.-El reconocimiento de 10s delegados a la Convencidn Anual estari a > cargo de la Asarnblea Espiritual Nacional. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 429 > > Secci6n 5 . S i en un aiio cualquiera, la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional considera > impracticable o inconveniente reunir la Convencibn, dicha Asamblea dispondrl entonces > la rnanera de efectuar la elecci6n y 10s otros asuntos esenciales de la Convenci6n, por > correspondencia. > Secci6n 6.-El oficial que preside la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, presente en la > Convencibn, abrirl la sesibn, y despuCs de que se haya pasado lista de 10s delegados, > Cstos procederln a efectuar la organizaci6n permanente de la reunibn, eligiendo un > Presidente, un Secretario y cualquier otro oficial que se estime necesario para el adecuado > desempeiio de las deliberaciones de la Convenci6n. > Secci6n 7.-La funci6n principal de la reuni6n anual serC-la consulta sobre actividades, > planes y mCtodos BahB'is, y la elecci6n de 10s nueve miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual > Nacional. Los miembros de la Asamblea Nacional, Sean o n6 delegados elegidos, podrln > participar, plenamente, en la consulta y discusibn, per0 solamente 10s delegados podran > votar en la elecci6n para 10s oficiales de la Convenci6n y para 10s miembros de la Asam- > blea Nacional. ~ o d acci6n > a de 10s delegados que no seala organizaci6n de la Conven- > ci6n, el envio de Mensajes a1 Guardibn y la elecci6n de la Asamblea Nacional, consti- > tuirln meramente consejos y recomendaciones para la consideraci6n de dicha Asamblea > en cuyo poder esti la decisi6n final de todos 10s asuntos que se relacionan con 10s asun- > tos de la Fe BahB'i en Sud-AmCrica. > Secci6n 8.-La orden del dia general de 10s asuntos que se tratarln en la Convencidn > serl preparada por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, en forma de una agenda, per0 > cualquier asunto relacionado con la Fe BahL'i que introduzca un delegado, puede formar > parte de las deliberaciones de la Convenci6n, a1 ser debidamente propuesto. > Secci6n 9.-La eleccidn de 10s miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional serL > por la mayoria de votos de 10s delegados reconocidos por la Asamblea Espiritual Na- > cional saliente, o sea, que 10s miembros elegidos serln las nueve personas que reciban > el mayor nfimero de votos en la primera votaci6n efectuada por 10s delegados presentes > en la Convenci6n y 10s que transmitieron sus votos a1 Secretario de la Asamblea Espiri- > tual Nacional por correo. En caso de que, por razones de empate, de voto o votos, el > total de miembros no hubiere quedado determinado en la primera votacibn, entonces > 10s delegados presentes elegirln entre 10s empatados hasta completar 10s nueve miembros. > Secci6n 10.-Todas las deliberaciones oficiales de la Convenci6n serln registradas y > guardadas en 10s archivos de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional. > Secci6n 11.-Las vacantes en la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional se llenarin por la > mayoria de votos de 10s delegados que constituyeron la Convenci6n y eligieron la Asam- > blea. La votaci6n se efectuarb por correspondencia o de cualquier otra manera que > decida la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional. > Articulo 37.-Con el fin de defender el caricter y prop6sitos espirituales de las elec- > ciones BahL'is, no se permitirl la prlctica de proponer candidatos ni cualquier otro > metodo electoral distinto a una elecci6n silenciosa y reverencial, para que cada elector > pueda votar s610 por aquellos que le han inspirado la oraci6n y la reflexi6n. > Articulo 38.-Se podrhn establecer otras Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales en las > distintas RepGblicas de Sud-AmCrica, de acuerdo con l a instrucciones del Guardibn > de la Fe Bahl'i, y en este caso, cualquier nueva Asamblea Espiritual Nacional que se > forme tendrl, en lugar de esta Asamblea, la plena autoridad y jurisdicci6n sobre las > actividades Bahl'is de la Rep6blica correspondiente. Esta Asamblea Espiritual Nacio- > nal, a1 ser autorizada por el Guardiin de la Fe BahB'i, convocarl una Convenci6n de > 10s BahL'is del pais de Sud-AmCrica que sea, para la elecci6n de la primera Asamblea > Espiritual Nacional de 10s BahB'is de ese pais. > Articulo 39.-En 10s casos en que esta Constituci6n otorga a la Asamblea Espiritual > Nacional la jurisdicci6n exclusiva y final, y suprema autoridad ejecutiva en todo lo > que se relaciona con las actividades y asuntos de la Fe Bahi'i en Sud-Ambrica, se en- > tiende que cualquier decisi6n o accidn que se tome por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional > 430 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > sobre tales asuntos quedarkn sujetas en todo caso, a la revisi6n iiltima y aprobaci6n > del Guardidn de la Fe BahCi o de la Casa Universal de Justicia. > Articulo 40.-Las disposiciones de esta Constituci6n rigen para todos 10s Bahi'is > de Sud-AmCrica, except0 en el caso, que en forma temporal o permanente, contra- > vengan alguna disposici6n legal de cualquiera de 10s paises de Sud-AmCrica. En caso > de conflicto, las disposiciones que se opongan a las leyes del pais no rigen para 10s > Bahi'is dentro de dicha naci6n. > Articulo 41.-La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional podr6 modificar 10s estatutos de esta > Constituci6n por mayoria de votos de sus miembros en cualquier reuni6n ordinaria o > extraordinaria, siempre que una copia de la enmienda propuesta haya sido enviada por > el Secretario a todos 10s miembros de la Asamblea por lo menos 30 dias antes de dicha > reuni6n. > > Se hace constar que la anterior Constitucidn fuC debidamente adoptada por la Asam- > blea Espiritual Nacional de 10s Bahi'is de Sud-AmCrica en una reuni6n celebrada en > Buenos Aires, Argentina, el dia 25 de Abril de 1952, y lo certifican las firmas de todos > 10s nueve miembros. > ................................................................ > Margot Worley Eve Nicklin > .................................................................. > Rangvald Taetz Mercedes Shnchez > .................................................................. > Manuel Vera Gayle Woolson > .................................................................. > Alejandro Reid Edmund Miessler > ................................. > Esteban Canales > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 43 1 > > Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the BahB'is of South America (continued next page). > - -- -- - -- -- -- > > 43 2 THE BAHA'I WORLD > Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the Bahi'is of Central America (continued next page). > 434 THE BAHA'I WORLD > BY-LAWS OF A LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > ARTICLE > > T H E Trustees, i.e., the Spiritual Assembly, recognize that this action has been taken > in full unanimity and agreement. They acknowledge for themselves and on behalf of > their successors the sacred meaning and universal purpose of the Bahi'i Faith, the > teachings and principles of which fulfill the divine promise of all former revealed re- > ligions. > > In administering the affairs of the Bahb'i Religion under this Corporation for the > benefit of the BahPis of . . . in accordance with the religious teachings and adrninis- > trative principles of this Faith, the Spiritual Assembly shall act in conformity with the > functions of a local Spiritual Assembly as defined in the By-taws adopted by the Na- > tional Spiritual Assembly and published by that body for the information and guidance > of BahB'is throughout the United States. > > The Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfillment of its obligations and responsibilities under > this Corporation, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and authority over all the local activi- > ties and affairs of the Bahi'i community of . . . , including paramount authority in > the administration of this Corporation. It shall be responsible for maintaining the in- > tegrity and accuracy of all BahL'i teaching, whether written or oral, undertaken > throughout the local community. It shall make available the published literature of the > Faith. It shall represent the community in its relations to the National Spiritual As- > sembly, in its relation to the Guardian of the Bahi'i Faith, to other local Bah2i com- > munities, and to the general public in . . . It shall be charged with the recognition > of all applicants requesting membership in the local Bahi'i community. It shall pass > upon the right of any and all members of the community whose membership is in ques- > tion to retain their status as voting members of the community. It shall call the meetings > of the community, including the Bahi'i Anniversaries and Feasts, the Meetings of con- > sultation, and the annual meeting at which the members of the Assembly are elected. > It shall appoint and supervise all committees of the Bahi'i community. It shall collect > and disburse all funds intended for the maintenance of this Corporation. It shall have > full and complete custody of the headquarters or meeting place of the BahL'i com- > munity. It shall have exclusive authority to conduct Bahi'i marriage ceremonies and > issue Bahb'i marriage certificates within the area of its jurisdiction. It shall report to > the National Spiritual Assembly annually, or when requested, the membership roll of > the Bahi'i community, for the information and approval of the national Bahi'i body. > The Spiritual Assembly, however, shall recognize the authority and right of the National > Spiritual Assembly to declare at any time what activities and affairs of the BahL'i com- > munity of . . . are national in scope and hence subject to the jurisdiction of the Na- > tional Bah2i body. It shall likewise recognize the right of any member of the community > to appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly for review and decision of any matter in > which the previous decision of the local Spiritual Assembly is felt by the member to > be contrary to the explicit teachings of the Bahb'i Faith or opposed to its best interests. > It shall, on the other hand, have the authority and right to appeal from the decision > of the National Assembly to the Guardian of the BahPi Faith for review and final > decision of any matter related to the Faith in , . . > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > The Spiritual Assembly, in administering this Corporation, shall ever bear in mind > the ideals upheld in the Sacred Writings of the Bahi'i Faith respecting the relationships > of a Spiritual Assembly to its Bahi'i community, respecting the relations of Bahi'is to > one another in the community, and the relationships of Bahi'is to all non-Bahi'is, with- > out prejudice of race, creed, or nationality. The Assembly shall therefore above all > recognize its sacred duty to maintain full and complete unity throughout the Bahb'i > community, to relieve and comfort the sick and distressed, to assist the poor and destitute, > to protect the orphans, the crippled and the aged, to educate the children of Bahi'is > according to the highest religious and intellectual standards, to compose differences > and disagreements among members of the community, to promulgate the principles of > Divine Civilization revealed by Bahi'u'llih, and to promote in every way possible the > Bahi'i aim of the- oneness of mankind. It shall faithfully and devotedly uphold the > general Bahb'i activities and affairs initiated and sustained by the National Spiritual > Assembly. It shall cooperate wholeheartedly with other local Spiritual Assemblies > throughout the United States in all matters declared by the National Spiritual Assem- > bly to be of general Bahi'i importance and concern. It shall rigorously abstain from > any action or influence direct or indirect, that savors of intervention on the part of a > Bahb'i body in matters of public politics and civil jurisdiction. It shall encourage inter- > course between the Bahi'i community of . . . and other recognized Bahi'i communi- > . > ties, issuing letters of introduction tb Bahi'is traveling from-. . and passing upon > letters of introduction issued by other Bahi'i Assemblies. It shall regard its authority > as a means of rendering service to Bahi'is and non-Bahi'is and not as a source of arbi- > trary power. While retaining the sacred right of final decision in all matters pertaining to > the Bahi'i community, the Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek the advice and consultation > of all members of the community, keep the community informed of all its affairs, and > invite full and free discussion on the part of the community of all matters affecting the > Faith. > > . > The Bahi'is of . . , for whose benefit this Corporation has been established, shall > . > consist of all persons resident in . . who are recognized by the Spiritual Assem- > bly as having fulfilled the requirements of voting membership in this local Bahi'i > community. To become a voting member of this Bahi'i community a person shall > a. Be a resident of . . . as defined by the area of jurisdiction of the Spiritual As- > sembly, as provided hereinafter in this instrument. > b. Have attained the age of 21 years. > c. Have established to the satisfaction of the Spiritual Assembly, subject to the ap- > proval of the National Spiritual Assembly, that he (or she) possesses the qualifica- > tions of Bahi'i Faith and practice required under the following standard: Full > recognition of the Station of the Fore-runner (the Bib), the Author (BahP- > u'lliih), and 'Abdu'l-Bahi the Exemplar of the Bahb'i religion; unreserved ac- > ceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by Them; loyal and > steadfast adherence to every clause of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's sacred Will and Testament; > and close association with the spirit as well as the form of BahB'i administration > throughout the world. > > The Spiritual Assembly shall consist of nine Trustees chosen from among the BahPis > of . . . , who shall be elected by these Bah9'is in a manner hereinafter provided and > who shall continue in office for the period of one year, or until their successors shall > be elected. > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 437 > > ARTICLE > VII > The officers of the 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 > VIII > The first meeting of a newly-elected 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 permanent Chair- > man shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be called by the Secretary of the > Assembly at the request of the Chairman or, in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice- > Chairman, or of any three members of the Assembly; provided however, that the An- > nual Meeting of the Assembly shall be held on April 21, in accordance with the ad- > ministrative principles recognized by all Bahi'i Assemblies. > SECTION1. Five members of the Assembly present at a meeting shall constitute a > quorum, and a majority vote of those present and constituting a quorum shall be suf- > ficient 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 institu- > tion of a Spiritual Assembly. The transactions and decisions of the Assembly shall be > recorded at each meeting by the Secretary, who shall have the minutes adopted and > approved by the Assembly, and preserve them in the official records of the Assembly. > SECTION2. Vacancies in the membership of the Spiritual Assembly shall be filled > by election at a special meeting of the local Bahi'i community duly called for that pur- > pose by the Assembly. In the event that the number of vacancies exceeds four, making > a quorum of the Spiritual Assembly impossible, the election shall be under the super- > vision of the National Spiritual Assembly. > > The sphere of jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly, with respect to residential quali- > fication of membership, and voting rights of a believer in the Bahi'i community, shall > be the locality included within the civil limits of . . . > > SECTION1. In the event that any decision of the Assembly is unacceptable to any > member or members of the community, the Assembly shall after endeavoring to com- > pose the difference of opinion invite the said member or members to make appeal to > the national Bahi'i body and notify that body of the condition of the matter and the > readiness of the Assembly to become party to the appeal. > SECTION2. In the same manner, if any difference arises between the Assembly and > another local Assembly, or Assemblies, in the United States, the Assembly shall re- > port the matter to the national BahL'i body and inform that body of its readiness to > make joint appeal together with the other Assembly or Assemblies. > SECTION3. If, however, the result of such appeal is unsatisfactory to the Spiritual > Assembly, or the Assembly at any time has reason to believe that actions of the National > Spiritual Assembly are affecting adversely the welfare and unity of the BahL'r' community > of .. . , it shall, after seeking to compose its difference of opinion with the national > body in direct consultation, have the right to make appeal to the Guardian of the Faith. > SECTION4. The Assembly shall likewise have the right to make complaint to the > National Spiritual Assembly in the event that matters of local BahL'i concern and in- > fluence are referred to the national body by a member or members of the local com- > munity without previous opportunity for action by the local Assembly. > 438 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > The Annual Meeting of the Corporation at which its Trustees shall be elected shall > be held on April 21, at an hour and place to be fixed by the Assembly, which shall give > not less than fifteen days' notice of the meeting to all members of the local Bahi'i com- > munity. > SECTION1. The Assembly shall accept those votes transmitted to the Assembly before > the election by members who by reason of sickness or other unavoidable reason are > unable to be present at the election in person. > SECTION 2. The election of members to the Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality > vote. > SECTION3. All voting members of the local Bahi'i community are eligible for elec- > tion as members of the Spiritual Assembly. > SECTION4. The Assembly shall prepare an agenda for the Annual Meeting in which > shall be included reports of the activities of the Assembly since its election, a financial > statement showing all income and expenditure of its fund, reports of its committees > and presentation of any other matters pertaining to the affairs of the Bah6'i community. > The Assembly, both preceding and following the annual election, shall invite discussion > and welcome suggestions from the community, in order that its plans may reflect the > community mind and heart. > SECTION5. The result of the election shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly > to the National Assembly. > > In addition to the Annual Meeting, the Assembly shall arrange for regular meetings > of the Bahi'i community throughout the year at intervals of nineteen days, in accord- > ance with the calendar incorporated in the teachings of the Bahj'i Faith. > > The seal of the Corporation shall be circular in form, bearing the following descrip- > tion: The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of . . . , Corporate Seal. > > ARTICLE > XIV > These By-Laws may be amended by majority vote of the 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. > With amendments adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly to July 16, 1949. > Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the Bah2is of India, Phkisthn and Burma > Delhi, India. > 442 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand. > T H E W O R L D ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 443 > ~ p ~ p -~ > ~----- -- > > THE BAHA'I WORLD > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 445 > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of Maywood, Illinois (continued next page). > 446 THE BAHA'I WORLD > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 447 > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > BahPis of Houston, Texas (left, and next two pages). > - - - - - > > 448 THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > BahP'is of Eliot, Maine (continued next two pages). > 45 1 > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F BAHA'U'LLAH > 452 THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 453 > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > BahVis of Fresno, California (continued next five pages). > - -- > -- > > THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 455 > THE BAHA'I WORLD > T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 457 > 458 THE BAHA'I WORLD > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of San Diego, California (continued next three pages). > THE W O R L D O R D E R O F BAHA'U'LLAH 461 > -- -- > - - - - > - -- > - -- - > > 462 THE BAHA'I WORLD > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is > of Sacramento, California (continued next three pages). > - - - -- - > - - > > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 465 > 466 THE BAHA'I WORLD > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahgis > of Glendale, California (continued next four pages). > 468 THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 469 > 470 THE BAHA'I WORLD > 47 2 THE BAHA'I. WORLD > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is > of Fort Wayne, Indiana (continued next two pages). > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 473 > 474 THE BAHA'I WORLD > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahi'is of Tucson, Arizona. > -- - -- - -- - - -- > > 476 THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 477 > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is > of Oak Park. Illinois (left and next page). > 478 THE BAHA'I WORLD > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 479 > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahgis > of Nashville, Tennessee (continued next three pages). > - - -- -- > > THE BAHA'I WORLD > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahgis > of Greenwich, Connecticut (continued next page). > - -- > > THE BAHA'I WORLD > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is > of Reno, Nevada (continued next two pages). > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 487 > -p - - - - > > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bah2is > of Grand Rapids, Michigan (continued next page). > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 489 > 490 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > BahB'is of Surat, India. > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 49 1 > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bah2is of Jalna in Hyderabad (Deccan), India. > 494 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahb'is of Singapore. > 496 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahgis of Quito, Ecuador. > ' > .X I 3 is God1 0 peerless Lordl I n Thine Almighty > wisdomThou hast enjoined marriage upon the peoples, that > the genemlions of men may succced onc another in lhis > conlingent world, and that ever, so long as the world shall > last, they may busy themselves a t the Threshold of Thy > oneness with servitude and worship, with salulation, adora- > tion and praise. "I have not created spirits and men, but > that they should worship me." Wherefort, wed Thou in > the heaven of Thy mercy thesc two birds of the nest of > Thy love, and make them the means of attrvctingpcrpetual > gmce; that from the union of these two seas of lave a wave > of tenderness may surge and cast the pearls of pure and > podly issue on [he share of life. ''He hath let loose the > two seas, thvl they meet each other: Between thcm is a > barrier which they overpass nol. Which then of the > bounties ofyour Lord will ye deny? From each He bringeth > up greater and lesser pearls!' > 0 Thou Kind Lordl Make Thou this marriage to > bring forth coral and pearls. Thou art verily the All. > Power&l, the Most Great, the Evcr-Forgiving. > > IN THE PRESENCE OF BAHYi WITNESSES: > > HE IS THE BESTOWER, > THE BOUNTEOUS! "We will all, verily, abide by the WilI o > f God." > > T R A I S l ? be to God, the Ancient, the h d b i d i n g , the S I D N ~ T V R EOF BRIDEGROOM > Changeless the Eternal1 He Who hathtcsti6ed in His Own > Being that verily He is the One, the Single, the Untram- "We will all, verily, abide by the frill o > / God!' > melled, the Exalted. We bear witness that verily there is > no Gad but Him, acknowledging His oneness, confessing > His singleness. He hath cver dwelt in unapproachable SLONATURE OF BRIDE > > heights, in the stunmits of His loftiness, sanctified from > the mention of aught save Himself, free from the dcscrip- We, duly authorized OPcers and Representatives of the > tion of aught but Him. Spiritual Assembly of > And when He desired to manifest grace and bencGccnce Certify that Mr. and Mrs. > to men, and to set the world in order, He revealed ohserv- > ,have on t h i U a y of > ances and created laws; among them H e established t l ~ e > law of marriage, made i t as a fortress far well-being and n > salvation, and enjoined it upon us in that which was sent been united in Marriage according to the Order of Service > down out of the heaven of sanctily in His Mosl Holy Book. recorded in the B a g i Sacred Writings. > He saith, great is His g 1 0 ~ ~''Marry, > : 0 people, that from > you may appear he who will remember Me amongst M y > SIONAVURE OF ASSEMBLY REPlESLNT&I.IYE > servants; this is one,of My commandments unto you; obey > i t as a n assistance to yourselves." > SIGNATURE OP ASSEMBLY WITNESS > -BAH~'~LL~H > SIGNATURE OF AsseMew WITNESS > > BahVi Marriage Certificate adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly > of the BahPis of the United States of America. > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Marriage Certificate issued by the State of Idaho, U.S.A. > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 499 > > Marriage Certificate issued by the State of Michigan, U.S.A. > -- - > > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Marriage Certificate issued by the State of New York, U.S.A. > THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 50 1 > > Marriage Certificate issued by the Territory of Hawaii, U.S.A. > THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 503 > > Marriage Certificate issued by the State of New Mexico, U.S.A. > 504 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Letter from the Board of Education of Prince George's County, Maryland, > excusing BahB'i children from school attendance on BahB'i Holy Days. > Letter from Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Delaware, > excusing Bah6'i children from school attendance on BahB'i Holy Days. > .(a%d lxau panupuo3) saaj swopn3 mol3 EIAOJUOW 30 s ~ ~ q e g > am 30 X~qwassvlenl!qds 1 ~ 3 0 7aql oq pau8;rsuo~spoo8 Ou!ldwaxa > p w '-e!.raq!? 30 3gqnda-6 am UI q l ! ~ daql 30 Bug3ea1 aql 2u!n1oq1n.t! > - - ~ - - > > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Certificate of Exemption from Registration granted to the Bah&L > ' i' Community of Kenya, > in connection with emergency laws regarding public meeting. > 510 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Deed of Transfer of the Bolton Property at Yerrinbool, N.S.W., Australia, to the > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand, > for a Summer School (preceding page and h e r e ) . > (Two pages containing "conditions and reservations" numbers 2 through 8 > omitted owing to space limitation.) > 512 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Certificate of Incorporation of the BahL'i School in Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, > under the name "Green Acre BahL'i Institute" entitled to hold property > (continued next two pages). > T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 513 > ~--~ -~ > ~ > > THE BAHA'I WORLD > 3. T H E INSTITUTION O F T H E > MASHRIQU'L-AD -HKAR > Visible Embodiment o f the Universality of the Faith o f Bahd'u'llah > > M A N Y discerning minds have testified to BahL'i institution, we must lay aside all cus- > the profoundly significant change which has tomary ideas of the churches and cathedrals > taken place during recent years in the of the past. The Mas_hriqu'l-Am& fulfills > character of popular religious thinking. Re- the original intention of religion in each dis- > ligion has developed an entirely new em- pensation, before that intention had become > phasis, more especially for the layman, altered and veiled by human invention and > quite independent of the older sectarian di- belief. > visions. The Ma&riqu'l-A&k&r 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 applications of religion to essential purpose is to provide a community > the problems of human life. Religion, in meeting-place for all who are seeking to > brief, after having apparently lost its influ- worship God, and achieves this purpose by > ence in terms. of theology, has been restored interposing no man-made veils between the > more powerfully than ever as a spirit of worshiper and the Supreme. Thus, the > brotherhood, an impulse toward unity, and Mad~riqu'l-Adhkkris freely open to people > an ideal making for a more enlightened of all Faiths on equal terms, who now real- > civilization throughout the world. ize the universality of BahL'u'llkh in reveal- > Against this background, the institution ing the oneness of all the Prophets. More- > of the Ma&riquyl-Ad_hk&r stands revealed as over, since the Bah6'i Faith has no profes- > the supreme expression of all those modern sional clergy, the worshiper entering the > religious tendencies animated by social Temple hears no sermon and takes part in > ideals which do not repudiate the reality of no ritual the emotional effect of which is to > spiritual experience but seek to transform it establish a separate group consciousness. > into a dynamic striving for unity. The Ma& Integral with the Temple are its accessory > riqu'l-Ad_hk&r, when clearly understood, buildings, without which the Ma&riquYl- > gives the world its most potent agency for Adhkh would not be a complete social in- > applying mystical vision or idealistic aspira- stitution. These buildings are to be devoted > tion to the service of humanity. It makes to such activities as a school for science, a > visible and concrete those deeper meanings hospice, a hospital, an asylum for orphans. > and wider possibilities of religion which Here the circle of spiritual experience at last > could not be realized until the dawn of this joins, as prayer and worship are allied di- > universal age. rectly to creative service, eliminating the > The term "Mas_hriqu71-Adhkh" 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. > To appreciate the significance of this HORACE HOLLEY > I N S T I T U T I O N O F T H E MAS-HRIQU'L-ADHKAR 517 > > THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE > MASHRIQV'L-ADAKAR > > T H E Beloved of the Lord and the hand- tude of our brethren throughout the East. > maids of the Merciful throughout the United Nor is it 1 feel necessary to impress upon > States and Canada. those who are primarily concerned with its > erection the gradual change of outlook > My well-beloved friends : which the early prospect of the construction > Ever since that remarkable manifestation of the f ar-famed Maariqu'l-Adhkbr in > of Bah6'i solidarity and self-sacrifice which America has unmistakably occasioned in > has signalized the proceedings of last year's high places among the hitherto sceptical and > memorable Convention, I have been expect- indifferent towards the merits and the prac- > antly awaiting the news of a steady and con- ticability of the Faith proclaimed by Bah2- > tinuous support of the Plan which can alone u'llbh. Neither do I need to expatiate up011 > ensure, ere the present year draws to its the hopes and fears of the Greatest Holy > close, the resumption of building operations Leaf, now in the evening of her life, with > on our beloved Temple. deepening shadows caused by failing eye- > Moved by an impulse that I c o d d not re- sight and declining strength swiftly gather- > sist, I have felt impelled to forego what may ing about her, yearning to hear as the one > be regarded as the most valuable and sacred remaining solace in her swiftly ebbing life > possession in the Holy Land for the further- the news of the resumptio'n of work on an > ing of that noble enterprisz which you have Edifice, the glories of which she has, from > set your hearts to achieve. With the hearty the lips of 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself, learned > concurrence of our dear Bah6'i brother, to admire. I cannot surely overrate at the > ZiaoullAh Asgarzadeh, who years ago do- present juncture in the progress of our task > nated it to the Most Holy Shrine, this pre- the challenging character of these remaining > cious ornament of the Tomb of Bahi'~1'1lAh months of the year as a swiftly passing op- > has been already shipped to yom shores, portunity which it is in our power to seize > with our fondest hope that the proceeds and utilize, ere it is too late, for the edifica- > from its sale may at once ennoble and re- tion of our expectant brethren throughout > inforce the unnumbered offerings of the the East, for the vindication in the eyes of > American believers already accumulated on the world at large of the realities of our > the altar of Bahi'i sacrifice. I have longed Faith, and last but not least for the realiza- > ever since to witness such evidences of spon- tion of what is the Greatest Holy Leaf's > taneous and generous response on your part fondest desire. > as would tend to fortify within me a confi- As I have already intimated in the course > dence that has never wavered in the inex- of my conversations with visiting pilgrims, > haustible vitality of the Faith of Bah6'u'llAh so vast and significant an enterprise as the > in that land. construction of the first Masl~riqu'l-AdJhkbr > I need not stress at this moment the high of the West should be supported, not by the > hopes which so startling a display of unspar- munificence of a few but by the joint con- > ing devotion to our sacred Temple has al- tributions of the entire mass of the con- > ready aroused in the breasts of the multi- vinced followers of the Faith. It cannot be > > Bah2i Temple. A Temple for man's worship of God. > The Bah6'i House of Worship at Wilmette, Illinois, is a great circular building > with nine entrances and circular steps which if laid end to end woulcl cover > two and one-half miles. The building and landscaping have cost $2,600,000 > and represent the sacrifice of BahB'is not only in the United States > but also gifts from Bahi'is abroad. It was dedicated May 2, 1953, > as a high light of the Centenary celebrations of the BaWi Faith. > 518 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > denied that the emanations of spiritual objects of the humanitarian and philan- > power and inspiration destined to radiate thropic institutions of the day. Nay, it > from the central Edifice of the Ma&riqu71- should be realized by every judicious pro- > AdhkBr will to a very large extent depend moter of the Faith that at such an early > upon the range and variety of the contrib- stage in the evolution and crystallization of > uting believers, as well as upon the nature the Cause such discriminating and precau- > and degree of self-abnegation which their tionary measures are inevitable and even > unsolicited offerings will entail. Moreover, necessary if the nascent institutions of the > we should, I feel, regard it as an axiom and Faith are to emerge triumphant and unim- > guiding principle of BahL'i administration paired from the present welter of confused > that in the conduct of every specific BahC'i and often conflicting interests with which > activity, as different from undertakings of a they are surrounded. This note of warning > humanitarian, philanthropic, or charitable may not be thought inappropriate at a time > character, which may in future be con- when, inflamed by a consuming passion to > ducted under BahC'i auspices, only those witness the early completion of the Ma&- > who have already identified themselves with riqu'l-A&&&, we may not only be apt to > the Faith and are regarded as its avowed acquiesce in the desire of those who, as yet > and unreserved supporters should be invited uninitiated into the Cause, are willing to > to join and collaborate. For apart from the lend financial assistance to its institutions, > consideration of embarrassing complications but may even feel inclined to solicit from > which the association of non-believers in the them such aid as it is in their power to > financing of institutions of a strictly Bahi'i render. Ours surely is the paramount duty > character may conceivably engender in the so to acquit ourselves in the discharge of > administration of the BahL'i community of our most sacred task that in the days to > the future, it should be remembered that come neither the tongue of the slanderer nor > these specific BahC'i institutions, which the pen of the malevolent may dare to in- > should be viewed in the Light of Bahi'u'llBh's sinuate that so beauteous, so significant an > gifts bestowed upon the world, can best Edifice has been reared by anything short of > function and most powerfully exert their the unanimous, the exclusive, and the self- > influence in the world only if reared and sacrificing strivings of the small yet deter- > maintained solely by the support of those mined body of the convinced supporters of > who are fully conscious of, and are uure- the Faith of BahL'u'llhh. How delicate our > servedly submissive to, the claims inherent task, how pressing the responsibility that > in the Revelation of BahC'u'llBh. In cases, weighs upon us, who are called upon on one > however, when a friend or sympathizer of hand to preserve inviolate the integrity and > the Faith eagerly insists on a monetary con- the identity of the regenerating Faith of > tribution for the promotion of the Faith, BahB'u7ll6h,and to vindicate on the other its > such gifts should be accepted and duly ac- broad, its humanitarian, its all-embracing > knowledged by the elected representatives principles! > of the believers with the express understand- True, we cannot fail to realize at the pres- > ing that they would be utilued by them only ent stage of our work the extremely limited > to reinforce that section of the BahL'i Fund number of contributors qualified to lend > exclusively devoted to philanthropic or financial support to s~lcha vast, such an > charitable purposes. For, as the Faith of elaborate and costly enterprise. We are fully > BahL'u'llBh extends in scope and in influ- aware of the many issues and varied BahC'i > ence, and the resources of Bah2i commu- activities that are unavoidably held in abey- > nities correspondingly multiply, it will be- ance pending the successful conclusion of > come increasingly desirable to differentiate the Plan of Unified Action. We are only > between such departments of the Bahh'i too conscious of the pressing need of some > treasury as minister to. the needs of the sort of befitting and concrete embodiment > world at large, and those that are specifically of the spirit animating the Cause that would > designed to promote the direct interests of stand in the heart of the American Conti- > the Faith itself. From this apparent divorce nent both as a witness and as a rallying > between B a h a and humanitarian activities center to the manifold activities of a fast > it must not, however, be inferred that the growing Faith. But spurred by those reflec- > animating purpose of the Faith of Ba1iB'u'- tions may we not bestir ourselves and re- > 1lBh stands at variance with the aims and solve as we have never resolved before to > I N S T I T U T I O N O F T H E MASHRIQU'L-A-KAR 519 > > hasten by every means in our power the ferred, however, from this general statement > consummation of this all-absorbing yet so that the interior of the central Edifice it- > meritorious task? I beseech you, dear self will be converted into a conglomeration > friends, not to allow considerations of num- of religious services conducted along lines > bers, or the consciousness of the limitation associated with the traditional procedure > of our resources, or even the experience of obtaining in churches, mosques, synagogues, > inevitable setbacks which every mighty un- and other temples of worship. Its various > dertaking is bound to encounter, to blur avenues of approach, all converging towards > your vision, to dim your hopes, or to para- the central Hall beneath its dome, will not > lyze your efforts in the prosecution of your serve as admittance to those sectarian ad- > divinely appointed task. Neither, do I en- herents of rigid formula: and man-made > treat you, to suffer the least deviation into creeds, each bent, according to his way, to > the paths of expediency and compromise to observe his rites, recite his prayers, perform > obstruct those channels of vivifying grace his ablutions, and display the particular > that can alone provide the inspiration and symbols of his faith within separately de- > strength vital not only to the successful con- fined sections of Bahb'u'llbh's Universal > duct of its material construction, but to the House of Worship. Far from the Mash- > fulfillment of its high destiny. riqu'l-Ad_hkLr offering such a spectacle of > And while we bend our efforts and strain incoherent and confused sectarian observ- > our nerves in a feverish pursuit to provide ances and rites, a condition wholly incom- > the necessary means for the speedy con- patible with the provisions of the Aqdas and > struction of the Ma&riquYl-Ad_hkLr,may we irreconcilable with the spirit it inculcates, > not pause for a moment to examine those the central House of BahL'i worship, en- > statements which set forth the purpose as shrined within the Mashriqu'l-A&kLr, will > well as the functions of this symbolical yet gather within its chastened walls, in a se- > so spiritually potent Edifice? It will be read- renely spiritual atmosphere, only those who, > ily admitted that at a time when the tenets discarding forever the trappings of elaborate > of a Faith, not yet fully emerged from the and ostentatious ceremony, are willing > fires of repression, are as yet improperly de- worshipers of the one true God, as mani- > fined and imperfectly understood, the ut- fested in this age in the Person of Baht?- > most caution should be exercised in reveal- uYllLh.To them will the Ma&iqu'l-Ad_hkzir > ing the true nature of those institutions symbolize the fundamental verity underly- > which are indissolubly associated with its ing the Bah2i Faith, that religious truth is > name. not absolute but relative, that Divine Reve- > Without attempting an exhaustive survey lation is not final but progressive. Theirs > of the distinguishing features and purpose will be the conviction that an all-loving and > of the MaGriquYl-ALhkLr,I should feel con- ever-watchful Father Who, in the past, and > tent at the present time to draw your atten- at various stages in the evolution of man- > tion to what I regard as certain misleading kind, has sent forth His Prophets as the > statements that have found currency in vari- Bearers of His Message and the Manifesta- > ous quarters, and which may lead gradually tions of His Light to mankind, cannot at this > to a grave misapprehension of the true pur- critical period of their civilization withhold > pose and essential character of the Ma&- from His children the Guidance which they > riqu'l-Aak6r. sorely need amid the darkness which has > It should be borne in mind that the cen- beset them, and which neither the light of > round science nor that of h ~ ~ m aintellect > tral Edifice of the Ma.r_hriclu'l-Adl~kLr, n and wis- > which in the f~illnessof time shall cluster dom can succeed in dissipating. And thus > such institutions of social service as shall having recognized in Bahi'u'llzih the source > afford relief to the suffering, sustenance to whence this celestial light proceeds, they > the poor, shelter to the wayfarer, solace to will irresistibly feel attracted to seek the > the bereaved, and education to the ignorant, shelter of His House, and congregate > should be reearded > J > aDart > L > from these De- therein, unhampered by ceremonials and un- > pendencies, as a House solely designed and fettered by creed, to render homage to the > entirely dedicated to the worship of God in one true God, the Essence and Orb of eter- > accordance with the few yet definitely pre- nal Truth, and to exalt and magnify the > scribed principles established by BahL'u'llLh name of His Messengers and Prophets Who, > in the KitLb-i-Aqdas. It should not be in- from time immemorial even unto our day, > 520 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > View of the BahC'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, February, 1953. > > have, under divers circumstances and in tory results produced by the contemplations > varying measure, mirrored forth to a dark of the ascetic or the comnlunion of the > and wayward world the light of heavenly passive worshiper. It cannot afford lasting > Gnidance. satisfaction and benefit to the worshiper > But however inspiring the conception of himself, much less to humanity in general, > BahC'i worship, as witnessed in the central unless and until translated and transfused > Edifice of this exalted Temple, it cannot be into that dynamic and disinterested service > regarded as the sole, nor even the essential, to the cause of humanity which it is the su- > factor in the part which the Maeiqu'l- preme privilege of the Dependencies of the > A m k , as designed by BahC'uYll&h, is des- Ma&riqu'l-A&kh to facilitate and pro- > tined to play in the organic life of the BahL'i mote. Nor will the exertions, no matter how > community. Divorced from the social, hu- disinterested and strenuous, of those who > manitarian, educational and scientific pur- within the precincts of the Ma&riquYl- > suits centering around the Dependencies A&k&r will be engaged in administering the > of the Ma~u-iqu'l-A&k&r, BahB'i worship, affairs of the future BahL'i Commonwealth, > however exalted in its conception, however fructify and prosper unless they are brought > passionate in fervor, can never hope to into close and daily communion with those > achieve beyond the meager and often transi- spiritual agencies centering in and radiating > INSTITUTION O F THE MASHRIQU'L-AaKAR 521 > > from the central Shrine of the Ma&riqu'l- that the salvation of a world in travail must > Ad_hk&r.Nothing short of direct and con- ultimately depend. And of all the institu- > stant interaction between the spiritual forces tions that stand associated with His Holy > emanating from this House of Worship Name, surely none save the institution of > centering in the heart of the Ma&riqu'l- the Madriqu'l-Ad_hk&rcan most adequately > Ad_hk&r, and the energies consciously dis- provide the essentials of Bahgi worship and > played by those who administer its affairs in service, both so vital to the regeneration > their service to humanity can possibly pro- of the world. Therein lies the secret of the > vide the necessary agency capable of re- loftiness, of the potency, of the unique posi- > moving the ills that have so long and so tion of the Ma&riqu'l-Ad_hkLr as one of the > grievously afflicted humanity. For it is as- outstanding institutions conceived by Bah2- > suredly upon the consciousness of the effi- u'llhh. > cacy of the Revelation of Bah&'u'll&h, rein- Dearly-beloved friends! May we not as > forced on one hand by spiritual communion the trustees of so priceless a heritage, arise > with His Spirit, and on the other by the in- to fulfill our high destiny? > telligent application and the faithful execu- Haifa, Palestine, > tion of the principles and laws He revealed, October 25, 1929. > > PASSAGES REGARDING THE TEMPLE IN AMERICA > > From GOD PASSES BY > > Introduction > By Former ARCHDEACON > TOWNSHEND, > M.A. > > O N THE lake shore at Wilmette stands Crescent and the nine pointed Star (emblem > the completed Temple of Praise, a sign of the of the BahB'i Faith). No darkness invades > Spirit of the Most Great Peace and of the Temple at any time; by day it is lighted > the Splendor of God that has come down to by the sun whose rays flood in from every > dwell among men. The walls of the Temple side through the exquisitely perforated walls, > are transparent, made of an open tracery and by night it is artificially illuminated and > cut as in sculptured stone, and lined with its ornamented shape is etched with light > against the dark. From whatever side the > glass. All imaginable symbols of light are > visitor approaches, the aspiring form of the > woven together into the pattern, the lights Temple appears as the spirit of adoration; > of the sun and the moon and the constella- and seen from the air above it has the like- > tions, the lights of the spiritual heavens un- ness of a Nine-Pointed Star come down > folded by the great Revealers of today and from heaven to find its resting place on the > yesterday, the Cross in various forms, the earth. > > ". . . significant has been the erection of tioning and newly established Administra- > the superstructure and the completion of the tive Order, this enterprise has itself im- > exterior ornamentation of the first Ma&- mensely enhanced the prestige, consolidated > riqu'l-Ad_hk&r of the West, the noblest of the the strength and expanded the subsidiary in- > exploits which have immortalized the serv- stitutions of the community that made its > ices of the American BahB'i community to building possible. > the Cause of Bah2uYll&h.Consummated Conceived forty-one years ago; originat- > through the agency of an efficiently func- ing with the petition spontaneously ad- > * Chapter XXII, pp. 348-353. dressed, in March 1903 to 'Abdu'l-Bah6 by > 522 T H E B A H A. ' f W O R L D > > the "House of Spirituality" of the BahVis of with the 19th anniversary of the dedication > Chicago-the first Bahi'i center established of the grounds by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. The orna- > in the Western world-the members of mentation of the dome was started in June, > which, inspired by the example set by the 1932, and finished in January, 1934. The > builders of the MaShriqu'l-Aakh of 'I&- ornamentation of the clerestory was com- > qibid, had appealed for permission to con- pleted in 1935, and that of the gallery unit > struct a similar Temple in America; blessed below it in November, 1938. The mainstory > by His approval and high commendation in ornamentation was, despite the outbreak of > a Tablet revealed by Him in June of that the present war, undertaken in April, 1940, > same year; launched by the delegates of and completed in J~lly, 1942; whilst the > various American Assemblies, assembled in eighteen circular steps were placed in posi- > Chicago in November, 1907, for the pur- tion by December, 1942, seventeen months > pose of choosing the site of the Temple; es- in advance of the centenary celebration of > tablished on a national basis through a re- the Faith, by which time the exterior of the > ligious corporation known as the "BahVi Temple was scheduled to be finished, and > Temple Unity," which was incorporated forty years after the petition of the Chicago > shortly after the first American BahVi Con- believers had been submitted to and granted > vention held in that same city in March, by 'Abdu'l-Bahh. > 1909; honored through the dedication cere- This unique edifice, the first fruit of a > mony presided over by 'Abdu'l-Bahi Him- slowly maturing Administrative Order, the > self when visiting that site in May, 1912, noblest structure reared in the first Bahi'i > this enterprise-the crowning achievement century, and the symbol and precursor of a > of the Administrative Order of the Faith of future world civilization, is situated in the > BahVu'llih in the first BahL'i century-had, heart of the North American continent, on > ever since that memorable occasion, been the western shore of Lake Michigan, and is > progressing intermittently until the time surrounded by its own grounds comprising > when the foundations of that Order having a little less than seven acres. It has been > been firmly laid in the North American con- financed, at cost of over a million dollars, > tinent the American BahVi community was by the American BahL'i community, assisted > in a position to utilize the instruments which at times by voluntary contributions of rec- > it had forged for the efficient prosecution of ognized believers in East and West, of > its task. Christian, of Muslim, of Jewish, of Zoro- > At the 1914 American BahC'i Convention astrian, of Hindu and Buddhist extraction. > the purchase of the Temple property was It has been associated, in its initial phase, > completed. The 1920 Convention, held in with 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and in the concluding > New York, having been previously directed stages of its construction with the memory > by 'Abdu'l-Bahi to select the design of that of the Greatest Holy Leaf, the Purest > Temple, chose from among a number of de- Branch and their mother. The structure it- > signs competitively submitted to it that of self is a pure white nonagonal building, of > Louis J. Bourgeois, a French-Canadian original and unique design, rising from a > architect, a selection that was later con- flight of white stairs encircling its base; and > firmed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself. The con- surmounted by a majestic and beautifully > tracts for the sinking of the nine great cais- proportioned dome, bearing nine tapering > sons supporting the central portion of the symmetrically placed ribs of decorative as > building, extending to rock at a depth of well as structural significance, which soar to > 120 feet below the ground level, and for the its apex and finally merge into a common > construction of the basement structure, were unit pointing skyward. Its framework is > successively awarded in December, 1920 and constructed of structural steel enclosed in > August, 1921. In August, 1930, in spite of concrete, the material of its ornamentation > the prevailing economic crisis, and during a consisting of a combination of crystalline > period of unemployment unparalleled in quartz, opaque quartz and white Portland > American history, another contract, with cement, producing a composition clear in > twenty-four additional sub-contracts, for the texture, hard and enduring as stone, im- > erection of the superstructure was placed, pervious to the elements, and cast into a > and the work completed by May 1, 1931, on design as delicate as lace. It soars 191 feet > which day the first devotional service in the from the floor of its basement to the cul- > new structure was celebrated, coinciding mination of the ribs, clasping the hemi- > I N S T I T U T I O N O F T H E MASJRIQU'L-ADJKAR 523 > > spherical dome which is forty-nine feet high, will permeate to all parts o f the world." > with an external diameter of ninety feet, "Out of this Ma&riqu'l-AdJhka'r," He has > and one-third of the surface of which is per- affirmed in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, > forated to admit light during the day and "without doubt, thousands of Madriqu'l- > emit light at night. It is buttressed by pylons Adhka'rs will be born." "It marks," He, fur- > forty-five feet in height, and bears above thermore, has written, "the inception of the > its nine entrances, one of which faces 'Akki, Kingdom of Cod on earth." And again: "It > nine selected quotations from the writings of is the manifest Standard waving in the > Bahb'u'llih, as well as the Greatest Name center of that great continent." "Thousands > in the center of each of the arches over its of Ma&riqu'l-AdJhlcn'rsSS'He, when dedicat- > doors. It is consecrated exclusively to wor- ing the grounds of the Temple, declared, > ship, devoid of all ceremony and ritual, is ". . . will be built in the East and in the > provided with an auditorium which can seat West, but this, being the first erected in the > 1600 people, and is to be supplemented by Occident, has great importance." "This or- > accessory institutions of social service to be ganization of the Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hlca'r,'' He, > established in its vicinity, such as an orphan- referring to that edifice, has moreover > age, a hospital, a dispensary for the poor, a stated, "will be a model for the coming cen- > home for the incapacitated, a hostel for turies, and will hold the station of the > travelers and a college for the study of arts mother." > and sciences. It had already, long before its "Its inception," the Architect of the > construction, evoked, and is now increas- Temple has himself testified, "was not from > ingly evoking, though its interior ornamen- man, for, as musicians, artists, poets receive > tation is as yet unbegun, such interest and their inspiration from another realm, so > comment, in the public press, in technical the Temple's architect, through all his years > journals and in magazines, of both the of labor, was ever conscious that Bahii'u'llih > United States and other countries, as to was the creator of this building to be erected > justify the hopes and expectations enter- to His glory." "Into this new design," he, > tained for it by 'Abdu'l-BahL. Its model ex- furthermore, has written, ". . . is woven, > hibited at Art centers, galleries, state fairs in symbolic form, the great Bahb'i teaching > and national expositions-among which o'f unity-the unity of all religions of all > may be mentioned the Century of Progress mankind. There are combinations of mathe- > Exhibition, held in Chicago in 1933, where matical lines, symbolizing those of the uni- > no less than ten thousaild people, passing verse, and in their intricate merging of circle > through the Hall of Religions, must have into circle, and circle within circle, we vis- > viewed it every day-its replica forming a ualize the merging of all the religions into > part of the permanent exhibit of the Mu- one." And again: "A circle of steps, eighteen > seum of Science and Industry in Chicago; its in all, will surround the structure on the > doors now thronged by visitors from far outside, and lead to the auditorium floor. > and near, whose number, during the period These eighteen steps represent the eighteen > from June, 1932, to October, 1941, has ex- first disciples of the Bib, and the door to > ceeded 130,000 people, representing almost which they lead stands for the Bib Him- > every country in the world, this great "Silent self." "As the essence of the pure original > Teacher" of the Faith of BahL'u'llBh, it may teachings of the historic religions was the > be confidently asserted, has contributed to same . . . in the Bahb'i Temple is used a > the diffusion of the knowledge of His Faith composite architecture, expressing the es- > and teachings in a measure which no other sence in the line of each of the great archi- > single agency, operating within the frame- tectural styles, harmonizing them into one > work of its Administrative Order, has ever whole." > remotely approached. "It is the first new idea in architecture > "When the fouizdation of the Ma&riqu'l- since the 13th century," declared a distin- > AdJhlca'r is laid in America," 'Abdu'l-BahB guished architect, H. Van Buren Magonigle, > Himself has predicted, "and that Divine President of the Architectural League, after > Edifice is completed, a most wonderful and gazing upon a plaster model of the Temple > thrilling motion will appear in the world o f on exhibition in the Engineering Societies > existence . . . From that point of light the Building in New York, in June 1920. "The > spirit o f teaching, spreading the Cause o f Architect," he, moreover, has stated, "has > God and promoting the teachings o f God, conceived a Temple of Light in which struc- > 524 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > ture, as usually understood, is to be con- ever seen. Without doubt it will have a last- > cealed, visible support eliminated as far as ing page in history. It is a revelation from > possible, and the whole fabric to take on the another world." > airy substance of a dream. It is a lacy en- "Americans," wrote Sherwin Cody, in the > velope enshrining an idea, the idea of light, magazine section of the New York Times, > a shelter of cobweb interposed between of the model of the Temple, when exhibited > earth and sky, struck through and through in the Kevorkian Gallery in New York, > with light-light which shall partly consume "will have to pause long enough to find that > the forms and make of it a thing of faery." an artist has wrought into this building the > "In the geometric forms of the ornamen- conception of a Religious League of Na- > taticn," a writer in the well-known publica- tions." And lastly, this tribute paid to the > tion Architectural Record has written, features of, and the ideals embodied in, this > "covering the columns and surrounding Temple-the most sacred House of Worship > windows and doors of the Temple, one de- in the Bahi'i world, whether of the present > ciphers all the religious symbols of the or of the future-by Dr. Rexford New- > world. Here are the swastika, the circle, the comb, Dean of the College of Fine and > cross, the triangle, the double triangle or six Applied Arts at the University of Illinois: > pointed star (Solomon's seal)-but more "This 'Temple of Light' opens upon the ter- > than this-the noble symbol of the spiritual rain of human experience nine great door- > orb . . . the five pointed star; the Greek ways which beckon men and women of > Cross, the Roman cross, and supreme above every race and clime, of every faith and con- > all, the wonderful nine pointed star, figured viction, of every condition of freedom or > in the structure of the Temple itself, and servitude to enter here into a recognition of > appearing again and again in its ornamenta- that kinship and brotherhood without which > tion as significant of the spiritual glory in the modern world will be able to make little > the world today." further progress . . . The dome, pointed in > "The greatest creation since the Gothic form, aiming as assuredly as did the aspiring > period," is the testimony of George Grey > lines of the medieval cathedrals toward > Barnard, one of the most widely-known > sculptors in the United States of America, higher and better things, achieves not only > "and the most beautiful I have ever seen." through its symbolism but also through its > "This is a new creation," Prof. Luigi structural propriety and sheer loveliness of > Quaglino, ex-professor of Architecture from form, a beauty not matched by any domical > Turin declared, after viewing the model, structure since the construction of Michel- > "which will revolutionize architecture in the angelo's dome on the Basilica of St. Peter in > world, and it is the most beautiful I have Rome." > > THE B A W I HOUSE OF WORSHIP > > 0 N THE first day of May, 1912, a group > of men, women, and children stood in the > open fields where this House of Worship This act of sacrifice is symbolic of the > now stands. With them was 'Abdu'l-BahL, whole story behind this House of Worship. > the son of the Founder of the Bahi'i Faith. In 1903 the Chicago BahL'is started the > He had come to perform the symbolic act project to build in America a Temple to > of laying a cornerstone for the future Tem- embody the new principles of faith in the > ple. A woman who wanted to aid the build- teachings of Bahi'u'llbh. The American > ing of the Temple, found a rough stone. She BahB'is, then a few hundred in number, > lived many miles from here and started on united in this project. Their determination > foot to carry the stone. A little boy with a was an act of faith. They had no money > cart helped her part way. Finally, a man collected. They had no architect's plan. But > offered to carry it on his back, and the stone they made a beginning. > was brought to the fields here. 'Abdu'l-BahL BaWu'llLh taught that in each commu- > asked to use it as the foundation stone. nity there should be a Temple where the > I N S T I T U T I O N O F T H E MASIJRIQU'L-ADHKAR 525 > > voices of men and women are raised in different styles-Egyptian, Romanesque, > praise to God. Each Bahi'i Temple is to Arabic, Renaissance and Byzantine. By sug- > have nine sides. This is the only architec- gestions of these various -styles ~ourgeois > tural requirement which Bahi'u'llih made. has indicated the repeated efforts of men to > But the symbolism is important. Nine is the glorify God. > largest single number and thus symbolizes The building rests upon nine steel-rein- > comprehensiveness, culmination. Bah2u'- forced concrete caissons sunk 124 feet to > llih used nine to symbolize the coming of bedrock level. The diameter of the circular > age of the human race. He taught that the platform at top of the outside steps is 152 > purpose of religion in this age is to unite feet; the diameter of the dome is 98 feet. > the conflicting races and nations in one The height of the structure from maill floor > faith and a common world civilization. He to dome pinnacle is 165 feet. > changed religion from personal salvation to The materials for the o ~ ~ t s i dofe the Tem- > a means for building world order. ple presented many problems. The architect > ' At present, most people belong to re- and engineers had no precedent to go by. > ligions differing greatly in time of origin. Years were spent in research. Finally, John > Judaism, for example, is over a thousand J. Earley, an architectural sculptor, helped > years older than Christianity. Some religions solve the main problem. Using a mixture of > were started by men who were reformers. white cement and ground quaidz, the outer > Some originated with individuals who ornamentation was cast in molds and then > claimed to reveal the Word of God. The applied section by section. > spiritual truths of these religions are essen- With the war over, the Bah2is are plan- > tially the same. Every Bahi'i Temple sym- ning to complete the interior by 1953, the > bolizes the oneness of religion. The early fiftieth anniversary of the time when the > American Bahi'is wanted to erect a Temple idea of building a Bahi'i Temple in America > to express this idea. No group of people-in was adopted. Then the Bahi'is will even- > the west had ever undertaken such a project. tually erect auxiliary buildings. Bah2u'llkh > In 1920 a competition was held for Bahi'i gave a unified plan for a community center > architects to submit designs for a Temple. with a beautiful House of Worship at its > The designs were submitted at a convention heart. Around this will be a hospital, a hos- > in New York City. Among the competitors pice, an orphanage, a college, and scientific > was Louis Bourgeois, a French-Canadian laboratories. Bahi'u'llih urged that each > architect. His design was enthusiastically Bahgi Temple be surrounded by gardens > selected by the Bah6'is after a committee of and fountains. > architects and engineers endorsed it. One Services in the Temple will not be elabo- > prominent architect declared that it was the rate. There will be no ritualism or set forms. > first new idea in religious architecture since BahHs have no professional clergy to pre- > the Middle Ages. side. Services are for prayer, meditation, > Bourgeois tried to get the feeling of the and the reading of writings from the Sacred > unity of religion into the design. On the Scriptures of the Bahi'i Faith and the other > great outer columns you find religious sym- great Faiths of the world. Sermons of any > bols placed in rising, chronological order- type will be out of place. Vocal music alone > to give the idea of the continuity of re- will be heard. The Temple will be open to > ligious truth from God. The swastika, an all people for prayer and meditation. > ancient religious symbol, is at the bottom of But Bahi'i worship means more than > the design on these columns. Then comes prayer and meditation. Bahi'u'll5h said that > the six-pointed star of Judaism, the cross of any work done in a spirit of service is a > Christianity, the star and crescent of Islim. form of prayer. The educational, humani- > Above these is a nine-pointed star to indi- tarian, and scientific institutions around the > cate the coming- religious unity of the hu- Temple will complete the dedication of the > man race. individual to God. To the Bahi'i there is no > People find other ideas in the Temple de- rigid division between the spiritual and > sign. The nine doors suggest varied ways practical parts of life. > by which men in the past have found a Bah2is do not solicit funds from the pub- > knowledge of God. Because the design is lic for any of their activities. From all over > unusual, people try to find a single term for the world the BahHs have contributed to > the architecture. Some point out traces of the erection of this building. Funds have > 526 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > come from Persia, India-in fact, from all 0 Son of Being! Thou art My Lamp and > the five continents. This Temple is both a MY light is ila thee. > gift from Bahi'is and a dem&stration of > 0 Son of Being! Walk in My statutes for > their Faith. Here is a building where men > love o f Me. > and women of all races and religions are > welcome to come for prayer. eren no creed Thy Paradise is My love; thy heaveizly > stigmatizes the follower of any great faith as home reunion with Me. > infidel or pagan. Here all men may turn > their hearts to God and know that they are The light of a good character surpasseth > brothers. the light of the sun. > > CARVED > ABOVE THE NINE ENTRANCES > OF THE TEMPLE The people who built this House of Wor- > ship are BahL'is. They bear this name as > The earth is but one country; and mankind members of a World Faith. The word > its citizens. "BahL'i" comes from the name of the > Founder of the Faith-Bahi'u'llhh ("the > The best beloved of all things in My sight > is Justice; turn not away therefrom i f thou of God"). BahVi means "a > desirest Me. follower of BahB'u'llih." > The Faith of BahVu'llLh is called the > My love is My stronghold; he that elaterest "Bahi'i World Faith." There are three rea- > therein is safe and secure. sons for this. > First, Bahi'is live in more than two hun- > Breathe not the sins of others so long as dred countries and territories of the world. > thou art thyself a sinner. BahB'is are people who formerly had differ- > Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My ent and conflicting religious backgrounds. > descent. They had been Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, > Zoroastrians, Hindus, Protestants, Catholics, > I have made death a messenger o f joy to or else they had no religion at all. They > thee; wherefore dost thou grieve? have found in the Bahi'i Faith a basis of > unity that makes the competition of sects > Make mention o f Me on My earth that in and denominations seem unimportant to > My heaven I may remember thee. them. Bahi'is are people of different eco- > 0 rich ones on earth! The poor in your nomic and social class&. Through a com- > midst are My trust; guard ye My Trust. mon devotion, rich and poor mingle as > equals and work together to establish a > The source of all learning is the knowledge world order for all men and women. They > of God, exalted be His glory. are people of different national and racial > backgrounds. But the BahL'i teachings have > TEXTSFROM WORDSO F B A H ~ U ' L L ~ H given them a higher loyalty-the loyalty to > SELECTEDBY SHOGHIEFFENDI humanity. Bahi'is have no "color line" or > FOR THE TEMPLEINTERIOR > racial segregation. In this Faith, people of > d l races find equality with each other be- > All the Prophets of God proclaim the same cause they are equal before God. > Faith. Second, the Bahi'i Faith develops world- > mindedness. Read these well-known BahL'i > Religion is a radiant light and an impreg- quotations : . . . "Let your vision be world- > nable stronghold. embracing, rather than confined to your > own selves." . . . "That one indeed is a > Y e are the fruits of one tree and the leaves > of one branch. man who, today, dedicateth himself to the > service of the entire human race." > So powerful is unity's light that it con Third, the BahB'i Faith offers a clear pat- > illumine the whole earth. tern of world order. It does not have any > secret mystic doctrines; it does not have any > Consort with the followers of all religions priesthood or professional clergy. People > with friendliness. find this a practical, spiritual religion with > INSTITUTION OF THE > > the mission of uniting the world in one This body, elected by the people, is to be > common faith and one order. Bahi'u'llih composed of men and women so qualified > declared that in our time religion must unite that they may be "trustees of the Merciful > people or else it has no socid value. He de- among men." Each nation will have a Sec- > clared that religion must show men how to ondary or National House of Justice whose > build a just world. He emphasized that jus- members will elect the International House > tice is the greatest good in the sight of God. of Justice. This international legislature will > Toashow men how to achieve this, He out- make the laws for a federalized world. > lined a pattern of world order. Bahi'u'llih emphasized certain principles > Bahi'u'llAh's vision of a united world be- to help bind people together in a united > gins with each man and woman. Individuals world: > must have high moral standards and a new Men must seek for truth in spite of cus- > basis of belief if they are to become citizens tom, prejudice, and tradition. > of one world. Men and women must have equal oppor- > Bahgis believe in one God, even though tunities, rights, and privileges. > men have called Him by different names. The nations must choose an international > God has revealed His Word in each period language to be used along with the mother > of history through a chosen Individual tongue. > Whom Bahi'is call "the Manifestation of All children must receive a basic educa- > God." He restates in every age God's pur- tion. > pose and will. His teachings are a revela- Men must make a systematic effort to > tion from God. Abraham, Moses, Buddha, wipe out all those prejudices which divide > Zoroaster, Christ, and Muhammad were people. > Manifestations of God. Each gave men di- Men must recognize that religion should > vine teachings to live by. Bahi'is believe go hand-in-hand with science. > that true religion is the real basis of civi- Men must work to abolish extreme > lized life. wealth and extreme poverty. > Since there is one God, these Manifesta- This Faith and these challenging ideas > tions of God have each taught the same re- originated in Persia (frin) in 1844. In that > ligious faith. They have developed and year a young Man Who called Himself the > adapted it to meet the needs of the people BAb (or "Gate") began to teach that God > in each period of history. This unfoldment would soon "make manifest" a World > of religion from age to age is called "pro- Teacher to unite men and women and usher > gressive revelation." BahPu'llih, the in an age of peace. The BAb attracted so > Founder of the Bahi'i Faith, is the Mani- many followers that the Persian government > festation of God for our time. and the Islamic clergy united to kill Him. > This is the basis of Bahi'i belief: one God And they massacred more than twenty thou- > has given men one Faith through progres- sand of His followers. > sive revelations of His Will in each age of In 1863 Bahi'u'llAh announced to the > history, and Bahi'u'llih reveals the Will of few remaining followers of the Bib that He > God for men and women of the present was the chosen Manifestation of God for > age. This basic belief enables Bahi'is to this age. He called upon people to unite; He > unite and work together in spite of different said that only in one common faith and one > religious backgrounds. order could the world find an enduring > The Oneness of Mankind is like a pivot peace. He declared that terrible wars would > around which all the teachings of Bah2u'- sweep the face of the earth and destroy the > llih revolve. This means that men and institutions and ideas that keep men from > women of all races are equal in the sight of their rightful unity. > God and equal in the Bahi'i community. > The teachings of Bah6'uYllAhare a ring- > People of different races must have equal > educational and economic opportunity, ing call to action. They offer hope, courage, > equal access to decent living conditions- and vision. The books of Bahi'u'llAh in Eng- > and equal responsibilities. In the Bahi'i lish are: The Hidden Words, The Seven > view, there is no superior race or superior Valleys and the Four Valleys, The Book of > nation. Certitude, Epistle to the Son o f the W o l f , > Bah&'uYllihdeclared that a house of Jus- Prayers and Meditations, and Gleanings > tice must be established in each community. from the Writings o f Bahd'u'lldh. A selec- > 528 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > tion of His writings is in the anthology terpreter of the teachings. Under Shoghi Ef- > called Bahd'i World Faith. fendi's direction the Bahb'is throughout the > But Bahau'llih was not greeted with en- world have adopted an administrative order > thusiasm by the religious leaders of Islim. that is an application of BahL'u'llih's teach- > As they saw His Faith spread, their hatred ings for a world order. Thus Bahi'is have > grew. They forced Him into exile-first to begun to practice in their own affairs the > Baghdgd, then to Constantinople, to Adrian- social teachings of Bahi'u'llih. > ople, and finally to 'Akki, Palestine. There Local and National BahL'i Spiritual As- > He died, still an exile and prisoner, in 1892. semblies are the ADattern for t h i Houses of > BahB'u'llih appointed 'Abdu'l-Bahi, His Justice of tomorrow. Bahi'is know from in- > eldest son, as the Interpreter of His teach- creasing experience that difference~of na- > ings and the Exemplar of the Faith. Under tion, race, class, and religion can be re- > the leadership of 'Abdu'l-Bahi the Faith > moved by the uniting power of BahL'u'llih. > was introduced to Europe and America. > After He was freed from prison in 1908, Bahi'is know from increasing experience > 'Abdu'l-Bahi made several missionary jour- that this Faith can save men and women > neys. In 1912 He was in America for eight from the hatreds, the pessimism, the cor- > months during which time He laid the ruption, and the materialism of our age. > cornerstone of this Temple. They know this because they have seen it > In 1921 'Abdu'l-Bahi died and left a will and experienced it. They invite you to in- > naming His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, vestigate this Faith and share in this spirit- > the first Guardian of the Faith and the in- ual adventure. > > ARCHITECTURE OF THE TEMPLE INTERIOR > > (This is the first of two articles by mem- archaeology and brought forth a flowing, > bers of the Bahb'i Technical Advisory Board dynamic type of ornamentation that defies > on various phases of the Temple interior placing as to specific source. Were we to > work. The first, by Mr. McLaughlin, covers follow the prevailing fashion of 1950 as we > the general architectural features of the in- complete the interior we would simply leave > terior. A subsequent article by Mr. Eardley exposed the concrete framework of the in- > describes the materials being used, the struc- terior and probably do a lot of talking about > tural work, and other subjects of interest.) the honesty, integrity and beauty of naked, > unabashed structures-perhaps a little > A GOOD many years have passed since > Louis Bourgeois conceived and developed > whitewash and a few accents of color and > form and we would consider it complete. > the design for the Temple in Wilmette. But all of ns who are BahL'is during this > These intervening years have seen perhaps as thrilling period of completing the most holy > rapid and violent a change in prevailing House of Worship, know that our Temple is > concepts of architecture as the world has something quite apart from any architec- > ever known. In 1920 and the years im- tural fashion of the moment. When our > mediately preceding, American architecture Temple is completed it will be a unified, in- > was in the grip of rigid stylism, of painstak- tegrated entity, although designed and built > ing archaeology. In 1950 American archi- in a period of swiftly moving change. The > tecture has abandoned eclecticism and is Guardian has directed that it be so, and of > committed to a wholehearted expression of course that is the only way that a Bahi'i > function and structure as the supreme ob- Temple can be. > jective. When we enter one of the nine entrances > The BahQ'i Temple typifies neither point to the Temple, some time in the spring of > of view. Had Bourgeois been content to 1951, we will find the old temporary > swim along in the main stream of 1920 wooden doors removed, and simple but fine > American architecture he would have clad aluminum and glass substituted. The > his design in a medley of architectural wooden crossbars above are to be removed > styles. Instead he put away his books of and two large pieces of clear glass installed > INSTITUTION OF T H E MAURIQU'L-A-KAR 529 > > in each opening-there would be only one Shaw, has felt from the very start of his > piece, except for the pressures of high winds work that he wanted to recapture the scale > off Lake Michigan. These large areas of and quality of the exterior ornament of the > glass will show, from the inside of the Tem- dome. That he has at last fully done so is > ple the ornament on the back of some of the clear to those who have watched his de- > exterior columns and arches. signs progress from sketches to detailed > The concrete piers in the bays have al- drawings, to clay models, plaster casts, and > ready been finished as round columns. A finally to the executed panels. These nine > picture of these appeared in the Bahh'i News great vertical panels of vibrant, flowing > for December, 1949. The design of these ornament eventually find their way into the > columns makes no attempt to copy heavy, detail of the dome. > masonry forms. They taper towards the bot- Between the nine panels and pairs of > tom rather than towards the top as has been piers are first the main story arches, then the > the case with masonry columns for niillen- gallery arches, and finally the smaller inter- > iums past. In so doing they register as sur- lacing arches of the triforium gallery. At > face treatment and not as massive masonry, each of the main story arches is a nine > for the load is carried by the concrete pier pointed star on which will be inscribed the > within. Vertical joints, instead of being stag- Greatest Name. The Guardian has sent a > gered in usual masonry fashion, are lined detail of this inscription, which is to be fol- > one above the other, further recognizing the lowed exactly lest any Occidental liberties > surface qualities of the material. The marble with epigraphy offend a practiced eye. > base of the column will be recessed rather The dome has been brilliantly designed > than projecting in the usual manner. We with an interlacing of flowing ornament, > can see already, at the Temple, the lightness culminating in the Greatest Name at the > and grace, as well as the great dignity, of zenith. The interior dome, like the exterior > these columns. treatment, will be pierced, to transmit light. > The ceiling of each bay consists of a pair To have watched the development of the > of ogee curves meeting in a straight line at interior design has been a thrilling experi- > the top. A lighting trough carries around ence. The complete willingness and desire > each bay between columns, and silhouetted of our distinguished architect, Alfred Shaw, > in front will be the nine inscriptions selected to merge his great creative powers into the > by the Guardian. Color can be applied to background of the over-all concept of the > the ceilings, and there is space for draperies Temple has been stirring and deeply and > against the outside wall, between windows. gratefully admired. The problem has been > In the main portion of the Temple there difficult technically if only because of the > are, of course, the nine pairs of columns absolute necessity of integrating what is be- > which rise to the springing of the dome. ing done in 1950 to form a harmonious > These columns are even now being finished entity with what was conceived before 1920. > with square sections of the surface material, But in only a little more than a year from > and between each pair of columns rises a now, given the necessary flow of funds, the > brilliant panel of ornament, clear to the Temple interior will have been completed. > springing of the dome. Our architect, Alfred And it is going to be very beautiful. > > STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF THE INTERIOR > OF THE BAHA'I HOUSE OF WORSHIP > > I T HARDLY seems possible that almost from the beautiful structure now nearing > thirty-eight years have passed since that completion. How many of us could then > memorable occasion in 1912 when our be- visualize the magnitude of the work ahead! > loved 'Abdu'l-Bahb met with the friends to After preparation of the architectural > dedicate the ground upon which the Temple drawings by Mr. Louis Bourgeois, and the > was to be built. That meeting was held in an selection of Major Burt of Holabird & Root > extraordinarily large tent-indeed a far cry as the supervising engineer, the first major > T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > operation was the sinking to bed rock of the definite function. Once the castings are set > nine unusually large caissons. In addition and bolted in place the several surrounding > to the caisson work the primary structural castings are doweled together to prevent any > features included the foundation walls, and possible movement. At the Earley Studio, > the domelike roof over what is now called detail and full size drawings are made of the > Foundation Hall. Following this came the various pieces showing location of each bolt, > fabrication and erection of the structural reinforcing rods, dowels, and galvanized > steel columns supporting the steelwork of wire mesh. > the dome proper, and later the construction Suspending of the dome tracery is car- > of the exterior concrete walls above grade, ried out in a similar manner with each piece > and balcony floors. All of this has been of tracery bolted to the dome steel. At the > completely described and illustrated in pre- time of building the dome the decision had > vious articles in the BuhBi News, The not been made as to what material would > Bah& World, a number of architectural and eventually be used for the facing, and, > engineering magazines, and daily newspa- therefore no definite arrangement was made > pers. for suspending such material. Now that pre- > The structural items of the interior of the cast shapes have been decided upon, it > Temple are of a secondary nature in com- means that additional ribs of circular steel > parison with those mentioned in the previ- must be attached to the existing dome steel > ous paragraph. They are, nevertheless, im- and so located as to receive the bolts set in > portant. The interior tracery, as well as the the castings. > plain or solid surfaces, must be precast and The shape of the building, that is, nine- > suspended in place by being attached to the sided below the dome, and circular at the > columns, the interior balcony spandrels, and dome, involves rather interesting mathemat- > to the steel arches of the dome. ical calculations as well as careful measure- > From the layman's standpoint, the work ments in the field. > might be compared to the old-fashioned An approximate estimate of the weight of > crazy quilt consisting of numerous pieces of all the interior ornamentation furnished by > odd shapes sewn together to form the fin- the Earley Studio amounts to 1,450,000 > ished design. The interior surfaces, being pounds, of which the dome tracery will > precast, must be of such size as can be weigh approximately 293,000 pounds. > readily handled, and, at the same time of One of the interesting features is the ex- > such shape that the joints occur only where posed spirally-shaped reinforced concrete > indicated on the architectural drawings. stairway. Since the decision to have the > A great deal of preliminary work must be main entrances to the Temple on the West > done at the site before these castings can be side, it became necessary to remove the > set into place. The method of supporting the existing steel stairs from the main floor to > cast sections is by means of vertical and the first balcony. The architect chose the > shelf angles attached to the present steel spirally-shaped stair as being more in con- > and concrete surfaces. Shelf angles are formity with the interior design, not cutting > pieces of steel formed in the shape of the off as much light as an enclosed stairway. > letter "L," one leg of which is bolted or According to budget limitations the railing > welded to the present structure while the will be of aluminum or stainless steel. > outstanding leg supports the casts. To be The new steel work required for the sus- > able to attach the new steel to the existing pension of the interior finish is being fur- > steel it has been necessary, in many in- nished and set by the Butler Steel Foundry. > stances, to cut away the concrete fireproof- The structural design has been under the > ing. Once the casts are set in place upon the supervision of Mr. Carl A. Metz of the > shelf angles, each piece must be bolted to architectural firm of Shaw, Metz & Dolio of > the vertical angles to prevent displacement. Chicago. It is interesting to note that Mr. > Since each separate casting must be accu- Metz, while at the University of Illinois, was > rately placed, it follows that each shelf angle a former pupil of Mr. Allen B. McDaniel. > must also be accurately located at the joint During the several phases of the construc- > between the castings. To a person viewing tion of the Temple it was Mr. McDaniel > the work of cutting the concrete and placing who sacrificed much of his time and energy > these pieces of steel the process may appear toward the execution of the original struc- > confusing, but each piece of steel has a ture. > Interior of the Dome of the BahB'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. > 532 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > COMPLETING THE INTERIOR ORNAMENTATION > OF THE BAHA'I HOUSE OF WORSHIP > B y ALFREDP. SHAW,Architect* > Remarks addressed to the National B a W i Convention, 1951, > Wilmette, Illinois > > BSING a very bad speaker, certainly not set the pattern for the character of the in- > an accomplished one, I have to write a few terior. > things down, and the first thing that comes By the nature of the instructions from the > to me is that, although this is essentially a Head of your Faith, there were certain > religious gathering, while this may sound aspects of the Bourgeois design which were > material to you, I find that in some religions, to be adhered to. There was also the natural > and in all religions, possibly, we touch the architectural need of unity and there were > material things eventually. At any rate, certain details and aesthetics also which, > some years ago when we started this project after laying aside a design for some years, > for this interior, one of the most important even the original architect would very likely > men connected with original building opera- have wanted to change. There was also, if > tion, said to me-he was not a BahL'i ob- I may be permitted to say so, the necessity > viously, just a poor fellow in the building of the present architect believing in the > b~~siness-"Well," he said, "Al, there is one merit of his own achievement. This very > thing you will find out about these people. principle my colleagues on the Technical > They act in business according to their re- Committee very sympathetically required of > ligious professions." me, too. > To all of you, I am sure, as it did to me- The resulting open lace-like pattern in > but especially to you-this must mean stone, organized into nine bays horizontally > something. and four general vertical units and woven > These men who were on the Building or into one design has taken some of the char- > Technical Committee then are not the same acter of the exterior and brought about a > as now. Some of them are, and there has unified quality on the interior. This quality > been some change. However, the same -although, personally, I have not done it > thing, the same feeling, has been the experi- for that reason alone-represents, I discover > ence on this project of the interior. There in talking with the members of the Com- > has been a constant interchange of ideas and mittee, the unity of the beliefs which your > when the very earnest proponent of some Faith symbolizes. > fine personal idea was out-voted, he took it The slow process from sketches to de- > as a part of the general progress and went tailed drawings on a great structure like this, > on to the next problem. And I include the through the heating plans and the electrical > architect in this general description. You engineering, the work of the modeler, the > can see that they almost made a Christian craftsmanship of the stonemason, the plas- > out of him. terers, the carpenters and all the other > As I may have mentioned when I spoke tradesmen and the people who coordinated > to this Assembly once before, it is not an them, has really resulted in a fine and > easy or natural task to take an achievement amazing example of this kind of coordi- > such as' Louis Bourgeois's great structure nated effort. In my profession, it happens > here and complete it. The proper solution more than once, and most of the time, that > demands a homogeneity with another man's > we sometimes forget this aspect, and here in > inspiration and his aesthetics. Now, al- > though there have been many discussions this complicated structure it became obvi- > with the Technical Committee, the most dif- ous to me, as I sat thinking about this, this > ficult, and the most important were those at morning, how all these engineering details, > the very beginning of our association, which sometimes hidden, sometimes visible, have > been woven into what appears to be a unit > * Of the firm of Shaw, Metz and Dolio, Chicago, > Illinois. upstairs, and, while it isnot completely fin- > INSTITUTION OF THE M A B R I Q U ' L - A m K A R 533 > > ished, it certainly is finished enough so that it has taken, I think this is the place, even > we know that it is going to be what we had if they are not here, to thank them for it, > in mind. and thank them for the patience they had > I wish there were more of the people here and the contributions they made. > who have done it, but I want to pay a We, as the architects of the interior, hope > tribute to all these men I have mentioned, and believe that the great purpose of this > these craftsmen, the people who ran this Temple will be more successf~~lly fulfilled > building, the people who coordinated the because of this completion of the interior. > craftsmen, the people in distant cities who We also hope that it will be a continuing > made some of the stone. When I look at this inspiration to all of you here in America > building and see it and recall how much and to all of your Faith. Thank you very > time and effort and individual coordination much. > > INTERIOR ORNAMENTATION OF THE > BAHA'I HOUSE OF WORSHIP > and PAULE. HANEY > By ALLENB. MCDANIEL > > L O U I S BOURGEOIS, the architect of the Archives. The work of the exterior orna- > Temple, walked into the conference room mentation continued without interruption to > of The Research Service in Washington, its completion with the building of the steps > D.C., one morning in the early spring of in 1942. Work on Temple construction > 1929 and greeted the group: "Well, I have could not be carried forward during the re- > a surprise for you." maining war years owing to the restrictions > With this precipitate announcement, he then in effect. > laid a roll of original drawings on the table The first intimation that Temple construc- > and proceeded to describe his design for the tion was to be resumed came in the form of > interior ornamentation of the Temple. As a message from the Guardian in March, > the members of the group examined these 1946, requesting an approximate estimate of > drawings, expressions of amazement came the cost of the interior ornamentation. This > from all on the extreme intricacy and deli- message also directed the Temple Trustees > cacy of the design. Mr. H. Van Buren to modify the elaborate Bourgeois interior > Magonigle, the consulting architect, ques- design in order to reduce excessive expendi- > tioned Mr. Bourgeois on the practicability ture. > of the execution of such an elaborate design. At the Thirty-Eighth Annual Convention > But as the meeting had been called to con- of the Bahi'is of the United States and Can- > sider the steps to be taken in the construc- ada in April, 1946, the Guardian's cable > tion of the superstructure of the Temple on setting forth the objectives of the Second > the foundation completed eight years be- Seven-Year Plan revealed that one of these > fore, no further consideration was given at objectives was to be the conlpletion of the > that time to the interior design. The making interior ornamentation of "the heliest House > of these drawings constituted the work of of Worship in the Bahi'i World" by 1953. > Mr. Bourgeois during the last two years of The simplification and modification of the > his life. Bourgeois design, in accordance with the in- > Nearly nine years, busily occupied with structions of Shoghi Effendi, presented tech- > the erection of the superstructure and its nical problems of great complexity, requir- > ornamentation with the exterior stonework, ing for their solution the highest degree of > passed before additional attention was given engineering and architectural knowledge and > to the interior. Then, on instructions re- experience. > ceived from the Guardian of the Bahi'i The Temple Trustees, shortly after the > Faith, late in 1937, the interior design was 1946 Convention, authorized and initiated > purchased from Mrs. Pemberton, widow of two independent studies of the interior orna- > Mr. Bourgeois. The original drawings were mentation, these studies to have as their > sent to Haifa for the International BahL'i major objective the production of a modified > T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D > > design conforming to the Guardian's in- with Paul E. Haney, Chairman; and a Tech- > structions. Mr. Allen B. McDaniel, of Wash- nical Advisory Board of three BahL'i tech- > ington, D.C., who had been associated with nical specialists, Allen B. McDaniel, Robert > the Temple construction work, as consulting W. McLaughlin and Edwin H. Eardley. > and supervising engineer, since 1921, was With this working organization, a search > requested to carry out one of these studies, was made for a competent concern of archi- > and a special Technical Committee, under tects and engineers with the facilities neces- > the chairmanship of Mr. Carl Scheffler, of sary to prepare the working drawings and > Evanston, Illinois, was authorized to work specifications, and able to assume responsi- > independently on the same problem of pro- bility for supervising the actual construction > ducing a modified interior design. work. > Further instructions received from the After a careful canvass of many architec- > Guardian in the months which followed tural firms in Washington, New York and > specified that the modified design for the Chicago, a member of the Technical Ad- > interior should include the carrying of the visory Board called at the offices of one of > spirit and flow of the exterior architectural the leading architectural concerns in the > motifs into the interior, in order to preserve Loop district of Chicago one morning early > the homogeneity of the entire structure; the in the summer of 1947, and posed the ques- > creation of a single, spacious auditorium, tion to the head of the firm: "Would you > eliminating the separate small chapels or be interested in preparing the detailed plans > rooms included in the original Bourgeois and specifications for the interior ornamen- > concept; adequate acoustical treatment; the tation of the BahL'i Temple at Wilmette, Illi- > use of color; and the use of fixed seats, nois?" A look of doubt came over the face > placed facing in the direction of the Holy of the distinguished architect, Mr. Alfred P. > Land. Shaw, and he expressed a serious question > On March 15, 1947, at meetings of the as to the willingness of his firm to take on > National Spiritual Assembly and the Temple a project of this nature, especially in view of > Trustees, the results of nearly nine months the difficulty of recreating the spirit and ex- > of intensive work were presented by the two pressing the qualities of a work of such > independent professional groups. The special unique character-the product of the genius > Technical Committee submitted a design of an architect of a former period. However, > prepared for the Committee by Mr. Earl H. the universal and outstanding nature of the > Reed, a Chicago architect, and Mr. Mc- project as expressed in the general design > Daniel presented his modification of the and flowing ornamentation of Louis Bour- > Bourgeois interior design. These preliminary geois' creation intrigued this craftsman, and > designs and accompanying reports were sent on August 4, 1947, a contract was entered > to Shoghi Effendi with a memorandum of into with Mr. Alfred P. Shaw and his firm > explanation, for his review and decision. for the necessary architectural and engineer- > The Guardian's decisions were communi- ing services. > cated in a letter presented to the Annual Mr. Shaw thus entered upon perhaps the > Convention in April, 1947. Shoghi Effendi most difficult task which a top-flight archi- > indicated a preference for the preliminary tect can attempt, to take an intensely per- > design submitted by Mr. McDaniel, particu- sonal creation of another architect, in this > larly the idea of a perforated dome as con- case that of Mr. Bourgeois, simplify it > templated by Mr. Bourgeois, but suggested greatly, and at the same time give it that > that certain of Mr. Reed's ideas might be creative touch which is so essential if it is > incorporated in Mr. McDaniel's plans. Also tmly to live and convey the message in- > certain further modifications were suggested, tended. > mainly in the interest of homogeneity. A re- The office of Shaw, Metz and Dolio be- > vised design, incorporating these suggestions, gan studies immediately, and in frequent > was prepared by Mr. McDaniel, and consultation with the Chairman of the Tem- > adopted by the Temple Trustees in July, ple Construction Committee and the mem- > 1947. bers of the Technical Advisory Board grad- > Faced with the immediate requirement of ually evolved the plans for a design which > the execution of the approved design, the embodied the flowing motifs and the spirit > Temple Trustees appointed from their mem- of the Bourgeois vision, but in simplified > bership a Temple Construction Committee, form as directed by the Guardian of the > Interior view of the BahB'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, facing east, showing > first and second galleries. > 536 T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > Faith. This design was approved by Shoghi concrete sections. Thus there evolved gradu- > Effendi in cables dated May 4 and 6, 1948, ally a design which embodied the spirit and > with instructions to proceed promptly with the dynamic quality of movement of the > the placing of contracts for the actual con- Bourgeois conception. > struction work. AS-the project progressed, the economic > The first step in the construction of the necessity to consider mounting construction > Temple interior involved the removal of the costs pressed for action. Available data in- > original iron stairway from the foundation dicated that building costs had advanced > area to the main floor, and from the main about 20 percent during the two-year period > floor to the first gallery level on the south since the inception of the project. Three sets > side of the structure, and the building of a of plans and cost figures were presented by > new reinforced concrete stairway in the en- the architect and the general contractor, and > tranceway space on the opposite side of the finally a plan involving an estimated total > building. This work was performed by the expenditure of about $860,000, and of about > George A. Fuller Company, Chicago, Illi- two years for construction operations, was > nois, the contractors who built the Temple adopted and approved by Shoghi Effendi. > superstructure in 1930 to 1931. This figure was subsequently raised to ap- > While this stairway construction was proximately $890,000, as a result of a deci- > under way, a contract was signed by the sion to include treatment of the alcoves of > Temple Trustees with the Fuller Company the interior auditorium with the Earley cast > for the entire project, and during a period stone material. > of some three years, this organization served As the sections of the interior piers and > as general contractor for the interior, fur- columns were being set in place, the ventila- > nishing all labor, materials, equipment, sup- tion ducts, piping for the heating system, > plies and supervision for all phases of the electrical conduits, wires and equipment > work, including the placing of the cast stone were installed by the various sub-contrac- > sections of the interior ornamentation, the tors. All this utilities work was completed in > heating and ventilation, the electric lighting, advance of the erection of the ornamenta- > terrazzo floor and other elements of the tion. > project. At the Earley Studio, across the Potomac > The most important sub-contract con- River from the Nation's capital city, the > cerned the interior ornamentation, which craftsmen carried on the work of modeling, > was originally envisioned as of ornamental making molds, casting and finishing the > plaster. But as the result of competitive bids, hundreds of beautiful white concrete sec- > the proposal of the Earley Studio, Rosslyn, tions of the tracery. The radiant casts, spar- > Virginia, was accepted for architectural con- kling with quartz particles, were carefully > crete, at a figure $12,000 lower than that packed in railroad cars, shipped to the Tem- > submitted for ornamenta1,plaster. The dec- ple and erected in place. Below the per- > ade of experience of this concern in the forated dome, the panels of the tracery were > fabrication of the exterior ornamentation of cast with a background of rose quartz which > the Temple, had made possible a lower bid gives a pinkish color to the spaces between > for a material preferable to plaster as to ap- the vertical ribs. > pearance, durability, cleanliness and perma- Studies were made by acoustical experts, > nence. in consultation with the architect and the > With the development of the working Advisory Board, to ascertain the sound con- > drawings in the architect's office, there arose ditions of the interior of the Temple. Acous- > the need of full size studies of the ornamen- tical plaster was placed in the ceiling of the > tation. Full scale clay models of typical sec- second gallery to reduce reverberation. A > tions of the panels between the interior public address system was also included in > columns were made in the studio of Ro- the plans, and provision made for its instal- > chette and Parzini, architectural sculptors in lation. > New York City, and studied arid modified Lighting of the central space under the > from time to time by Mr. Shaw and the dome is effected by lamps in conical-shaped, > Technical Advisory Board. The developed, brass-reflecting fixtures placed on the nine > finished models were cast in plaster and groups of interior columns, nineteen feet > shipped to the Earley Studio, where they above the floor. The nine alcoves are illumi- > were used in the process of making the cast nated by lights in horizontal troughs around > Interior ornamentation of Bahk'i House of Worship, Wilrnette, Illinois, as seen from > second gallery. Visitors viewing the interior from the main floor and from the > first gallery, thirty-six feet above floor level, are dwarfed > by the proportions of the structure. > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > the bases of the arched ceilings. Ceiling Standing enthralled in the midst of the > lights furnish illumination for the two gal- Temple, one feels that the ornamentation > leries. seems to take on life and flow ever upward > On the terrazzo floor are placed the 1,191 and onward, symbolizing life with its evolu- > seats arranged in groups separated by the tion of progress from the material to the > radial and circumferential aisles and facing spiritual, and in this moment of understand- > the direction of the World Center of the ing, the observer realizes that the building of > Faith. the BahVi House of Worship is a triumph > The visitor in the days to come will ap- of human and spiritual achievement. > proach the Temple along a walk leading In leaving the Temple the visitor may > from the intersection of Sheridan Road and descend the inside stairway to the ground > Linden Avenue to the base of the Temple floor. > steps. On each side are to be the gardens, At the dedication of the Temple grounds > nine in number, each with its beds of lovely 'Abdu'l-Bahh addressed a national gathering > shrubbery and flowering plants surrounding of the followers of the Faith on May 1, > a reflecting pool, in the center of which a 1912, the evening before He laid the stone > fountain will play. By a gradual ascent over which marked the site of this glorious House > terraces and steps, the circular walk at the of Worship. He said: "Among the insti- > foot of the eighteen steps is reached. As- tutes of the Holy Books is that of the foun- > cending the steps to the main platform one dation of places of worship, an edifice or > gazes upward over the great arched door- temple is to be built in order that humanity > way of the main story to the tiers of win- might find a place of meeting and this is to > dows with their lace-like ornamental screens be conducive to unity and fellowship among > of the gallery story, and thence to the great them. The real temple is the very Word of > ribs of the clerestory extending up and over God, for to it all humanity must turn and > the glorious hemispherical dome to the apex, it is the center of unity for all mankind. It > symbolic of hands lifted to the heavens in is the collective center, the cause of accord > supplication. and communion of hearts, the sign of soli- > To enter the House of Worship one passes darity of the human race, the source of life > through a glass vestibule, on either side of eternal. Temples are the symbols of the di- > which are alcoves with arched ceilings at vine uniting force, so that when people > whose bases are inscriptions from the BahVi gather there in the House of God they may > Sacred Writings. Beyond groups of columns recall the fact that the law has been re- > supporting the great dome, the visitor vealed for them and that the law is to unite > emerges into the central auditorium or gath- them. They will realize that just as this Tem- > ering place, where in the generations to ple was founded for the unification of man- > come peoples of all nationalities, colors and kind, the law preceding and creating it > creeds will assemble to listen to the reading came forth in the manifest Word. . . . This > of the Holy Books and to commune with is why His Holiness Bahi'uYll6h, the > God. In each bay of the nine-sided room, Founder of the Bah6'i Faith, has com- > great vertical panels of flowery tracery manded that a place of worship be built for > gradually blend into the interlacing orna- all the religionists of the world; that all re- > ment of the dome, where shines the Greatest ligions, races, creeds and sects may come to- > Name at the zenith. Between the nine panels gether within its universal shelter; that the > and groups of columns are first the main- proclamation of the oneness of mankind > story arches, then the gallery arches and, at shall go forth from its open courts of holi- > the base of the dome, the smaller interlacing ness. . . .9 3 1 > arches of the triforium gallery. 1 Promulgation of Universal Peace, vol. 1, p. 62. > > Model of landscaping surrounding the Bahi'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. > The smaller building at the right, across Sheridan Road, is the National Haziratu'l-Quds > of the BahL'is of the United States of America. > 540 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D > > LbNDSCAPE PLAN OF THE B A m i HOUSE OF > WORSHIP BY HILBERT DAHL > > T H E long-awaited announcement of the > design selected for landscaping the Temple Before considering the nature of > grounds, and of the placing of contracts for Mr. Dahl's design it is important to note two > the work, was made in March, 1952. written statements from the Guardian: "The > In the spring of 1951, the Temple Trus- Guardian approves of your action to only > tees had communicated with a number of expend two hundred thousand dollars at > representative landscape architects and re- present for the Temple landscaping and > quested them to submit designs and pre- leave further embellishment until a later > liminary estimates. The specifications taken date. He is very glad that this work is being > from Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 called for done by such a devoted Bah6'i as Mr. Dahl, > treatment of a circular area, and a design who will put his whole heart into it and be > providing for nine paths, gardens, pools and inspired by the original concept as much as > fountains. Indeed, the tract of land acquired, possible." (To the N.S.A. in letter written > and the location of the Temple at its center, by the Guardian's secretary, dated Novem- > reflected the understanding of the Master's ber 23, 1951.) > directions by the early believers. The next day in a letter addressed to > From the designs submitted, the one pre- Mr. Dahl, written by the Guardian through > pared by Mr. Hilbert E. Dahl, the Bahb'i his secretary, we have this beautiful mes- > landscape architect who years ago made pre- sage: "He is very pleased with the plans you > liminary studies of the project, was selected have made for the Temple grounds; of > by the Trustees. course he regrets the pools and fountains > His sketch was submitted to the Guard- will have to be postponed, but this will not > ian, who cabled his approval during the prevent carrying out an almost complete > summer of 1951. A Temple Landscape garden scheme for the 1953 date, and for > Committee was appointed consisting of Mr. economy's sake, seems a necessary measure. > Robert McLaughlin, Mr. Leroy Ioas, Mr. H. "The Guardian feels the Temple will > Borrah Kavelin and Mr. Clarence Ullrich, show to better advantage if flood lighted > to represent the Trustees in carrying out the from without. This will not prevent, no > project with the landscape architect and the doubt, when the floodlights are on, any il- > contractors. lumination from within producing a pleas- > A contract was entered into with ing effect. > Mr. Dahl dated July 9, 1951. The services "He wishes you every success in this im- > of the George A. Fuller Company as general portant service you are rendering the Faith, > contractors were continued throughout the and will pray that all may go well and your > completion of the landscaping work. ideas be realized in a most beautiful effect." > It is of interest to note that the trustees of > the Wilmette Village, and also the State > Highway Department (which has jurisdic- Much detailed work has been accom- > tion over the width of the land used for plished to date in the way of the necessary > State highways even within towns), gave the drawings, specifications and estimates. The > Trustees written permission in October, plan is to begin grading work as early as > 1951, to extend the landscaping, if neces- possible in the spring of 1952, and continue > sary, through the parkway to the curb on the operations without interruption until > Sheridan Road. The Village does not plan to completed. > build any sidewalks on the west side of > Sheridan Road from Linden Avenue to the > canal, which leaves the present parkway free > for use as an approach to the Temple land. The accompanying illustration gives a > This courtesy is greatly appreciated by the basic concept, and the inserted "Approach > National Spiritual Assembly. View" conveys a clear impression of one of > INSTITUTION OF THE MASHRIQU'L-AEKAR 54 1 > > the nine tree-lined walks, with provision for provides one of the entrances to the circular > reflecting pool between the two paths. walk, giving a long and most attractive vista > As shown, the space between each two of the landscaped grounds and the majestic > adjoining approaches is filled with a sunken edifice. > garden and space for a fountain. There will be no entrance from the road > > At the base of the present circular steps a on the Sheridan Road side, owing to traffic > concrete walk or platform will be con- conditions. The main entrance is from Lin- > structed, its outer circumference a series of den Avenue at the point where we now enter > concave arcs after the manner of the en- the Foundation. > trance bays of the Temple itself. This plat- To enter the Temple basement level, after > form or walk is reached from the approach- the landscaping work is completed, the de- > ing paths by several steps. sign provides for steps downward at the > The outer circumference of the design is point where this particular entrance path in- > a circular walk giving access to all nine ap- tersects the sidewalk or platform at the bot- > proaches and the nine gardens. At the lower tom of the circular steps. Dotted lines on the > right hand of the sketch we see the treat- sketch indicate the location of the basement > ment to be given the area outside the great level corridor. > circle, along Sheridan Road and Linden Owing to the downward slope of both > Avenue. The intersection of these two streets Sheridan Road and Linden Avenues from > 542 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > their point of intersection, the uniform level and an inner walk, at the base of the Tem- > of the outer circular walk must be main- ple steps, provides a vantage point at a > tained by a grading operation which at some higher elevation from which the entire scene > points raises the walk a few feet above street can be viewed. > level. Instead of -a retaining wall, it is "The gardens are arranged and planted > planned to support the circular walk by a with simple dignity, restrained in treatment > sloping earthen embankment, which can be but with a touch of color and softness of > turfed and perhaps planted, giving a much texture which will give them a gardenesque > more pleasing effect than a vertical concrete feeling of peaceful and quiet loveliness. > wall. . . . In area there are involved almost five > acres of intensive development." > > Mr. Dahl as Landscape Architect has > prepared a written description of his design What we have here is the final embellish- > from which the following excerpts are ment of the world's supreme House of Wor- > taken : ship, preparing it for its mission to the pub- > "Its setting, as with the jewel, must em- lic of America and indeed of the world. As > phasize the attractiveness of the structure we consider the Guardian's Jubilee plans, > and, while reflecting the lines and embellish- including the public Jubilee celebrations dur- > ment and the spirit of the Temple, must not, ing Ridvkn, 1953, the All-America Lnter- > in itself, be given ornamental character continental Congress, and the Dedication of > which will compete with the building. the Temple to public worship, every Bahi'i > "The study follows 'Abdu'l-BahL's word may well thrill with gratitude for the years > picture in every detail. Briefly, it involves an of concentrated effort and immense sacrifice > approach leading to each nine entrance bays which brought the Temple to its present > with gardens between. Circular fountains point of completion, and steel his resolve to > with jets of water keeping them ever fresh assure completion of this impressive, noble > and clear are found the gardens, while and exquisite framework within which the > long basins are located in the approaches, BahB'i House of Worship can blazon forth > reflecting glimpses of the Temple to the visi- its divine Promise to a desperate world! > tor walking along the approach. The whole > is enclosed within an outer circular walk, > > BAHA'I . . . TEMPLE OF LIGHT" > > O N E of the familiar sights that deserves tured in this issue's frontispiece, will prob- > more than our passing notice is the Bahi'i ably be recorded by historians as one of the > Temple which lifts its white dome into the outstanding architectural works of the twen- > sky on the shore of Lake Michigan in Wil- tieth century. Both the new principles of > mette. Nearly every Northwestern student ornamentation and the solution of unusual > has marveled at the beauty of the temple as problems of construction have attracted > he viewed it while cheering in Dyche Sta- much attention from professional builders > dium or while driving along Sheridan Road. the world over. > But relatively few fully appreciate the mo- Although the project was conceived > mentous architectural and engineering sig- nearly 100 years ago, the first consequential > nificance of the structure. The temple, pic- progress was revealed in 1920 when the plan > of architect Louis Bourgeois was selected in > a competition among Bahi'i architects. > * This article appeared in Northwestern Engineer, Many consider it the greatest advance in re- > Student Publication of the Technological Institute of > Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 10:18, Sep- ligious architecture in several hundred years. > tember, 1951. It is reprinted here with permission of In order to understand the architecture of > the editors. Three illustrations of the Temple ac- > companied the article. the BahP'i house of worship it is necessary > I N S T I T U T I O N O F THE M A S H R I Q U ' L - A D H K A R 543 > > to review the underlying themes of Bahi'- Byzantine. Notwithstanding its use of the > ism. Bahi'u'lltih, who founded the faith in several western styles of architecture, the > Persia, preached world unity as the road to over-all impression on an observer strikes an > fulfillment of man's purpose. Important oriental chord. > principles of the Bahti'i faith include the Availability of funds permitted the initia- > complete equality of the sexes, collaboration tion of foundation work in 1921. The main > > Assembly rig for checking large bay tracery models at Earley Studios. > > with science, a universal auxiliary language, support of the foundation consists of nine > a more nearly equal distribution of wealth, concrete caissons which were sunk 124 feet > and an international tribunal. Unity of God, to bed rock, 90 feet below the surface of > unity of religion, and unity of mankind are nearby Lake Michigan. The 36 pillars which > stressed. carry the dome rest directly upon these cais- > In keeping with this unity theme, the ar- sons. The foundation floor is a reinforced > chitect designed a structure unifying the sev- concrete circular building 202 feet in diam- > eral well-defined styles of architecture. Be- eter. This section of the structure is now > ginning with the BahB'i nine-pointed star covered by a mound of earth rising to the > (which the temple resembles when seen eighteen circular steps which lead to the > from the air) Bourgeois designed a struc- main floor. The earth fill, incidentally, is > tural record of architectural history. The part of the material excavated for the con- > first story is a pleasing combination of py- struction of the Northwestern Technological > lons and columns, patterned after the low, Institute. Around a central auditorium are > squatty, ancient Egyptian temples. Moving located the rooms housing the operating > upward, traces of old Roman architecture equipment for heating, lighting, and venti- > from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries lating systems. > blend into the Renaissance architecture of The nonagonal base of the main floor is > the second story. The Renaissance style ex- 36 feet high and 150 feet in diameter. It in- > tends to the clerestory, which makes use of cludes a circular hall 72 feet in diameter > Romanesque windows. The dome is reminis- which extends for the full height of 138 feet > cent of the early Christian churches. Its lacy to the interior of the dome. When interior > motif is taken from yet another style, the decorating is completed, this main audito- > 544 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Progress view dated December 29, 1950, illustrates the finished walls > of a bay alcove and the ornamentation of column arches. > INSTITUTION OF THE M A S H R I Q U ' L - A a K A R 545 > > Temple Interior construction-progress to April 17, 1950. > 546 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > Interior ornamentation of the dome being put in place, March 28, 1951. > > rium will seat approximately 1200 persons. may be reached by ladders and catwalks. > The acoustic qualities of the hall will be un- Outlets are provided at the base of the dome > excelled. at three places to furnish steam, water, com- > The first gallery is also nine-sided, but it pressed air, and a vacuum for the cleaning > is rotated twenty degrees so that the pylons and maintenance of the dome structure. > rise from bases above the middle of each The basic framework of the temple is > of the main story entrances. This gallery has composed of structural steel and reinforced > a height of 47 feet and an outside diameter concrete. The ingenuity of form-builders > of 136 feet. was taxed to the limit since curved lines and > The drum-shaped second gallery, or warped surfaces dominate the entire struc- > clerestory, is 20 feet high with a diameter ture. . . . > of 93 feet. The dome, with a diameter of 72 The elaborate design of the exterior orna- > feet inside and 90 feet outside, is immedi- mentation was the cause of the greatest con- > ately above. It is one of the largest domes struction problem. Months of studies, con- > without a center support ever to be built. ferences, and investigations were involved in > Actually three domes in one, it consists of the selection of materials for use in the lacy > two independent structural steel frames decoration. Samples of various types of cast > thoroughly cross-braced. Between these is an stone, terra cotta, aluminum alloy, and ar- > aluminum and wire-glass dome for weather chitectural concretes were prepared and sub- > protection and for passage of light through jected to weathering on property adjacent to > the perforated interior and exterior orna- the construction site to test their durability > mentation. The metal joints were designed and discoloration properties. > to provide drainage for leakage and conden- Finally a special concrete developed by > sation. For repairs any part of the dome architectural sculptor John J. Earley was ac- > I N S T I T U T I O N O F THE M A S H R I Q U ' L - A Z K A R 547 > > cepted. His material consisted of one part . . . showing one of the large outer > crushed crystalline quartz and three parts columns, reveals the feeling of religious > crushed opaque quartz mixed with white unity that influenced the architect's design > portland cement and water. The resultant of the ornamentation. In rising chronologi- > exposed-aggregate concrete possesses a com- cal order are seen the symbols of the nine > pressive strength of 7000-9000 psi. consuming religions of history. At the bot- > The sculptor's first step in preparing the tom is the ancient swastika, topped by the > ornamentation was the carving of a full- six-pointed star of Judaism, the cross of > sized clay model for each section. Plaster of Christianity, the star and crescent of IslBm, > paris impressions were taken from the clay and the Bahgi nine-pointed star. The com- > model. From these forms a plaster model plex combination of mathematical lines and > was constructed, reinforced with hemp, jute, the merging of circle into circle emphasize > and steel. This rough model was carved and the common ties that bind religions. > polished to give a fine-textured surface from The frequent recurrence of the number > which was made another plaster of paris nine in the design of the temple is purpose- > mold, the negative of the final cast section. ful. BahL'is count their faith as the ninth > These negatives were lined with zinc and and unifying religion of mankind. In addi- > shellacked. Finally the concrete was molded tion, nine is the largest single digit, signify- > ing the ultimate. > in these forms around reinforcing rods. > Landscaping of the $2,500,000 temple > After careful cleaning and brushing the sec- will be completed for formal dedication of > tions were shipped to Wilmette and applied the building in 1953. Eventually it is > to the base superstructure. The exposed ag- planned to make the temple the heart of a > gregate gives the entire outer surface a white community center. Around it will be a hos- > radiant quality consistent with its frequently pital, a hospice, an orphanage, a college, and > applied description as the "Temple of scientific laboratories situated among gar- > Light." dens and fountains. > > UNVEILING THE MODEL OF THE TEMPLE TO BE > CONSTRUCTED ON MOUNT CARMEL > MASONREMEY > Address by CHARLES > > M A N Y years ago our beloved Master, ise, the Holy Land, one of his first activities > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, told us that certain material was building a temple to the Lord. That > objects, certain material constructions have temple was a very simple place of worship, > a spiritual mission and a spiritual effect in the altar which he built on the mountain top > the world. Before the BahL'i Temple, the for the sacrifices that he instituted as the > Ma&riqu'l-Aqhkhr, was built here in Wil- ritual for the people of his day. It was prob- > mette, He told us that when that Temple ably a very simple affair, built, laid up, of > was built, it would have a great spiritual ef- rough stones gathered from the top of the > fect in the world, that it would be a symbol mountain. But it was the center; that simple > manifesting forth to all of the world the altar on the mountain top, that place of war- > spiritual ideals and the services to humanity ship, was the center of the civilization of > of the members of the BahL'i Faith. that day. In those days, the people lived > As we study the history of the religions of pastoral lives in the valleys below, but on > the past, we see that each religion has built certain occasions they went up on the moun- > a civilization in the world and has developed tain top for their spiritual worship, for their > also a style of architecture which has found sacrifices. > its full and perfect expression in the temples Centuries later, when Moses, the Prophet > of the epoch. Way back in the very dawn of of God, led the children of Israel out of > religious history, when the Prophet Abra- Egypt, out of the land of bondage to the > ham came out from his home land and took land of promise, one of the first institutions > his band of followers to the Land of Prom- He established was the Tabernacle. That > Model of MaGriqu'l-Ad_hk&rdesigned for construction on Mi. Carmel, Israel, > Charles Mason Remey, architect. > INSTITUTION OF THE > > Tabernacle was a portable temple of wor- nine sides. This is to be the sanctuary for > ship. There was the inner Holy of Holies, worship, prayer and meditation, and this > there was the court around that, and finally central temple is to be surrounded by vari- > the outer court, and during the long forty ous institutions for the physical benefit of > years that the children of Israel were in the mankind-schools, hospitals and all other > wilderness, when they struck their camp, institutions that go to make up the activities > their first duty was to set up this Tabernacle. of a great world civilization. > Thus the Tabernacle was the center of their The BahL'i Temple expresses the renewal > religious life in the wilderness. of religion. It realizes a faith which relates > Later on, when the Jewish civilization de- the soul to a universal, a revealed and a > veloped in Jerusalem, Solomon's Temple divine truth wherein all human beings, of > was the center of their religious and cultural whatever race, class or creed, can meet and > life. It was built very much on the rudimen- share the true equality emanating from their > tary plan of the tabernacle in the wilderness, common dependence upon God. It serves a > having an inner Holy of Holies and then the teaching which goes beyond all the social > inner court and the outer court. philosophies to make possible a world order > At that time, people flowed from all na- capable not only of coordinating and guid- > tions to Jerusalem to partake of the learning ing economic effort but also of safeguarding > and culture of that civilization, the center of and fostering the highest qualities of man. > which was the Temple. The first BahL'i Temple was built many > When the Christian Church was estab- years ago in that country east of the Caspian > lished centuries later, little by little, their Sea, sometimes spoken of as Trans-Caspian. > churches became the cultural centers of There, in the City of 'IshqBbLd, our friends > Christianity. At first, the style was like the of the Orient built the first BahL'i Temple. > Roman style in the City of Rome. Later it It was my privilege to visit it some forty-five > developed into the Romanesque style in the years ago. We have heard very little about > West, into the Byzantine style of the Eastern our friends there in the last few years. The > Church, and after some thirteen or fourteen present Russian Government confiscated the > centuries, we have the flowering of the mag- Temple and the Bah2i community in 'IshqL- > nificent cathedrals and churches of Europe. bgd was scattered and dispersed. In the last > This style of architecture, the Gothic few days, we have dedicated the Temple > style, developed in its greatest fragrance, here in Wilmette. > beauty and magnificence in the central part A number of years ago, when I was still > of France: the Cathedrals of Lyon, of Char- a student of architecture, I first heard of the > tres, of Amiens, Rheims, and Notre Dame BahL'i Faith. When the time came for me to > of Paris are the outstanding temples of the create my thesis in architecture, I recollect > Christian era. that I wanted very much to take as my sub- > When Muhammad gave His teaching in ject a typical BahL'i Temple. That was a lit- > the deserts of Arabia, one of the first archi- tle over fifty years ago and thereafter I spent > tectural expressions was the Mosque. Islamic a great deal of time making different studies > culture went westward into Northern Africa, for BahL'i Temples. Some of you may recall > up into Spain, east into Persia and then that when the design was chosen for the > down into India. The Mosques of these Temple here in Wilmette, a nurnber of us > countries were the spiritual centers of edu- architects offered drawings, mine among > cation and culture in that magnificent civili- them. Shortly afterward, the Master, 'Ab- > zation which Isl6m gave to the world. du'l-Bah6, revealed a Tablet to me stating > And so it was with the other religions in that my mission in the future would be to > the Far East. The place of worship has been design the Temple to be built on Mt. Carnlel > the cultural center and the point for the in the Holy Land. > development of architecture and all the al- As we all know, the Holy Land is the > lied arts. I-Ioly Land of the Jewish, Christian and > Now, in the BahL'i Faith, the religion of Muhammadan religions. 'Now in these days, > the present age, we are exhorted, in the it is the Holy Land for all the world through > writings of BahL'u'llBh, to build temples for the BahL'i Faith. Our spiritual background > worship, and we have been given a general is there and also our administrative center > plan for these. There shall be a temple and the Master planned that there should be > proper, circular in effect, but actually having a BahL'i Temple 011 Mt. Carmel. > 550 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > About five years ago, our beloved Guard- really his rather than mine. He gave me a > ian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote to me that it was great many criticisms, a great many sugges- > time to begin to think of the design, the tions, and after a period of working, making > completed design, for that Temple. drawings, submitting them to him and re- > In the latter part of 1947 and the early studying them, a design was made that he > days of 1948, I made a complete set of approved. He decided that a model should > drawings for the Temple. Later I took those be made of this design and that it should be > drawings over to our Guardian and he made unveiled at this Conference. I left Haifa a > a number of suggestions that really created > little over three months ago, going to Italy, > within my mind an entirely unique and dif- > and there in the City of Florence, I engaged > ferent design' from any of those studies that > I had made before. That is what we are go- a wood carver to make this model. I had had > ing to show you this evening. These designs some rather bad experience with plaster > were made during the past two or three models, which did not hold up in transpor- > years while I have been living in Haifa and tation, but this model of wood has trans- > they were made under the direction of our ported very well. It is assembled and we are > Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. I must say that going to show it to you now. > the architecture, the architectural motifs, are It speaks for itself! > 4 . BAHA'I C A L E N D A R , FESTIVALS > A N D D A T E S OF HISTORIC > SIGNIFICANCE > FOREWORD > > From Bahd'u'lla'h and the New Era > > A M O N G different peoples and at different to adjust the calendar to the solar year. The > times many different methods have been Bib named the months after the attributes > adopted for the measurement of time and of God. The BahB'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 at the March equinox > in Western Europe, the Julian in many (March 21), and the Bahj'i era commences > countries of Eastern Europe, the Hebrew with the year of the BBb's declaration (i.e., > among the Jews, and the Muhammadan in 1844 A.D., 1260 A.H.), > Muslim countries. In the not far distant future it will be > The Bib signalized the importance of the necessary that all peoples in the world agree > dispensation which He came to herald, by on a common calendar. > inaugurating a new calendar. In this, as in It seems, therefore, fitting that the new > the Gregorian Calendar, the lunar month is age of unity should have a new calendar free > abandoned and the solar year is adopted. from the objections and associations which > The BahB'i year consists of 19 months of make each of the older calendars unaccept- > 19 days each (i.e., 361 days), with the addi- able to large sections of the world's popula- > tion of certain "intercalary days" (four in tion, and it is difficult to see how any other > ordinary and five in leap years) between the arrangement could exceed in simplicity and > eighteenth and nineteenth months in order convenience that proposed by the Bib. > > BAHA'I FEASTS, ANNIVERSARIES AND DAYS > OF FASTING > > Feast of RidvBn (Declaration of BahB'u'llBh), April 21-May 2, 1863. > Feast of Naw-R6z (New Year), March 21. > Declaration of the Bib, May 23, 1844. > The Day of the Covenant, November 26. > Birth of BahB'u'llBh, November 12, 1817. > Birth of the Bib, October 20, 1819. > Birth of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, May 23, 1844. > Ascension of BahL'u'llih, May 29, 1892. > Martyrdom of the Bib, July 9, 1850. > Ascension of 'Abdu'l-BahB, November 28, 1921. > Fasting seasons lasts 19 days beginning with the first day of the month of 'AIL', March 2 > -the feast of Naw-RGz follows immediately after. > 552 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > BAWI HOLY DAYS ON WHICH WORK > SHOULD BE SUSPENDED > > The first day of Ridvin, > The ninth day of Ridvin, > The twelfth day of Ridviin, > The anniversary of the declaration of the BBb, > The anniversary of the birth of BahL'u'llLh, > The anniversary of the birth of the BLb, > The anniversary of the ascension of BahL'u'llhh, > The anniversary of the martyrdom of the BLb, > The feast of Naw-Rfiz. > > NOTE: 'Abdu'l-BahL, in one of His Tablets addressed to a believer of Nayriz, Persia, > 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-BahL), 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 (BahL'u'llLh) and the > Primal Point (the BQb), that is to say these nine days, are the only ones on > which work connected with trade, commerce, industry and agriculture is not > allowed. In like manner, work connected with any form of employment, > whether governmental or otherwise, should be suspended." > As a corollary of this Tablet it follows that the anniversaries of the birth and > ascension of 'Abdu'l-BahL are not to be regarded as days on which work is pro- > hibited. The celebration of these two days, however, is obligatory. > Bahgis in East and West, holding administrative positions, whether public or > private, should exert the utmost effort to obtain special leave from their superiors > to enable them to observe these nine holy days. > > ADDITIONAL MATERIAL GLEANED FROM NABiL'S > NARRATIVE (VOE. 11), REGARDING THE > BAHA'I CALENDAR > > The Badi' Calendar (Bahi'i Calendar) place on the evening preceding the fifth day > has been taken by me from the Kita'b-i- of Jamhdiyu'l-Avval, of the year 1260 A.H. > Asrnd', one of the works written by the BBb. It has been ordained that the solar calendar > As I have observed in these days that certain be followed, and that the vernal Equinox, > believers are inclined to regard the year in the day of Naw-RGz, be regarded as the > which BahL'u'llLh departed from Baghdid New Year's Day of the Badi' Calendar. The > to Constantinople as marking the begi;ning year sixty, in which the fifth day of J a m b > of the Bad? Calendar, I have requested diyu'l-Avval coincided with the sixty-fifth > Mirzb A q i Jin, the amanuensis of Bahg- day after Naw-Rfiz, has accordingly been > u'llih, to ascertain His will and desire con- regarded as the first year of the Badi' Calen- > cerning this matter. BahL'u'llih answered dar. As in that year, the day of Naw-Rfiz, > and said: 'The year sixty A.H. (1844 A.D.), the vernal Eq~~inox, preceded by sixty-six > the year of the Declaration of the BLb, must days the date of the Declaration of the Bib, > be regarded as the beginning of the Badi' I have therefore, throughout my history, re- > Calendar.' The Declaration of the Bib took garded the Naw-RGz of the year sixty-one > BAHA'I CALENDAR A N D FESTIVALS > > A.H. (the Naw-R6z immediately following of Malik, in that city, He commanded me > the Declaration of the Bib) as the first to transcribe the text of the Badi' Calendar > Naw-R6z of the Badi' Calendar. I have and to instruct the believers in its details. > accordingly considered the Naw-Riiz of this On the very day in which I received His > present year, the year 1306 A.H., which is command, I composed, in verse and prose, > the 47th solar year after the Declaration of an exposition of the main features of that > the Bib, as the 46th Naw-R6z of the Badi' Calendar and presented it to Him. The > Calendar. versified copy, being now unavailable, I am > Soon after BahL'u'llih had left the for- herein transcribing the version in prose. > tress of 'Akki and was dwelling in the house The days of the week are named as follows: > Days Arabic Name English Name Translation > 1st Jalil Saturday Glory > 2nd Jam i l Sunday Beauty > 3rd Kamil Monday Perfcction > 4th Fidil Tuesday Grace > 5th 'Idil Wednesday Justice > 6th Istijlil Thursday Majesty > 7th Istiqlil Friday Independe~ice > > The names of the months, which are the same as the days of each month, are as follows: > Month Arabic Name Translation First Days > 1st Bahi Splendor March 21 > 2nd Jalil Glory April 9 > 3rd JamU Beauty April 28 > 4th 'Azamat Grandeur May 17 > 5th Niir Light June 5 > 6th Ralpnat Mercy June 24 > 7th Kalimh Words July 13 > 8th KamU Perfection August 1 > 9th Asm2 Names August 20 > 10th 'Izzat Might September 8 > 11th Mas_hiyyat Will September 27 > 12th 'Ilm Knowledge October 16 > 13th Qudrat Power November 4 > 14th Qawl Speech November 23 > 15th MasL'il Questions December 12 > 16th Zharaf Honor December 31 > 17th Sult6n Sovereignty January 19 > 18th Mulk Dominion February 7 > 19th 'AIL' Loftiness March 2 > > AyyQm-i-Hi (Intercalary Days) February 26 to March 1 inclusive- > four in ordinary and five in leap years. > > The first day of each month is thus the and has decreed that the day of Naw-Riiz > day of Bahi, and the last day of each month should mark the termination of that period. > the day of 'AIL'. As the Bib did not specifically define the > The BQb has regarded the solar year, of place for the four days and the fraction of a > 365 days, 5 hours, and fifty odd minutes, as day in the Badi' Calendar, the people of the > consisting of 19 months of 19 days each, Bccya'n were at a loss as to how they should > with the addition of certain intercalary days. regard them. The revelation of the Kita'b-i- > He has named the New Year's Day, which is Aqdas in the city of 'Akki resolved this > the Day of Naw-R6z, the day of BahC, of problem and settled the issue. BahL'u'llQh > the month of Bahi. He has ordained the designated those days as the "Ayyim-i-Hii" > month of 'A12 to be the month of fasting, and ordained that they should immediately > 554 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > National Haziratu'l-Quds, Tihrin, Persia, Ridvin, 1951. (View taken from the air.) > > precede the month of 'AIL', which is the The Bib has, moreover, in His writings, > month of fasting. He enjoined upon His revealed in the Arabic tongue, divided the > followers to devote these days to feasting, years following the date of His Revelation, > rejoicing, and charity. Immediately upon into cycles of nineteen years each. The > the termination of these intercalary days, names of the years in each cycle are as fol- > BahL'u'llih ordained the month of fasting to lows: > begin. I have heard it stated that some of > the people of the Baydn, the followers of 1. Alif A. > Mirzi Yahyi, have regarded these inter- 2. BL' B. > calary days as coming immedia~elyafter the 3. Ab Father. > month of 'AIL', thus terminating their fast 4. D i l D. > five days before the day of Naw-Rbz. This, 5. Biib Gate. > notwithstanding the explicit text of the 6. Viv v. > Bay& which states that the day of Naw- 7. Abad Eternity. > Rbz must needs be the first day of the 8. J i d Generosity. > month of Bahi, and must follow immedi- 9. Bahi Splendor. > ately after the last day of the month of 10. Hubb Love. > 'A16'. Others, aware of this contradiction, 11. Bahhij Delightful. > have started their fasting on the fifth day of 12. JavAb Answer. > the month of 'AIL', and included the inter- 13. Ahad Single. > calary days within the period of fasting. 14. Vahhib Bountiful. > Every fourth year the number of the in- 15. Vidid Affection. > tercalary days is raised from four to five. 16. Badi Beginning. > The day of Naw-R6z falls on the 21st of 17. Bahi Luminous. > March only if the vernal Equinox precedes 18. Abhi Most Luminous. > the setting of the sun on that day. Should 19. Vihid Unity. > the vernal Equinox take place after sunset, > Naw-Rbz will have to be celebrated on the Each cycle of nineteen years is called > following day. Vihid. Nineteen cycles constitute a period > BAHA'I CALENDAR AND FESTIVALS 555 > > called Kull-i-%hay'. The numerical value of For instance, the date of the 21st of April, > the word "Vihid" is nineteen, that of "Kull- 1930, which is the first day of Ridvan, and > i-$hay"' is 361. "V6hid" signifies unity, which according to the Kita'b-i-Aqdas must > and is symbolic of the unity of God. coincide with the "thirteenth day of the sec- > The Bib has, moreover, stated that this ond BahL'i month," and which fell this year > system of His is dependent upon the accept- (1930) on Monday, would, according to the > system of the Badi' Calendar, be described > ance and good-pleasure of "Him Whom as follows: > God shall make manifest." One word from "The day of Kamfil, the day of Qudrat, > Him would suffice either to establish it for of the month of Jalil, of the year Bahhij, > all time, or to annul it forever. of the fifth Vihid, of the first Kull-i-%hay'." > > Haqiratu'l-Quds of the Bah2is of Germany and Austria, Frankfurt-am-Main, > Germany, newly erected, April, 1951. > 556 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > HISTORICAL DATA GLEANED FROM NABfL'S > NARRATIVE (VOL. 11) REGARDING > BAHA'U'LLAH > Works Revealed Houses Occupied > During This During This > Period Period > > Arrival latter part Jamidiyu'&- House of HAji 'Ali- > Thini, 1269 A.H. Madad > March 12-April 10, 1853 A.D. (in old BaghdAd) > - > > Departure for Sulayminiyyih on House of Sulaymin- > Wednesday, April 10, 1854 A.D.- i-G_hannim > Rajab 12, 1270 A.H. > > Prayers > > Before reaching Sulayminiyyih, He > lived for a time on the Sar-Gal6 > mountain. > > During His absence from Baghdad, > His family transferred theiF resi- > dence from House of Hiji 'Ali- > Madad to that of Sulaym6n-i- > G-hann6m. > > Nabil arrived at Baghdad 6 months > after Bah6'u'llih's departure for > Sulayminiyyih. > > Taf sir-i-WurGf Bt-i- > Muqatta'ih > Arrived from Sulayminiyyih on Sahifiy-i-Shattiyyih > Wednesday, March 19, 1856 A.D. Haft-VBdi > -Rajab 12, 1272 A.H. (Seven Valleys) > Tafsir-i-H6 ' > > Lawh-i-H6riyyih > Kitib-i-lqin > Kalimit-i-Maknfinih > (Hidden Words) > Departure from Mazra'iy-i-Vah- SubhAna-Rabbiya'l- > s_his_h:Thursday, March 26, 1863 'Ali > A.D.--S_havvil 5, 1279 A.H. SJhikkar-Shikan- > Shavand > Tablet of the Holy Mariner revealed H6r-i-'Ujib > while in the Mazra'iy-i-Vas_hs_h6s_h. Halih-Halih-Yi > Bis&irat > G-hulimu'l-auld > Az-Bigh-i-Ilbhi > Departure from Baghdgd for Con- ~ 6 z i v u I ~ i d i h - J i m i > stantinople, Wednesday afternoon > (first day of Ridvin), April 22, > 1863 A.D.--D_hihi'l-Qa'dih 3, 1279 > A.H. > BAHA'I CALENDAR A N D FESTIVALS 557 > > Works Revealed EIouses Occupied > During This During This > Period Period > > S6riy-i-Sabr revealed on first day of Mallihu'l-Quds > Ridvln. (Holy Mariner) > > Arrival at Garden of Najibiyyih > (Garden of Ridvin), April 22, > 1863 A.D.-D-hi'l-Qa'dih 3, 1279 > A.H. > > Arrival of BahB'u'llih's Family at > Garden of RidvLn on eighth day > after first of RidvLn. > > Departure from Garden of Ridvin > for Constantinople last day of > Ridvin, at noon on Sunday, May > 3, 1863 A.D.-D-hill-Qa'dih 14, > 1279 A.H. > > Length of overland journey from > Garden of Ridvin to SimsGn on > Black Sea: 110 days. > > Firayjit (arrival early afternoon- Mkdin, > stayed seven days), arrived on Sun- DiyLr-Bakr, > day, May 3, 1863 A.D.-Rhi'l- Ma'dan-Mis, > Qa'dih 14, 1279 A.H. (Firayjit K_hirpGt (stayed 2 or 3 days), > is about 3 miles distant from Ma'dan-Nuqrih, > BaghdLd) Dilik-Ti&, > JudayJih, SivLs, > Dili-'AbbBs, TGqit, > Qarih-Tapih, Amasia (stayed 2 days), > Salihiyyih (stayed two nights), Ilihiyyih (while approaching Sim- > Dlist-K_hhurmLtG, sGn, "Lawh-i-Hawdaj" was re- > Tiwuq, vealed), (last day of overland > KarkGk (stayed two days), journey), > Irbil, SLmslin (stayed 7 days), Black Sea > Zib River, port. Sailed in a Turkish steamer > Bartallih, about sunset for Constantinople, > Mosul (stayed 3 days), Sinope (arrived next day about > Zikh6, noon), Black Sea port: stayed few > Jazirih, hours, > Nisibin, Anyibuli (arrived next day). > Hasan-Aqi, > > Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur- Duration > ing This Period ing This Period > > Arrival at noon on Subhinika-YL-H6 House of SJhamsi Big 1 month > Sunday, August 16, Lawh-i-'Abdu'l-'Aziz (2-story, near K-hir- > 1863, A.D. Va-Vukal6 gih Kharaf Mosque) > Rabi'u'l-Avval 1, > 1280 A.H. > 558 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > D. CONSTANTINOPLE- Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur- Duration > continued ing This Period ing This Period > > Length of sea voyage House of Visi Pfi&fi 3 months > from SfimsGn to (3-story, near Sul- > Constantinople 3 tfin Muhammad > days. Mosque) > > Length of journey > from Constantinople > to Adrianople 12 > days. > > 1. Kfidik-C_hakma&ih (3 hours from Constantinople-spent one night) > 2. BuyGk-Chakmadih (arrived about noon) > 3. Salvari 4. Birkh 5. BAbfi-iskf > > Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur- > Duration > ing This Period ing This Period > > Arrival on Saturday, Sliriy-i-Avhfib 1. Khfin-i-'ArAb 3 nights > December 12, 1863 (caravanserai, > A.D.-Rajab 1, two-story, near > 1280 A.H. house of 'Izzat- > AqB) > Length of stay: 4 > years, 8 months, 22 > days. > > Length of overland Kithb-i-Badi' 2. House in Murfidiy- 1 week > journey from Con- SGriy-i-MulGk yih quarter, near > stantinople to Adri- (Tablet of the Takyiy-i-Mawlavi > anople: 12 days. Kings) > > Departure from Adri- SGriy-i-Amr 3. House in Murfidiy- 6 months > anople on Wednes- Sliriy-i-Damm yih quarter, near > day, August 12, AlvBh-i-Laylatu'l- house 2 > 1868 A.D.-Rabi- Quds 4. K_h6niy-i-Amru'llAh > Munfijfithfiy-i-Siyfim (several stories, > (Prayers for Fast- near Sultan-Salim > ing) Mosque) > Lawh-i-Sayyfih 5. House of Rid6 Big 1 year > Lawh-i-Nfipulylin I 6. House of Amru'llfih 3 months? > (First Tablet to (3-story. North > Napoleon 111) of Sultan-Salim > Mosque) > Lawh-i-Sultfin 7. House of 'Izzat-Aq6 11 months > (Tablet to the S_hfih > of Persia) > Lawh-i-Nuqtih > > 1. UzGn-Kupri > 2. Kas_hfinih (arrived about noon. Lawh-i-Ra'is (Tablet of Ra'is) was revealed in > this place) > B A H A ' I C A L E N D A R A N m DF E S T I V A L S 559 > > 3. Gallipoli (length of journey from Adrianople to Gallipoli about 4 days) > (after a few days' stay sailed before noon in Austrian steamer for > Alexandria, Egypt) > 4. Madelli (arrived about sunset-left at night) > 5. Smyrna (stayed 2 days, left at 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 'Akki) > > Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur- > Duration > ing This Period ing This Period > > Arrival on Monday, KitBb-i-Aqdas 1. Barracks 2 years, 2 > August 3 1, A.D. Lawh-i-NBpulybn I1 months, > 1868-Jamidiyu'l- (Second Tablet to 5 days > Avval 12, 1285 A.H. Napoleon 111) > Lawh-i-Malikih 2. House of Malik 3 months > (Tablet to Queen 3. House of RBbi'ih > Victoria) > Lawh-i-Malik-i-Rbs 4. House of Mans6r 2 or 3 > Purest Branch died on (Tablet to the months > Thursday, June 23, Czar) > 1870 A.D.-Rabic- S6riy-i-Haykal 5. House of 'Abbiid > u'l-Avval 23, 1287 Lawh-i-BurhLn (where KitLb-i- > A.H. Lawh-i-Ru'yB Aqdas was re- > Lawh-i-Ibn-i-Rhi'b vealed) > (Epistle to Son of 6. Mazra'ih > the Wolf) > Lawh-i-Pi p 7. Q a ~ r > Passed away May 29, (Tablet to the (Mansion, where > 1892 A.D. Pope) He passed away) > > DATES OF HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE DURING THE FIRST > ONE HUNDRED AND TEN YEARS OF THE BAHA'f FAITH > > Declaration of the Mission of the Bib in Imprisonment of BahP'u'llBh in the SiyBh- > Chiriz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 23, 1844 Chi1 of TihrBn . . . . . . . . .August, 1852 > Departure of the BLb on His pilgrimage to Banishment of Bahi'u'llih to Baghdad - .... > Mecca . . . . . . . . . . . . . .September, 1844 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 12, 1853 > Arrival of the BBb in Mah-K6, AQirbiyjBn Withdrawal of BahB'u'llih to KurdistBn . . . > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Summer, 1847 .................... .Aprl 10, 1854 > Incarceration of the Bib in Chihriq, Ad_hir- Return of BahL'u'llBh from KurdistBn . . . . > bByjBn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April, 1848 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March 19, 1856 > Conference of Bada&t . . . . . . . .June, 1848 > Interrogation of the Bkb in Tabriz, Adhir- Declaration of the Mission of BahP'u'llih > bByj5n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July, 1848 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 22, 1863 > Martyrdom of the Bib in Tabriz, Ad_hir- Arrival of BahB'u'llBh in Constantinople . . . > bLyjBn ................. .July 9, 1850 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 16, 1863 > Attempt on the life of Nisiri'd-Din Khih Arrival of Bahi'u'llih in Adrianople . . . . . > ....................August 15, 1852 .................December 12, 1863 > Haziratu'l-Quds of the Bah6'is of Kampala, Uganda, > British East Africa, April, 1952. > > Haziratu'l-Quds of the Bah6'is of Paris, France, 1953. > BAHA'I CALENDAR A N D FESTIVALS 561 > > Departure of Bah6'u'llih from Adrianople Resolution of the Council of the League of > ....................August 12, 1868 Nations upholding the claim of the Ba- > Arrival of BahL'u'llih in 'Akkd . . . . . . . . . hL'i community to the House of BahL'- > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 31, 1868 u'llih in Baghdad . . . . . ..March 4, 1929 > Death of the Purest Branch . .June 23, 1870 Passing of t h e ~ r e a t e s Holy t Leaf . . . . . . . > Ascension of BahL'u'llih . . . .May 29, 1892 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July, 1932 > First public reference to the Faith in Amer- Inception of the First American Seven-Year > ica ............. .September 23, 1893 Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April, 1937 > Establishment of the first Bah6'i center in Completion of exterior ornamentation of the > the West . . . . . . . . . . . . .February, 1894 Mas_hriqu'l-Adhkh in Wilmette, Illinois > Arrival of the first group of Western pil- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1943 > grims in 'Akki . . . . .December 10, 1898 Centenary celebration of the Founding of > Arrival of the Bib's remains in the Holy the BahL'i Faith and opening of first All- > Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . .January 3 1, 1899 American BahL'i Convention ......... > Reincarceration of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in 'Akki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 23, 1944 > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 20, 1901 Inception of Second American Seven-Year > Commencement of the construction of the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April, 1946 > Mas_hriqu'l-Adhkir of 'Is_hq;ibid . . . . . . Completion of Arcade and Parapet of the > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .November 28, 1902 Shrine of the Bib on Mt. Carmel ...... > Release of 'Abdu'l-Bahi from His incarcera- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 9, 1950 > tion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September, 1908 > Commemoration of Centenary of the Mar- > Interment of the Bib's remains on Mt. Car- > tyrdom of the Bib . . . . . . . .July 9, 1950 > me1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March 21, 1909 > Opening of the first American Bahi'i Con- Completion of interior ornamentation of the > Mas_hriqu'l-Adhkir in Wilmette, Illinois > vention . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March 21, 1909 > 'Abdu'l-Bah&'s departure for Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .October, 1952 > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .September, 1910 Inauguration of the Centenary Celebrations > 'Abdu'l-Bah6's arrival in London . . . . . . . . of the birth of BahL'u'llih's Prophetic > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .September 4, 1911 Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October, 1952 > 'Abdu'l-Bahi's arrival in America . . . . . . . First BahL'i Intercontinental Teaching Con- > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..April 11, 1912 ference, Kampala, Uganda, Africa . . . . . > Laying of the corner-stone of the Ma&ri- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .February 12-18, 1953 > qu'l-Adhkir in Wilmette, Ill., by 'Abdu'l- Bahi'i dedication of the Mabriqu'l-Adhkir > Bahi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May 1, 1912 in Wilmette, Illinois . . . . . .May 1, 1953 > 'Abdu'l-BahL's return to the Holy Land . . . Public dedication . . . . . . . .May 2, 1953 > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 5, 1913 All-America BahL'i Intercontinental Teach- > Unveiling of the Tablets of the Divine Plan ing Conference, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April, 1919 and the inauguration of the Ten-Year In- > Commencement of the construction of the ternational BahL'i Teaching and Consoli- > Mabriqu'l-Ad&kir in Wilmette, Illinois dation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . .May 3-6, 1953 > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .December, 1920 Third BahL'i Intercontinental Teaching Con- > Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ference, Stockholm, Sweden . . . . . . . . . . > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .November 28, 1921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..July 21-26, 1953 > Verdict of the Muhammadan Court in Fourth Bahs'i Intercontinental Teaching > Egypt pronouncing the Faith to be an Conference, New Delhi, India ........ > independent religion . . . . .May 10, 1925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..October 7-15, 1953 > Martha Root's first interview with Queen Completion of the construction of the > Marie of Rumania . . . .January 30, 1926 Shrine of the Bib . . . . . . .October, 1953 > 5 . YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT > THE B A H A ' I WORLD > AROUND THE WORLD WITH B A m ' f YOUTH* > > (Compiled by the National Bcnhd'i Youth Com:mitteeof the United States) > > INTRODUCTION power animating the life, and the institutions > of the nascent Faith of BahVu'llCih than an > intelligent, persistent, and effective participa- > BAHA'I Youth the world over have been tion of the BahL'i Youth, of every race, na- > very busy carrying on extensive studying, tionality, and class, in both the teaching and > teaching, and administrative work. The re- administrative spheres of BahL'i activity. > ports of the different countries during the . . . I hope, and indeed pray, that such a > years 106-108 of the BahL'i era show the participation may not only redound to the > important role the youth have come to play glory, the power, and the prestige of the > in the present BahL'i world. The youth have Faith, but may also react so powerfully on > pioneered in many countries. They have the spiritual lives, and galvanize to such an > been the mainstay of some communities. extent the energies of the youthful members > They have served on Local Spiritual Assem- of the BahL'i community, as to empower > blies, as well as on many national commit- them to display, in a fuller measure, their > tees. inherent capacities, and to unfold a further > Shoghi Effendi has said in one of his let- stage in their spiritual evolution under the > ters (through his secretary), "The youth to- shadow of the Faith of BahVu'llCih." > day must show forth a greater maturity than Responding to these inspiring words, the > any previous generation, for they are called BahL'i Youth continue to spread their glo- > upon to pass through perhaps the gravest rious Message, and to work for their won- > crisis in the history of the world, and they derful Faith, and prepare themselves to be > must meet their destiny with faith, steadfast- of greater service as the adult membership > ness, assurance and poise." of a New World Order. > The reports of a number of the BahVi > Youth Committees around the world give GREATBRITAIN > evidence that the BahVi youth everywhere > are maturing. And although the youth have During the years 1950 to 1952, following > become more and more active in shoulder- the completion of the Six-Year Plan, the > ing adult work, they have not neglected the key words of all BahL'i activity were "con- > youth work. NO, the BahL'i young people solidation" and "austerity." We soon dis- > have also carried on their own activities. covered that the task of consolidation was as > They have persisted in spite of programs of demanding as that of initial teaching, and > austerity, in spite of restrictions in some called for mature minds and a new kind of > localities, and have redoubled their efforts patience. > to carry out the different plans of the The new maturity of the community was > Guardian. demonstrated by the lowering of the youth > In The Advent of Divine Justice (p. 581, age limit from 30 to 25 years. Now we offi- > Shoghi Effendi has given this message to the cially adopt the sober responsibilities of age > Bahi'i Youth: "No greater demonstration five years sooner than before. We find youth > can be given to the peoples of both conti- serving on local spiritual assemblies in many > nents of the youthful vitality and the vibrant towns and making valuable contributions in > - > - the pioneering and teaching field. > Strict austerity has limited the number of > 'The period covered is roughly 1949-1952 (BahC'1 Youth C ~ ~ ~ i t meetings > t e e and > Years 106-108, inclusive). BahQi Youth on reaching > the age 21 years become voting members and assume local youth activities. In 1950, World Youth > responsibilities with adults in the BahL'i Community. > The report of the National Youth Committee of the Was local > United States is given on pages 586-596. inaugurating a special youth fund for contri- > butions to the Shrine of the Bhb. Youth people to our Faith. Despite general diffi- > were asked to donate money they might oth- culties in presenting religious topics, other > erwise have spent if a national youth gather- than Catholic, in Italy, the number of young > ing had been arranged. declared believers is slowly but steadily in- > In 1951 the publication of the Baha"i creasing. Especially in the year 1951 the > Youth Bulletin was suspended for austerity Youth Committee attracted some young > reasons, but, at the same time, we saw an elements to the Cause in Rome. In the com- > exciting new development in the appoint- munities of Florence and Naples a number > ment of a National Youth Committee for of young people were deeply interested in > Scotland. the Message. > The youth activities during the Summer There are also youth working on the fol- > Schools of 1950 and 1951 reached their lowing committees appointed by our As- > height when an entire day's program of semblies: Translation, Feasts, and Book > teaching, entertainment and the presentation Sale. Two of us are even members of the > of different aspects of BahL'i life was carried Spiritual Assemblies of Rome and Naples. > out successfully for both Bahb'is and non- Our committee was often visited by > BahL'is. friends coming from abroad-from Persia, > This year's Youth Committee has tried to America, Luxembourg, Switzerland. Per- > consult and organize largely by correspond- sonal acquaintance strengthened the already > ence. Its activities include the encourage- solid ties of Bahi'i brotherhood and fellow- > ment of isolated youth, single youth mem- ship. Among our dear guests we mention, > bers in adult communities, and the support with a special feeling of gratitude for the > of the work of local youth committees. In spiritual inspiration they gave us, Jindra > some communities all the youth serve on the Mynarod, Rustam PaymLn, Masoud Bej i s > local spiritual assemblies, and they have de- and Peri Mottahedeh. Representatives of > cided against the formation of a local youth our committee took part in the European > committee for the present. But London, Teaching Conferences of Brussels, Copen- > Bournemouth, Birmingham and Newcastle hagen and Scheveningen, visiting with the > have active Youth Committees meeting reg- local youth committees. > ularly and making extremely useful contacts Of special importance lo us was the visit > with associations and non-BahL'i communi- of Mr. Ted Cardell, who passed through > ties which are sympathetic to our principles. Rome on his way to pioneer in Africa. He > Plans for the future include a youth con- met with members of our committee who, > ference in Nottingham to be held over the deeply moved by his inspiring Bahb'i en- > coming Naw-Rfiz for all the British Bahi'is. > thusiasm, went to bid him farewell at his > Four of Britain's youth served as pioneers to > Africa in the six-year plan. The youth of departure, expressing to him once more > today are the pioneers and administrators of their BahL'i love and their wishes for great > tomorrow! spiritual success. > The celebration of some Feasts and Fes- > tivities-such as the Day of the Covenant > and World Religion Day-was entrusted to > The German Youth celebrated World the Youth Committee. Our youth explained > Youth Day in the city of Heidelberg. Ar- on those occasions to numerous audiences > riving on bicycles, by train and on buses, the religious value and meaning of the > over fifty young friends came to participate Manifestation of BahL'u'llhh. > in this sixth post-war World Youth Day. The hopes of young people in general are, > The specific topic was: "World Peace, Our of course, very high, even if their practical > Obligation." achievements sometimes fall short of their > hopes. But we are sure that "older" BahP'is > will apply also to our shortcomings these > The Bahb'i Faith, since the year 1947, has words of 'Abdu'l-BahL: "There are imper- > found hearty response in Italy among young fections in every human being, and you will > people. So iri the course of time a Youth always become unhappy if you look towards > Committee was formed, the basic work of the people themselves. But if you look to- > which consists in attracting interested young wards God you will love them." > 564 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of Maywood, Illinois, > incorporated June 11, 1951. > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahC'is of Fresno, California, > incorporated February 20, 1953. > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of San Diego, California, > incorporated April 29, 1953. > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Sacramento, California, > incorporated April 9, 1954. (One member had died.) > 566 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > posium the guests were invited to an elegant > banquet. > The National Youth Committee con- > tinued the work it started last year, extend- > ing the range of cultural activities and > youth studies with illuminating and out- > standing results. Social activities were The Persian BahL'i Youth have enjoyed > carried out on a larger scale, including real cooperation while performing their > parties held at the homes of the friends. To duties. In the following report some of the > these parties non-Bahi'is were invited to BahL'i youth activities for the years 106-107 > enable them to get some idea about the are outlined. > Bahi'i community. This resulted in narrow- With the help of the youth, forty-two new > ing the gulf between Bahi'is and non- BahL'i youth centers have been established. > Bahb'is. Some Bahb'i studies were included, At present there are 207 committees and > besides fun, in the program of these parties. thirteen youth groups, totaling 220 Bahb'i > The committee, in cooperation with the youth centers. > National Spiritual Assembly, carried out The BahL'i youth have contributed to the > several projects for the Faith, such as, the teaching prog;am, but owing to the present > pioneering project in central Africa. This restrictions. full results were not obtained > project was carried on simultaneously by in this field. > the National Spiritual Assemblies of Persia, What the BahL'i youth have accomplished > India, the United States and the British in pioneering really deserves attention be- > Isles. The pioneering project in Libya and cause they have participated notably in the > Algiers, also the Five-Year Plan for Egypt fulfillment of the 45-month pioneering > and Sild6n, are still being worked out. plan. The number of the Bahi'i youth who > The committee published several reli- have pioneered during the two years ex- > gious documents and some valuable studies ceeds 120. In addition the youth, by means > on the Faith. of teaching trips, donations, and corre- > The National Youth Committee, with the spondence, have been in contact with the > support of local committees, made regula- pioneers. The Persian National Youth Com- > tions for the approaching summer school. mittee strove by every means possible to > The National Youth Committee planned for encourage youth to pioneer-with the result > symposiums on pioneering which were held that classes were opened for the teaching > by all the local committees. These sympo- of arts and for the guidance of candidates. > siums explained the pioneering project. A Reducing the number of illiterates was > booklet on the African project was dis- an important project during the two years. > cussed. Classes were held in which friends of all > A registration book was prepared for ages participated. The Bahb'i youth con- > youth to record their ages, occupations, tributed by providing funds and by sending > aims, and qualifications for pioneering. teachers to the Bahi'i centers. As a result > This registration book was intended to en- of the project a number of youth have been > able the committee to select the persons to taught to read and write. w e can now state > be recommended for pioneering. that in several centers there are no Bahb'i > National Youth Day, in which all the illiterates. Despite difficulties experienced in > local committees of Egypt assisted, was this field and the lack of facilities at hand, > celebrated on December 23, 1951. Its sub- we hope with the new plans and the help of > ject was "The Basis of International Peace." the Almighty, better results can be obtained > International Youth Day, which was with the view to completely dispelling illit- > celebrated on the 25th of March, 1951, was eracy from the Bahb'i community. > very successful. It was thoroughly planned The teaching of children and youth has > by the National Youth Committee under been undertaken by the youth in all the > the supervision of the National Spiritual As- centers. The following classes were held: > sembly. Important personalities were invited 1. Classes for children. > to this International Youth Day, including 2. Classes in the BahL'i Writings in > writers, journalists and other broadminded which BahL'i Laws, principles, ad- > people. A film of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkLr ministrative order, history and other > was shown, and at the close of the sym- subjects were taught. > BAHA'f YOUTH ACTIVITIES 567 > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Glendale, California, > incorporated April 29, 1954. > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Tucson, Arizona, > incorporated January 21, 1954. > 568 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Spiritual Asembly of the BahB'is of Oak Park, Illinois, > incorporated February 16, 1954. > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Nashville, Tennessee, > incorporated April 13, 1954. > Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Greenwich, Connecticut, > incorporated April 23, 1954. > 570 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 3. Classes for increasing general knowl- More than 5,000 Bahi'i youths attended > edge-scientific and literary confer- the BahL'i symposium which was held on > ences, discussion classes, speech and Sunday the 6th of $hahru'l-Mulk, Year 106 > reading, Arabic and English, fine arts (February 12, 195O), in more than eighty > classes, and summer school classes places in Persia. > were held for the youth. The program included Ruhiyyih KJhh6- > As usual the Bahii'i youth have traveled num's article, a speech on "The Future > to many BahB'i centers, especially during World under the BahL'i Faith," music, and > the summer time. They have profited from other activities. During the symposium con- > this opportunity to visit the BahL'i pioneers. tributions were given for the pioneering > They have met and worked with other plan. > BahL'i youth. More than 170 BahL'i youths On the suggestion of the Persian National > have gone on teaching trips during those Youth Committee and with the approval of > two years. the National Youth of America, the Sympo- > Youth clubs have been established in sium of the Year 107 was held on Sunday, > more' than twenty centers. In some places 5th of Shahru'l-BahL (March 25, 1950), to > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Reno, Nevada, > incorporated April 20, 1954. > > these clubs were developed as social centers commemorate 'Abdu'l-BahL's trip from East > for the Bahi'i youth. to West. > The Bahi'i youth of Persia have suc- The fourth Persian BahL'i Youth Con- > ceeded in issuing publications in more than vention was held in Shahru'l-Kalimiit, Year > seventeen places. Some of the publications 106, eighteen delegates participating, and > are in the form of wall bulletins. Ahang the fifth Convention was held with nineteen > Bndi (The New Melody) is a national bul- delegates and six members of the National > letin which has been published for five Youth Committee. The following messages > years and has 1,200 subscribers. from the Guardian were in reply to the > Libraries are often established and super- Convention's cables : > vised by the youth. At present the youth "Assure participants fourth youth con- > have libraries in more than seventy places. ference ardent loving prayers success delib- > Twenty-three libraries have been inaugu- erations befitting discharge sacred responsi- > rated by the BahB'i youth in the past two bilities. Shoghi." > years. In addition, the youth have strength- "Appreciate message youth convention > ened the libraries by giving books and supplicating bountiful blessing. Shoghi." > money, and have encouraged BahVi youth During the Years 106 and 107, fifty- > by every means possible to use those librar- seven BahVi youth conferences were held > ies and benefit from them. in twenty BahL'i centers. The delegates of > BAHA'I' Y O U T H A C T I V I T I E S 571 > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Surat, India, > incorporated March 24, 1951. > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Jalna, Hyderabad (Deccan), > India, incorporated 1951. > 572 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Kamarhati, India, > incorporated September 7, 1950. > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Mysore, India, > incorporated September 25, 4950. > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 573 > > the National Youth Committee attended large extent due to the sacrifices of a number > twenty of these conferences. Two regional of young believers. In addition to assisting > conferences were held during these years. in the establishment of new Assemblies, > Exhibitions of fine arts were held in six youth are the mainstay of many local As- > BahA'i centers during the two-year period. semblies, several of which, particularly on > the west coast, are constituted entirely of > youth. > Youth from various centers gathered to- > The Regional Youth Committees have gether and went on a teaching trip to South > continued to function: one in India, one in India. They toured most of the major cities > PBkisth, and one in Burma, in addition to and traversed nearly 3,000 miles, visiting > the National Youth Committee at the cen- new centers, making contacts, giving the > ter. Message to various people and also en- > The function of these Regional Com- couraging pioneers who had for a long time > mittees included: (1) holding the Summer been ~solatedfrom the rest of the com- > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bah2is of Singapore, > incorporated July 28, 1952. > > Schools in their respective regions, (2) munity and were striving hard to serve the > encouraging the youth to acquaint them- Cause. > selves more fully with the Bah2i teachings, A valuable addition to our ranks was the > (3) consolidation of old youth centers and arrival of Rizwanieh Eghrari in Delhi re- > developing new ones, (4) encouraging cently. Having stayed for a short while in > youth to undertake short teaching trips in England assisting the British BahL'is in their > their neighborhood, and (5) holding the teaching efforts, she has now pioneered to > annual event of World Youth Day. India to settle in this country. Such in- > stances of devotion, courage and selfless > India Region service, we are confident, will go a long way > in arousing the youth of this country, and > Though BahL'i youth were greatly handi- will undoubtedly induce them to follow in > capped in their pioneering efforts owing to her footsteps. > the diversity of culture and language in the The eleventh Summer School session was > places where they pioneered, yet many new held in India from October 16-24, 1950 in > Assemblies that were formed and many old the cool and salubrious climate of Panch- > centers that were strengthened were to a gani, 5,000 feet above sea level. Regular > 574 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahC'is of Montevideo, Uruguay, > incorporated 1952. > > classes commenced on the 17th, the average held in the evening. The programs were > number of youth attending being eighty. varied with BahC'i talks, technicolor films of > Three teachers were able to attend, namely the BahCi Centenary and the Bahb'i Temple > Mr. Yazdani of Tihrhn, Prof. Pritam Singh at Wilmette, Illinois, singing of children, > and Mr. N. A. Khavari. The school was quizzes, and refreshments. > specially fortunate in having Mr. Yazdani > of Persia. Not often is there the opportunity Pdkistdn Region > of hearing one so learned and so eloquent. The Regional Youth Committee of > On October 24, Panchgani celebrated PBkistBn kept close liaison with the National > United Nations Day and Mr. Yazdani, as Spiritual Assembly, the National Youth > the Bahsi speaker, gave an illuminating ad- Committee, the Local Assembly at Karachi > dress which was very effective. Mr. F. and the Regional Youth Committee of > Tirandazi conducted the session as the India. Throughout the year, the Committee > Principal. remained in correspondence with most of > Sunday February 25 was celebrated as the youth centers in PBkistBn, urging them > World Youth Day. The theme was "Now- to be active towards a single goal, namely > a Cycle of Peace," as suggested by the Na- teaching, and acquainting them with the > tional Youth Committee of the United news sent to them from other parts. This > States. Meetings were held at Agra, Bom- Committee also assisted the Assembly at > bay, Delhi, Hyderabad (Deccan), Panch- Karachi in the organization of the Summer > gani, Poona and Sholapur. Several of the School. > meetings were held at hotel auditoriums and The Summer School session in Pkkistin > prominent citizens were invited. In some was held October 18-28, 1950. Owing to the > cities, meetings for BahCi youth were held floods in the Punjab, the attendance from > in the morning, while public functions, with the provinces was small. The early morning > non-Bahh'i youth invited to take part, were prayers created a spiritual atmosphere > BAHA'I Y O U T H ACTIVITIES 575 > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Tripoli, Libya, > formed April 21, 1954. > > First Spiritual Assembly of the Rahfis of Goteberg, Sweden, > formed April 21, 1953. > 576 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > which will live long in the hearts of those in Burmese, English and Urdu on such sub- > present. The students showed a remarkable jects as Universal Peace, Unity, True Hap- > devotion to learning the subjects, which piness. Before the meeting, a group photo- > were: (1) History of Buddhism, (2) graph of the Bah2i youth of Rangoon was > Twelve Bahh'i Principles, (3) Laws of taken. > Aqdas, (4) History of the Bahb'i and > Zoroastrian Faiths, and (5) BahL'i Admin- AND NEW ZEALAND > AUSTRALIA > istration. > Elaborate World Youth Day Programs The publication of the Youth Letter has > were conducted in Hyderabad (Sind) , continued on a quarterly basis. As in pre- > Karachi and Quetta. The daily papers an- vious years we have endeavored where pos- > nounced the meetings at which Bahi'i sible to continue the Youth Letter along > youth were the speakers. lines calculated to keep local groups in > touch with each other, to provide a series of > Ceylon Region BahL'i and non-BahL'i articles, and, finally, > In the infant center of Ceylon, the youth to keep abreast of international news that > are the mainstay of the community. They would prove of interest to youth. > are engaged mainly in propagating the This year we have published articles on > Cause and many of them have pioneered to youth by senior Bahi'is, thus giving to > virgin territories to establish the banner of youth the benefit of our more experienced > the Cause. The officers of the Colombo As- writers. We have at all times kept the Youth > sembly are all youth. First to accept the Letter for general appeal, thus stimulating > Cause in Ceylon was a young man, Anver not only BahL'i Youth interest, but the in- > Cadir, who abandoned an influential posi- terest of our many non-BahL'i readers also. > tion with a local political party and accepted A pleasing aspect of the year's activity > the Cause. has been the very large part youth played > BahL'i youth in Colonlbo held regular at the recent Summer School. The youth > meetings at the BahL'i center. A two-year were responsible for providing both speak- > plan was passed by the committee to organ- ers and entertainment at many public func- > ize and form Bahh'i youth committees in tions held by local spiritual assemblies of > other parts of the Island. Study classes were the BahL'is throughout Australia and New > held once a week by the Study Circle Com- Zealand. > mittee. BahS'i literature was sent to friends A general survey of the National Youth > with whom the BahL'i youth were in con- picture reveals active youth groups in > tact. Adelaide, Melbourne, Yerrinbool, Sydney, > In celebration of World Youth Day a Brisbane, Toowoomba, Wollongong, and > public meeting was held by the Bahh'i youth Perth. There are isolated BahCi Youth in > of Colombo in the City Light Hall. Youth various other centers of Australia, New > and members of the Colombo Spiritual As- Zealand, and Fiji. > sembly delivered lectures in English and The most outstanding event of the BahB'i > Tamil on the subject, "Now-a Cycle of Year 108 is the formation of a Regional > Peace." Very good publicity was given by Youth Committee of New Zealand. This > the press before and after the meeting. Committee has done good work and has > already commenced a quarterly newsletter. > Burma Region Though our numbers are very small, the > Meetings were held every Sunday morn- youth of Australia and New Zealand are > ing at the Haziratu'l-Quds. Almost all the doing much work on various local and na- > Bahh'i youth participated, speaking on dif- tional committees. The National Public Re- > ferent topics of the Cause. As the majority lations Committee is mainly composed of > of the members speak Burmese, lectures youth this year. The chairman of the New > were delivered in Burmese. Everyone was South Wales Regional Teaching Committee > anxious to widen his knowledge of the his- is a youth. In every field the youth are ac- > tory and teachings of the Cause and to try tive. Two members of this year's National > his utmost to speak in public too. Youth Committee have gone to Leeton, a > The BahS'i youth planned a very elabo- "goal" town, as pioneer settlers. In order to > rate program for World Youth Day and keep contact, the National Youth Commit- > celebrated it successfully. Talks were given tee meetings are alternated, one being held > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 577 > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Porto, Portugal, > formed April, 1952. > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of The Hague, Netherlands, > 1952-1953. > British Borneo's first BahB'i Spiritual Assembly, > in Kuching, Sarawak. > > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Nairobi, > Kenya, East Africa. > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES > > at Leeton and the next at National Head- Siio Paulo > quarters in Sydney. The secretary attends > all meetings. Ever since there has existed an Assembly > The annual Bahb'i Summer School was in S'lo Paulo, Brazil, there has existed some > held early in January. The National Youth youth activity. The pioneering family who > Committee conducted the afternoon classes first settled there in 1947 had an ideal > for the youth. Naturally many adults at- set-up, for they had two Bahb'i youth, a boy > tended too. The first week the subject of the and a girl. > class was "A Teaching Manual," and the The youth activity was not begun by > second week the subject was "Instruments making a special effort to organize but was > of the Orchestra," a musical appreciation an outgrowth of cooperation to establish a > class. new community. From the beginning > weekly meetings were held to attract peo- > ple. We, the two youth, invited our friends > The first National Spiritual Assembly for who in turn brought their friends. The > South America (elected April, 1951) ap- adults of the community invited their > pointed the first National Bahb'i Youth friends and everyone gathered together each > Committee, consisting of four active youth week to discuss the teachings, and hear > members and six consulting members. lectures which were always in English and > None of the active members had ever had translated in Portuguese for the first several > any experience in this field of work-only years. Maybe many came to hear English, > enthusiasm to serve to the best of his ability. but they came, until weekly attendance be- > For the first time a census was begun of came close to forty, filling to capacity the > the Bahb'i Youth of South America. At the home of the pioneers, which was the Bahi'i > suggestion of the National Bahb'i Youth center. > Committee, the youth in Valparaiso and We were then forced to divide the meet- > Lima organized local groups. A set of by- ings and have the younger people who spoke > laws was made up for social and cultural English come another evening. In this way > clubs organized by Bahb'i youth groups we learned how to conduct classes and activ- > with non-Bahb'is. These clubs will help ities, for we had the youth who would al- > inquirers to come in contact with Bahi'is ways come and we had to plan something > and learn about their very high standards, for them. These meetings attracted many > philosophy and ideals. young people, mostly Europeans who knew > A monthly bulletin has been published English. Some were seeking for some intel- > since July, 1951 with inspirational articles; lectual activity, some for faith in the future > suggestions for organizing Bahi'i youth and a solution to problems, some just > groups; models for Bahb'i youth meetings; friendship. The Second World War brought > and beautiful messages received from many about these needs and our Faith offered > National Bahb'i Youth Committees, which food to these thirsty souls. > showed the readers the very strong bond of As time went on we felt the need for > love and unity among the Bahb'is of the recreation along with the purely intellectual > world. The National Bahb'i Youth Com- discussions, and, as a means to attract new > mittee hopes to guide and organize isolated youth, monthly tea-dances were held. Be- > Bahi'i youths in this territory and to help fore the dancing and refreshments (which > them attract the attention of other young our guests contributed) a short discussion > people toward this glorious way through the was held giving the Bahb'i teachings di- > bulletin. rectly or indirectly on the subject chosen. > The committee has exchanged corre- After over a year of this activity it was felt > spondence with as many Bah2i communi- that these dances had served their purpose > ties as possible, trying to help isolated and they were discontinued, to be given at > Bahb'is directly, and giving them advice and longer intervals upon request of the group > enthusiasm to work for the Faith. We know or whenever attendance at youth meetings > that by the will of God, with more experi- slackened. > ence, the National Bahb'i Youth Committee At the meetings we discussed, chapter by > for South America will be able to issue a chapter, the New Era, Security for a Failing > better Youth Bulletin, and help the yovth World by Stanwood Cobb, and Prescrip- > of its territory in a more efficient way. tion for Living by Ruhiyyih KJhgnurn > 580 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bah2is of Trivandrum, > India, 1950-1951. > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Anchorage Recording > District, Alaska, organized April 21, 1951. > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 58 1 > > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahgis of Ziirich, > Switzerland, elected April 21, 1950. > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Basra, South 'Irgq, > inaugurating the land offered by one of them for > the future local &qiratu'l-Quds. > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Sheffield, > England, 1950-1951. > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Daidanaw, Burma, 1950-1951. > BAHA'I YOUTH A C T I V I T I E S 583 > > (which was the most successful). Selections ings are invited to BahL'i meetings. This is > from the BahL'i Writings, talks of 'Abdu'l- progressing slowly. > BahB, a series on comparative religions and As we recognize the necessity of youth's > outstanding Christian sects were other vitality in a BahL'i Community, we are > studies whkh were followed. striving to find those who are prepared to > We feel that the BahL'i Faith has given recognize the Word of God for this Day. > very much to many young people in S b > Paulo. It has given a hope; it has given hap- Rio de Janeivo > piness and new friendships; it has shown A weekly English class for young students > that a Plan and a Faith exist which are is held in the Rio BahL'i Center and many > available when we finally awaken spiritually. a youth has heard and read of the Faith > In these few years there have been five through this activity. > marriages among young people who have > met through the Bahb'i Faith. Two of these Santos > had BahL'i weddings, the last being the wed- Last year the Holmes family were sent as > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Rosario-Santiago, > Isabela, Republic of the Philippines. > > ding of one of the original founders of the pioneers to Santos to establish an Assembly > youth group in S b Paulo, Bob Miessler, there. Among their new believers is a young > who married a lovely Brazilian girl, Myriam Brazilian boy of 23 who is alive with the > Bueno, who has become a radiant Baht??. Teachings and has an amazing understand- > This is one more tie between "different" ing of them. He has been studying to be- > peoples to show that in reality we are all come an English teacher and is now begin- > one. ning to study Spanish in order to be a more > valuable BahL'i in South America. He as- > Bahia sures us that as long as he lives in Santos > the Faith will never die there but will con- > In Bahia there has been very little youth tinually progress. > activity other than contacts with organized > groups. Owing to conventions and family Now that we youth of South America > Ties t h e you enough liberty of thought. We are attempt- are striving to become an organized and > ing first to acquaint young people with the cooperative entity. We consist of some > local BahL'i Center by offering free English twelve countries which speak two diiferent > conversation classes once a week. From this languages, Spanish and Portuguese. Be- > group those who show interest in the Teach- cause of the great distances, it is only > - - > > THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bah&'is of Port Said, Egypt, > with a woman as member for the first time. > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES > > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahg'is of Alexandria, Egypt, with > women elected members for the first time, April 21, 1951. > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Cairo, Egypt, with > women elected members for the first time, April 21, 1951. > 586 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > through correspondence and a oneness of ing now for better understanding and hope > spirit and goals that we can work together. soon to be able to form a youth committee > The news from other countries received for each country which will cooperate with > through their youth bulletins is a great in- our National Youth Committee, at present > spiration to us, as each community is so located in Colombia. We are sure that > isolated, especially in Brazil, and each has "should anyone arise for the triumph of our > its own particular problems. We are striv- Cause, him will God render victorious." > > REPORT OF INTERNATIONAL BAHA'I YOUTH > ACTIVITY FOR THE YEAR 1952-1953 > (Coimpiled by Dwight Allen) > > F R O M reports of youth activity in the Youth Committee of Egypt: "The youth are > Bahi'i Faith during the yeas 1952-1953, it earnestly aware of the inestimable bounties > would seem that youth-are gradually be- of God and His manifold blessings that He > coming more aware of the importance of has chosen them to be the executors of > the role which they, as youth of a New God's Divine Plan. They know they can > World Order, must play in the establish- afford nothing b ~ ~to t consecrate every > ment of the Faith in the minds and hearts ounce of their energy, every particle of their > of all men. Independently, the BahB'i youth efforts for the success of this great Plan." > everywhere continued to deepen themselves "We know full well that God is on our side > in the knowledge of their Faith, preparing and that it is up to us to prove that we are > to meet the challenges of establishing the worthy of the generous trust that has been > New World Order. Before the year was conferred upon us and the honor that was > over, the challenge came in more force and ours when we were placed among the dash- > potency than could have been imagined- ing battalions of BahL'u'l15hih'syoung cru- > the challenge of a Ten Year Global Cru- saders in the Spiritual Conquest of the en- > sade. "Pioneering" became the new by-word tire Planet." > for all Bahb'is, a word with persorzal mean- > ing. Youth learned that their due was to be > the vanguard in situations which would be > difficult in terms of physical discomforts; A number of National Youth Committees > their attitude became one of eager anticipa- publish newsletters or bulletins on a regular > tion. A young African boy wrote of a new- basis. The National Youth Committees of > found awareness and understanding; a Ger- Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Egypt > man youth was learning a new meaning for and the S6d5n, and Germany issue their > consecration; an American girl, always bulletins quarterly; the National Youth > active in Bahb'i Administration, was find- Committee of India, PQkist5n and Burma > ing a deeper appreciation for Bahb'i teach- issue a bi-monthly bulletin; and the Na- > ing-all stood ready and waiting to serve. tional Youth Committee of the United > The next year would find these same young States issues a monthly bulletin. In addition > people among the Knights of Bahb'u'll5h to the quarterly bulletin issued in Arabic by > and far from their native lands, but this was the Committee of Egypt and the Sfidtin, one > a year of preparation as well as a year of issue in English was published. > activity. Several of the National Youth Com- > mittees undertook other publishing ven- > Therefore, as we review the reports of > tures. The National Youth Committee of > international BahB'i activity, we must con- Egypt and the Sud5n published four book- > sider the overwhelming spirit which moti- lets in two years, dealing with educational, > vated the conferences, th; publications, the teaching, and pioneering topics. The Na- > teaching activity-to swell the ranks for the tional Youth Committee of fr6n issued two > Crusade to come. This spirit is perhaps best publications for Persian youth in other > expressed in a report from the National lands. > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES > > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Berlin re-established > after World War 11, April 21, 1950. > > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Cienfuegos, Cuba, > elected April 21, 1951. > THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > SUMMERSCHOOLS enthusiasm, filled with new fire and zeal. > Australia and New Zealand. A successful India, Pdkistdn. The summer schools held > youth workshop was held at summer school in India and in Pikistln both proved great > -a BahL'i prayer was learned, Prescription successes. In Plkistkn the summer school > for Living was studied and the April issue was held November 2-12, 1952, at Hyder- > of the youth letter was edited. The sessions abad Sind. In India the thirteenth summer > ended with a concert and a barbecue. The school session was held in Panchgani > youth also sponsored a work camp, which October 15-24, 1952. Regular classes had a > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of CallEio, Perh, > elected April 21, 1951. > > proved to be so successful, hope was ex- total average of eighty youth attending the > pressed for its development into an annual sessions. They took keen interest in the dis- > affair. cussions at the Youth Conference held on > Germany. The yearly summer schools October 17 and 18, the main topic for dis- > brought together BahL'i and non-BahL'i cussion being "Pioneering." > youth in friendly association. All studied Canada. Youth attended the Ontario > the Holy Texts of BahL'u'llbh and 'Abdu'l- Summer School in August, 1952, to consult > Bahb, offered solutions to the problems of and coordinate their efforts. > our modern day, took turns in giving a talk, Egypt and Sbda'n. The summer school > and participated in discussions. The atmos- sessions held in August, 1952, were devoted > phere was ideal, for summer schools were to a study of the basic Bah2i literature. The > held in picturesque Youth Hostels in the school was a very successful enterprise in > most scenic parts of Germany. Thus, in which both the administrative and the > addition to the serious program of study, social aspects of the BahL'i Faith were > there were many opportunities for outdoor practiced. The youth who attended gained a > activities, such as hikes through the woods. valuable and rare experience and had an > At the end of the sessions the youth re- opportunity to increase their knowledge of > turned home with renewed energy and the Faith. > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES > > held at fifteen centers, eleven of which had > National Youth Committee representatives. > Egypt and the Shdiin. A BahL'i Youth The seventh National Youth Convention > Conference was held on the 30th and 31st was held in Tihrgn the latter part of August, > of October, 1952, at the National Haqira- 1952. Representatives from BahB'i centers > tu'l-Quds in Cairo. Youth delegates from all and seven National Youth Committee mem- > parts of Egypt attended and many vital bers were present. Consultation was held on > questions were discussed. Among the most guiding and teaching youth and familiariz- > important was the subject of pioneering. ing them with the procedure and function of > Many recommendations were made, and it youth administration. The total contribu- > was encouraging to find that immediate ac- tions of the youth of fr&nthrough their rep- > tion was taken.. resentatives at this convention for the > England. The London Youth Committee Shrine of the BBb was one hundred and ten > on its own initiative decided to hold a youth thousand rials. In response to a cable sent lo > conference in March. The theme was "Our the Guardian on the opening day of the > Irretrievable Chance." At the conference it convention, the following reply was re- > was generally felt that they could contribute ceived: "Supplicating rich blessings high > tremendously toward the promotion and endeavors preserve noble task. Shoghi." > dissemination of the Cause through conse- United States. The week of September 27 > cration, initiative, and most important of all, to October 5, 1952, was set aside as Na- > action. tional Bahi'i Youth Week during which the > youth were urged to live the l&es of pio- > Germany. In considering the need to ex- neers and concentrate upon teaching the > tend the scope of teaching to gain new be- Faith. This week was opened with the first > lievers and contacts, the National Youth of the National Youth Conferences on > Committee realized that national youth September 27 and 28, 1952, the theme of > gatherings were essential to bring greater which was "Consecration to Teaching." > results. Therefore, it established four na- Both the theme and the agenda were in- > tional meetings to be convened each year, spired by Leroy Ioas' memorable letter from > for the youth of different towns and cities Haifa. The agenda was designed to provide > throughout Germany. The results have been the youth with a maximum of teaching ad- > very successful, and the spirit of coopera- vice-and to bring out the lessons of success- > tion, of love and harmony, of becoming ful teaching techniques and experiences. > deepened in the C a ~ ~ has > s e been felt by all National Bahi'i Youth Week was concluded > who attended. This has added stimulus to on October 5 with a youth public meeting > the communities when the youth returned. in all localities where National Youth Con- > The annual autumn meetings, held on a ferences were held the week-end before. The > national basis, gave opportunity to discuss topic for this meeting was "Why We are > the teaching problems which would spread Bahi'is." > the Cause to more localities in Germany, The second of the National Youth Con- > enlarge the number of BahB'i youth, and ferences was held on January 10 and 11, > consolidate existing Bahi'i groups. Much 1953, and "Oneness of Mankind" was > was accomplished in this respect. The chosen as the subject. It was planned to > autumn sessions were held in Maulbronn combine a National Youth Conference with > during 1951 and in Heilbronn during 1952. a major teaching effort on the part of the > Winter schools held during the last week participating youth. The agenda included a > of December, 1952, and the first days of panel and a public meeting. > January, 1953, were at the Youth Hostel of The third National Youth Conference > Titisee, in the heart of the Black Forest of was planned for March 7 and 8, 1953. The > Southern Germany, near Freiburg. Meet- theme, "Our Last Irretrievable Chance," > ings were held both day and evening, inter- focused attention on the urgent needs of the > spersed with recreational periods. All the few remaining weeks of the Second Seven > youth participated in one way or another, Year Plan. The agenda, devised in the form > thereby growing in the spirit of brotherhood, of a series of multi-membered panels so as > solidarity, companionship, and service to to afford a maximum of active participation > Bahi'u'llgh. for the attending youth, was dedicated to > Ircin. Twenty youth conferences were a complete review of the Divine Plan, and > -- > > 'THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Agra, India, > 1950-1951. > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Ichalkaranji, > India, 1950-1951. > > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Kanpur, India, April 21, 1952. > 592 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > gave the youth a clearer vision of the com- who had been attracted to the Faith. There > ing Ten Year Crusade. were public lectures, open discussions, read- > The fourth and last National Youth Con- ings from the Holy Writings, and music. > ference of the year was held during the Na- This event grows in importance each year, > tional Convention period, the theme being and provides an excellent opportunity to > "The Jubilee Year." present the world vision of the Faith. > India, Pdkista'n, and Burma. March 25 > was observed as World Youth Day. Each > community held two meetings-one exclu- > Throughout the BahL'i world, the ob- sively for Bahi'i youth and the other a pub- > servance of World Youth Day has become lic meeting. > an annual event and affords an opportunity At meetings in Sholapur, Bombay, Panch- > for youth to present their ideas from public gani, and Rangoon, pamphlets, programs > platforms about the Faith. The same theme or other symposium souvenirs were dis- > is used wherever there are meetings, > tributed to the non-BahL'is attending. In > whether the language of the discussion be > German or Persian, Urdu or English. both Bombay and Rangoon, good press > "Hope in a Troubled World" was the theme coverage was given to the public meetings. > set for the 1953 observance. In Karachi about fifty youth attended a > Australia and New Zealand. The Com- meeting to discuss "Duties and Responsi- > mittee invited three speakers to participate, bilities of BahL'i Youth." The chosen theme > dividing the topic into three parts: "Hope for this year's observance, "Hope in a > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Florence, Italy, > elected April 21, 1951. > > of World Government," "Hope of Educa- Troubled World," was covered by lectures > tion," and "Hope of Religion." Films were in English and Urdu. Meetings were also > also shown. held in Surat and Poona. > England. The youth committee arranged fra'n. The seventeenth World Youth Day > a symposium of both BahL'i and non-BahL'i was observed March 25, 1953. Reports of > speakers to celebrate the occasion. this observance were received from fifty- > Germany. BahQ'i youth from all parts of eight centers, listing a combined total of > Germany came to participate in the meeting thirty-four hundred people in attendance, > held in Esslingen. Many brought friends who contributed a total of thirty-two thou- > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES 593 > > sand seven hundred and thirty rials for the mittees in the study of the basic Bahl'i > Shrine of the Bib. literature. > United States. Plans were made for the The National Youth Committee hoped to > occasion by the National Youth Committee increase the number of Local Youth Com- > and were shared with the Bahl'i youth of mittees in Egypt and the Sfidin and a' goal > the world. The Committee had been in cor- of four new Local Youth Committees was > res~ondencewith all National Youth Com- > mittees and the youth of other countries and > in collaboration with them a manual for > World Youth Day was written and dis- > tributed to all youth. It consisted of helpful > suggestions for holding public meetings, > firesides, follow-up meetings, and prepara- > tion of effective publicity. A radio script on > the chosen theme was made available. > > Australia and New Zealand. In Australia > there are youth in all but one of the prov- > inces, six local Youth Committees, and > many isolated youth. The New Zealand > group has had an increase of seven new > youth out of a total of twenty-five, indi- Eight members of the first Spiritual > cating the extent of their activity. Assembly of the Bahgis of Tokyo, Japan, > Canada. An increased interest in youth 1950-1951. > was revealed throughout the Canadian > Bah2i community as a whole, and the Na- set. Two were actually established in Egypt > tional Youth Committee answered several and the National Youth Committee hoped > inquiries as to how to organize and direct to establish the Local Youth Committee of > youth firesides and activities in various cen- Khartoum, in Sfidhn, by the close of the > ters. In Toronto, Hamilton, and St. Cather- Holy Year. > ine the youth groups sponsored many fire- England. One of the objects of the Lon- > sides and social outings. don Youth Committee has been to coordi- > The Ontario Youth Committee sponsored nate the activities of the youth. Several > weekly youth firesides at the Toronto center socials were arranged, both at the Center > as well as several dances and get-togethers and in Bahi'i homes. The Committee pre- > and a conference. Two youth key-noted one pared the devotional program for the Birth- > session of the Canadian National Bah2i day of the Bib, October 9, 1952, at the re- > Convention in April, 1953, and throughout quest of the London Spiritual Assembly. > the Dominion, youth participation in re- Other programs in which the youth partici- > gional conferences was prevalent. pated were the presentation of a script "The > The National Youth Committee spon- Son of Desire" at a public meeting at the > sored a week-end youth forum in Kingston, center, and a play given at the Naw-RGz > with delegates attending from various program, March 21, 1953. > Ontario centers. Canadian Bah6'i youth on Germany and Austria. The National > college campuses at University College in Youth Committee was in close contact with > Toronto and Queen's University in Kings- many youth organizations of different re- > ton have held regular firesides. These meet- ligious affiliations. Bahi'i youth attended > ings received good publicity in campus their meetings and in this way brought to > publications. them an awareness of Bahi'i thought and > Egypt and SBdn'n. During the past two teaching. > years the National Youth Committee of Persian BahBi youth studying in Ger- > Egypt and Sfidin has been preparing a many have a great influence in promoting > course that includes in the study of the the Faith. Both to BahL'is and non-Bahi'is, > Faith, religious, economic, and social sub- the interaction of Persian and German > jects. They also guided Local Youth Com- Bah6is is a constant delight. > 594 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > India, Pdkistdn, and Burma. Eight meet- to encourage and guide the active youth > ings of the National Youth Committee were throughout the country was drawn up and > held in Bombay, Poona, and Panchgani. sent throughout IrPn. > Correspondence was carried on with the Na- South America. The South American > tional Spiritual Assembly, Regional Youth Youth Committee reported that during > Committee of PPkistPn and Burma, youth 1952-1953 they have worked hard to make > centers in India, and other National Youth every community realize the tremendous > Committees. importance of the youth in the Faith; they > The Regional Youth Committees of PPki- endeavored to help them get organized and > stin and Burma met regularly, maintained to be active in their own youth groups. It > regular correspondence with the National was felt that the most important task was > Youth Committee and rendered all possible to establish a youth committee in each > assistance to the Local Youth Committees. Bahb'i community to insure the commu- > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Naples, Italy, > elected April 21, 1951. > > Many youth took active part in the dis- nity's future. During the year several groups > charge of the nineteen month plan. Many were organized and, although small at pres- > new assemblies that were formed and many ent, are full of promise for the future. > old centers that were strengthened were Groups are located in Lima, Peru; BogotP, > aided to a large extent by the sacrifices of a Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; > number of young Bahb'is. In addition to Osorno, Chile; Quilpue, Chile; La Paz, Bo- > assisting in the establishment of new Assem- livia; Bahia, Brazil; and Siio Paulo, Brazil. > blies, youth are the mainstay in many Local The Committee prepared a booklet of > Spiritual Assemblies, and several Assern- statutes for social culture clubs, based on > blies, particularly on the west coast, are con- Bahi'i principles and administration, in > stituted entirely of youth over voting age. which, even if the BahL'i Faith is not men- > frdn. The National Youth Committee of tioned because of prevailing restrictions, > Trim was in contact with over two hundred more youth will become familiar with the > Local Youth Committees and youth groups BahL'i way of life, principles, and spiritual > inside IrPn; with the eleven National Youth ideals. The booklet received the approval of > Committees of the world; and with the the National Spiritual Assembly of the > BahB'i International Bureau at Geneva, both BahL'is of South America, and has been > by correspondence and by the exchange bf distributed to all communities which have > periodicals. asked for it. > During the year twenty-four repre- United States. At its first meeting, the Na- > sentatives visited thirty-six centers to meet, tional Youth Committee arranged a Jubilee > stimulate and report to the Youth. A plan Calendar of youth activities for the year > BAHA'I YOUTH ACTIVITIES > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Jakarta, > Indonesia, elected April 21, 1954. > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Kampala, Uganda, > British East Africa, formed April 21, 1952. > 596 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Wolfhalden, > Switzerland, elected April 21, 1950. > > 1952-1953, setting dates and subjects for of welcome to new BahB'i youth; the sale of > four Youth Conferences and the topic for two thousand copies of the youth-prepared > World Youth Day on March 25, 1953. The pamphlet, "New Horizons of Unity"; the > dates and subjects were chosen with special mimeographing and distribution of an out- > regard to the unique features of the Jubilee line for the preparation of youth for enroll- > and Holy Year. ment in the ~ a l t h and > ; the compilation of a > On July 13, 1952, the National Youth list, broken down geographically, of African > Committee met with the American National students in the United States. This list was > Teaching Committee, and as a result of con- made available to all interested Local Spir- > sultation new avenues of cooperation were itual Assemblies. > discovered. The National ~ e a i h i Commit- > n~ PIONEERING > AND THE TEN-YEAR > CRUSADE > tee supplied the National Youth Committee > with a list of all the goal cities and com- Egypt and the SzidLn. In the past two > munities in the United States, and the Youth years four BahL'i youth entered the pioneer- > Committee in turn wrote a personal letter ing field. They settled in Libya and since > to every youth residing in or around those their arrival have served the Faith well, set- > areas informing them of the significance of ting an example of sacrifice and devotion. > Bahb'i activity in their locality and asking They have led the way for other pioneers > them to contact their respective Regional who will come during the course of the > Teaching Committees and cooperate fully World Crusade. Many of the youth who are > with them. The goals and plans of the preparing to pioneer are still at universities > American National Teaching Committee and colleges but the coming two years will > have been given prominent publicity in the witness a flow of pioneers to the allotted ter- > National Youth Bulletin. ritories. > The National Youth Committee was also Germany. The youth of Germany look > in constant touch with the Area Youth toward the Ten-Year Crusade with determi- > Committees which gave active cooperation nation and assurance, confident they will > in planning and executing youth activities. help both in the spreading of the Faith at > Other undertakings of the National Youth homo and abroad. > Committee included on-the-spot coverage India, Pdkistdn, and Burma. Three youth > of the Intercontinental Conferences for the from India and Piikistiin have pioneered to > Youth Bulletin; sending of individual letters Africa. > 6. T H E BAHA'I F A I T H AND T H E > UNITED NATIONS > BAHA'I RELATIONSHIP WITH UNITED NATIONS > > IN THE spring of 1947 the National Spir- > itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United > Jerusalem) be acknowledged and perma- > nently safeguarded." > States and Canada was accredited to United With this communication the Guardian > Nations as a national non-governmental or- enclosed a summary of the history and > ganization qualified to be represented at teachings of the Bahi'i Faith which the > United Nations Conferences through an ob- Bahi'is of the United States reprinted and > server. distributed widely. > A year later the eight National Spiritual In addition to participation in a number > Assemblies then existing were recognized of United Nations regional and Interna- > collectively as an international non-govern- tional conferences, four BahL'i documents > mental organization under the title of "The have been formally submitted: "A Bahi'i > Bah2i International Community." These Declaration of Human Obligations and > eight Assemblies were those of North Amer- Rights," 1947; "A Bahi'i Statement on the > ica; the British Isles; Germany and Austria; Rights of Women," 1947; and "The Work > Egypt and Stidin; 'Iriq; Irin (Persia); In- of Bahi'is in Promotion of Human Rights," > dia, Pikistin and Burma; and Australia and 1948. On November 9, 1949, a letter was > New Zealand. T o these eight bodies have addressed to United Nations explaining the > since been added the National Spiritual As- BahL'i concept of worship, in connection > semblies of the BahCis of Canada, of Cen- with the effort of United Nations to formu- > tral America and of South America. Each late a method of worship acceptable for use > National Spiritual Assembly in its applica- in its future prayer building. > tion established the National Assembly of On May 9, 1947, the Guardian wrote > the United States as its representative in re- through his secretary to explain why he was > lation to United Nations. encouraging Bahi'i association with United > A significant action was taken in July, Nations: "He feels that the friends should > 1947, when the United Nations Special bear in mind that the primary reason that > Committee in Palestine addressed a letter he is encouraging BahL'i association with > to Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, as Head of the the United Nations is to give the Cause due > BahL'i Faith resident in the Bahi'i World publicity as an agency working for and > Center at Haifa, requesting an expression of firmly believing in the unification of the hu- > the Bahi'i attitude on the future of Pales- man family and permanent peace, and not > tine. In his reply, Shoghi Effendi made it because he believes that we are at present > clear that "Our aim is the establishment of in a position to shape or influence directly > universal peace in the world and our desire the course of human affairs! Also, he be- > to see justice prevail in every domain of lieves this association will afford the believ- > human society, including the domain of pol- ers an opportunity of contacting prominent > itics." The Guardian also pointed out his and progressive-minded people from differ- > concern that "the fact be recognized by ent countries and calling the Faith and its > whoever exercises sovereignty over Haifa principles to their attention. We should as- > and 'Akki, that within this area exists the sociate ourselves in every way with all > spiritual and administrative center of a movements of UN which are in accordance > world Faith, and that the independence of with our principles and objectives; but we > that Faith, its right to manage its interna- should not seek to take the initiative or . . . > tional affairs from this source, the rights of focus a glare of publicity and public atten- > BahL'is from any and every country of the tion on a very wide scale upon ourselves > globe to visit it as pilgrims (enjoying the which might prove very detrimental to our > same privilege in this respect as Jews, Mus- own interests. He considered, for instance, > lims and Christians do in regard to visiting the 'BahL'i Declaration of Human Obliga- > 59:r > 598 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > tions and Rights' appropriate and believes The status of the non-governmental organi- > this type of action to be wise and suitable." zation has been d e b e d by the Section for > Other references in words of the Guard- Non-Governmental Organizations in a letter > ian include the following. From cablegram written to the Bahi'i United Nations Com- > dated April 16, 1948, addressed to the Na- mittee: > tional Convention of the BahL'is of the "The Department of Public Information > United States: "Recognition extended to the does not accredit organizations, but accred- > Faith by United Nations as an international its the person nominated by an organization > non-governmental body, enabling appoint- as an observer. This system is similar to the > ment of accredited representatives to United accreditization of newspaper correspond- > Nations conferences is heralding world rec- ents, which does not give accreditization to > ognition for a universal proclamation of the the paper, but to the man. Of course, the ac- > Faith of Bahi'u'llih." From cable of April creditization of the observer or the corre- > 26, 1948, a passage included recognition by spondent is dependent upon the standing of > United Nations as one of the achievements the organization or paper. This may seem a > of the American BahL'i Community, "whose fine line, but it is specifically designed to > spokesmen are securing recognition of the avoid the impression that we give status to > institutions of Bahi'u'll&h's rising world or- organization as such. The only way in which > der in the United Nations." From letter an organization can receive status from the > dated May 18, 1948: "The recognition United Nations is through having been > given your Assembly (as representative of granted consultative status by the Economic > the other National Spiritual Assemblies) by and Social Council." > UNO as a non-governmental body entitled This definition of the BahL'i relationship > to send representatives to various UNO to United Nations is important. In referring > conferences marks an important step for- to that relationship in public talks or pub- > ward in the struggle of our beloved Faith to licity, the correct statement to make is: > receive in the eyes of the world its just due, Bahb'i observers are accredited from the > and be recognized as an independent World BahL'i International Community (or from > Religion. Indeed, this step should have a the National Spiritual Assembly of the > favorable reaction on the progress of the Bahi'is of the United States if reference to > Cause everywhere, especially in those parts the national non-governmental organization > of the world were it is still persecuted, be- is intended). > littled, or scorned, particularly in the East." In 1947 a United Nations Committee was > All Non-Governmental Organizations appointed by the National Spiritual Assem- > make contact with United Nations through bly of the BahL'is of the United States, and > its Department of Public Information, sec- Bahi'i relations with United Nations have > tion for Non-Governmental Organizations. been channeled through that committee. > > UNITED NATIONS INFORMED OF THE BAHA'f > CONCEPT OF WORSHIP > T H E letter addressed by the BahL'i In- development by United Nations of a prayer > ternational Community to the Secretary- building or center designed to promote the > General of United Nations on November 9, spiritual unity of its representatives and > 1949, concerning the BahL'i concept of wor- delegates. > ship presented the following statement: Since our community has brought to- > gether in one religious -fellowship a-world- > Mr. Trygve Lie, Secretary-General > wide body of believers, the question of a > United Nations > Lake Success, New York common worship reconciling the traditional > views and practices of men and women in > Dear Mr. Secretary-General: ninety-four countries, representing more > - > The members of the Bah2i International than thirty races, and possessing back- > Community have a particular interest in the grounds reflecting the influences of all re- > T H E BAHA'I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS 599 > > Prayer Card, issued with compliments of the United Nations Committee of the > BahB'i International Community, 225 Fifth Avenue, New York 10, New York. > 600 THE B A H A '1 WORLD > > vealed faiths, has been for BahBis a matter "Breathe not the sins of others so long > of supreme and vital importance. as thou art thyself a sinner. > The fact that for such a varied and di- "Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for > verse body the problem of common worship My descent. > has been completely solved, and the univer- "I have made death a messenger of joy > sality of BahVi prayer and devotion demon- to thee; wherefore dost thou grieve? > strated for many years, should make the "Make mention of Me on My earth > BahL'i practice interesting and significant to that in My heaven I may remember thee. > United Nations. "0 rich ones on earth! The poor in > We therefore respectfully request that the your midst are My trust; guard ye My > following brief statement on Bahi'i prayer Trust. > and worshiv be made available to those con- "The source of all learning is the > cerned with the creation of the prayer knowledge of God, exalted be His glory." > building and the conduct of prayer at > The following brief passage describes the > United Nations sessions. > type of public worship which will be con- > Fundamentally, the Bahgis feel equal > ducted in this House of Worship when com- > reverence for the founders of all revealed > pleted: > religions. The Bahi'i teachings recognize > that all the Prophets are one in spirit, that "The BahBi House of Worship is not one > all reveal God to mankind as successive more religious edifice of denominational > manifestations of His will. Their revelation character. It has been built according to a > is continuous and progressive. On this foun- new and higher pattern of worship, wherein > dation the BahL'is of East and West realize persons of all races, nations and creeds may > and accept the unity of all religions. enter the unifying Spirit which emanates > Congregational worship among the from the Word of God. BahBi worship in- > Bahi'is consists of the reading of passages cludes no sermon, no physical drama, no > from all extant Holy Books, with no ritual- man-conceived prayer, invocations or con- > istic device, no racial, denominational or na- ventionalized response. The Manifestation > tionalistic discrimination. This worship fos- of God, He alone, has utterance in this holy > ters reverence for all the Prophets of the place." > past, cultivates spiritual unity among par- In the design of the exterior of the House > ticipants, and emphasizes the true aim of the > of Worship is symbolized the equality of all > religion of God as the unity of the human > race. revealed faiths through the use of character- > To demonstrate this new concept the istic religious motifs such as the Star of > American Bahi'is are completing their David, the Christian Cross, the ancient > House of Worship on Lake Michigan, near (true) Swastika. > Chicago, in the Village of Wilmette. Over With this statement we enclose a copy of > each of its nine entrances is inscribed a text an illustrated brochure which deals more > defining a particular approach to the spirit- fully with the design and function of the > ual reality common to mankind. These texts BahVi House of Worship. It is our hope that > are :- this solution of the serious problem of a > common worship of the God of all mankind > "The earth is but one country; and -the very heart of world order and peace > mankind its citizens. -may be helpful to United Nations. > "The best beloved of all things in My > sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom Faithfully yours, > if thou desirest Me. B ~ d INTERNATIONAL > f COMMUNITY > "My love is My stronghold; he that By: Horace Holley > entereth therein is safe and secure. Secretary > REPORT OF B A M f ACTIVITIES IN RELATION > TO THE UNITED NATIONS > > T H E following outline of Baha'i partici- for Non-Governmental Organizations which > pation in United Nations Conferences has was held at the University of Kansas. The > been taken largely from material prepared delegates at this Conference were Paul Har- > by the United Nations Committee. Mrs. ris and Bertha H. Campbell. Mrs. Sarah > Mildred R. Mottahedeh has been the ac- Harris was an observer. The assistance and > credited BahCi International Observer. remarks of our delegates were warmly ap- > preciated, as we heard from some of the of- > ficials at the Conference. > In 1949 the Third International Confer- > An International Conference o f Interna- ence of International Non-Governmental > tional Non-Governmental Organizations Organizations was held at Lake Success, > was held at the Palais des Nations in Ge- N.Y., April 4-9. The noteworthy feature of > neva, Switzerland, on May 17-21, 1948. The this Conference was the unusual character > Bahi'i delegates to this Conference were of the Bahi'i delegation. The delegates were > Ugo R. Giachery, Charles Mason Remey Hilda Yen Male, a Chinese, Amin Banbni, > and Mildred R. Mottahedeh. It was the first a Persian, Matthew Bullock, an American > appearance of the Bahi'i International Com- Negro, Emeric Sala, a European by birth > munity working in conjunction with the and now a Canadian citizen, and Mildred > other International Non-Governmental Or- R. Mottahedeh, an American. This was the > ganizations who had accredited Observers most international of all the delegations and > to United Nations. Following are brief ex- represented five continents. > cerpts from the Report made by the Bahi'i At this Conference a special Committee > delegates: was set up by a resolution of the Conference > "So far as we could ascertain our organi- to call National meetings of Non-Govern- > zation represented more countries than any mental Organi~~ations in all the member > other organizations there present. It was of countries of the United Nations. Mildred R. > course a very happy moment for us when Mottahedeh was made a member of this > different organizations got up and stated Committee. > their qualifications for the three offices on In 1949 the BahL'i United Nations Com- > the Interim Committee. We knew that we mittee decided to acquaint the official dele- > were not well known in the Congress and gates to the General Assembly and the per- > that the chances of our being elected were manent delegates to the United Nations with > rather slim, however, we felt it advisable to the BahCi principles. A prayer was printed > take this opportunity to state our qualifica- and sent to the delegates of the General As- > tions. This was done by Dr. Giachery who sembly Meeting at Lake Success and a > rose and said that the B a h z International warm acknowledgment was received from > Community represented ninety-one coun- the Honorable Warren Austin, Chief of the > tries-nine National Assemblies-all races, United States Delegation to the United > all nationalities, all confessions and all Nations. Copies of the BahL'i leaflets on > ages." "Pattern for Future Society" and "Industrial > The BahL'i delegation made many friends Justice" were mailed all the permanent dele- > at this Conference and laid the groundwork gates of the United Nations. > for future relations with these delegates. > During 1948 the United Nations Com- On June 27-28, 1949, a European Re- > mittee made many friends at the United Na- gional Conference of Non-Governmental > tions Headquarters, Lake Success, and in- Organizations was called in Geneva, Switz- > vited some of them to a series of fire-side erland, to which we sent Amin B a n h i as a > meetings at which our beliefs and principles delegate. During this Conference, Mr. Ba- > were explained. n6ni had the opportunity to present the > In 1949 the BahL'is were invited to send work which is being done by Bah6'i sum- > delegates to the State Conference of Kansas mer schools in the field of human rights. > 602 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > Regional Conference of United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations, > Yildiz Palace, Istanbul, April 9-13, 1951. > > A United Nations Regional Conference The Conference approved Bahb'i recom- > of Non-Governmental Organizations, held mendations expressed in these papers, for > in Santiago, Chile, in October, 1949, af- example, on the need of establishing a more > forded the first opportunity enjoyed by universal consciousness, and the need to > Latin American Bahb'is to participate in eliminate prejudices rooted in the emotional, > United Nations activities. irrational nature, in order to make possible > From the report prepared by the BahPi the attainment of United Nations aims. > delegate, it appears that the BahPis of Through this participation the ground > Chile had received a direct invitation to take was prepared for helpful permanent coop- > part. The local Assemblies of Santiago, eration with United Nations on the part of > Valparaiso and Viiia del Mar each selected Latin American BahL'is. > one representative. Mr. Hugo Arteagabeatia > of Valparaiso served as delegate and Miss In October, 1949, a Regional Conference > Ema Cabezas of Viiia del Mar and Mrs. of Non-Governmental Organizations was > Julia de Jiminez of Santiago as observers. held in Montevideo, Uruguay. The Bah6'i > These appointments were accepted by the delegates at this Conference were Seiiora > Bahi'i International Community and re- Carola Escofet and Seiior Acosta, Uruguay, > ported to the United Nations Department of Sefior Esteban Canales, Chile, Edmund J. > Public Information through the BahL'i Miessler and Muriel Miessler, Brazil. Two > United Nations Committee. of the recommendations offered by the > To make their contribution as effective as Bahi'i delegates at this Conference were: > possible, the BahA'i representatives prepared "(1) That there be established in each > papers on two items of the agenda, that country, and if possible in each city a per- > concerning work of non-governmental or- manent office of the UNO in which all of > ganizations for United Nations through the Non-Governmental Organizations would > press, radio and visual material, and that participate and collaborate. The BahPi In- > concerning their work in the field of educa- ternational Community, which is repre- > tion. sented in all countries, offers to collaborate > T H E BAHA'I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS 603 > > Bahi'i Delegates to United Nations International Conference of > Non-Governmental Organizations, held at Lake Success, New York, > April 4-9, 1949. L e f t to right: Amin Banhi, Mrs. Mildred R. > Mottahedeh, Miss Hilda Yen, Matthew Bullock. > > in this respect to assist in the great work of des Nations and approximately two hundred > the UNO. delegates represented one hundred and three > "(2) That the goals and objects of the organizations. Only three organizations were > UNO be given to children giving them a represented by the full quota of five allowed > universal conscience through means of pic- to each organization and the Bahi'i Inter- > tures, (telling the stories and adventures of national community was among these three. > the UNO) in magazines, etc., to prepare the The fact that we had a complete delegation > new generations for this so necessary uni- enabled us to participate in the work of all > versal consciousness for the establishment of five committees. The members of our dele- > permanent peace and unity." gation were Bishop Brown (United States), > In 1950 another State Conference of Ugo R. Giachery (Italy), Rafi Y. Motta- > Non-Governmental Organizations was held hedeh (United States), Abbas Bagdadi > (Switzerland), and Mildred R. Mottahedeh > at the University of Kansas and three Bahi'i > (Bahi'i International Observer). We > delegates were sent: Mr. and Mrs. L. Paul elected Ugo R. Giachery as chairman and > Harris and Mrs. Esther Klein Cochran. Mildred R. Mottahedeh as secretary of our > delegation. > The Fourth International Conference of resolution was drawn up by our > International Non-Governmental Organiza- ~ ~ delegation > h ~ andi this resolution was > ti0ns was called in Geneva, Switzerland, On adopted and presented to the plenary ses- > June 26-28, 1950. The following excerpts sion where it was warmly received. It reads > are taken from the report of the delegates: as follows: 'In order to surmount the wave > "The conference was held at the Palais of pessimism which threatens the princi- > 604 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > ples of the United Nations, the NGOs un- secretary and the address of the headquar- > dertake to employ all their resources to cre- ters. Mrs. Taimurtash said that it was a pity > ate and intensify all over the world a moral this was a meeting of non-governmental or- > atmosphere favourable to the acceptance of ganizations and she could not therefore give > these principles.' . . . the official government attitude on the > "Committee 5 on Middle East and Af- BahL'is. > rica: Abbas Bagdadi. This committee had "At this point the secretary, Mr. Law- > met briefly and-adjourned after hearing a rence of the World Assembly of Youth, > report of the Iranian Association for the asked about the BahB'i organization and > UN on their seminar on 'Teaching on the said he had never heard of it. Mrs. Taimur- > United Nations which had been given in tash stated that the BahB'i Faith was merely > Teheran this year. The report was given in a sect of Islkm, to which Mrs. Mottahedeh > French, which they do not understand, and quickly responded, 'I will not allow this > was not translated into English as is cus- statement to stand on the record,' and pro- > tomary in these conferences. ceeded to give a brief exposition of the > "The committee re-convened the next Faith. She added that the principles of the > day and by this time Mrs. Mottahedeh had BahB'i Faith were more nearly identical with > finished her work on the Asian committee the principles of the UN than those of any > and joined Abbas Bagdadi. She asked that other organization. The Chairman remarked > Mrs. Taimurtash, the Vice Chairman (and that it seemed to him this was a private > daughter of the former Prime Minister of quarrel between two organizations, b i t Mrs. > Irkn) give the translation of the report in Mottahedeh assured him it was not, but was > English. She did so and mentioned the suc- a matter of principle. > cessful activities of the United Nations As- "At first the members of the committee > sociation of which the Shah is the Honorary were annoyed and impatient at what seemed > President and told of the establishment of to be a private quarrel but they soon began > the Seminar. The goal of this organization is to grasp that there was more to the matter > to serve the peace and various means were than appeared on the surface and the ma- > used to achieve its purpose, such as films, jority rushed to the support of the BahL'i > pamphlets, placards, lectures, radio, etc. delegation. When Mrs. Mottahedeh insisted > Five countries were invited to attend the on the resolution being put to a vote Mrs. > Seminar, among them India, Afghanistkn Taimurtash grew angry and said the Iranian > and 'IrBq, and various types of were Government does not recognize the Bahd'is > present. Mrs. Mottahedeh asked why the in- and Mrs. Mottahedeh replied that it did not > vitation had not been extended to the change the fact of their existence and that > BahB'is who have a membership in Iran they had existed for nearly a century and > numbering approximately one million and added that the UN had recognized them as > constituting the largest minority there. Mrs. was witnessed by our participation in this > Taimurtash said that the invitation was ex- conference. > tended through the radio and press and that, "The discussion of this matter occupied > if the Bahk'is were not present, it was not over an hour. The Chairman said that the > the fault of those in charge. She further matter now seemed to him something other > said that there are only three minorities in than a private difference and he thought the > frhn: the Jews, the Zoroastrians, and the Bahi'is were right. He suggested strengthen- > Christians (Armenians and Nestorians) and ing the resolution even further to say that > that frhn treats her minorities well and they all non-governmental organizations accred- > are all represented in Parliament. 'We do ited to the UN should be specifically invited > not consider the BahB'is a minority,' she to all national regional UN conferences. > The Chairman's amendment and our orig- > said, 'but look upon them just as ourselves.' > inal resolution were accepted by a strong > Mrs. Mottahedeh responded that an invita- majority vote. > tion should have been sent to all UN Non- "When the problems of Africa were pre- > Governmental Organizations and again sented for discussion, Mr. Lawrence (a > asked why the BahB'is were not invited. Mrs. West African and the secretary of our com- > Taimurtash said, 'There are no BahB'is in mittee) said that he was very sorry to report > Irkn.' Mrs. Mottahedeh offered to furnish that in Africa the minorities are in a very > her with the names of the chairman and the bad state. He cited no examples in order not > to touch upon political problems but wished Conference, as Bahi'i observers: Mr. Sami > only to mention that the minorities there are Doktoroglu and Miss Ulgan Inan, of Tur- > treated badly. He therefore is in full agree- key, and Mrs. Farakhou Samadea, of f r h . > ment with, and ready to support, the resolu- "At 10:30 A.M., the session was opened > tion of the Bahi'is about discrimination." by His Excellency, the Governor (Vali) of > At these meetings our BahL'i training Istanbul. He welcomed the first Regional > shines out and enables us to win many Non-Governmental Organizations Confer- > friends. ence being held at Istanbul, and assured > "At the Geneva conference this training them of his best wishes for its success. Then > was deeply evident. Numerous people spoke Prof. Gokdogan of the Teknik University of > to us of the outstanding work done by our Istanbul was elected Chairman, upon a sug- > delegation in each committee. The truth of gestion made by Mr. Tewfik Khabil, dele- > the matter is that most of the constructive gate of the Arab Union of Egypt, and sec- > work that was done came from our delega- onded by an Israelite delegate. > tion and this was widely acknowledged. The "Mr. R. Bokhari, the Director of the > fact that we tried to be just, harmonious, United Nations Department of Public In- > constructive, non-political and showed a formation Center of Cairo, Egypt, was > genuine appreciation of others' efforts soon elected Secretary. About Vice-Chairman, as > came to be recognized. We also were far there was no suggestion made, Mr. Mecdi > better prepared in discussion and conference Inan, the Bahi'i Delegate of T ~ ~ r k e pro- > y, > technique than the large majority of the posed that Mrs. Mottahedeh be the Vice- > delegates and this is, of course, due to our Chairman and it was seconded and she was > BahB'i training in committee and convention consequently elected. > work." "Upon the opening of the first Commit- > In 1950 the Nobel Prize was conferred tee's session, Miss Sureyya Aga-Oglu, of the > upon Dr. Ralph J. Bunche for the notable University Women's League and a Turkish > work he did in mediating the questions in lawyer, asked the Chairman if some infor- > Israel. On this occasion the Bahi'is of Oslo mation would be given about the Bahb'i > presented him with a congratulatory tele- Community, as she did not know anything > gram from the National Spiritual Assembly about it, while she could see that Commu- > of the Bahi'is of the United States and re- nity represented. Mr. R. Mottahedeh made > ceived a very warm response from him. In a very short yet sound presentation of the > 1950 Mr. William B. de Forge was ap- Faith and its principles, and the statement > pointed National Observer to the United was satisfactory. Bahi'i delegates took their > Nations for the National Spiritual Assembly actual part in the work of the two Commit- > of the BahB'is of the United States. tees and tried to display tact and discretion > In 1950 a Conference of International that attracted all minds and hearts to them. > Non-Governmental Organizations interested The tact was more striking when Mrs. Mot- > in non-scholastic teaching about the United tahedeh sincerely and thankfully declined > Nations met at Lake Success. Dr. David when suggestions were made to have her > Ruhe represented the Bahi'i International elected either as the Chairman or the Vice- > community. Chairman of Committee No. 2, drawing at- > tention to the fact that the two officers > The year 1951 was a particularly active should preferably be elected from among > one, in which four important Regional Con- the delegations of the Regional countries. > ferences were called. The first of the series "As the first session of the two Commit- > took place in Istanbul, Turkey, April 9-13, tees was over, delegates and observers > and the following are excerpts from the re- of the Non-Governmental Organizations > port of the delegates: rushed to inquire about the Bahb'i Faith, > "The delegation was as follows: Mrs. Rafi and a good dissemination of pamphlets was > Mottahedeh, International Bahi'i Delegate; made. In this circumstance, the Bahb'i dele- > Mr. Rafi Mottahedeh, BahB'i Delegate of gates felt greatly indebted to the valuable > frhn; Mr. Kamil Abbas, of 'IrLq; Mr. Mo- contributions of the National Spiritual As- > hamed Mustafa Soliman, of Egypt and SG- sembly of the Bahb'is of 'IrAq for having > din; Mr. Mecdi Inan, of Turkey. supplied the delegation with a big quantity > "The Bahi'i Delegation invited the fol- of pamphlets. As a matter of fact, the mem- > lowing Bahb'is to sit in and listen to the bers of the Bahb'i delegation were occupied > - --- > > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Bahi'i Representatives and Observers at United Nations > Non-Governmental Organizations Regional Conference for the > Middle East, held in Istanbul, Turkey, April 9-13, 1951, > with Dr. Faryar, Director of UN Information Center > in Tihrin (extreme right). Photograph taken in > front of the Yildiz Palace. > Left to right: Mecdi Inan, Bahb'i delegate from Turkey; > Kamil Abbas, Bahi'i delegate from 'IrBq; Sami Doktoroglu, > Bahi'i observer from Turkey; Rafi Mottahedeh, Bahi'i representing > fib; Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, Bahi'i International Community > delegate and observer; Farakhou Samadea, observer from frkn; > Mohamed Mustafa Soleiman, Bahi'i delegate from Egypt and Sfidln; > Dr. Faryar, Tihrin; Ulgan Inan, BahL'i observer from Turkey. > T H E BAHA'I F A I T H AN D UNITED NATIONS 607 > > for the entire thirty-minute period with ex- side of Istanbul-Gazi-Anteb and Adana- > plaining facts about the Faith. It was not after they had seen the favorable press. > only during this period, but throughout the "Of historic significance is the fact that > Conference that the BahP'is were steadily the Bahl'i Delegation was officially received > besieged by all the reporters of all the lead- at the reception given by the Governor of > ing newspapers, for information about the Istanbul for the assembled delegates. Also, > Faith. that the Conference should have been held > "On April 12, the delegation invited Mr. at the Palace of Sultan 'Abdu'l-Hamid, the > Daniel Auster, the delegate of the UN As- arch-enemy of the Faith; and the Faith men- > sociation of Israel, who is also the Mayor of tioned so frequently at the Palace! > Jerusalem, to lunch at the Park Hotel. It "It is also of significance that a National > was a very pleasant occasion and we were Committee of Non-Governmental Organiza- > especially gratified to hear the many compli- tions of Turkey was called for a meeting > mentary remarks about how much the by Prof. Gokdogan, the Chairman of the > Bahi'is are contributing to the beauty of Conference. In that meeting, the Chairman > Israel, and the high ideals of the Bahl'is. announced that the Bahl'i Community of > The Mayor was especially pleased at our in- Turkey is officially recognized by the De- > viting him, because of the tension created partment of Public Information of United > by the presence of both Jews and Arabs at Nations and it was actually listed among the > this Conference. The Jews felt that they Non-Governmental Organizations of Tur- > were more or less standing alone and were key, and invited to work with the other > delighted to find Bahl'i delegates so N.G.O.'s." > friendly, especially since we had Arabs > among us. The second of the series of Regional Con- > "To return to the report of the commit- ferences was held on the Island of Bali, in > tee work, the resolutions were drafted on Den Passar, July 29 to August 3, 1951. Of > April 12 and it can honestly be said that the BahB'i delegates appointed, Mr. Stanley > the Bah2is contributed greatly to the work Bolton, Jr., of Australia and New Zealand, > of these committees, which, in fact, would Mr. B. Sohaili of PakistLn, and Capt. H. > have produced little results without the Buys of Indonesia were the only delegates > Bahl'i delegates. They acted as a coordi- able to attend. Mrs. Shirin Fozdar who was > nating point between all factions and were representing an Indian organization assisted > able by useful resolutions, to assist the fu- the Bahi'i delegation greatly through the > ture work. In both committees, it could be Conference. The following excerpts are > said that the bulk of the resolutions were from their report: > the result of Bahi'i suggestions. "During the course of the meeting, the > "Generally, there was a wide publicity Committee was interviewed by a reporter > given to the Faith by the press, and BahB'i from the leading newspaper, which resulted > delegates were frequently besieged by the in an article about the Faith appearing in > reporters. For several days, all the UN Con- the July 24 issue of the publication A.I.D. > ference news items mentioned the Faith. This publicity was the first secured for the > "The result was that finally Cumhuriyet Faith in Indonesia. The reporter also wrote > (Republic), one of the leading papers in about the Faith for a news agency in Dja- > Turkey, wondered in its edition of April 13, karta and it is possible that the story may > as to such a comparatively small minority in have been picked up by other newspapers. > the U.S.A. playing a leading part in the "It is certain that everyone concerned > Conference work. [Other papers which car- with the Conference has at least heard the > ried articles concerning Bahi'i participation word Bah& and a majority know a little of > principles, history and aims of the Faith. > in the Conference were Hiirriyet (April 9), > "It was felt that the Bahi'i delegates con- > Yeni Sabah (April lo), and La Ripublique tributed much to the Conference; made val- > (April 13) .] uable contacts with the Indonesian Officials > "We have no doubt that this publicity will present, and succeeded in carrying the Mes- > have a resounding effect on the teaching sage to all those with whom we came in > work of the Turkish Bahi'i Community. touch. We feel certain that the contribu- > Letters and telegrams of congratulations tions of the Bahi'i delegation will lend > were received from the Turkish Bahl'is out- weight not only to the activities of the BahA'i > 608 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > International Community, but also will mendation in conjunction with the later > stimulate BahL'i activity here in Indonesia it- ones. > self, which is at present one of the outposts "In the plenary session in the afternoon > of the Faith." reports were given of the different agencies > of the UN. Dr. Luis Gabuardi of the Cham- > The third of these Regional Conferences ber of Commerce asked about the Faith, > was held in Managua, Nicaragua, August stating that he had been impressed by the > 4-1 1, 1951. The delegatets were: Sra. Raquel manner in which the BahL'i Delegation had > Francois de Constante, from Panami; Julio > C. Hernandez, from 'Nicaragua; Artemus > Lamb, from Costa Rica. > The following excerpts are from the re- > port of the delegates to this Conference: > "Press Activities. Owing to the unex- > pected postponement of t h e Conference > from the 4th to the 6th of August, the Dele- > gation took advantage of the opportunity to > visit the Directors of the two most liberal > newspapers, La Flecha and La Noticia, as > well as the directors of the newspapers of > the Student Federation who are good > friends of the BahL'is. As a result of these > efforts news of the arrival of the BahB'i > Delegation appeared in the three papers, > one with a photograph on the front page; > unfortunately, only La Razon of the Student > Federation published statements on the > Teachings. > 'The Delegation met every morning to Representatives of the Bahb'i International > pray. On the next day all went to their re- Community at the Regional Conference of > spective committees. Sra. Constante con- Non-Governmental Organizations of United > tinued attracting attention, especially for Nations held in Managua, Nicaragua, > being the only woman taking active part in August 4-11, 1951. > the discussions. All the newspapers pub- Left to right: Artemus Lamb (Costa Rica), > lished accounts of the main events of the Sra. Raquel Fran~oisde Constante > Conference and the name of the BahB'i (Panama) and Julio C. Hernandez (Nica- > Delegation figured in almost all of them, al- ragua). > though generally the names of known na- > tional figures were those that were played > up visibly. acted and presented their recommendations > "Dr. Fusoni [Director of the UN Depart- as well as the universal and 'complete' > ment of Public Information] lunched with manner which the Bahi'i Community had > the Delegation. He listened with deep inter- worked in other Conferences judging from > est to explanations of the Faith and asked the former reports. This is another proof of > many questions, stating that he had often the necessity of always proceeding with care > heard of the Faith but knew practically and wisdom, for what we are doing is build- > nothing of it. He seemed deeply moved by ing a permanent record of our capacity by > our cooperation and promised to see the which thousands of people are going to > Bahi'is in other places, such as Panama and judge the Faith. > Mexico. "During the final days many conversa- > "In this session Sra. Constante presented tions were held with the leaders and most > a number of recommendations which the active delegates, about both the work of the > BahB'i Delegation had prepared for the bet- United Nations and the Bahb'i Faith, and > ter functioning of future conferences and we believe that we could say in all truth > which were well received. Also, the Teach- that this Conference has opened a new > ing Committee approved the recommenda- stage of recognition and of prestige for the > tion based upon the original BahB'i recom- Faith in this territory." > T H E BAHA'I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS 609 > > On October 29-November 2, 1951, a Without exception we have heard nothing > Regional Conference of Non-Governmental but praise for the work that all Bahi'i dele- > Organizations was called in Paris and the gates have done throughout the world. > Bahi'i International Community sent four- The work of the Bahi'i United Nations > teen delegates from ten different countries: Committee started very modestly but has > Jean Deleuran, Tove Deleuran, Denmark; grown to large proportions which have re- > Dorothy Ferraby, John Ferraby, British percussions in all parts of the BahB'i world. > Isles; Mme. Ferrand, France; Ugo R. Gia- We are gradually winning respect in interna- > chery, Italy; Louis Henuzet, Belgium; Li tional circles for the principles of the Faith > Hoffman, Holland; Anita Ioas, International and the character of its followers. > Delegate; Claude Levy, Luxembourg; Ake > Norgren, Sweden; Jean Sevin, France; Rita > Van Sombeek, Holland; Gerd Strand, Nor- > way. During the two years 1952-1954 several > The following excerpt is taken from their conferences were held in different parts of > report: the world with very interesting results. > "The Bah2i delegation is highly gratified The Fifth Znternation~il Conference of > to report that Ugo Giachery was nominated Non-Governmental Organizations was held > by the Department of Public Information at the United Nations Headquarters, Octo- > for Chairman of Committee 111 on 'Special ber 6-10, 1952. Our delegates were: Dr. > Problems of United Nations Information in Firuz Kazemzadeh, Mrs. Hilda Yen Male, > Europe,' and was accepted by the delegates Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, Mr. Albert > without dissent. As Chairman of one of the Rakovsky, Mr. Manuel Vera; our observers > four Committees, he became ex oflicio a were Mr. William de Forge and Mrs. Hedda > member of the Steering Committee for the Rakovsky. > Conference. As such, he was presented to The Vice-Chairman of Working Commit- > the President of the French Republic, Mon- tee No. 1 was our BahB'i representative, > sieur Auriol, and also attended a lunch Mrs. Hilda Yen Male. It is of interest to > given by the Cercle de 1'Americain Latin. quote the following from the report of this > This appointment was felt both to give pub- Committee: > licity to the Faith and to enhance its pres- "Something for the Bah2is to look forward > tige in the eyes of the delegates." to is a world history, to be written from the > Since the close of the Conference, we world point of view, called ' A C~ilturaland > have received clippings of the publicity Scientific History of Mankind.' This world > which the delegates received on their return history is to be in six volumes, to be written > to their native countries. by an international group of eminent au- > BahB'i participation in these Conferences thorities on the subjects to be covered in > has brought certain facts to the attention this history. It is roughly estimated that this > of the delegates of the other Non-Govern- world history will be completed sometime > mental Organizations and to the section between 1957 ancl 1962. On disclosing this > of Non-Governmental Organizations in item of information by Mr. Carnes, the > the United Nations. Wherever a Conference Right Reverend Monsignor Donald A. Mac- > is called, we usually have well-qualified lean, delegate from the World Federation of > native Bahi'is to participate in them. This Catholic Universities, attacked the world > is most unusual, since many of even the history for omitting God. Mr. Carnes an- > largest of the Non-Governmental Organiza- swered by quoting Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt > tions whose memberships run into the mil- when she answered attacks on the United > lions send delegates mostly from Western Nations as follows: 'The United Nations is > Europe and the United States. Our delega- doing the work of God without mentioning > tions have been a living proof of the wide Him only.' Miss Ruth F. Woodsmall, dele- > spread of our world membership. Our dele- gate from the International Alliance of > gates have also been conspicuous by the Women, said that it depends upon the defi- > training they have received in consultation nition of the word 'culture' whether or not > in their own community affairs. They have to include religion in defining culture. Mrs. > been able to apply this training in a con- Hilda Yen Male then attempted to strike a > structive way that has given real assistance conciliatory note by saying that if the defini- > to the progress of all these Conferences. tion did not include religion in a cultural > 610 T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > and scientific history of mankind, the peo- Our delegate to Working Party No. 3 was > ples of the world still needed a history book Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh. It would be of > written from a world point of view impar- general interest to note the following from > tially to help peoples to understand and ap- her report: > preciate one another's cultures, instead of "The BahB'i delegate proposed the follow- > being written from a partial national point ing recommendation: 'Non-Governmental > of view to perpetuate animosity of the peo- Organizations should try to plan some of > ples of the nations against one another; and their conferences in trust and non-self-gov- > if the definition should include religion, the erning territories.' Our delegate gave the ex- > Bahb'is would welcome it all the more. The ample of our Jubilee Conference which will > religious history of the world should start be held in Kampala. > right from the beginning and follow through "The recommendation was amended to read > to the very latest religion, which is the as follows: 'Non-Governmental Organiza- > Bahi'i World Faith, impartially and truth- tions should try to plan some of their > fully, without the feeling of 'religious na- conferences in trust and non-self-governing > tionalism,' for it would be discovered that territories, being sure that there is a firm > all religions, stripped of their man-made control of the conference in order not to > dogma and creed, are one, because truth is have it used as a political spring-board.' The > one. Just as there should be internationalism recommendation was accepted more or less > in the political, economic, and social realm, in this form. It is an interesting commentary > so there should be 'religious international- that the amendment did not occur to the > ism.' Therefore, the BahB'i International mind of the Bahb'i delegate making the > Community wanted to express to Mr. original recommendation because Bahb'is > Carnes of UNESCO their endorsement of never have to concern themselves with polit- > the writing of this Cultural and Scientific ical questions." > History of Mankind." The Bah6'i delegate on Working Party > The question of Human Rights was ex- No. 4 was Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh. The fol- > tensivelf discussed at this committee also, lowing is quoted from his report: > and our delegate called attention to the tre- "The Bahb'i delegate pointed out that one > mendous amount of work yet to be done in should not lose sight of the forest behind in- > this field. The Genocide Convention came dividual trees, and that it was not enough to > within the scope of the discussion on Human promise people technical assistance or more > Rights. Our delegate, Mrs. Male, drafted a food in order to win their support. What is > recommendation, which was proposed and needed is a statement of the ideology under- > amended by Mr. Barnett Janner, M.P., dele- lying the United Nations. A movement is > gate from the Coordinating Board of Jewish strong only if its ideas and actions are in > Organizations, and it was adopted by ma- tune with the basic forces which shape his- > jority vote. tory. There, it is necessary to demons&ate to > The resolution reads as follows: the masses that the UN is an expression of > "ln view of the lack of information and the such forces and not merely a political or- > misinformation on much of the work of the ganization created by a number of states for > United Nations, especially the Convention their own special purposes. > on Genocide, it is recommended that inter- "The statement of the BahL'i delegate was > national Non-Governmental Organizations warmly supported by Miss Lie (Interna- > urge their national branches to make further tional Association of Business and Profes- > effort to make known as widely as possible sional Women, Norway), Mr. McNeill, and > the texts of United Nations Conventions, Dr. Leitner. The Working Party expressed > such as the Convention on Genocide and the the desire that a section on ideology be in- > Convention on Refugees, etc." cluded in its final report to the plenary ses- > In Working Committee No. 2, our dele- sion. > gate, Mr. Manuel Vera, who was the only "The Chairman of the Working Party, Dr. > Latin American delegate during most of the Leitner, asked the Bahb'i delegate to par- > Conference, was able to be extremely useful ticipate in the drafting of the report and to > in the discussion of technical assistance. He write the section on ideology. The Bahb'i > is working in the Point 4 Program in Peru. delegate's draft was unanimously approved > His remarks were received with much ap- at the last session of the Working Party and > preciation. incorporated into the text of its final report. > BahL'i Delegates at the Fourth United Nations International Non-Governmental > Organizations Conference, held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, > Switzerland, June 26-28, 1950. > Right to left: Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Mrs. Bishop Brown (observer), > Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, Rafi Mottahedeh, Abbas Bagdadi. > > "This proposal was accepted and brought can be accomplished only by studying the > before the plenary session of the Confer- spiritual life of each race, considering that > ence. its civilization and progress have been due > "It can be said that the contribution of the to the grade of ethics generated by the great > BahL'i delegates was positive in that it raised spiritual educators of each people. It is nec- > the whole discussion to a higher level, where essary to teach them to venerate and love > it was vossible to introduce some of the each one of them equally so that no preju- > Bah6'i principles in a form acceptable to dice may exist among the peoples and that > all." unity of conscience, which alone can bring > From March 26-31, 1952, the UN Re- success to the efforts of the great entity of > the United Nations in freeing the world > gional Conference of Non-Governmental > from the horrors of war, may be established. > Organizations was held in La Paz, Bolivia. > That all problems be considered with a uni- > Our delegates were Mr. Arturo Cuellar > versal, not a nationalistic outlook." > Echazu. Mrs. Yvonne de Cuellar, Mrs. > Dorothy Campbell. It should be borne in mind that all these > It would be interesting here to give some Bahgi delegates who took part in these Con- > of the resolutions which our delegates pre- ferences in various parts of the world were > sented at this conference: complete novices. Yet in every case their > "In order that humanity may arrive at a training in consultation in BahVi community > universal understanding, it is necessary to life enabled them to take part in the discus- > teach adults, as well as the new generations, sions in such a way as to assist the purpose > how to develop a universal mind, and that of the Conference. All were extremely care- > 612 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > ful not to take any part in politics and their international Non-Governmental Organiza- > impartial attitude has been noticed at all of tions that have been able to send delegates > these Conferences. who were native to the region where the > Conference was being held. The person at > In April, 1952, a Conference o f Non- the UN immediately in charge of these Con- > Governmental Organizations was held in ferences, said "The Bahi'is have been pres- > Quito, Ecuador. Our delegates were Mrs. ent at all the Latin American Conferences > Roxana Gallegos and Mr. Hernan Pasquel. and have usually been represented by native > Our delegates had numerous opportunities people of the region. The Bahi'i delegates > to make constructive contributions during are always cooperative and constructive and > the meetings of the Working Committees their efforts definitely contribute to the suc- > and the resolutions which they presented cess of our Latin American Conferences." > were approved during the final plenary ses- This comment applies not only to the Con- > sion. Through this Conference many Latin ferences held in Latin America, but it is true > Americans interested in international affairs, of the Bahi'i participation in these Non- > became acquainted with the principles of the Governmenla1 Conferences wherever they > Bahi'i Faith. have been held in the world. > Here it would be appropriate to say that > we have heard from United Nations person- Perhaps the most interesting Regional > nel that ours has been one of the very few Conference of all is the one that was held > > Eah2i Delegation ( l e f t ) at Fifth Conference of International Non-Governmental > Organizations on United Nations Information, held in New York > City, October 6-18, 1952. > Fourth World Congress for World Federal Government, held in > Rome, Italy, April 2-9, 1951. > The three BahL'i representatives appear in second row, far left (left t o right) : > Prof. Mario Fiorentini, Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Prof. Alessandro Bausani. > > October 24-31, 1952, in the Philippines. At reported. The BahL'is of Rio de Janeiro had > this conference our delegates were: Mr. been cooperating since 1950 with the Or- > S. H. Koreshi, representing the National ganization of Non-Governmental Organiza- > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of India, tions of Brazil. The quality of their partici- > Pkkistkn, and Burma; Mr. S. P. Bolton, Jr., pation was such that in 1953 the Bahk'i > representing the National Spiritual Assem- Community of Rio de Janeiro was elected > bly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New to the National Council. > Zealand; Dr. David M. Earl, Headquarters In 1952 and 1953 the BahB'is were ably > Delegate, BahL'i International Community; represented at the United Nations Confer- > and Mr. K. H. Paymh, representing the ences for Non-Governmental Organizations > BahVis of Indonesia. at the University of Kansas. > Quoted from the report presented by the A Regional Conference of European > delegates is the following excerpt: Non-Governmental Organizations was con- > "The BahL'i Delegation was the largest sin- vened in September, 1953, in Geneva, Swit- > gle delegation at the Conference, and prob- zerland. The BahL'i International Com- > ably influenced the course of the discussion munity was ably represented by Dr. Ugo R. > more than any other. It would be no exag- Oiachery. Dr. Giachery is a veteran of many > geration to state that our delegation was the of these Conferences and is well known and > leading delegation. The word Bahi'i became highly respected by the other delegates. Miss > a by-word of the Conference and was men- > Elsa Steinmetz acted as observer. > tioned on many occasions in committee and > plenary sessions and also by the speaker of In November, 1953, a special Conference > the House of Representatives, Mr. Eulogio of Non-Governmental Organizations on > Perez, in his closing remarks." United Natiolns Inforrnatiorz was convened > at the United Nations Headquarters in New > In other parts of the world, increased York. The BahL'i International Community > Bah2i activity in IJnited Nations affairs was was represented by Mr. William de Forge. > Dr. David Earl, Headquarters Delegate of the BahPL'i International Community, being > presented to President Quirino of the Republic of the Philippines at reception > given for delegates to the Non-Governmental Organizations Conference of > United Nations, Manila, October 24, 1952. > > Non-Governmental Organizations Conference on Technical Assistance > held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, March 29, 1954. > Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, representative of the > Bah6'i International Community, is seated third from right. > T H E BAHA'I FAITH AND UNITED NATIONS 615 > > In March, 1954, a Non-Governmental the United Nations issued a letter to Mrs. > Organizations Conference on Technical As- Mottahedeh describing the plan, in order to > sistance was held at the United Nations facilitate her work. > Headquarters in New York. Each Organiza- It would here be interesting to describe > tion was permitted only one delegate, and the nature of this project. The suggestion > Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh represented was that, under the spoilsorship of the > the Bah6'i International Community. During United Nations Technical Assistance Board, > the course of this conference our delegate a series of exhibitions be held at the most > made some suggestions regarding the pub- important trade fairs throughout the world. > licizing of the United Nations Technical As- These exhibitions were to collsist of photo- > sistance Program and the marketing of graphs showing the progress in the fields of > handicrafts from the underdeveloped coun- health, education, agriculture, nutrition, > tries. The suggestions were most enthusiasti- transportation and development of resources > cally received by the Technical Assistance and handicrafts in the underdeveloped > Department and the general body of dele- countries. In addition to the photographic > gates. Many considered it the only worth- exhibits, actual samples of the products were > while suggestion developed from the Con- to be displayed to acquaint possible buyers > ference. Following the Conference our dele- with new potential sources of raw and fin- > gate was invited by the United Nations to ished materials. Films on the work done in > draw up a definite plan containing the sug- the developing of these underdeveloped > gestions. This plan was submitted to the countries were also to be shown. In this way > heads of various departments at the United the splendid solid accomplishments of the > Nations and all have given their hearty ap- Technical Assistance Department of the > United Nations would become known to > proval. > sizable segments of the world's population > Mrs. Mottahedeh was planning to go to and new markets could be found for the > Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. She products of the underdeveloped countries. > asked the Technical Assistance Board This project was undertaken in line with > whether they would like her to make liaison the Bah6'i policy to do anything in the > with the government officials wherever she powers of the BahL'i International Com- > went, in order to advance the project. This munity to forward the humanitarian work > suggestioil was met with warm approval and of the United Nations. > A P P R E C I A T I O N S O F THE > BAHA'I FAITH > Alphabetical List of Authors > Archduchess Anton of Austria Prof. Dr. V. Lesny > Charles Baudouin Harry Charles Lukach > Late President Eduard Bend Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania > Prof. Norman Bentwich, Hebrew Univer- Alfred W. Martin, Society for Ethical Cul- > sity, Jerusalem ture, New Yovk > Jules Bois Late President Masaryk of Czechoslovakia > Dr. G. A. Borgese Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, Doyen of Juris- > Princess Marie Antoinette de Broglie Aus- ~rzidenceof Japan > senac George N. Mayhew > Prof. E. G. Browne, M.A., M.B., Cambridge Renwick J. G. Millar > University Prof. Herbert A. Miller, Bryn Mawr College > Luther Burbank The Hon. Lilian Helen Montague, J.P., > Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter, D.Litt., Manchester D.H.L. > College, Oxford Arthur Moore > Dr. G. W. Carver Angela Morgan > General Renato Piola Caselli Sir A. Ramaswami Mudaliar, K.C.S.I. > Rev. T. K. Cheyne, D.Litt., D.D., Oxford Mrs. Sarojinu Naidu > University, Fellow of British Academy A. L. M. Nicolas > Sir Valentine Chirol Prof. Yone Noguchi > The Christian Cornrnonwealth Rev. Frederick W. Oakes > Rev. K. T. Chung H.R.H. Princess Olga of Yugoslavia > Rt. Hon. The Earl Curzon of Kedleston Sir Flinders Petrie, Archeologist > Prof. James Darmesteter, Ecole des Hautes Prof. Raffaele Pettazoni > Etudes, Paris Prof. Raymond Frank Piper > Dr. Bhagavan Das Prof. Bogdan Popovitch > Rev. J. Tyssul Davis, B.A. Charles H. Prisk > S. Eitrem, Professor, University of Oslo, Dr. Edmund Privat, University o f Geneva > Norway Herbert Putnam, Congressional Library, > Dr. Auguste Forel, University of Zurich Washington, D.C. > Prof. Francesco Gabrieli Eugen Relgis > Dr. Herbert Adams Gibbons Ernest Renan > Sir John Martin Harvey Royal Asiatic Society, Journal o f > Arthur Henderson Prof. Dr. Jan Rypka > Rt. Hon. M. R. Jayakar, Privy Councillor, Viscount Herbert Samuel of Carmel, G.C.B., > London G.B.E., M.P. > Dr. Henry H. Jessup, D.D. Prof. Benoy Kumar Sarkar, M.A., Ph.D. > Dr. Hewlett Johnson Gmile Schreiber, Publicist > President David Starr Jordan, Stanford Uni- Prof. Hari Prasad Shastri, D.Litt. > versity Col. Raja Jai Prithvi Bahadur Singh, Raja > Prof. Jowett, Oxford University of Bajang (Nepal) > Prof. Dimitry Kazarov, University of Sofia Rev. GriiKth J. Sparham > Miss Helen Keller Sir Ronald Storrs, K.C.M.G., C.B.E. > Prof. Joseph Klausner Ex-Governor William Sulzer > 6117 > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Shri Purohit Swami Kenneth Walker, F.R.C.S., F.I.C.S. > Leo Tolstoy Dr. Marshall Wingfield, D.D., Litt.D. > Arnold Toynbee, D.Litt. Oxon. Sir Francis Younghusband, K.C.S.I., > Prof. Arminius VambCry, Hungarian A c ~ d - K.C.I.E. > emy o f Pesth Sir Alfred Zimmern > > A woman1 brought me the other day a > Book. I spell it with a capital letter because > it is a glorious Book of love and goodness, > I was deeply moved on reception of your strength and beauty. > letter. She gave it to me because she had learned > Indeed a great light came to me with the I was in -grief and sadness and wanted to > message of Bah2u'llBh and 'Abdu'l-BahB. help. . . . She put it into my hands saying: > It came as all great messages come at an "You seem to live up to His teachings." And > hour of dire grief and inner conflict and dis- when I opened the Book I saw it was the > tress, so the seed sank deeply. word of 'Abdu'l-Bahh, prophet of love and > My youngest daughter finds also great kindness, and of his father the great teacher > strength and comfort in the teachings of of international good-will and understanding > the beloved masters.---- -of a religion which links all creeds. > We pass on the message from mouth to Their writings are a great cry toward > mouth and all those we give it to see a light peace, reaching beyond all limits of fron- > suddenly lighting before them and much tiers, above all dissension about rites and > that was obscure and perplexing becomes dogmas. It is a religion based upon the inner > simple, luminous and full of hope as never spirit of God, upon the great, not-to-be- > before. overcome verity that God is love, meaning > That my open letter was balm to thoae just that. It teaches that all hatreds, in- > suffering for the cause, is indeed a great hap- trigues, suspicions, evil words, all aggressive > piness to me, and I take it as a sign that God patriotism even, are outside the one essential > accepted my humble tribute. law of God, and that special beliefs are but > The occasion given me to be able to ex- surface things whereas the heart that beats > press myself publicly, was also His Work- with divine love knows no tribe nor race. > for indeed it was a chain of circumstances It is a wondrous Message that Bahb'u'llih > of which each link led me unwittingly one and his son 'Abdu'l-Bahi have given us. > step further, till suddenly all was clear be- They have not set it up aggressively, know- > fore my eyes and I understood why it had ing that the germ of eternal truth which > been. lies at its core cannot but take root and > Thus does He lead us finally to our ulti- spread. > mate destiny. There is only one great verity in it: Love, > Some of those of my cas.te wonder at and the mainspring of every energy, tolerance > disapprove my courage to step forward pro- toward each other, desire of understanding > nouncing words not habitual for Crowned each other, knowing each other, helping > Heads to pronounce, but I advance by an each other, forgiving each other. > inner urge I cannot resist. With bowed head It is Christ's Message taken up anew, in > I recognize that I too am but an instrument the same words almost, but adapted to the > in greater Hands and rejoice in the knowl- thousand years and more difference that lies > edge. between the year one and today. No man > Little by little the veil is lifting, grief tore could fail to be better because of this Book. > it in two. And grief was also a step leading I commend it to you all. If ever the name > me ever nearer truth, therefore do I not cry of BahB'u'llih or 'Abdu'l-Bahi comes to > out against grief! your attention, do not put their writings > May you and those beneath your guidance from you. Search out their Books, and let > be blessed and upheld by the sacred strength their glorious, peace-bringing, love-creating > of those gone before you. 1 Miss Martha L. Root.-Editor. > APPRECIATIONS OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH 619 > > words and lessons sink into your hearts as velop through countless ages with merely > they have into mine. this small goal in view-a few years of > One's busy day may seem too full for man's life on earth? Is it not unthinkable > religion. Or one may have a religion that that this should be the final aim of exist- > satisfies. But the teachings of these gentle, ence? Does a man cease to exist when he > wise and kindly men are compatible with all leaves his body? If his life comes to an end, > religion, and with no religion. then all previous evolution is useless. All has > Seek them, and be the happier. been for nothing. All those eons of evolu- > (From the Toronto Daily Star, May 4, tion for nothing! Can we imagine that crea- > 1926.) tion had no greater aim than this? > "The very existence of man's intelligence > proves his immortality. His intelligence is > the intermediary between his body and his > Of course, if you take the stand that crea- spirit. When man allows his spirit, through > tion has no aim, it is easy to dismiss life and his soul, to enlighten his understanding, then > death with a shrug and a "that ends it all; does he contain all creation; because mall > nothing comes after." being the culmination of all that went be- > But how difficult it is so to dismiss the fore, and thus superior to all previous evolu- > universe, our world, the animal and vege- tions, contains all the lower already-evolved > table world, and man. How clearly one sees world within himself. Illumined by the spirit > a plan in everything. How unthinkable it through the instrumentality of the soul, > is that the miraculous development that has man's radiant intelligence makes him the > brought man's body, brain and spirit to what crowning-point of creation!" > it is, should cease. Why should it cease? Thus does 'Abdu'l-BahC explain to us the > Why is it not logical that it goes on? Not soul-the most convincing elucidation I > the body, which is only an instrument, but know. > the invisible spark or fire within the body (From the Toronto Daily Star, September > which makes man one with the wider plan 28, 1926.) > of creation. > My words are lame, and why should I > grope for meanings when I can quote from > one who has said it so much more plainly, At first we all conceive of God as some- > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, whom I know would sanction thing or somebody apart from ourselves. > the use of his words: We think H e is something or somebody defi- > "The whole physical creation is perish- nite, outside of us, whose quality, meaning > able. Material bodies are composed of and so-to-say "personality" we can grasp > atoms. When these atoms begin to separate, with our human, finite minds, and express > decomposition sets in. Then comes what we in mere words. > call death. This is not so. We cannot, with our > "This composition of atoms which con- earthly faculties entirely grasp His meaning > stitutes the body or mortal element of any -no more than we can really understand > created being, is temporary. When the power the meaning of Eternity. > of attraction which holds these atoms to- God is certainly not the old Fatherly gen- > gether is withdrawn, the body as such ceases tleman with the long beard that in our > to exist. childhood we saw pictured sitting amongst > "With the soul it is different. The soul is clouds on the throne of judgment, holding > not a combination of elements, is not com- the lightning of vengeance in His hand. > posed of many atoms, is of one indivisible God is something simpler, happier, and > substance and therefore eternal. yet infinitely more tremendous. God is All, > "It is entirely out of the order of physi- Everything. He is the power behind all be- > cal creation; it is immortal! The soul, being ginnings. He is the inexhaustible source of > an invisible, indivisible substance, can suf- supply, of love, of good, of progress, of > fer neither disintegration nor destruction. achievement. God is therefore Happiness. > Therefore there is no reason for its coming His is the voice within us that shows us > to an end. good and evil. > "Consider the aim of creation: Is it pos- But mostly we ignore or misunderstand > sible that all is created to evolve and de- this voice. Therefore did He choose his Elect > 620 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > to come down amongst us upon earth to it destroys no other creeds and leaves all > make clear His word, His real meaning. doors open. > Therefore the Prophets; therefore Christ, "Saddened by the continual strife amongst > Muhammad, Bahi'u'llih, for man needs believers of many confessions and wearied > from time to time a voice upon earth to by their intolerance towards each other, I > bring God to him, to sharpen the realization discovered in the BahL'i teaching the real > of the existence of the true God. Those spirit of Christ so often denied and misun- > voices sent to us had to become flesh, so that derstood: > with our earthly ears we should be able to "Unity instead of strife, hope instead of > hear and understand. condemnation, love instead of hate, and a > Those who read their Bible with "peeled great reassurance for all men." > eyes" will find in almost every line some > revelation. But it takes long life, suffering > or some sudden event to tear all at once > the veil from our eyes, so that we can truly "The BahL'i teaching brings peace to the > see. . . . soul and hope to the heart. > Sorrow and sufferings are the surest and "To those in search of assurance the > also the most common instructors, the words of the Father are as a fountain in the > straightest channel to God-that is to say, desert after long wandering." 1934. > to that inner something within each of us > which is God. > Happiness beyond all understanding > comes with this revelation that God is within "More than ever today when the world > us, if we will but listen to His voice. We is facing such a crisis of bewilderment and > need not seek Him in the clouds. He is the unrest, must we stand firm in Faith seeking > All-Father whence we came and to whom that which binds together instead of tearing > we shall return when, having done with this asunder." > earthly body, we pass onward. "To those searching for light, the Bahi'i > If I have repeated myself, forgive me. Teachings offer a star which will lead them > There are so many ways of saying things, to deeper understanding, to assurance, peace > but what is important is the truth which and good will with all men." 1936. > lies in all the many ways of expressing it. > (From the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, > Monday, September 27, 1926.) > E. G. BROWNE,M.A., M.B. > BY PROFESSOR > > "Lately a great hope has come to me from Introduction to Myron H. Phelps' 'Abbhs > one, 'Abdu'l-Bahi. I have found in His and Effendi,pages xi-xvi; 1903 (rev. 1912)- > His Father, Bahi'u'llih's Message of Faith > all my yearning for real religion satisfied. If I have often heard wonder expressed by > you ever hear of Bahi'is or of the Bahi'i Christian ministers at the extraordinary suc- > Movement which is known in America, you cess of Bkbi missionaries, as contrasted with > will know what that is. What I mean: these the almost complete failure of their own. > Books have strengthened me beyond belief "How is it," they say, "that the Christian > and I am now ready to die any day full of doctrine, the highest and the noblest which > hope. But I pray God not to take me away the world has ever known, though sup- > yet for I still have a lot of work to do." ported by all the resources of Western civi- > lization, can only count its converts in Mu- > hammadan lands by twos and threes, while > BBbiism can reckon them by thousands?" > "The Bahi'i teaching brings peace and The answer, to my mind, is plain as the sun > understanding. at midday. Western Christianity, save in the > "It is like a wide embrace gathering to- rarest cases, is more Western than Christian, > gether all those who have long searched for more racial than religious; and by dallying > words of hope. with doctrines plainly incompatible with the > "It accepts all great prophets gone before, obvious meaning of its Founder's words, > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I F A I T H > > such as the theories of "racial supremacy," > "imperial destiny," "survival of the fittest," > and the like, grows steadily more rather than Introduction to Myron H. Phelps' 'Abbhs > less material. Did Christ belong to a "domi- Effendi, pages viii-x- > nant race," or even to a European or "white > race"? . . . I am not here arguing that the It was under the influence of this en- > Christian religion is true, but merely that it thusiasm that I penned the Introduction to > is in manifest conflict with several other my translation of the Traveller's Narrative. > theories of life which practically regulate the . . . This enthusiasm, condoned, if not > conduct of all States and most individuals in shared, by many kindly critics and review- > the Western world, a world which, on the ers, exposed me t o a somewhat savage attack > whole, judges all things, including religions, in the Oxford Magazine, an attack conclud- > mainly by material, or to use the more popu- ing with the assertion that my Introduction > lar term, "practical" standards. . . . There displayed "a personal attitude almost incon- > is, of course, another factor in the success of ceivable in a rational European, and a style > the BBbi propagandist, as compared with the unpardonable in a university teacher." (The > Christian missionary, in the conversion of review in question appeared in the Oxford > Muhammadans to his faith: namely, that the Magazine of May 25, 1892, page 394: ". . . > former admits, while the latter rejects, the the prominence given to the BBb in this > Divine inspiration of the Qur'Bn and book is an absurd violation of historical > the prophetic function of Muhammad. The perspective; and the translation of the > Christian missionary must begin by attack- Traveller's Narrative a waste of the powers > ing, explicitly or by implication, both these and opportunities of a Persian Scholar.") > beliefs; too often forgetting that if (as hap- Increasing age and experience (more's the > pens but rarely) he succeeds in destroying pity!) are apt enough, even without the as- > them, he destroys with them that recogni- sistance of the Oxford Magazine, to modify > tion of former prophetic dispensations (in- our enthusiasms; but in this case at least > cluding the Jewish and the Christian) which time has so far vindicated my judgment > Muhammad and the Qur'Bn proclaim, and against that of my Oxford reviewer that he > converts his Muslim antagonist not to Chris- could scarcely now maintain, as he formerly > tianity, but to Scepticism or Atheism. What, asserted, that the BBbi religion "had affected > indeed, could be more illogical on the part the least important part of the Muslim > of Christian missionaries to Muhammadan world and that not deeply." Every one > lands than to devote much time and labor who is in the slightest degree conversant > to the composition of coiltroversial works with the actual state of things [September > which endeavor to prove, in one and the 27, 19031 in Persia i ~ o wrecognizes that the > same breath, first, that the Qur'Bn is a lying number and influence of the BAbis in that > imposture, and, secondly, that it bears wit- country is immensely greater than it was > ness to the truth of Christ's mission, as fifteen years ago. > though any value attached to the testitnony > of one proved a liar! The BBbi (or Bahgi) > propagandist, on the other hand, admits that > Muhammad was the prophet of God and > that the Qur'Bn is the Word of God, denies A Traveller's Narrative, page 309- > nothing but their finality, and does not dis- The appearance of such a woman as > credit his own witness when he draws from Qurratu'l-'Ayn is in any country and any > that source arguments to prove his faith. To age a rare phenomenon, but in such a coun- > the Western observer, however, it is the try as Persia it is a prodigy-nay, almost a > complete sincerity of the BBbis, their fearless miracle. Alike in virtue of her marvelous > disregard of death and torture undergone for beauty, her rare intellectual gifts, her fervid > the sake of their religion, their certain con- eloquence, her fearless devotion and her > viction as to the truth of their faith, their glorious martyrdom, she stands forth incom- > generally admirable conduct towards man- parable and immortal amidst her country- > kind and especially towards their fellow be- women. Had the BBbi religion no other > lievers, which constitute their strongest claim claim to greatness, this were &fficient-that > on his attention. it produced a heroine like Qurratu'l-'Ayn. > 622 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > rather glory in this, that he loves his > kind. . . ." > Introduction to A Traveller's Narrative, Such, so far as I can recall them, were the > pages xxxix-xl- words which, besides many others, I heard > from Bahb. Let those who read them con- > Though I dimly suspected whither I was sider well with themselves whether such doc- > going and whom I was to behold (for no trines merit death and bonds, and whether > distinct intimation had been given to me), the world is more likely to gain or lose by > a second or two elapsed ere, with a throb their diffusion. > of wonder and awe, I became definitely con- > scious that the room was not untenanted. > In the corner where the divan met the wall > sat a wondrous and venerable figure, Introduction to A Traveller's Narrative, > crowned with a felt head-dress of the kind page xxxvi- > called thj by dervishes (but of unusual > height and make), round the base of which Seldom have I seen one whomse appearance > was wound a small white turban. The face impressed me more. A tall, strongly built > of him on whom I gazed I can never forget, man holding himself straight as an arrow, > though I cannot describe it. Those piercing with white turban and raiment, long black > eyes seemed to read one's very soul; power locks reaching almost to the shoulder, broad > and authority sat on that ample b:-ow; while powerful forehead, indicating a strong intel- > the deep lines on the forehead and face im- lect combined with an unswerving will, eyes > plied an age which the jet-black hair and keen as a hawk's, and strongly marked but > beard flowing down in indistinguishable lux- pleasing features-such wa8 -my first im- > uriance almost to the waist seemed to belie. pression of 'Abbis Effendi, "The Master" > No need to ask in whose presence I stood, (Aq!) as he par excellence is called by the > as I bowed myself before one wbo is the Bbbls. Subsequent conversation with him > object of a devotion and love which kings served only to heighten the respect with > might envy and emperors sigh for in vain! which his appearance had from the first in- > A mild, dignified voice bade me be seated, spired me. One more eloquent of speech, > and then continued: "Pmise be to God, that more ready of argument, more apt of illus- > thou hast attained! . . . Thou lzast conze to tration, more intimately acquainted with the > see a prisoner and an exile. . . . W e desire sacred books of the Jews, the Christians and > but the good of the world and the happiness the Muhammadans, could, I should think, be > o f the nations; yet they deem us a stirrer up scarcely found even amongst the eloquent, > of strife and sedition worthy of bondage and ready, and subtle race to which he belongs. > banishment. . . . That all nations should These qualities, combined with a bearing at > become one in faith and all men as brothers: once majestic and genial, made me cease to > that the bonds o f affection and unity be- wonder at the influence and esteem which he > tween the sons o f men should be strength- enjoyed even beyond the circle of his fa- > ened; that diversity o f religion should cease, ther's followers. About the greatness of this > and differences o f race be annulled-what man and his power no one who had seen > harm is there in this? . . . Y e t so it shall him could entertain a doubt. > be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars > shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' > shall come. . . . Do not you in Europe > need this also? Is not this that which Christ Excerpts from Comparative Religions, pages > foretold? . . . Y e t do we see your kings 70, 71- > and rulers lavishing their treasures n~ore > From that subtle race issues the most > freely on means for the destruction of the remarkable movement which modern Mu- > hunzan race than on that which would con- hammadanism has produced. . . . Disciples > duce to the happiness o f mankind. . . . gathered round him, and the movement was > These strifes and this bloodshed and discord not checked by his arrest, his imprisonment > must cease, and all men be as one kindred for nearly six yeais and his final execution > and one family. . . . Let not a man glory in 1850. . . . It, too, claims to be a uni- > in this that he loves his country; let him versal teaching; it has already its noble army > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH > > of martyrs and its holy books; has Persia, desire lordship over others; I desire all men > in the midst of her miseries, given birth to to be even as I am." > a religion which will go round the world? The day is not far off when the details of > 'Abdu'l-Bah6's missionary journeys will be > admitted to be of historical importance. > BY THE REV. T. K. CHEYNE,D.LITT., D.D. How gentle and wise he was, hundreds could > testify from personal knowledge, and I, too, > Excerpts from The Recoizciliation of Races > and Religions (1914)- could perhaps say something. .. . I will > only, however, give here the outward frame- > There was living quite lately a human work of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's life, and of his apos- > being1 of such consummate excellence that tolic journeys, with the help of my friend > many think it is both permissible and in- Lutfullhh. . . . > evitable even to identify him mystically with During his stay in London he visited Ox- > . > the invisible Godhead. . . HisZ combina- ford (where he and his party-of Persians > tion of mildness and power is so rare that we mainly-were the guests of Professor and > have to place him in a line with super- Mrs. Cheyne), Edinburgh, Clifton and > normal men. . . . We learn that, at @eat Woking. It is fitting to notice here that the > points in his career after he had been in an audience at Oxford, though highly academic, > ecstasy, such radiance of might and majesty seemed to be deeply interested, and that Dr. > streamed from his countenance that none Carpenter made an admirable speech. . . . > could bear to look upon the effulgence of > his glory and beauty. Nor was it an un- > common occurrence for unbelievers involun- > tarily to bow down in lowly obeisance on > beholding His Holiness. Testimonial to the Religion of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > The gentle spirit of the Bib is surely high (Published in Egyptian Gazette, Sept. 24, > up in the cycles of eternity. Who can fail, 1913, by Mrs. J. Stannard.)- > as Professor Browne says, to be attracted by I forward this humble petition to the > him? "His sorrowful and persecuted life; sanctified and holy presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahi > his purity of conduct and youth; his courage 'Abbis, who is the center of knowledge, > and uncomplaining patience under misfor- famous throughout the world, and loved by > tune; his complete self-negation; the dim all mankind. 0 thou noble friend who art > ideal of a better state of things which can be conferring guidance upon humanity-May > discerned through the obscure mystic utter- my life be a ransom to thee! > ances of the Baydn; but most of all, his The loving epistle which you have conde- > tragic death, all serve to enlist our sympa- scended to write to this servant, and the rug > thies on behalf of the young prophet of which you have forwarded, came safely to > S_hhir&z." hand. The time of the meeting with your > "I1 sentait le besoin d'une r6forme pro- Excellency, and the memory of the benedic- > fond & introduire dans les moeurs publiques. tion of your presence, recurred to the mem- > . . . I1 s'est sacrifi6 pour l'humanit6; pour ory of this servant, and I am longing for the > elle il a donne son corps et son Bme, pour time when I shall meet you again. Although > elle il a subi les privations, les affronts, les I have traveled through many countries and > injures, la torture et le martyre." (Mons. cities of Islim, yet have I never met so lofty > Nicolas.) a character and so exalted a personage as > If there has been any prophet in recent your Excellency, and I can bear witness that > times, it is to BahL'uYllihthat we must go. it is not possible to find such another. On > Character is the final judge. BahL'u'llih was this account, I am hoping that the ideals and > a man of the highest class-that of prophets. accomplishments of your Excellency may be > But he was free from the last infirmity of crowned with success and yield results under > noble minds, and would certainly not have all conditions; because behind these ideals > separated himself from others. He would and deeds I easily discern the eternal welfare > have understood the saying: "Would God all and prosperity of the world of humanity. > the Lord's people were prophets!" What he This servant, in order to gain firsthand > does say, however, is just as fine: "I do not information and experience, entered into the > 1 Bahk'u'llClh. > ranks of various religions, that is, outwardly, > 2 Bkb. I became a Jew, Christian, Muhammadan > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > and Zoroastrian. I discovered that the devo- > from the blue? How many other ministers > tees of these various religions do nothingand governors have sat for a time on the > else but hate and anathematize each other,seats of the mighty and been swept away by > that all their religions have become the in- > some intrigue as sordid as that to which > struments of tyranny and oppression in thethey owed their own exaltation? And how > hands of rulers and governors, and that they > many in humbler stations have been in the > are the causes of the destruction of the meantime the recipients of their unworthy > world of humanitv.J > favors or the victims of their arbitrary op- > Considering those evil results, every per- > pression? A village which but yesterday > son is forced by necessity to enlist himself > was fairly prosperous is beggared today by > on the side of your Excellency, and acceptsome neighboring landlord higher up the > with joy the prospect of a fundamental basis > valley, who, having duly propitiated those > for a universal religion of God, being laid > in authority, diverts for the benefit of his > through your efforts. own estates the whole of its slender supply > I have seen the father of your Excellency > of water. The progress of a governor-or > from afar. I have realized the self-sacrifice > royal prince, with all his customary retinue > and noble courage of his son, and I am lost > of ravenous hangers-on, eats out the coun- > in admiration. tryside through wbich it passes more effectu- > For the principles and aims of your Ex-ally than a flight of locusts. The visitation is > cellency, I express the utmost respect andas ruinous and as unaccountable. Is it not > devotion, and if God, the Most High, con- the absence of all visible moral correlation > of cause and effect in these phenomena of > fers long life, I will be able to serve you > daily life that has gone far to produce the > under all conditions. I pray and supplicate > this from the depths of my heart. stolid fatalism of the masses, the scoffing > Your servant, skepticism of the more educated classes, and > (Mamhenyn. ) from time to time the revolt of some nobler > VAMBBRY. minds? Of such the most recent and per- > haps the noblest of all became the founder > of BBbiism. > > Chapter XI, page 120- > Quotations from The Middle Eastern Q u e s > tion or Some Political Problems of Indian The Bib was dead, but not Bhbiism. He > Defense, chapter XI, page 116. (The Re- was not the first, and still less the last, of a > vival of BBbiism.)- long line of martyrs who have testified that > When one has been like Sa'id, a great per- even in a country gangrened with corrup- > sonage, and then a common soldier, and tion and atrophied with indifferentism like > then a prisoner of a Christian feudal chief; Persia, the soul of a nation survives, in- > when one has worked as a navvy on the for- articulate, perhaps, and in a way helpless, > tifications of the Count of Antioch, and but still capable of sudden spasms of vitality. > wandered back afoot to Shhiriz after infinite > pain and labor, he may well be disposed to Chapter XI, page 124- > think that nothing that exists is real, or, at Socially one of the most interesting fea- > least, has any substantial reality worth cling- tures of BAbiism is the raising of woman to > ing to. Today the public peace of Persia is a much higher plane than she is usually ad- > no longer subject to such violent perturba- mitted to in the East. The BBb himself had > tions. At least, as far as we are concerned, no more devoted a disciple than the beauti- > the appearances of peace prevail, and few of ful and gifted lady, known as Qurratu'l- > us care or have occasion to look beyond the 'Ayn, the "Consolation of the Eyes," who, > appearances. But for the Persians themselves, having shared all the dangers of the first > have the conditions very much changed? apostolic missions in the north, challenged > Do they not witness one day the sudden rise and suffered death with virile fortitude, as > of this or that favorite of fortune and the one of the Seven Martyrs of T i h r h . No > next day his sudden fall? Have they not memory is more deeply venerated or kindles > seen the AtBbak-i-A'zam twice hold sway greater enthusiasm than hers, and the influ- > as the S_hBh's all-powerful Vazir, and twice ence which she yielded in her lifetime still > hurled down from that pinnacle by a bolt inures to her sex. > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'f F A I T H 625 > > versity of Oxford, also Doctor of Theology > of the University of Leyden, Holland. > Quotation from The Fringe of the East, Because of Professor Campbell's pro- > (Macmillan & Co., London, 1913.)- found spiritual and intellectual attainments > Bahb'iism is now estimated to count more he was highly honored as one who spoke > than two million adherents, mostly com- with truthful authority and his noted transla- > posed of Persian and Indian Shhi'ihs, but in- tions of Greek poetry endeared him to all. > cluding also many Sunnis from the Turkish From him I first heard of the Bahb'i Revela- > Empire and North Africa, and not a few tion, the significance of which had been in- > Brahmans, Buddhists, Taoists, Shintoists and delibly impressed upon him by Dr. Jowett's > Jews. It possesses even European converts, deep convictions concerning it, and I wrote > and has made some headway in the United down some very telling sentences which Pro- > States. Of all the religions which have been fessor Campbell quoted from Dr. Jowett's > encountered in the course of this journey- words to him. > the stagnant pools of Oriental Christianity, "This Bahi'i Movement is the greatest > the strange survivals of sun-worship, and light that has come into the world since the > idolatry tinged with ~uhammadanism,the time of Jesus Christ. You must watch it and > immutable relic of the Sumerians-it is the never let it out of your sight. It is too great > only one which is alive, which is aggressive, and too near for this generation to compre- > which is extending its frontiers, instead of hend. The future alone can reveal its im- > secluding itself within its ancient haunts. port.'' > It is a thing which may revivify IslLm, and > make great changes on the face of the > Asiatic world. > > Excerpts from Comparative Religion and > BY PROFESSOR > JOWETTof Oxford the Religion of the Future, pages 81-91- > Quotation from Heroic Lives, page 305- Inasmuch as a fellowship of faiths is at > Prof. Jowett of Oxford, Master of Balliol, once the dearest hope and ultimate goal of > the translator of Plato, studied the move- the Bahi'i movement, it behooves us to take > ment and was so impressed thereby that he cognizance of it and its mission. . . . To- > said: "The BLbite [BahB'i] movement may day this religious movement has a million > not impossibly turn out to have the promise and more adherents, including people from > of the future." Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter all parts of the globe and representing a re- > quotes Prof. Edward Caird, Prof. Jowett's markable variety of race, color, class and > successor as Master of Balliol, as saying, creed. It has been given literary expression > "He thought BLbiism (as the Bahi'i move- in a veritable library of Asiatic, European, > ment was then called) might prove the most and American works to which additions are > important religious movement since the annually made as the movement grows and > foundation of Christianity." Prof. Carpenter grapples with the great problems that grow > himself gives a sketch of the Bah6'i move- out of its cardinal teachings. It has a long > ment in his recent book on Comparative roll of martyrs for the cause for which it > Religions and asks, "Has Persia, in the midst stands, twenty thousand in Persia alone, > of her miseries, given birth to a religion that proving it to be a movement worth dying > will go around the world?" for as well as worth living by. > From its inception it has been identified > with BahB'u'llLh, who paid the price of pro- > (Excerpt from an article by Louise Drake longed exile, imprisonment, bodily suffering, > Wright.) and mental anguish for the faith He cher- > When spending the winters of 1906-7 in ished-a man of imposing personality as > Alassio, Italy, I often met the late professor revealed in His writings, characterized by > Lewis Campbell, professor of Greek in the intense moral earnestness and profound spir- > University of St. Andrews, Scotland, for ituality, gifted with the selfsame power so > many years, who was an eminent pupil of conspicuous in the character of Jesus, the > Dr. Benjamin Jowett, late master of Balliol power to appreciate people ideally, that is, > College and Professor of Greek in the Uni- to see them at the level of their best and > 626 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > to make even the lowest types think well of thought. But the last century which marks > of themselves because of potentialities the end of Persia has had its revival and > within them to which He pointed, but of twofold revival, literary and religious. The > which they were wholly unaware; a prophet funeral ceremonies by which Persia cele- > whose greatest contribution was not any brates every year for centuries-the fatal > specific doctrine He proclaimed, but an in- day of the 10th of Muharram, when the son > forming spiritual power breathed into the of 'Ali breathed his last at Karbilh-have > world through the example of His life and developed a popular theater and produced a > thereby quickening souls into new spiritual sincere poetry, dramatic and human, which > activity. Surely a movement of which all is worth all the rhetoric of the poets. During > this can be said deserves-nay, compels- the same times an attempt at religious reno- > our respectful recognition and sincere ap- vation was made, the religion of BBbiism. > preciation. Demoralized for centuries by ten foreign > . . . Taking precedence over all else in its conquests, by the yoke of a composite reli- > gospel is the message of unity in religion. gion in which she believed just enough to > . . . It is the crowning glory of the Bahb'i persecute, by the enervating influence of a > movement that, while deprecating sectarian- mystical philosophy which disabled men for > ism in its preaching, it has faithfully prac- action and divested life of all aim and ob- > ticed what it preached by refraining from jects, Persia has been making unexpected > becoming itself a sect. . . . Its representa- efforts for the last fifty-five years to remake > tives do not attempt to impose any beliefs for herself a virile ideal. BBbiism has little > upon others, whether by argument or brib- of originality in its dogmas and mythology. > ery; rather do they seek to put beliefs that Its mystic doctrine takes its rise from Sfifism > have illumined their own lives within the and the old sects of the 'Aliides formed > reach of those who feel they need illumina- around the dogma of divine incarnation. > tion. No, not a sect, not a-part of human- But the morality it inculcates is a revolution. > ity cut off from all the rest, living for itself It has the ethics of the West. It suppresses > and aiming to convert all the rest into ma- lawful impurities which are a great barrier > terial for its own growth; no, not that, but dividing XslBm from Christendom. It de- > a leaven, causing spiritual fermentation in nounces polygamy, the fruitful source of > all religions, quickening them with the Oriental degeneration. It seeks to reconsti- > spirit of catholicity and fraternalism. tute the family and it elevates man and in > . . . Who shall say but that just as the elevating him exalts woman up to his level. > little company of the Mayflower, landing on BBbiism, which diffused itself in less than > Plymouth Rock, proved to be the small be- five years from one end of Persia to another, > ginning of a mighty nation, the ideal germ which was bathed in 1852 in the blood of > of a democracy which, if true to its princi- its martyrs, has been silently progressing > ples, shall yet overspread the habitable globe, and propagating itself. If Persia is to be at > so the little company of Bahb'is exiled from all regenerate it will be through this new > their Persian home may yet prove to be the faith. > small beginning of the world-wide move- > ment, the ideal germ of democracy in reli- > gion, the Universal Church of Mankind? > > Excerpts from Contemporary Studies, Part > BY PROF.JAMES DARMESTETER 111, page 131. (Allen & Unwin, London, > 1924.)- > Excerpt from Art in "Persia: A Historical > and Literary Sketch" (translated by G. K. We Westerners are too apt to imagine > Nariman) , and incorporated in Persia and that the huge continent of Asia is sleeping > Parsis, Part I, edited by G. K. Nariman. as soundly as a mummy. We smile at the > Published under patronage of the Persian vanity of the ancient Hebrews, who believed > League, Bombay, 1925. (The Marker themselves to be the chosen people. We are > Literary Series for Persia, No. 2.)- amazed at the intolerance of the Greeks and > Romans, who looked upon the members > The political reprieve brought about by of all races as barbarians. Nevertheless, we > the Siifis did not result in the regeneration ourselves are like the Hebrews, the Greeks > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 627 > > and the Romans. As Europeans we believed all, we are impressed by the fact that, in our > Europe to be the only world that matters, own time, such a manifestation call occur, > though from time to time we may turn a and that the new faith should have under- > paternal eye towards America, regarding gone a development far more extensive than > our offspring in the New World with min- that undergone in the same space of time > gled feelings of condescension and pride. nearly two thousand years ago, by budding > Nevertheless, the great cataclysm of 1914 Christianity. > is leading some of us to undertake a critical . . . At the present time, the majority of > examination of the inviolable dogma that the inhabitants of Persia have, to a varying > the European nations are the elect. Has extent, accepted the BLbiist faith. In the > there not been of late years a demonstration great towns of Europe, America, and Asia, > of the nullity of modern civilization-the there are active centers for the propaganda > nullity which had already been proclaimed of the liberal ideas and the doctrine of hu- > by Rousseau, Carlyle, Ruskin, Tolstoy, and man community, which form the founda- > Nietzsche? We are now inclined to listen tions of Bahb'iist teaching. > more attentively to whispers from the East. We shall not grasp the full significance of > Our self-complacency has been disturbed by this tendency until we pass from the descrip- > such utterances as that of Rabindranath tion of Bahb'iism as a theory to that of > Tagore, who, lecturing at the Imperial Uni- Bahb'iism as a practice, for the core of reli- > versity of Tokyo on June 18, 1916, foretold gion is not metaphysics, but morality. > a great future for Asia. The political civili- The Bahb'iist ethical code is dominated > zation of Europe was "carnivorous and can- by the law of love taught by Jesus and by > nibalistic in its tendencies." The East was all the prophets. In the thousand and one > patient, and could afford to wait till the details of practical life, this law is subject to > West, "hurry after the expedient," had to inanifold interpretations. That of BahL'- > halt for the want of breath. "Europe, while u'llLh is unquestionably one of the most > busily speeding to her engagements. disdain- comprehensi fully casts her glance from her carriage win- exalted, one of the most satisfactory to the > dow at the reaper reaping his harvest in the modern mind. . .. > field, and in her intoxication of speed, can- That is why Bahb'u711&his a severe critic > not but think him as slow and ever receding of the patriotism which plays so large a part > backwards. But the speed comes to its end, in the national life of our day. Love of our > the engagement loses its meaning, and the native land is legitimate, but this love must > hungry heart clanlors for food, till at last not be exclusive. A man should love his > she comes to the lonely reaper reaping his country more than he loves his house (this > harvest in the sun. For if the office cannot is the dogma held by every patriot); but > wait, or the buying and selling, or the crav- Bahb'u'llhh adds that he should love the > ing for excitement-love waits, and beauty, divine world more than he loves his coun- > and the wisdom of suffering and the fruits try. From this standpoint, patriotism is seen > of patient devotion and reverent meekness to be an intermediate stage on the road of > of simple faith. And thus shall wait the East renunciation, an incomplete and hybrid re- > till her time comes." ligion, something we have to get beyond. > Being thus led to turn our eyes towards Throughout his life Bahb'u'll&h regarded the > Asia, we are astonished to find how much ideal universal peace as one of the most im- > we have misunderstood it; and we blush portant of his Sms. . .. > when we realize our previous ignorance of . . . Bah&'u'll&his in this respect enunci- > the fact that, towards the middle of the ating a novel and fruitful idea. There is a > nineteenth century, Asia gave birth to a better way of dealing with social evils than > great religious movement-a movement by trying to cure them after they have come > signalized for its spiritual purity, one which to pass. We should try to prevent them by > has had thousands of martyrs, one which removing their causes, which act on the in- > Tolstoy has described. H. Dreyfus, the dividual, and especially on the child. Noth- > French historian of this movement, says ing can be more plastic than the nature of > that it is not "a new religion," but "religion the child. The government's first duty must > renewed," and that it provides "the only be to provide for the careful and efficient > possible basis for a mutual understanding education of children, remembering that > between religion and free thought." Above education is something more than instruc- > 628 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > tion. This will be an enormous step towards BahL'u'llBh's teaching is not definitive. > the solution of the social problem, and to The Persian prophet does not offer it to us > take such a step will be the first task of the as such. Nor can we Europeans assimilate > Baytu'l-'Ad'l (House of Justice). "It is or- all of it; for modern science leads us to > dained upon every father to rear his son or make certain claims in matters of thought- > his daughter by means of the sciences, the claims we cannot relinquish, claims we > arts, and all the commandments, and if any should not try to forego. But even though > one should neglect to do so, then the mem- BahB'u'llBh's precepts (like those of the > bers of the council, should the offender be a Gospeis) may not fully satisfy all these in- > wealthy man, must levy from him the sum tellectual demands, they are rarely in con- > necessary for the education of his child. flict with our scientific outlooks. If they are > When the neglectful parent is poor, the cost to become our own spiritual food, they must > of the necessary education must be borne by be supplemented, they must be relived by > the council, which will provide a refuge for the religious spirits of Europe, must be re- > the unfortunate." thought by minds schooled in the Western > The Baytu'l-'Ad'l, likewise, must prepare mode of thought. But in its existing form, > the way for the establishment of universal BahL'iist teaching may serve, amid our pres- > peace, doing this by organizing courts of ent chaos, to open for us a road leading to > arbitration and by influencing the govern- solace and to comfort; may restore our con- > ments. Long before the Esperantists had fidence in the spiritual destiny of man. It > begun their campaign, and more than reveals to us how the human mind is in > twenty years before Nicholas I1 had sum- travail; it gives us an inkling of the fact that > moned the first Hague congress, BahB'u'llBh the greatest happenings of the day are not > was insisting on the need for a universal the ones we were inclined to regard as the > language and courts of arbitration. He re- most momentous, not the ones which are > turns to these matters again and again: "Let making the loudest noise. > all the nations become one in faith, and let > all men be brothers, in order that the bonds > of affection and unitv between the sons of BY DR. HENRYH. JESSUP,D.D. > men may be strengthened. . . . What harm > can there be in that? . . . It is going to hap- From the World's Parliament of Religion; > pen. There will be an end to sterile con- Volume 11, 13th Day, under Criticism > flicts, to ruinous wars; and the Great Peace and Discussion of Missionary Methods, > will come!" Such were the words of Bahb'- page 1122. At the Columbian Exposition > u'llAh in 1890, two years before his death. of 1893, at Chicago. Edited by the Rev. > While adopting and developing the Chris- John Henry Barrows, D.D. (The Parlia- > tian law of love, BahB'u'llBh rejected the ment Publishing Company, Chicago, > Christian principle of ascetism. He dis- 1893.)- > countenanced the macerations which were a This, then, is our mission: that we who > nightmare of the Middle Ages, and, whose are made in the image of God should re- > evil effects persist even in our own member that all men are made in God's > . . > days. . image. To this divine knowledge we owe all > BahB'iism, then, is an ethical system, a we are, all we hope for. We are rising > system of social morality. But it would be gradually toward that image, and we owe to > a mistake to regard BahViist teaching as a our fellowmen to aid them in returning to it > collection of a6stract rules imposed- from in the Glory of God and the Beauty of > without. BahL'iism is permeated with a sane Holiness. It is a celestial privilege and with > and noble mysticism; nothing could be more it comes a high responsibility, from which > firmly rooted in the inner life, more be- there is no escape. > nignly spiritual; nothing could speak more In the Palace of Bahji, or Delight, just > intimately to the soul, in low tones, and as outside the Fortress of 'Akkg, on the Syrian > if from within. . .. coast, there died a few months since, a fa- > Such is the new voice that sounds to us mous Persian sage, the BBbi Saint, named > from Asia; such is the new dawn in the BahVu711ih-the "Glory of God"-the head > East. We should give them our close atten- of that vast reform party of Persian Mus- > tion; we should abandon our customary lims, who accept the New Testament as the > mood of disdainful superiority. Doubtless, Word of God and Christ as the Deliverer of > APPRECIATIONS OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH 629 > > men, who regard all nations as one, and all in Tihrin, 100 in Hamadin, 50 in Kis_hin, > men as brothers. Three years ago he was and 75 per cent of the Jews at GulpAyigAn. > visited by a Cambridge scholar and gave . . . The two victims, whose names were > utterance to sentiments so noble, so Christ- Hiji Mirzb Hasan and Hiji Mirzh Husayn, > like, that we repeat them as our closing have been renamed by the BAbis: Sultinu'&- > words : SJhuhadL', or King of Martyrs, and Mah- > "That all nations should become one in bGbu'&-S_huhad&', or Beloved of Martyrs- > faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds and their naked graves in the cemetery have > of affection and unity between the sons of become places of pilgrimage where many a > men should be strengthened; that diversity tear is shed over the fate of the "Martyrs of > of religions should cease and differences of Isfihin.". . . It is these little incidents, > race be annulled. What harm is there in protruding from time to time their ugly > this? Yet so it shall be. These fruitless features, that prove Persia to be not as yet > strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, quite redeemed, and that somewhat staggers > and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come. Do the tall-talkers about Irinian civilization. If > not you in Europe need this also? Let not a one conclusion more than another has been > man glory in this, that he loves his country; forced upon our notice by the retrospect in > let him rather glory in this, that he loves which I have indulged, it is that a sublime > his kind." and murmuring [?I devotion has been incul- > cated by this new faith, whatever it be. There > is, I believe, but one instance of a BAbi hav- > ing recanted under pressure of menace of > Excerpts from Persia and tlze Persian Ques- suffering, and he reverted to the faith and > tion, Vol. I , pages 496-504. (London, was executed within two years. Tales of mag- > 1892.)- nificent heroism illumine the bloodstained > pages of Bibi history. Ignorant and unlet- > Beauty and the female sex also lent their tered as many of its votaries are, and have > consecration to the new creed and the hero- been, they are yet prepared to die for their > ism of the lovely but ill-fated poetess of religion, and fires of Smithfield did not kin- > Qazvin, Zarrin-TAj (Crown of Gold) or dle a nobler courage than has met and > Qurratu'l-'Ayn (Solace of the Eyes), who, defied the more refined torture-mongers of > throwing off the veil, carried the missionary Tihrin. Of no small account, then, must be > torch far and wide, is one of the most af- the tenets of a creed that can awaken in its > fecting episodes in modern history. . . . followers so rare and beautiful a spirit of > The lowest estimate places the present num- self-sacrifice. From the facts that Bibiism > ber of BAbis in Persia a half a million. I in its earliest years found itself in conflict > am disposed to think, from conversations with the civil powers and that an attempt > with persons well qualified to judge, that was made by Bibis upon the life of the > the total is nearer one million. They are to Shhih, it has been wrongly inferred that the > be found in every walk of life, from the movement was political in origin and > ministers and nobles of the Court to the Nihilist in character. It does not appear > scavenger or the groom, not the least arena from a study of the writings either of the > in their activity being the Mussulman priest- Bib or his successor, that there is any > hood itself. It will have been noticed that foundation for such a suspicion. . . . The > the movement was initiated by Siyyids, charge of immorality seems to have arisen > Hijis and Mullis, i.e., persons who, either partly from malignant inventions of oppo- > by descent, from pious inclination, or by nents, partly from the much greater free- > profession, were intimately concerned with dom claimed for women by the Bib, which > the Muhammadan creed; and it is among in the oriental mind is scarcely dissociable > even the professed votaries of the faith that from profligacy of conduct. . . . If Bibiism > they continue to make their converts. . . . continues to grow at its present rate of pro- > Quite recently the Bibis have had great gression, a time may conceivably come > success in the camp of another enemy, hav- when it will oust Muhammadanism from > ing secured many proselytes among the Jew- the field in Persia. . . . Since its recruits are > ish populations of the Persian towns. I hear won from the best soldiers of the garrison > that during the past year (1891) they are whom it is attacking, there is greater reason > reported to have made 150 Jewish converts to believe that it may ultimately prevail. > 630 T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D > > . . . The pure and suffering life of the Bgb, God-man. Of the sincerity of his convic- > his ignominious death, the heroism and tion that he was God-appointed, the manner > martyrdom of his followers, will appeal to of his death is the amplest possible proof. > many others who can find no similar I n the belief that he would thereby save > phenomena in the contemporaneous records others from the error of their present beliefs > of Isl6m. . . . h e willingly sacrificed his life. And of his > power of attaching men to him, the passion- > ate devotion of hundreds and even thou- > sands of men who gave their lives in his > cause is convincing testimony. . . . > H e himself was but "a letter out of that > most mighty book, a dewdrop from that > Excerpts from The Gleam. (1923.)- limitless ocean." The One to come would > The story of the Bib, as Mirz6 'All-Mu- reveal all mysteries and all riddles. This was > hammad called himself, was the story of the humility of true insight. And it has had > spiritual heroism unsurpassed in Svabhava's its effect. His movement has grown and ex- > experience; and his own adventurous soul panded, and it has yet a great future before > was fired by it. That a youth of no social it. > influence and no education should, by the During his six years of ministry, four of > simple power of insight, be able to pierce which were spent in captivity, he had per- > into the heart of things and see the real meated all Persia with his ideas. And since > truth, and then hold on to it with such firm- his death the movement has spread to Tur- > ness of conviction and present it with such key, Egypt, India and even into Europe and > suasion that he was able to convince men America. His adherents are now numbered > that he was the Messiah and get them to by millions. "The Spirit which pervades > follow him to death itself, was one of those them," says Professor Browne, "is such that > splendid facts in human history that it cannot fail to affect most powerfully all > Svabhava loved to meditate on. This was a subject to its influence." > true hero whom he would wish to emulate > and whose experiences he would profit by. > The B6b's passionate sincerity could not be > doubted, for he had given his life for his For many years I have been interested in > faith. And that there must be something the rise and progress of the BahL'i Move- > in his message that appealed to men and ment. Its roots go deep down into the past > satisfied their souls, was witnessed to by the and yet it looks far forward into the future. > fact that thousands gave their lives in his It realizes and preaches the oneness of man- > cause and millions now follow him. kind. And I have noticed how ardently its > If a young man could, in only six years of followers work for the furtherance of peace > ministry, by the sincerity of his purpose and and for the general welfare of mankind. > the attraction of his personality, so inspire God must be with them and their success > rich and poor, cultured and illiterate, alike, therefore assured. > with belief in himself and his doctrines that > they would remain staunch, though hunted > down and without trial sentenced to death, > sawn asunder, strangled, shot, blown from Excerpt from Modern Mystics. (1935, p. > guns; and if men of high position and cul- 142.) > ture in Persia, Turkey and Egypt in num- The martyrdom of the B6b took place > bers to this day adhere to his doctrines, his on July 9, 1850, thirty-one years from the > life must be one of those events in the last date of his birth. > hundred years which is really worth study. His body was dead. His spirit lived on. > And that study fortunately has been made Husayn had been slain in battle. Qudd6s > by the Frenchman Gobineau and by Pro- had been done to death in captivity. But > fessor E. G. Browne, so that we are able to Bahi'u'llBh lived. The One who shall be > have a faithful representation of its main made manifest was alive. And in him and > features. . . . in others had been engendered such love for > Thus, in only his thirtieth year, in the the Bib and what he stood for as, in the > year 1850, ended the heroic career of a true words of the chronicler, no eye had ever > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 63 1 > > beheld nor mortal heart conceived: if and the United States. It does not seek to > branches of every tree were turned into create a new sect, but to inspire all sects > pens, and all the seas into ink, and Earth with a deep fundamental love. The late Dr. > and Heaven rolled into one parchment, the Jowett once said to him? that he had been so > immensity of that love would still remain deeply impressed with the teachings and > untold. This love for the Cause still sur- character of the B6b that he thought > vived. And it was sufficient. Bahi'u'llih was, BBbiism, as the present movement was then > indeed, despoiled of his possessions, de- known, might become the greatest religious > serted by his friends, driven into exile from movement since the birth of Christ. > his native land and, even in exile, confined > to his house. But in him the Cause was still > alive-and more than alive, purified and > BY REV.J. TYSSUL > DAVIS,B.A. > ennobled by the fiery trials through which > it had passed. Quotation from A League of Religions. Ex- > Under the wise control, and direction of cerpts from Chapter X: Bahb'iism-The > Bahi'u'llBh from his prison-house, first at Religion of Reconciliation. (The Lindsey > Baghdid and then at 'AkkB in Syria, there Press, London, England.)- > grew what is now known as the BahB'i > Movement which, silently propagating itself, The Bahb'i religion has made its way > has now spread to Europe and America as . . . because it meets the needs of its day. > well as to India and Egypt, while the bodily It fits the larger outlook of our time better > remains of the BBb, long secretly guarded, than the rigid exclusive older faiths. A > now find a resting place on Mount Carmel characteristic is its unexpected liberality and > in a Tomb-shrine, which is a place of pil- toleration. It accepts all the great religions > grimage to visitors from all over the world. as true, and their scriptures as inspired. The > Bahi'iists bid the followers of these faiths > disentangle from the windings of racial, par- > FROMAN ARTICLEIN THE CHRISTIAN COM- ticularist, local prejudice, the vital, immor- > MONWEALTH, JANUARY 22, 1913: " 'Ab- tal thread, the pure gospel of eternal worth, > du'l-BahB at Oxford"-- and to apply this essential element of life. > Instances are quoted of people being recom- > 'Abdu'l-BahB addressed a large and mended to work within the older faiths, to > deeply interested audience at Manchester remain, vitalizing them upon the principles > College, Oxford, on December 31. The of the new faith. They cannot fear new > Persian leader spoke in his native tongue, facts, new truths as the Creed-defenders > MirzL Ahmad Sohrab interpreting. Principal must. They believe in a progressive revela- > Estlin Carpenter presided, and introduced tion. They admit the cogency of modern > the speaker by saying that they owed the criticism and allow that God is in His na- > honor and pleasure of meeting 'Abdu'l-Bah6 ture incomprehensible, but is to be known > to their revered friend, Dr. Cheyne, who through His Manifestations. Their ethical > was deeply interested in the Bahb'i teaching. ideal is very high and is of the type we > The movement sprung up during the mid- Westerners have learnt to designate "Christ- > dle of the last century in Persia, with the like." "What does he do to his enemies that > advent of a young Muhammadan who took he makes them his friends?" was asked con- > to himself the title of the B6b (meaning cerning the late leader. What astonishes the > door or gate, through which men could ar- student is not anything in the ethics or > rive at the knowledge or truth of God), and philosophy of this movement, but the ex- > who commenced teaching in Persia in the traordinary response its ideal has awakened > year 1844. The purity of his character, the in such numbers of people, the powerful in- > nobility of his words, aroused great enthu- fluence this standard actually exerts on con- > siasm.-He was, however, subjected to great duct. It is due to four things: (1) It makes > hostility by the authorities, who secured his a call on the Heroic Element in man. It > arrest and imprisonment, and he was finally offers no bribe. It bids men endure, give up, > executed in 1850. But the movement went carry the cross. It calls them to sacrifice, > on, and the writings of the BBb, which had to bear torture, to suffer martyrdom, to > been copious, were widely read. The move- brave death. (2) It offers liberty of thought. > ment has been brought into India, Europe, Even upon such a vital question as im- > 632 T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > mortality it will not bind opinion. Its atmos- the modeling of the features; but spiritually, > phere is one of trust and hope, not of in the serenity of expression, and the s ~ g - > dogmatic chill. (3) It is a religion of love. gestion of grave and responsible meditation > "Notwithstanding the interminable cata- in the deeper lines of the face. But there > logue of extreme and almost incredible suf- was also, in his complexion, carriage, and > ferings and privations which this heroic expression, an assurance of the complete > band of men and women have endured- health which is a requisite of a sane judg- > more terrible than many martyrdoms- ment. And when, as in a lighter mood, his > there is not a trace of resentment or bitter- features relaxed into the playful, the as- > ness to be observed among them. One would surance was tidded of a sense of humor > suppose that they were the most fortunate without which there is no true sense of > of the people among whom they live, as proportion. I have never met any one con- > indeed they do certainly consider them- cerned with the philosophies of life whose > selves, in that they have been permitted to judgment might seem so reliable in matters > live near their beloved Lord, beside which of practical conduct. > they count their sufferings as nothing" My regret is that my meetings with him > (Phelps). Love for the Master, love for the were so few and that I could not benefit by > brethren, love for the neighbors, love for a lengthier contact with a personality com- > the alien, love for all humanity, love for all bining a dignity so impressive with human > life, love for God-the old, well-tried way traits so engaging. > trod once before in Syria, trodden again. I wish that he could be multiplied! > (4) It is a religion in harmony with science. > It has here the advantage of being thirteen > centuries later than IslBm. This new dispen- > sation has been tried in the furnace, and has > not been found wanting. It has been proved Translated from a letter to Mme. Isabel > valid by the lives of those who have en- Grinevskaya, Oct. 22, 1903. > dured all things on its behalf. Here is some- I am very glad that Mr. V. V. Stassov has > thing more appealing than its logic and told you of the good impression which your > rational philosophy. "To the Western ob- book has made on me, and I thank you for > server" (writes Prof. Browne), "it is the sending it. > complete sincerity of the BBbis, their fear- I have known about the BBbis for a long > less disregard of death and torture under- time, and have always been interested in > gone for the sake of their religion, their their teachings. It seems to me that these > certain conviction as to the truth of their teachings, as well as all the rationalistic so- > faith, their generally admirable conduct cial religious teachings that have arisen > toward mankind, especially toward their lately out of the original teachings of > fellow-believers, which constitute their Brahmanism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christi- > strongest claim on his attention." anity and Isldm distorted by the priests, > "By their fruits shall ye know them!" We have a great future for this very reason that > cannot but address to this youthful religion these teachings, discarding all these distort- > an All Hail! of welcome. We cannot fail to ing incrustations that cause division, aspire > see in its activity another proof of the living to unite into one common religion of all > witness in our own day of the working of mankind. > the sleepless spirit of God in the hearts of Therefore, the teachings of the BBbis, in- > men, for He cannot rest, by the necessity of asmuch as they have rejected the old Mu- > His nature, until He bath made in conscious hammadan superstitions and have not estab-' > reality, as in power, the whole world His lished new superstitions which would divide > own. them from other new superstitions (unfor- > tunately something of the kind is noticed in > the exposition of the Teachings of the BBb), > BY HERBERT PUTNAM and inasmuch as they keep to the principal > Librarian of Congress fundamental ideas of brotherhood, equality > The dominant impression that survives in and love, have a great future before them. > my memory of 'Abdu'l-Bahi is that of an In the Muhammadan religion there has > extraordinary nobility: physically, in the been lately going on an intensive spiritual > head so massive yet so finely poised, and movement. I know that one such movement > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 63 3 > > is centered in the French colonies in Africa, ism by a splendid little book "The Sayings > and has its name ( I do not remember it), of Muhammad." > and its prophet. Another movement exists The teachings of the Bibis which come to > in India, Lahore, and also has its prophet us out of Islim have through BahB'u'llih's > and publishes its paper Review of Religions. teachings been gradually developed and > Both these religious teachings contain now present us with the highest and purest > nothing new, neither do they have for their form of religious teaching. > principal object a changing of the outlook of > the people and thus do not change the rela- > tionship between the people, as is the case > with BBbiism, though not so much in its > theory (Teachings of the BBb) as in tht: > practice of life as far as I know it. I there- > fore sympathize with BBbiism with all my The practical and spiritual understanding > heart inasmuch as it teaches people brother- between nations, the realization of the unity > hood and equality and sacrifice of material of mankind above all barriers of language > life for service to God. and religion, the feeling of responsibility > towards all who suffer from grief or in- > Translated from a letter to Frid ul Khan justice are only different branches of the > Wadelbekow. same central teaching which gives the > (This communication is dated 1908 and is BahB'i Movement such a faithful and active > found among epistles written to Cauca- family of workers in so many countries. > sian Muhammadans.) > . . . In answer to your letter which ques- > tions how one should understand the term La superstition, l'intolkrance et l'alliance > God. I send you a collection of writings des prgtres avec la tyrannie sCvit en IslBm > from my literary and reading club, in which comme ailleurs. La grande lumikre s'assom- > some thoughts upon the nature of God are brit dans la fum6e tCnCbreuse des formes > included. In my opinion if we were to free vides et des passions fanatiques. I1 y eut > ourselves from all false conceptions of God plusieurs fois des rCveils et des retours & la > we should, whether as Christians or Mu- puret6 du message. > hammadans, free ourselves entirely from Chez nous, en Perse, le Bib vCcut en > picturing God as a personality. The concep- saint et mourut en martyr & Tabriz, il y a > tion which then seems to me to be the best prks d'un sikcle. Bahi'u'llih lui succCda, > for meeting the requirements of reason and exile de Perse, emprisonn6 par le sultan > heart is found in 4th chap. St. John, 7-12-15 turc. I1 proclamait que I'unitC divine exclut > that means God is Love. It therefore follows les rivalitb. La soumission & Dieu doit rap- > that God lives in us according to the meas- procher les hommes. Si la religion les sC- > ure or capacity of each soul to express His pare, c'est qu'elle a perdu son principal sens. > nature. This thought is implicit more or En plein milieu du dix-neuvihme sikcle, > less clearly in all religions, and therefore in au temps des Lamartine et des Victor Hugo, > Muhammadanism. le grand saint musulman fixait aux BahB'i, > Concerning your second question upon ses disciples, un programme et des principes > what awaits us after death I can only reply plus actuels que jamais. . . . > that on dying we return to God from whose L'IslAm a toujours proclam6 ce dogme > Life we came. God, however, being Love avec majest6, mais les religions luttent en > we can on going over expect God only. brandissant le nom d'un prophkte ou d'un > Concerning your third question, I answer autre, au lieu d'insister sur leur enseigne- > that so far as I understand Islim, like all ment, qui pourrait les rapprocher. Bahg- > other religions, Brahmanism, Buddhism, u'llih ttLchait de faire tomber les parois, non > Confucianism, etc., it contains great basic pas MahomCtisme avant tout, mais vraiment > truths but that these have become cor- Zsla'rn, c'est-&-diresoumission commune & la > rupted by superstition, and coarse interpre- volontC suprkme. > tations and filled with unnecessary legendic On ne parlait alors ni d'un Wilson, ni > descriptions. I have had much help in my d'un Zamenhof, mais l'exil6 de Bahji mon- > researches to get clear upon Muhammadan- trait aux g6nCrations futures le chemin > 634 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > qu'elles devaient prendre. Son fils 'Abdu'l- privileges is of such vital importance that no > Bahb rCpandit plus tard son message en one is safe who does not stop and listen for > Europe et en AmBrique. M6me un libre its quiet meaning, and is to the mind of > penseur comme Auguste Fore1 s'y rallia de men, as the cooling breeze that unseen > grand coeur. Le cercle amical des Bahi'i passes its breath over the varying leaves of a > s'htend autour du monde. tree. Watch it! And see how uniformly, like > En Perse, un million d'entre eux sou- an unseen hand passing caressingly over all > tiennent des Ccoles, fameuses dans le pays. its leaves: Full of tender care and even in its > (From La Sagesse de Z'Orient, Chap. 111.) gifts of love and greater life: Caresses each > leaf. Such it is to one who has seated him- > self amid the flowers and fruit trees in the > Garden Beautiful at 'Akkli, just within the > circle of that Holy and Blessed shrine where > (Excerpt from Dr. Auguste Forel's Will.) rests the Mortal part of the Great Enlight- > ener. His handiwork is there, you touch the > . . . J'avais Ccrit les lignes qui prCchdent fruit and flowers his hand gave new life's > en 1912. Que dois-je ajouter aujourd'hui hopes to, and kneeling as I did beside > en aofit 1921, aprks les horribles guerres qui Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Marvelous > viennent de mettre l'humanitC 2i feu et 2 Manifestation, felt the spirit's immortal > sang, tout en dCvoilant plus que jamais la love of Him who rests there. While I could > terrible fCrocitC de nos passions haineuses? not speak the words of the Litany, my soul > Rien, sinon que nous devons demeurer d'au- knew the wondrous meaning, for every > tant plus fermes, d'autant plus inkbranlables word was a word of the soul's language that > dans notre lutte pour le Bien social. Nos speaks of the Eternal love and care of the > enfants ne doivent pas se dkcourager; ils Eternal Father. So softly and so living were > doivent au contraire profiter du chaos the reflections from his beautiful personality, > mondial actuel pour aider 2i la pQible orga- that one needed not spoken words to be in- > nisation supkieure et supranationale de terpreted. And this Pilgrim came away re- > L'humanitk, 2i l'aide d'une fCdCration univer- newed and refreshed to such a degree, that > selle des peuples. the hard bands of formalism were replaced > En 1920 seulement j'ai appris ?i con- by the freedom of love and light that will > naitre, $ Karlsruhe, la religion supraconfes- ever make that sojourn there the prize mem- > sionnelle et mondiale des Bahi'is fondke en ory and the Door of revelation never to be > Orient par le person Bahi'u'lllih il y a 70 closed again, and never becloud the glorious > ans. C'est la vraie religion du Bien social Truth of Universal Brotherhood. A calm, > humain, sans dogmes, ni prbtres, reliant and glorious influence that claims the heart > entre eux tous les hommes sur notre petit and whispers to each of the pulsing leaves > globe terrestre. Je suis devenu Baha"i. Que of the great family in all experiences of life, > cette religion vive et prosphre pour le bien "Be not afraid. It is I!"-And makes us > de l'humanitC; c'est 12 mon voeu le plus long to help all the world to know the mean- > ardent. . . . ing of those words spoken by The Great > Revealer, "Let us strive with heart and soul > that unity may dwell in the world." And > to catch the greatness of the word "Strive," > Having been engaged all of his life in the in quietness and reflection. > training of men, he does this (i.e., write on > the subject of religion) more as a "shepherd > of a flock" might do, in hope of persuading BY RENWICKJ. G. MILLAR > his friends and brothers to turn spontane- Editor of John O'Groat Journal, Wick, > ously to the Illumined Path of the Great Scotland > Revelation. > I was in Chicago for only some ten days, > yet it would take a hundred chapters to > describe all the splendid sights and institu- > tions I was privileged to see. No doubt Chi- > The Enlightener of human minds in re- cago has more thin its fair share of alien > spect to their religious foundations and gangsters and gunmen, and the despicable > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 635 > > doings of this obnoxious class has badly reason save that they told me I had touched > vitiated its civic life and reputation. But for the chords of truth and sincerity in referring > all that it is a magnificent city-in many to and reviewing the Bah2i writings and > respects probably the finest in America; a principles in a few short articles in this > city of which its residents have innumerable Journal. The Temple is designed to repre- > reasons to be proud. . . . sent these principles-universal religion, > Every day indeed was filled up with sight- universal brotherhood, universal education, > seeing and the enjoyment of lavish hospi- and the union of science and religion. Mean- > tality. One day, for example, I was enter- time the Chicagoans are seemingly indiffer- > tained to lunch at the Illinois Athletic Club ent to all its spiritual significance; but some > as the guest of Mr. Robert Black, a pros- day they will wake up to a realisation of the > perous Scot belonging to Wigtonshire, who fact that its symbolism will mark the city > is in the building trade. He is an ex-presi- as one of destiny in the world. > dent of the St. Andrew's Society. Mr. Fal- > coner and other Scots' friends were present, > and they were all exceedingly kind and com- > plimentary. I could not, in short, have been > treated vith more distinction if I had been Editor, Pasadena Star News > a prominent Minister of State instead of a > humble Scottish journalist out on a mission Humanity is the better, the nobler, for > of fraternity and good will. the Bahb'i Faith. It is a Faith that enriches > On the same day I met by appointment the soul; that takes from life its dross. > Mr. Albert R. Windust with whom I went I am prompted thus to express myself be- > out to see the Bahb'i Temple which is in cause of what I have seen, what I have > course of being erected at Wilmette, a heard, what I have read of the results of the > suburb of Chicago on the shore of Lake Movement founded by the Reverend Bah5'- > Michigan. It is about an hour's ride out on u'lllh. Embodied within that Movement is > the elevated railway. Only the foundation the spirit of world brotherhood; that broth- > and basement have so far been constructed, erhood that makes for unity of thought and > and the work was meanwhile stopped, but, action. > we understand, is now shortly to be re- Though not a member of the Bahb'i > sumed. I have no hesitation in saying that Faith, I sense its tremendous potency for > when completed this Temple will be one of good. Ever is it helping to usher in the > the most beautiful pieces of architecture in dawn of the day of "Peace on Earth Good > the world. I had the privilege of an intro- Will to Men." By the spread of its teachings, > duction to the architect, a Frenchman, M. the Bahb'i cause is slowly, yet steadily, > Bourgeois, who speaks English fluently. We making the Golden Rule a practical reality. > spent a considerable time with him in his With the high idealism of Bahl'u'llfih as > beautiful studio overlooking the Lake, and its guide, the Bahb'i Faith is as the shining > he did me the honour of showing me the light that shineth more and more unto the > plans of the Temple, drawings which cost perfect day. Countless are its good works. > him years of toil, and they are far beyond For example, to the pressing economic > anything I could have imagined in beauty problems it gives a new interpretation, a > and spiritual significance. M. Bourgeois, new solution. But above all else it is causing > who is well advanced in years, is a genius peoples everywhere to realize they are as > and mystic-a gentleman of charming per- one, by heart and spirit divinely united. > sonality. In all that I had the pleasure of And so I find joy in paying this little > seeing in his studio I had a privilege that is tribute to a cause that is adding to the sweet- > given to few. My signatme is in his per- ness, the happiness, the cleanness of life. > sonal book, which contains the names of > some of the great ones of the earth! Mr. > Windust, who is a leading Bahb'i in the city, > is a quiet and humble man, but full of fine > ideas and ideals. He treated me with the My contact with the Bahb'i Movement > utmost brotherly courtesy. How is it, I kept and my acquaintance with its teachings, > asking myself, that it should be mine to have given by Hadrat-i-Bahb'u'lllh, have filled > all this privilege and honour? There was no me with real joy, as I see that this Move- > 636 THE BAH 'f W O R L D > > ment, so cosmopolitan in its appeal, and so 2. > spiritual in its advocacy of Truth, is sure to > bring peace and joy to the hearts of millions. ". . . Shoghi Effendi's statement cannot > Free from metaphysical subtleties, prac- be improved upon. The Bahb'is have had > tical in its outlook, above all sectarianism, the soundest position on the race question > and based on God, the substratum of the of any religion. They not only accept the > human soul and the phenomenal world, the scientific conclusions but they also imple- > Bahb'i Movement carries peace and illumi- ment them with spiritual force. This latter is > nation with it. necessary because there is no other way to > As long as it is kept free from orthodoxy overcome the emotional element which is > and church-spirit, and above personalities, it basic in the race problem. . . . > will continue to be a blessing to its fol- "I have not said enough perhaps in the > lowers. first paragraph. Please add the following: > The task of learning to live together, though > different, is the most difficult and the most > imperative that the world faces. The eco- > nomic problem will be relatively easy in > I am in entire sympathy with all of the comparison. There are differences in the > principles that the Bahb'i Movement stands qualities of cultures but there are no differ- > for; there is nothing which is contrary to ences in qualities of races that correspond. > what I am preaching. I think at this stage This being recognized by minorities leads > of the world such teachings are needed more them to resist methods of force to keep > than anything else. I find the keynote of the them in subordination. There is no solution > Teachings is the spiritual regeneration of except cooperation and the granting of self- > the world. The world is getting more and respect." > more spiritually bankrupt every day, and if > it requires anything it requires spiritual life. > The Bahb'i Movement stands above all BY VISCOUNTHERBERT SAMUELOF > caste, creed and color and is based on pure CARMEL,G.C.B., G.B.E., M.P. > spiritual unity. In John O'Londoiz's Weekly, > March 25, 1933. > > In World Unity Magazine It is possible indeed to pick out points > of fundamental agreement among all creeds. > That is the essential purpose of the Bahb'i > The central drive of the BahB'i Move- Religion, the foundation and growth of > ment is for human unity. It would secure which is one of the most striking move- > this through unprejudiced search for truth, ments that have proceeded from the East in > making religion conform to scientific dis- recent generations. > covery and insisting that fundamentally all > religions are alike. For the coming of uni- > versal peace, there is great foresight and > wisdom as to details. Among other things If one were compelled to choose which of > there should be a universal language; so the the many religious communities of the > Bahb'is take a great interest in Esperanto world was closest to the aim and purpose of > though they do not insist on it as the ulti- this Congress, I think one would be obliged > mate language. No other religious move- to say that it was the comparatively little > ment has put so much emphasis on the known Bahb'i Community. Other faiths and > eli~ancipation and education of women. creeds have to consider, at a Congress like > Everyone should work whether rich or poor this, in what way they can contribute to the > and poverty should be abolished. . . . What idea of world fellowship. But the Bahb'i > will be the course of the BahVi Movement Faith exists almost for the sole purpose of > no one can prophesy, but I think it is no contributing to the fellowship and the unity > exaggeration to claim that the program is of mankind. > the finest fruit of the religious contribution Other communities may consider how far > of Asia. a particular element of their respective faith > APPRECIATIONS OF > > may be regarded as similar to those of other (Introductory address delivered at the > communities, but the BahL'i Faith exists for BahL'i session of the World Congress of > the purpose of combining in one synthesis Faiths, held in London, July, 1936.) > all those elements in the various faiths > which are held in common. And that is why > I suggest that this Bahi'i community is > really more in agreement with the main idea In 1920 I was appointed as the first High > which has led to the summoning of the Con- Commissioner for Palestine under the Brit- > gress than any particular one of the great ish Mandate, and took an early opportunity > religious communities of the world. of paying a visit to 'Abdu'l-Bahi Effendi at > Its origin was in Persia where a mystic His home in Haifa. > prophet, who took the name of the Bkb, the I had for some time been iilterested in the > "Gate," began a mission among the Persians BahB'i movement, and felt privileged by the > in the earl& part of the nineteenth century. opportunity of making the acquaintance of > He collected a considerable number of ad- its Head. I had also an official reason as well > herents. His activities were regarded with as a personal one. 'Abdu'l-BahB had been > apprehension by the Government of Persia persecuted by the Turks. > of that day. Finally, he and his leading dis- A British rCgime had now been substi- > ciples were seized by the forces of the Per- tuted in Palestine for the Turkish. Tolera- > sian Government and were shot in the year tion and respect for all religions had long > 1850. In spite of the persecution, the move- been a principle of British rule wherever it > ment spread in Persia and in many countries extended; and the visit of the High Com- > of IslBm. He was followed as the head of missioner was intended to be a sign to the > the Community by the one who has been its population that the adherents of every creed > principal prophet and exponent, Bahi'u'lltih. would be able to feel henceforth that they > He was most active and despite persecution enjoyed the respect and could count upon > and imprisonment made it his life's mission the goodwill of the new Government of the > to spread the creed which he claimed to land. > have received by direct divine revelation. I was impressed, as was every visitor, by > He died in 1892 and was succeeded as the 'Abdu'l-BahB's dignity, grace and charm. Of > head of the Community by his son, 'Abdu'l- moderate stature, His strong features and > BahL, who was born in 1844. He was living lofty expression lent to His personality an > in Haifa, in a simple house, when I went appearance of majesty. In our conversation > there as High Commissioner in 1920, and I He readily explained and discussed the prin- > had the privilege of one or two most inter- cipal tenets of BahL'i, answered my inquiries > esting conversations with him on the prin- and listened to my comments. I remember > ciples and methods of the BahB'i Faith. He vividly that friendly interview of sixteen > died in 1921 and his obsequies were at- years ago, in the simple room of the villa, > tended by a great concourse of people. I had surrounded by gardens, on the sunny hill- > the honour of representing His Majesty the side of Mount Carmel. > King on that occasion. I was glad I had paid my visit so soon, > Since that time, the Bahi'i Faith has se- for in 1921 'Abdu'l-BahB died. I was only > cured the support of a very large number of able to express my respect for His creed > communities throu~hout > " the world. At the and my regard for His person by coming > present time it is estimated that there are from the capital to attend His funeral. A > about eight hundred Bahfi communities in great throng had gathered together, sorrow- > various countries. In the United States, near ing for His death, but rejoicing also for His > Chicago, a great Temple, now approaching life. > completion, has been erected by American > adherents of the Faith, with assistance from > elsewhere. Shoghi Effendi, the grandson of > 'Abdu'l-BahB, is now the head of the com- > munity. He came to England and was edu- (From Rev. K. T. Chung's Preface to the > cated at Balliol College, Oxford, but now Chinese version of Dr. Esslemont's > lives in Haifa, and is the center of a com- Book.) > munity which has spread throughout the Last summer upon my return from a visit > world. to Japan, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 639 > > onstrate that each great religious movement ple, whatever may be their religious tradi- > in the world has contributed something of tion, it is predominantly a characteristic of > peculiar importance to the spiritual life of BahL'iism; since here is a religious system > man. Thus, he says, the great contribu- based, fundamentally, on the one, simple, > tion of Zoroastrianism has been the thought profound, comprehensive doctrine of the > of Purity; of Brahmanism that of Justice; unity of God, which carries with if, as its > of Muhammadanism that of Submission; of necessary corollary and consequence, the > Christianity that of Service; and so on. In parallel doctrine of the unity of Man. > each i n s t i c e he lays his finger on the one This, at all events, is the conviction of > thing par excellence for which the particu- the present writer; and it is why, as a Uni- > lar religious culture seemed to him to stand, tarian, building his own faith on the same > and tries to catch its special contribution in basic principles of divine and human unity, > an epigrammatic phrase. Coming, in this he has long felt sympathy with and good > way, to BahL'iism, he names it "the Reli- will toward a religious culture which stands > gion of Reconciliation." In his chapter on on a foundation identical with that of the > BahL'iism he says: faith he holds. And a religion that affirms > "The BahL'i religion has made its way be- the unity of things must of necessity be a > cause it meets the need of the day. It fits religion of reconciliation; the truth of which > the larger outlook of our time, better than in the case of BahL'iism is clear. > the rigid older faiths. A characteristic is its > unexpected liberality and toleration. It ac- > cepts all the great religions as true and their > scriptures as inspired." > These, then, as he sees BahL'iism, are its Passage tire de Les ApGtres, Edition LCvy, > essential features: liberality, toleration, the Paris, 1866 > spirit of reconciliation; and that, not in the > sense, as Mr. H. G. Wells has it in his Soul Notre sibcle a vu des mouvements reli- > of a Bishop, of making a "collection" of gieux tout aussi extraordinaires que ceux > approved portions of the world's varied and d'autrefois, mouvements qui ont provoqu6 > differing creeds, but in the sense, as he also autant d'enthousiasme, qui ont eu dCjh, pro- > puts it in the same book, of achieving a portion gardBe, plus de martyrs, et dont > great "simplification." I'avenir est encore incertain. > "BahL'iists," says Dr. Davis, "bid the fol- Je ne parle pas des Mormons, secte h > lowers of these (that is, the world's) faiths quelques Cgards si sotte et si abjecte que > disentangle from the windings of racial, par- Son hCsite h la prendre au sCrieux. > ticularist, local prejudices, the vital, im- I1 est instructif, cependant, de voir en > mortal thread of the pure gospel of eternal plein 19bme sihcle des milliers d'hommes de > worth, and to apply this essential element notre race vivant dans le miracle, croyant > to life." avec une foi aveugle des merveilles qu'ils > That is Dr. Davis's interpretation of the disent avoir vues et touchBes. I1 y a d6jh > genius of BahL'iism, and that it is a true one, toute une littBrature pour montrer I'accord > no one who has studied Bahgiism, even du Mormonisme et de la science; ce qui > superficially, can question, least of all the vaut mieux, cette religion, fondBe sur de > outsider. Indeed one may go further and as- niaises impostures, a su accomplir des pro- > sert that no one who has studied BahViism, diges de patience et d'abnhgation; dans cinq > whether superficially or otherwise, would cents ans des docteurs prouveront sa divinit6 > wish to question it; particularly if he ap- par les merveilles de son Btablissement. > proaches the subject from a liberal and un- Le Bibisme, en Perse, a CtC un phBno- > prejudiced point of view. In the last act of nlbne autrement considCrable. Un homme > his Wandering Jew, Mr. Temple Thurston doux et sans aucune prktention, une sorte > puts into the mouth of Matteos, the Wan- de Spinoza modeste el pieux, s'est vu, pres- > dering Jew himself, the splendid line, "All que malgr6 lui, &lev6 au rang de thauma- > men are Christians-all are Jews." He might turge d'incarnation divine, et est devenu le > equally well have written, "All men are chef d'une secte nombreuse, ardente et fa- > Christians-all are Bah&'is." For, if the natique, qui a failli amener une r6volution > sense of the Unity of Truth is a predomi- comparable & celle de I'IslLm. Des milliers > nant characteristic of liberally-minded peo- de martyrs sont accourus pour lui avec Val- > 640 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > lBgresse audevant de la mort. Un jour sans des faubourgs se dirigeaient par troupes de > pareil peut-&tredans l'histoire du monde fut ce ~ 8 t h . > celui de la grande boucherie qui se fit des Cela se passait en 1852. La secte de > Bhbis, B TChban. "On vit ce jour-li dans Mozdak sous Chosroh Nousch fut CtouffCe > les rues et les bazars de TChCran," dit un dans un pareil bain de sang. Le dCvoue- > narrateur qui a tout su d'original, "un spec- rnent absolu est pour les nations nayves la > tacle que la population semble devoir n'ou- plus exquise des jouissances et une sorte de > blier jamais. Quand la conversation encore besoin. Dans l'affaire des BLbibis, on vit des > aujourd'hui se met sur cette matibre, on gens qui Btaient B peine de la secte, venir se > peut juger l'adrniration m&lCed'horreur que dCnoncer eux-mCmes afin qu'on les adjoignit > la foule Cprouve et que les annCes n'ont pas aux patients. I1 est si doux B l'homme de > diminuke. On vit s'avancer entre les bour- souffrir pour quelque chose, que dans bien > reaux des enfants et des femmes les chairs des cas l'apph du martyre suffit pour faire > ouvertes sur tout le corps, avec des mbches croire. > allumCes, flambantes, fichCes, dans les bles- Un disciple qui fut le campagnon de sup- > sures. On trainait les victimes par des cordes plice du BLb, suspendu B cBt6 de lui aux > et on les faisait marcher B coups de fouet. remparts de Tabru et attendant la mort, > Enfants et femmes s'avan~aienten chantant n'avait qu'un mot B la bauche: "Es-tu con- > un verset qui dit: En vCritC nous venons de tent de moi, maitre?" > Dieu et nous retournons B Lui. Leurs voix > s7C1evaient, Cclatantes, au-dessus du silence > profond de la foule. Quand un des sup- BY THE HON. LILIANHELENMONTAGUE, > pliciCs tombait et qu'on le faisait relever B J.P., D.H.L. > coups de fouet ou de ba'ionnette, pour peu As a Jewess I am interested in the BahPi > que la perte de son sang qui ruisselait sur Community. The teaching lays particular > tous ses membres lui IaissLt encore un peu stress on the Unity of God and the Unity > de force, il se mettait B danser et criait avec of Man, and incorporates the doctrine of > un surcroid'enthousiasme: "En v6ritC nous the Hebrew Prophets that the Unity of God > sommes B Dieu et nous retournons B Lui." is revealed in the Unity of Men. Also, we > Quelques-uns des enfants expirbrent pendant seem to share the conception of God's mes- > le trajet; les bourreaux jetbrent leurs corps sengers as being those people who in their > sous les pieds de leurs pbres et de leurs deep reverence for the attributes of God, > soeurs, qui marchbrent fikrement dessus et His beauty, His truth, His righteousness and > ne leur donnbrent pas deux regards. Quand His justice, seek to imitate Him in their im- > on arriva au lieu d'exkcution, on proposa perfect human way. The light of God is re- > encore aux victimes la vie pour leur abjura- flected in the soul of him who seeks to be > tion. Un bourreau imagina de dire B un pbre receptive. Like the members of the BahL'i > que, s'il ne cCdait pas, il couperait la gorge community, we Jews are scattered all over > B ses deux fils sur sa poitrine. C'Ctaient deux the world, but united in a spiritual brother- > petits garGons dont l'ainC avait 14 ans et qui, hood. The Peace ideal enumerated by the > rouges de leur sang, les chairs calcinCes, Hebrew Prophets is founded on faith in the > Ccoutaient froidement le dialogue; le pbre ultimate triumph of God's justice and right- > rkpondit, en se couchant par terre, qu'il eousness. > Ctait prCt et I'ainC des enfants, rhclamant > avec emportement son droit d'ainesse, de- > manda i Stre 6gorgC le premier? Enfin tout BY PROF.NORMANBENTWICH > fut ached. La nuit tomba sur un amas de > chairs informes; les t6tes Ctaient attachges Hebrew University, Jerusalem > en paquets au poteau justicier et les chiens (From "Palestine," by Norman Bentwich, > p. 235.) > 1 Un autre d6tail que je tiens de source premiere Palestine may indeed be now regarded > est celui-ci: Ouelaues sectaires. au'on voulait amener as the land not of three but of four faiths, > A retractation; fuient attach& 'A ia gueule de canons > arnorc6s d'une mkche longue et brillant lentement. because the Bahti'i creed, which has its cen- > On leur ~ r o ~ o s a ide > t couuer la mbche. s'ils reniaient ter of faith and pilgrimage in 'AkkL and > le B&b. E&, les bras tendus vers 1; feu, le sup- Haifa, is attaining to the character of a > pliaient de se hater de venir bien vite consommer > leur bonheur. world-religion. So far as its influence goes > APPRECIATIONS OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH 641 > > in the land, it is a factor making for inter- prbtres, disent les Bahi't'istes, sont tentCs de > national and inter-religious understanding. fausser, dans un but de lucre, l'idhalisme > dCsintCressC des crhateurs de religions. > BahB'u'lltih, le principal des trois pro- > ph&tes, rkpandit sa doctrine non seulement > en Orient, mais dans beaucoup de pays > &Europe, et surtout aux Gtats-Unis oh son > influence fut telle que le nombre des BahL'i- > Trois prophdtes istes attient aujourd'hui plusieurs millions. > I1 fut persCcutC par les Perses et mourut en > (From Les Echos, Paris, France, September exil. > 27, 1933.) Son fils, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, lui succ6da et for- > Alors que le marxisme soviktique pro- mula, d'aprb les principes de son pkre, la > clame le mathrialisme historique, alors que doctrine Cconomique du BahL'iisme; elle > les jeunes gCnCrations sionistes sont Cgale- indique une prescience Ctonnante des > ment de plus en plus ind8Crentes aux CvCnements qui se sont dCroulCs depuis: > croyances Ctablies, une nouvelle religion est la guerre d'abord, la crise ensuite. I1 > nCe en Orient, et sa doctrine prend, dans mourut peu apres la guerre, ayant vu la > les circonstances actuelles, un intCrbt d'au- rkalisation de la premiere partie de ses pro- > tant plus grand que, sYCcartantdu domaine phkties. > purement philosophique, elle prkconise en L'originalitC du Bahi'iisme est de cher- > Cconomie politique des solutions qui co'inci- cher B faire passer dans le domaine prati- > dent curieusement avec les prCoccupations que, et plus particulierement dans le do- > de notre Cpoque. maine social, les principes essentiels du > Cette religion, de plus, est par essence judaysme, du catholicisme et de l'islamisme, > antiraciste. Elle est nCe en Perse, vers 1840, en les combinant et en les adaptant aux be- > et les trois prophetes successifs qui l'ont soins de notre Cpoque. > pr3chke sont des Persans, c'est-8-dire des La Bahi'iisme proclame que les rapports > musulmans de naissance. sociaux deviennent fatalement impossibles > Le premier, le crCateur, s'appelait le Bib. dans une sociCt6 oh l'idkalisme individuel ne > I1 prbcha vers 1850, et prbconisa, outre la donne pas une base certaine aux engage- > rCconciliation des diffCrents cultes qui divi- ments qui lient les hommes entre eux. > sent l'humanitk, la libCration de la femme, L'individu se sent de plus en plus is016 > rCduite aujourd'hui encore b un quasi escla- au milieu d'une jungle sociale qui menace, $ > vage dans tout 1'Islim. beaucoup d'Cgards, son bien-8tre et sa sC- > Une Persane d'une rare beautk, et qui, curitb. La bonne volontC et l'honn8tet6, ne > chose rare chez les musulmanes, Ctait douCe produisant plus dans sa vie et dans son tra- > d'un grand talent oratoire, rkpondant au vail le rksultat qu'il attend, tendent B perdre > nom difficile B prononcer de Qourratou-'1- pour lui toute valeur pratique. De lb nais- > 'Kin, l'accompagna dans ses rkunions, sent, selon les caractdres, l'indiffkrence et le > n'hksitant pas, en donnant elle-mbme dkcouragement, ou l'audace, le manque > l'exemple, B prkconiser la suppression du de scrupules qui tendent ?I se procurer > voile pour les femmes. par tous les moyens, mbme les plus rCprC- > Le Bib et elle rkussirent ?I convaincre, hensibles, les bknkfices matQiels nCcessaires > l'kpoque, des dizaines de milliers de Persans b l'existence. > et le shah de Perse les emprisonna l'un et La sociCt6, n'ktant plus soumise B aucun > l'a~~tre, ainsi que la plupart de leurs parti- contrble, ni politique ni moral, devient un > sans. Le Bib fut pendu. Sa belle collabora- vaisseau sans gouvernail oh personne ne > trice fut CtranglCe dans sa prison. Leurs peut plus rien prCvoir et qui est sujet b des > disciples furent exiles b Saint-Jean-*Acre, crises de plus en plus frkquentes et de plus > devenue temple du "BahL'iisme." C'est ainsi en plus violentes. L'kpoque actuelle, dCcla- > que j'ai visit6 la maison du successeur du rent les prophktes persans, marque la fin > BBb, Bah&'u'll&h, transformke aujourd'hui d'une civilisation qui ne sert plus les in- > en temple du "BahB'iisme." C'est ainsi que tCrbts de l'humanitk. > s'intitule cette religion, qui est plutbt une Elle aboutit B la faillite complete des in- > doctrine philosophique, car elle ne comporte stitutions morales et matkrielles destinCes $ > ni culte dhfini, ni surtout de clergk. Les assurer le bien-btre et la skcuritb des hom- > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 643 > > dhmocratique, ni le principe aristocratique 3. > ne peuvent fournir shpar6ment i la sociCtC > une base solide. La democratie est impuis- (Excerpt from a letter dated October 29, > sante contre les querelles intestines et l'aris- 1934.) > tocratie ne subsiste que par la guerre. Une MalgrC les tristesses de notre 6poque et > combinaison des deux principes est donc put-8tre rngme cause #elles, je reste con- > n6cessaire. vaincue que les id6es 2 la fois divines et > "En cette pCriode de transition entre le humaines qui sent l'essence du Bah$iisme > vieil bge de la concurrence et 1'8re nouvelle finiront par triompher, pourvu que chacun > de la coopCration, la vie m8me de l'huma- de ce, qui en comprennent yimmense in- > nit6 est en phril. Les ambitions nationalistes, thr8t continue quai qu'il advienne & les ah- > la lutte des classes, la peur et le C O ~ V O ~ ~ ~fendre > S ~ S et $ les propager. > Cconomiques sont auiant de forces qui pous- > sent & une nouvelle guerre internationale. > Tous les Gouvernements du monde doivent > soutenir et organiser une assemblke dont les BY MISS HELENKELLER > membres soient 6lus par 1'Clite des nations. (1, a personal letter written to an American > Ceux-ci devront mettre au point, au-dessus g i having read something from > ~ ~ h after > des Cgoi'smes particuliers, le nouveau statut the ill^ edition of ~ ~ h k ~ ~and l l the > h h > Cconomique du monde en dehors d u q ~ ~ e l N,, E,.~.) > tous les pays, mais surtout l'Europe, seront > conduits aux pires catastrophes." The philosophy of BahL'u'll6h deserves > 'Abdu9l-Bah6, son successeur, reprenant the best thought we can give it. I a m re- > la doctrine de son pbre, concluait dans un turning the book that people > discours prouoncC & New-York en 1912: who have more leisure than myself may be > y a civilisation mathrielle a atteint, en "shown a ray of Divinity" and their hearts > accident, le plushaut degrk de son dgvelop- be "bathed in an inundation of eternal > pernent. Mais c'est en Orient qu'a pris nais- love." > sance et que s'est dhVelopp6e la civilisation I take this 'pportunity to you > spirituelle. Un lien s'htablira entre ces deux your kind me, and the in- > forces, et lenr union est la condition de spiration which even the most cursory read- > rimmense progrhs qui doit ctre accompli. ing of Bah6'uYll6h's life cannot fail to im- > - H de~ 12,~la ~s6curit6 et la confiance part. What nobler theme than the "good > feront de plus en plus dCfaut, Ies luttes et the and the Of the na- > les dissensions s'accroitront de jour en jour tions" can OCCUPY Our lives? The message > et les divergences entre nations syaccentue- of universal Peace will surely prevail. It is > rant &vantage. Les pays augmenteront useless to combine Or conspire against an > constamment leurs armements; la guerre, idea which has in it Potency to a > puis la d'une autre guerre rnondi- new earth and a new heaven and to quicken > ale angoisseront de plus en plus les esprits. human with a passion Of > L'unitC du genre humain est le premier fon- ice. -- > dement de toutes les vertus." > Ainsi parla 'Abdu'l- ah& en 1912, et tout BY DR. ROKUICHIRO MASUJIMA > se passa comme il l'avait pr6dit. > Mais ces paroles n'ont pas vieilli; elles "The Japanese race is of rational mind. > pourraient, sans le moindre changement, No superstition can play with it. Japan is > 8tre rCpCtCes en 1933. Aujourd'hui, comme the only country in the world where re- > il y a vingt ans, la menace de la guerre est ligious tolerance has always existed. The > de nouveau suspendue au-dessus de nos t8tes Japanese Emperor is the patron of all re- > ligious teachings. The BahL'i publications > et les causes de haines et de conflits s'accu- > now form part of His Majesty's Library as > mulent $ tel point que, s'il existe vraiment > accepted by the Imperial House. . . . > u n flux el: un reflux des idCes, on peut 'The search for truth and universal edu- > presque conclure, avec une certaine dose cation inculcated by the Bah6'i Teachings, > d'optimisme, que nous n'avons jamais 6th if soundly conducted, cannot fail to interest > si pr2.s de venir aux idCes de coop6ration the Japanese mind. BahL'iism is bound to > qui, seules, peuvent nous sauver. permeate the Japanese race in a short time." > 644 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > BY SIR FLINDERSPETRIE "The morals of humanity must undergo > change. New remedy and solution for hu- > (In a letter to the Daily Sketch, London, man problems must be adopted. Human > England, December 16, 1932.) intellects themselves must change and be > The Bah&i' Movement of Persia should be subject to the universal reformation." In > a welcome adjunct to tme Christianity; we these three sentences we really have it all. > must always remember how artificial the > growth of ati in Christian ideas has been as > comvared with the wide and less defined BY H. R. H. PRINCESS > OLGAOF YUGOSLAVIA > beliifs native to early Christian faith. H. R. H. Princess Olga, wife of H. R. H. > Prince Regent Paul of Yugoslavia, daughter > of H. R. H. Prince Nicholas of Greece and > BY FORMERpRESIDEN~ > MASARYK > OF cousin of His Majesty King George I1 of > CZECHOSLOVAKIA Greece, is deeply interested in religion and > in education, and her wonderful kindnesses > (In an audience with an American BahL'i to every one have been commented upon > journalist in Praha, in 1928.) beautifully in several English books and > Continue to do what you are doing, magazinei as well as by the Balkan press. > spread these principles of humanity and do "I like the BahL'i Teachings for universal > not wait for the diplomats. Diplomats alone education and universal peace," said this > cannot bring the peace, but it is a great gracious Princess in her charming villa on > thing that official people begin to speak the Hill of Topcidor, Belgrade, on January > about these universal peace principles. Take 16, 1936; "I like the BahBi Movement and > these principles to the diplomats, to the uni- the Young Men's Christian Association, for > versities and colleges and other schools, and both are programs to unite religions. With- > also write about them. It is the people who out unity no man can live in happiness." > will bring the universal peace. Princess though she is, she stressed the im- > portant truth that every man must do his > job! "We are all sent into this world for a > purpose and people are too apt to forget the > Presence of God and true religion. I wish > Archduchess Anton of Austria, who be- the BahBi Movement every success in the > fore her marriage was Her Royal Highness accomplishment of its high ideals." > Princess Ileana of Rumania, in an audi- > ence with Martha L. Root, June 19, 1934, > in Vienna, gave the following statement > for The Bahd'i World, Vol. V: "I like the > BahBi Movement, because it reconciles all (Excerpt from Cosmoine'tnpolis, 1935, pp. > Faiths, and teaches that science is from God 108-109.) > as well as religion, and its ideal is peace." > Nous avons track dans ces pages seule- > ment la signification du Bahb'iisme, sans > examiner tous ses principes et son pro- > gramme pratique dans lequel sont harmo- > nisCes avec I'idCal religieux "les aspirations > American Historian et les objectifs de la science sociale." Mais > on doit attirCr l'attention de tous les esprits > (Excerpt from personal letter dated May 18, libres sur ce mouvement, dont les promo- > 1934.) teurs ont le mCrite d'avoir contribuk B la > I have had on my desk, and have read clarification de l'ancienne controverse entre > several times, the three extracts from la religion et la science-et d'avoir donnC > 'Abdu'l-BahL's Message of Social Regenera- ii maint homme un peu de leur tolCrance et > tion. Taken together, they form an un- de leur optimisme: "L'humanitB Ctait jus- > answerable argument and plea for the only qu'ici restCe dans le stade de l'enfance; elle > way that the world can be made over. If approche maintenant de la maturitCW > we could put into effect this program, we ('Abh'l-Bah6, Washington, 1912). > should indeed have a new world order. Qui osera r6pCter aujoma'hui, dans la > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 645 > > m61Ce des haines nationales et sociales, cette will, and that Bahi'u'llgh Himself is the > sentence de progrks? C'est un Oriental qui Creator of an eternal bond between the > nous a dit cela, a nous, orgueilleux ou scep- East and the West. . . . The BahB'i Teach- > tiques Occidentaux. Nous voudrions voir ing is a living religion, a living philoso- > aujourd'hui, dans l'Allemagne hitlkriste, phy. . . . > dans les pays terroris& par le fascisme, I do not blame Christianity, it has done > paralyds par la dictature politique,-un a good work for culture in Europe, but > spectacle dCcrit par le suisse Auguste Forel there are too many dogmas in Christianity > d'aprb l'anglais Sprague qui a vue en Bir- at the present time. . . . Buddhism was > manie et en Inde, des Bouddhistes, des very good for India from the sixth centuly > MahomCtans, des ChrCtiens et des Juifs, B.C. and the Teachings of Christ have been > qui allaient bras-dessus bras-dessous, comme good for the whole world; but as there is > des frkres. "au grand Ctonnement de la > L. > a progress of mind there must be no stop- > population qui n'a jamais vu une chose pa- ping and in the Bah6'i Faith one sees the > reille!" continued progress of religion. > > BY ARTHURHENDERSON > BY PRINCESSMARIEANTOINETTE > (Excerpt from a letter dated January 26, DE BROGLIE > AUSSENAC > 1935.) > I have read the pamphlet on the New A cette Cpoque oh l'humanitk semble sor- > tie d'un long sommeil pour revivre B SEsprit, > World Order by Shoghi Effendi. It is an > consciemment ou inconsciemment, l'homme > eloquent expression of the doctrines which > cherche et s1C1ance B la poursuite de l'in- > I have always associated with the Bah6'i > visible et de sciences qui nous y conduisent. > Movement and I would like to express my > L'angoisse religieuse aussi n'a jamais CtC > great sympathy with the aspirations towards > plus intense. > world unity which underlie his teaching. > Par sa grande kvolution l'homme actuel > est pr6t recevoir le grand message de > BahB'u'llAh dans son mouvement synthCti- > que qui nous fait passer de l'ancienne com- > pr6hension des divisions B la comprChension > modern oh nous cherchons ii suivre les on- > The conditions are so changed now, since des qui se propagent traversant toute limita- > the technique of the present time has de- tion humaine et de la crCation. > stroyed the barriers between nations, that Chaque combat que nous livrons B nos > the world needs a uniting force, a kind of penchants nous dCgage des voiles qui &pa- > super-religion. I think Bahi'iism could de- rent le monde visible du monde invisible et > velop to such a kind of religion. I am quite augmente en nous cette capacit6 de percep- > convinced of it, so far as I know the Teach- tion et de s'accorder aux longueurs d'ondes > ings of BahB'u'llkh. . . . There are modern les plus variCes, de vibrer au contact des > saviors and Bah$u'Il&h is a Savior of the rythmes les plus divers de la crCation. > twentieth century. Everything must be done Tout ce qui nous vient directement de la > on a democratic basis, there must be inter- nature est toujours harmonie absolue. Le > national brotherhood. We must learn to tout est de capter l'hquilibre de toute chose > have confidence in ourselves and then in et lui donner la voix au moyen d'un instru- > others. One way to learn this is through in- ment capable d'6mettre les mgmes harmo- > ner spiritual education, and a way to attain nies que notre Bme, ce qui nous fait vibrer > such an education may be through Bah6'i- et devenir le lien entre le pass6 et l'avenir en > ism. attaignant une nouvelle 6tape correspondant > B l'6volution du monde. > En religion, la Cause de BahL'u'll5h, qui > est la grande rCv6lation de notre Cpoque, est > I am still of the opinion that I had four la m&me que celle du Christ, son temple et > years ago that the Bahi'i Movement can son fondement les rnGnles mis en harmonie > Por~nthe best basis for international good- avec le deg& de matnrit6 rnoderne. > 646 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > BY DAVIDSTARRJORDAN truth. His words are as simple as the sun- > light; again like the sunlight, they are uni- > Late President o f Stanford University versal. . . . N~ ~ ~ I think, ~ is more~ h ~ ~ > 'Abdu'l-Bahi will surely unite the East important today than ' ~ b d u ' l - ~ a h i . > and the West: for He treads the mystic way > with practical feet. > > BY PROF.BOGDAN POPOVITCH These writings (BahB'i) are a stirring fu- > sion of poetic beauty and religious insight. > University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia > I, like another, have been "struck by their > The Bahi'i Teaching carries in its Mes- comprehensiveness." I find they have ex- > sage a fine optimism-we must always in traordinary power to pull aside the veils > spite of everything be optimists; we must that darken my mind and to open new vi- > be optimists even when events seem to prove sions of verity and life. > the contrary! And Bahi'is can be hopeful, > for there is a power in these Teachings to > bring to humanity tranquillity, peace and a > higher spirituality. > One reason I hail with thanksgiving the > interpretation of religion known as the > Bahi'i Faith and fee1 so deep a kinship with > its followers is that I recognize in its Revela- > (Excerpt from the Roycroft Magazine) tion an outreach of the Divine to stumbling > While sectarians squabble over creeds, the humanity; a veritable thrust h o m the ra- > Bahfi Movement goes on apace. It is grow- diant Center of Life. > ing by leaps and bounds. It is hope and Every follower of this faith that I have > progress. It is a world movement-and it is ever met impressed me as a living witness > destined to spread its effulgent rays of en- to the glory at the heart of this universe. > lightenment throughout the earth until Each one seemed filled with a splendor of > every mind is free and every fear is ban- spirit so great that it overflowed all bounda- > ished. The friends of the Bahi'i Cause be- ries and poured itself out upon the world > lieve they see the dawn of the new day-the here in this moment of time, by some con- > better day-the day of Truth, of Justice, centrated act of love toward another hu- > of Liberty, of Magnanimity, of Universal man being. > Peace, and of International Brotherhood, > the day when one shall work for all, and > all shall work for one. > > The lovely peace of Carmel, which still > BY LUTHERBURBANK attracts mystics of different faiths, domi- > I am heartily in accord with the Bah6'i nates ~ a i f a On > . its summit are the Druses > Movement, in which I have been interested in their two villages; at its feet the German > for several years. The religion of peace is Templars, whose avenue leads up to the now > the religion we need and always have large and beautiful terraced property of the > needed, and in this Bah6'i is more truly the Persian Bahgis on the mountainside. Here > religion of peace than any other. the tombs of the Bib and of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, > set in a fair garden, are a place of interna- > tional pilgrimage. On Sundays and holidays > BY PROF.YONENOGUCHI the citizens of Haifa of all faiths come for > rest and recreation where lie the bones of > I have heard so much about 'Abdu'l- that young prophet of Chhirb who nearly a > Bahl, whom people call an idealist, but I hundred years ago preached that all men are > should like to call Him a realist, because no one and all the great religions true, and > idealism, when it is strong and true, exists foretold the coming equality of men and > without the endorsement of realism. There women and the birth of the first League of > is nothing more real than His words on Nations. > seul au monde, entoure d'ennemis, arrive > par la force de son genie i crber une religion > Charles University, Prague, Czechoslovakia universelle et sage. Que Bahl'u'lliih lui ait, > The Bahl'is of Persia are resolutely firm par la suite, succ6d6, soit, mais je veux qu'on > in their religion. Their firmness does not admire la sublimit6 du BBb, qui a d'ailleurs > have its roots in ignorance. The Persian in- pay6 de sa vie, de son sang la r6forme qu'il > born character causes them to see things a prechbe. Citez-moi un autre exemple, sem- > somewhat too great, slightly exaggerated, blable. Enfin, je puis mourir tranquille. > and their dissensions with the ruling I s l h Gloire L Shoghi Effendi qui a calm6 mon > make them a little bitter towards it. Every- tourment et mes inquibtudes, gloire ii lui > thing else in their characters is accounted qui reconnais la valeur de Siyyid 'Ali- > for as due to their Teachings; they are won- Muhammad dit le Bib. > derfully ready to help and happy to sacrifice. Je suis si content que je baise vos mains > Faithfully they fulfill their office and profes- qui ont track mon a'dresse sur l'enveloppe > sional duties. Long ago they already solved qui m'apporte le message de Shoghi. Merci, > the problem of the Eastern woman; their Mademoiselle. Merci du fond du coeur. > children are carefully educated. They are > sometimes reproached for their lack of pa- > triotism. Certainly, as specifically Persian as > the SJhi'ih Faith, the BahL'i Faith can never > become; but the Bahl'i Religion like Chris- > tianity does not preclude the love of one's I have followed it (the Bah6'i Cause) > fatherland. . . . Are the Europeans not with deep interest ever since my trip to > sufficiently patriotic! According to my ex- London to the First Races Congress in July, > periences, the Bahl'is in that respect, are 1911, when I heard for the first time of the > very unjustly criticized by their Muham- Bahl'i Movement and its summary of the > madan brothers. During the centuries the principles for peace. I followed it during > S_hiCihReligion has developed a deep na- the war and after the war. The Bahi'i > tional tradition; with this the universal Teaching is one of the spiritual forces now > Bahl'i Faith will have a hard battle. Never- absolutely necessary to put the spirit first in > theless, the lack of so great numbers is richly this battle against material forces. . . . The > recompensed by the fervor and the inner Bah6'i Teaching is one of the great instru- > spirit of the Persian Bahl'i Community. The ments for the final victory of the spirit and > Bahl'i world community will educate char- of humanity. > acters which will appear well worthy of > emulation by people of other Faiths, yes, > even bv the world of those now enemies of > the ~ a h 6 ' Cause. > i The Bah6'i Cause is one of the great > The experience acquired in the West, for moral and social forces in all the world to- > me was fully verified also in the Persian day. I am more convinced than ever, with > Orient. .The Bahl'i Faith is undoubtedly an the increasing moral and political crises in > immense cultural value. Could all those the world, we must have greater interna- > men whose high morality I admired and still tional co-ordination. Such a movement as > admire have reached the same heights only the Bahl'i Cause which paves the way for > in another way, without it? No, never! Is universal organization of peace is necessary. > it based onlv on the noveltv of the Teach- > ings, and in the freshness of its closest fol- > lowers? > BY SIR RONALD STORRS, > K.C.M.G., C.B.E. > BY A. L. M. NICOLAS > Je ne sais comment vous remercier ni > comment vous exprimer la joie qui inonde I met 'Abdu'l-BahL first in 1900, on my > mon coeur. Ainsi donc, il faut non seule- way out from England and Constantinople > ment admettre mais aimer et admirer le B6b. through Syria to succeed Harry Boyle as > Pauvre grand Prophkte n6 au fin fond de la Oriental Secretary to the British Agency in > Perse sans aucun moyen d'instruction et qui Cairo. (The episode is fully treated in my > 648 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > Orientations, published by Ivor Nicholson me from Jerusalem to organise the British > and Watson.) I drove along the beach in a Administration there. On the evening of my > cab from Haifa to 'Akki and spent a very arrival I visited my revered friend. "I found > pleasant hour with the patient but unsub- him sitting in spotless white. He placed at > dued prisoner and exile. . . . my disposal the training and talents of his > I never failed to visit Him whenever I community, and I appointed one or two to > went to Haifa. His conversation was indeed positions of trust, which they still continue > a remarkable planning, like that of an an- to deserve." Later, he visited me in Jeru- > cient prophet, far above the perplexities and salem, and was held in great esteem and re- > pettiness of Palestine politics, and elevating spect by the High Commissioner, Lord Sam- > all problems into &st principles. uel. In Egypt he presented me with a > He was kind enough to give me one or beautiful specimen of writing by the cele- > two beautiful specimens of His own hand- brated Bahi'i calligraphist, Mislhk'm-Qalam, > writing, together with that of Mibkin- and with his own Persian pen box; in Pales- > Qalarn, all of which, together with His large tine with an exquisite little Bokkara rug > signed photograph, were unfortunately from the tomb of the Blb: all three, alas, > burned in the Cyprus fire. destroyed by fire in Cyprus. When, on No- > I rendered my last sad tribute of affec- vember 29, 1921, he was buried, 10,000 > tionate homage when in 1921 I accompa- men, women and children, of many varying > nied Sir Herbert Samuel to the funeral of races and creeds, walked in the funeral pro- > 'Abbb Effendi. We walked at the head of cession up Mount Carmel, to lay his body > a train of all religions up the slope of Mount in the exquisite cypress-avenued shrine. > Carmel, and I have never known a more Telegrams reached Haifa from all over > united expression of regret and respect than the world. Mr. Winston Churchill, then Sec- > was called forth by the utter simplicity of retary of State for the Colonies, desired the > the ceremony. High Commissioner for Palestine to convey > to the Bah6'i Community on behalf of His > Majesty's Government their sympathy and > condolence on the death of Sir 'Abdu'l-BahB > (From an address delivered at the opening > 'Abbis, K.B.E., and Field Marshal Lord Al- > of the Bahi'i Centenary Exhibition in > lenby telegraphed likewise from Egypt. > London, May, 1944.) > With 'Abbls Effendi the Apostolic and > My first connection with the Bah6'i Faith Heroic Age of the BahGi Faith is considered > dates from the beginning of this century, to be ended. > when it was my fortune and honour to be- I have not lost contact with the BahL'i > come the Arabic pupil of Edward Browne. world, and I hope I never shall. Recently I > My first glimpse of 'Abbls Effendi was in had the hono~trof receiving at the British > the summer of 1909, when I drove round the Legation in Tihrgn, a depntation of the > Bay of Acre in an Arab cab, visited him in Bahi'i Community, headed by Samimi, the > the barracks and marvelled at his serenity respected Chief Munshi of the Legation, and > and cheerfulness after 42 years of exile and Varga, President of the National Spiritual > imprisonment. I kept touch with him Assembly of the Bahi'is of Persia. Later I > through my coniidential agent, Husayn Bey was received by the Council at a tea, so > Ruhi, son of a Tabriz martyr, and the "Per- sumptuous that the remembrance adds a > sian Mystic" of my book "Orientations." sting to my British Ration Card. My diary > After the Young Turk Revolution, 'Abbis of April 5, 1943, at M l z , tells me: > Effendi was released. He visited Egypt in "After luncheon, off to visit the House of > 1913, when I had the honour of looking the Blb, leaving the car for the narrow > after him, and of presenting him to Lord winding streets, and shown over by Fazlul- > Kitchener, who was deeply impressed by his lah Benana and the curator. A small but per- > personality-as who could fail to be? Then fect courtyard, with a little blue tiled, eight > war cut him off from us and it might have feet square tank, six large red goldfish, a > gone hard with him in Haifa but for the in- tiny orange tree and runner carpets round > direct interposition of His Majesty's Govern- the sides, and a narrow deep well. Above, > ment. His bed and His sitting rooms (for which > When, in his famous victory drive to the our hosts took off their shoes), and on the > North, Allenby captured Haifa, he detached second floor the room in which in 1844 He > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 649 > > declared His mission, to a solitary disciple." lowship of Faiths was held in Chicago-a > What can I say more? Half a century ago conference inspired by the high ideals of > the great Dr. Jowett, of Balliol, wrote: "This mutual understanding, good-will, co-opera- > is the greatest light the world has seen since tion and peace and progress, and I went > Christ, but it is too great and too close for there to attend and participate in the con- > the world to appreciate its full import." ference, my attention was again drawn to > Already over many parts of the globe there the BahPi Faith by some of its followers > are Bahi'is actively, honourably, peaceably there, who took me to their temple at Wil- > employed. mette, Illinois, which was then under con- > May this auspicious centenary prove pro- struction but was nearly hished, and > pitious also for the early restoration of world showed me the nine gates and chambers of > peace. worship for the nine principal religions of > the world. Naturally enough, I took it that > BahPiism was something like theosophy, > which is interested in studying and compar- > Having enjoyed the signal honor of many ing the respective merits of religions and in > years friendship with the late Head of the recognising their respective greatness, and > Faith, together with that of the present which can therefore appeal only to the in- > Guardian, I beg to justify herewith my ad- tellectual section of mankind and hardly > miration for the members and practice of appeal to the masses. > BahPism, which not only produced and are Later, in 1936, however, while I was in > still producing constant and positive good, Rangoon, I had an opportunity, rather, the > but which, unlike, alas, many other religions, opportunity was thrust upon me-to ac- > have never occasioned the slightest harm to quaint myself more fully with the tenets and > any living creature or any good cause. teachings of BahPiism. Mr. S. Schopflocher, > a BahPi from Canada, who was on a lectur- > ing tour, was then in Rangoon, and I was > asked to introduce him to the public and to > preside over a lecture of his. Therefore I > Even as early as 1929 or perhaps even a secured a few books on the subject, and on > little earlier, I used to hear the names of reading them, 1 was struck with the remark- > BahB'u'llBh and Bahi'iism; and in 1929 able fact that Bahi'iism is a faith, which not > when I undertook a lecturing tour in Europe merely recognises the respective merits of > on the humanistic methods of promoting the world religions, but goes a step further > peace and unity among races, nations and in- and teaches that all religions are One, all > dividuals, my attention was once again the religious seers, saints and prophets are > drawn to BahPu'llBh and his teachings by the religious seers, saints and prophets of > my friend Lady Blomfield, who gave me One religion only, that all mankind is One, > some books, too, on the subject. But my eyes and that we must think and feel and act in > were then too weak to permit any reading, terms of brotherhood. "We must realise," as > and the need and urgency of some expert a BahPi very beautifully puts it, "that, as the > treatment for my eyes was in fact an addi- aeroplane, radio and other instruments have > tional reason for my leaving for Europe. Be- crossed the frontiers drawn upon the map, > sides, I was then too full of my own philos- so our sympathy and spirii of oneness > ophy of "Humanism," and was too busy should rise above the influences that have > with my own programme of lectures for separated race from race, class from class, > Europe, and did not acquaint myself with nation from nation and creed from creed. > any full details about the Bahi'is and their One destiny now controls all human affairs. > tenets and principles. Perhaps, I imagined The fact of world-unity stands out above all > that the BahCis were some sort of religious other interests and considerations." > or philosophical mystics, and I was not par- Sometime back, in this year, Mr. N. R. > ticularly interested in any mere mysticism or Vaki, a BahB'i gentleman of Surat, gave me > in any merely theoretical creed, however a copy of the book, The Bah& World: > much its conclusions might be logical and 1936-1938. Though I have not been able to > satisfying to the intellect. read the whole book through, I find it is > When afterwards, in 1933, the Second a mine of information, a regular cyclopaedia > Parliament of Religions or the World Fel- on the subject. It is interesting to read that > T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > the origin of the faith was in Persia, where llih and which every thinking man will now > a mystic prophet who took the name of endorse as a "consummation to be devoutly > "Bib" (which means "gate") began the wished for." > mission among the Persians in the early part > of the nineteenth century, that he and his > disciples were persecuted by the Persian > Government and were finally shot in 1850, > that, notwithstanding the persecution, the > movement spread under the able and inspir- > ing leadership of BahCu'llih, its principal The death of 'Abbb Effendi, better > prophet and exponent, that on his death in known since he succeeded his father, BahL'- > 1892 he was succeeded by his son, 'Abdu'l- u'llih, thirty years ago as 'Abdu'l-Bahi, de- > Bahi, who continued the work till 1921, prives Persia of one of the most notable of > when, on his death, his grandson, Shoghi her children and the East of a remarkable > Effendi, became the head of the community personality, who has probably exercised a > -a comm~mity now numbering nearly a greater influence not only in the Orient but > million and spread in all the five continents in the Occident, than any Asiatic thinker > of the world. and teacher of recent times. The best ac- > Though the traditionally orthodox Hin- count of him in English is that published in > dus, Muslims, Christians, etc., may not agree 1903 by G. P. Putnam's Sons under the > to call themselves Bahi'is or even to sub- title of the Life and Teachings of 'Abbcis > scribe to its main tenet, viz., that all reli- EfJeizdi compiled by Myron H. Phelps > gions are One, I think that the really enlight- chiefly from information supplied by Bahiy- > ened among them can have no conscientious yih Khinum. She states that her brother's > objection and will indeed wholeheartedly birth almost coincided with the "manifesta- > subscribe to it. tion" of Mirzi 'Ali Muhammad the Bib > Another important aspect of the BahL'i (24th May, 1844), and that she was his > Faith is its absolutely non-political nature. junior by three years. Both dates are put > In the Golden Age of the Cause of Bah2- three years earlier by another reputable au- > u'llcih Shoghi Effendi categorically rules thority, but in any case both brother and > out any participation by adherents of the sister were mere children when, after the > Faith, either individually or collectively, in great persecution of the Bibis in 1852 their > any form of activity which might be inter- father Bahi'u'lliih and his family were exiled > preted as an interference in the political af- from Persia, first to Baghdid (1852-63) > fairs of any particular government. So that then to Adrianople (1863--68), and lastly to > no government need apprehend any sort of 'Akki (St. Jean $Acre) in Syria, where > danger or trouble from Bahb'iism. Bahi'u'llih died on 28th May, 1892, and > On the whole, the perusal of the Book which his son 'Abdu'l-Bahl was only per- > The B a h a World: 1936-1938 has deeply mitted to leave at will after the Turkish > impressed me with the belief that the prin- Revolution in 1908. Subsequently to that > ciples of Bahi'iism, laying stress as they do date he undertook several extensive journeys > on the Oneness of mankind, and being di- in Europe and America, visiting London and > rected as they are towards the maintenance Paris in 1911, America in 1912, Budapest in > of peace, unity and co-operation among the 1913, and Paris, Stuttgart, Vienna, and > different classes, creeds and races of people, Budapest in the early summer of 1914. In all > will go a long way in producing a healthy these countries he had followers, but chiefly > atmosphere in the world for the growth of in America, where an active propaganda had > Fellowship and Brotherhood of Man. Fur- been carried on since 1893 with very con- > ther, I see no harm in the followers of other siderable success, resulting in the formation > faiths accepting these main principles of of important BahB'i Centers in New York, > BahL'iism, wherein, I think, they can find Chicago, San Francisco and other cities. One > nothing against the teachings of their own of the most notable practical results of the > prophets, saints and seers. I rather think that Bahi'i ethical teaching in the United States > by accepting these main principles of has been, according to the recent testimony > Bahi'iism they will help in hastening the es- of an impartial and qualified observer, the > tablishment of a New World Order, an idea establishment in BahB'i circles in New York > perhaps first clearly conceived by Bahi'uY- of a real fraternity between black and white, > APPRECIATIONS O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH > > and an unprecedented lifting of the "color ment is to be appreciated as one of the pro- > bar," described by the said observer as foundest emancipators of mankind from the > "almost miraculous." tradition of race-chauvinism and ethno-re- > Ample materials exist even in English for ligious bigotry. > the study of the remarkable personality who With best wishes and greetings, > has now passed from our midst and of the I remain, Cordially Yours, > doctrines he taught; and especially authori- Benoy Sarltar. > tative are the works of M. Hippolyte Drey- > fus and his wife (formerly Miss Laura Clif- > ford Barney), who combine intimacy and > sympathy with their hero with sound knowl- > edge and wide experience. In their works (Hyderabad, Deccan, February 1, 1941.) > and in that of Mr. Myron H. Phelps must > be sought those particulars which it is im- The founder of the Bah2i Faith is un- > possible to include in this brief obituary doubtedly one of the Great Seers of the > notice. Modern Age. The Gospel that he enunci- > ated and the programme that he enjoined > upon his followers are sing~~larly like a > prophecy of the ideal and dream that in- > spire the heart of youth with (the) quest > Privy Councillor, London for a brave new world built upon equity, > fellowship and peace. > Bahi'iism insists on points which consti- In the midst of all the tragic horror of > tute the essentials of the several creeds and hate and bloodshed that surround us to-day, > faiths which have divided and still divide the his message to humanity does indeed fulfill > human family. It seeks thereby to establish the meaning of his name, and carries the > human unity. It inculcates pursuit of truth "glory of God" into the darkness. > through the miasma of superstitions old and > new. These features ought to secure for > Bahi'iism an enduring place in the religions BY JULESBOIS > of the world. It is one of the noblest con- > tributions which Asia has made to human . . . MirzL 'Ali-Muhammad, the BLb, or > civilization. The history of its martyrdom in the portal of a new wisdom,-a young man, > TihrLn is a glorious chapter, indicating how brave, handsome, and tempered like a steel > much suffering the awakened human spirit blade, the finest product of his country. This > can endure for the sake of its convictions. new Alexander, "the beloved of the worlds," > In the world as one sees it to-day, divided subjugator of souls, died in 1850 at the age > and torn asunder by warring ambitions, of thirty-one, having shed no blood but his > Bahi'iism has undoubtedly a great part to own, a martyr of spotless love, of universal > play. charity. > The Bibis, his partisans, were "beheaded, > hanged, blown from the mouth of cannons, > BY PROF. BENOYKUMARSARKAR, burnt, or chopped to pieces." Their homes > M.A., Ph.D. were burned, their womenfolk carried off > or executed. Still the movement progressed. > For over a quarter of a century,-since Scarcely had the BLb's mission begun,-he > my American days,-I have been under the was allowed a bare two years of preach- > conviction that the Bahi'i movement serves ing,-when he was cast into prison, ques- > to expand the intellectual and moral per- tioned, bastinadoed, disfigured, then tried > sonality of every individual that comes into for heresy before a clerical court, and finally > contact with it. The movement has set in put to death. > motion some of those currents of thought The B i b was led to the scaffold at Tabriz > and work which lead to the silent but ef- with a young devotee who had implored lo > fective conversion of men and women to share his fate. About two hours before noon > humaner and world-embracing principles the two were suspended by ropes, under > of daily conduct. Because of these creative their armpits, in such a manner that the > forces in the social domain the Bahi'i move- head of the disciple rested against the breast > 652 T H E BAHA 'I W O R L D > > of his beloved master. Armenian soldiers The BAb had exhorted the people to > received the order to fire; but when the purify themselves that they might welcome > smoke cleared, the Bkb and his companion the Divine Sun, of whom he was the Radi- > were found to be unscathed. The bullets ant Morn. When the BAb declared his mis- > had merely severed the ropes by which they sion in 1844, Mirzi Husayn-'Ali, a young > were suspended. Amazed by what they man of twenty-seven, the son of a vizier, > considered a miracle, the soldiers were un- and of royal descent, boldly espoused the > willing to fire again. They were replaced perilous cause. Prison and exile soon be- > by a more docile squad, and this time the came his portion. Scenes were enacted dur- > volley took effect. The bodies of both vic- ing this period which recall the Terror in > tims were riddled by bullets and horribly France, with its horrors and its hero- > mutilated, but their faces, spared by a ism. . .. > strange caprice of destiny, bore an expres- BahL'is, previously members of antago- > sion of radiant transfiguration. nistic sects, have manifested toward every > All Europe was stirred to pity and indig- one, even their enemies, a spirit of help and > nation. The event occurred on the ninth of amity. We can only be glad that persecu- > July, 1850; among the "litterateurs" of my tions have diminished and that a gentle and > generation, in the Paris of 1890, the mar- ennobling influence has regenerated the > tyrdom of the BAb was still as fresh a topic Orient, from Syria to Burma. It is quite > as had been the first news of his death. We possible that BahL'iism has a mission to > wrote poems about him. Sarah Bernhardt pacify and spiritually quicken races and > entreated Catulle Mendks for a play on the tribes which we have so far been unable to > theme of this historic tragedy. When he evangelize. > failed to supply a manuscript, I was asked > to write a drama entitled "Her Highness > the Pure," dealing with the story of another > illustrious martyr of the same cause,-a > woman, Qurratu'l-'Ayn, the Persian Joan > of Arc and the leader of emancipation for > women of the Orient. You honour me with a request that I > Her case was unique. Had it been ad- should add my small brick to the exalted > missible for a woman to be a Mahdi, or a edifice of the BahB'i teaching. Its happy > "Point," Qurratu'l-'Ayn,-who bore re- creed so passionately urged and so convinc- > semblance to the medizeval HCloi'se and the ingly stated is an inspiration to all who > neo-platonic Hypatia,-would have been work and who, in the words of Kipling, > recognized as the equal of the BAb. Such have realised the significance of "No one > virile courage and power did she inherit that shall work for money and no one shall work > all who saw and heard her were uplifted to for fame, but all for the joy of the working." > a new understanding of the mission of her I would like to add my conviction to your > sex. A poetess, philosopher, linguist, and teaching that "absolute equality is a chi- > theologian, an early convert of the Bkb, mera" which, socially, is entirely impractica- > she threw aside her veil, despite the im- ble. It has become a slogan to many work- > memorial custom of Asia, carried on con- ers, reliance upon which will only lead to a > troversies with the most learned scholars cruel disillusionment. The only "equality" is > of her country, discomfited them, and won that which any man may attain by being > recognition as their master. Imprisoned, prominent in his work. It has been truly said > anathematized, driven from town to town, that "every man can do some one thing > stoned in the streets, she defied, single- better than any other man." So let our ambi- > handed, a Shkh who "through his decree tion be, no matter how humble our work > could slaughter a thousand men each day," may appear, to be of the arisfocracy o f > -and often did so. To her executioners work. And if to "work is to pray" may not > she said, "You may kill me as soon as you this noble ambition to be among the elect of > please, but you cannot stop the emancipa- the workers of the world, bring us by steps > tion of women." Then, having donned her to the dream of your great Teacher of a > choicest robes, as if to join a bridal party, Great Universal Peace, against which if any > she was dragged into a garden and strangled government among you take up arms to > by a negro. destroy that peace, "the whole human race," > APPRECIATIONS OF THE BAHA'I FAITH > > he tells, "shall resolve with every power at interdependence that had to be emphasized > its disposal to destroy." and constantly kept in view. The distinc- > tions of Race and Religion, of colour and > creed, are but superficial; the welfare of one > part of the world cannot be sustained if > other areas are depressed. The War had il- > Dean of Canterbury lustrated most forcibly the indivisibility of > human happiness and human misery. It had, > I read with interest the social programme in fact, taught us that there was only one > of your movement demonstrating the best undivided world and that we are the chil- > education for everyone, equal status for men dren of one God. > and women and the like and also your en- A little group of BahL'is who were at the > couragement of scientific research and em- conference and met me afterwards, con- > phasis on the need for a World Com- gratulated me on having given expression on > monwealth, together with the oneness of that world platform to some of the beliefs > mankind. I am in complete agreement with that they held dear. That is how I became > those aims and wish you well in the pursuit acquainted with and soon deeply interested > of them. in the BahL'i Faith. I have since had the > privilege of meeting Bahb'is in various cen- > tres in India, Europe and America. I have > a very happy and lively recollection of my > visit to Wilmette, Illinois, where I was taken > round the "Temple of Light3'-the Bahi'i > From A Study o f History, Volume V, p. Temple-a beautiful and inspiring structure, > 665. which in its very architecture, with its nine > . . . The Bahgiyah sect has been ex- sides dedicated to the nine great religions of > conlmunicated by the Imkmi Mujtahids and the world, emphasizes the universality of all > been evicted from its Iranian homeland; but religions. > it is already apparent that these bitter ex- "You are the fruits of one tree and the > periences of persecution and expatriation leaves of one branch," says the Prophet. > have served this infant religion in good Again and again I have come across such > stead; for 'it has thereby been driven into sayings which have forcibly reminded me of > looking beyond the Mediterranean and the the teachings of the Vedas. "Whenever vir- > Atlantic for new worlds to conquer in the tue subsides and vice triumphs, then am I > strength of a principle (Non-Violence) reborn to redeem mankind," says the Divine > which is apt to work as an "open sesame" in the Gita. The Bah2i Faith remarkably > for any missionary religion that has the speaks not of one Prophet for all time, but > faith to embrace it. of a succession of prophets as Divine dis- > pensation sees the need for them. > In fact, the Bahb'i Faith gives us the > great and previous message of unity in reli- > BY SIR RAMASWAMI MUDALIAR, K.C.S.I. gion. The Bahgis do not form a sect by > President, Economic Social themselves. Rather, through the teachings of > Council of U N ; Leader, Indian their Prophet, they try to illumine the eter- > Delegation of United Nations nal verities of every religion and to quicken > Conference on Freedom o f the noble impulses of the true followers of > Information; Prime Minister, every religion with the spirit of catholicity > Mysore State. and fraternalism. How much the world > needs such a spirit today . . . How far we > It was in San Francisco in 1945 that I are from that one far off divine event to > first had the privilege of meeting the fol- which the whole creation is destined to > lowe~s of the Bah2i Faith and learning move . . . the Fatherhood of God and the > something of the teachings of their great Brotherhood of Man. > Prophet. I had spoken at the Plenary Ses- Perhaps the Bahb'i Faith is destined to be, > sion of the General Assembly of the United and may prove, the greatest single force in > Nations, and had pointed out that it was not achieving that Godly consecrated consum- > the independence of the nations, but their mation . . . > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > BY BHAGAVANQAS tions in Swedish, "Plotinus, the Mystic and > "Shanti Sadan," Sigra, the Reformer" (Stockholm 1927). > Benares (Cantt) . In the University Library you may be > May 20, 1949 able to get the loan of it. From this we learn > how every living thing, all worlds are > I understand that a public meeting will bound together in sympathy, that the > be held in Benares for the celebration of the "reality of goodness" is the birthright of all. > 105th Anniversary of the Declaration of the The old stoics had seen far, when they > Bgb, i. e. Gateway, the forerunner of Bah5'- claimed that all mankind formed a unity, > u'lla, father of 'Abdu'l-Bah5. Bahi'u'll5h that we all were brothers, that we all aimed > is the prophet of the Movement now known towards the same goal. The great wonder > in all the countries of the world a s the of it is, that the plain and great truths have > Bahsi Faith. From such literature of the been proclaimed by the very best of men at > Movement as I have come across and read, different times, perhaps with growing clear- > and from conversations I have had with ness, as humanity grows into age on this > members of the Movement who have kindly planet. It is a sign of that it must be > come to see me, I have acquired a great "truths," since the best of men time and > admiration for it. One of its twelve principal again discover them. BahL'u'llLh is un- > items of belief is that the essentials of all doubtedly one of these "good" Prophets. > religions are one. This belief is very dear to With renewed thanks, and the best wishes > my heart and I have endeavoured to pro- for the New Year > pound it at length in my book "The Essen- Very t r ~ ~ yours > ly > tial Unity of All Religions" supporting it S. Eitrem. > with some 1400 (fourteen hundred) texts of > the Sacred Scriptures of eleven living great > religions, quoted in original ~ 6 t hEngIish > translation. I wish with all my heart every > success for this philanthropic and spiritual > Movement. Director, Tuskegee Normal and Zndustriat > Institute Research and Experinzerz f Sfafion > I a m so happy to know that the Christ- > like Gospel of good will is growing through- > Professor, University of Oslo, Norway out the world. > Oslo 27/12. 1947. You hold in your organization the key > that will settle all of our difficulties, real and > Dear Madam: imaginary. I was with you in spirit. > Many thanks for your kind gift of Bahii'i May God bless, keep and prosper you. > Literature. > To-day I got the package, and I have > been sitting almost the whole day absorbed > in the per;sal of this new " ~ o s ~ e l which > ," BY GEORGEN. MAYHEW > contains so much of eternal truth. of won- > derful beauty and comfort. Dean, School of Religion, > Truly I have never heard anything about Vanderbilt University. > this new form for a World Religion, which > really permits the human thought and The Bahi'i faith is one among many, both > scientific discoveries to have their rights, ancient and modern, calling to man to share > and at the same time speak a simple lan- a deeper spirituality, a nobler ethic and a > guage of the heart. saner mind. Though young in years the > It is truly note-worthy how all the great Bahsis have their saints and prophets who > Religions meet in agreement on all essential have paid their last measure of devotion > points. How very near all this seems to be for the faith. > the last great movement, the New-Plato- The spirit of God, to be effective among > nism, you might discover, if you could get men must be applied to concrete situations > hold of some of those writings. My old and this application always involves doctrine > kolleg, professor Gunnar Rudberg, now in and practices in the particularity of time > Uppsala, has translated some choice selec- and culture. Their successful application > APPRECIATIONS OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH > > leads to a reverence for form rather than > for the spirit which gave life to the mode of > expression. That is the reason why all reli- Jerusalem, Israel > gious forms become lifeless when bereft of The BahB'i World Faith is of great ethical > the spiritual life which gave them power. value. Full of love for all humanity; but it > Every effort to return to or recover this has come before its time. In these days of > original spirit, is commendable. cold wars and after two hot wars, very > The BahB'i doctrine that man is one and much too hot, humanity has turned a deaf > that the great religions of man are essen- ear. But the day will come when these moral > tially one, is a viewpoint which promises ideals will overcome the beast in man. Then > justice to God's witness to himself among that great hour will come when all people > others and at the same time utilizes all the will unite in brotherhood to war against > insights of the past in giving direction and everything that leads to war of man against > meaning to the life of modern man. The man. > great historic religions suffer from the par- This is indeed the true basis of the teach- > ticularities of their regional contexts. The ings of all of the Great Prophets. > BahB'is essay a large undertaking when -January 20, 1952. > they attempt to divorce the temporal from > the eternal in the religions of the past and > relate this eternal to the needs of the mod- > ern world. Time only will reveal whether so > much of ancient truth which has become Professor, University of Rome, > uncouth can again be made relevant. To Institute of Oriental Study > make ancient truth relevant is to save it, not A richiesta degli interessati, certifico che > to do so is to lose it. Man's task is not to il Bahaismo, nato nella seconda met& del > repudiate or liquidate the good of the past secolo scorso quale sviluppo di una riforma > but to complete and fulfill. This task will nell'Islamismo persiano (Babismo) , ha attu- > require the work of many prophetic minds. almente lasciato cadere quasi ogni specifico > As God is one, so is man and so is reli- contatto con 1'Islamismo tradizionale, e si i: > gion, despite their diversity of form. That sviluppato in una fede sopranazionale e > which belongs to all is more important; our superconfessionale, diffusa non solo in > differences are incidental. God's blessing be Oriente, ma in Europa e in America. Capi- > upon those whatever their faith or name saldi di questa fede sono ideali e dottrine > who will lead man to this deep sense of altamente morali e umanitarie, di pace di > community with man and God. concordia e fratellanza umana, di migliora- > mento interiore dell'uomo e della societ8, in > nulla ripugnanti alla moderna coscienza > BY KENNETHWALKER,F.R.C.S., F.I.C.S. morale e religios,a. Onde nulla a mio awiso > osterebbe a1 libero esercizio del culto baha- > Fear has no power lo draw nations to- ista, quale B ammesso in altri paesi d'Europa > gether, but drives them further apart, and e #America, e che si restringe del resto a > the sole hope for the future lies in a spiritual semplici e ordinate cerimonie di edificazione > revival based on the realization that all the e preghiera in comune. > great World Faiths proclaim identical reli- > gious truths. "The earth," said 'Abdu'l-Bahi, > "is one nativity, one home and all mankind > are the children of one father. God has > created them and they are the recipients of Late Professor of Italian Literature, > His compassion . . . The obstacle to hu- University of Chicago > man happiness is racial or religious preju- The reference to Bahb'i was the first; I do > dice, the competitive struggle for existence not think it will be the last. To the purity > and inhumanity toward each other." and intensity of this religious movement I > There could- be no more fitting message have given long since the attention which > for the world of 1953 than these words ut- should be given to it by any one-worlder > tered many years ago. I send you my best aware that a political union is empty if a > wishes for the success of your Jubilee Cele- unifying religion does not overarch the > bration of BahB'uYllih'sDispensation. variances of the creeds. > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > appreciation of every manifestation of the > God who is eternally One. And I gave silent > Professor of the History of Religion, thanks also for the world-mindedness which > University of Rome seems to come naturally to all who are > I1 Bahaismo i: una religione universalista hospitable to the BahVi faith. > cresciuta sul tronco dell'Islamismo sciita To lovers of God and man, there is noth- > come protesta e riforma, e ormai quasi ing more depressing than the thought of the > completamente svincolata della tradizione divisiveness of the numerous exclusive reli- > musulmana ed organizzata su un piano inter- gions of mankind. Conversely, there is no > nazionale. thought more heartening than the thought > Esso prende nome da Baha Allah ('Splen- that there is at work in the world a religion > dore di Dio'), nome del persiano Mirza which transcends all sectarianism and recog- > Hussain Ali (1817-1892), che dopo l'ucci- nizes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, > sione del Bab, fondatore del Babismo, Jesus by declaring my belief that the future > awenuta nel 1850, ne continub la missione is on the side of BahVi. It was not Jesus > dandole nuovi impulsi e nuovi atteggia- who made Western Christianity more West- > menti. ern than Christian. Jesus preached the > I1 Baha, come il Bab, che ne B il precur- gospel of universal brotherhood: his fol- > sore (un po' come il Battista B il precur- lowers marred his teachings with exclusive- > sore di Gesii), B un essere divino, una ness. As I look on Christianity with its pa- > nuova manifestazione (dopo Mosi:, dopo thetic fragmentation, I am haunted by the > Gesii e dopo Maometto) dello Spirito uni- feeling that Jesus has a better chance to win > versale, annunziatore di una religione piii through the universalism of BahB'i than > perfetta, superiore alla religione di Mao- through the institutionalism which bears his > metto e a quella di Gesii, come questa i? a name. Character is the final arbiter of all > sua volta superiore alla religione di MosB. religions. The spiritual quality of the ad- > Erede dello spirit0 non conformista del herents of BahL'i whom I have personally > Babismo, ma alieno delle sue pratiche misti- known, have given the faith a warm place > che, attaccato alla memoria dei suoi martiri in my heart. > e delle prime persecuzioni, ma aperto alle The Mayor of Haifa gave a dinner on > correnti liberali ed umanitarie, il Bahaismo April 13, 1951, to the commission of which > in questa forma modernizzante si i? diffuso I was a member. My seatmate was a noted > in Occidente, specie in America, dove ha journalist of the Jewish faith. I had spent > oggi i suoi centri ed organi principali. the afternoon in the beautiful Persian Gar- > Nella situazione odierna del mondo, il dens sacred to BahB'i, hence it was natural > movimento spirituale Bahai, con le sue for me to speak of the BahL'i Faith. The > tendenze cosmopolitistiche, le sue aspira- journalist said: "The people of that faith are > zioni pacifistiche, le sue attivith propagandi- truly catholic. All men of goodwill can sub- > stiche, i suoi interessi culturali, merita di scribe to their faith without renouncing any- > essere seguito con attenzione. thing good in their own, be they Christian, > Muslim or Jew. It is a religion of additions, > not subtractions. You are not asked to re- > BY DR. MARSHALL > WINGFIELD, > D.D., nounce anything but hate and narrow- > LITT.D. mindedness. The BahL'i people are gentle > and free from hate: they bless everything > First Congregational Church of Memphis, they touch." > Tennessee. -June 5, 1953. > Of the multitude of pilgrims to the Holy > Land, thousands visit the tomb of Bah2- SIR ALFREDZIMMERNOF SWITZERLAND > u'lliih and the tomb of his forerunner the One day Sir Alfred Zimmern said to the > BGb. I had that inspiring experience in the School: The BahVi Faith is a great Move- > spring of 1951. I had entered many build- ment working for world order and peace. > ings in stockinged feet. At these two tombs Its achievements are outstanding in a very > I was so aware of the holy that I really felt short period, and it holds the promise of the > like removing my shoes. As 1 thought of future. I wish it all success. The BahB'is will > these God-filled men, I gave thanks for their have a great mission. It is to hold high the > vision of the unity of mankind and for their banner of Unity before the whole world. > I11 > IN MEMORIAM > > WILLIAM SUTHERLAND MAXWELL he was of Scotch descent, his grandfather > 1874-1952 having migrated from Jedburgh with his > family in the early part of the nineteenth > Cablegram from Shoghi Eflendi, Guardian century. Other ancestors had come from > of the Bahri'i Faith: Aberdeen. Both William and his older > brother Edward were interested in building. > With sorrowful heart announce through Edward graduated as an engineer from > National Assemblies Hand of Cause of Ba- McGill University, but when William left > hS'u711Lh highly esteemed dearly beloved High School, he refused to follow this > Sutherland Maxwell gathered into the glory course as he could not study architecture > of the Abhb Kingdom. His saintly life ex- there at that time. He went to Boston, at > tending well-nigh four-score years, enriched the age of seventeen, and the extraordinary > during the course of 'Abdu'l-BahPs ministry ability he had for both drawing and design > by services in the Dominion of Canada, soon became apparent and he was given or- > ennobled during Formative Age of the namental details of important buildings to > Faith by decade of services in Holy Land, work up into their final form. In 1899 he > during darkest days of my life, doubly hon- went to the Bcole des Beaux Arts in Paris > ored through association with the crown where he was allowed to attend as a cour- > of martyrdom won by May Maxwell and tesy to the Canadian Government, in view > incomparable honor bestowed upon his of the fact he had no diplomas and was > daughter, attained consummation through not planning to sit for any examinations. He > his appointment as architect of the Arcade worked for two years in the studio of the > and Superstructure of the BLb's Sepulcher well-known architect Paschal. It was in this > as well as his elevation to the front ranks studio that he met a fellow-student, Ran- > of the Hands of the Cause of God. Advise dolph Bolles, who introduced him to his > all National Assemblies hold befitting me- mother and sister; the sister, May Bolles, > morial gatherings particularly in the Ma- was already a convinced and active Bahgi > ariqu'l-AQkir in Wilmette, and in the Ha- and had just returned to Paris from her > ziratu'l-Quds in Tihrin. pilgrimage to the Prison City of 'Akki, > Have instructed Hands of the Cause in where she had met 'Abdu'l-Bahi. William's > United States and Canada, Horace Holley great interest at that time was art and ar- > and Fred Schopflocher, to attend as my rep- chitecture. However, he made up his mind > resentatives the f ~ ~ n e rin > a l Montreal. Moved Miss Bolles was the only woman he would > to name after him the southern door of ever marry. She reciprocated his senti- > Bhb's Tomb as tribute to his services to sec- ments, but refused to leave Paris and her > ond holiest Shrine of BahPi World. The teaching work for the Bahii'i Faith. He had > mantle of Hand of Cause now falls upon the to return to Canada, entered the office of > shoulders of his distinguished daughter, his brother Edward, but continued to corre- > Amatu'l-Bahi Riihiyyih, who has already spond with Miss Bolles in the hope she > rendered and is still rendering no less meri- would marry him. At last Mrs. Bolles wrote > torious self-sacrificing services at World 'Abdu'l-BahB and laid the situation before > Center of Faith of BahB'uYllih. Him. He gave His permission for May > Bolles to leave France, and blessed the mar- > Haifa, Israel, > riage. In 1902 they were married in Lon- > March 26th, 1952. > don. May Maxwell introduced the Faith to > Canada, her home being its first Center. > William Sutherland Maxwell was born She never liked the name of William for > in Montreal, Canada, in 1874. On both sides her husband, and called him by his middle > 658 T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D > > name, Sutherland, all her life-a name no His arrival Sutherland was waiting on the > one else had ever used. Sutherland became platform as 'Abdu'l-Bahi's train drew in to > the partner of his brother, and the Firm of ask Him most humbly to honor his home > Edward and W. S. Maxwell became famous by being his guest. The Master accepted. > throughout Canada; before World War I He loved Sutherland very much; He told > they had the biggest architectural offices in his wife once during His three-day visit in > the country. The engineering and business their house: "He is a very good man." He > sense of the older brother, as well as his also admonished her not to neglect the fa- > knowledge and fine taste, combined with ther, now that she had a child. The Max- > the genius for proportion, design and de- wells had been childless up until their visit > tail of the younger brother, turned out many to 'Akkl in 1909. At that time He had > Canadian landmarks, such as: The Regina assured them He would pray for them to > Parliament Buildings; Palliser Hotel, Cal- have a child. In 1910, Mary Sutherland, > gary; Chateau Frontenac Hotel, Quebec; the their only child, had been born. > Art Gallery, Church of the Messiah, and In order to appreciate Sutherland Max- > Nurses Wing of Royal Victoria Hospital, in well, and the achievements of the last years > Montreal, as well as many other public of his life, one has to recognize two great > edifices and private homes. factors in his nature: The first is that he was > In 1909, May and Sutherland Maxwell one of those souls whose nature is all good- > made a pilgrimage together to the Prison ness. This is what led the Guardian of the > City of 'Akkl, to visit 'Abdu'l-Bah& Suther- BahQi Faith to attest to his "saintly life" in > land was not yet a convinced Bahfi. One his obituary cable. It is a nature not un- > day at table, he said to 'Abdu'l-Bahl: "The common amongst the Scots. He was up- > Christians worship God through Christ; my right, truthful, and never approached a hu- > wife worships God through You; but I wor- man being except in courtesy, friendliness, > ship Him direct." 'Abdu'l-Bahl smiled and and that graciousness that is the essence of > said: "Where is He?" "Why, God is every- the democratic spirit. In spite of this trust- > where," replied Sutherland. "Everywhere is ing attitude, he had remarkably sound judg- > nowhere," said 'Abdu'l-Bahl. He then went ment. This was of great help in the work- > on to demonstrate that such worship was ings of the Montreal Spiritual Assembly, of > worship of a figment of the imagination and which he was a member and most often > had no reality; we must worship God Chairman, for decades. > through something tangible and real to us, The second deep strain that colored all > hence the r81e of the Manifestations. Suth- his nature was that he was an artist through > erland bowed his head in acceptance. The and through. His wife, in one of her letters > real seed of his faith germinated from that to him (and no one knew him better or > hour. The way this faith grew in him was a appreciated him more) wrote: "You have > beautiful thing. He had all the profound the charm of originality." Two things not > Scotch reticence, the horror of being pe- often found together were combined con- > culiar, talked about, or different. For years spicuously in him: an encyclopedic knowl- > in Montreal the BahQis were called "Mu- edge of all the arts, and a creative capacity > hammadans," "Sun-Worshipers," "Here- for bringing new things into being. One > tics," etc. A city composed of a large fanati- must remember that an architect almost > cal French Canadian Catholic element, and never has free reign for his own ideas, but > an equally conservative Protestant English- is constantly interfered with and limited by > Scotch element, was determined to think the his clients' desires and concepts. There was > worst, with no investigation whatsoever, of nothing he could not do with his hands in > the strange Oriental Cult "that Mrs. Max- fulfillment of his mental image. When the > well" belonged to. Chateau Frontenac was built, he designed > Since he built his home in 1907-8 until not only the lines of the twenty-story mod- > the present day, the Maxwell house has ern structure, but practically every detail of > been the center of BahQi activity in Mont- the interior: wrought-iron railings, furni- > real; Mrs. Maxwell taught ceaselessly; Mr. ture, grills, lamps, ceilings, elevator interi- > Maxwell was the silent but willing partner. ors, etc. He would take the chisel from the > In 1912, 'Abdu'l-BahP visited Montreal, at- stone carver, the gouge from the wood > tracted there, as He said Himself, by the de- carver, and "sweeten the lines" as he termed > votion of May Maxwell. The morning of it. He was idolized by the workmen, need- > IN MEMORIAM > > William Sutherland Maxwell. > > less to say. In the course of years his had returned in the winter 1926-27 for an- > achievements and talents brought honors. other visit; but when a cable reached Suth- > He was made a Fellow of the Royal In- erland, urging him to come at once in order > stitute of British Architects; a Fellow and to be present for his daughter's marriage, > past president of the Royal Architectural he was thrown into a turmoil of feeling. > Institute of Canada; an Academician of the From that moment he added to the respect > Royal Canadian Academy and its vice-presi- and affection he already had for Shoghi > dent and his water colors often hung in Effendi as his Guardian, a profound and > Academy shows; a member and past presi- tender love that grew, at the end of his life, > dent of the Province of Quebec Association into a thing of rare and touching beauty. > of Architects; a founding member of the May's health, bordering all the thirty- > "Pen and Pencil Club" and the "Arts Club" eight years of their marriage, on invalidism, > in Montreal. The honors, medals and dis- was even frailer as she approached seventy. > tinctions which he received testified not only She and Sutherland, after some months in > to his ability as an architect and artist, but Haifa, returned by slow stages to their home > were also a recognition of his inner qualities in Montreal. The signal and overwhelming > of character. honor bestowed on them created an intense > In 1937 the course of his life was dras- desire to render greater services to the > tically changed through the marriage of his Faith. Hitherto the demands of his profes- > daughter, Mary, to the Guardian of the Ba- sional activity had kept Sutherland tied, ex- > h2i Faith. May and Mary, after a two-year cept for attendance at a few annual Con- > sojo~rrnin France, Belgium and Germany, ventions and visits to Green Acre BahL'i > had proceeded to Haifa as pilgrims. They School in the summer, to Montreal. Now > had already visited the Guardian in 1923, they made a much prized tour together of > shortly after 'Abdu'l-BahA's passing. Mary some of the eastern cities in America, as > R6hiyyih KJhtinum at grave of her father, William Sutherland Maxwell, Hand of the Cause of God, in Mount > Floral spray sent by the Guardian of the BahL'i World Faith from Haifa, in foregroun > Mrs. Amelia Collins stands to the right of R6hiyyih LhhCnum, and others include > National Spiritual Assembly members and Montreal BahL'is. Nay, 1953. > IN MEMORIAM 661 > > well as visiting the 1938 Convention in Chi- Sutherland had the highest respect for Sho- > cago. In 1940, upon arrival with her niece ghi Effendi's taste a,nd judgment. > Jeanne Bolles in Buenos Aires, where she By 1946-for a period of about one > had gone on a teaching trip with the con- year--Sutherland found himself in charge > sent of Sutherland, May suffered a heart of the Guardian's outside work. Mail, visi- > attack and died. tors, Government contacts, errands were > The first act of the Guardian was to in- managed single-handed by the white-haired > vite Sutherland, now entirely alone, to come man of seventy-two. He did a good job, but > and live in Haifa. From 1940, until his it was too much for him-a blood-vessel > death in 1952, may be said to be the true broke in his ear and left him totally deaf on > years of burgeoning in this distinguished one side, shaken and dizzy for weeks on > man's life. He accepted the loss of his wife end,. In 1948, accompanied by Mr. Weeden, > with a meekness and faith, a gratitude for he flew to Italy and placed, in collaboration > all the happy years of marriage they had with Dr. Ugo Giachery, the first contract > shared, a pride in her death at the age of for the stone work of the BLb's Shrine. In > seventy in the field of service-a death of spite of failing strength he continued his > which Shoghi Effendi said she "laid down detailed and working drawings right up to > her life with such a spirit of consecration the night when his health broke down in > and self-sacrifice as has truly merited the 1949. There followed a long and serious > crown of Martyrdom." He always felt her illness, when he was condemned by the best > near him. doctors as being beyond hope of recovery. > The years he spent in Haifa coincided It was then that the deep spiritual attach- > with some of the hardest in Shoghi Effendi's ment he had formed to Shoghi Effendi be- > life. Quietly, unassumingly, like a rock, came manifest. No matter how desperate his > Sutherland stood by him; the faith, planted state, he invariably responded to the Guard- > in his heart by 'Abdu'l-BahB, was now in ian. It was the Guardian's love, his determi- > fullest flower. He was a tower of spiritual nation not to let him die, that brought him > strength. Gradually the Guardian referred back. The man condemned to die lived to > small matters to Sutherland for his advice: visit the completed Arcade of the Shrine he > a new flight of steps, a lamp post, a new had worked on with such love, and sacri- > entrance. To the architect of over forty ficed his health for. > years' practical experience this was pleasant His age and the hard work of a lifetime > child's play. He would make a pen sketch had, however, taken their toll. H e suffered > in perspective, color it and submit it to the ups and downs, recovery followed collapse, > Guardian, so he could see what the finished collapse recovery. It was a heart-breaking > article would look like in situ. Shoghi Ef- two years for those who loved him. Suther- > fendi was delighted. He decided to ask land's cherished wish was to visit Montreal > Sutherland to work on a scheme for com- again. Arrangements were made for him to > pleting the Shrine of the BBb. He knew pass the summer of 1951, accompanied by > that 'Abdu'l-BahL had wanted a dome and his devoted nurse, in his home. He was to > an arcade added to the original building. return in the autumn to Haifa. This plan > By 1942, Sutherland submitted to him stud- suited him perfectly; but when Fall came, it > ies for the Shrine. It was not an easy task; was evident that in view of the acute short- > a square, fortress-like stone building, one ages in Israel, he could not be fed the fresh > story high, already existed half-way up a food he needed, and which alone kept him > steep mountain; about this and above this, from relapsing into violent gall-bladder up- > not destroying or hiding any part of the sets. He remained in Canada, longing for > previous structure erected "with tears" by the day he could return to his home in the > 'Abdu'l-BahL, must come a worthy enve- Holy Land. > lope, a case for the pearl. By 1944, the com- It was during this winter that Shoghi Ef- > pleted and accepted design, in model form, fendi bestowed upon him the inestimable > was exhibited to the Bahi'is gathered on the bounty of becoming a Hand of the Cause > One Hundredth Anniversary of the Decla- of God. He understood and was deeply > ration of the BLb's Mission, in the precincts touched; he said "I did not do it all alone; > of His resting-place. A number of the ele- there were so many others who helped." > ments in Sutherland's design were either The humility was typical of the man. After > suggested by or modified by the Guardian. a fall, and a relapse into his illness, he sank > 662 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > rapidly. It was not possible for his daughter man of integrity who applied the high Ba- > to reach him in time; he died in the night of hi'i standards of conduct to himself before > March 25, 1952; his nurse and his favorite he applied them to others. > nephew, Sterling Maxwell, by his side. Born in Zanesville, Ohio, September 17, > On the slopes of Mt. Royal, where the 1875, Roy Wilhelm and his parents moved > wind plays with the falling autumn leaves to West Englewood, New Jersey, and > of gold and red, where the snow all winter opened their import firm in New York City, > long lays its dazzling cloak and in spring which he actively conducted until the last > snow drops break up through the ice, Wil- few years of his life. It was on this property > liam Sutherland Maxwell, in the city of his in West Englewood that 'Abdu'l-Bahi in > birth, lies buried. 1912, during His North American visit, held > On the slopes of Mt. Carmel an immortal a unity feast for the Bahi'is of the New > monument to his abilities and his devotion York metropolitan area at which He an- > covers the Tomb of the Martyr Prophet of nounced that on that date the Faith of Ba- > a World Faith-the superstructure of the hi'u'llLh was truly established in America. > Shrine of the Bib. The site of that gathering will, in the future, > mark the only public Memorial which the > American ~ a h i ' f sare permitted to construct > in reverent observance of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's > visit from April to December, 1912. > ROY C . WILHELM > From a Bahi'i who was also associated > with a group which met in the Dodge home, > "Heart filled (with) sorrow (for) loss New York City, for many years after 1900, > (of) greatly prized, much loved, highly ad- has come this description: "The meetings > mired herald (of) Bahi'u'llih's Covenant, were intensely interesting and full of fervor. > Roy Wilhelm. Distinguished career enriched It was a happy group, and there was an ap- > annals (of) concluding years (of) Heroic parent spiritual intelligence, one might say, > (and) opening years (of) Formative Age even if our knowledge of the Teachings was > (of) Faith. Sterling qualities endeared him limited. A baptism of the Holy Spirit must > (to) his beloved Master, 'Abdu'l-Bahi. His have been the pure bounty of the Lord to > saintliness, indomitable faith, outstanding this group. Without exception every one had > services local, national, international, (his) a great and sincere desire to serve the Cause > exemplary devotion, qualify him (to) join in the way he or she seemed to be guided. > ranks (of) Hands (of) Cause, insure him Roy (Wilhelm) attended these meetings > everlasting reward (in) Abhi Kingdom. . ." > regularly . > Advise hold memorial gathering (in) Tem- At that time the available Bahi'i litera- > ple befitting his unforgettable services (and) ture was slight, and copies of prayers and > lofty rank." tablets were typewritten and distributed > -SHOGHI from friend to friend. One of the earliest > December 24, 1951. efforts to make the sacred texts more widely > available was voluntarily initiated and sus- > In the history of the Bahi'i Faith during tained by Mr. Wilhelm. His compilations, > the first half of the twentieth century, Roy successively translated into a number of lan- > C . Wilhelm occupied an important place. guages, were widely used at fireside (home) > The firmness of his faith, the purity of his and public meetings conducted more and > devotion, his self-sacrifice and his untiring more frequently as Bahi'i centers increased > activity enabled him to make a unique con- in number in North America. T o this one > tribution to the establishment of the Faith devoted worker may be attributed the great > in North America and indirectly, through service of printing and making readily avail- > his generous aid to Miss Martha Root, and able hundreds of thousands of Bahi'i pam- > his distribution of Bahi'i literature in manv phlets in the course of his lifetime. In addi- > languages, to its spread in other continents. lion, his business advertisements in trade > Essentially humble, he carried heavy ad- journals became notable for the use of a > ministrative responsibilities with a winning brief Bahi'i text in each. > charm which endeared him to a host of Much could be written about his visits to > friends. Bahi'i centers on his business trips through- > Roy Wilhelm was first and foremost a out the country, carrying the great Message > IN MEMORIAM 663 > > to countless inquirers and strengthening the > ardor of the active BahL'i workers them- > selves. > "The Bahgis everywhere looked forward > to his coming, and prepared meetings for > him . . ." one of his contemporaries has > written. > The year 1907 marked the greatest expe- > rience in the formative years of his BahL'i > life. In April of that year Roy Wilhelm, ac- > companied by his mother, went on a pil- > grimage to attain the presence of 'Abdu'l- > BahL at 'AkkB in the Holy Land. The words > of welcome uttered by 'Abdu'l-BahL, as > translated into English, were written down > by Mr. Wilhelm immediately afterward and > quoted in a letter written to his fellow Ba- > hL'i teacher, Mrs. Mariam Haney: "Wel- > come! Very welcome! I have been waiting > for your coming. It is with God's help that > you have reached 'AkkL . . . You repre- > sent all the American believers . . . Thank > God that you came." > The following year Roy Wilhelm pre- > pared a.nd distributed a booklet recounting > his pilgrimage, which he entitled "Knock, > and it shall be ovened unto vou. (Matt. > 7:7) ." On the fro& cover w a i reproduced Roy C. Wilhelm. > a photograph of the door leading to 'Abdu'l- > BahB's room. Quoting from the text: > "That which most impresses the pilgrim the West-after our visit . . . we under- > to the 'Most Great Prison' at 'AkkL, is the stood . . . In the meeting of the West with > spirit of sacrifice. Nowhere have I witnessed the East is fulfilled the prophecies of the > such love, such perfect harmony. The de- Books . . . During our last meal 'Abdu'l- > sire of those in that prison was to serve one BahB broke a quantity of bread into His > another. In our Western liberty it is difficult bowl; then asking for the plates of the pil- > to realize the bitter antagonism and hatred grims He gave to each of us a portion. > which exists in the East between the follow- When the meal was finished, He said: 'I > ers of the several great religious systems. have given you to eat from My bowl-now > For example, a Jew and a Muhammadan distribute My Bread among the people.' " > would refuse to sit at meat together: a The BahL'i message of the oneness of > Hindu to draw water from the well of either. mankind and the essential unity of Revela- > Yet, in the house of 'Abdu'l-BahL we found tion brought its own severe tests to the fol- > Christians, Jews, Muhammadans, Zoroastri- lowers in all countries, that the sincere > ans, Hindus, blending together as children might be separated from the insincere. The > of the one God, living in perfect love and storm of bitter controversy raged around > harmony . . . the calm and radiant Presence of 'Abdu'l- > "At the house of 'Abdu'l-BahL, in 'Akki, Bahi, Center of Bahb'uYllLh'sCovenant to > we met many of these peoples, but they had humanity. Victim of official persecution and > lost all trace of the discord and hatred confined to prison quarters until 1908, > which has been inbred and cultivated for 'Abdu'l-BahL was also assailed by the un- > centuries, and now they are as members of faithful within His own family, and these > one Household. They sacrifice their lives enemies attempted to create the basis for > for one another. To what shall we attribute general disloyalty within the BahL'i com- > this miracle of unity? . . . We had heard munities of East and West. With other > much of the love and kindness shown by stalwart souls of his generation Roy Wil- > the Oriental brothers to the pilgrims from helm stood above a frequently bewildering > 664 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > and subtle controversy and radiated the your house, I saw the charm of the spot, the > spirit of firmness in that Covenant. beauty of its environment, and the perfec- > He was very dear to 'Abdu'l-BahP and tion of its building. > received many evidences of his Master's "I am extremely pleased with you because > trust and esteem. For a long period the you are a true Bahb'i. Your house is My > cablegrams and letters (tablets) sent by house; there is no difference whatsoever be- > 'Abdu'l-Bahi to BahL'i groups and individ- tween yours and Mine." > uals in North America were addressed in -HORACE HOLLEY > Roy Wilhelm's care and forwarded by him > to their destinations. > In 1909 the American BahL'is, under the > initiative of the Chicago group, elected a na- > SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER > tional BahB'i body to represent all the Ba- > hi'is of North America in their united effort > to purchase land and plan the construction "Profoundly grieved (at) passing (of) > of the House of Worship recently completed dearly loved, outstandingly staunch Hand > in Wilmette, Illinois. (of) Cause Fred Schopflocher. (His) nu- > From that year until his retirement from merous, magnificent services extending over > active BahP'i service in 1946, with the ex- thirty years (in) administrative (and) > ception of a single year of illness, Roy Wil- teaching spheres (for) United States, Can- > helm was elected annually to the BahB'i ada, Institutions BahB'i World Center > Temple Unity and to the later National greatly enriched annals (of) Formative Age > Spiritual Assembly, and for years served as (of) Faith. Abundant reward assured > its treasurer. No other American believer Abhi Kingdom. Advising American Na- > has achieved a comparable record. As treas- tional Assembly hold befitting memorial > urer, the integrity of his character and the gathering (at) Temple he generously helped > simple, direct humanness of his exposition raise. Advise hold memorial gathering (at) > of financial matters brought about a rapid Maxwell home (to) commemorate his emi- > development of the Bahi'i fund as an or- nent part (in) rise (of) Administrative > ganic institution of the community. Order (of) Faith (in) Canada. Urge en- > After the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in sure burial (in) close neighborhood (of) > 1921, the Guardian who was appointed in resting place (of) distinguished Hand (of) > His Will and Testament summoned two Cause Sutherland Maxwell." > American BahP'is for conference in Haifa -SHOGHI > -Roy Wilhelm and Mountfort Mills. > The Guardian's cablegram lamenting the A world-renowned symbol of the great > passing of Roy Wilhelm from this worid on evolution of the BahB'i Faith, the Ma&- > December 20, 1951, is cited at the beginning riqu'l-Ad_hkb at Wilmette, is nearing com- > of this article. In conclusion it is appropri- pletion, representing the collective effort of > ate to quote from letters addressed to him believers throughout the world and particu- > by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. They illumine the essential larly in North America. Of the many inter- > worth of this man, and his service as a national services to the Faith rendered by > steadfast pillar of a new and world-wide Fred Schopflocher over the last thirty years, > Faith. perhaps none is more enduring than his con- > "Verily thou art serving in every respect; tribution to the completion of the Temple. > thou art striving more than thine energy Mr. Schopflocher early understood the sig- > permits, and thou art rendering self-sacri- nificance of the Temple and through nu- > fice. I am pleased with thee to the utmost." merous visits to the Guardian realized its > "Verily thou art B a h 3 , thou art godly importance to the growth of the Faith. It > and heavenly. Thou art self-sacrificing in was after one of these visits to Haifa that > service to the Kingdom. Even a minute thou Mr. Schopflocher arrived at a National Ba- > dost not neglect. Thy heart is overflowing hP'i Convention in Wilmette and generated > with the love of God. Be thou assured that afresh an enthusiasm for resumption of con- > thou wilt receive great Confirmations!" struction work on the exterior ornamenta- > "The sight of your portrait brought joy tion of the Temple. It was for this service > to My heart, because it is luminous and that the Guardian called Fred Schopflocher > celestial, and looking at the photograph of "the Chief Temple Builder." > IN MEMORIAM 665 > > variety of peoples in East and West, espe- > cially on short and relatively infrequent vis- > its to so many places, but the world-wide > community of the believers has destroyed all > barriers. > One of Mr. Schopflocher's earliest inter- > ests as a Bahfi was in Green Acre which, > when he entered the Faith, was in need of > considerable improvement and repair. Mr. > Schopflocher donated several important > properties to Green Acre and played a ma- > jor r81e in the development and expansion > of its facilities. Subsequently, when Geyser- > ville was developed as a Summer School, > Mr. Schopflocher also took a great personal > interest in its success and attended many of > its sessions. > During the period from 1924 to 1947, > Mr. Schopflocher was elected a member of > the National Spiritual Assembly of the Ba- > h8'is of the United States and Canada for > fifteen different years. When the National > Spiritual Assembly of Canada was formed > as an independent administrative body in > 1948, Mr. Schopflocher was elected a mem- > ber and has continuously served on that > body ever since. It was chiefly through > Siegfried Schopflocher. Fred's efforts, with the able assistance of > Horace Holley, that the National Spiritual > Assembly of Canada secured a unique form > Born in Germany in 1877 of Jewish par- of incorporation by an Act of the Parlia- > entage, Mr. Schopflocher was brought up ment of Canada. > along orthodox lines but, after leaving In this last year, coincident with his ap- > school, ceased to follow the customs of his pointment as a Hand of the Cause of God, > faith and leaned towards an agnosticism the Guardian instructed Fred to assist the > which included a search for a more univer- National Spiritual Assembly of Canada in > sal expression of religion. Years later, after the establishment of the Hazira. > he had become permanently settled in busi- This brief sketch of Mr. Schopflocher's > ness in Canada, Mr. Schopflocher heard of life was approved by him in February, > the Bahl'i Faith and, shortly thereafter, be- 1953. > came a Bahg'i. Two months later he attended the Cana- > In 1922, Mr. Schopflocher made his first dian National Convention before proceed- > visit to Haifa which was the beginning of ing to the Intercontinental Conference in > many journeys to the Center of the Faith. Chicago. At the Convention he made valua- > His devotion to the Guardian was immedi- ble contributions to the discussion, particu- > ate and lasting and, on several of his inter- larly of the Hazira and the Temple plans > national tours, the Guardian gave him spe- and of financial matters. He yielded to the > cific assignments to carry out. His trips, urgent appeals of the Western delegates to > usually undertaken in conjunction with his visit their communities at an early date. He > business, took him to every corner of the spoke at the Feast of Ridvfin on the func- > globe where he was able to visit BahL'i com- tions of the Hands of the Cause of God and > munities and learned to appreciate, at first shared some of the notes from his pilgrim- > hand, the extraordinary bond linking the age to Haifa in January, 1953. This talk, so > believers throughout the world in their love deeply moving, so inspiring, so revealing of > for a common Cause. Normally, as Fred the profound humility and devotion of the > said, it would have been impossible for a man, will be long remembered by the > Westerner to make contact with so wide a fjends. > 666 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Fred kept his promise to the Western Ca- > nadian believers in the latter part of June. > He brought them too a new understanding > of the Hands of the Cause and a clearer ap- > preciation of our Guardian and of the tre- > mendous services he renders the Bahi'i > world. > Fred had a deep affection for the friends > in India. He had been eagerly looking for- > ward to attending the New Delhi Confer- > ence. It was not to be. He passed away in > Montreal at 9:30 A.M. on Monday, July 27, > 1953, after a few days' illness. > The funeral service was conducted by the > Canadian National Spiritual Assembly in > Montreal on July 31. Burial was made, at > the Guardian's request, close to the grave of > Sutherland Maxwell, the first Canadian > Hand of the Cause. On August 23, the > Montreal Assembly arranged a memorial > service in the Maxwell Home which was > attended by members of the National As- > sembly and friends, mainly from the Mont- > real area. This service in Fred's home com- > munity was intimate and personal. Many Louis G. Gregory. > people recalled with loving gratitude per- > sonal associations with Fred, kindly and (of) first Hand (of the) Cause (of) his > helpful things he had done in his unobtru- race. Rising BahL'i generation African con- > sive way, gifts of hospitality or considera- tinent will glory (in) his memory (and) > tion that they had treasured sometimes for emulate his example. Advise hold memorial > ma.ny years. gatheri.ng (in) Temple (in) token recogni- > On August 28, a second memorial service tion (of his) unique position, outstanding > was arranged by the National Spiritual As- services." > sembly of the United States. A report of this -SHOGHI > service is published in the September issue Cablegram received August 6, 1951. > of their B a h Z News. > The cable from the Guardian, the many Dearly loved, universally respected Louis > messages received from Hands of the Cause G. Gregory passed away on July 30, 1951. > of God, from National and Local Assem- Although he had been frail in body for > blies, from individuals throughout the Ba- many months, the luminous spirit and great > hi'i world and from many non-BahPi heart were so apparent, so overwhelming, > friends and business associates attested to that none anticipated his sudden departure. > the deep sense of loss felt in every continent Only a week before, he had arranged and > on the passing of this humble, staunch and carried out a meeting in his home in Eliot, > devoted soul. Maine, where he discussed the prophecies > in the Bible, with their import for these > perilous times. The dozen or more who > gathered there will forever treasure this > LOUIS G. GREGORY meeting which proved to be his last. Seated > at his desk, his warm and radiant smile > welcoming everyone, with his indescribable > "Profoundly deplore grievous loss dearly spiritual dignity, a manifest evidence of the > beloved, noble-minded, golden-hearted world in which he lived, he carried on the > Louis Gregory, pride (and) example (to meeting with joy and radiance. > the) Negro adherents (of the) Faith, keenly His body was laid to rest in the burying > feel loss (of) one so loved, admired (and) ground at Eliot, Maine. On Wednesday > trusted (by) 'Abdu'l-Bah5. Deserves rank afternoon, August 1, a Memorial Service > I N MER > > was held at Fellowship House in the large strong and outstanding. In other words he > room which was filled to overflowing, not was a fine student, a lovely character and a > only with the members of the Eliot BahL'i person with a great mind which he devoted > Community but also with the many friends to the betterment of mankind. Those of us > who were attending the Green Acre Bahi'i who knew him well cannot but mourn his > School. In this room he had conducted loss, but there should be some comfort in > teaching meetings, fireside groups and con- the fact that he lived long and well, and > ferences on race amity, the subject so close those with whom he came in contact were > to his heart, and it seemed fitting that in and are better for their association with him. > this beautiful spot the prayers of the friends In fact, he was one of those who enriched > should pour forth in gratitude for such a the life of America." > wonderful life lived in their midst, and in Louis first heard about the BahL'i Faith > supplication for his eternal progress. while he was employed with the Govern- > On November 24, 1951, a memorial serv- ment, in 1908. He always spoke with great > ice was held in the BahB'i House of Wor- love and appreciation of the cultivated, > ship, Wilmette, Illinois, under the auspices southern white gentleman, a co-worker in > of the National Spiritual Assembly. It was the same department, who first brought the > attended by friends from various parts of Cause to his attention, saying: "I think that > the United States and Canada who had this is something that will interest you. I > come to pay tribute to this great soul. am too d d to investigate it. You are young > Louis Gregory was born in Charleston, and I would like you to do so." Although > South Carolina, June 6, 1874. His father this gentleman did not accept the Faith, he > died when he was five years of age; until was the means of putting Louis in contact > his mother married again matters were d f i - with Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hannen, Ba- > cult for her and her two sons, and they h s s of Washington, D.C., who taught him > were sometimes hungry. His stepfather was and exemplified in their lives the beauty of > kind to him and when he became a youth the Teachings, thereby attracting his heart. > apprenticed him to a tailor. Later his step- His first Tablet from 'Abdu'l-BahC came > father paid the expenses of his first year at through Mr. Hannen. > Fisk University, and Louis supported him- We know at present relatively little about > self and put himself through this univer- his childhood and youth. The picture of his > sity by obtaining scholarships, by work at mother reveals a person of great love and > cleaning, pressing and tailoring for the spiritual beauty. We have no picture of his > students, and sometimes working as a waiter father. When we realize how well prepared > during the summer vacations. Louis was for the Bahi'i teachings, we can > After he graduated from Fisk he taught well appreciate how deep and wide his inner > at Avery Institute, a small private school life had really been. There is no doubt that > maintained by people from the North to he was created with a great destiny and that > help students of exceptional intellectual ca- time would show that in the history of his > pacity. He had studied there as a young boy. race he would stand among its leaders. In > After this period of teaching he began the fact, in response to his letter to 'Abdu'l- > study of law at Howard University, receiv- Bahi telling of his acceptance of the Faith, > ing his LL.B. degree March 26, 1902. When 'Abdu'l-BahA called upon him to become the > he had passed the necessary examinations cause of guidance of both the white and the > he began the practice of law in Washington, colored races. In this beautiful Tablet > D.C., where he formed a partnership with 'Abdu'l-Bahi wrote: > another lawyer, James A. Cobb. They con- "0 Thou Wooer of Truth! Thy letter was > tinued as law partners until 1906, when received. Its contents indicated thy attain- > Louis took a position in the United States ment to the Most Great Guidance. Thank > Treasury Department. James A. Cobb, later God that thou hast attained to such a > appointed Judge of the District Court, has bounty, discovered the Path of the Kingdom > written of Louis Gregory: and received the Glad-Tidings of the Uni- > "It was my privilege to have known Mr. verse of the Most High. This Divine Be- > Gregory intimately from 1895 until a short stowal is conducive to the Everlasting Glory > time before his passing. I knew him as a in both worlds. I hope that thou mayest be- > student, teacher, practicing lawyer, lecturer come the Herald of the Kingdom, become > and friend, and in each capacity he was the means whereby the white and colored > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > peoples shall close their eyes to racial differ- Louis did not return directly to the > ences and behold the reality of humanity, United States but, at the request of 'Abdu'l- > and that is the universal unity which is the Bah6, visited Germany amidst heavenly > oneness of the kingdom of the human race, confirmations. Of this we are assured, be- > the basic harmony of the world and the ap- cause in a Tablet to one of the German > pearance of the Bounty of the Almighty. friends 'Abdu'l-Bahi wrote: > '"In brief, do not look upon thy weak "Your letter arrived and its contents > body and thy limited capacity; look thou showed that Mr. Gregory, by visiting the > upon the Bounties a.nd Providence of the Blessed Tomb, has received a new power > Lord of the Kingdom, for His confirmation and a new life. When he arrived at Stuttgart, > is great, and His Power unparalleled and although being of black color, yet he shone > incomparable. . . ." as a bright light in the meeting of the > With a heart full of longing, Louis asked friends. . . ." > permission to visit the Hcly Threshold, and Louis Gregory returned to the United > in reply he received another Tablet early States radiant and happy, filled with a zeal > in 1910: and a determination to bring to pass the ex- > .. > ". Thou hast asked for permission to pectations and hopes of 'Abdu'l-Bahb. He > present thyself in this Holy Land; it is not began a task which he pursued steadily until > at present in accord with wisdom. Postpone his death-to unify the white and colored > this matter to another and more appropriate peoples of the world and to aid in establish- > time." ing the oneness of humanity. > However, through the Bounty of God the During the visit of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in the > doors opened, and in 1911 when 'Abdu'l- United States in 1912 a luncheon in His > Bahi was in Ramleh, Egypt, Louis visited honor was given in Washington by MirzL > Him. He arrived in Ramleh on April 10, Ali-Kuli Khan and Madame Khan, who > 1911. There and later in Haifa and 'Akki were both BahB'is. Khan was at that time > where he went to visit the sacred Shrines of charg6 d'affaires of the Persian Legation in > the Bib and BahL'u'ULh, he drank deeply the capital city. Many noted people were > from the ocean of inspiration, guidance and invited, some of whom were members of > steadfastness. His notes of this visit and ex- the official and social life of Washington, as > tracts from some Tablets he received from well as a few Bahgis. Just an hour before > 'Abdu'l-Bahi were printed in a booklet en- the luncheon 'Abdu'l-BahL sent word to > titled A Heavenly Vista. Louis Gregory that he might come to Him > The words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi described this for the promised conference. Louis arrived > visit in Tablets written at that time, for it at the appointed time, and the conference > was apparent that this was not an ordinary went on and on; 'Abdu'l-Bahi seemed to > pilgrimage. To an American BahB'i 'Abdu'l- want to prolong it. When luncheon was an- > Bahi wrote: nounced, 'Abdu'l-Bahb led the way and all > "Mr. Gregory arrived with the utmost followed Him into the dining room, except > love and spirituality and returned with infi- Louis. All were seated when suddenly > nite happiness. He added to his faith and 'Abdu'l-Bahb stood up, looked all around, > found firmness and steadfastness. Undoubt- and then said to MirzL Khan, Where is Mr. > edly you shall see these things at the time of Gregory? Bring Mr. Gregory! There was > his arrival. It is my hope that he may be- nothing for Mirzi Khan to do but find Mr. > come the cause of increasing the love of the Gregory, who fortunately had not yet left > friends and the maid-servants of the Merci- the house, but was quietly waiting for a > ful." chance to do so. Finally Mr. Gregory came > To another 'Abdu'l-Bahi wrote: "Mr. into the room with Mirzi Khan. 'Abdu'l- > Gregory is at present in great happiness; he Bahi, Who was really the Host (as He was > went to 'AkkL and visited the Holy Thresh- wherever He was), had by this time rear- > old and the Supreme Court. He is now, day ranged the place setting and made room for > and night mingling with the friends of God Mr. Gregory, giving him the seat of honor > and 'Abdu'l-Bah6, in joy and gladness. He at His right. He stated He was very pleased > will return to America very soon, and you, to have Mr. Gregory there, and then, in the > the white people, should then honor and most natural way as if nothing unusual had > welcome this shining colored man in such a happened, proceeded to give a talk on the > way that all the people will be astonished." oneness of mankind. > I N MEMORIAM 669 > > Addressing Mr. and Mrs. Gregory in the of the Bahb'i National Committee for Race > early months of 1914 'Abdu'l-BahB wrote: Unity or as a member, and he was either > "0 ye two believing souls! Continually do I one or the other for a great many years, or > remember you. I beg of God that through as an individual, he was tireless in his ac- > you, good fellowship may be obtained be- tivities in promoting unity. > tween the white and colored races, for you Green Acre, in Eliot, Maine, was the > are the introduction to this accomplishment scene of many Unity Conferences at which > . . . I know also that your thought and prominent leaders shared the platform, with > mention by day and by night is the guidance Mr. Gregory, the moving force and the > of souls . . . white and black. Therefore organizer, oftentimes completely in the > be ye most happy, because ye are confirmed background. He never lost sight of the goal. > in this great matter." He was elected a member of the National > When Mrs. Agnes Parsons visited Spiritual Assembly and served faithfully for > 'Abdu'l-BahB in the Holy Land in 1920 He many years. When he was elected, Shoghi > asked her to inaugurate, in Washington, Effendi wrote him that he welcomed his > D.C., the first Conference for Amity and election but that he wished him to concen- > Unity between the white and colored peo- trate, first and foremost, upon the teaching > ples. Assisted by a capable committee Mrs. work and to arrange his affairs in such a > Parsons organized this Conference. It was way that no administrative responsibilities > held in Washington, May 19-21, 1921, and would in any way interfere with the effec- > was a great success, bringing together able tive conduct of his teaching work. This > and important representatives of both white Louis Gregory accomplished by arranging > and colored peoples. It became a prototype his teaching trips so that the itinerary al- > of many similar meetings held in cities large lowed him to attend the meetings of the Na- > and small throughout the United States and tional Spiritual Assembly. > Canada in the years to come. Mr. Gregory That his dependable, trustworthy and > was one of the speakers and reported the faithful services were appreciated is evi- > proceedings of the Conference in the Star of denced by the many letters he received from > the West? the Guardian through the years. He made > It is probable that no individual teacher the Guardian happy. In one of his letters > in the Faith has traveled more extensively Shoghi Effendi wrote: > throughout the United States than Mr. "Your letter has infused strength and joy > Gregory. Living in the utmost simplicity, in my heart . . . For your own dear self, > sacrificing at every turn, he spoke in I have nothing but admiration and gratitude > schools, colleges, churches, forums, confer- for the heroic constancy, mature wisdom, > ences and with individuals throughout the tireless energy and shining love with which > land. With a marvelous blending of humility you are conducting your ever expanding > and courage, of tenderness and adamantine work of service to the Cause of BahL'u'llbh. > firmness and steadfastness, he met high and You hardly realize what a help you are to > low, rich and poor, educated and ignorant, me in my arduous task." > and gave to them the cup of the Water of The capacities of Louis Gregory were > Life. He spoke in Protestant, Catholic and versatile, for he shone equally as a delegate > Jewish schools and before nondenomina- to the Convention, as secretary of the Con- > tional groups, and everywhere he was ac- vention, as the recording secretary of the > cepted. National Spiritual Assembly, as a speaker > His radiant and gentle spirit opened the and as a writer. Articles by him appeared > doors for those who followed after him; in the Star of the West, The Bahd'i Maga- > many a B a h s teacher seeking an opening zine, the World Order Magazine, and in > to teach has been met with the words: "0 nearly every issue of The Bahd'i World. > yes! We know Mr. Gregory and we love These articles like the addresses he gave are > him. If you are a friend of his, you are wel- thoughtful, factual and filled with the spirit > come." of love and exaltation that characterized his > For more than thirty-five years Louis life. > Gregory was the mainspring behind the Twice at the invitation of the great Negro > work for Race Amity. Whether as chairman educator, Booker T. Washington, Louis > Gregory visited Tuskegee Institute and was > 1 Vol. 12, p. 115, June, 1921. called upon to address the students on the > 670 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Bahi'i Faith. Their response to the Bahi'i > ideals and principles was most enthusiastic. > Here he made the acquaintance of that out- > standing Negro genius and man of God, Dr. > George Washington Carver, who showed > the utmost appreciation of the Faith. This > was the beginning of an increasingly rich > friendship. Whenever Mr. Gregory went to > Tuskegee, and he visited there many times, > he had understanding and sympathetic talks > with Dr. Carver in his famous laboratory > or in his room. > Louis Gregory's spiritual position was so > well centered in the Teachings and in his > complete obedience to 'Abdu'l-Bahi and > the Guardian that he held the banner of > oneness high in the heavens yet never be- > came the subject of controversy. He showed > infinite patience, for his faith in the goal of > his hopes was such that he possessed a long > range view, and he met every opposition or > intolerance with understanding and radiant > acquiescence. His heart was full of fire but > heLknew the wishes of 'Abdu'l-BahB and Dorothy Beecher Baker. > transmuted that fire into brilliant light. > When a serious operation and increasing > bodily weakness curtailed his traveling and > he was obliged to stay in Eliot and be con- (for the) progress (of her) soul (in the) > tent with shorter trips, Louis Gregory Abhi Kingdom. > turned to correspondence and to a deeper Assure relatives profound loving sympa- > study of the Teachings. His spiritual aware- thy. (Her) noble spirit (is) reaping bounti- > ness became increasingly vivid. He lived ful reward. > again the high lights of his life. He drew Advise hold memorial gathering (in the) > ever nearer to the beloved of his heart, the Temple befitting her rank (and) imperish- > Guardian. In retrospect we realize that he able services . . . > was being prepared for that transition which -SHOGHI > came suddenly to a great personage, a great Haifa, Israel, > lover of all mankind, "golden-hearted" January 13, 1954. > Louis Gregory. > -HARLAN F. OBER Mystery of mysteries is the tragic British > jet plane disaster near the island of Elba in > the Mediterranean Sea, which, on January > 10, 1954, deprived the Bahb'i Cause of > DOROTHY BEECHER BAKER Dorothy Baker's spiritually intelligent serv- > ices in this world. Distinguished in her life > as a Hand of the Cause, an administrator, > Cablegram from the Guardian: a remarkably gifted teacher, she was lifted > Hearts grieved (at) lamentable, untimely out of her lofty position at the time when > passing (of) Dorothy Baker, distinguished she was in the full tide of her capacities for > Hand (of the) Cause, eloquent exponent service to our beloved Faith. Mere words > its teachings, indefatigable supporter its in- cannot express the quality of grief which > stitutions, valiant defender its precepts. afflicted Bahi'is on every continent. But a > (Her) long record (of) outstanding service life of genuine Bahi'i service so pure and > (has) enriched (the) annals (of the) con- beautiful had its effect on many lives, and, > cluding years (of the) Heroic (and the) even in this sudden passing to her Heavenly > opening epoch (of the) Formative Age (of Home, she proclaimed the Bah6'i Faith. The > the) BahB'i Dispensation. Fervently praying news of the disaster went round the world, > IN MEMORIAM > > and undoubtedly millions of people heard Bahb. She had been a very shy child, sensi- > the word "BahCi" for the first time. tive to the point of deep suffering in the > Dorothy Beecher Baker was born in presence of adults. She was so shy that years > Newark, New Jersey, December 21, 1898. later she still remembered the tension she > Her father was related to Henry Ward Bee- felt when she entered the room where > cher, a liberal clergyman famous for his elo- 'Abdu'l-BahQ was speaking. He smiled at > quence on the subjects of the abolition of her, and without speaking to her directly, > slavery and prohibition, and to Harriet Bee- motioned her to a foot-stool at His side. > cher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's At first she was so much afraid that He > Cabin. Dorothy was graduated from the might speak to her that she could hardly > Montclair Normal College and thereafter bear it, but as He seemed to pay no further > taught in the public schools of Newark for attention to her, she gradually relaxed. She > two years. She was then offered a contract was never able to remember what He talked > to teach in the Ethical Culture School in about that day, but it was the moment of > New York but declined the offer and, in the her birth as a Bahi'i, and from that time on > summer of 1921, she was married to Frank she considered herself a BahCi. Although > Baker. They had two children, Louise Baker she left without speaking to Him, she could > Matthias and William, both of them com- think of nothing else for days afterward > prehending and loyal Bahi'is. Frank Baker and finally wrote Him a letter saying that > deserves much gratitude, for he stood by she wished to serve the Faith. He immedi- > Dorothy's side always, and, in his own mag- ately sent her a Tablet in His own hand, > nificent services and his support of Doro- translated by one of His secretaries which > thy's teaching activities, there was the ele- is now in the National Archives, in which > ment of true sacrifice. He told her that He would pray that God > In the early pioneering days of the Ba- would grant her desire. > h6'i Cause in New York City (1900-1905), A few nights after that meeting in > I was closely associated with Dorothy's New York, 'Abdu'l-BahQ sent for Mother > grandmother, known to the BahCis as Beecher, who went to Him immediately. > Mother Beecher. We worked together, ar- When she entered the room He was speak- > ranging the programs and meetings at Gen- ing to some people but interrupted what > ealogical Hall and in many other activities. He was saying, turned to her, and said, > Mother Beecher was an elderly person even rather abruptly: "I called you to say that > then. She lived near us, and I used to see your granddaughter is My own daughter. > her practically every day in connection with You must train her for Me." > our BahCi duties. I loved to hear her dwell This rare and lovely soul was almost a > on her religious experiences. Her stories perfect student; she studied the Bah6'i > were without end. Teachings in such a way (that is, with both > After Dorothy had grown to a little girl, mind and heart) that one would think her > Mother Beecher was full of anxiety, at very life depended on her being filled to > times, about her. Dorothy's parents were overflowing with the Revelation of BahL'uY- > not BahCis then, although now they are 1lQh.She often said something to this effect: > both active in the Faith, and Mother Nothing worth knowing is attained without > Beecher would say to me: "I will train Dor- labor, tremendous effort, and undivided at- > othy; I will train her. She shall be my spirit- tention. She always felt sure that she was to > ual child. I would not be loyal to Bah2uy1IQh go forth to service and that her duty would > if my granddaughter did not receive the be to give out "thoughts that breathe." She > true Bahi'i Teachings." She said this so often said that she wished her service would > many times that it has remained indelibly "kindle the feelings" and touch the hearts. > impressed upon me. She certainly attained this wish, for as a > We have heard much about this mysti- > speaker in small or large groups, she was > cal bond which brought grandmother and > granddaughter together; and indeed it was eloquent, persuasive, and convincing. She > Mother Beecher who trained Dorothy and also had that quality of personality so neces- > brought her safely into the BahL'i fold. sary for a public speaker, inimitable charm. > Louise Baker Matthias tells how in 1912 But the most important quality, which was > Mother Beecher took Dorothy, then four- ever present, and which strangers as well as > teen years old, to New York to see 'Abdu'l- friends could observe, was that of sincerity > 672 T H E B A H A.'I W O R L D > > -her pure sincerity. She was an ardent Ba- the Islands), always working directly under > h2i first, last, and all the time. the Guardian's instructions. He conferred > Her first talk before the public was given upon her the station of Hand of the Cause, > in Foundation Hall of the Temple, probably and in the last years of her life she promptly > about 1929, at a Ridvkn Feast. I shall never and joyously followed his direct instructions > forget how the friends rejoiced in her "aris- to her. The story of her services in the coun- > ing," as they called it; in fact she was sur- tries below the borders of the United States > rounded, both before and after this talk, and will one day be a very thrilling record of > one could hear the comments about the at- magnificent work in the Most Great Cause. > tainment of Mother Beecher's granddaugh- She must have had an unusual capacity for > ter. It produced a profound sensation be- associating with, and reaching the hearts of, > cause most of the friends did not know that the Latin people. They loved her enthusi- > Dorothy had become (among all the young asm, her methods, her personality, her spir- > people) one of the best informed on the itual knowledge and achievements. She will > Bahi'i Teachings. From that time on, the certainly be a cherished star in their mem- > evolution of this Bahb'i speaker was rapid, ory forever. > phenomenal. She was wanted everywhere. Mrs. Margot Worley, Chairman of the > Soon thereafter she became very promi- National Bahi'i Assembly of South Amer- > nent in inter-racial work and as a traveling ica, has sent us the following tribute: > teacher, covering first one part and then "We were stunned at the news of Doro- > another of this country and Canada, speak- thy's tragic end, and our hearts felt the tre- > ing before large audiences. One year she mendous void and loss. Ever since the news > proclaimed the BahC'i Teachings in ninety of her passing reached us, the Bahia, Brazil, > colleges throughout the South, and she fear- Bahb'i Community has been praying for > lessly spoke in every one of them (both her. . . . We of South America can never > white and Negro) on the Bahi'i doctrine of forget Dorothy, nay, she now stands close > the brotherhood of man. "The future must to our hearts as never before. Her first visit > be quite different from the past," she would to us was when she brought experience and > say; and then she would enlarge upon this wisdom to our Fourth Congress, held in > theme. "We must recognize and live in ac- Lima, Peru. We felt childlike in her pres- > tual deeds as well as in words this great ence, for truly we were all so young and > brotherhood." She never failed to give the puny by comparison, our knowledge so > Source of her Light as the Revelation of scanty and vague. All through that Congress > Bah2uYllih. She served always with zeal, each soul grew and developed, whether it > determination, sincerity, and a logic unan- was aware of it or not. Dorothy laid the > swerable. Her own faith was so intense, so World Order at our feet, and by her clear > elevating, so noble, that she certainly could explanations, brought us step by step to > easily be called one of the "vivifiers" of the where you dear souls stood. . . . We had > world. a glimpse, as it were, of the glory of Baht?- > We are not attempting to write here a u'llih's handiwork and of Shoghi Effendi's > complete history of Dorothy Baker's life, guidance . . . > but even briefly we must not fail to mention "We must confess we almost stood in > her many services at the Bahi'i Summer awe in Dorothy's presence. We know she > Schools: Green Acre, Louhelen, Interna- had ample preparation for her great work > tional School in Colorado Springs. She gave and that she stood as a shining example to > courses on the BahC'i Teachings in all these us all. When once again she was with us at > schools, and reports from those in attend- Buenos Aires for our Second Convention, > ance invariably referred to her influence on April, 1952, she stood before us in a differ- > the young people; they would gather around ent capacity. Shoghi Effendi had just con- > her, asking questions and trying to imbibe ferred upon her the station of Hand of the > some of her enthusiasm. They did not just Cause of God. Upon her beamed a differ- > admire her, but they had for her esteem and ent light and her countenance was radiant > reverence and love. . . . Her prayers were felt surrounding us; > In the course of time our beloved Guard- her strong sense of duty threw a different > ian sent her to Latin America. She not only light upon our tasks, and we of South Amer- > made one teaching tour there, but several ica came to understand that we were liv- > (including Central and South America and ing in precious times. . . . Dorothy again > I N MEMORIAM 673 > > guided us in our decisions, helped us with questions intelligently and with entire con- > our plans, encouraged us with advice and fidence in the Teachings she proclaimed. > understanding. She showed us how the dear She had many personal interviews and pri- > friends in North America had sacrificed vate Bahi'i meetings in nearly every city > over the years and had helped establish the she visited. We have often heard her quote > Faith throughout the Bahi'i world. Dorothy these words of Bahi'u'lliih: "This is a > had the gift of pointing out the way to sac- matchless Day. Matchless must, likewise, be > rifice, the way to earn the right of being the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the > known as a Bahi'i and thus become 'the Desire of all nations, and matchless the > supreme moving impulse in the world of deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His > being.' sight." > "Dorothy took part in every service our For sixteen years, although she was en- > beloved Faith offered her; she had visited gaged so actively in the teaching work, she > the Guardian, stepped upon the Thresholds served on the National Spiritual Assembly > of the Holy Shrines, prayed where Bah2- and was its chairman for four years. As a > u'lliih had spent His last days. Can any soul Hand of the Cause of God, she attended the > ask for more!" four Intercontinental Conferences during > Artemus Lamb, of the Central American the Holy Year of the Cause and was a > National Spiritual Assembly, has written: speaker on the public programs of all of > "Her influence in Central America is most them. After the New Delhi Conference, in > powerful, and at the same time mysterious, the last months of her life, she made an ar- > for in reality she spent only a few days here duous teaching trip through India. > on several occasions; yet all loved her A letter from Doris McKay, pioneer in > deeply and feel dependent upon her like Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, con- > children to a mother. After her passing, tains a tribute to Dorothy Baker and an in- > many have written to say that her influence teresting account of her first meeting with > is both felt and seen more powerfully than Martha Root. ". . . It was on a visit to > ever . . . Letters have poured in from all Jamestown, N.Y., in, I think, 1936, that > sides. On the night of February 19, all the Dorothy met Martha Root, another of her > Central American Assemblies and Groups kind. I sat with Martha at a table in the > have been requested to hold a Memorial dining room of the Y.W.C.A., waiting for > Service in her honor. What tribute could Dorothy to join us. 'How very strange,' I > be higher to that great and lovely soul that said to Martha, 'that you and Dorothy > was and is Dorothy than that a whole Conti- have never met!' Then the doors opened, > nent of believers love her like a mother and and Dorothy's fragrance and light moved > sister and are now arising to new and through the room toward Martha's tender > greater service to the Faith in her memory glow. We arose and went to meet her, and > and to try in their way to make up for the Dorothy's outstretched hands met Martha's. > crushing loss which they feel?" Not a word was spoken in this moment too > Dorothy Baker also visited many Centers great for words. At the table we talked, > in the goal countries of Europe and was a Dorothy clad in a deep and listening hu- > speaker on the public programs of many mility. For a few days the two great stars > Bahfi Conferences. Of course her eloquent were in conjunction as they devoted them- > and persuasive presentation of the Faith selves to us and to our friends. . . . In the > won for her the plaudits of strangers and Supreme Concourse we have a recently ar- > friends; and letters indicate that they longed rived delegate from this world. Because of > for her services, her continued rich blessings her 'the world to come' is closer to all of > from the Court of the Divine King. us who earnestly wish it. . . ." > The Master said: "The most efficient cap- The crowning event in her almost miracu- > ital of the Bahi'i teacher is the Divine lous life in the Cause was her pilgrimage > Power. With that alone he may conquer the to the presence of our beloved Guardian in > cities of the hearts." She seemed always to Haifa; this was during the first part of 1953. > have that necessary confirmation. When any She had asked permission a few times pre- > public meeting anywhere was open for ques- viously to be allowed this pilgrimage, but > tions from the audience after the address, each time it was deferred because her teach- > Dorothy was equal to what we might call a ing work was of such great importance. In > pressure from all sides. She could answer all a letter to me about this visit, she said: > 674 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > "I would not attempt to write the real fearlessness by none except (the) incom- > things, the things of the heart, but I can say parable Martha Root. Her unremitting, > this, that the Glory of the Cause, its gran- highly-meritorious activities (in the) course > deur, shines like the sun; and as for our be- (of) almost half (a) century, both (in) > loved Guardian; he is at times a servant, North America (and) Southeast Europe, at- > and again a king,; and he is at once the point taining (their) climax (in the) darkest, most > of all joy and again the nerve center of suf- dangerous phase (of the) second World > fering. One does not accept part of him and War, shed imperishable luster (on) contem- > refuse part. He is, alas, a ransom; we are his porary Bahb'i history. > beneficiaries. He suffers the grief of the (This) triumphant soul (is) now gathered > Prophets, and yet is the 'true brother.' And (to the) distinguished band (of her) co- > as he casts himself into the sea of sacrifice, workers (in the) Abhg Kingdom: Martha > he is willing to cast us, one and all, into Root, Lua Getsinger, May Maxwell, Hyde > that shining sea also. America is the lead Dunn, Susan Moody, Keith Ransom-Keh- > horse. He drives a chariot that must win ler, Ella Bailey (and) Dorothy Baker, whose > over the combined forces of the world. He remains, lying (in) such widely scattered > cracks the whip over the lead horse, not the areas (of the) globe as Honolulu, Cairo, > others. Do the friends not realize this? The Buenos Aires, Sydney, Tihrgn, IsfBhin, > pilgrimage begins when you take his hand, Tripoli (and the) depths (of the) Mediter- > and ends when you last look upon his dear ranean (Sea) attest the magnificence (of > face, and in between you kneel at the the) pioneer services rendered (by the) > Shrines and ask for divine direction to serve North American Bahb'i community (in the) > him. And when your prayer is answered, Apostolic (and) Formative Ages (of the) > there is no doubt about it at all; a thousand Bahb'i Dispensation. > mercies circle around such an answer, and Advise arrange (in) association (with > the Guardian is in the center of them all." the) Canadian National Assembly (and > The Master said: "The service of the the) European Teaching Committee (a) > friends belongs to God and not to them." befitting memorial gathering (in the) Ma- > Dorothy Baker's services belonged to God. &riqu'l-AakCr. Moved (to) share with > He chose her for furthering the great Plan (the) United States (and) Canadian Na- > of the Ages. She had ceaseless, tireless en- tional Assemblies (the) expenses (of the) > ergy and used it to carry the Divine Reme- erection, (as) soon as circumstances permit, > dies to a drifting world. But her place is (of a) worthy monument (at) her grave, > empty. There is no one at present who pos- destined (to) confer eternal benediction (on > sesses quite the same qualities. That which a) country already honored (by) its close > will remain with us who knew her so well proximity (to the) sacred city associated > will always be her freshness and vigor, her (with the) proclamation (of the) Faith > lucidity in teaching the Bahi'i Faith, and (of) Bahi'u'lllh. > her power to reach the hearts. Her assur- Share message all National Assemblies. > ance, born of the spirit and of true knowl- -SHOGHI > edge of the Teachings, made her a magnifi- Haifa, Israel, > cent demonstration of the power of the re- March 29, 1954. > vealed Word in this age. > -MARIAM HANEY Marion Jack, "immortal heroine," "shin- > ing example to pioneers," passed from this > life on March 25, 1954, in Sofia, Bulgaria, > where she had been living for twenty-four > MARION JACK years as a pioneer of the Bahb'i Faith. Her > remains are buried in the British cemetery > there. The Guardian's tribute, expressed in > Cablegram from the Guardian: his cablegram of March 29, attests the high > Mourn loss (of) immortal heroine, Mar- station which this "triumphant soul" has > ion Jack, greatly-loved and deeply-admired attained. > by 'Abdu'l-BahS, (a) shining example (to) Marion Jack's services in the BahB'i Faith > pioneers (of) present (and) future genera- began early in the new century. Born in > tions (of) East (and) West, surpassed (in) Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, on > constancy, dedication, self-abnegation (and) December 1, 1866, of a prominent family, > dedicated to the service of the Faith. She > spent some time in 'Akki and was there in > 1908, where she taught English to 'Abdu'l- > Bahi's grandchildren. She continued her > painting while she was there. > By 1914 she had retnrned to North > America. She was one of the first to re- > spond to the call of the Divine Plan of > 'Abdu'l-Bahb, performing pioneer service > in Alaska and teaching in Toronto, Mont- > real, and many other places. She also spent > a good deal of time in Green Acre, Eliot, > Maine, helping with the teaching work at > the Bahs'i School and continuing her paint- > ing. > Many friends remember this joyous, > wholly dedicated soul from those days. Im- > pressed by her gracious charm, her under- > standing, her twinkling sense of humor, ev- > eryone who recounts some association with > her does so with a smile which seems to > Marion Jack.. spring spontaneously from the mention of > her name. "Jackie," as she was affection- > ately called, was ageless in her complete > she received much of her education in Eng- at-home-ness with young and old alike, was > land and partict~larlyin France, where she beloved wherever she went, drawing all to > studied art. Landscape painting was her spe- her and to each other through the quality > cial field. Some of her paintings are pre- of her faith, love and devotion to the Cause > served in the Holy Land at the World Cen- and to her beloved Guardian. > ter of the Faith. One of her Green Acre friends writes: > She first learned of the Faith at a social "She was such a lovely person-so joyous > gathering during her student days in Paris. and happy that one loved to be with her. > Charles Mason Renley writes of this first Her shining eyes and beautiful smile showed > introduction : how much the BahB'i Faith meant to her > "My first remembrance of Marion Jack . . . We used to love to go to her studio > was when we were students in the Latin and talk with her, also to see her paintings > Quarter in Paris. She was studying painting, of the Holy Land and familiar Green Acre > I, architecture, and I used to see her in the landscapes. . . . She always entered into > 'Quarter' along the boulevard on Mont any plan with zest. . . . If we could all > Parnasse. In the Quarter lived a Mme. Phi- radiate happiness as did Jackie, I am sure > lippe who kept a Pension where a number we would attract more people to the Faith." > of girl students lived. Mme. Philippe gave In 1930 Marion Jack returned to Haifa > dancing parties at infrequent intervals. It and following this visit went to Sofia, Bul- > was at one of these affairs, a fancy dress garia, where she spent the remainder of her > dance, that I met Marion. She was dressed life. During the earlier years of this period > in a fiery red costume that she had made she attended the German Summer School > herself of crinkled tissue paper topped off and undertook teaching missions to Vienna > by an enormous 'Merry Widow' hat deco- and Budapest. In Sofia she held frequent > rated with large yellow paper flowers . . . meetings that were well attended by people > It was as we danced and sat out between of prominence and capacity. As World > dances that I told Marion of the BahL'i War I1 approached, and all who could fled > Faith. She was, as many were in those early the country, the Guardian suggested that > days, afire with the Faith then and there, all she go to Switzerlalld or to some safer place. > at once. Marion met the BahL'is, came to She pleaded to be allowed to remain at her > meetings in my studio and elsewhere, and post, preferring, as she put it, to "remain > that was the beginning of her belief." at the switch." Living on a small pension, > From this time forward, her life was which did not always reach her in recent > 676 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > years, suffering serious deprivation, aged cial State Religion, the Greek Orthodox > and in poor health, she remained at her Church, and only a few other religions were > post. It was not without reason that 'Abdu'l- permitted, like Catholic, Jewish, Lutheran, > Bahg used to call her "General Jack." Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist and Isliim. > One of the friends writes of these days: Every Faith that was not permitted was > "She was much sought out and beloved forbidden and meetings like ours were ille- > everywhere she went. As the so-called Iron gal. State employees had to sign loyalty > curiain dropped, fewer people attended her oaths stating their adherence to the legal > meetings because of fear of the government. Faith and we had one girl who worked for > Towards the end of her life even her closest the government. > friends no longer went to see her, except one "When World War I1 broke out, Marion > BahCi. . . . During the last months of her had to discontinue her meetings. Sofia be- > severe illness, I wrote Miss Jack almost ev- came the center of European spy systems. > ery week and in her last letter she bade me Neither she nor I ( a German citizen of > goodbye, hoping for a reunion in the King- secondary quality) could dare to be seen > dom. When Miss Jack still corresponded, together. I kept contact with her indirectly > her letters were always cheerful, most spirit- through 'neutral' Bulgarian citizens. She > ual and even humorous. . . . The British was in financial difficulties because her > Consulate called her 'our friend.' . . . She funds did not get to her. But her spirit was > was a consecrated BahB'i teacher, full of unbroken. > charm, understanding, gaiety and humor." "In October, 1940, when I finally got my > One of her devoted students, who became visa for the United States, I dared to call > a BahCi through her, writes of the later her on the phone and even to see her. She > years in Sofia: had moved to a cheaper hotel. Her room > "I met Miss Jack in June, 1938, in Sofia. was probably too small for two people and > I had left Austria when Hitler took over we met in the hotel lobby. I told her of my > and found a temporary position in Sofia, plan to go to the United States by the com- > waiting for my visa to the United States. I plicated way, crossing the Black Sea to > noticed her in the restaurant where I took Odessa, through Russia on the Trans-Sibe- > my luncheon and she impressed me immedi- rian Railroad and across the Pacific from > ately with her friendly smile that she had Japan to the United States. I invited her to > for everybody. One day when her regular come along and promised that I would take > waiter who spoke English had his day off, care of her. But she declined. She told me > the hostess asked me to serve as interpreter that the Guardian had permitted her to go > and from that day on, I shared the luncheon to Switzerland rather than to wait for the > table with her regularly. It did not take long German invasion in Bulgaria which was ex- > before she invited me to join a small group pected daily. She considered it her duty to > of her friends with whom she had discus- stay in Sofia and would neither seek secu- > sions in her hotel room, and that was how rity in Switzerland nor in her native Canada, > I met the Faith. nor the United States. > "Her room was a museum, full of her "We exchanged letters until Bulgaria be- > pictures, books and papers all over. We sat came part of the Iron Curtain and she indi- > wherever there was some place-on 'the' cated that it was too dangerous to receive > chair, the bed, on the floor, and she always my letters and to write to me." > had some refreshments for her guests. The In a letter dated June 17, 1954, to the > discussions on the Faith were handicapped National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis > by the complicated language question. Mar- of the British Isles, the Guardian, through > ion had no BahCi literature in the Bulgarian his secretary, extols the standard set by > language, few people understood English, Marion Jack as a pioneer: > and her favored book, 'Abdu'l-Bah2s Paris "To remain at one's post, to undergo sac- > Talks, had to be translated by one person rifice and hardship, loneliness and, if neces- > from French into German or English and sary, persecution, in order to hold aloft the > by somebody else into Bulgarian. It was torch of BahPu'll6h, is the true function of > fun, but how much of the original spirit every pioneer. > remained was questionable. "Let them remember Marion Jack, who > "Marion had to be very careful in the for over twenty years, in a country the lan- > choice of her guests. Bulgaria had one offi- guage of which she never mastered; during > IN MEMORIAM 677 > > war and bombardment; evacuation and pov- know of, and turn their gaze to, Marion > erty; and at length, serious illness, stuck to Jack." > her post, and has now blessed the soil of As requested by the Guardian, a Memo- > the land she had chosen to serve at such cost rial gathering was held for Marion Jack in > with her precious remains, every atom of the BahL'i House of Worship in Wilmette, > which was dedicated to BahL'u'llLh. Perhaps Illinois, the program prepared by the Na- > the friends are not aware that the Guard- tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of > ian, himself, during the war on more than the United States in association with the > one occasion urged her to seek safety in Canadian National Bah6'i Assembly and the > Switzerland rather than remain behind en- European Teaching Committee, on July 3, > emy lines and be entirely cut off. Lovingly 1954. Among the over two hundred Bahi'is > she pleaded that he would not require her attending were representatives from the Ca- > to leave her post; and he acquiesced to her nadian Bahi'i Community. To permit more > request. Surely the standard of Marion Jack of the Canadian Bahi'is to share in a Me- > should be borne in mind by every pioneer!" morial to Marion Jack, a time had been set > In a letter to the European Teaching aside at the Canadian National Bahi'i Con- > Committee, dated May 24, 1954, through vention, on May 1, 1954, for the Canadian > his secretary, the Guardian also stressed the friends to gather for commemoration and > quality of Marion Jack's services to the prayers. > Cause and the heroic conditions under In their tribute to Marion Jack, published > which she lived and worked: by the National Spiritual Assembly of the > "He would suggest that, when writing to BahQ'is of Canada as an insert to their Ba- > the European centers, you share with the hci'i News of April, 1955, are cited the fol- > believers the glorious example of the life lowing Words b f ~ a h i ' u ' l l ~ h(Gleanings, > of Marion Jack. Young or old could never v. 319): > find a more inspiring pioneer in whose "When the victory arriveth, every man > footsteps to walk, than this wonderful soul. shall profess himself as believer and shall > "For over thirty years, with an enlarged hasten to the shelter o f God's Faith. Happy > heart, and many other ailments she re- are they who in the days of world-encom- > mained at her post in Bulgaria. Never well- passing trials have stood fast in the Cause > to-do, she often suffered actual poverty and and refused to swerve from the Faith." > want: want of heat, want of clothing, want > of food, when her money failed to reach > her because Bulgaria had come under the > Soviet zone of influence. She was bombed, EDWARD B. KINNEY > lost her possessions, she was evacuated, she > lived in drafty, cold dormitories for many, > many months in the country, she returned, "Grieve passing dearly loved, highly ad- > valiant, to the capital of Bulgaria after the mired, greatly trusted, staunch, indefatiga- > war and continued, on foot, to carry out ble, self-sacrificing teacher, pillar (of) > her teaching work. Faith, Saffa Kinney. His leonine spirit, ex- > "The Guardian himself urged her emplary steadfastness, notable record (of) > strongly, when the war first began to services enriched annals (of) closing period > threaten to cut her off in Bulgaria, to go to Heroic Age (and) opening phase Forma- > Switzerland. She was a Canadian subject, tive Age (of) Bahi'i Dispensation. Bounti- > and ran great risks by remaining, not to ful reward assured (in) AbhL Kingdom be- > mention the dangers and privations of war. neath shadow (of) Master he loved so > However, she begged the Guardian not to dearly, served so nobly, defended so heroi- > insist, and assured him her one desire was to cally until last breath." > remain with her spiritual children. This she -SHOGHI > did, up to the last breath of her glorious Cablegram dated December 16, 1950. > life. Her tomb will become a national > shrine, immensely loved and revered, as the Edward B. Kinney (beloved Saffa) was > Faith rises in stature in that country. born of an old New York family in the > "He thinks that every Bah6'i and most spring of 1863, the spring of Bah6'u711ih's > particularly those who have left their homes epoch-making Declaration in the Ridvin. > and gone to serve in foreign fields, should As though by coming at such a moment > 678 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > into the world, Saffa was gifted with un- > usual genius. His genius found two chan- > nels of expression-in this material world > through the greatest of all arts, music, with > its spiritual source; in the region of the soul > through that purest evidence of faith which > the human spirit can manifest: an immedi- > ate recognition of the Messenger of God > and a life wholly devoted to Him. > "Saffa was so human," said a friend after > he passed from this life into that other > where his heart was centered. And perhaps > when we think of him now, we think first > of that endearing humanness of his-fiery > and rash and vigorous and with a rollicking > sense of humor. But, above and beyond his > temperament and character was his power > of love, caught directly from the heart of > 'Abdu'l-BahL, on whom his heart was so > passionately fixed. > It was my inestimable privilege to be with > the Kinneys in 'Akki in 1909. One day > when we were lunching with 'Abdu'l-Bahh > He turned to Saffa an; said that He had Edward B. ("Saffa") Kinney. > answered the questions of all, now Mr. > Kinney was left. > Saffa replied, tears in his eyes: "There is > only one question in my soul, How can I BahL'is from East and West met-from Per- > love you more?" sia and India, from Honolulu and Califor- > And the Master replied that He would nia and all the points between-and where > answer later. many a BahL'i, in greater financial straits > He told Saffa, too, on that occasion that even than the Kinneys, found a shelter. > his home would be one of the heavenly con- There were times when every couch in that > stellations and that the stars would gather real home was occupied. > there. Blows came that were harder to bear > Later, in Haifa, while SaEa and his wife than poverty. They had two remarkable > were sitting at night with 'Abdu'l-Bahh on children who died in their early youth, San- > the porch of His house, He began to talk ford and Howard, leaving them with only > of poverty to them. He vividly described one son, Donald. Yet even such bitter con- > the actual want of BahVu'llLh after all His ditions (to use words spoken to them by > wealth had been swept away, and the dep- 'Abdu'l-Bah6) tasted sweet to them. > rivations and sufferings of His family, and But before the collapse of their finances > He ended with the words: and the death of the two boys, the joy of > May God give you the treasure of the this family rose to a peak when, in the > Kingdom, the breaths of the Holy Spirit. spring of 1912, 'Abdu'l-BahL visited the > If, perchance, you are overtaken by pov- United States and spent much of His time > erty, let it not make you sad. At best, you in their home, receiving there many of His > will then become companions of Christ. countless visitors. > In a few years poverty did overtake them. In Haifa 'Abdu'l-Bah6 had given to Mr. > They found themselves wholly dependent Kinney the name Saffa, the Persian word > on Saffa's earnings as a musician-the un- meaning rock. One day in the autumn He > certain income of an artist. But in spite of took Saffa for a long walk in the strip of > their precarious existence their indomitable park along Riverside Drive, New York City. > faith triumphed to fulfill that other proph- Suddenly 'Abdu'l-BahL stood still on the > ecy made by 'Abdu'l-Bah5. Their home be- path and looking deep into Saffa's eyes > came indeed as a heavenly constellation in asked in heart-piercing tones: Do you love > which the stars gathered, a center where the me? Do you love me? Do you love me?- > I N MEMORIAM > > words very much like those Jesus spoke to it a sustained, lavish measure of spiritual > Peter. In Saffa the qualities of rock were light and guidance. Also his work and mem- > evident-fiery and impetuous in his early ory are closely bound up with the latter > life, rising at last to serene heights and at- Age on whose threshold he lingered for well > taining profound humility, steadfast to the nigh three decades and distinguished him- > end and, in this great Day, never for a self as a redoubtable champion of the > moment wavering in his steadfastness. Cause, as a capable international teacher > After 'Abdu'l-BahL had departed from and as one whose untiring effort for the > this life and His Last Will and Testament spiritual regeneration of his countrymen > became known, Saffa again proved his ever- will long be remembered and admired. > lasting faithfulness. After his grief at loss Moreover, the crowning period of his life, > of the beloved Master had abated, He per- immortalized by being spent in the presence > ceived in "the youthful Branch, Shoghi Ef- of 'Abdu'l-BahL, imparts to his whole career > fendi" the resurrection of the Covenant, and a unique and fascinating quality. > in the Administrative Order the establish- Twice during 'Abdu'l-BahB's ministry Dr. > ment of the Kingdom of God on earth. With Youness Afruu~tihwent on pilgrimage to > unabated zeal and love and the deepest 'AkkL. The first journey took place about > spiritual insight Saffa served this great five years after BahB'u'll&h's ascension and > Cause till the last hours of his life. In his lasted for a few months. Then again in > blessed home, as the friends gathered there, April, 1900, he set out, at the Master's > the wings of the Covenant were stirring gracious invitation, on his second visit to > above us and the presence of 'Abdu'l-BahL the Holy Land where he stayed for nearly > was living in our midst. nine years and served the Master as secre- > The Guardian wrote him the tenderest tary and interpreter in a spirit of loving > letters, and at last came one designating adoration. In those difficult and turbulent > Saffa and Vaffa Kinney pillars of the Faith years when the Covenant-breakers were > in the City of the Covenant. feverishly engaged in subversive activities > -JULIET THOMPSON against 'Abdu'l-BahL, he vindicated the > strength of his character by assuming a lead- > ing r6le in defending the Covenant and in > reassuring the pilgrim and resident believers > who seemed to be extremely alarmed and > DR. YOUNESS AFRUKHTIH agitated at that time. > He was like a solid rock, firm and imper- > A being endowed with rare powers and turbable, a haven of refuge for the storm- > qualities, gifted and uplifted beyond the tossed and the weak. Always in time of > average level-a real survivor of the Heroic adversity he behaved with dignified compo- > Age. This definition, though brief, may help sure. Neither taunts of the disdainful nor > to convey to the reader's mind a faint im- threats of the malicious nor events of the > pression of Dr. Youness Afrukhtih's immor- most perplexing nature could ever disturb > tal personality. his lucid mind or daunt his courage in pro- > In the springtime of youth while adrift in claiming the Cause of God among men. The > search of Truth on the stormy ocean of services he rendered to the Faith were great, > life, the tide and wind of destiny brought so were the blessings he received in return. > him close to the divine Ark of salvation to Indeed, the measure of love and kindness > which he clung tenaciously and within lavished on him by the Master was so great > which he found abiding security and hap- that it did not fail to excite the envy of the > piness, a new outlook on life and a Cause so friends around him. A cursory glance at > momentous that he remained dedicated to it his Memoirs as well as the perusal of the > to the very end of his days. wonderful Tablets revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 > His allotted span of years covered a pe- in his name will amply show this fact. > riod of no less than eight decades. It trav- By profession Dr. Youness Khan was a > ersed, so to speak, the fringes of both the physician. He studied medicine at the Pres- > Heroic and the Formative Ages of our byterian College, Beirut, and after receiving > Faith. His life remains closely linked with his diploma he returned to Persia where, > the former, since he flourished and strug- through efficient and systematic practice, he > gled in it and at the same time derived from proved himself a highly proficient physician. > 680 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > They depict some aspects of the life of the > Master during the most dramatic period of > his ministry-the dark decade prior to the > overthrow of the despotic Ottoman regime > -and dwell on the nature as well as the > magnitude of the Covenant-breakers' evil > deeds and intrigues. > Dr. Youness Khan's memory will ever re- > main associated with the compilation of the > wonderful book Some Answered Questions > in recognition of the valuable service he > was privileged to render as interpreter be- > tween the Master and Laura Barney at those > historic luncheon talks. A vivid impression > as to the manner in which these talks were > given can be gained from the relevant ac- > count in his Memoirs from which the fol- > lowing interesting passages are quoted: > "The Master would sit at the head of the > dinner table while Laura Barney usually sat > on His left and Ethel Rosenberg took the > seat next to her. Also about eight or nine > other pilgrims and residents were present. > I used to sit beside the Master. facing" Laura > Dr. Youness Afrukhtih. Barney, rendering first her questions into > Persian, then the answers given by the Mas- > ter into English, while Ethel Rosenberg > For some time he served as medical officer noted down both the questions and answers > in the Sehat Hospital founded in 1909 by in English." (The original words uttered by > a group of Bah6'i doctors with the collabo- the Master were simultaneously written > ration of Dr. S. Moody, representing the down by MirzA Munir.) ". . . Since the > Persian-American Ed~~cational Society. nourishment of the spirit was given priority > Dr. Youness Khan was a distinguished over that of the body, it often happened > speaker who combined eloquence and wit that eating was delayed. The Master when > in a masterly and graceful manner. The elucidating the problems used to speak in > hearer, far from losing interest or growing such a manner that the hearer would be > weary, would always welcome his talk as a enchanted. One day when He was insisting > treat, as a source of delight and inspiration. that I should first eat and then speak, and > His power of concentration was such that I was deeply engrossed in the subject under > it was well within his compass to speak con- discussion, He asked Laura what was the > tinuously for hours on a given subject with- English word for 'mutarjim'; she said 'in- > out notes. And not only was he a gifted terpreter.' Again He asked what was the > orator but also in the arena of literary work word for 'gorosneh.' She said 'hungry.' > he moved with remarkable confidence and Thereupon 'Abdu'l-BahA, pointing at me, > distinction. His writings possess peculiar exclaimed: 'Hungry interpreter! Hungry in- > charm and reveal to a considerable degree terpreter!' I enjoyed this remark immensely > the author's touch of genius as well as his and wonder what would some one else have > genuine love for the Cause. Notable among done if he were in my place. I adopted this > his work is the interesting diary he wrote > kingly title for myself and had it engraved > about his teaching trip to Europe published > under the title "Irtibat-i-Kharq va Charb" on a seal, thus overlooking the term 'Jinib-i- > (Union of the East and West). K_hLn' which 'Abdu'l-BahL always used in > However, his wonderful Memoirs (un- referring to me." > published) concerning the years he spent in The intervening years between 'Abdu'l- > the presence of the Master constitute his BahS's passing and the outbreak of the sec- > most precious gift to posterity and a valu- ond World War saw Dr. Afrukhtih rise to > able contribution to the history of our Faith. the plenitude of his teaching career. In 1925 > IN MEMORIAM 681 > > he embarked on a trip to America where ELLA GOODALL COOPER > his presence aroused immense enthusiasm > among the friends. Then four years later he > set out on an extensive tour of Europe ''0 thou jewel of the spirit!" Thus did > where he addressed many groups and so- 'Abdu'l-Bah6 address this angelic being, one > cieties and brought to the friends in that of the rare gems in the diadem of the King- > continent a clearer insight into the spiritual dom. Aunt Ella, as she was fondly known > significance as well as the administrative to her many devoted friends around the > principles of our Faith. Also his visit, mark- world, was one of that rapidly diminishing > ing the culmination of his teaching activi- treasure of precious souls who have entered > ties, proved highly useful in fostering a the presence of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, and who are > sense of love and fellowship between the possessed of that unique quality of spirit > BahB'is of the East and West and in bring- known only among those who were touched > ing the Cause to the attention of many by the magic wand of that Divine Alche- > enlightened people in Europe. mist. Hers was an enchanting spirit of ex- > In the c o n d ~ ~ coft the administrative af- quisite grace, whose gentleness, warmth and > fairs of the Faith, Dr. Youness Khan's generosity were showered continuously on > services were by no means less remarkable. all peoples. She radiated all the days of her > For years in succession he served with dis- life the virtues of the true maid-servant of > tinction as member of the National Spiritual BahB. > Assembly of the BahL'is of Persia and as She was one of that handful of early Ba- > member of the Spiritual Assembly of the h8'is in the United States who implanted > BahB'is of Tihrin until he was rather well the banner of Bah2u'llgh in that land, and > advanced in age and the weight of years who nurtured it and protected it with the > made itself increasingly felt on his frail iron strength of their consecrated spirit. > body. Gradually his health broke down and In a Tablet to one of the friends 'Abdu'l- > illness forced him to discontinue all his Bah6 wrote of the services of Mrs. Cooper > activities. As his condition grew steadily and her mother, Mrs. Goodall: > worse it became clear that his end was at "Thou hadst written concerning the serv- > hand. He passed away at his home in Tihrin ices of Mrs. Goodall and Mrs. Cooper. > on November 28, 1948, after a prolonged These two dear maid-servants of God are > illness. truly two shining candles, and in character > His physical frame was gone from our are unique and matchless. They sacrifice > midst! But in reality the impression of his their lives in the pathway of God under > dynamic personality, the memory of his conditions of hardship and trouble and are > charming manners, will remain ever vivid filled with spirituality and good cheer. It > in the heart of all those who knew him. is certain that the divine confirmations will > There, beyond the gathering mists of years, encircle them." > his noble life and example stand out as a Shoghi Effendi's cablegram at the time > beacon shining along the road to Eternity. of her passing has defined her life-long serv- > The following message received from ice to her beloved Faith: > Shoghi Effendi on the occasion of his pass- "Deeply grieved sudden passing herald > ing may well serve as a monumental epi- Covenant Ella Cooper, dearly loved hand- > logue to his imperishable memory: maid 'Abdu'l-Bahi, greatly trusted by Him. > "Hearts grief-stricken passing dearly be- Her devoted services during concluding > loved Youness Afrukhtih distinguished pro- years Heroic Age and also Formative > moter Holy Faith herald Covenant trusted Age Faith unforgettable. Assure relatives, > secretary beloved Master staunch supporter friends, deepest sympathy loss. Praying > progress soul in Abhi Kingdom." > His Testament. His services enrich annals > Ella Frances Goodall was born in San > both Heroic Formative Ages Faith. Instruct Francisco, California, January 12, 1870, of > assemblies all provinces hold befitting me- an influential, well-known California fam- > morial gatherings. Inform Varqi erect my ily. She and her mother, Helen Goodall, > behalf monument his grave. ~ r d e n t praJ-l~ were among the first Bah2is of California. > ing Almighty's inestimable blessing his They learned of the Faith from Miss Ann > soul." Apperson, a niece of Mrs. Phoebe Hearst. > --HAB~BT ~ H I R Z ~ EThey > H studied with Mrs. Lua Getsinger, and > 682 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > also took a trip to New York to study with permitted to make the pilgrimage to the > Anton Haddad, a Persian Bahi'i teacher. Holy Land. For two weeks they shared the > In March, 1899, Ella Goodall and a prison life with 'Abdu'l-Bahb and His fam- > young Bahi'i friend, Nellie Hillyer Brown, ily, but were "in the Home of God." When > made the pilgrimage to 'AkkB They were they returned from 'AkkB Mrs. Goodall and > among the earliest Westerners to visit Mrs. Cooper published Daily Lessons Re- > 'Abdu'l-Bah6. While there 'Abdu'l-Bahb re- ceived at Acca-January, 1908, in which > vealed for Ella Goodall the first of numer- they told of the deep spiritual experience > ous Tablets which He sent her over the that had been theirs and of the lessons by > years : word and deed that they had received. > "He is El-Abhg! 0 my God! Thou seest Shortly after Ella Cooper returned from > Thy servant who is believing in Thee, and 'Akk6, she invited a group of young women > supplicating through the door of Thy One- to her home for a study class which con- > ness. Render her all good through Thy tinued over many years to 1922. She called > Bounty and Generosity. Thou art the Be- this group the "Peach Tree" and the mem- > stower, the Giver." bers of the group called her "Mother > This brief contact with the World of Peach." A number became Bahi'is and are > Reality experienced in 'Abdu'l-Bahi's pres- active today. > ence centered her life in the Faith. A single- During these early years one of Mrs. > ness of purpose, the promulgation and pro- Cooper's most important services was the > tection of the Covenant, animated her whole protection of the Faith from the influence of > life henceforth. the Covenant-breakers. 'Abdu'l-BahL had > In 1904 Ella Goodall married Charles written: > Miner Cooper, M.D. 'Abdu'l-BahB blessed "I supplicate God to make the hearts as > this union, and theirs was a life-long devo- solid mountains which could not be shaken, > tion. The home which Mrs. Cooper made neither by the rumbling thunder of dispute > for the doctor, her mother and brother, nor by the winds of suspicions." > Arthur, reflected her gracious dignified at- "You must be extremely careful in those > tributes. It was always a special treat for Western regions lest a soul may disseminate > everyone to visit this home. the seeds of doubt and violation. Direct ev- > "0 thou maid-servant of God, I ask God eryone at all times to the necessity of firm- > that thou mayest open meetings in San ness in the Covenant that the tests may not > Francisco, and give eloquent expositions of shake them . . . > the Kingdom of God . . . "Do thou make a trip to the cities of > "Although thou art unique and alone in California, Oregon and Seattle . . . Inves- > that city, yet verily I am thy friend and tigate this and call everyone to firm- > companion. Be not sad and forget not God. ness . . ." > Endeavor to guide some souls to the King- Gently and wisely she and her mother > dom and establish Unity among the people, taught the new BahL'is the importance of > to prepare meetings of teaching and to open turning wholly to 'Abdu'l-BahB as the Cen- > the eyes of the blind . . . ter of the Covenant. Indeed she was a cham- > "Under all conditions My Soul and My pion of the Covenant! > Life shall abide with you in this world as When 'Abdu'l-BahB visited California, > well as the world above." while on His North American tour in 1912, > As soon as 'Abdu'l-BahL's wishes were He was a guest briefly at the Oakland home > expressed, Ella Cooper and her mother be- of Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Goodall, and > gan the work of establishing the Faith in there, on October 16, He spoke to a large > San Francisco, and some years later she gathering of friends. For many years the > moved to the city, where she lived the rest anniversary of that meeting has been cele- > of her life. In a short time a BahVi Com- brated and the talk given by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 > munity developed there, and for many dec- read. It was a period of great joy for all the > ades Ella Cooper was its guiding light. Her Bahi'is. 'Abdu'l-BahB spoke to many groups > strenuous labors throughout the western and gave two of His most significant talks1 > United States, and principally in northern while there, one at Stanford University on > California, laid the foundation of the Faith > in these regions. 1 These talks are published in Promulgation o f Uni- > In 1908 Ella Cooper and her mother were versal Peace, pp. 342-349 and 355-365. > IN MEMORIAM 683 > > science and religion and the other at the > Temple Emmanu-El on progressive revela- > tion. Mrs. Cooper was untiring in her efforts > to assist in all these arrangements for > 'Abdu'l-Bahi's visit. > An outstanding event in the Bahi'i his- > tory of the West was the convoking of the > first "International Bah6'i Congress" in con- > junction with the Panama-Pacific Interna- > tional Exposition in the spring of 1915 in > San Francisco. Mrs. Cooper, her mother > and several other Bahi'is who formed the > executive committee of the Congress had > approached 'Abdu'l-BahL with their desire > to hold such a Congress during the Panama- > Pacific International Exposition, and > 'Abdu'l-BahL had approved and selected the > BahL'i spealters who were men of note in > their professions and also Bahi'is of long > and eminent service. The Congress was held > April 19 through 25 and attracted large > audiences to hear the Bah6'i teachings on > peace. > Although initiated by the Spiritual As- > sembly of the BahL'is of San Francisco the > Congress was under the official auspices of Ella Goodall Cooper. > the Panama-Pacific International Exposi- > tion. The Directorate of the Exposition set > April 24 as "International Bahi'i Congress many years both in teaching and in the de- > Day," and held an official reception at Fes- velopment of the institutions of the Faith. > tival Hall, where a commemorative bronze She served on the San Francisco Spiritual > medallion was presented to the Bahi'is in Assembly for many years from 1921 to > recognition of the Bahi'i program for uni- 1934, and was a member of the National > versal peace. Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the > Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Goodall, Miss Geor- United States and Canada for two years, > gia Ralston and Mrs. Kathryn Frankland 1922-23 and 1923-24. She took an active > visited 'Abdu'l-Bah6 for the last time in Sep- interest in the formation of the new Bahi'i > tember, 1920. For thirty days they were in School at Geyserville, California, worked > Haifa, at the "Home of the hearts" as Ella on the School committee, and taught there > Cooper called it. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 answered for some years. > their questions and lavished His love upon Another significant public Bah6'i event in > them. which Mrs. Cooper played a leading role > Over the years until He passed away in was the organization of the first "Confer- > 1921 'Abdu'l-Bah6 addressed many Tablets ence for World Unity" at San Francisco, > to Mrs. Cooper in response to questions she March 20-22, 1925. Prominent intellectual, > had asked Him in letters. cultural and humanitarian leaders were in- > With 'Abdu'l-Bahi's death Ella Cooper's vited to participate. Mrs. Cooper spared > devotion to the Covenant immediately em- neither time nor money to bring the con- > braced the first Guardian of the Cause of ference into existence. Dr. David Starr Jor- > God, Shoghi Effendi, appointed by 'Abdu'l- dan, then president of Stanford University, > Bah6. She had seen Shoghi Effendi as a who had invited 'Abdu'l-Bah6 to speak at > child at 'Akkii and had often remarked Stanford, acted as honorary chairman, and > about his unique qualities and his love for important representatives of the various Pa- > 'Abdu'l-Bahii. Her unswerving fidelity to the cific areas, races, religions and nations > Covenant now centered in the Guardian spoke. The meetings were climaxed by an > with full love and obedience. address on the Bahi'i Faith by Jin6b-i-F6dil. > Ella Cooper's services continued for This meeting inaugurated a series of world > 684 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > unity conferences in other parts of the coun- wrote a tribute to his wife which exemplifies > try. the beauty of her character to all who loved > During the many years that Mrs. Cooper her: > was active, and even after she could no > longer be about much, she was the main- A Birthday Tribute- > spring of the Bahb'i spirit of hospitality and Eighty roses for my still young wife, > warmth in San Francisco. When Bahb'i vis- one for each year of her fragrant life, > itors were coming to San Francisco she during which she has mothered the world > and steadfastly kept its flag unfurled; > would send a large bouquet of flowers and for God gave to her a magic cup > a note of welcome to be in their room when from which the unworldly poor could sup; > they arrived. and of solace a cruse at whose lip > The last two major public activities in the lonely and the bereaved could sip; > which Ella Cooper took a part in her long a sustaining staff that she could lend > years of Bahb'i service were in connection in hour of need to a pilgrim friend; > with the Golden Gate International Exposi- the Power of Prayer-an inner light > tion in 1939 and the United Nations Con- not of land, sea or air that could bright > the dark corridors that run through life > ference on Inter~lational Organization in and amity bring in place of strife; > 1945, both of which were held in San Fran- and a warmth that made her from her birth > cisco. A "Committee of One Hundred" lead- as welcome as the rain to the earth. > ers of all Faiths was organized when the Fortunate am I she cared for me, > San Francisco world's fair was being otherwise I would not care to be. > planned, to erect the Temple of Religion at > the fair and to direct all religious activities In July, 1951, Dr. Cooper suddenly > of the Exposition. Mrs. Cooper and Leroy passed away. Mrs. Cooper spent the fol- > Ioas were invited to be the BahBi repre- lowing day preparing the readings for his > sentatives on this Committee, on which she service, and that night fell into a coma, > served as one of the directors. Two days from which she did not recover, and passed > were designated officially on the Exposi- within four days after his death, on July 12, > tion program as Bahb'i Day, July 16 and 1951. > October 15. Mrs. Cooper was chairman of The local papers carried feature articles > the "Religious Unity Service" presented by about her passing, the major part of which > the Bahb'is on July 16 and of the Vesper spoke of her life-long devotion to the Ba- > Services on October 15. hb'i Faith, and of her work in promoting its > She was an active member of the "Com- ideals of the unity of all peoples and reli- > mittee on the Bahb'i Peace Plan" appointed gions. > from among the Bahl'is of the San Fran- So closed the life of one of the "Heralds > cisco Bay area by the National Spiritual As- of the Covenant," one whose life was dedi- > sembly in connection with the United Na- cated to BahL'u7ll6h in service and love and > tions Conference convened in 1945. This one who succeeded as few have in making > committee held a dinner and public meeting her character a mirror of the celestial quali- > at which a number of the delegates to the ties. > Conference were present, and it prepared > "The Bahb'i Peace Program7' brochure > which they distributed to every person at- > tending that conference. > I n the later years of her life Mrs. Cooper DESCRIPTION OF THE MARTYRDOM OF > was unable to be as active as she formerly DR. SULAYMAN BERJfS > had been, but she followed the work of the > Faith with avid interest through the teach- On February 3, 1950, about eight-thirty > ing bulletins and news letters, and through o'clock in the morning, two citizens of Kg- > a voluminous correspondence which she &&n entered the office of Dr. Berjis and > carried on with BahB'i friends around the invited him to make a house call. Since > world. Most Bahi'i visitors to the city would there were ten patients waiting in his office, > visit her to be refreshed by her gentle spirit, the doctor requested postponement of the > and to share with her news of the progress call. The visitors pleaded that the case was > of the Faith far and near. a real emergency, and the doctor relented > On her eightieth birthday Dr. Cooper and followed the two men. After passing > IN MEMORIAM 685 > > through the streets of Kis_hLn they reached ELLA M. BAILEY > their destination and at this time six other > men who had been awaiting the group at- > tacked the physician. With knives, sticks On being informed of the death of Miss > and their fists they wounded him seriously. Ella Bailey, pioneer who accompanied Mr. > He was thrown from a height of about fif- and Mrs. Robert Gulick in their settlement > teen feet through a window. The persecutors of Tripoli, Libya, the Guardian on August > continued to beat him until he was no longer 30 cabled: > alive. At least eighty stab wounds were ap- "Grieve passing valiant exemplary pio- > parent on his body. The owner of the house neer. Reward (in) Kingdom bountiful." > tried to intercede for the doctor but his ef- > forts were futile. The landlord called for " 'Oh, Ella Bailey, Ella Bailey! Oh, Ella > > help from the rooftop. Members of the Bailey, Ella Bailey! Oh, Ella Bailey!'. . . > town gathered around and witnessed the He kept repeating my name as He looked > cruel act. Muhammad Rassul-Zadeh, the vi- off into space. But He put into my name > cious murderer, washed his hands with the every possible emotion. That was the won- > snow on the sidewalk. With his accomplices der of it." These words of 'Abdu'l-Bahk, > he went to the police office, explaining that spoken in Chicago in 1912, conveyed to > they were teachers of the Muhammadan Miss Bailey this meaning: "My child, you > faith and had killed Dr. Berjis for religious are going to suffer. You are going to have > differences. The men were imprisoned. The a great deal of sorrow, and you are going to > people of the town feared the threats of have a great deal of pain. Life is going to > this religious group and closed their shops. be hard." Miss Bailey remarked in an inter- > After medical examination. of the body of view forty years later, "In those few words, > Dr. Berjis a group of BahB'is under police He gave me all the emotions of a lifetime. > protection carried the body of the martyred He gave suffering but with it He gave me > physician to Gulastin Javid which is three faith and strength. This made me feel His > kilometers from Ki&kn. A BahB'i funeral spiritual power and His truth." > was held for the distinguished doctor. Ella Martha Bailey was born in Houston, > Texas, on ~ e c e m b e k18, 1864. While she > was an infant, the family moved to San Di- > ego County, California, and settled on a > ranch. She was stricken with infantile pa- > ralysis at the age of two and one of her > limbs remained paralyzed. As a child, she > developed a fondness for the outdoors and > learned, despite her physical handicap, to > ride horseback expertly. > Her desire to serve mankind became ap- > parent in her youth. She chose to enter the > teaching profession not because of the > rather meager financial reward attached to > it but by reason of the manifold opportuni- > ties it afforded for child guidance. After > graduating from normal school in southern > California, Miss Bailey moved to Berkeley > and began her career as a teacher. She > taught various elementary grades and was > deeply loved by her pupils who continued > to remember her as the decades passed. > When she retired in 1924 because of ill > health, the principal of McKinley School > wrote her a note of gratitude and apprecia- > tion for her services and her example. "I > cannot close this letter," he wrote, "without > Dr. Sulaymin Berjis, physician of Kks_hin, telling you again what a precious thing your > Persia, martyred February 3, 1950. friendship has been to me and will con- > T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D > > tinue to be, and how we all have been in- to his sovereign. Gentleness and sweetness > spired by your courage and faith." were her abiding traits. She never tried to > Photographs taken in her youth attest to force her opinions on anyone but ever > her beauty and winsomeness. She deliber- beckoned the thirsty to come to the foun- > ately decided to forego the pleasures and tain and drink the water of life that will > rewards of marriage in order to give greater bring healing to men and nations. Her > service to a larger number of people than a saintly life provided the best means of pro- > family group comprises. moting the prestige of the Faith she so > The immortal Lua Getsinger instructed ardently espoused. Sound in judgment, she > Miss Bailey in the Bahi'i teachings. Miss never aroused hostility nor did she com- > Bailey was one of the "waiting servants" promise on principle. Many were her secret > who embraced the Faith prior to the Ameri- sacrifices. She would give sumptuous din- > can visit of 'Abdu'l-BahL. As the friends in ners for friends who were oblivious to the > California did not expect the bounty of a fact that their hostess very often contented > visit to the Pacific Coast, several of them herself with tea, toast, and perhaps a little > journeyed to Chicago to be sure of meeting soup. Her whole day passed in cheering the > Him. Miss Bailey made the trip with her brokenhearted, in helping the needy, in visit- > intimate friends, Mrs. Ella Cooper and her ing the sick, and in refreshing the spirits of > mother, Mrs. Helen Goodall. A year or the unending stream of guests that came to > two before her passing, she recalled her see her. > meeting with 'Abdu'l-BahL and how copi- On learning that Shoghi Effendi had ex- > ously she wept with joy despite her firm pressed the hope that Mr. and Mrs. Gulick > resolve not to do so. She said, (as recorded would pioneer in Africa, Miss Bailey se- > by Charles Cornell of Berkeley, Califor- cretly aspired to go with them. She was too > nia) : "We wondered what He looked like, humble to voice her desire but beamed > the color of His eyes, of His hair. After I gratefully when she was told that they > had once seen Him, I never had words with would enjoy having her with them. Then > which to express these things. They seemed a cloud came over her countenance and she > so unimportant. . . . He greeted me by replied, "It would be selfish of me to go to > saying that He was happy to see me with Africa and be a burden." The Gulicks felt > my spiritual mother, thereby confirming a that her presence would be a blessing but > beautiful spiritual relationship that con- to make sure of doing the right thing, ca- > tinued for life between Mrs. Goodall and bled the beloved Guardian. The answer of > myself." It also sealed the relationship of Shoghi Effendi, "Approve Bailey accom- > sister between Miss Bailey and Mrs. Cooper. pany you," constituted Ella Bailey's march- > The wonderful qualities of Ella Bailey ing orders. > were well known to her acquaintances and The next question was whether both the > to the BahL'is in the San Francisco region. African journey and the trip to Chicago > She was the first chairman of the Berkeley for the Jubilee commemoration should be > BahVi Assembly and was elected annually attempted. The prayerful decision was that > to that body for more than twenty years. it would be a pity for Ella Bailey to forego > She was constantly teaching by word and the opportunity of witnessing the dedica- > even more, by deed, but she preferred al- tion of the Temple which had gloriously > ways to remain in the background. In over risen on the spot she had seen as bare soil > twenty years of association with her, the in 1912. She attended the main events of the > writer does not remember having once seen Jubilee including the Temple dedication, > her on a public platform. Far from seeking viewed the portraits of BahL'u'llLh and of > publicity, she avoided it. During her long the BBb, and, through the writer, signified > residence at the Berkeley Women's City at the Intercontinental Teaching Conference > Club, she used her membership to sponsor her determination to go forth as an African > many BahL'i gatherings. Her room became pioneer. She returned to Berkeley in excel- > a kind of clinic for the distressed and dis- lent spirits and relatively good health. An > consolate. Hundreds have partaken of her old friend remarked that her voice had not > spiritual and material hospitality and gener- been so light and gay in forty years. A few > osity. Her presentation of the message of days later, sad to relate, she came down with > BahVu'116h was indeed like that of a royal pneumonia, spent some time in a hospital, > subject giving his most precious possession a.nd was obliged to leave her residence at the > Berkeley Women's City Club and live in a > nursing home. Gradually she regained some > of her health and strength and it was de- > cided to start the journey. Old friends of > older faiths were horrified at her decision > to pull up stakes in California and settle on > the old Barbary Coast of North Africa and > they warned her that such a move would > shorten her life. She smilingly answered, "I > do not find it such a great sacrifice to give > up living in a rest home." > She left her adopted California on July > 14, 1953, never to return. The next evening > she stayed in the New York apartment of > Dr. Fazly Melany where she was visited by > two Hands of the Cause, Dhikru'llAh KJhL- > dem and MusL Bangni. Early the next > morning she sustained a fall but there were > no fractures and travel was resumed as > scheduled. The next stopover was Rome > where Professor Mario Fiorentini rendered > all possible assistance. Miss Bailey had the > misfortune to fall again with the conse- > quence that the stay in Italy was cut short. > Equipped with an oxygen mask, Miss Bailey Ella M. Bailey. > was an excellent traveler. She arrived at > Tripoli on July 20 and was met at the air- > port by two Bahb'is. > During the closing days of her earthly head and tearfully bade her farewell, > existence, she was sometimes not conscious "Goodbye, Miss Bailey." > of her condition which worsened as a result Interment was set for August 27 and on > of additional falls. Then again she would that day a second service was held at the > become painfully aware of her infirmities Government Cemetery on the western out- > and would apologize for the work her sick- skirts of Tripoli. Friends were also present > ness entailed. She knew that she was in lov- that evening when the casket was placed in > ing hands and, when possessed of her facul- a niche in the cemetery wall. In the Mother > ties, repeatedly thanked Mrs. $hawkat-'Ali Temple of the West, a few days later, mem- > Earaju'llkh for the infinite pains she took in bers of the American National Spiritual As- > caring for her day and night. The presence sembly prayed for the progress of her soul > in the room of two-year-old Robert Gulick in the realms on high. > I11 always brought a smile to her face as The very stones of the cemeteries testify > she loved him deeply and had great faith in to the preponderating share of the Ameri- > his future. Death came toward twilight, at can BahL'i women in the pioneering effort. > eight o'clock on August 26, 1953. A half They speak of incomparable Martha Root > hour earlier she was visited by a former in mid-Pacific, of indomitable May Maxwell > member of the Egyptian National Spiritual in the Argentine, of heroic Keith Ransom- > Assembly and by a young man of Persian Kehler near the King of the Martyrs and > ancestry who soon afterward became the the Beloved of the Martyrs in Isfihin, of > first Bahb'i pioneer to the Fezzan. Friends the immortal Lua Getsinger beside the > quickly gathered at the bedside of the de- greatest BahL'i scholar in Cairo, and now of > parted believer and they recited and chanted valiant Ella Bailey overlooking and blessing > appropriate prayers in Arabic and English. the shores of Tripoli. Her humility pre- > It was a touching demonstration of inter- vented her from writing to the Guardian but > national BahL'i solidarity, of uncalculated he perceived the inner worth and true > affection in an age of calculated risks. Par- greatness of this wonderful lady. No friend > ticularly memorable was the moving scene or relative understood her station as did > in which an Egyptian friend kissed her fore- Shoghi Effendi, and to us in Tripoli this was > 688 T H E B A H A.'I: W O R L D > > an added, though unneeded, proof that he sau, Germany. Her childhood was quite > is guided by God. lonely because of a series of events that de- > The Guardian requested three friends of prived her of her loved ones. Her father > American nationality in Tripoli to submit a was killed in the Franco-Prussian war when > design for a memorial marker on Miss she was three, her mother died when she > Bailey's grave which will one day, God was five, and shortly thereafter, her twin > willing, be in a Bahi'i cemetery. He wishes sister was taken from her to live in France. > personally to bear the expense of this me- She herself went to live with an aunt and > morial. He has ranked her with the greatest uncle in Munich, but through the years she > of the noble band of Bahi'i teachers includ- never forgot her lovely mother and sister. > ing those mentioned above and two who So lonely was she as a child that at six years > have more recently ascended to the Abhi of age she would take all her dolls to bed > Kingdom: Marion Jack, whose persevering with her, calling them her brothers and sis- > effort will ever merit emulation; and Doro- ters. Often she would find herself on the > thy Baker, whose extraordinary gifts as a floor because her "family" took all the > teacher are matchless and whose radiant room! She vowed that when she grew up > spirit continues to inspire all who knew her. she would have at least twelve children, so > In leaving her home land and in sacrific- none would ever be lonely, and twelve she > ing her life for the Cause of God, Ella did have, although two died in infancy. > Bailey qualified for the crown of martyr- All her love and joy circled around her > dom. In his cablegram at the conclusion of family and her religion. Never was there > the Holy Year to the Intercontinental a mother who could more greatly inspire > Teaching Conference at New Delhi, Sho- her children, and at the same time arouse > ghi Effendi paid tribute to Ella Bailey and such a great protective spirit within them- > acclaimed her contribution to the world one of undying love and devotion. > crusade : Hers was a happy disposition, even > "Irresistibly unfolding Crusade sanctified though her life was a difficult one. "Why > death heroic eighty-eight-year-old Ella Bai- are you always so happy?" a friend once > ley elevating her rank martyrs Faith shed- asked her. "You have nothing to be happy > ding further luster American Bahi'i Com- about." "Oh, but I have," she replied. > munity consecrating soil fast awakening "When I look about me and see how little > African Continent." others have, I realize I have so much more, > -ROBERT L. GULICK,JR. so how could I help but be grateful to God > and be happy!" "That's the trouble with > you," said her friend, "you always look at > those who have less than you, instead of > MARIA B. IOAS those who have more." Mother had not yet > heard of the Bahi'i Teachings and "radiant > acquiescence," but they were in her heart, > "Share grief (at) passing (of) esteemed nevertheless. > veteran (of) Faith, Maria Ioas. Soul re- When she was in her sixteenth year her > joicing (in the) Abhi Kingdom (at the) aunt and uncle brought her to visit Amer- > services rendered (by her) dear son (at the) ica. With the group was her cousin's college > World Center (of the) Faith (in the) triple roommate, whom she later married. She and > function (of) Hand (of the) Cause, Secre- her husband never returned to Germany. > tary-General (of the) Council (and) Super- Father was a Lutheran and mother was > visor (of) construction (of the) dome (of raised in the Catholic Faith. However, they > the) BBb's Sepulcher." were always seeking, and later both joined > -SHOGHI the Methodist Church but this did not seem > to satisfy their spiritual needs either. For > To think of mother without thinking of many years father had been looking for the > her family and the BahL'i Faith at the same return of Christ. When he was young, his > time, would be impossible. I mention "fam- mother, a very religious woman, had told > ily" first, because she had much of her fam- him that she felt the time was imminent for > ily long before she heard of the Bahi'i Christ's return, that she probably would > Faith. not live to see this, but that he might do so. > She was born December 6, 1865, in Pas- Thus he was always looking for and buying > IN MEMORIAM 689 > > ask pilgrims going to 'Akk6 to secure one > for her if possible. However, in her humble > way she felt that if 'Abdu'l-Bah6 wanted her > to have one, she would receive it. The first > day that 'Abdu'l-Bahb was in Chicago, she > went with one of her children to the Plaza > Hotel to see Him. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 was out, so > they waited for Him all afternoon. They > were in the hall when He came out of the > elevator and lovingly greeted them. Walking > toward His room, He said, "Come, come." > Mother knew He was tired and hesitated to > follow, but He turned again and said, > "Come, come." So she and her son followed > Him to His reception room. In a few min- > utes He came out of His room with some > roses and walking over graciously handed > one of them to her. Mother said afterward, > "He looked at me with those eyes that could > read one's very soul. There was no need > of His telling me, 'This is the flower you > have wished for these many years.' " > Alwavs mother and father ~romotedthe > Maria B. Ioas. Faith a; best they could, tellkg neighbbrs > and friends of the Glad Tidings, but dedi- > cated as they were, they did not neglect > books dealing with the interpretation of the their children. Study classes were held in the > Book of Revelation and any other informa- home every week for them and such friends > tion that might help him in his search for as might care to come. > the return of Christ. After hearing of the When the call came to start a children's > BahVi Faith, he and mother were most class in Chicago, mother promptly offered > happy to attend the classes of Mr. Paul her services and taught for a number of > Dealy of Chicago, even though it meant an years. Children always loved her and she > hour's ride each way on streetcars, involv- gently instilled in them the Bah6'i teachings > ing several transfers. Mother said she had -God is love; Bahi'u'll6h has come, the > prayed for seventeen years to find a religion great Universal Prophet for this New Day; > that would satisfy her. There always seemed His Forerunner, the BBb, with His charm, > to be a curtain before her and in back of love and devotion, bringing the Glad Ti- > that curtain was what she was seeking. dings; 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the beloved Exemplar, > When, after the twelfth lesson, Mr. Dealy Interpreter and Center of the Covenant; > told the class that Christ had returned and Shoghi Effendi, the much loved First > he gave them the name of Bah6'u'116h, they Guardian of the Faith . . . And also from > were overcome, and the curtain seemed to the Hidden Words: "I loved thy creation, > lift for mother. She knew at once that this hence I created thee. Wherefore, do thou > was what she had been seeking. She and love Me, that I may name thy name and fill > father wrote their supplication to 'Abdu'l- thy soul with the spirit of life." "My first > Bah6 that very night [July 7, 18981, stating counsel is this: Possess a pure, a kindly and > their belief in this Truth and asking to be radiant heart . . ." "Of all things the best > accepted by Him as Bahi'is. Their hearts beloved in My sight is Justice . . ." > were flooded with joy. The following day One of mother's fondest hopes had been > their ninth child was born. to see the Temple completed. For some > When 'Abdu'l-Bah6 came to America in years she had acted as hostess one day a > 1912, my parents and the family had the week during the guiding season, and realized > privilege of seeing Him a number of times the tremendous teaching medium of the > in Chicago. For many years mother had Temple. She was impatient for its comple- > longed for a flower which His blessed hands tion. Father and Mr. Albert Windust, both > had touched and she was often tempted to of the first Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, > 690 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > had had the great privilege of writing the ment, with a brilliant promise for the fu- > letter requesting 'Abdu'l-Bahi's permission ture. > to build the first Mas_hriqu'l-AdJ1k6r in the Mother slipped away on May 25, 1953, > Chicago area. Since that time fifty years or at the age of eighty-seven. Not really "away" > more had elapsed. Life for mother was -just over the line into the spiritual realm. > drawing to a close. And now, in the spring She had seen the Faith advance from its > of 1953, the Jubilee Celebration had started. feeble beginning in America, when the only > People were coming from all over the world Bahi'i literature consisted of the Tablets > to attend. received from 'Abdu'l-BahB which were > What a happy evening it was when all the lovingly and humbly read and reread, to its > Persian Hands of the Cause and their fami- present flourishing condition, with transla- > lies, who had come to attend the Jubilee, tions of the original Teachings of the Bib > came to visit mother in her daughter's home and Bahi'u'116h; talks, explanations and ex- > in Oak Park, at the request of her son, Le- hortations of 'Abdu'l-Bahi; and books, let- > roy, who had also been appointed a Hand ters and directives by our beloved Guardian, > of the Cause by Shoghi Effendi and had Shoghi Effendi; with the added writings of > taken residence, with his wife, Sylvia, at the his wife, Rchiyyih Khhnum. > Pilgrim House in Haifa. Her advanced years HOWwonderful it is that today the world > were bringing her many joys, for had not is indeed awakening spiritually to the call > our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, hon- of BahC'u'llfih. How far flung are the banners > ored Leroy by naming the ninth door of the of His Cause, enlisting the allegiance of peo- > shrine of the Biib, "BBb-i-Ioas"? Her cup ple all over the world, on all continents and > was almost full, but still she had not seen islands of the sea! > the completion and dedication of the Tem- Mother often used to say to me, "I love > ple. She remembered 'Abdu'l-BahC's promise the B a h s Faith so much, but how little I > that people would enter the Faith in throngs can do towards its promotion. All I can do > when the Temple was completed, drawn at is to let my little flame shine out as best it > first through the great inspiring beauty of can." Today her children are ardent Bahi'is > this noble ediiice. Had He not said, "Some and at the present writing seven of her > material things have a spiritual ef- grandchildren have answered Shoghi Ef- > . > fect. . ."? fendi's call for pioneers. They are to be > On May 1, 1953, was held the Bahi'i found in such distant places as the Dutch > Dedication of the Temple. Our beloved West Indies, the Ballearic Islands, Monte > Riihiyyih I&&num, representing the Guard- Carlo, Paris, and even on the home front in > ian, Shoghi Effendi, had come all the way Nevada, Texas and Illinois! > from the World Center of the Faith at Haifa And so has ended the "little flame" of a > in honor of this Dedication of the Mother loving mother and devoted Bahi'i, or has > Temple of the West and the observance of it, in truth, really ended? Even though the > the Centenary of the Declaration of Bah2- visible flame has disappeared, will not its ef- > u'lliih. Though very ill, mother was lifted in fects go on and on into eternity? > her wheel chair by loving hands up the eight- -VIOLA TUTTLE > een steps encircling the base of the structure > -those steps in memory of the eighteen > Letters of the Living-then through the door > and at last in the Auditorium of the com- > pleted Temple. What joy she felt can only > be imagined. T o this was added the great > happiness of seeing the beautiful picture of > BahC'uYll&h, brought to America for the first Nuri'd-Din Fath-'Azam was born in 1895 > time, to be viewed by His loving followers, in ArdistAn. His parents were from families > a.nd of feeling the thoughtful kindness of well known for their wholehearted services > R@iyyih K&inum who walked beside and self-sacrifices for the Bahi'i Faith. His > mother as she was wheeled to the door and mother was the daughter of Mull& 'Ali- > bade her farewell. Akbar Ardistiini, who together with Quddds > At last it was accomplished! The great and Mull& Sadiq-i-I&ur&s&ni, formerly > day for which mother had waited these known as Muqaddas, and surnamed by > many years! A day of joy, a day of fulllll- Bahi'u'llih, Ismu'lliihu'l-Asdaq, embraced > AORIAM 69 1 > > eleven years, proof of his honesty and abil- > ity, and was always well known as a Bahi'i. > , People frequented his house and office for > > assistance-which he could render in his > position-and they were never rejected. > He served the Cause as a member of the > National Spiritual Assembly and of the Tih- > r i n Assembly with his usual diligence. He > was so much occupied that his family saw > very little of him, and that only at breakfast > time. > He visited the Holy Land in 1942 and on > his return brought the glad-tidings to the > BahB'is who had been deprived of them for > many years because of unsettled conditions > in Palestine. His return to IrLn was the sig- > nal for many BahL'is to migrate and teach > the Cause. Many people who met and heard > him were fired with so much enthusiasm > that they volunteered to forsake their inter- > ests for the Cause. Abiding by the instruc- > tion from the Guardian, he stayed in Tih- > rin, much as he desired to go to AfghLnistin > and establish a Bahi'i center &re. He > worked, however, very hard as a member of > N6ri'd-Din Fath-'Azam. the Emigration Committee, and was always > first and foremost to help BahVis who were > emigrating, often at the expense of his own > the Cause at its inception in SlhirLz, and interests. > were the first to be persecuted. His father He undertook to repair and reconstruct > AqL Siyyid a a h a b was the son of Mirzi the House of Bahi'u'llih in TihrLn and took > Fath-'Ali, who was aware of the Mission of a great deal of pains to complete the work > BahB'u'llih before its declaration, and whose according to the original design. > devotion was recognized by BahB'u'llbh, and An outstanding work of his was compil- > who surnamed him Fath-'Azam. ing the Addresses made by 'Abdu'l-BahL > Nuri'd-Din's childhood was passed in Ar- which he published under the name "Khata- > disthn, but when he was ten years old his bat," and added it to the wealth of BahB'i > father had to migrate to Tihrin with him literature. > because of constant persecution from Mus- He was benevolent to friend and foe, and > lim priests and mobs. 'Abdu'l-BahL, also, always extended help to people in distress, > permitted the family to be transferred to forgetting his own debts and monetary trou- > Tihrin, where during the first years, they bles. After the heart-breaking incident of his > stfiered great privations. Gradually, how- death, great was the number of people who > ever, the family got over the difficulties and related stories of his generosity, and who > established a more or less comfortable home, grieved over the loss of such a devoted > where Nuri'd-Din was brought up in the friend. It happened like this: > love of the Cause of God. After leaving his official work, he and his > He was educated in the Tarbiyat School, brother purchased a ruin of a village from > and attended BahB'i teaching courses, and the government, and did their best to im- > in both lines won the admiration of his prove its condition with regard to the in- > teachers for his zeal, interest and intelli- come, health and education of the villagers. > gence. The peasants who could hardly get from > When he was twenty-four, he entered the their lands enough to pay their expenses for > government service, and was appointed a quarter of a year, not only were enabled > chief of the Post Office in Kirmbn&ih. In to meet their annual needs, but also started > later years, he served as chief accountant of to buy extra accommodations. However, > the late Majesty, a position he held for they proved very ungrateful for all his kind- > 692 T H E B A H ,A ' i W O R L D > > ness, and let the village be used for intrigues > against the BahL'is. > It was on Tuesday night on the 26th of > August 1952 at 9 P.M. when he went there > as a kind father for their guidance that he > was met by a fanatical mob, and was put > to death in a most cruel way, thus adding his > name to the immortal list of martyrs who > have given their lives for the glory of the > Cause. > News of his death came as a shock to the > Bah6'i world. His funeral was attended both > by BahB'is and non-Bahb'is. Memorial serv- > ices, worthy of his station, were held by > Bahi'i communities. One service was spe- > cially held by the National Spiritual Assem- > bly of l r i n as instructed by the Guardian. > Many telegrams and consoling letters were > received from all over the world. > His body was interred at the north section > of the Bahb'i cemetery in Tihrin, and the > beloved Guardian gave instructions for his > tomb to be erected on his behalf. > In conclusion I quote the cablegram of > the Guardian on this grievous occasion: > "Deeply saddened sudden great loss out- > standing promoter Faith assure friends Hiji Muhammad Tihir Malmiri. > relatives loving fervent prayers progress > soul Kingdom advise hold befitting me- > morial gathering his unforgettable serv- ways was that of teaching. No power, no > ices bountifully rewarded.-SHOGHI." preoccupation, no conventional matter of > daily life could ever deflect him from this > high purpose. His teaching exploits were so > intensive that today, a large section of the > Bahb'i community of Yazd owes to his life- > long effort its allegiance to the Cause. > Hkji Muhammad Tihir was a brilliant > Hiji Muhammad Tihir Malmiri lived, debater and speaker. It is difficult to convey > labored, and passed away in the ancient the pleasure one derived from his inspiring > town of Yazd, f r h , a town notorious for conversation which ranged from humorous > its religious fanaticism and its large number trifles to weighty pronouncements. His > of mullis. He was born there about the year knowledge of the history and literature of > 1852 which witnessed the inception of the the great world religions was prodigious. He > mission of Bahb'u'llih, and lived there long could recite almost half the Qur'in by heart, > enough to see the centenary celebration of as well as hundreds of recorded Muslim > that Holy Year. Known to almost every citi- traditions. Also he was extremely well- > zen, no other BahB'i in Yazd was so dearly versed in the Bible and the books of other > loved and admired by the friends, and so religions. The source from which he drew > bitterly denounced and insulted by the foes. his energy seemed to be inexhaustible. He > Fortifled by his staunch faith, animated could speak for hours about religious mat- > by his intense desire to serve the Cause, sus- ters without either feeling tired himself or > tained by the guiding Hand of BahL'uYll5h, boring his listeners. Rather they were fasci- > undaunted in the face of dire sufferings, his nated by the gaiety of his conversation and > life and conduct served to perpetuate the by the ripple of his ready and eloquent > spirit of the apostolic age to which he be- tongue. Even the enemies of the Cause were > longed. His life was wholly dedicated to the silenced and subdued by his charm and dig- > Cause. The idea uppermost in his mind al- nity. On several occasions fanatical persons, > IN MEMORIAM 693 > > intent on carrying out sinister plots against emanating from the person of Bahb'u'lla, > his life, came to his fireside meetings in the made a deep and abiding impression upon > guise of seekers of truth, carrying weapons his whole being and served him as a source > in their pockets. After coming in contact of inspiration and spiritual enlightenment, > with his dominating personality, however, enabling him to steer his way steadily and > they changed their minds altogether, and triumphantly amid the perils and cross cur- > strangely enough, a couple of them eventu- rents of his eventful life. > ally became ardent believers. The remarkable feature of his interviews > But Hiji Muhammad Tihir's talks were with Bahb'u'll6h is the fact that overcome > not always honeyed. There are few, if any, by His dazzling greatness, he seldom dared > among the leading Muslim priests in Yazd to look at His Face or to utter a single word. > who, at one time or another, have not felt Rather he would approach Him in a sense > the sting of his taunts and retorts or were of spiritual discernment. In his thrilling > not drawn into his entangling net, only to Memoirs he states: "Whenever I came into > emerge with their wings clipped, utterly con- the presence of the Blessed Beauty if there > founded by the amazing force of his argu- were anything I wanted to ask, I would say > ment. it by way of the heart and He would answer > At the height of his teaching career, al- me-invariably. I was so deeply impressed by > most every evening he used to attend fire- His supreme power that I always sat in His > side meetings which usually lasted till after presence spellbound, oblivious of myself." > midnight. Whenever he was free at night or Once he entreated BahB'u'llbh that he might > returned home rather early, he would keep be granted the privilege of laying down his > awake well into the small hours of the life for the Cause as a martyr. "You shall > morning, either pacing the compound of his live long to teach the Cause," was His > modest house in prayer and meditation or prompt reply. In fact he did live long-a > sitting up to read or write. hundred years-and did distinguish him- > His pen was as ready and able as his self in teaching and serving the Cause with > tongue, and his voluminous writings are di- exemplary devotion. The wonderful Tablets > rect, lively and inspiring. Famous among revealed in his name by both Bahb'u'llBh > his works is the History of the Martyrs o f and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and the letters from the > Yazd, a moving portrayal of one of the most beloved Guardian, all bear ample testimony > revolting episodes in Bahb'i history. His to his noble life of service. > Memoirs, written during the second World Early in 1914 Hiji Muhammad TBhir > War and containing a wealth of choice rem- went on his second pilgrimage to the Holy > iniscences, has been designated by the be- Land where he basked for four months in > loved Guardian an interesting storehouse of the sunshine of 'Abdu'l-Bahb's unbounded > information for future BahL'i historians. blessings and love. > Another enduring work, undertaken at the Rank and fortune, in the material sense, > behest of the National Spiritual Assembly never came H6ji Muhammad Thhir's way. > of Irin, is the history of the inception and H e used to earn his modest living mainly by > growth of the Faith in his native district. working as a hand weaver. Yet, whenever > Compiled in two volumes, it depicts the he managed to secure some bushels of grain > lives, achievements, sufferings and martyr- or other provisions for our daily use, no- > dom of the early heroes and pioneers in that body was allowed to touch them until he > area. Also his Fusul Arbd'ih is a masterly had set aside a substantial portion for the > exposition of proofs demonstrating the pro- poor of the town as well as the needy > phetic mission of the Founder and Herald among the martyrs' widows and orphans. > of our Faith with profuse quotations from After the terrible Bahb'i massacre in > various religious books used in support of Yazd which occurred soon after the turn of > his thesis. the century, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 appointed Hiji > The crowning glory of his life was the Muhammad Tihir to look after the hapless, > rare privilege of attaining the presence of terror-stricken remnants of the martyrs' > Bahb'u'llih in the year 1878 in 'Akk6, families. For several years he devoted him- > where he stayed for about nine months. The self to the arduous task of organizing help > wonderful events and experiences associated for the poor, comforting the bereaved, tend- > with this momentous pilgrimage, no less ing the sick, and rearing and educating the > than his contact with the mysterious power children. He derived ample pleasure from > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > giving food, money and clothing to the Only future generations will be able to > needy and ,distressed. Everybody was wel- properly appraise the value of the great > come to his home and his table. The words service which she has rendered at such a > of praise and admiration which streamed critical time in the history of the Faith, and > from the Pen of 'Abdu'l-Bahh in apprecia- under such difficult conditions. . . . > tion of his beneficent work stand as a glow- "The Guardian wishes to make clear the > ing testimony to his sense of love and devo- importance of the station of Johanna Schu- > tion to the downtrodden. barth, as she was the founder of the BahVi > Throughout the rugged years of his life Community in Norway, and thus her station > H6ji Muhammad T6hir seems to have is higher than that of a pioneer. . . ." > joined in perma.nent wedlock with adversity. From Letter of the Guardian through his > The lifelong sufferings he bore at the hands Assistant Secretary, dated March 11, 1953. > of the enemies, the insults and indignities to > which he! was subjected at every turn, the These words, written at the direction of > perilous adventures he went through, the Shoghi Effendi, Head of the BahVi World > grievous loss of three children who perished Faith, establish for all time the station of > during the BahVi massacre in Yazd, the Johanna Christensen Schubarth. > weight of chains a.nd imprisonment he joy- She was born in 1877 in the little village > fully accepted towards the end of his life in of Sandeherred, Norway. Nearby, large > company with the fellow-members of the whaling vessels were built and repaired and > Spiritual Assembly of Yazd-these together Johanna's mother's family were employed > with many other distressing events, far from in this business. Her great grandfather had > dampening his spirits, served to steel his a large boat in which he would go out to > energies and to reveal the true measure of help ships in danger and distress. Her fa- > his indomitable faith. ther, a ship leader, did not come back one > The evening of his life was dimmed by day and nothing was ever heard of him or > years of declining faculties and infirmity. his ship. Thus a family of eighteen chil- > Sinking beneath the gathering weight of old dren, with "plenty of sons," was left father- > age and ill health, he laid down the burden less. Her mother married a second time and > he carried so worthily for nearly eighty it was decided that the younger children > years and passed away peacefully at his should become known by the name of their > home on June 4, 1953. In his will he be- second father. So it was that Johanna's > queathed all his possessions to the Cause. name became Schubarth. > The following gracious message from the As a little girl, Johanna watched the "dig- > beloved Guardian may well serve as a be- gings" of the Gogstad ship, a Viking ship so > fitting epilogue to his memory: called because it was on the Gogstad farm > "Grieve passing Muhammad Thhir Mal- near where Johanna lived that this fine > miri long -record services unforgettable specimen was found. Viking ships were used > praying progress soul kingdom." as burial places for kings and queens, were > -HAB?B TAHIRZADEHburied deep in the ground and covered with > a special sand to preserve them. Johanna > watched as this one was taken out of the > earth, piece by piece, and sent off to the > JOHANNA SCHUBARTH University of Oslo where it was studied and > reassembled. It is now one of the two chief > exhibits at the Viking Museum [Vikingshu- > "Johanna Schubarth, by virtue of her sac- sell in Oslo. Johanna's aunt, Hilde Christen- > rificial services to the Faith over such a long sen, became interested in the beautiful de- > period of time, has attained a very high sta- signs and colors in the old fabrics found in > tion. She is the mother of the Norwegian the Viking ships, and through scientific > BahVi Community, and is the founder of study was able to reproduce the colors. Her > the Faith in that country. She served dili- books on this subject have become classics. > gently under adverse conditions, and all Johanna went to the United States to pur- > alone, for many years, kept the light of the sue her profession of nursing and it was > Faith aflame, single handed. She was a very through a patient in Urbana, Illinois, that > rare soul, was entirely consecrated to the she first heard of the BahVi Faith. She with- > Faith and completely devoted to its service. drew from her work as a nurse for a period > IN MEMORIAM 695 > > but somehow she brought their expression > forth. She was always working on some > manuscript of translation from the Writ- > ings, even after she became crippled with > arthritis and could devote only a few min- > utes at a time to it during the last two years > of her life. > When the European Teaching Committee > began its work in Norway in 1946, as part > of the unfoldment of the Divine Plan of > 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in the Second Seven-Year > Plan, there were ready in Norwegian, > thanks to Johanna's efforts, Esslemont's > book, in print and on sale in one of the > large book shops of Oslo; translations of > The Hidden Words, the Words of Wisdom, > and, in manuscript form, the Kitdb-i-fqdn > of Bahh'u'llfih, many Bahh'i prayers, and > The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. > Soon afterward came translations of Shoghi > Effendi's The Goal of a New World Order > and the compilation Bahd'i Community. > Johanna Schubarth. Later, in cooperation with the ~ o r w e ~ i a n > Translating Committee, Johanna contrib- > uted the lion's share to translations of pa- > pers on "The Covenant" and "Compara- > of six months in order to study the Faith tive Religion" read at the Summer School > thoroughly before she fully accepted it. It held in connection with the European > was through May Maxwell that she received Teaching Conference at Copenhagen (Elsi- > her confirmation and declared herself in nore) in 1950. Johanna also helped with the > 1919. translation of David Hofman's The Renewal > In 1927 Johanna returned to Norway to of Civilization. > nurse her mother, and on her way she was The respect in which Johanna was held > privileged to visit Haifa. There she had in Oslo, her friendship of many years' stand- > daily talks with the Guardian, Johanna ask- ing with Johanna Sorensen, now Mrs. Dr. > ing questions, the Guardian answering and Hoeg of Herning, Denmark, and above all, > explaining things to her. Shoghi Effendi her staunch devotion and utter self-sacrifice > asked her to remain in Oslo and spread the to the slightest wish of the beloved Guard- > Teachings. There were no other BahL'is in ian, all greatly aided the work of the con- > Norway then, and there was no Bahh'i lit- tinuous promotion of the Faith in this > erature in Norwegian. northern country. > Johanna put her will in the Hands of God Johanna Schubarth lived in Oslo in a > and was guided in all her work by Bah2- large room which was flooded with sunlight > u'llkh and the beloved Guardian. Although when there was sun. It was on the third > she would have liked very much to return to floor of an old building, up a winding > the United States, she remained in Oslo and wooden staircase. The only heat in the room > began translating the Bahh'i Writings into during the long, dark, cold winters was from > Norwegian. Desiring to give the remainder a large tile stove for which coal had to be > of her life to work for the BahL'i Faith and lugged from the basement. During the war > feeling that the translation of the Writings years there was no coal. Wishing to serve > would be her greatest gift, she studied the her countrymen in these difficult times, JO- > language and took the University examina- hanna took up again her profession of nurs- > tion at the age of fifty or more years. She ing, volunteering her services. She received > agonized over getting into her native lan- a citation from the King of Norway for her > guage the spiritual depths in the Words of work but her health was broken by the dep- > Bahh'u'll6h. "There is no way to express rivations and sufferings she had endured. > these things in Norwegian," she would say, In 1947 all food was still rationed in Nor- > 696 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > way but as a retired nurse, Johanna was On the first of December, 1952, Joha.ma > able to receive a few eggs a month and some Schubarth passed away in a hospital in Oslo. > milk. Every food package sent her from the The Scandinavian BahL'i Bulletin for Jan- > United States was carefully stretched as far uary, 1953, carried an article in tribute to > as it would go, and the choicest items saved her, written by Mrs. Asta Barnholdt, an old > for the Nineteen Day Feasts held in her friend and a Bahi'i, which said in part: > apartment. Some of the friends wished to "The Oslo BahL'i Community therewith > provide Johanna with a supply of coal as lost the foundation stone in the promotion > soon as it became possible to buy a little at of the Faith in Norway. . . . Johanna's life > a time, but she would not permit it, refusing and person testified to her wholesome char- > to sign the papers necessary to get it deliv- acter. Great words and violent feelings were > ered. She would live and serve to the utmost unknown to her. We knew her as a person > of her ability and strength, but would take who radiated purity, simplicity, justice and > care of herself-her heritage f-lom ancestors stability. Her great love for the Faith which > used to the rigors of whaling would not she had accepted, we shall never forget! Nor > permit anything else. her goodness and helpfulness to all! . . ." > During the twenty years that Johanna Johanna was quiet, reserved, shy, a > Schubarth "held aloft the light of the Faith" "doer" and not a "talker." As the unfold- > in Norway, the visits of Bahgi itinerant ment of the Faith progressed in this new > teachers and visitors brought high lights to community and it formed the base for an > her days. Always, at train or ship, she went ever-widening teaching work, Johanna was > to meet them, to welcome them, and to bid a bulwark of firmness around which tem- > them farewell; whatever the time of day porary crises made no headway, and all felt > or night, or however cold the weather, her in her strength, integrity and depth of un- > spiritual and radiant face shone out from derstanding, the everlasting qualities of true > the crowd. Among these teachers was Mar- faith. > tha Root, termed by the Guardian "that In the communication from the Guard- > archetype of Bahi'i itinerant teachers," who ian dated March 11, 1953, he instructed > in 1935 visited the Scandinavian countries. "that as many friends as possible attending > In the last days of Johanna's life she was the Conference in Stockholm, make a spe- > made radiantly happy and brought close to cial effort to travel there via Norway and to > the beloved Guardian through the visit of visit her grave. This refers not only to the > Rhikru'llAh IQhhbdem, Hand of the Cause of BahL'is attending the Conference from > God, and his lovely wife. America, but likewise those attending from > At the beginning of the Second Seven- the various parts of Europe." Accordingly, > Year Plan, Johanna's joy was great when in obedience to this request, many Bahi'is > she welcomed the pioneers sent to Norway from the United States, Persia and Euro- > by the European Teaching Committee of pean countries gathered, in the days imme- > the National Spiritual Assembly of the diately preceding the Third Intercontinental > United States. To these pioneers she was Teaching Conference in July, 1953, as well > ever a source of strengt6 and comfort. It as immediately after the Conference, to > was not easy, after so many years of work- read prayers at the grave of "the founder > ing alone, suddenly to work with others, of the Faith" in Norway. > but she achieved this transition because of Johanna's remains had been laid to rest, > her love for the Guardian and her selfless after a beautiful Bahi'i service, in the Var > obedience to the Administration. Great was Frelsers (Our Savior's) Cemetery within > her joy in the firm establishment of the the city of Oslo. In December, 1953, her > Faith with the formation of the first local remains were removed to the Vest Grave- > Assembly in Norway, the Spiritual Assem- lund or Western Cemetery, at the foot of > bly of Oslo, in April, 1948. As chairman Holmenkollen mountain on the outskirts of > of that Spiritual Assembly she presided at Oslo, where, in her Will and Testament, it > the first public meeting held in Oslo, in was found she had requested burial. "Only > January, 1950. In July of the same year, she future generations will be able to properly > rejoiced to be able to attend the European appraise the value of the great service which > Teaching Conference held in Copenhagen, she has rendered at such a critical time in > together with every member of the Oslo the history of the Faith, and under such > Bahgi Community. . > difEcult conditions. . ." > I N MEMORIAM 697 > > FLORENCE GEORGE > > Mrs. Florence George ("Mother George") > passed away on Saturday, November 4, > 1950, at the age of 91. The Guardian ca- > bled: > "Grieve passing distinguished indefatiga- > ble promoter Faith ardently supplicating > progress soul Abhb Kingdom her notable > meritorious services unforgettable." > A Tribute by Alfred S~igar > I was introduced to Mrs. George at Wal- > mar House, the first Center of the London > BahB'i Community, then recently acquired. > My first impression of her was of a rather > formidable personality-tall, erect, dark, di- > rect and rather brusque in speech. But more > intimate contact soon revealed her warm, > sympathetic understanding and progressive > character. > To her intimates Florence George re- > vealed her pride. She was proud of the dis- > tinction "Mother," bestowed on her by > 'Abdu'l-Bahi. She liked to speak of her Florence George. > pilgrimage to Haifa, of her Master's per- > sonal care that the individual needs of the > pilgrims were provided for; of His humor days, I feel that in her work for the Cause, > and His wisdom; of how He taught humility Mother George tried to reflect the Light > to the ostentatious and raised to dignity the she had received from the Master in the > self-abased. She prized the injunction He days of her pilgrimage to Him. It was in the > gave her that she was to be a Mother to the spirit of His Light that she conducted the > younger generation of Bah2is and train Sunday afternoon meetings in her Chelsea > them in the love and knowledge of the home. These gatherings were marked by > Cause. This injunction she obeyed faith- simple dignity; they were instructive, in- > fully. spiring and without formality. Her hospital- > Mother George was proud, too, that she ity, without "fuss," was warm and unstinted. > had been instrumental in making known the We knew that the work her hospitality en- > Faith to Dr. Esslemont. Following on a tailed, the comfort provided and the good > series of happenings which must have been things we enjoyed, sprang from the loving > preordained, the doctor wrote to Mrs. service of her daughter Dorothy Wellby. We > George. The correspondence led to his at- may have failed to properly acknowledge > tending a BahL'i meeting in London, which this at the time, but we, who benefited by > meeting marked the beginning of his devo- her service, never forget. > tion to and his magnificent work for the She liked to have young people to come > Cause. Later, during her stay in Bourne- to see her. She loved to teach them; she > mouth, Mrs. George devoted herself to the prized their affection. She went forward > further instruction of Dr. Esslemont and from the guidance of the Master to that of > Sister Challis. But hers was not the pride the Guardian without hesitancy and with- > of successful achievement; it was akin to out question. To her the Master's Will was > the pride of a child who had been singled the authority; the later period was the fitting > out for a special distinction, and having sequel to the earlier. In the course of her > been so honored, must show herself wor- last letter to me, the script of which be- > thy of the responsibility which the distinc- trayed the weakness of the hand that wrote, > tion imposed. she said: "I cannot get to the meetings now > Now that I look back an those earlier and you can imagine my feelings. But I do > 698 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > some teaching of young BahL'is and I try to > entertain at my home BahL'is who need > help." And, "I think the pioneers have done > good work." > So, there has passed from this earthly life > another of the links who bring to our Form- > ative Period the spirit and the blessed aroma > of the Apostolic Age, passed to the AbhL > Kingdom, there to unite with them who > have gone before, to supplicate on our be- > half, to contribute their love and their pray- > ers so that we who remain here may be > aided by the Supreme Concourse in the > work and sacrifice which it is our privilege > to contribute to the progress of the Cause > we love. > -From British Bah& Journal, > December, 1950, p. 6. > > PHILIP GODDARD SPRAGUE > > "Staunch, exemplary, greatly admired, > dearly loved Sprague," the Guardian cabled Philip Goddard Sprague. > after Philip Sprague's death on September > 23, 1951. How well Shoghi Effendi has ex- was outstanding. Large groups thronged > pressed in those three words, "dearly loved to his fireside meetings, and many accepted > Sprague," the feeling of the BahL'i Com- the Faith through study classes which grew > munity about Philip. The reason he called out of the fireside groups. Philip was hap- > forth that love was, no doubt, his own deep, piest when he was teaching, and those > abiding love for the Master, 'Abdu'l-Bahh, whom he taught felt his deep devotion to > and the Guardian. "All I want is to be with the Master and the Guardian and were > the Master," Philip often said in those last moved by his deep spiritual conviction as > painful months of his life. he talked. From 1926 to 1929 he and Dor- > Philip Goddard Sprague was born in othy Champ, assisted by Keith Ransom- > New York City on January 1, 1899, the son Kehler, held very successful fireside meet- > of Dr. Shirley Sprague and Marguerite Mo- ings in Dorothy's home in Harlem. This was > rette Sprague. His dear Aunt Carrie Kinney one of the first inter-racial groups in the city. > taught him the Faith when he was a small Keith Ransom-Kehler, a great Bah6'i and a > boy, so that when 'Abdu'l-BahL came to gifted speaker, helped them to spread the > this country in 1912, Philip was overjoyed Faith among the Negroes of Harlem. > to see Him. The memory of that early Philip had long wanted to go to Haifa, > meeting never left him. In 1919 and 1920 and the Guardian urged him to make the > he received several Tablets from 'Abdu'l- pilgrimage. On November 20, 1928, Shoghi > Bahh, in one of which the Master advised Effendi cabled "Welcome," which was his > him to go into business. invitation to start. After Philip's return early > At that time 'Abdu'l-Bahh through His in 1929, the Guardian wrote the following > secretary sent weekly messages to certain through his secretary: "He wishes me to as- > American believers about what was happen- sure you of his personal affection and pray- > ing in Haifa, and the young Philip was of ers and of his sincere desire and hope that > great assistance to the Kinneys in mimeo- you will render valued and permanent serv- > graphing these and mailing them all over the ices to a Cause so near and dear to your > country. This was Philip's first devoted serv- heart. Think what a smile-if a human > ice to the Faith. smile it should be-would run across the > His work with the youth and young adults Master's lips to watch the Philip he knew > IN MEMORIAM 699 > > as a child raise high the standard of His In 1944 he was elected to the National > Cause in America." Spiritual Assembly of the Bahk'is of the > During the Temple coilstruction Philip United States and served with distinction > inspired the friends everywhere to give to as national treasurer at the time when the > the Fund, and during the First Seven-Year Assembly was engrossed in the first stages > Plan, 1937 to 1944, he worked ceaselessly of the Temple interior construction. > to get settlers and pioneers that the Cause Philip had great personal charm. His > might be established in every state in North sense of humor was delightful and endeared > America. As chairman of the Spiritual As- him to his friends. The little Green Acre > sembly of the BahB'is of New York he cottage in Eliot, Maine, with its beautiful > kept constantly before the Community the garden was a joy to him and Mary. They > Guardian's messages, and urged the believ- loved flowers, and kept the house and porch > ers to sacrifice for the progress of the Faith. gay with them, arranged in his own artistic > In Shoghi Effendi's cable of October 4, way. > 1951, he records that the memory of Phil- During much of his life Philip was ill. In > ip's work both in the teaching and adminis- the last difficult years of his sickness his wife > trative fields will never be forgotten. These was a constant source of encouragement > are his words: "Memory notable services and help. He learned to be patient un;der the > teacher administrator North (and) Latin severest suffering. Shoghi Effendi called his > America imperishable. Recompense Abhh spirit in his last illness "exemplary." Philip's > Kingdom bountiful. Praying ardently prog- inner reality was a tender, gentle, yet strong > ress soul." spirit which ever turned to the Beloved, and > When the Guardian's translation of The made him, as the Guardian said, "dearly > Dawn-Breakers first reached us, Philip read loved" Philip Sprague. > that immortal record of the early days of -HELEN CAMPBELL > the Faith with avid interest. He was trans- > ported to great spiritual heights by reading > about the BBb and those holy souls who > surrounded Him. This book had a tremen- NELLIE STEVISON FRENCH > dous influence on his life. Another strong > influence was his love for May Maxwell > and hers for him. She taught him much. Bahi'u'llhh proclaimed: "0 son of Being! > "The soul's motion in relation to the Be- Thy Eden is My Love and reunion with Me > loved is the unfolding of all the meaning thy home. Enter and tarry not. This is what > of life," she used to say. Philip read and hath been destined for thee in Our Kingdom > reread An Early Pilgrimage, which is her above and Our exalted paradise." The re- > account of her first meeting with 'Abdu'l- affirmation of the Covenant of God and the > BahB. One of his favorite passages was: "As reassurance of Divine Guidance became the > we gazed on Him, I realized that we could motivating power in the life of Nellie Stevi- > in no way comprehend Him; we could only son French, upon whom 'Abdu'l-Bahh be- > love Him, follow Him, obey Him, and stowed the appellation, "My daughter." > thereby draw nearer to His beauty." Such Nellie was born October 19, 1868, in > thoughts as these which she expressed in her Peoria, Illinois; her father, Josiah Hill Stevi- > talks and letters to Philip found an echo in son, an Episcopalian, and her mother, Sarah > his own heart. Swain Stevison, member of a Quaker fam- > So, after her death in Buenos Aires on ily, provided their daughter and son, Dud- > March 1, 1940, it was natural that Philip ley, who was born 1882 in Chicago, with > should go to South America for a six the usual Sunday school associations. Evinc- > months' teaching trip. This was in Septem- ing a marked talent for singing, Nellie left > ber of the same year. His fireside gatherings in 1888 for Naples, Italy, to develop that in- > in Buenos Aires were attended by large terest. The four-year residence abroad gave > numbers of youth who loved him dearly. her the opportunity to learn the French and > He returned in February, 1941, on the same Italian languages, to acquire an appreciation > ship with Mary Keene Manero whom he of the Latin fine arts, and to master a stren- > later married. He made a second trip to uous course in training for the operatic > South America in 1942, staying three stage. She suffered a case of typhoid fever > months. in 1892 and returned to the United States > 700 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > copied and exchanged were sporadic, rudi- > mentary, and fragmentary. Mrs. Isabella > Brittingham's coming to Arizona in 1917 to > teach the spiritual significance of the Bahi'i > Faith offered her a rare privilege. That ex- > perience confirmed Nellie who became the > first resident Bahi'i teacher in Arizona. > Mr. and Mrs. French decided in 1918 to > make Pasadena, California, their perma- > nent home. Nellie French assisted the > friends with the study meetings held in the > old Odd Fellows Hall. During Ridvh, in > April, 1921, Mr. and Mrs. French visited > Haifa and 'AkkB; that pilgrimage became > the fulfillment of all her hopes. In a loving > atmosphere she communed with the mem- > bers of the Holy Family; she prayed at the > Shrine in the ineffable presence of the Cen- > ter of the Covenant, the "Cord stretched be- > twixt the earth and the Abhi Kingdom"; > and she trod the paths that had felt the > imprint of the footsteps of the Promised > One of the Ages. The dedication of her life > to service in the Cause of God was consum- > mated; and she had received the bounty of > seeing 'Abdu'l-BahL before His Ministry > was ended. > Nellie Stevison French. Her Bah6'i activities were many and var- > ied. She contributed to the literature of the > Faith by her work from 1930 to 1946 as > Chairman of the BahBi World Editorial > to recuperate; but her recovery was fol- Committee, during which time she assem- > lowed by scarlet fever which impaired her bled material for volumes IV-X. She trans- > vocal chords irreparably. Her aspirations lated into French and Italian the "Blue > for a musical career were ended. Book" and the brochure "Number 9," and > In December, 1894, Nellie Stevison was for several years she wrote "Loom of Real- > married to Stuart Whitney French, a child- ity," a column published in the Pasadena > hood companion. About 1896, accompanied Star-News. In 1931 she made permanent > by her mother, she attended a few meetings Braille plates for Bahd'u'lla'h and the New > at the home of Dr. KJhayru'llLh, a Syrian, Era and for the Kita'b-i-fqa'n. > on West Adams Street in Chicago. He in- As an administrator, she served as Chair- > formed those assembled that there had come man of the Pasadena Spiritual Assembly > into the world a new revelation and a new from 1928 to 1938. For four years, ending > prophet, Bah6'u'llLh. Although Dr. KJhay- in 1944 she was Chairman of the Inter- > ru'llLh's knowledge of the Teachings of the America Committee, and in this capacity > Cause of God was limited, the spiritual she presided at a session of the Centenary > seeds were sown. Moving to Arizona in Celebration in 1944. Later she was a mem- > 1900, Nellie French lived in Bisbee until ber of the European Teaching Committee. > 1904 and in Douglas until 1917 where she She helped support the work of the Interna- > participated in the social and civic activities tional Bureau at Geneva and the All-Indian > of the pioneer mining communities. These project at Macy, Nebraska, undertaken by > interests were high-lighted by being elected her sister-in-law, Mary Farley Stevison. > Arizona State President of the Federation All this time she was very active as a > of Women's Clubs; she served from 3912 teacher, holding many firesides, participat- > to 1914. Her visits to Chicago and New ing in the study meetings of the friends, > York furnished a few Bahi'i contacts with and proclaiming the Faith during her trav- > meager information; the Bahi'i messages els. For many years, Mr. and Mrs. French > IN MEMORIAM 701 > > spent every summer in Europe and called of whom were born in Hawaii. Dagmar's > on the friends at the various centers. Prior great uncle, the second son of Daniel, be- > to Mr. French's passing in 1946, as they came the head of the Provisional Govern- > cruised over the seas, Nellie took every op- ment and then President of the Republic in > portunity available to promulgate the Mes- 1893. After turning the islands over to the > sage from Spitzbergen, north of Norway, to United States, he became the first Governor > Magallanes in South America and from of Hawaii. > Reykjavik, Iceland, to Melbourne, Aus- Dagmar's mother was a member of the > tralia. well-known Dreier family, of Copenhagen, > After an absence of thirty-one years to Denmark, whose forebear was the famous > the day, in April, 1952, Nellie French re- young thinker and writer of that name, who > turned to the BahB'i Center on Mt. Carmel died at the age of 30 years, leaving a trail > to meet the beloved Guardian in person. of provocative and constructive thought > The harvest of her invaluable experiences, after him. A monument to his memory now > her familiarity with the BahL'i Writings, and stands in the city of Copenhagen. > her devotion to the Administrative Order of It is interesting that Dagmar's father's > the Faith, seemed to merge into a supreme family should have been missionaries and > at-oneness at the fo~~ntainhead of the living her mother's family Danish, as these two > waters whose source is God. facts were combined in Dagmar's history > During the Holy Year which was also the of service to God. Her life became conse- > first year of the World Spiritual Crusade, crated to the work of teaching the Bahi'i > Nellie French settled in the principality of Faith and part of this service was done in > Monaco on September 12, 1953, to hoist the land of her mother's forebears-Den- > valiantly the banner of the Bahb'i Faith. As mark. > the first decade of the second Bahi'i century On November 12, while the BahB'i world > was coming to its close, on January 3, 1954, was celebrating the anniversary of the birth > Nellie Stevison French was summoned from of BahB'u711&h,Dagmar passed to the Abhi > her pioneer post to the Abhi Kingdom. Kingdom. She had been in ill health for > On January 4, 1954, the Guardian ca- some months. She arrived for the Luxem- > bled: bourg Conference but became too ill to > "Deeply regret passing valiant pioneer. participate. Arrangements were immediately > Long record (of her) services, highly meri- made for her to be sent to the Valmont > torious. Praying (for) progress (of) soul Clinic, situated in one of the loveliest spots > (in) Kingdom." of Switzerland, above Montreux. Here for > -CHRISTINE LOFSTEDT two months Dagmar rested and received > treatment. On November 8 she became very > ill, passed into a state of ~~nconsciousness > and five days later slipped through the > "Open Door" to pioneer in the worlds of > DAGMAR DOLE God. > In California, through her friend Marion > Holley Hofman, Dagmar had first heard of > "Grieved passing distinguished, conse- the Bahb'i Faith and immediately accepted > crated pioneer Dagmar Dole, outstanding it. Hers was an active BahB'i life. Soon after > record unforgettable, reward bountiful. becoming a declared believer she and her > Praying progress soul Kingdom." close friend, Virginia Orbison, went to > SHOGHI Glendale, California, to help maintain As- > sembly status, under the first "Seven-Year > Dagmar Dole was born in San Francisco, Plan." She then became active in Commit- > California, on June 14, 1902. Her great > grandfather Daniel Dole and his wife left tee work for Central and South America > Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1841 to and served as Chairman of the Inter-Amer- > take up their duties as pioneer Protestant ica Committee. > missionaries in the Hawaiian Islands. Her Later she journeyed to Alaska, and did > grandfather, George Dole, was born in Ha- valuable work in consolidating the Bahi'i > waii and Dagmar's father, Walter Dole, was community on that frontier. From Anchor- > the oldest son of a family of thirteen, twelve age she went to the Bristol Bay area in the > 702 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > from all over Switzerland gathered for the > funeral service. During her short stay in > Valmont, Dagmar had won the hearts of > the entire staff. The doctors, nurses, the > maids, all came to pay their last tribute > because they, too, loved her. > At the opening words of the funeral serv- > ice-"From the sweet scented streams of > Thine Eternity give me to drink 0 my God. > . . . Within the garden of Thine immortal- > ity, before Thy countenance, let me abide > forever . . . ," a shaft of light pierced the > snow-clouds and shone upon that open > grave. How could one be sad? How could > one be sad at the passing of one who had > been obedient to the command of her Lord > -"Teach ye the Cause of God," says Bah2- > u'llih. From the moment of her recognition > of the Cause of God, Dagmar rose up and > carried the banner of Bah2u'llLh to far off > Alaska, back across the American conti- > nent, over the Atlantic to the shores of > Europe, where she fell in action. > "She died in 'battle dress,"' said the > Guardian; "it is wonderful to die in active > service." > Dagmar Dole. Looking up at those majestic mountains > one was reminded of the qualities of Dag- > mar-nobility and strength. Thinking of the > starry white narcissus that will blossom over > Bering Sea, and worked among the Eskimos those mountain slopes, one saw her innate > and Alaskan Indians working in the fishing purity; that delicate shyness and awareness > industry. Her service to these minority peo- that were hers. > ple cannot be measured. She won their "Her spiritual station is very high." These > friendship because she gave them her love > words of the Guardian gave us a sense of > and compassion. She served them both ma- > terially and spiritually. She was their friend. pure joy. "Her grave will be a great blessing > Then came the Second Seven-Year Plan to Switzerland-to all Europe. She is the > and the call for pioneers in the European first to give her life for the Cause in the Eu- > field, and Dagmar responded. She was as- ropean project. Her resting-place is impor- > signed to Copenhagen, Denmark. Here tant." Already evidence of these words of > again she served the Faith she loved so well the Guardian has been manifested. One can- > with steadfastness and courage. Her record not express in words the sense of feeling. > in Denmark is rich. She, along with other One knew the leaven of the Faith was work- > pioneers and Johanne Hoeg, was instrumen- ing, cementing those souls standing at that > tal in bringing forty-seven believers into the open grave into one, unit--each pledging re- > Faith in Denmark. Her last pioneer assign- newed effort in carrying forward the banner > ment was to Italy, where she served both that Dagmar laid into our hands. > in Naples and in Milan. "Death proffereth unto every confident > In the village of Glion, high on the slopes > believer the cup that is life indeed. It be- > of the Swiss Alps, lies Dagmar-where in > the springtime the white narcissus pour out stoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. > their fragrance and the snow-capped moun- It conferreth the gift of everlasting life." > tains eternally stand sentinel. Dagmar is one of those confident believers > Snow was softly falling, covering every- to whom Bah2u'llhh gave this glorious > thing in a mhntle of white, as members of promise. > Dagmar's family, and her BahCi friends > IN MEMORIAM 703 > > FLORENCE BREED KHAN > > Florence LhLnum was the daughter of a > prominent New England manufacturer, > Ffancis W. Breed. She was brought up on > the family estate in Lynn, Massachusetts. > Later she attended finishing schools in Bos- > ton and New York, traveled in Europe, and > made her social debut in Chicago at the > home of Mrs. Potter Palmer. Newspaper > accounts of the time described her popular- > ity and beauty. > Early tragedies, including her betrothal as > he lay on his deathbed, to the poet Philip > Henry Savage, and her father's loss of for- > tune, turned her mind toward serious things. > She began to study mysticism, dramatics > and art and it was in the course of these > studies that she met the lecturer and critic, > Mary Hanford Ford. About this time Mrs. > Ford visited Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, > where she attended classes conducted by > Mirzi Abu'l-Fad1 and Ali-Kuli Khan and > became a BahB'i. Florence Breed Khan. > It was Mrs. Ford who introduced Ali- (Mme. Ali-Kuli Khan). > Kuli Khan to the Breed family in Boston. > When he first entered Mrs. Breed's drawing > room, Khan, was attracted by a painting > which he took for the artist's ideal of a Persian Legation in Washington, D.C. As > beautiful woman. It was not long before he chatelaine of the Legation, Florence &hi- > married the lady whose portrait the artist num enjoyed several years of brilliant ac- > had painted. When news of this union tivity. The SJhLh gave her a title-Murav- > reached the Holy Land, 'Abdu'l-BahL cele- vihu's-Saltanih-one who bestows spirit on > brated it. He gave to Florence the name the realm. At this time 'Abdu'l-BahL visited > RiihLniyyih, she who is holy, pure, spiritual. the United States and Madame Khan was > When the first child was born, the Master able to bring many of the leading personali- > said he was the first fruit of the spiritual ties of the day into His presence. He per- > union between East and West. mitted a photograph of Himself to be taken > Taking their infant son, the Khans visited with the Khans, and another with their > 'Abdu'l-BahL on their way to Persia. 'Abd- children. Florence LhLnum was present at > u'l-BahL showed great bounty to Florence. the Unity Feast of June 29, 1912, given by > It was in the course of this visit that He told 'Abdu'l-Bahb Himself at West Englewood, > Khan that He testified she was a true be- New Jersey, and Dr. Khan translated the > liever. He also said, Rahat mikunad-she words spoken on that occasion. > shall have rest. At the home of Florence's mother, Alice > In Persia Madame Khan was obliged to Ives Breed, society matron and one of the > wear the veil in those early times, the first early Bahgi'is in the United States, 'Abdu'l- > decade of this century. The change of cli- BahL celebrated the BLb's birthday, and > mate and customs was difficult for her. She about that time He also presided at her sis- > fell ill and they despaired of her life. Khan ter's wedding. When Mr. Breed tried to > nursed her for months, all the BahB'is did thank Him for all His kindness to Florence > what they could, and she survived. She on her Eastern visit, 'Abdu'l-BahL asked > never forgot her love for the Persian BahL'is. why he thanked Him, they were His own > She returned to the United States, where family. > Dr. Khan became charge' d'affaires at the ~ l o r e n c ewas also present on that last day > 704 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > when the BahL'is went to the ship to take tives of different nations at war and of na- > leave of the beloved Master, and Dr. Khan tions who had not yet concluded peace and > translated His final words to the Bahb'is of they had been most successful in their en- > America. deavour."l > Two things 'Abdu'l-BahL taught her she The then Crown Prince of Persia took > often quoted in Persian: One was that He Dr. Khan away with him as Grand Master > said to her Sabr kun; rnit&-i-Man bdd-be of his Court. That is how it came about that > patient, be as I am. The other was when when the greatest calamity of their lives > some one expressed discouragement to Him, overtook them, Dr. Khan was traveling to > saying they could not possibly acquire all Persia and Florence was still in Istanbul. > the qualities and virtues that Bahb'is are di- This calamity was the sudden, and to the > rected to possess, and the Master replied BahB'is then, unbearable passing of 'Abd- > Kam Kam. Rliz bih rliz-little by little; u'l-BahL. Very shortly, however, it became > day by day. known that the Master had left a Will and > After World War I, Dr. Khan was ap- Testament placing His Father's Cause in the > pointed a member of the Persian Delegation safest of hands. A new word entered the > to the Versailles Peace Conference. Their BahB'i vocabulary, the word Guardian. > stay in Paris that year was perhaps the high Madame Khan herself carried the first avail- > point of Madame Khan's official life. able copy of the Will and Testament across > At this time 'Abdu'l-BahL sent word that the Caucasus and into Persia. The Bahb'is > His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, was coming of Baku on the Caspian Sea sat up most of > to Paris on his way to Oxford University. the night transcribing the Will so that she > Florence LhLnum was thus able to serve as could take it on with her the next morning. > Shoghi Effendi's hostess on numerous occa- After serving as head of the Prince Re- > sions, and he gave the family their most pre- gent's Court, Dr. Khan was appointed Pleni- > cious possession, a robe of 'Abdu'l-Bahti. potentiary to the Five Republics of the Cau- > When Dr. Khan became head of the Per- casus, and then in 1924 the Khan family > sian Embassy at Constantinople, Madame returned to the United States, stopping on > Khan's significant social role continued. The their way for a memorable visit with the > Turkish writer Mufty-Zade K. Zia Bey in Guardian in Haifa. > his book Speaking of the Turlcs describes The last twenty-five years of her life were > how she and her husband worked to pro- difficult for Florence Khtinurn and at times > mote international understanding: tragic. On June 24, 1950, at the Unity Feast > "The only reception that I know of . . . in New Jersey, Florence KhLnum passed > at which all officials and prominent citizens away suddenly, without suffering, in a place > of all nations were invited was the reception and on an occasion sacred to the memory > given at the Persian Embassy in honour of of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Loving friends attended > the Crown Prince of Persia . . . it was the her. As she died a friend was singing the > most successful reception of the season in Lord's Prayer. > Constantinople . . . The Persian represent- The BahL'is of New York City where she > ative bravely decided to ask everybody resided held a notable memorial service for > without distinction of nationality and with- Madame Khan and her body was laid to > out regard to the political situation, and let rest in the Breed family plot at Lynn. An > events take their course. Naturally, events American Catholic friend had a mass said > were powerfully helped by the 'savoir-faire' for her, and in Tihrtin the Muhammadan > and the courtesy of the Persian representa- editor of the newspaper ZrLn devoted sev- > tive and of his wife . . . Of course-we were eral columns to her story. The Guardian of > all . . . anxious to see how it would turn the Faith cabled: "Profoundly grieve pass- > out . . . Khanoum wore her beautifully ing beloved, distinguished, staunch, great- > embroidered Persian court gown and her hearted handmaid beloved Master. Praying > diamond decorations and greeted us with fervently progress soul Kingdom. Her re- > the ineffable charm which has won for her ward assured. Loving sympathy. (signed) > the hearts of all who have met her in three SHOGHI.'' > continents." His account closes: "They had -MARZIEH GAIL > dared to bring together all the representa- 1 Pages 172-175,179. > IN MEMORIAM 705 > > DESCRIPTION OF THE MARTYRDOM OF LOUISE STAPFER BOSCH > BABRAM R A W ~ A NIN > ~ TAFT > By MYRLE SOMERHALDER > AND IRVIN > > In March, 1951, in Yazd, a young man > was discovered dead in a desolate part of A little girl was born to the Maurice > the town. A few enemies of BahB'i Faith Stapfers in Ziirich, Switzerland, on July 11, > spread false rumors about, to the effect that named her Louise. She grew to > be a fair, curly-haired, blue-eyed child and > later as a woman she was beloved by all > who knew her. No trumpets heralded her > birth and none echoed heideath on Septem- > ber 6, 1952, at Geyserville, California, but > her gentle manner, humility, her service to > others and her devotion to her Master's ev- > ery wish is inscribed on many, many hearts > and is recognized in the Realms of Glory. > Little is known of her childhood days, as > she always thought "Louise" was a minor > subject. In later years she seemed happiest > when talking with others about the "One- > ness of God, the oneness of the Prophets, > and the oneness of mankind." Can you not > visualize her as a studious, loving and yet > merry little lass? In April, 1889, courageous > Louise landed in New York and soon be- > gan the study of homeopathic medicine. > In 1901 she met Miss Fanny S. Montague > of Dobbs Ferry, New York, who introduced > her to the BahB'i Faith. She also studied > fervently at Green Acre under the guidance > of Miss Sarah J. Farmer. > Soon she became engaged to Dr. Wm. > Moore, brother of Lua Getsinger and to- > gether thev made plans to live a life of serv- > Bahram Rawhini of Taft. yce and a&inisterfing homeopathic remedies > in the Southern States. To her great sorrow > he contracted yellow fever and passed on > before she could join him there. > the boy had been murdered by Bahi'is. Subsequently she met the beloved May > They placed his body in a coffin and car- Maxwell and accompanied her to Haifa in > ried it around the town lamenting the death 1909 where she came into the presence of > of the youth and speaking vehemently of 'Abdu'l-Bahb; this to her was the greatest of > the cruel deed of the BahB'is. While this honors. Her great love for May Maxwell is > incident was taking place, two men who a story in itself. In her notes may be found > were members of the Faith, were severely a significant quotation: "I cannot speak of > beaten in a neighborhood shop because of the great benefits to my life and the trans- > their religious affiliation with the BahL'i formation I experienced through the asso- > group. ciation of May Maxwell." > At the same time another group of ene- While strolling in the gardens one day, > mies of the Faith went about the town of Louise expressed to 'Abdu'l-Bahb her great > Taft destroying the gardens and damaging desire to rise to the heights of spiritual > the homes of BahB'is. One BahB'i with a knowledge. She asked fervently: " 'Abdu'l- > Parsi background, named Barham Seroosh Bahi, what can I do to attain this?'He > Rawhiini, complained to the police about gazed at her fondly and replied "Give me > these persecutions. On the way back to his thy heart." She dedicated her life to fulfill- > home that night he was attacked with knives ing this inspiring request. > and martyred by enemies of the Faith. Upon her return to America she obtained > 706 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > employment in the medical department of them by Shoghi Effendi, to the National > the Briarcliff Manor School in New York. Convention in 1922. > She was also privileged to care for Rilhiy- During the years Louise came to realize > yih KhBnum when she was a child. A mo- the great need for teachers and that a school > mentous event occurred when Dr. Getsinger on the Bosch property would be of the > persuaded Louise to write to John Bosch, greatest of service. John had already written > a fellow countryman in California. to 'Abdu'l-Bahb: ". . . May this simple > On January 19, 1914, Louise Stapfer and place on the hill be dedicated to the univer- > John David Bosch were wedded in San sal spirit of the Teachings of BahB'u'llBh. > Francisco. To this union there was "born" May it be a Ma&riqu'l-Adhkkr, although > one glorious "child"-the Geyserville Ba- it be not of grandeur in appearance but only > hL'i Summer School. They nurtured it with a place of utmost simplicity for traveling > fervent prayers, steadfast-devotion and un- souls to rest in and to partake of the spirit > ceasing service until their physical beings as it is given. I pray that the atmosphere > were no more on this plane. here may henceforth be filled with true > John and Louise had a happy life to- spirituality and power, and that we may be > gether. Many are the anecdotes each, with a guided by the strong hand of the Almighty > little twinkle in the eyes, could relate of the so that this place may be a natural source > other. John never could lavish worldly of pure water for the believers to drink from > riches on his Louise, for she always man- and for all good hearts who are earnestly > aged to encounter some one more needy to seeking for enlightenment." > whom to pass on her possessions. As his Plans materialized and in August, 1927, > bride, John gave her five hundred dollars under the Big Tree the first Western BahL'i > to spend as she wished. She made haste to Snmmer School was held. John was a > send it to the Temple fund. staunch supporter of the driving forces in > In the little village of Geyserville, Louise Louise and gave generously of his wealth ,, > and her little basket of various small gifts for propagating the Cause of God; without > and remedies will remain a memory to the her determination the Summer School could > townsmen. Just as 'Abdu'l-BahB's gift of a not have been realized, She sacrificed her > rose would be transformed into a priceless whole being for it. In 1933 Shoghi Effendi > gem-so it was with Louise as she left a wrote her, ". . . the work you have initi- > smile here, a word of encouragement there, ated in collaboration with Mr. Bosch is a > perhaps a needed homeopathic remedy or a historic achievement, an example to the Ba- > bit of spiritual knowledge. To compensate hB'i communities in other lands, a source of > for having no child of her own, for she future blessings and an added evidence of > loved children, she gave her all to the Cause the mighty and glorious spirit that animates > of Bahh'u'llkh and especially to the Geyser- you both in the service of our beloved > ville School. Cause. Strive, that every passing year may > Louise fully realized that the New World witness a fresh advance in the extension of > Order must penetrate even the most remote its scope, the spread of its influence and the > regions of the world. Having studied dili- consolidation of its foundation." > gently 'Abdu'l-BahB's Divine Plan she and She wrote countless letters and found joy > John set sail for Tahiti in the spring of in providing personally for the comfort of > 1920. Remaining there for five months, they each student. The place was scrubbed to > planted the seed. As 'Abdu'l-Bahb wrote, spotlessness as dust and Louise could never > "Thou art sowing a seed that shall in due dwell in the same room. She was truly a > time give rise to thousands of harvests." perfectionist. She always remembered her > Upon their return from the South Seas "charges" and corresponded endlessly to > they- began to plan for a pilgrimage to guide them further in the Teachings. Her > Haifa. On the way they toured Germany, torch kindled the flame of friends and teach- > France, Switzerland and Italy, where they ers from East, West, North and South. > did extensive teaching, and arrived in Haifa Many believers brought their contacts to > just fourteen days before 'Abdu'l-Bahb blessed Louise, and through her great > passed away on November 28, 1921. How- warmth, love and understanding, their con- > ever, they remained for forty days and had firmation would be achieved. > the great honor of bringing the first copy of In 1913 'Abdu'l-Bahb wrote a Tablet to > 'Abdu'l-BahPs Will and Testament, given her, "Oh thou daughter of the Kingdom: > IN MEMORIAM 707 > > stood and had the rare quality of being able > to express her love to all Bahb'is. She also > loved the Guardian and had a devoted > comprehension of his station; she constantly > emphasized it to the friends. During her > later days, when her physical and mental > faculties ebbed away, the qualities of her > soul proved themselves, for she was more > than ever the sweetest and most lovable > Louise. > On a bright sunny afternoon soon after > she was taken from them, her friends gath- > ered for a memorial service in the Collins > Hall on the Geyserville School grounds. > Mamie Seto and Arthur Dahl paid her > homage, thus closing a chapter in Bah6'i > history concerning two great souls, Louise > and John. She was laid to rest atop a hill, > alongside John, overlooking the valley they > both loved so well. The chapter is closed > but the book will go on and on-their child, > the Geyserville School, will continue to train > teachers and send forth pioneers to all na- > tions, peoples and creeds until there is but > One World, and the brotherhood of man is > Louise Stapfer Bosch. established, as a result of the devotion and > sacrifice of all the great souls like John and > Louise Bosch. > "The Maid Servant of God, Louise," > Thou art one of the old believers and be- wrote 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in 1904, "0 thou who > longest to the firm and steadfast maid- art advancing towards God! Verily the > servants of the Kingdom. Therefore in the Cause is great and the Lord is Merciful and > estimation of 'Abdu'l-Bahi thou art fa- Clement. Trust in the Grace of Thy Lord, > vored. Thank God that thou art firm in the > and be firm in love for Him who has cre- > Covenant and hast turned thy face toward > the Kingdom of Abh6. I hope from the ated thee and made thee. The veils shall be > bestowals of Bahb'u'llih that He may so removed, the shining lamp shall beam, the > enkindle thee as to move that region, that clouds shall be dispelled, the lights of the > thou mayest unloose thy tongue in guiding Sun of love shall appear on the horizons and > the people and attract the souls to His Holi- God shall grant thywishes and give thee the > ness Bahb'u'llih." power of deeds. > To tell more of the life of Louise Bosch "It is incumbent upon thee to depend > would be to repeat the account of the life of wholly upon the Center of Lights, and call > John Bosch so ably presented in The Bn- out for love, universal peace and harmony > hci'i World, Volume XI. They were the rar- amongst the people in the East of the earth > est of teams-one supported the other, the and its West, so that the foundation of ran- > lacks of one supplemented by the other. cor may be destr-oyed and the edifice of love > This magnificent marriage was indeed and faithfulness be set up, and that the > "made in Heaven." Without John's wise > heavenly powers may govern the mortal sen- > counseling the perseverance of Louise would > have been as a ship without a captain. timents and the merciful feelings may be- > Before the visit of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 to Amer- come manifest in the human realities: This > ica, He issued a Tablet in which he declared is becoming of those maid-servants of God, > that the BahVis must pave the way for His who are attracted to that Beauty which is > coming by showing great love and unity to shining from the Horizon of the Kingdom > one another. He said, "Love is the greatest of God upon the world. > of all living Powers." Louise fully under- "Upon thee be greeting and praise." > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > FLORENCE MORTON > > On learning of the passing of Mrs. Flor- > ence Morton, Worcester, Mass., former > member of the National Spiritual Assem- > bly and for some years its Treasurer, the > Assembly cabled the Guardian to inform > him. Shoghi Effendi cabled this reply, re- > ceived April 8, 1953 : > "Grieve passing faithful promoter (of) > Faith. Praying (for the) progress (of her) > soul." > > The sunlight slanted down on His white > garment as He walked majestically down > the streets of Boston. Crowds going in both > directions stared; walked on, each with his > own thoughts. Almost a block away, she > saw Him and was stirred. He was gone > before she could catch up. But Mrs. Flor- > ence Morton, shopping in Boston that day, > never forgot the venerable figure seen at a > distance. She was later to seek and find > 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and to walk in His straight > path, serving all the days of her life. > - During world War I, a few years after Florence Morton. > the Boston incident, on vacation with her > family in Nova Scotia, she watched a hospi- > tal ship dock in the early morning hours at > Halifax. Authorities had planned it that way > -early, so that the public might not see 1953, she served unswervingly, pouring out > the maimed and wounded being carried her material means abundantly and giving > from the ship. But Florence Morton, on her of herself, despite opposition of family and > early walk in the gray dawn mist, saw at friends. > first hand the results of war. The blind, the She was born in Worcester, October 12, > legless, the armless, the shell-shocked boys 1875, the daughter of Frederick E. and > were carried from the ship. It was at that Sarah (Wood) Reed. She attended a finish- > moment that she resolved to dedicate her ing school in Binghamton, New York, and > life and her fortune to promoting world spent two years abroad. Except for a brief > peace. Thus the Divine Hand beckoned to period in her childhood when the family > a waiting, gentle soul. Seeking, she found moved to Thompson, Connecticut, she lived > Him; found that she had missed meeting her life in Worcester. She married Fred S. > 'Abdu'l-Bahi in person by the length of a Morton there, and they had one son, Stan- > city block. ley R. Morton. > One night in the world of dreams His Soon after hearing of the BahL'i Faith she > blessed face appeared to her in a blinding and Mrs. Amelia Collins, then living in > light. "The results of that dream must have Princeton, Massachusetts, where the Mor- > been imprinted on my wondering face," she ton family had a summer home, studied > related many years later, "for in the morn- deeply together. Both later became members > ing my husband looked at me and said, of' the National Spiritual Assembly, and > 'What has happened to you?' " Mrs. Morton served as its Treasurer for a > From that time (about 1919) nothing number of years. > could stop her search, nor dim the radiance In 1924 she was serving as a member > of her Faith. She studied intensively with of the National Spiritual Assembly and > Mr. and Mrs. I-Ioward Struven, then resid- through her efforts the sixteenth Annual > ing in Worcester. Until she died April 3, Convention was held in Worcester. News- > IN MEMORIAM 709 > > papers of April 27 in Worcester gave ban- mette are also unknown by the friends. > ner headlines to the "Bahi'i Congress and Once, reading a joyous cable of apprecia- > Convention of the Bahi'i Temple Unity," tion from Shoghi Effendi published in Ba- > at the Bancroft hotel. Photographs of 'Abd- hn"i News, I mentioned it to Florence. She > u'l-Bahh appeared and pictures of the Tem- had not yet seen that issue and was quite > ple model were used. Worcester friends re- upset that her generosity had become > member how they all prepared food for known, for hers was a true humility. > hundreds of people and much of the ex- She had a passion for flowers and one > pense of the Convention was assumed by often found her on her knees weeding her > Florence Morton, though none of her own gardens at her Worcester house or at her > community was ever aware of the extent country estate in Paxton, Massachusetts. > of her services. Once, finding her gently spraying some > Worcester Bahi'is also remember that she seedlings with a small ear syringe, she said: > was instrumental in getting Dr. John Her- "You must never use the hose for it has too > man Randall of the Community Church in much force for such tender little plants." > New York City to come to Worcester for a When Roy WiIhelm developed his famous > series of paid lectures preceding the Con- estate on Spreckle Mountain at North > vention, in order to prepare the Christian Lovell, Maine, it was Florence who planted > minds for the Bahi'i message. She later bore the first gardens and watched over them, > the expense of a magazine, World Unity, hurrying from Worcester to Maine many > to indirectly interest people in the Faith; times early each spring. > and underwrote the expense of Dr. Randall At Paxton, in the spring and summer, > on a tour of the United States in which he Florence welcomed Bahj'i friends on any > appeared on platforms with the leading and all occasions. Many new people re- > Christian and Jewish ministers and rabbis. ceived the Message or deepened in the Cre- > In connection with her interest in World ative Word to the accompaniment of wa- > Unity Magazine and World Unity meetings, ter splashing down over the old mill wheel. > Mrs. Morton made it possible to bring out She had rebuilt the old grist mill, furnished > the compilation of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's public it in New England antiques in one huge > talks entitled Foundations of World Unity, room, used almost excluiively for her B-; > later taken over by the Bahi'i Publishing hi'i friends. Other spots of beauty high in > Committee. the Paxton hills were used for picnics and > She was instrumental in keeping the for study. > Worcester Bahl'i Center open for more When a young girl, a cook in her home, > than thirty years, during which time the > received the ~ e ~ s anda ~almost > e at once be- > Bahi'i Community grew and flourished and > came a luminous and firm believer, Flor- > sent forth pioneering individuals. She finan- > cially assisted many pioneers to go forth ence was overjoyed. > into States where no Bahi'is resided, as soon "I have always prayed that I might find > as the First Seven-Year Plan was an- some one who would be immediately recep- > nounced. tive," she said. How happily she and Mrs. > Mrs. Morton built Bahi'i Hall, at Green Collins prayed and studied with Elsie in the > Acre Bahl'i School, and gave it to the kitchen, long after the rest of the household > Faith. She had assisted, previous to this new was quiet at night! > building, in remodeling the Inn and other Another joint effort with Mrs. Collins was > Green Acre properties. No one can even compiling the prayers and Writings called > guess how many of the friends were re- B a h a Writings the proceeds of which > cipients of her bounty in attending sessions were turned into the Temple Fund. Hun- > at Green Acre; nor how many she sent off dreds of copies were @ento their friends. > to annual Conventions. Her one request was Future generations of believers may look > always that "no one must know this." upon the grave of Florence Morton in Hope > She served for many years on the New Cemetery in Worcester. But none save Him > England Regional committees; the Green will know of all. her good deeds; so self- > Acre School committees and the National effacing, so truly full of humility was she > Radio Committee. in her earthly life. > Her gfts to the House of Worship in Wil- -ALICE BACON > 710 T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > RahmAn Kulayni was born in the county > of Mamaqkn where he acquired his elemen- > tary education. He started as a tailor in the > same county and as he was very sociable > and kind soon his workshop became a cen- > ter for the gathering of the educated Bahi'i > and non-Bahi'i youth. Although he was not > more than 25, his vigilance and alertness > brought him into contact with the elder > men who welcomed him for his traits. He > often acted as an arbitrator in many dis- > putes brought to him by Bahi'is and non- > Bahi'is and always lent a hand in benevo- > lent affairs and religious ceremonies on the > mourning days of Muharram. In 1935 a Ba- > hi'i youth who had great appreciation for > the traits and virtues of Rahmkn Kulayni > took him to a Bahi'i meeting. Then he be- > came interested in associating more with the > Bahi'is. His ever-increasing interest in the > Faith was mostly due to the good conduct > of the BahB'is around him and not to the > authentic proofs or traditions of the Faith. > In 1937 the late AqA Zaynu'l-'Abidin > Abadi, one of the early believers and a > steadfast friend and the conquerer of two RahmAn Kulayni Mamaqkni. > counties in the district of Marighih to > whom 'Abdu'l-BahA has addressedseveral never leave his widowed mother-in-law > Tablets, taught the Word of God to Rahmkn alone, as she was his only hope when he > Kulayni, after which he became a Bah2i in was in great despair. His faithfulness and > 1938. sympathy were deeply felt by his relatives > His success in the Faith caused a depres- who had withdrawn from all association > sion in his business and gradually his rela- with him. > tives and acquaintances kept aloof and left Finally, he found himself unable to do > him alone. This treatment by his relatives the housekeeping when his mother-in-law > increased Kulayni's courage. Being indiffer- became feeble. Then upon the constant in- > ent to the rebukes and denunciations of all sistence of the Bahi'is and his mother-in- > the ignorant people around him, he aban- law he married the daughter of Kazim PGli, > doned all that he had in his possession for one of the Bahi'is of Mamaqhn, who > the benefit of his brother. He married Aqk brought him a son and a daughter. > Zaynu'l-'Abidin's daughter and went to live In 1951 he was assigned as the Technical > with his father-in-law. Kulayni had great Inspector of the railroad rolling stock in > ambitions and enrolled in the Railroad DurGd where he served the Cause as a faith- > Technical School when business became ful pioneer. In August, 1953, some fanatics > slack in 1941. in DurGd began a campaign to incite the > In 1942 his wife, Huma, passed away and people there against the Bahi'is, stopping > left him alone with their only son, Parviz. at nothing in their denunciations. All the > He decided to remain single out of sym- Bahi'is who could not stand the situation > pathy for his mother-in-law who had out- left DurGd for Andirnisl-lk and Burfijird. > lived her husband and daughter. When Kulayni returned from Andimis_hk upon the > friends tried to induce him to marry again instruction of the superintendent of the Di- > he would reply with a smile, "If I get mar- vision of Railroad to remain at his post, al- > ried my present-in-law will collaborate with though aware of the possible dire conse- > my wife and they both will break my back." quences. > Then seriously he would add that he would Soon after his return the rabble broke the > IN MEMORIAM 71 1 > > window panes of his house and the super- h&'u'lldh, was born in the city of Yazd in > intendent ordered a new house for him. On 1880, and during infancy accompanied his > September 26, 1953, when Kulayni was parents to 'AkkL. His father 'Ali Akbar was > moving into his new house Ustad G-hulan, ordered by BahB'u'llLh to reside at Alexan- > a ruffian incited by the bigots of the city, dria and engaged in trade. As a child, the > suddenly stabbed him in the stomach, heart, late 'Abdu'l Hussein received the blessings > and neck. Thus Kulayni became, at thirty- of BahL'u'lldh, and in 1892 he was 12 years > seven, a martyr in the Cause. old. He subsequently was a loyal and de- > Later his family stated that when Kulayni voted follower of 'Abdu'l-BahL and was un- > left Andimiak for Durhd he turned to his der the kind benevolence of the beloved > wife, with great ecstacy and exhilaration Guardian Shoghi Effendi. > and said, "Do not worry for me. I leave He was ever a devoted and sincere fol- > the children to you and hope God be with lower of the Bahh'i principles. He passed > you." He proved his faithfulness and loyalty away in peace on August 27, 1950, and was > to the Cause and government by shedding buried at Alexandria. The circumstances as- > his blood. sociated with his burial at the "Free Think- > ers" burial grounds raised with the authori- > ties the question of allotting a burial ground > for ~aha='is > at Alexandria and pshed-it for- > ward a step. > Two daughters survive him. > May his soul abide in eternal Peace. > > CHARLES NELSON KENNEDY > > "Grieve passing dear devoted co-worker > Kennedy. Long record services unforgetta- > ble. Praying progress soul." > -SHOGHI > > Charles Nelson Kennedy, a devoted > member of the Bahb'i Community of Paris > and chairman of the Spiritual Assembly for > many years, was a native of England, born > at Leeds (Yorkshire) November 6, 1875. > At the age of 18, his parents having lost > their fortune, he left England for Central > Russia, going to Samarka.nd and later Sko- > belev, where he became mining engineer in > coal mines belonging to Monsieur and > Madame Orsero de Keapkoff. > In 1910 Monsieur and Madame Orsero > 'Abdu'l Hussein Yazdi. > de Keapkoff left for Paris, where M. de > The last survivor in Egypt of those who > Keapkoff died in 1912. > had the privilege of receiving the > Mr. Kennedy, who had remained in Rus- > Blessing of BahB'u'lldh. > sia. left for France iust before the war of > 1914 and met ~ a d a m ede Keapkoff, who > 'ABDU'L HUSSEIN YAZDf was of French nationality, and in 1915 they > were married. > The late 'Abdu'l Hussein Effendi Yazdi, During a voyage they made to GrCville > son of AqL 'Ali-Akbar Yazdi and grandson (Manche) they met the artist Edwin Scott > of Hdji 'Abdu'l Rahim Yazdi, a veteran be- and his wife, both well known members of > liever at Yazd, who was allowed to come the BahB'i Community of Paris. It was > to 'AkkB and reside during the days of Ba- through them that Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy > 712 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > was waiting for a bus when a woman > stopped her car and offered Grace a ride. > A conversation on religion developed. Later, > when somebody told Lou Eggleston of this > conversation, he went to the Obers to find > out more about their Faith. From such a > simple incident, a chain of events was > started that resulted in the establishment of > the Louhelen Bahi'i School at Davison, > Michigan. Lou's chief services to the Faith > revolved around the founding of the school. > Lou Eggleston was in the American tra- > dition of the self-made man. He had little > formal education and was trained as a > plumber. He worked hard and seemed to > possess great reserves of physical energy. > At one period of his life he commuted by > automobile one hundred and twenty miles > a day from Louhelen Ranch to Detroit, yet > always seemed to be relaxed and at ease. > He possessed an intuitive genius for solving > practical engineering problems, an ability > which seemed uncanny, but which he cred- > ited to prayer and meditation. > Charles N. Kennedy. For thirty years Lou was employed by the > American Radiator Company, finally be- > became Bahi'is, and they were soon very coming head of the Research and Develop- > active members. This was about 1926. Mrs. ment Laboratory of the Detroit Lubricator > Kennedy died during the war of 1939. Mr. Company, a division of American Radiator. > Kennedy escaped being deported as he was He was greatly respected by the personnel > already an ill man. On October 21, 1950, and company officials. An engineering asso- > after a very long and painful illness, he ciate reports a meeting of engineers, called > passed into the Abhb Kingdom, deeply re- to solve a particularly puzzling technical > gretted by all who loved and highly appre- problem. The discussion became involved, > ciated him as a man and a Bahi'i of out- and several men proposed rather compli- > standing qualities. cated solutions. Lou got up, walked to a > -EDITH R. SANDERSONblackboard, drew a simple sketch and said, > "Gentlemen, I think this is the solution." > There was a momentary silence, for the so- > lution was direct and logical. > Lou became a BahVi in 1930, after mov- > L. W. EGGLESTON ing from Rochester to Detroit. He served > DEC.8, 1872-SEPT. 5, 1953 on the Detroit Spiritual Assembly, was > many times a delegate to the National Con- > "Grieve passing valued promoter Faith. vention. He and his wife, Helen, conducted > His historic donation (of) School highly regular firesides in their apartment. > meritorious, reward bountiful (in) King- Shortly after accepting the Faith, he took > dom. Deepest sympathy, praying progress steps to carry out a dream of service that > (of his) soul." occupied most of his energies and resources > SHOGHI during the rest of his life. His idea was > to buy a farm that could be self-supporting > (Cablegram received September 8, 1953, and become the basis for establishing a Ba- > by Mrs. L. W. Eggleston.) h6'i school. He consulted a number of his > Baht% friends and, one summer, he and > In 1927-1928 Grace and Harlan Ober Helen drove to Green Acre to see how that > were living in Clarence, New York, a small Bah&'5school was run. > town near Rochester. One day Grace Ober Three miles south of Davison, Michigan, > IN MEMORIAM 713 > > on Route 15-a route number which has winter months praying for a good cook for > become familiar to hundreds of BahB'is- the summer, and adding blankets and > Lou bought a farm. The buildings were not dishes to the supplies. > in good condition but his practical eye saw By 1934 it became necessary to hold > possibilities that patience and hard work separate youth sessions, so many were at- > could develop. He called the farm "The tending, and they had asked for such an > Louhelen Ranch," a fitting name since in arrangement. A youth committee made and > the years that followed Lou and Helen enforced rules and helped work out their > worked in devoted partnership building the own programs. In 1937 the first full meeting > foundations of a BahC'i school. of the National Youth Committee was held > A small cabin stands near a stream in a at Louhelen. (This was at a time when the > ravine in the middle of the ranch acreage. National Youth Committee was made up > Here the first informal nine-day session of of members from both coasts and the cen- > the Louhelen School was held in the sum- tral area of the United States.) > mer of 1931. Discussion groups met either Lou and Helen Eggleston were always > in the cabin or on the banks of the ravine, asking how the school could be improved, > where rough bleacher seats were erected. how it could serve the Faith more effec- > The teachers at that first session were Doro- tively. Rates were kept as low as possible > thy Baker, Harlan and Grace Ober, Mabel and were even lower for youth. Lou will > and Howard Ives. The beginning was with- always be remembered by Bahii'i youth for > out fanfare, but it was so good a begin- his generosity. If they could not pay for > ning that the simple rustic setting was soon board and room, he would see to it they > too small and had to be abandoned. came anyway. (A direct result of this youth > The original farm buildings were close to work was the first BahB'i Assembly in Flint > the highway. In the second summer a vio- -nine miles from the school. All nine > lent windstorm blew down a large old barn members of that first Flint Assembly were > and Lou always said it was God's wind that under twenty-five years old.) This desire > took down that framework so he could to improve led to the holding of the Winter > build on the solid cement foundation. There > the auditorium was erected. "Pullman > Lodge," a smaller barn, had been turned > into-single private rooms on the first floor > and dormitory space on the second. But > that proved inadequate to house the number > of believers and friends the second year. > Lou met this challenge by turning the im- > mense hayloft of the second barn into two > floors of rooms and by building several one- > room cabins in the trees near the main > house. > Before the first session Lou and Helen > Eggleston had written to Shoghi Effendi for > advice, and his suggestions and approval > of courses were their guide each year. The > National Assembly appointed a Program > Committee, but the Egglestons carried the > financial burden of maintenance and devel- > opment until 1948 when they deeded over > the school buildings and nine acres of the > property to the National Spiritual Assembly. > Housing and feeding those attending the > sessions became a full-time job. By the time > morning devotions had started, Lou and > Helen would be driving to the wholesale > houses in Flint to buy food by the bushel > basket. While others studied. thev served > in this way. Lou often said they ipent the L. W. Eggleston. > 714 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Sessions in the week between Christmas and Food Associates, and was a Merit Badge > New Year's Day. Lou felt it was a shame to counselor in soil management and agricul- > waste the buildings by using them only in ture for the Boy Scouts. > the summer months. By now the library Never did Lou Eggleston push himself > building had been built, with its huge fire- forward. He was dignified, self-effacing, > place that adequately warmed the second friendly and hospitable. An engineering > floor dormitory. Stoves were added to the friend and associate wrote: "I remember > Pullman Lodge, and extra rooms in the him from childhood as a rather stern but > house-long since improved and enlarged kindly disposed man-very quiet but with > -were pressed into winter service. an air of authority. I also remember him as > Lou will always be remembered as a gar- an engineer-and a very practical one. > dener. He was continually planting trees Probably my clearest recollections are the > and flowers around the school buildings. ones during his illness. Helen permitted me > The pleasant campus grounds are due to his to see him a few weeks before his death. > foresight. Freshly cut flowers were always He was in bed of course-very pale, thin, > on the tables and on the platform for the and quiet. We both smiled, then tears came > Sunday afternoon public lectures. And some to our eyes; he reached out his hands to > of us remember Lou standing outside the grip mine and said, 'I'll see you soon on the > door of the little auditorium, handing a other side.' (I believe this is nearly ver- > rose to each person coming out. batim.) I left the room shortly after with- > Over the years Lou worked tirelessly to out further words. This was the last time I > help the school make the Faith better known saw him." > throughout the State of Michigan. The li- An institution of the Faith like a BahL'i > brary established at the school was regis- School has a tremendously wide influence. > tered as a public library. And Lou rendered We cannot measure the services of a man > public services which helped enhance the who donates and helps build up such an in- > prestige of the Faith. He was active in the stitution. But we can point out at least one > organic farming movement, lecturing and fact-former membeps of the Louhelen > writing about it. He was a charter member School Program Committee are pioneering > and president of the Genesee County Or- in at least three continents. > ganic Farm and Garden Club, was a charter > member and served on the board of Natural > PART THREE > 110 O F T H E B A H A ' I E R A > > 1. I N T E R N A T I O N A L BAHA'I COUNCIL > Address: P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel. > > 2. BAHA'I NATIONAL SPIRITUAL > ASSEMBLIES > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New Zealand, > 2 Lang Road, Paddington, Sydney, N.S.W., AUSTRALIA. > Cable : NATBAHA'I,Sydney. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the British Isles, > 27 Rutland Gate, London, S.W. 7, ENGLAND. > Cable : BAHA'I,London. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Canada, > 47 Eastville Avenue, Toronto 13, Ontario, CANADA. > Cable: BAHA'I,Toronto. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Central America & Antilles, > Apartado 3751, San Jos6, Costa Rica, CENTRAL AMERICA. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Egypt and SbdLn, > P.O. Box 29, Faggala, Cairo, EGYPT. > Cable: BAHABUREAU, Cairo. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Germany and Austria, > Friedrich Ebertstrasse 39, Neckargemiind, bei Heidelberg, GERMANY. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India, Pikistln and Burma, > P.O. Box 19, New Delhi, INDIA. > Cable: RABBANIAN, Newdelhi. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of 'IrAq, > P.O. Box 5, Baghdld, 'IRAQ. > Cable: BA~A'CBaghdld. > - > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Italy and Switzerland, > BahL'i Bureau, Riimistrasse 38, Ziirich 1, SWITZERLAND. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Persia, > Shirkat Nawnahalan, Tihrln, IRAN. > Cable: NAWNAHALAN, Rawhani, Tihrin. > 718 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of South America, > Apartado 772, Lima, Peru, SOUTHAMERICA. > Cable: BAHA'I,Lima. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of the United States of America, > 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. > Cable: BAHA'I,Wilmette. > > International BahB'i Bureau, > 37 Quai Wilson, Geneva, SWITZERLAND. > Cable: BAHA'I,Geneva. > > Second Regional Conference of the Bah6'is of France, held in Lyon, April 18-19, 1954. > > First Benelux BahB'i Conference, held in Brussels, Belgium, April 12-14, 1952. > 3. COUNTRIES OPENED T O THE > BAHA'I FAITH > 1. Abyssinia 51. Colombia > 2. Aden Protectorate 52. Cook Is. > 3. Ad_hirbhyjAn 53. Corsica > 4. Afghhnistan 54. Costa Rica > 5. ~ h s a 55. Crete > 6. Alaska 56. Cuba > 7. Aleutian Islands 57. Cyprus > 8. Algeria 58. Czechoslovakia > 9. Andaman Is. 59. Darnan > 10. Andorra 60. Denmark > 11. Angola 61. Diu I. > 12. Argentina 62. Dominican Republic > 13. Armenia 63. Dutch Guiana > 14. Ashanti Protectorate 64. Dutch New Guinea > 15. Australia 65. Dutch West Indies > 16. Australian New Guinea 66. Ecuador > 17. Austria 67. Egypt > 18. Azores 68. Eire > 19. Bahama Is. 69. El Salvador > 20. Bahrayn Is. 70. Eritrea > 21. Balearic Is. 7 1. Falkland Is. > 22. Balilhisthn 72. Faroe Is. > 23. Baranof I. 73. Fiji Is. > 24. Basutoland 74. Finland > 25. Bechuanaland 75. Formosa > 26. Belgian Congo 76. France > 27. Belgium 77. Franklin > 28. Bermuda 78. French Cameroons > 29. Bismarck Archipelago 79. French Equatorial Africa > 30. Bolivia 80. French Guiana > 31. Borneo 81. French Morocco > 32. Brazil 82. French Somaliland > 33. British Cameroons 83. French Togoland > 34. British Guiana 84. French West Africa > 35. British Honduras 85. Frisian Is. > 36. British Somaliland 86. Galapagos Is. > 37. British Togoland 87. Gambia > 38. Brunei 88. Georgia > 39. Bulgaria 89. Germany > 40. Burma 90. Gilbert and Ellice Is. > 41. Canada 91. Goa > 42. Canary Is. 92. Gold Coast > 43. Cape Breton I. 93. Grand Manan I. > 44. Cape Verde Is. 94. Great Britain > 45. Caroline Is. 95. Greece > 46. Ceylon 96. Greenland > 47. Channel Is. 97. Guatemala > 48. Chile 98. Hadhramaut > 49. Chi106 I. 99. Haiti > 50. China 100. Hawaiian Is. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 215. Turkev 222. Windward Is. > 21 6. Turkienistan 223. Yemen > 217. Uganda 224. Yugoslavia > 218. 'UmmAn > 219. United States of America 225. Yukon > 220. Uruguay 226. Zanzibar > 22 1. Venezuela 227. Zululand > > 4 . LOCAL BAHA'I S P I R I T U A L ASSEM- > BLIES, GROUPS, A N D LOCALITIES > WHERE ISOLATED BAHA'IS > RESIDE I N THE U N I T E D > STATES O F AMERICA > 1953-1954 > LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES > ALABAMA 12. Berkeley: Mr. Jerome Sandusky, > 1 . Birmingham: Mrs. Verna A. Inglis, Secy., 241 1 Grant St. > Secy., 13 18 1 lth Ave. South 13. Beverly Hills : Mrs. Lili Olitzki-Her- > mann, Secy., P.O. Box 794. > ALASKA 14. Burbank: ~ r s .Lou Vena Wells, > 2. Anchorage: Miss Betty Becker, Secy., 250 N. Orchard St. > Secy., Box 45 15. Chula Vista: Mrs. Zelma J. Krug, > 3. Anchorage Recording District: Mrs. Secy., 166 3rd St., Apt. 1 > Jackie G. Houde, Secy., P.O. Box 16. Cloverdale Twp.: Mrs. Johanna > 1295, Spenard Vanoni, Secy., Box 243 C, Route > 1, Geyserville > ARIZONA 17. El Monte Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Henri N. > Heller, Secy., 10037 East Olive > 4. North Phoenix: Mrs. Loraine John- St., Temple City > son, Secy., 1001 West Solano Dr., 18. Fresno: Mrs. Delia Brandin, Secy., > Phoenix 535 Yosemite Ave., Fresno 4 > 5. Phoenix: Mrs. Mabel W. Dunharn, 19. Glendale: Mrs. Garnette Whitefield, > Secy., 1106 East Oak St. Secy., 1017 Boynton St., Glen- > 6. Township 14, Tucson: Mrs. Martha dale 5 > E. Shuman, Secy., 5347 East 20th 20. Inglewood: Mrs. Delores Vaden, > St., Tucson Secy., 333 N.W. Magnolia Ave. > 7. Tucson: Mrs. Isabel S. Dodge, 21. Inglewood Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Alethe > Secy., 1219 Alta Vista St. H. Hogberg, 5540 Marburn Ave., > 8. Yuma: Mrs. Dorothy Sherman, Los Angeles 43 > Secy., #1 Padre Garces Homes 22. Long Beach: Mrs. Mattie Russell > Allen, Secy., 2805 East 7th St., > ARKANSAS Long Beach 4 > 9. Little Rock: Mrs. Mary E. Conat- 23. Los Angeles: Mrs. Gertrude M. > ser, Secy., 3101 Madison St. Jacoby, Secy., 5725 Katherine > Ave., Van Nuys > CALIFORNIA 24. Millbrae: Mrs. Viviana Lisota, > 10. Alhambra: Mrs. Mayme Glass, Secy., 81 Camino Alto > Secy., 505 North Electric Ave. 25. Monrovia: Mrs. Bessie C. Duckett, > 11. Alhambra Judicial Dist.: Mrs. Dor- Secy., 149 Norumbega Drive > othy Hayes, Secy., 6845 N. Tem- 26. National City: Mrs. Vale R. Carl- > ple City Blvd., Arcadia son, Secy., 516 "C" Ave. > 722 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Teaching Conference of the BahL'is of the British Isles, > held in Sheffield, England, January, 1953. > > 27. Oakland: Mr. Paul S. Jones, Secy., 41. West Hollywood: Mr. Robert H. > 86 Glen Ave., Oakland 11 King, Secy., 1282% North Sweet- > 28. Palo Alto: Mrs. Joyce Dahl, Secy., zer Ave., Hollywood 46 > P.O. Box 238 42. Whittier Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Grace E. > 29. Pasadena: Mrs. Katrina Valentine, Jensen, Secy., 10457 South Gunn > Secy., 943 North El Molino Ave. Rd., Whittier > 30. Pasadena Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Beatrice > Buckley, Secy., 755 East Poppy- COLORADO > fields Dr., Altadena 43. Colorado Springs: Mrs. Gladys > 3 1. Sacramento: Mrs. Mozelle Bourget, Roberts, Secy., 915 North Han- > Secy., 3996 McKinley Blvd. cock Ave. > 32. San Bernardino: Mrs. Ailene V. 44. Denver: Mrs. Barbara Jackson, > Fletcher, Secy., 772 Campus Way Secy., 1295 Glencoe St. > 33. San Diego: Mr. John Stroessler, 45. Jefferson County: Mrs. Elizabeth > Secy., 4202 58th St. Clark, Secy., Wah-Keeney Park, > Route 1, Evergreen > 34. San Francisco: Mrs. Florence C. > Haake, Secy., 461 14th St., San CONNECTICUT > Francisco 18 46. Greenwich: Mrs. Muriel Michels, > 35. San Mateo: Mr. Lee Lopez, Secy., Secy., 8 Richmond Dr., Old > 1318 Mt. Diablo Ave. Greenwich > 36. Santa Barbara: Mr. Edward P. C. 47. New Haven: Miss Clara Monson, > Connaughton, Secy., 1636 Ana- Secy., 831 Elm St. > capa St. > 37. Santa Monica: Mrs. Josephine DELAWARE > Gardiner, Secy., 1054 A Third St. 48. Wilmington: Mrs. Mabel Johnson, > 38. Sausalito Twp.: Mrs. Lois Stockton, Secy., 1114 West Street, Wilming- > Secy., Box 179 A, Route 1, Mill ton 1 > Valley > 39. South Bay Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Ardis C. DISTRICTOF COLUMBIA > Bergeron, Secy., 4229 W. 167th 49. Washington: Miss Bernice Ber- > St., Lawndale n a r d ~ ,Secy., % Bahfi'i Center, > 40. South Gate: Miss Mary Ellen Reese, 1611 Connecticut Ave. N.W., > Secy., 2575 Indiana Ave. Washington 9 > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 723 > > Delegates in session at the Fifth Bahi'i Congress, > San Salvador, Central America, April 25-28, 1950. > > FLORIDA 6 1. Danville: Mrs. Shirley Cantrell, > 50. Miami: Miss Ida Solomon, Secy., Secy., 720 East Madison > 137 N.W. 1lth Ave. 62. Elmhurst: Miss Phyllis M. Rachau, > 51. Orange County: Mr. Fred F. Min- Secy., 458 Fairview Ave. > nich, Secy., 1100 Santa Anita 63. Evanston: Mr. L. Wyatt Cooper, > Rd., Orlando Secv., 1580 Dewev Ave. > 64. ~ a ~ w i b Mr. > d : ~ e o r W. > ~ e Amer- > GEORGIA > son, Secy., 901 South 7th Ave. > 52. Atlanta: Miss Doris Ebbert, Secy., 65. Oak Park: Mrs. Ruth LaRocque, > 2835 Cascade Rd. Secy., 708 Gunderson Ave. > HAWAII 66. Peoria: Mrs. Emilie Zeigler, Secy., > 53. Honolulu: Miss Henriette From, 1012 North Glen Oak Ave. > Secy., 2336 Beckwith St. 67. Quincy: Mrs. Eunice Hanawalt, > 54. Maui: Mrs. Mabel J. Van Valken- Secy., 524 Spring St. > burg, Secy., Kihei, Maui 68. Springfield: Mrs. Gretchen Schultz, > Secy., 2168 South Renfro > IDAHO 69. ~ r b a n a :Mrs. Mabel Paine, Secy., > 55. Ada County: Mrs. Mildred R. Cos- 606 West Pennsylvania Ave. > sey, Secy., P.O. Box 994, Boise 70. Waukegan: Mrs. Harriet Terry, > 56. Boise: Miss Elizabeth Adelmann, Secy., 1522 Melrose St. > Secy., P.O. Box 585 7 1. Wilmette: Mrs. Eleanor Stewart, > Secy., 121 Linden Ave. > ILLINOIS 72. Winnetka: Mrs. Dorothy F. Red- > 57. Addison Twp.: Mrs. Mildred Smith, son, Secy., 68 1 Garland Ave. > Secy., Milton & West, Elrnhurst > 58. Batavia: Mrs. Charlesella Stoakley, > Secy., 449 Madison St. 73. Fort Wayne: Mrs. Elma Wilson, > 59. Champaign: Mr. Edgar G. Harris, Secy., 2722 N. Anthony Blvd. > Secy., 202 Ells Ave. 74. Indianapolis: Miss Leah A. Spence, > 60. Chicago: Mr, Larry Kramer, Secy., Secy., 1215 Continental Hotel > 4865 South Park Ave., Chicago 75, South Bend: Mrs. Jane Rowe, Secy., > 15 1220 Corby Blvd. > 724 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > IOWA 95. Grand Rapids: Mrs. Viola T. > 76. Cedar Rapids: Miss Edna Mackin- Thomson, Secy., 414 Clancy > son, Secy., 94 2nd Ave. S.W. Ave., N.E. > 77. Waterloo: Mr. Aaron L. Roff, Secy., 96. Muskegon: Mrs. Emma M. Allen., > 917 Hartman St. Secy., 1433 Nolen St. > 97. Royal Oak: Mrs. Shirley A. Bald- > KANSAS win, Secy., 907 East Third St. > 78. Topeka: Mrs. Bertha Campbell, 98. Royal Oak Twp.: Miss DeMaris Lo- > Secy., 403 Huntoon vetta Morris, Secy., 21341 Park- > side, Ferndale 20 > KENTUCKY > 79. Louisville: Mrs. Meta L. Dahl, MINNESOTA > Secy., 3716 Illinois Ave. 99. Duluth: Mr. Robert Cameron, > Secy., 2915 Kruger Road > LOUISIANA 100. Minneapolis: Miss Sina 0 . Olsen, > 80. New Orleans: Mrs. Margaret 0 . Secy., 123 South 11th St., Apt. H > Maurer, Secy., 1623 General 101. St. Paul: Mrs. Gladys Livermore, > Taylor, New Orleans 15 Secy., 632 Earl St. > MAINE MISSISSIPPI > 81. Eliot: Mrs. Emily T. Pearsall, Secy., 102. Jackson: Mrs. Stevie Flinn, Secy., > Beech Road 724 Wingfield > 82. Portland: Mrs. Thelma Rivers, > Secy., 278 Woodfords St. MISSOURI > 103. Independence: Mr. Claude K. > MARYLAND Winans, Secy., 1015 West Maple > 83. Baltimore: Miss Alma S. Heise, 104. St. Louis: Mrs. Mildred Birkett, > Secy., 3120 St. Paul St., Apt. 116 Secy., 1215 San Jacinto Ct., St. > G, Baltimore 18 Louis 10 > 84. Prince George's County: Mrs. A. > Esther Sibole, Secy., 4903 Alton MONTANA > St., S.E., Boulevard Hts. 105. Butte: Mr. George D. Miller, Secy., > 604 West Park > MASSACHUSETTS 106. Great Falls: Mrs. Vera W. Foutch, > 85. Beverly: Mr. Richard S. Gladding, Secy., 2004 5th Ave. South > Secy., 90 McKay St. 107. Helena: Mrs. Gladys E. Endress, > 86. Boston: Mrs. Marion Repper, Secy., Secy., 440 West Main St. > 175 Dartmouth St. > 87. Cambridge: Mrs. Louise K. Say- NEBRASKA > ward, Secy., 50 Follen St. 108. Omaha: Mrs. Wendell R. Lane, > 88. Springfield: Mrs. Elsa R. Bates, Secy., 1112 North 17th St. > Secy., 99 Princeton St., Spring- > field 9 NEVADA > 89. Worcester: Mrs. Sally Pierce, Secy., 109. Reno: Mrs. Ethel McAllaster, Secy., > 8 Kimball St. 762 West 6th St. > MICHIGAN NEWHAMPSHIRE > 90. Ann Arbor: Mrs. Bernice D. Ander- 110. Portsmouth: Mrs. Nella Gustafson, > son, Secy., 718 North 4th Ave. Secy., 77 Circuit Rd. > 91. Battle Creek: Mrs. Melba D. Nun- > nally, Secy., 179 Oneita St. NEWJERSEY > 92. Dearborn: Mrs. Mabel R. Vicary, I l l . Dumont: Mrs. Emily Kalantar, > Secy., 3836 Campbell Ave. Secy., 3 14 Washington Ave. > 93. Detroit: Mrs. Mabel P. Long, Secy., 112. East Orange: Mrs. Amie B. Wright, > 8039 Beaverland Ave., Detroit 39 Secy., 105 Leslie St. > 94. Flint: Mrs. Evelyn Bradt, Secy., 113. Englewood: Mr. Nathaniel J. Doug- > 1541 Stone St. las, Secy., 42 East Forest Ave. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 725 > > First Regional Swiss-Italian Bahi'i Conference, held in Rome, March 20-23, 1952. > > 114. Jersey City: Mrs. June Shapiro, 126. New York City: Mr. Peter Gravina, > Secy., P.O. Box 495, Journal Sq. Secy., 423 East 71st St. > Sta., Jersey City 6 127. Rochester: Miss Elizabeth Brooks, > 115. Montclair: Mrs. Catherine M. Secy., 49 Rowley St., Rochester 7 > Healy, Secy., 45 North Fullerton 128. Seneca Twp.: Mrs. Marguerite Fi- > Ave. roozi, Secy., Canandaigua Rd., > 116. Newark: Mrs. Katrina K. Mathew- Geneva > son, Secy., 71 Milford Ave. 129. Syracuse: Mr. Albert D. Heist, Jr., > 117. Ridgewood: Mrs. Elizabeth Schmidt, Secy., 221 Bennington Dr. > Secy., 80 Oak St. 130. Waterloo : Mr. John E. Flood, Secy., > 118. Teaneck: Mrs. Amy G. Raubit- 3 Seneca St. > schek, Secy., 1113 Bromley Ave., 131. Yonkers : Mrs. Lillian Rogers, Secy., > West Englewood 64 Locust Hill Ave. > NEW MEXICO NORTHDAKOTA > 119. Albuquerque: Mrs. Mary L. Ewing, > 132. Fargo: Mrs. Adeline Willson, Secy., > Secy., 1830 Arizona N.E. > 318 19th St. North > 120. Bernalillo County: Mrs. Rosemarie > Smith, Secy., R.R. 1, Box 1760, > Albuquerque > 133. Cincinnati: Mrs. Lorene Dustan, > NEW YORK Secy., 2533 Homestead Place, > 121. Binghamton: Mrs. Betsy J. Richard, Cincinnati 11 > Secy., 42 Lincoln Ave. 134. Cleveland: Mrs. Eleanor H. Reeves, > 122. Buffalo: Mrs. Elizabeth M. Patter- Secy., 1539 East Boulevard, Apt. > son, Secy., 333 Ontario St. 7 > 123. Hamburg Twp.: Miss Kathryn M. 135. Columbus: Mrs. Margarete Acebo, > Potter, Secy., 294 Clark St., Secy., 777 Franklin Ave., Colum- > RFD 1 bus 5 > 124. Jamestown: Mrs. Ida L. Pickett, 136. Dayton: Mrs. Marion Imig, Secy., > Secy., 110% Cheney St. 1517 Princeton Dr., Dayton 6 > 125. Mount Vernon: Miss Mary Camp- 137. Lima: Mrs. Mae Vaughn, Secy., > bell, Secy., 10 North Fulton Ave. 509 North Collett St. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 727 > > OKLAHOMA VIRGINIA > 138. Oklahoma City: Mrs. Alice C. Entz- 153. Alexandria: Mrs. Marjorie Nixon, > minger, Secy., 51 1?hNorth West Secy., 316 South Faii-fax St. > 13th St. 154. Arlington: Mrs. Lucille M. Bridget, > Secy., 1622 North McKinley Rd. > OREGON > 139. Portland: Mrs. Dorothy C. Hender- WASHINGTON > son, Secy., 4835 East Burnside, 155. Kirkland: Mrs. Margaret V. Bailey, > Apt. 9, Portland 15 > Secy., 204 19th Ave. > PENNSYLVANIA 156. Richmond Highlands: Mrs. Elmer- > 140. Philadelphia: Miss Sophia A. Rei- ene Neff, Secy., 18016 Linden > ger, Secy., 3301 Powelton Ave., Ave., Seattle 33 > Philadelphia 4 157. Seattle: Mrs. Doris Dahl, Secy., > 341. Pittsburgh: Mrs. Victoria Richards, 9643 60th Ave. South, Seattle 8 > Secy., 665 College Ave., Pitts- 158. Spokane: Mrs. Rose M. Bates, > burgh 32 Secy., W. 3107 Euclid Ave., Spo- > 142. Scranton: Mrs. Helen Beck, Secy., kane 12 > 429 Quincy Ave. 159. Tacoma: Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, > 143. West Chester: Mrs. Jane Lear Tal- Secy., 414 S. Tacoma Ave. > ley, Secy., 205 West Market St. > WESTVIRGINIA > PUERTORICO 160. Charleston: Mrs. Marian C. Lippitt, > 144. San Juan: Mrs. Maria T. Martin de Secy., 1429 B Jackson St. > Irizarry, Secy., P.O. Box 1869 > RHODEISLAND WISCONSIN > 145. Providence: Mrs. Edith Carpenter, 161. Brookfield Twp.: Mrs. Lillian Erby, > Secy., 113 Congress Ave. Secy., Box 443, Route 4, Wauke- > sha > SOUTHDAKOTA 162. Green Bay: Miss Florence Delany, > 146. Sioux Falls: Mrs. Nellie Fenton, Secy., 1015 Cherry St. > Secy., Room 208, Van Eps Bldg., 163. Kenosha: Mr. Louis J. Voelz, Secy., > 8th & Phillips Ave. 6108 Sheridan Rd. > 164. Madison: Miss Helen Svendsen, > TENNESSEE Secy., 501 Woodward Grove > 147. Memphis: Miss Johanna Zimmer- 165. Milwaukee: Mr. Elmer Schwandes, > man, Secy., Box 5913 Secy., 3256 South 22nd St. > 148. Nashville: Miss Nellie J. Roche, 166. Racine: Mrs. Anna L. Nelsen, > Secy., 2325 Elliston Place, Nash- Secy., 4607 Victory Ave. > ville 5 167. Shorewood: Mrs. Beula Brown, > TEXAS Secy., 3514 North Murray Ave. > 168. Waukesha: Mrs. Elizabeth J. Bur- > 149. Dallas: Mrs. Allene Squires, Secy., gess, Secy., 217 Wisconsin Ave. > 5527 Druid Lane 169. Wauwatosa : Mrs. Maud Reimholz, > 150. Houston: Mr. Walter D. Powell, Sr., Secy., 2552 North 63rd Street > Secy., 3616 Bastrop St. 170. Whitefish Bay: Miss Pearl L. Pohl, > 151. San Antonio: Mrs. Patricia Shep- Secy., 5400 North Lake Drive > pard, Secy., 515 Fresno St. > UTAH WYOMING > 152. Salt Lake City: Mrs. Ethel C. Ayer, 171. Laramie: Mrs. Solveig V. Corbit. > Secy., 1361 East 17th South St. Secy., P.O. Box 112 > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > GROUPS > ALABAMA 46. Claremsnt > 1. Fulton Ridge 47. Clovis > 2. Mobile 48. Compton > 49. Compton Judicial District > ALASKA 50. Contra Costa County > 3. Alakanuk 51. Contra Costa County-Twp. 17 > 4. Eielson Air Force Base 52. Cucarnonga > 5. Fairbanks 53. Descanso > 6. Ketchikan 54. Downey Judicial District > 7. Kodiak 55. Eden Twp. > 8. Mt. Village 56. El Cerrito > 9. Seward 57. Elsinore > 10. Soldotna 58. Escondido > 11. Unalaska 59. Escondido Twp. > 60. Felton > ARIZONA 61. Fontana > 12. Clifton (outside) 62. Fremont Twp. > 13. Coolidge 63. Gardena > 14. Flagstaff (outside) 64. Garden Grove > 15. Glendale 65. Glendale Judicial District > 16. 'Phoenix (outside) 66. Hayward > 17. Phoenix-TIN R2E 67. Hollister > 18. Phoenix-T2N R2E 68. Joshua Tree > 19. Tempe 69. La Mesa > 20. Tucson Twp. 13 70. Lemon Grove > 71. Los Altos > ARKANSAS 72. Los Cerritos Judicial District > 21. Eureka Springs 73. Los Gatos > 22. Fort Smith 74. Lynnwood > 23. North Little Rock 75. Menlo Park > 24. Omaha 76. Mill Valley > 77. Montecito Twp. > CALIFORNIA 78. Oceanside > 25. Alameda 79. Oceanside Twp. > 26. Albany 80. Ontario > 27. Alturas 81. Oxnard > 28. Anaheim 82. Paso Robles > 29. Analy Twp. 83. Piedmont > 30. Antelope Judicial District 84. Pomona > 3 1. Apple Valley 85. Richmond > 32. Arcadia 86. Salinas > 33. Atascadero 87. Sail Fernando > 34. Atherton 88. San Gabriel > 35. Bakersfield 89. Sari Jose Alviso District > 36. Banning 90. San Luis Obispo > 37. Bear Valley Twp. 91. San Marino > 38. Belmont 92. San Mateo County-Twp. 3 > 39. Bell Gardens 93. San Martin > 40. Belvedere 94. San Rafael > 4 1. Burlingame 95. Santa Anita Judicial District > 42. Burney 96. Santa Cruz > 43. Carmel 97. Santa Monica Judicial District > 44. Carpinteria 98. Santa Paula > 45. Center Twp. (Sacramento) 99. Santa Paula (outside) > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 100. Santa Rosa 149. Key West > 101. Santa Rosa Twp. 150. Lakeland > 102. Sierra Madre 151. Miami Beach > 103. Sonoma Twp. 152. Miami (outside) > 104. South Pasadena 153. Miami Shores > 105. South San Francisco 154. North Dade County > 106. Stinson Beach 155. North Miami > 107. Thousand Oaks 156. Patrick Air Force Base > 108. Tulare 157. Port Richey > 109. Ventura 158. Sarasota > 110. Vista 159. South Miami > 111. West Covina 160. St. Augustine > 112. Whittier 161. St. Petersburg > 162. Tampa > COLORADO 163. Tyndall Air Force Base > 113. Aurora 164. West Miami > 114. Boulder 165. West Palm Beach > 115. Denver (outside) > 116. Dillon GEORGIA > 117. Durango 166. Augusta > 118. El Paso County 167. Richmond County > 119. Englewood > 120. Littleton > 121. Pueblo > 122. Sedalia > 123. Westminster IDAHO > 169. Caldwell > CONNECTICUT 170. Grangeville > 124. Bridgeport 171. Lewiston > 125. Deep River 172. Pocatello > 126. Hamden > ~LLINOIS > 127. Hartford > 128. Nonvich (outside) 173. Aurora > 129. Orange 174. Berwyn > 130. South Womalk 175. Brookfield > 131. Stamford 176. Cicero > 132. Washington 177. Decatur > 133. West Haven 178. Deerfield > 134. Westport 179. De Kalb > 135. Yalesville 180. Downers Grove > 181. Edelstein > DELAWARE 182. Elgin > 136. Dover 183. Glencoe > 137. Newcastle County 184. Glenview > 185. Gurnee > FLORIDA 186. Harvey > 138. Archer 187. Highland Park > 139. Bristol 188. Hinsdale > 140. Coral Gables 189. La Grange Park > 141. Dania 190. Limestone Twp. > 142. Daytona Beach 191. Lombard > 143. Dunedin 192. Mattoon > 144. Duval County 193. Melrose Park > 145. Fort Lauderdale 194. Melrose Twp. > 146. Gainesville 195. Northbrook > 147. Hollywood 196. Northbrook Twp. > 148. Jacksonville 197. North Chicago > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 198. Park Forest 245. Fryeburg > 199. Peoria Heights 246. Icittery > 200. Phoenix 247. Orrington > 201. Richwood Twp. 248. Sanford > 202. River Forest > 203. Riverside MARYLAND > 204. Rockford 249. Baltimore (outside) > 205. Rockford (outside) 250. Be1 Air > 206. St. Charles 25 1. Gambrills > 207. Skokie 252. Landover Hills > 208. Stone Park 253. Montgomery County > 209. Warrenville 254. Riverdale > 2 10. Washington 255. Takoma Park > 2 11. Watseca 256. Towson > 212. Western Springs > 213. West Peoria MASSACHUSETTS > 214. Wheaton 257. Arlington > 258. Attleboro > INDIANA 259. Belchertown > 2 15. Anderson 260. Brookline > 2 16. Crawfordsville 261. Danvers > 217. Evansville 262. Falmouth > 218. Gary 263. Hamilton > 219. Hammond 264. Harvard > 220. Indianapolis (outside) 265. Haverhill > 221. Kingsford Heights 266. Hingham > 222. Kokomo 267. Jefferson > 223. Logansport 268. Lynn > 224. Mishawaka 269. Malden > 225. Muncie 270. Moilson > 226. Osceola 271. Natick > 227. Ossian 272. Needham > 228. Perry 273. Newton Center > 229. Warsaw 274. North Pembroke > 275. Palmer > IOWA 276. Plainville > 230. Cedar Falls 277. Provincetown > 23 1. Council Bluffs 278. Roxbury > 232. Davenport 279. Sterling > 233. Des Moines 280. Topsfield > 234. Dubuque 281. Wenham > 235. Ventura 282. West Brookfield > 236. Washington 283. Woburn > 237. Waterloo (outside) 284. Worthington > > KANSAS MICHIGAN > 238. Burlingame 285. Ann Arbor (outside) > 239. Kansas City 286. Ann Arbor Hills > 240. Wichita 287. Bay City > 288. Birmingham > LOUISIANA 289. Burton Twp. > 241. Baton Rouge 290. Centerline > 242. Jackson 291. Climax > 243. Shreveport 292. Clio > 293. Davison Twp. > MAINE 294. Dearborn Twp. > 244. Brewer 295. East Lansing > 732 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 296. Fennville NEVADA > 297. Ferndale 343. Las Vegas > 298. Flushing 344. Wells > 299. Fruitport > 300. Grandville NEWHAMPSHIRE > 301. Grosse Pointe City 345. Concord > 302. Grosse Pointe Farms 346. Dover > 303. Grosse Pointe Woods 347. Henniker > 304. Hazel Park 348. Hinsdale > 305. Highland Park 349. Keene > 306. Kalamazoo 350. Pelham > 307. Kalamazoo (outside) > 308. Lansing NEW JERSEY > 309. Lincoln Park 351. Atlantic City > 310. Marysville 352. Bergenfield > 3 11. Mt. Morris Twp. 353. Bloomfield > 3 12. Muskegon (outside) 354. Bound Brook > 313. Niles Twp. 355. Bradley Beach > 314. Nirvana 356. Budd Lake > 3 15. Port Huron Twp. 357. Camden > 3 16. Roseville 358. Closter > 317. Sturgis 359. Demarest > 318. Van Dyke 360. Elizabeth > 319. Wear Twp. 36 1. Glenrock > 320. Whitehall 362. Hackensack > 32 1. Willow 363. Haledon > 322. Wyandotte 364. Hamburg > 323. Ypsilanti 365. Harrington Park > 366. Hasbrouck Heights > MINNESOTA 367. Hillside > 324. Excelsior 368. Lincoln Park > 325. Minneapolis (outside) 369. Middletown > 326. Newport 370. Morristown > 327. St. Cloud 371. New Milford > 328. Tobique 372. Orange > 373. Paterson > MISSISSIPPI 374. Plainfield > 375. Princeton > 329. Gulfport 376. Red Bank > 330. Jackson (outside) 377. Ridgefield Park > 33 1. Natchez 378. Shorthills > 379. South Bound Brook > MISSOURI 380. Springfield > 332. Blue Twp. 381. Summit > 333. Joplin 382. Towaco > 334. Kansas City 383. Trenton > 335. Kirkwood 384. Union City > 336. Richmond Heights 385. Westfield > 337. Rolla > 338. St. Joseph NEWYORK > 339. Springfield (outside) 386. Altamont > 340. Webster Groves 387. Amherst Twp. > 388. Bellmore > MONTANA 389. Biizghamton (outside) > 341. Butte (outside) 390. Blue Point > 342. Shelby 391. Blue Point, L.I. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 392. Brighton NORTH DAKOTA > 393. Burt 444. Binford > 394. Busti 445. Grand Forks > 395. Central Square 446. Tokio > 396. Conklin > 397. Delmar OHIO > 398. Preeport 447. Akron > 399. Geneva 448. American Twp. > 400. Glen Cove, L.I. 449. Austin Twp. > 401. Glenwood Landing 450. Boston Twp. > 402. Hamburg Village 451. Botkins > 403. Harrison 452. Bucyrus > 404. Horseheads 453. Chardon > 405. Huntington Station 454. Cincinnati (outside) > 406. Irondequoit 455. Circleville > 407. Kenmore 456. Cleveland Heights > 408. Lakewood 457. Cuyahoga Falls > 409. Lima 458. East Cleveland > 410. Little Falls 459. Englewood > 41 1. Mamaroneck 460. Euclid > 412. Merrick 461. Fairborn > 4 13. Middletown 462. Findlay > 414. Newport 463. Findlay (outside) > 415. New Rochelle 464. Fostoria > 416. New York (outside) 465. Fremont > 417. Niagara 466. Granger Twp. > 418. Niagara Falls 467. Hamilton Twp. > 419. Norwich 468. Hinckley Twp. > 420. Ossining 469. Kent > 421. Penn Yann 470. Kittering Village > 422. Port Washington 471. Lakewood > 423. Plattsburg 472. Loudonville > 424. Rye 473. Mansfield > 425. Scotia 474. Middletown > 426. Sea Cliff 475. Munroe Falls > 427. Seaford 476. Newark > 428. Seneca Falls 477. North Olmstead > 429. Shoreham, L.I. 478. South Euclid > 430. Syracuse (outside) 479. Springfield > 43 1. Valley Stream 480. Stow > 432. Vestal 481. Toledo > 433. Victor 482. Toledo (outside) > 434. Waterloo Twp. 483. Urbana > 435. West Seneca 484. Warren > 436. White Plains 485. Washington Twp. > 486. Wayne Twp. > OKLAHOMA > 437. Edgewood 487. Enid > 438. Las Cruces 488. Lawton > 439. Sandoval 489. Tulsa > OREGON > 440. Asheville 490. Astoria > 441. Asheville (outside) 491. Clatsup County > 442. Greensboro 492. Joseph > 443. Rocky Mount 493. Medford > 734 T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > 494. Merlin UTAH > 495. Multnomah County 536. Logan > 496. St. Helens 537. Murray > 497. Salem (outside) 538. Salt Lake County > 498. Woodburn > VERMONT > PENNSYLVANIA 539. Brattleboro > 499. Allison Park 540. West Brattleboro > 500. Clifton Heights > 501. East Goshen Twp. VIRGINIA > 502. Erie 541. Falls Church > 503. Feasterville 542. Franklin > 504. Gettysburg 543. Loudoun County > 505. Havertown 544. Newport News > 506. McKnight Village 545. Portsmouth > 507. Merion 546. Princess Anne County > 508. Mt. Lebanon 547. Verona > 509. New Castle 548. Winchester > 510. North Hills > 511. Oberlin WESTVIRGINIA > 512. West Bradford Twp. 549. Institute > 5 13. West Goshen Twp. > 5 14. Wilkinsburg WASHINGTON (State) > 5 15. Zelienople > 550. Anacortes > PUERTO RICO 551. Auburn > 552. Black Diamond > 516. Arecibo 553. Bremerton > 554. Chelan > RHODEISLAND 555. Deer Park > 517. East Providence 556. Everett > 518. Wanvick 557. Everett (outside) > 558. Langley > SOUTHCAROLINA 559. Lowell > 519. Aiken County 560. Marysville > 520. Columbia 561. Monroe > 52 1. Columbia (outside) 562. Pasco > 522. Greenville 563. Snohomish > 523. North Augusta 564. Spokane County > 524. Taylors 565. Walla Walla > 566. Yakima > SOUTHDAKOTA > 525. Rapid City WISCONSIN > 567. Cedarburg, Town of > TENNESSEE 568. Delafield Twp. > 526. Chattanooga 569. Dousman > 527. Knoxville 570. Eagle River > 528. Knoxville (outside) 571. Elcho > 572. Ft. Atkinson > TEXAS 573. Granville, Town of > 529. Austin 574. Kenosha (outside) > 530. Carrizo Springs 575. Lincoln Twp. > 53 1. Corpus Christi 576. Madison (outside) > 532. Dallas (outside) 577. Manitowoc > 533. El Paso 578. Mazominie > 534. Pasadena 579. McFarland > 535. Port Arthur 580. Menomonee Twp. > BAHA'I. D I R E C T O R Y 1953-1954 > > 58 1. Merton Twp. 592. Slinger > 582. Milwaukee, Town of 593. Somers Twp. > 583. Monona Village 594. Sturgeon Bay > 584. Mt. Pleasant Twp. 595. Thiensville > 585. Mukwonago 596. Tomahawk > 586. Muskego Twp. 597. Watertown > 587. New Berlin Twp. 598. Wauwatosa, Town of > 588. Oconomowoc Twp. 599. Westbend > 589. Oshkosh > 590. Plainfield WYOMING > 59 1. Sheboygan (outside) 600. Casper > > Delegates and friends attending banquet of the Fourth South American BahCi Congress, > Lima, Per& May 1, 1950. > > ISOLATED CENTERS > I ALABAMA 21. Tuba City > 1. Fair Hope 22. Yuma (outside) > 2. Florence ARKANSAS > 3. Huntsville > 4. Syladauga 23. Bentonville > 5. Tuskegee 24. Harrison > 25. Hot Springs > ALASKA 26. Little Rock (outside) > 6. Baranof 27. North Little Rock (outside) > 7. Ft. Richardson 28. Stamps > 8. Juneau 29. Vandervoort > 9. Kanakanak > 10. Kasilof CALIFORNIA > 11. Ninilchik 30. Auburn > 12. Valdez 31. Azusa > 13. Wasilla 32. Balboa Island > 33. Beale Air Force Base > ARIZONA 34. Bell > 14. Buckeye 35. Chula Vista (outside) > 15. Bylas 36. Colton > 16. Douglas 37. Concord > 17. Flagstaff 38. Contra Costa County-Twp. 7 > 18. Globe 39. Costa Mesa > 19. Payson 40. Culver City > 20. Prescott 41. Daly > 736 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 42. Desert Hot Springs CONNECTICUT > 43. Edwards 95. Avon > 44. El Monte 96. Groton > 45. Encinitas 97. Milford > 46. Exeter 98. Rockville > 47. Fort Bragg 99. Southport > 48. Fort Ord 100. West Redding > 49. Fresno (outside) > 50. Healdsburg DELAWARE > 51. Healdsburg (outside) 101. Wilmington (outside) > 52. Hermosa Beach > 53. Huntington Park FLORIDA > 54. La Canada 102. Bradenton (outside) > 55. Leucadia 103. Dade City > 56. Los Gatos (outside) 104. Fernandina > 57. Madera 105. Ft. Myers > 58. Martinez 106. Fountain > 59. Maywood 107. Hialeah > 60. Modesto 108. Homestead > 61. Montara 109. Jacksonville Beach > 62. Montrose 110. Lake Worth > 63. Moreno 111. Largo > 64. Mt. Eden 112. New Port Richey > 65. Norwalk 113. Opa Locka > 66. Pacific Grove 114. Oi-mond Beach > 67. Palos Verdes Estates 115. Panama City > 68. Redding 116. Safety Harbor > 69. Redlands 117. St. Petersburg (outside) > 70. Redondo Beach 118. Tallahassee > 71. Redwood City 119. Titusville > 72. Reedley 120. Uleta > 73. San Carlos 121. Warrington > 74. San Jose 122. Winter Park > 75. Santa Ana > 76. Santa Clara GEORGIA > 77. Santa Cruz (outside) 123. Chamblee > 78. Santa Maria 124. Conyers > 79. Santee 125. Decatur > 80. Saratoga 126. Gainesville > 81. Sonoma (outside) 127. Grovetown > 82. Torrance 128. Macon > 83. Turlock 129. Marietta > 84. Upland 130. Savannah > 85. Victorville 131. Stockbridge > 86. Visalia > 87. Walnut Creek IDAHO > 88. Willits 132. Council > 133. Idaho Falls > 134. Owynee County > > 89. Arapahoe County ILLINOIS > 90. Climax 135. Albany > 91. Ft. Collins 126. Alton > 92. Greeley 137. Arlington Heights > 93. Mountain View Twp. 138. Barrington > 94. Wheatridge 139. Byron > BAHA'I: D I R E C T O R Y 1 9 5 3 - 1 9 5 4 > > 140. Carlinville KENTUCKY > 141. Chicago Heights 189. Cordia > 142. Chillicothe 190. Covington > 143. Des Plaines 191. Fort Knox > 144. Effingham 192. Jefferson County > 145. Elmhurst (outside) 193. Lexington > 146. Franklin Park 194. Paducah > 147. Freeport > 148. Greenup LOUISIANA > 149. Highwood 195. Covington > 150. Joliet 196. Metairie > 151. La Grange 197. New Orleans (outside) > 152. Lincoln > 153. Marengo MAINE > 154. Morrison 198. Bangor > 155. New Holland 199. Calais > 156. Norridge 200. Gardiner > 157. Oaklawn 20 1. Island Falls > 158. Park Ridge 202. South Benvick > 159. Pecatonica 203. South Windham > 160. Peoria 204. York Village > 161. Petersburg > 162. Streator MARYLAND > 163. Trivoli > 164. Waukegan (outside) 245. Aberdeen > 165. Winfield 206. Annapolis > 207. Crownsville (outside) > 208. District Heights > INDIANA 209. Finksborg > 166. Bloomington 210. Garrett Park > 167. Crown Point 21 1. Halethorpe > 168. East Chicago 212. Jessup > 169. Fort Wayne (outside) 2 13. Kent County > 170. Greencastle 214. Owings Mills > 171. Lafayette 2 15. Princess Anne > 172. Michigan City > 173. New Carlisle MASSACHUSETTS > 174. Portland 216. Andover > 175. Plymouth 217. Dedham > 176. Richmond 21 8. Dorchester > 177. Rockville 219. Easthampton > 178. Spencer 220. East Weymouth > 179. Winamac 221. Everett > 222. Fitchburg > IOWA 223. Gloucester > 224. Grafton > 180. Ames 225. Hinsdale > 181. Clinton 226. Holliston > 182. Delwein 227. Ipswich > 183. Iowa City 228. Lancaster > 184. Manchester > 229. Ludlow > 185. Sioux City 230. Marblehead > 23 1. Marlboro > KANSAS 232. Marlboro (outside) > 186. Emporia 233. Newburyport > 187. Scott City 234. North Adams > 188. Topeka (outside) 235. North Quincy > 738 THE BAHA'I. WORLD > > 236. Orange 289. Osseo > 237. Pembroke 290. Sauk Center > 238. Petersham 291. St. Paul > 239. Plymouth 292. Walker > 240. Salem > 24 1. Squantum MISSISSIPPI > 242. Taunton 293. Hattiesburg > 243. Westboro 294. Money > 244. Wilbraham 295. Pontotoc > 296. Vaughan > MICHIGAN > 245. Allen Park MISSOURI > 246. Baldwin 297. Canton > 247. Bancroft 298. Columbia > 248. Berkley 299. Osage Beach > 249. Burlington 300. Patterson > 250. Cassopolis 301. Springfield > 251. Coloma > 252. East Detroit MONTANA > 253. Ecorse 302. Bozeman > 254. Erie 303. Fork Peck > 255. Fort Gratiot Twp. 304. Kalispell > 256. Franklin Village 305. Livingston > 257. Fruitport (outside) 306. Winifred > 258. Grand Rapids (outside) > 259. Grand Haven NEBRASKA > 260. Hadley 307. Bancroft > 261. Hart 308. Brock > 262. Holt 309. Eagle > 263. Huntington Woods 3 10. Grand Island > 264. Lake Harbor Twp. 3 11. Omaha (outside) > 265. Lake Orion 3 12. Waterbury > 266. Lawrence > 267. Lawton NEVADA > 268. Ludington 3 13. Boulder City > 269. Milton Twp. 314. Fallon > 270. Newayo 3 15. Mountain City > 271. Olivet 3 16. Reno (outside) > 272. Owosso 317. Sparks > 273. Pentwater > 274. Pinckney NEW HAMPSHIRE > 275. Plymouth 3 18. Ashuelot > 276. Poiltiac 3 19. Center Harbor > 277. Port Huron 320. East Sullivan > 278. Romulus 321. Manchester > 279. St. Louis 322. Marlboro > 280. Spring Lake 323. North Hampton > 28 1. Tecumseh 324. Peterborough > 282. Van Buren Twp. 325. Rye Beach > 326. West Swanzey > MINNESOTA 327. Wolfeboro > 283. Bemidji > 284. Chandler NEW JERSEY > 285. Duluth (outside) 328. Alpine > 286. Hopkins 329. Asbury Park > 287. Mankato 330. Bordentown > 288. Moorehead 331. CapeMay > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 332. Chatham 362. West Orange > 333. Cranford 363. Westville > 334. Eatontown 364. Westwood > 335. Emerson 365. Wyckoff > 336. Fair Lawn > 337. Freehold NEW MEXICO > 338. Glen Ridge 366. Carlsbad > 339. Hampton 367. Gallup > 340. Hohokus 368. Los Alamos > 341. Linden 369. Roswell > 342. Little Falls 370. Santa Fe > 343. Long Branch > 344. Marlton NEW YORK > 345. Mendham 371. Arena > 346. Millburn 372. Armonk > 347. Montague 373. Auburn > 348. New Brunswick 374. Baldwin > 349. Ocean Grove 375. Bay Shore > 350. Oradell 376. Briarcliff Manor > 35 1. Osbornville 377. Congers > 352. Palisade 378. DePew > 353. Paramus 379. East Aurora > 354. Parsippany 380. East Bloomfield > 355. Passaic 3 8 1. East Rochester > 356. Plainsboro 382. Eden > 357. River Edge 3 83. Ellenville > 358. Riverton 384. Elmont > 359. Somerville 385. Freehold > 360. South Orange 386. Garden City > 361. West New York 387. Glenwood Landing, L.I. > > First Bahi'i Teaching Conference of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, > held in BogotS, October 12-15, 1949, attended by Bahi'i representatives > from BogotL, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cali, and Medellin, Colombia; > Guayaquil, Ecuador; and Caracas, Venezuela. > BAHA'X D I R E C T O R Y 1 9 5 3 - 1 9 5 4 > > 388. Gouverneur NORTHDAKOTA > 389. Great Neck 443. Devils Lake > 390. Greece 444. Glenfield > 391. Greenport > 392. Harpursville OHIO > 393. Hartsdale 445. Barberton > 394. Hastings-on-Hudson 446. Bath Twp. > 395. Hempstead 447. Bay Village > 396. Homer 448. Beaver > 397. Iroquois 449. Bexley > 398. Kingston 450. Brecksville > 399. Lake Luzerne 45 1. Chagrin Falls > 400. Levittown 452. Chippewa Lake > 401. Linwood 453. Circleville (outside) > 402. Manhasset 454. Clayton > 403. Maple Springs 455. Columbus (outside) > 404. Mayville 456. Delaware > 405. Oneonta 457. Elyria > 406. Orchard Park 458. Galion > 407. Oswego 459. Hanover > 408. Port Dickinson 460. Hudson > 409. Potsdam 46 1. Jerry City > 410. Poughkeepsie 462. Marietta > 41 1. Rensselaer 463. Miamisburg > 412. Ripley 464. Morrow > 413. Rochester (outside) 465. New Richmond > 414. Rome 466. Perry Twp. > 41 5. Saratoga Springs 467. Salem > 41 6. Schenectady 468. Sandusky > 417. Shelter Island 469. Sharon Twp. > 41 8. Suffern 470. Shawnee Twp. > 419. Syosset 471. Urbana (outside) > 420. Tappan 472. Van Wert > 421. Trumansburg 473. Waynesfield > 422. Utica 474. Wilberforce > 423. Watertown 475. Willard > 424. Watertown (outside) 476. Willoughby > 425. Wellicolt > 426. West Islip OKLAHOMA > 427. Youngstown 477. Okmulgee > 478. Wann > NORTHCAROLINA > 428. Bryson City OREGON > 429. Chapel Hill 479. Brookings > 430. Charlotte 480. Gates > 43 1. Fayetteville 481. Newport > 432. Hendersonville 482. Seaside > 433. High Point 483. Pendleton > 434. Kannapolis 484. Tigard > 435. Lenoir 485. Toledo > 436. Orrum > 437. Raleigh PENNSYLVANIA > 438. Rich Square 486. Altoona > 439. Salisbury 487. Avonmore > 440. Shelby 488. Bethlehem > 441. Washington 489. Bromall > 442. Winston Salem 490. Cambridge Springs > 491. Eau Claire UTAH > 492. Elkins Park 538. Lehi > 493. Evans City 539. Ogden > 494. Fallsington 540. Provo > 495. Hanover 541. South Salt Lake City > 496. Homestead 542. Vernal > 497. Latrobe > 498. Lebanon VERMONT > 499. Lewisburg 543. Bennington > 500. New Salem 544. Burlington > 50 1. Norristown 545. Mendon (Rutland County) > 502. Oxford 546. Montpelier > 503. Pine Grove > 504. Rosemont VIRGINIA > 505. Roslyn 547. Alexandria (outside) > 506. Sharon 548. Bristol > 507. Swarthmore 549. Camp Pickett > 508. Wallingford 550. Farmville > 509. Waynesboro 55 1. Fort Belvoir > 510. West Chester (outside) 552. Fort Monroe > 553. Norfolk > RHODEISLAND 554. Petersburg > 5 11. Ashton 555. Richmond > 512. Pawtucket 556. Virginia Beach > 5 13. Rockville > WASHINGTON (State) > SOUTHCAROLINA 557. Almira > 5 14. Allendale 558. Bremerton (outside) > 5 15. Charleston 559. Camas > 516. Clemson 560. Chehalis > 5 17. Orangeburg 561. Cle Elum > 518. Sedalia 562. Cusick > 563. Edmonds > SOUTH DAKOTA 564. Ellensburg > 519. Alcester 565. Kent > 520. Spearfish 566. Kirkland > 567. Monitor > TENNESSEE 568. Moses Lake > 521. Charleston 569. Olympia > 522. Fountain City 570. Omak > 523. Johnson City 571. Port Gamble > 524. Kingsport 572. Port Townsend > 525. Nashville (outside) 573. Richland > 526. Union City 574. Seattle (outside) > 575. South King County > TEXAS 576. Stratford > 527. Alvin 577. Tacoma (outside) > 528. Amarillo 578. Wenatchee > 529. Austin (outside) 579. Yakima (outside) > 530. Charlotte > 53 1. Fort Hancock WESTVIRGINIA > 532. Fort Worth 580. Huntington > 533. Hood River 581. Martinsburg > 534. La Porte 582. Parkersbury > 535. Marshall > 536. Paris > 537. Winter Haven > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 584. Appleton 599. Milwaukee (outside) > 585. Birnamwood 600. Neenah > 586. Butternut 601. Rice Lake > 587. Chippewa Falls 602. Sheboygan > 588. City of Glendale 603. Stoughton > 589. Cloverdale Twp. 604. Superior > 590. Columbus 605. Town of Greenfield > 591. Eagle 606. Waupace > 592. Eau Clair 607. West Allis > 593. Edgar 608. Wisconsin Rapids > 594. Ephraim > 595. Fond du Lac WYOMING > 596. Fox Point 609. Albin > 597. Janesville 610. Chugwater > 598. La Crosse 6 11. Menomenee Falls > > BahL'i Summer Conference held in Banff, Alberta, Canada, 1951. > 744 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 5 . D I R E C T O R Y O F S P I R I T U A L AS,SEM- > BLIES, GROUPS, AND ISOLATED > BAHA'IS I N A D M I N I S T R A T I V E > DIVISIONS I N PERSIA > 1953-1954 > Isolated Total > Districts Assemblies Groups Centers Localities > 1. AbLdih 13 16 7 36 > 2. AhvLz 17 11 2 30 > 3. BLbul 8 3 - 11 > 4. Bandar-i-Jaz 6 - - 6 > 5. Birjand 7 8 4 19 > 6. Hamadin 14 7 - 21 > 7. 'IrLq 6 13 - 19 > 8. I~fahLn 25 27 11 63 > 9. Ki&Ln 10 9 1 20 > 10. KirmLn 11 8 8 27 > 11. KirmLns&ih 4 4 3 11 > 12. Mahhad 19 10 18 47 > 13. Nayriz 3 - 1 4 > 14. Qazvin 9 5 2 16 > 15. R a b t 12 7 6 25 > 16. Sangsar 5 4 - 9 > 17. Siri 14 4 1 19 > 18. Khiriz 24 9 5 38 > 19. Tabriz 36 27 8 71 > 20. Tihrin 37 38 21 96 > 21. Yazd 22 11 2 35 > 22. Zihid6n 5 1 - 6 > - - - > Total 307 100 629 > > LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES > AB~DIH 16. Aligudarz > 1. ABADIH 17. Andimihk > 2. IdrisLb6d 18. Bandar-Ma'&~r > 3. C_hinLr 19. Bihbihhn > 4. Dihbid 20. Burfijird > 5 . Kfis_hkik 21. Chamtangfi > 6. Najafgbid 22. Fayli > 7. HimmatPb6d 23. Hamidiyyih > 8. Sarvistbn-i-Bav6nLt 24. K_hurramLbLd > 9. 'Abb6sLb6d-i-'UlyL 25. Lhurramhahr > 10. Sughad 26. Masjid-i-SulaymAn > 11. 'AbbLsBbBd-i-SuflL 27. Safk'iyyih > 12. D i r g h ~ k 28. AghL-JL~' > 13. ~ i & f & q 29. JaFrLbLd > 30. Chamtang > BABUL > 31. BABUL > 32. Amul > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 33. Bhbulsar 80. Qahfirukh > 34. Bahnamir 81. Qal'ih-i-Murgh > - > 35. 'Arab-Lhayl 82. chigin > 36. KiyLkulL 83. Gaz > 37. Firaydiin-Kinir 84. Kas_hih > 38. DiyL'kulL 85. KattL > 86. Halib-i-Musayfibid > BANDAR-I-JAZ 87. Dizaj > 39. BANDAR-I-JAZ I 88. ZavCih > 40. Bandar-i-$hLh 2 89. SLmLn > 41. GurgLn 3 90. Darrihs_hGr > 42. Gunbad-i-Qibiis 4 91. KhahridL > 43. Kalalih (Ay Darvish) 5 92. Qal'ih-Fuladi > 44. Mazra'ih-i-Khu&ih 6 93. Hasanabad-Musayibld > 94. TirLn > B~RJAND 95. Dastjird-i-ImLmzLdih > 45. B~RJAND 96. Murgh-&inar > - > 46. Zirak > 47. Khiinik KA~AN > 48. Dastjird 97. K ~ S _ H ~ N > 49. AsiyLbLn-Darvia 98. ArLn > 50. Lhusif 99. JLsb > 51. M6d 100. Qamsar > 101. MhzgLn > HAMADAN 102. Vadigan > 52. HAMADAN 103. Jaw&iqLn > 53. AmzLjird 104. Fath6bLd > 54. HusaynLbLd 105. NGs_hLbLd > 55. BahLr 106. Natanz > 56. Lilichin > 57. Qurvih KIRMAN > 58. Siri-Qumish 107. KIRMAN > 59. Qazilaih-Kand 108. Rafsanjin > 60. C_hupuqlb 109. HasanLbLd-i-Rafsanj6n > 61. Maliyir 110. Nbq-i-Rafsanjin > 62. Uqchulu 111. AnLr > 63. S_hayk_hjLn 112. 'Adasiyyih-Rafsanjin > 64. JarnaidibLd 113. Bandar-i-'AbbLs > 65. MirzL-Hisiri 114. SirjLn > 115. aayr-i-Aqt2 > 'MQ 116. RLvar > 66. 'IRAQ 117. Barn > 67. S_hLhLbid > 68. a a l a j i b i d KIRMAN~AH > 69. Dihpiil 118. K I R M A N ~ B H > 70. Zhihzand 119. Sanandaj > 71. Isfin 120. Karand > 121. Qasr-i-$hirin > ISFAHAN > 72. I S F A ~ N 1 MAEHHAD > 73. Afiis 2 122. MAKHHAD > 74. NajafLbLd 3 123. Nis_hLbiir > 75. Khhlilinjin 4 124. Sabzivar > 76. Muhammadiyyih 5 125. Sudkhar > 77. ArdistLn 6 126. Qb&in > 78. Kurd-i-SuflL 7 127. Dar-i-Jaz > 79. MihdiyibLd-i-Shurab-i-Kabir 8 128. BujnGrd > Group of BahCis on steps of "Peace Palace," The Hague, after visiting the BahP'i Book Display in the Pe > during the Fourth European Teaching Conference, held in Scheveningen, Holland, 1951. > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 129. Turbat-i-Jam 175. Darzikull > 130. Turbat-i-Haydariyyih 176. Kaf&garkull > 131. Hisslr 177. Zirlb > 132. Nlmaq 178. Pul-i-Sifid > 133. Pitraw 179. Ival > 134. K l b a r 180. Ru&ankdh > 135. aayru'l-Qurb 181. Ahmadlbld > 136. Firdaws 182. Bih&ahr > 137. Blghistln 183. S_hirglh > 138. B u s h y y i h > 139. Ma'mGri SH~~Z > 140. Kar-Khlnih Qand- 184. S _ H ~ R ~ Z > i-Turbat-i-Haydariyyih 185. BG&ihr > 186. BurlzjAn > 187. Klzirtin > 188. Faqih-Hasan& > 189. Ahram > 190. Tavil > 191. K_hurmGj > QAZV~N 192. Jahrum > 144. QAZV~N 193. Zakhird > 145. Dastjird 194. Khln-Kahdln > 146. SJharistln 195. Sarvistln > 147. Muhammadlbld 196. Sa'di > 148. Kalkin 197. Marvda&t > 149. Kulah-Darrih 198. Fathlbld > 150. Zanjln 199. FirGzi > 151. Abhar 200. S_hamslbld-Burzh > 152. Qadimlbld 20 1. Darvahiyi-Khabangah > 202. Ghihlr-RGstB'i > RAXHT 203. Muhammadlbld > 153. RAGT 204. Dih-Piyllih > 154. Llhijln 205. Qallt > 155. S_hahsavLr 206. Dtiryln > 156. Bandar-i-Pahlavi 207. S_hamslbid-i-Takht > 157. Sangar > 158. Blz-Qa'lih TABR~Z > 159. Siylkal 208. TABR~Z > 160. Asiylbar 209. Usk6 > 161. Bijar-Bunih 210. fll&ic_hi > 162. RGdsar 21 1. Mamaq6n > 163. K_hurramlb6d-i-Tunikabun 212. Marand > 164. Shu'ayb-Kalayih 213. ZunGz > 214. Ahar > 215. Qubldl6 > 216. Marlghih > 217. Rivi& > 2 18. Agh&ih-Dizaj > 219. Bu&b > 220. S_his_hivln > 221. 'Ajabs_hir > S6~f 222. Mihrlbld > 170. shf 223. Miy6ndu'lb > 171. MlMrbzak 224. M6hfibld > 172. Aratih 225. QujilG > 173. Chllihzamin 226. Chllkhlmlz > 174. S_hghi 227. Naw-R6zlG > 748 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 228. S_hbhindiz_h 269. Vanak > 229. Rida'iyyih 270. Yusifabad > 230. Sa'idlu 271. Qal'ih-Naw > 231. S_hbhpdr 272. Garm-Darrih > 232. Khdy 273. RSmjin > 233. Pirkandi 274. Hhjiybbbd-i-Faaam > 234. Ivughli 275. Finlzkhh > 235. Say& 276. Naw&ahr > 236. Diznbb 277. HusaynLbbd-i-Parsiyan > 237. Matanaq 278. Haftjhy > 238. BSbLkandi 279. Darrabkhanih-Khandan > 239. K_hdk_hbl 280. HusaynbbLd-i-Garrus > 240. MiyLnih > 24 1. Al-i-Ha&im YAZD > 242. Milbn 281. YAZD > 243. Harvbn 282. Mihdiybbbd-i-Hitzih > 283. Maryamabad-Hitmih > TIHRAN 284. QbsimbbLd > 244. TIHRAN 285. Dahaj > 245. Varbmin 286. Marvast > 246. K_hbniySbhd 287. Taft > 247. Bbqirbbhd 28 8. Hurmuzak > 248. Ja'farbbbd 289. Busaynbbbd > 249. HasanbbSd 290. 'Aliyhbbd > 250. 'Abdu'llbhhbbd 29 1. 'Asrbbhd > 251. Qurn 292. 'Izzbbbd > 252. Diybbhd 293. Mihdiyhbbd-i-Rustbq > 253. SSlhr 294. Mansbid > 254. Hamadbnak 295. S_harafLbid > 255. Safarkhbjih 296. I(_hurrams_hLh > 256. Kfihak 297. RahmatLbibLd > 257. Karaj 298. Kdhih-Buyuk > 258. Zarnbn 299. Na'imhbbd > 259. K_hhPdimbbbd 300. Banadak-Sadat > 260. Bbb6-Salmbn 301. Harbarjkn > 261. C!blds 302. Nirsiyhbbd > 262. Fa&andak > 263. Hadiqih ZAHIDAN > 264. Qulhak 303. ZAHIDAN > 265. Niybvarhn 304. Zbbul > 266. Tajri& 305. K_hbs_h > 267. Gaddk 306. Sarhbn > 268. Hazrat-i-'Abdu'l-Azim 307. frbn&ahr > > GROUPS > ABADIH 10. Jazmitdaq > 1. Mazra'ih I 11. Bungis& > 2. Sidbn 2 12. Khurrami > 3. Sbdiqbbhd 3 13. Silrybn > 4. 'Aliybbbd 4 14. Bazm > 5. Firiizi 5 15. Sivinj > 6. Iqlid 6 16. Bajdunih (Dihbid) > 7. Sdrmaq 7 > 8. Faraghih 8 AHVAZ > 9. Vazirtibbd 9 17. Bandar-i-SJhLhpiir > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 18. DurGd 65. Pardinjan > 19. Naft-i-Safid 66. Chulichih > 20. Shushtar 67. Faridanbih > 21. Dizf61 68. Burtijin > 22. Manyiihi 69. Isfirjin > 23. Azna 70. Dihiqin > 24. Hindijin 71. Sidih-Marbin > 25. Darihak-i-Hindijin 72. Alubjih > 26. Laliyi-Masjid-i-Sulaymin 73. Hasani > 27. Shidigin 74. Dihnaw > 75. Varnimk_hhht > 76. Riz > 77. GhamgardBn > 78. Kayhgniyyih > 79. Ngin > 80. Filfivarjkn > B~RJAND 8 1. Qal'ih-SJhBh > 31. Andanin 82. Iskandari > 32. Qal'ih-Kbh-Chishmih 83. Nisir > 33. NGk 84. Bigh-i-BahidurBn > 34. Nawfirist 85. S d r - i - K u r d > 35. Sar-i-&6h > 36. Gaz KAwAN > 37. Khu&k 86. Miakan > 38. Gazik 87. AbiyLnih > 88. Barzuk > HAMADAN 89. M a h m ~ d i b i d > 39. Avijtappih 90. Yahyibiid-i-Nus_hBbkd > 40. Nahivand 91. Narkq > 4 1. Tuisirkgn 92. Yazdil > 42. Dihdavhn 93. Ahmadkbid-i-NarLq > 43. Asadibid 94. Vasqinqan-i-JBsb > 44. KG&kibfid > 45. Latgah KIRM~N > 95. BBghin-i-Kirmin > 'IRAQ 96. MiXBn > 46. Gulpiygin 97. Azu'iyyih > 47. K_hinsir 98. Minib > 48. Khumain 99. B S t > 49. Astinih 100. SJharikLbid-i-BBft > 50. 'Azizibid 101. Rahmatibid-i-Rafsanjin > 51. Nizimibid 102. MulkibBd-i-Rafsanjin > 52. Farmahin > 53. Husaynibid KIRMAN~~H > 54. Ma@ad-D-hulfLbLd 103. Dinavar > 55. Gizirin 104. SJhkhkbLd-i-G-harb > 56. Majdkbgd-i-Naw 105. Naft-i-Zhih > 57. Tafrish 106. flBm > 58. Khuadun > MAWAD > I~FAHAN 107. Zarqin > 59. DirLn 108. Shiravkn > 60. Nimhjird 109. Amand > 6 1. Akhbrihbala 110. Furiigh > 62. Dihaq 111. Marghzir > 63. Qiidjinak 112. Kakcak > 64. llbaygi 113. Sukih > Delegates and friends attending the Third European BahL'i Teaching Conference and Summer School, Elsinore > > Conference in session, Third European Teaching Conference, Elsinore, Copenh > Denmark, July 24-27, 1950. > BAHA'I. D I R E C T O R Y 1 9 5 3 - 1 9 5 4 > > 114. Ka&kbhgh 8 159. Vishluq > 115. Kayrhbhd 9 160. Kandalij > 116. Rhhibid 10 161. Kalibar > 162. Ardibil > QAZV~N 163. Midgin-SJhahr > 117. Avaj 164. Asthri > 118. Khurramdarrih 165. Nasribid > 119. Bhyih 166. Shriqiyyih > 120. Zarrinibid-i-Zanjin 167. Kidijin > 121. Yadibuligh > - 168. Marajil > 169. Tulun > RACHT 170. Barziliq > 122. Darjin-sib-hizar 171. Sirin > 123. Langarhd 172. Galih-Khinih > 124. Doustlat > 125. Ha&tpar-Tavalish TIHR~N > 126. Rhdbir-i-Zaytun 173. Maq:bdbbid > 127. Miyink6h-i-Duhizhr 174. Va~finir > 128. Qaryih-Khahristin-i-Sihizar 175. Mihribid > 176. Sivih > SANGSAR 177. Pishva > 129. Dimghin 178. Isfandiyir-Khini > 130. Kaliteh-~imghin > - 179. Shlihibid > 131. Aftar 180. 'Adlibid > 132. Darjazin 181. Muqaff ariyyih > 182. Kamilibid > SAR~ 183. Hi~hrak-Jamaran > 133. k i d q u l i h 184. Haydarhbid > 134. Panbihchiilih 185. Alvard > 135. Kuhistin 186. Jiiqin > 136. Surk_hibid 187. Qal'ih-Bahi > 188. Ki~imibhd > S_H~RAZ 189. Amiriyyih > 137. Zarqin 190. Gilan-Damivand > 138. Qasrud-Da&t 191. Kahrizak > 139. Firiizhb6d 192. 'Aliibid-i-Tapanchih > 140. Lar 193. Qasimibid-i-Khus_hgih > 141. Abivardi 194. Musayhbhd > 142. Dihqayid 195. Uvrin > 143. Daylam 196. Fa&kur > 144. Sa'adhbhd 197. Vazivar > 145. Malgardan 198. Gatihdih > 199. Rustamhbhd > TABR~Z 200. Darband > 146. Bhvil 201. Galandawak > 147. Azars_hahr 202. Riidihin > 148. Asthri 203. Trud > 149. Sardrud 204. Kalak-i-Karaj > 150. 'Alaviyhn 205. Adirhn-i-Khahryar > 151. Khurmhzard 206. Kan > 152. Khhshihmihr 207. KJhuvardin > 153. Malik-kandi 208. Darakih > 154. KJhatunibhd 209. Suhanak > 155. Naqdih 210. Aradan-i-Garmsar > 156. Balagh&i > 157. Sulth6-Ahmad YAZD > 158. Mgh-Kii 211. H a r k > 752 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 212. Allihibid > 213. Hujjatibid > 214. Hasanibid-i-Buluk > 215. Juzim > 216. Ardikin > 217. Maybud > 218. Anirak > > ISOLATED CENTERS > AB~IH KIRM~NS_H~H > 1. Dadinjin-i-Dihbid 34. a u s r a v i > 2. Qa~r-i-YaCq-i*b-i-Dihbid 35. Saqqiz > 3. Surak-i-Dihbid 36. Divan-Darrih > 4. Munj-i-BavAnit > 5. Mazijin-i-Bavinit MAWHAD > 6. Dinchih-i-Khayr-i-Dihbid 37. Farimkn > 7. Chir 38. Kamiz > 39. Isf ariyin > AHVAZ 40. Shirin-Darrih > 8. Qachsaran 41. Kadkan > 9. K_halafibid 42. F a r a > 43. Mas'abi > B~RJAND 44. Nasribid-i-Jam > 45. YahyCibid-i-Jam > 10. Kundur > 46. Ma'dan-i-Qhismihgul > 11. Q i n > 47. Tayyibit > 12. Bidisk > 13. Khusrawibid 48. Sarakhs > 49. Rubh-i-qaz > ISFAHAN 50. Niqib > 5 1. Maravih-Tappih > 14. Dihturki 52. Sarayan > 15. JalilAbid 53. Bustaq > 16. Kidiz-K_hin 54. Gunibid > 17. Sidih-Lanji n > 18. T&lilk_hhGnc_hih NAYR~Z > 19. Ashtarjin 55. Istahbanat > 20. Bigh-i-SurkJh > 21. SaGk > 22. Shahrak > 23. Allihibid > 24. Rustami > RAXHT > KAs_HAN 58. Parasar > 25. Maraq 59. Diyibar > 60. Kumalih > KIRMAN 61. Daylaman > 62. Limik > 26. Bardsir 63. Amarlu > 27. Dihbakri > 28. Sughan > 29. Zarand > 30. Bid-i-Kurduiyih > 31. Giruft SHH~RAZ > 32. Sadiqabad-i-Rafsanjan 65. Kangan > 33. Rayn 66. Maymand > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 67. 'ImhdhbQd 3 83. Imhmzhdih-Qasim > 68. FBrGq 4 84. S_hBhhbtid > 69. Kahnu 5 85. Araj > 86. Namvari > TABR~Z 87. Pirdih > 70. Bagh-i-Maruf I 88. Zarindasht > 71. Hajiaqa 2 89. MahmGdhbhd > 72. ainjiriq 3 90. Pistikan-i-Savih > 73. Gultapih 4 9 1. 'Ali&hh-Avaz > 74. Chiyanih 5 92. Paluzhdih > 75. K-huda-Afirin 6 93. Jawisthn > 76. Khaminih 7 94. Safijkhhni > 77. Rush 8 95. Karkabud > 96. Shhhrak > TIHRAN 97. Listuni-Lavasan > 78. Jitaw 1 98. Istgah-KGh-nik > 79. Ajin-Dujin 9 > I > 80. Zaviyih-Savih 3 YAZD > 8 1. S_hhhsivhri 4 99. Sak_hvid > 82. Kaykavar 5 100. Mihriz > > 6. DIRECTORY O F LOCALITIES > W H E R E BAHA'IS R E S I D E U N D E R T H E > JURISDICTION O F THE NATIONAL > S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY O F T H E > BAHA'IS O F INDIA, PAKISTAN > AND BURMA > 1953-1954 > INDIA > LOCALASSEMBLIES 10. Belgaum: BahB'i Centre, Social Club > 1. Agra Cantt: Post Box 50 (Durga Compound, % J. A. Sarooshi, Secy. > House, Station Rd., Namniyar) 11. Bombay: Post Box 470 (Excelsior > 2. Ahmedabad: Post Box 63 (3079/3 Restaurant, 206 Hornby Rd., Fort, > Ratanpole) % R. N. Shah, Secy.) > 3. Ajmer : Kishengarh House, Jaipur 12. Calcutta: Post Box 8940 (% Bally- > Road, Jagat Sharma, Secy. gunge Place) > 4. Aligarh: % Dr. M. U. Burney, Secy., 13. Delhi: Post Box 19 (130 Constitution > Burney Pharmacy, Phapala House, Curzon Road) > 5. Allahabad: 9 Albert Road, Civil Lane, 14. Gwalior: 1 Wagle House, Dal Bazar, > % Mr. 0.Prakash, Secy. Lashkar, C/o P. Chandra, Secy. > 6. Aurangabad: National Hotel, Shahganj, 15. Hyderabad (Deccan) : Post Box 139 > C/o Mr. M. Sultan, Secy. (35 Aziz Bldg., Mukarrab Jung Lane, > 7. Bangalore: 44 Madhavarya Mudaliar Abid Road) > Road, Fraser Town, Bangalore-5 16. Ichalkaranji: % S. R. Gharge, Secy., > 8. Bareilly: % Mr. Mohammad Yakub Clerk, Civil Judge's Court > Kausar, Chabewale, Qila Bazar, Nr. 17. Jaipur City: % B. J. Singh, Secy., Na- > Ram Narain Park tional Annand Hotel, 1st Floor, Jo- > 9. Baroda: Jayaswal's Bldg., 1st Floor, hari Bazar > Khanderao Darwaja, Baranpura, % 18. Jalna: % A. Fahmi, Secy., Green Ho- > R. M. Pillay, Secy. tel, Munshi Bldg., Saddar Bazar > 754 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 19. Kamarhati (West Bengal) : % Dr. Wali 34. Surat: % Miss Sushila Vakil, Secy., > Mohammad, Balutalab, House No. Makanvalla Bldg., Kotwal Street, > 42, Distt. 24 Parganas Nanpura > 20. Kanpur: Dr. Munje's Clinic, Kishori > Niwas, Birhana Road GROUPS > 21. Kolhapur: Post Box 24 (Royal lrani 1. Bulandshahr > Hotel, Wilson Rd., % A. Sheikh, 2. Gorakhpur > Secy.) 3. Indore > 22. Lucknow: Post Box 159 (Bah4i Centre, 4. Jhalarapatan > Room 19, Jahangirabad Mansion) 5 . Kagal > 23. Madras: Post Box 408 (% N. Nagaraja 6. Shantiniketan > Rao, 18 Singacheri St., Triplicane) 7. Trivandrum > 24. Mysore: Post Box 39 (Door No. 3157, 8. Wai > Arch Gate Rd., Lashkar Mohalla) 9. Yaripora > 25. Nagpur: BahQ'i Centre, 12 Dangerfield > Rd., Saddar > 26. Nasik: % Mr. R. R. Irani, Secy., Banat 1. Ahmednagar > Chaw1 No. 16, Bhagur Rd., Deolali 2. Anantnag > (Nasik) 3. Banaras > 27. Panchgani: BahQ'i Centre, Rockside, % 4. Barabanki > R. Mehrshahi, Secy. 5. Bhavnagar > 28. Poona: Post Box 8 (National Hotel, 6. Bhopal > opp. Railway Station, % S. B. Mo- 7. Darjeeling > bedzadeh, Secy.) 8. Davengere > 29. Rampur: % Mr. Pir Mohammad, Secy., 9. Faizabad > Village Rampur, P.O. Sayed Raja, 10. Firozabad > Distt. Banaras 11. Hardoi > 30. Salimpur: % Mahatma Bihari Das, Vil- 12. Igatpuri > lage Salimpur, P.O. Sakaldiha, Distt. 13. Khar Khari > Banaras, C/o Kallu Nath Prashad, 14. Kolaba > Secy. 15. Meerut > 31. Secunderabad: Post Box 34 (2541 16. Mehshwar > Kingsway Rd., % Mrs. D. R. Fa- 17. Miraj > roody, Secy.) 18. Ootacamund > 32. Sholapur: Post Box 39 (Vasant Villas, 19. Phoolpur > Station Rd., % Mrs. R. B. Najjar, 20. Radhanpur > Secy.) 21. Shopian > 33. Srinagar: % Mr. Muhammad Khalil, 22. Simla > Secy., Munarifaroosh, Mohalla Sayed 23. Sultanpur > Ali Akbar 24. Vizagapatam > > LOCALASSEMBLIES 5. Lyallpur: C/o Rana Altaf Ahmed Khan, > I. Chittagong: C/o Mr. Amiru'l Islam, Di- Secy., Venus Hosiery, Jhang Bazar > wan Bazar, Noormahal 6. Multan Cantt: % Syed Mahmud Jilani, > 2. Dacca: C/o Mr. Amjad Ali, Secy., Repre- House No. 860, Mohalla Kumbhar > sentative, National Carbon Co. Mandi > (Pak) Ltd., 148-17B, Kakrail, P.O. 7. Peshawar: C/o Mr. Munawar Shah, > Ramna Secy., 1449 Karimpura > 3. Hyderabad-Sind: Shirazian House, 8. Quetta: Post Box 11 (Iranian Restau- > School Rd., Hirabad, C/o H. V. Be- rant, Anderson Rd.) > hishti, Secy. 9. Rawalpindi: House No. 540/A, Mohan- > 4. Karachi: C/o Faridoon Yazmeidi, Secy., pura, C/o Syed Ahmed, Secy. > Bakhtiari & Co., Corner House, El- 10. Sialkot Cantt: C/o Bashir Ahmed Chan- > phinstone St., Saddar chal, Secy., Old Jumma Masjid > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 755 > > 11. Sukkur (Sind) : Cafe Iran, Lucas Park, ISOLATED > CENTERS > % Dr. M. A. Latiff, Secy. > 1. Alipur Saidan > GROUPS > 1. Ghokal 2. Budhagoraia > 2. Lahore 3. Kundian > 3. Sargodha 4. Nowshera > > BURMA > LOCALASSEMBLIES 4. Rangoon: C/o S. G. Murtaza Ali, Secy., > 1. Daidanaw : C/o Mg. Mya Thi, Secy., P.O. 21 Shwebo St., Kyaukmyaung > Kungyangon, Hanthawaddy Distt., 5- Thamaing: % L.S.A. Rangoon > Daidanaw 6. Twante: C/o L.S.A. Rangoon > 2. Kyigon: % L.S.A. Mandalay > 3. Mandalay: C/o Mg. KO Gyi, Secy., % U ISOLATED > CENTER > Mya, Ret'd Postmaster, 34th Street 1. Maymyo > > CEYLON > LOCALASSEMBLY GROUP > 1. Colombo: Post Box 954 (G.O.H. Bldg., 1- Kalutara > 2nd Floor, York Street, Fort, Co- ISOLATED > CENTER > lombo, % B. D. Sally, Secy. 1. Kandy > > MALAYA > LOCALASSEMBLY GROUP > 1. Singapore: 352-A Tajong Katong Rd., 1. Seremban > % Mr. John Fozdar > > SARAWAK (BRITIS-H BORNEO) > LOCALASSEMBLY > 1. Kuching: Post Box 95 > > INDONESIA > LOCALASSEMBLY ISOLATED > CENTER > 1. Jakarta-Kota: P.O. Box 112 1. Bindjer S.O.K. > > NEPAL > ISOLATED > CENTER > 1. Raxaul > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 757 > > 7. DIRECTORY O F LOCALITIES WHERE > BAHA'IS RESIDE UNDER T H E > JURISDICTION O F THE NATIONAL > SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES O F T H E > BAHA'IS O F C E N T R A L AND > SOUTH AMERICA > 1953-1954 > CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE ANTILLES > LOCAL ASSEMBLIES 12. TaulabC: Sr. Benjamin Morales, Secy. > 13. Tegucigalpa: Sra. Marcia Steward, > COSTARICA Secy., Apartado 273 > 1. Puerto de Quepos: Sr. Laureano Gar- > cia, Secy. JAMAICA > 2. Puntarenas: Sr. Jenaro Miranda, 14. Kingston: Mr. Ivan A. Graham, > Secy., 25 Vras. Oeste Jesils de Pe- Secy., 48 Duke Street > tatlin 15. Port Antonio: Miss Emily Taylor, > 3. San JosC: Sr. Artemus Lamb, Secy., Secy., Church Lane > Apartado 2104 16. Spanish Town: Mr. Alfred Senior, > Secy., 82 Young Street > CUBA > 4. Cienfuegos, L. V.: Sr. Juan RenC MEXICO > Cabrera, Secy., Sari Fernando 185 17. MCxico D.F.: Sda. Ana Maria An- > 5. La Habana (Havana) : Sr. Carmelo zaldua, Secy., Netzahuatcoyotl > PCrez, Secy., Subirana 465, Apto. 3 #165, Int. 17 > DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 18. Puebla: Sr. Guillermo Alarcbn, > Secy., Escuela Unesco, 3 Poniente > 6. Ciudad Trujillo: Sr. Elias Camps, > 515 (Altos) > Secy., Arzobispo Nouel #79 > EL SALVADOR NICARAGUA > 7. San Salvador: Sr. EstCban Canales, 19. Managua: Sr. Armando Fonseca > Secy., C/o Sr. JosC Antonio Cor- Duval, Secy., Apartado 461 > peiio, 7a. Calleo Oriente #56 PANAMA > 20. Colbn: Miss Amy McAllister, Secy., > GUATEMALA Apartado 361 > 8. Chichicastenango: Srta. Adriana Zii- 21. Panami: Sra. Raquel de Constante, > fiiga, Secy., % Sr. Francisco L. Secy., Apartado 5 13 > Juarez > 9. Ciudad Guatemala: Sr. Aristides GROUPS > Marchena, Secy., 5a. Avenida > Norte #9 COSTARICA > HAITI 1. EscazG > 2. Limbn > 10. Port-au-Prince: Mr. Eustace N. > Bailey, Secy., 236 Rue Abraham > DOMINICAN REPUBLIC > Lincoln > 3. San Pedro de Macoris > HONDURAS > 11. San Pedro Sula: Sr. Profesor Jose EL SALVADOR > Victor Pineda, Secy., Juzgado Pri- 4. Santa Ana > mero de Letras 5. Soyapango > 760 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > PANAMA 21. Port Maria > 6. Canal Zone 22. Porus > 7. David > HONDURAS > ISOLATED CENTERS 17. Comayagua > 18. Juticalpa > COSTARICA 19. La Ceiba > 1. Cartago > 2. Desarnparados MEXICO > 3. Golfito 23. Pazteuaro > 4. Jesus de Santa Barbara de Heredia 24. Tlatlauqui > 5. Parrita 25. Veracruz > > CUBA BRITISHHONDURAS > 6. Guantknamo 26. Belize > 7. Las Villas > DOMINICANREPUBLIC > 8. Moca BAHAMAIS. > 27. Nassau > EL SALVADOR > 9. Quezaltepeque BERMUDA > 28. Hamilton > GUATEMALA 29. Pembroke > 10. Cunin > 11. Momostenango MARGARITAI. > 12. Quezaltenango 30. Margarita I. > 13. Retalhuleu > 14. San JosC de Acatempa > HAITI GILBERTIS. > 15. Port-de-Paix 31. Abaiang > 16. St. Marc 32. Sueta > > JAMAICA TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO > 20. Mocho 33. Makemo I. > > SOUTH AMERICA > > LOCAL ASSEMBLIES 5. Rio de Janeiro: Srta. Reneta Her- > feld, Secy., Rua Toneleros 271, > ARGENTINA Apto. 801 > 1. Buenos Aires: Sr. Athos Costas, 6. SCo Paulo: Sra. Nylza de Taetz, > Secy., Per6 428, Dept0.A. (r.48) Secy., Caixa Postal 7923 > 2. Cbrdoba: Sra. Esther de Gros, Secy., > David Luque #5 > BOLIVIA > 7. Punta Arenas: Sr. Alejandro Reid, > 3. La Paz: Sr. Estanislao Alvarez M., Secy., Casilla 79 > Secy., Casilla 1613 > 8. QuilpuC: Sr. Alberto PCrez, Secy., > BRAZIL Calle Blanco 929 > 4. Bahia: Srta. Dinah Franca, Secy., 9. Santiago de Chile: Sr. Carlos Mar- > Caixa Postal 1091 tinez, Secy., Casilla 3731 > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 761 > > International BahB'i School, Loncoche, Chile, February, 1953. > > COLOMBIA GROUPS > 10. Bogotl: Srta. Gloria Slnchez, Secy., > Apartado Nacional 1672 ARGENTINA > 11. Bucaramanga: Sr. Pedro Galln, 1. Comodoro Rivadavia > Secy., Apartado Nacional 119 2. Eva Per611 > 12. Cali: Sr. Alfonso M. Barona, Secy., 3. Ezeiza > Carrera 9a. #14-2 4. L a n h Oeste > 5. Ramos Mejia > ECUADOR 6. Rosario > 13. Quito: Sr. Jorge PaBz, Secy., Apar- > tad0 199 > 7. Oruro > PARAGUAY 8. Santa Cruz > 14. Asunci6n: Sr. Angel Recalde, Secy., 9. Sucre > Apartado 742 > > PER^. > 10. Santos > 15. Callao: Sra. Roxana Gallegos, Secy., 11. San Vicente > Cockrane 459 > 16. Lima: Sr. Jorge BBjar, Secy., Apar- > tad0 772 > 12. Antofagasta > URUGUAY 13. Osorno > 17. Montevideo: Sra. Carola de Escofet, 14. Temuco > Secy., Casilla 823 15. Valparaiso > 16. Vi6a del Mar > VENEZUELA > COLOMBIA > 18. Caracas: Srta. Carmen Estevez, > Secy., Calle Real de Sabana 17. Barranquilla > Grande 243, Edif. Concordia #6, 18. Cartagena > Altos 19. Medellin > 762 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Bah6'i Summer Conference, Ontario, Canada, 1952. > > ECUADOR 12. Pefiablanca > 20. Guayaquil 13. San Felipe > > PER^ ECUADOR > 21. Huancayo 14. Ambato > 15. Azogues > 16. Bahia de Caraquez > ISOLATED CENTERS 17. Manta > ARGENTINA PER^ > 1. Castelar 18. Junin, Dpto. de > 2. Mbmol 19. Talara > 3. Martinez > 4. San Fernando VENEZUELA > BOLIVIA 20. Cabimas . > 5. Chulurani 21. Ciudad Bolivar > 22. Tucupido > BRAZIL > BRITISHGUIANA > 6. Igarapava > 7. Macap6 24. Georgetown > 8. Niteroi > DUTCHGUIANA > 9. Petropolis > 25. Paramaribo > CHILE > 10. Mulchen FRENCH GUIANA > 11. Paillaco 26. Cayenne > BAHA'I: D I R E C T O R Y 1 9 5 3 - 1 9 5 4 > > 8. DIRECTORY O F LOCALITIES IN > A U S T R A L I A A N D NEW Z E A L A N D > WHER'E B A H A ' I S R E S I D E > 1953-1954 > AUSTRALIA > 11. Huonville, Tasmania > 12. Kadina, S.A. > 1. Adelaide, S.A.: Mrs. L. Giordano, 13. Kapunda, S.A. > Secy., 6 Fisher Tce., Mile End 14. Kingston, S.A. > 2. Brisbane, Qld. : Miss Margaret Forrest, 15. Kurrajong Heights, N.S.W. > Secy., 20 Watson St., Wilston Heights 16. Launceston, Tasmania > 3. Caringbah, N.S.W.: Mrs. G. Lake, 17. Leeton, N.S.W. > Secy., 18 Urunga Pde., Miranda 18. Lilydale, Tasmania > 4. Hobart, Tasmania: Mrs. E. M. Green- 19. Lismore, N.S.W. > law, Secy., P.O. Box 292c 20. Newcastle, N.S.W. > 5. Kuring-gai, N.S.W.: Mrs. D. Rook- 21. Orange, N.S.W. > wood, Secy., 23 Churchill Ave., Wah- 22. Port Adelaide, S.A. > roonga, Sydney, N.S.W. 23. Port Lincoln, S.A. > 6. Melbourne, Vic.: Mrs. M. Handley, 24. Port Moresby, Papua Terr. > Secy., 25 Rosstown Rd., Carnegie 25. Quorn, S.A. > S.E. 9, Victoria 26. Renmark, S.A. > 7. Payneham, S.A.: Miss Leila Clark, 27. St. Peters, S.A. > Secy., 255 Payneham Rd., Joslin, 28. Stirling, S.A. > Adelaide, S.A. 29. Toowoornba, Qld. > 8. Perth, W.A.: Mrs. A. 0.Miller, Secy., 30. Waikerie, S.A. > 73 Berwick St., Victoria Park, Perth 3 1. Warnambool, Victoria > 9. Sydney, N.S.W.: Miss G. Moody, Secy., > Room 7, Piccadilly Arcade (BahB'i ISOLATED > CENTERS > Center) > 10. Unley, S.A.: Mrs. E. Osborn, Secy., 52 1. Albany, W.A. > Commercial Rd., Hyde Park, Ade- 2. Avoca Beach, N.S.W. > laide 3. Bathurst, N.S.W. > 11. Wollongong, N.S.W.: Miss M. Dun- 4. Belaire, S.A. > ning, Secy., 2 Wiseman Ave. 5. Blakiston, S.A. > 12. Woodville, S.A.: Mr. A. F. Apponyi, 6. Emu Point, W.A. > Secy., 9 Lanark Ave., Gleneagles, 7. Glen Innes, N.S.W. > S.A. 8. Goldsborough, Vic. > 13. Yerrinbool, N.S.W.: Mr. F. Wyss, 9. Gulgong, N.S.W. > Secy., Swiss Cottage, Park St., Tah- 10. Harvey, W.A. > moor 11. Kennington, Bendigo, Vic. > 12. Lyndoch, S.A. > 13. Meningie, S.A. > 14. Mosman, Sydney, N.S.W. > 1. Booleroo Centre, S.A. 15. Mullumbimby, North Coast, I > 2. Bowral, N.S.W. 16. Murry Bridge, S.A. > 3. Burnside, S.A. 17. Nambour, Qld. > 4. Canberra, A.C.T. 18. Neville, N.S.W. > 5. Cleve, West Coast, S.A. 19. Nuriootpa, S.A. > 6. Coombe, S.A. 20. Talgarno, Vic. > 7. Devonport, Tasmania 21. Theodore, Qld. > 8. Gawler, S.A. 22. Tooroona, Tasmania > 9. Geelong, Victoria 23. Wagga, N.S.W. > 10. Glenorchy, Tasmania 24. Wirulla, West Coast, S.A. > 764 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > NEW ZEALAND > 7. Palmerston North > 8. Wanganui > 1. Auckland: Mrs. Beryl Van der Vaart, 9. Whangarei > Secy., P.O. Box 1906 > 2. Devonport: Mr. E. B. M. Dewing, Secy., > 32 Hythe Tce., Mairangi Bay, Auck- > land > 1. Cambridge > 2. Hamilton > 3. Mangakino > 1. Albany 4. New Brighton > 2. Dunedin, South Island 5. Oamaru, South I. > 3. Eastbourne 6. Paeroa > 4. Lower Hutt 7. Rama Rama, Auckland > 5. Mangawai, Nelson 8. Turua, Hauraki Plains > 6. New Plymouth 9. Weymouth, Auckland > > FIJI > LOCALASSEMBLY > 1. Suva: Mrs. V. Ali, Secy., P.O. Box 462 > > BahB'i Summer School, Esslingen, Germany, August 9-15, 1953. > Visitors included four Hands of the Cause from Persia and two from Germany, as well as > BahB'is from eight different countries (Germany, Austria, Persia, > United States of America, England, Switzerland, Italy and France). > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 765 > > 9. D I R E C T O R Y O F L O C A L I T I E S I N T H E > DOMINION O F CANADA WHERE > B A H A ' I S RESIDE > 1953-1954 > > LOCAL ASSEMBLIES > ALBERTA 12. Hamilton: Miss Amy Putnam, Secy., > 1. Calgary: Miss Agnes Rusk, Secy., 76 21 Beulah Court > #I, 925-15th Ave., W. 13. Kingston: Miss Edna Halstead, Secy., > Box 322 > 2. Edmonton: Miss Gwen Clarke, Secy., 14. London: Mrs. Dorothy Smith, Secy., > 7852 Jasper Ave. 179 Windsor Ave. > 15. North York: Mrs. Evelyn Raynor, > BRITISHCOLUMBIA Secy., 32 Barwick Drive, Wilson > 3. Vancouver: Mrs. K. Rimell, Secy., Heights > 5480 Slocan St. 16. Oshawa: Miss Dorothy Sheets, Secy., > 4. Vernon: Mrs. Edna Montfort, Secy., 214 Burk St. > 31 19 Barnard Ave. 17. Ottawa: Mr. John Davies, Secy., 345 > 5. Victoria: Mrs. Anne McGee, Secy., Laurier Ave. E., Apt. 5 > 1837 Gonzales Ave. 18. Pickering : Mrs. B. Pemberton-Pigott, > 6. West Vancouver: Mrs. Katherine Secy., R.R. 2 > Moscrop, Secy., 4422 Stone Cres., 19. Scarboro: Mrs. Joan Stewart, Secy., > Cypress Park 101 Queensbury Ave., Toronto 13 > 20. Toronto: Mrs. Edith Blakely, Secy., > MANITOBA 135 Castlefield Rd. > 7. Winnipeg: Miss Miros Thom, Secy., > Box 121 PRINCEEDWARD ISLAND > 21. Charlottetown: Miss Frances Ba- > chynski, Secy., 249 Euston Ave. > 8. Moncton: Mr. Ernest Barkes, Secy., UEBEC > 57 Railway Ave. Q 22. Montreal: Mrs. Louise Boudler, > Secy., 3721 Coronet Rd. > SCOTIA 23. St. Lambert: Miss Margery Laming, > Halifax: Mrs. Audrey Rayne, Secy., Secy., 419 Notre Dame St. > 16 Bayers Road 24. Verdun: Mrs. Naomie Theberge, > Secy., 215 River St., Apt. 11 > ONTARIO 25. Westmount: Mrs. Yvonne Estall, > 10. Etobicoke: Mrs. Joyce McLean, Secy., 538 Argyle Ave. > Secy., R.R. 1, Weston > 11. Forest Hill: Mrs. Marjorie Merrick, SASKATCHEWAN > Secy., 592 Briar Hill Rd., Toronto 26. Saskatoon: Miss Beth Brookes, Secy., > 10 Box 322 > > GROUPS > ALBERTA 4. Mission City > 1. Slave Lake 5. Nanaimo > 2. Wildwood 6. Nelson > BRITISHCOLUMBIA 7. North Vancouver > 3. Beach Camp 8. Penticton > 766 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 9. Salmon Arm 23. Copper Cliff > 10. T'lell, Queen Charlotte Is. 24. Deseronto > 11. Vernon P.O. 25. East York > 12. Whalley 26. Forest > 27. Galt > FRANKLIN DISTRICT 28. Georgetown > 13. Arctic Bay 29. Hamilton Suburbs > 30. Ingersoll > LABRADOR 3 1. Peterborough > 14. Goose Bay 32. St. Catherines > 3 3. Shannonville > MACKENZIE DISTRICT 34. Stony Creek > 15. Yellowknife 35. Stouffville > 36. Thorold > MANITOBA 37. Trenton > 16. St. James 38. York Twp. > NEWFOUNDLAND QUEBEC > 17. St. John's 39. Beloeil Stn. > 40. Longueuil > NOVASCOTIA 41. Magdalen Is. > 18. Baddeck > 19. Sydney, Cape Breton I. SASKATCHEWAN > 42. Regina > 20. Aldershot > 21. Belleville YUKON > 22. Burlington 43. Whitehorse > > ISOLATED CENTERS > ALBERTA 16. Saint John > 1. Camrose 17. Sunnybrae > 2. Carve1 > 3. LaCombe NOVASCOTIA > 4. Peace River 18. Shearwater > 19. Truro > BRITISHCOLUMBIA 20. Tuft's Cove > 5. Crescent Beach > 6. Cumberland ONTARIO > 7. Kamloops 21. Amherstburg > 8. Langley Prairie 22. Eastview > 9. Oak Bay 23. Fruitland > 10. Queen Charlotte City 24. Guelph > 11. South Burnaby 25. LangstaE > 26. London Suburbs > KEEWATIN DISTRICT 27. Long Branch > 12. Baker Lake 28. Markham Twp. > 29. Nobel > MANITOBA 30. Oxford Twp. North > 13. Fort Garry 3 1. Oxford Twp. West > 32. Penetanguishene > NEWBRUNSWICK 33. Stratford > 14. Aulac 34. Sudbury > 15. Grand Manan I. 35. Swansea > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > 36. Uxbridge 47. Lac Saguay > 37. Waterloo 48. Mt. Royal > 38. Welland 49. Noranda > 39. Weston 50. Quebec City > 40. Windsor 51. Rivikre Beaudette > 52. St. Agathe > 41. Carlton Siding > 42. Clyde River SASKATCHEWAN > 43. Vernon Bridge 53. Cabri > 54. Carlyle > QUEBEC 55. Estlin > 44. Beaulac 56. Moose Jaw > 45. Fort George 57. Pierceland > 46. Hampstead 58. Weyburn > > Twelfth Bah2i Summer School held in Panchgani (India), October 16-25, 1951. > > 10. DIRECTORY O F LOCALITIES IN > T H E BRITISH ISLES WHERE > BAHA'IS R E S I D E > 1953-1954 > > LOCAL ASSEMBLIES > EIRE 3. Blackburn: Miss J. Kranen, Secy., > 1. Dublin: Adib Taherzadeh, Secy., 8 Park View, Haslingden Rd., Black- > Belmont Villas, Donnybrook, Dub- burn, Lancs. > lin 4. Blackpool: Mrs. Hyett, Secy., 46 > Chepstow Rd. > ENGLAND 5. Bournemouth: Mrs. Cranmer, Secy., > 2. Birmingham: Mrs. Goode, Secy., 29 52A Southbourne Rd., South- > Robert Rd., Birmingham 20 bourne, Bournemouth > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 6. Bradford: Mrs. Naylor, Secy., 4 17. Oxford: Miss J. Campbell, Secy., 18 > Derby St., Great Horton, Bradford Rawlinson Rd. > 7. Brighton: Miss Doreen Geary, Secy., 18. Sheffield: Mrs. Broom, Secy., 38 > 154 Woodland Dr., Hove 4 Wadsley Lane, Sheffield 6 > 8. Bristol: Mrs. Weeks, Secy., 9 Cale- 19. Stockport: C. Johnson, Secy., 35 > donia Place, Clifton, Bristol Neal Ave., Heald Green, Cheshire > 9. Leeds: R. H. Backwell, Secy., 90 20. Torquay: J. A. Povey, Secy., 8 Ab- > Carr Manor Rd., Leeds 7 bey Place > 10. Liverpool: Miss S. Farnsworth, Secy., NORTHERN IRELAND > 19 Canning St., Liverpool 8 21. Belfast: Mrs. Beattie, Secy., 27 Rock- > 11. London: E. Munsiff, Secy., 9 Clifford land St. > St., London W. 1 > 12. Manchester: Mrs. Senior, Secy., 15 SCOTLAND > Oaklands Rd., Swinton, Lancs. 22. Edinburgh: Miss Noora Faridian, > 13. Newcastle: J. Jameson, Secy., 2 1 Secy., 26 Findlay Grove, Edin- > Beech Grove, Wallsend, Northum- burgh 7 > berland 23. Glasgow: Miss A. Williams, Secy., > 14. Northampton: Miss A. Stevens, 285 Bellshill Rd., Motherwell, > Secy., 1 Bruce St. Lanarkshire > 15. Norwich: Miss E. Bird, Secy., 238 WALES > Heigham St. 24. Cardiff: D. G. McArthur, Secy., 8 > 16. Nottingham: Miss 0. Sutton, Secy., Stanwell Cres., Penarth, Glamor- > 212 Mansfield Rd. gan > > A view of the service dedicated to the Ezeiza International BahL'i School, > Argentina, at the opening of the Convention School Session, 1952. > BAHA'I: D I R E C T O R Y 1 9 5 3 - 1 9 5 4 > > GROUPS AND ISOLATED CENTERS > ENGLAND 20. Reading > 1. Abbotsbury 2 1. Rossington > 2. Amersham 22. Salisbury > 3. Amesbury 23. Southend > 24. Thetford > 4. Arundel > 5. Broadstairs > 6. Carshalton > 7. Chatham > 8. Cobham SCOTLAND > 9. Coventry > 26. Brechin > 10. Dorking 27. Humbie > 11. Grays 28. Langholm > 12. Hull > 13. Ilkeston WALES > 14. Kirkby Lonsdale 29. Abergele > 15. Middlewich 30. Swansea > 16. Newport 31. Talybont > 17. Old Coulsdon > 18. Plymouth ISLEOF MAN > 19. RadclilTe on Trent 32. Maughold > > 11. DIRECTORY O F LOCALITIES IN > GERMANY AND AUSTRIA WHERE > BAHA'IS R E S I D E > 1953-1954 > > GERMANY > > 9. Goppingen: Fr. Helene Miiller, Secy., > Hohenstaufenstr. 26 > 1. Berlin: Fr. Rosa Lehne, Secy., Berlin- 10. Hamburg: Fr. Ruth Kohl, Secy., > Charlottenburg, Schloss-Str. 29 Harzloh 48, Hamburg 33 > 2. Bonn: Mr. Bozorg Hemmati, Secy., 11. Heidelberg: Herrn Fritz Schaefer, > Helmholtzstr. 21 Secy., Steubenstr. 3a > 3. Darmstadt: Dr. Rudolf Jockel 11, Secy., 12. Karlsruhe: Frl. Waltraut Weber, Secy., > Barkhausstr. 70 Karlsruhe-Ruppurr, Resedenweg 88 > 4. Dusseldorf: Frl. Ursula Miihlschlegel, 13. Ludwigsburg : Frl. Ruth Deuschle, > Secy., Diisseldorf-Gerresheim,Naum- Secy., Ulrichstr. 8 > burgerstr. 10 14. Munchen: Ursula Hoffinann, Secy., > 5. Ebingen: Herrn Erwin Patz, Secy., Munchen-Obermenzing, Menzinger- > Steinbeisstr. 9 str. 94 > 6. Esslingenpeckar : Herrn Peter Rom- 15. Stuttgart: Fr. Herma Miihlschlegel, > mel, Secy., Kepplerstr. 10 Secy., Stuttgart-S, Alexanderstr. 112 > 7. Frankfurt/Main: Fr. Johanna v. Wer- 16. Tubingen: Frl. Natalie Monte, Secy., > thern, Secy., Eysseneckstr. 25 Postamt 11, Postfach 647 > 8. Freiburgpr.: Frl. Luise Trautwein, 17. Ulm/Donau: H e m Heinrich Basse, > Secy., Zasiusstr. 65 Secy., Saarlandstr. 79 > BAHA'I DI'RECTORY 1953-1954 > > 1. Bad Nauheim 1. Boblingenmttbg. > 2. Bad Riefenau 2. Brernen > 3. Balzholz/Wttbg. 3. Bruchkobel/Hessen > 4. Berkheim/Wttbg. 4. Burgfelden/Wttbg. > 5. Braunschweig 5. Cadolzburg b. Fiirth > 6. Dinslacken 6. Dilsberg/Baden > 7. Eggstatt/Bayern 7. Farchant/Bayern > 8. Fellbach/Wttbg. 8. Garmisch-Partenkirchen > 9. FiirthjBayern 9. Gottingen > 10. Geislingen/Steige 10. Griesheim b. Darmstadt > 11. Giessen/Lahn 11. Immenstaad/Bodensee > 12. Grevingsberg/Oldenburg 12. Irschenhausen b. Miinchen > 13. Hambach/Bergstr. 13. Lampertheim/Hessen > 14. Hanau 14. Langen > 15. Hannover 15. Laubach > 16. Haunstetten b. Augsburg 16. Lich b. Giessen > 17. Heilbronn/Neckar 17. Lowenstein/Wttbg. > 18. Heppenheim/Bergstr. 18. Mannheim > 19. Immenstadt/Allg'au 19. Marburg/Lahn > 20. Ingelheim/Rhein 20. Mehlem b. Bonn > 2 1. Jugenheim/Bergstr. 2 1. Mulheim/Ruhr > 22. Kelsterbach/Main 22. Neckarsulm > 23. Kentzingen/Baden 23. Neukirchen > 24. Kiel 24. Oberau/Bayern > 25. Koln/Rhein 25. Offenbach/Main > 26. Kronberg/Taunus 26. Reichenbach/Fils > 27. Kiissnach/Baden 27. Saarbrucken > 28. Mainz 28. Sanderbusch/Holstein > 29. MullheimjBaden 29. Schleissheim > 30. Medenbach/Taunus 30. Schwab. Hall > 3 1. Messel-Grube 3 1. Seeheim/Bergstr. > 32. Neckargemiind 32. Tailfingenflttbg. > 33. Nellingenmttbg. 33. Uelzen/Niedersachsen > 34. Niirnberg 34. Wachendorfrnttbg. > 35. Oberdielbach/Odenwald 35. WaiMingen/Wttbg. > 36. Pfullingenpttbg. 36. Weil/Rhein > 37. Plochingen/Wttbg. 37. Weilheim/Teck/Wttbg. > 38. Spiegelbergpttbg. 38. Weissenburg/Bayern > 39. Trautheim b. Darmstadt 39. Wesel/Niederrhein > 40. Uberlingen/Bodensee 40. Wessling/Bayern > 4 1. Villingen/Schwarzwald 4 1. Westerland/Sylt/Frisian Js. > 42. Weinheim/Bergstr. 42. Wiesenfeld/Bayern > 43. Wendlingenmttbg. 43. Wyck/Fohr/Frisian Is. > 44. Wiesbaden 44. Zizishausenrnttbg. > 45. Zwingenberg/Bergstr. > > AUSTRIA > > LOCALASSEMBLY CENTERS > ISOLATED > 1. Wien (Vienna) : Frl. Margarete Lentz, 1. Ehrwald/Tirol > Secy., Wien IX, Liechtensteinstr. 2. Linzponau > 121/25 3. Salzburg > 772 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Bahi'i Summer School at Hyderabad-Sind (Pgkisth), 1952-1953. > > 12. DIRECTORY O F LOCALITIES I N > E G Y P T A N D T H E SUDAN W H E R E > BAHA'IS R E S I D E > 1953-1954 > > EGYPT > > LOCALASSEMBLIES 7. Damanhour > 1. Alexandria: P.O. Box 1865 8. Delta Barrage > 2. Cairo: P.O. Box 29, Faggala 9. Desouk > 3. Ismailia: Mr. Khalil Ayyad, Secy., 152 10. Ein Shams > Rue Leusseau 11. El Berigat > 4. Mansourah: Mr. Abdul Halim Fadel, 12. Etsa Fayyoumieh > Secy., %Telegraph Office 13. Ezbet El Zeitoun > 5. Mehalla-el-Kobra: Mr. Mustafa Mo- 14. Fayyum > hammed, Secy., Storekeeper Egyptian 15. Heliopolis > State Railways, Samannoud 16. Helwan les Bains > 6. Port Said: P.O. Box 339 17. Kafr El Dawar > 7. Sohag: P.O. Box 17 18. Kafr El Zaayat > 8. Suez: P.O. Box 108 19. Kena > 9. Tanta: P.O. Box 9 20. Khatatba > 21. Kom El Saayda > 22. Maadi > 23. Mallawi > 1. Assiut 24. Mataria > 2. Balyana 25. Minia > 3. Beba 26. Rosetta > 4. Benha 27. Samannoud > 5. Beni Suef 28. Shebin El Korn > 6. Caluib > BAHA'I DIRECTORY 1953-1954 > > LOCALASSEMBLY ISOLATED > CENTERS > 1. Khartoum: P.O. Box 28, Khartoum 1. Kosti > North 2. Port S h d h > 3. Wad Medani > > 13. DIRECTORY O F LOCALITIES > WHERE BAHA'IS RESIDE UNDER > THE JURISDICTION O F THE > N A T I O N A L S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY > O F T H E BAHA'IS O F ' I R A Q > 1953-1954 > 'IRAQ > LOCALASSEMBLIES GROUPSAND ISOLATED > CENTERS > 1. 'AvL&iq: % Mr. Izzat Jalil Shirin, 1. Fao > Secy., 'Avashiq-Miqdadiyih 2. Huwaider > 2. Ba'aqubih: % Mr. Mohammed Jawad 3. Karbili > Al-Bassam, Secy. 4. Kirkuk > 3. Baghdid: P.O. Box 5 5. Kufa > 4. ~ a G a h :C/;, Mr. Naji Al-Hasani, Secy., 6. Miqdadiyih > Ahar, Basrah 7. Musayab > 5. Dhiyabih: % Mr. Husain Jamil, Secy., 8. Najaf > Dhiyabih-Miqdadiyih 9. Sulayminiyyih > 6. Mosul: P.O. Box 19 > > JORDAN > LOCALASSEMBLIES > 1. 'Adasiyyih: % Farid Jamshidi, Secy., 2. 'Amman: % Mohammed Shoghi Ja'- > Erbid, 'Adasiyyih afer, P.O. Box 218 > > KOWEIT > LOCALASSEMBLY > 1. Koweit: % Mohsen Amouzkar, Secy., > P.O. Box 38, Koweit, Persian Gulf > > DUBAI > LOCALASSEMBLY > 1. Dubai: C/o Mr. J. Setoodih, Secy., > Dubai, Persian Gulf > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > QATAR > LOCALASSEMBLY > 1. Qatar: % Mr. M. Rawhani, Secy., > Qatar, Persian Gulf > > 14. DIRECTORY O F LOCALITIES I N > ITALY AND SWITZERLAND WHERE > BAHA'IS R E S I D E > 1953-1954 > ITALY > LOCALASSEMBLIES 2. Milan > 1. Florence: Prof. Aldo Lonzar, ,!kcy., 3. San Marhi0 > Via della Scala 25 ISOLATED CENTERS > 2. Naples: Prof. Mario Langione, Secy., Cagliari, Sardinia > Rione Cavallegeri Aosta, Fuorigrotta, 2mMBta > Ina Casa 25 3. Palermo, Sicily > 3. Rome: Casella Postale 252, Roma 4. Sari Remo > Centro 5. Sorrento > GROUPS 6. Taormina, Sicily > 1. Genoa 7. Venice > > SWITZERLAND > LOCALASSEMBLIES GROUPS > 1. Bern: Mr. Hans Miiller, Secy., Brunn- 1. Base1 > mattstrasse 32 2. Balsthal > 3. Cham > 4. Diepoldsau > 2. Geneva: Mrs. Anne Lynch, Secy., 37 5. Heerbrugg > Quai Wilson 6. Lausanne > 7. Samedan > 3. Ziirich: Miss Verena Staub, Secy., La- 8. Widnau > vaterstrasse 69, Ziirich 1 9. Wolf halden > BAHA'I BIBLIO GRAPHY > 1 BAHA'U'LLAH'S BEST-KNOWN WRITINGS > > Alvfih-i-Laylalu'l-Quds. Lawh-i-Hirtik. > A$1-i-Qullu'l-Lhayr. Lawh-i-Huriyyih. > Az-Bfigh-i-Ilfihi. Lawh-i-Husayn. > Bfiz-A Bi&firfit (Glad-Tidings) . the Wolf). > Chihfir-Vfidi (Four Valleys). Lawh-i-Ittihfid. > G_hhulfimu'l-Khuld. Lawh-i-Jamfil. > Haft-Vfidi (Seven Valleys). Lawh-i-Karim. > Halih-Halih-Yfi-Bi&firat. Lawh-i-Karmil. > Hhr-i-'UjLb. Lawh-i-Kullu't-Ta'fim. > Hurdffit-i-'Allin. Lawh-i-Malikih (Tablet to Queen Victoria). > I&rfiqfit (Effulgences) . Lawh-i-Malik-i-Rfis (Tablet to the Czar of > Kalimfit-i-Firdawsiyyih (Words of Paradise). Russia). > Kalimfit-i-MaknGnih (Hidden Words). Lawh-i-Mallfihu'l-Quds (Tablet of -the Holy > Kitfib-i-'Ahd (Book of Covenant). Mariner). > Kitfib-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book). Lawh-i-Manikc_hi-Sfihib. > Kitfib-i-Bfidi'. Lawh-i-Maqsfid. > Kitfib-i-fqfin (Book of Certitude). Lawh-i-Maryam. > Kitfib-i-Sultfin (Tablet to the Sbfih of Persia). Lawh-i-Mawldd. > Lawh-i-'Abdu'l-'Aziz-Va-Vukalfi. Lawh-i-Mubfihilih. > Lawh-i-'Abdu'l-Vahhfib. Lawh-i-Nfipulylin I (First Tablet to Napo- > Lawh-i-'Abudu'r-Razzfiq. leon 111). > Lawh-i-Ahbfib. Lawh-i-NfipulyGn I1 (Second Tablet to Na- > Lawh-i-Ahmad (Tablet of Ahmad). poleon 111). > Lawh-i-Amvgj. Lawh-i-Nfisir. > Lawh-i-Anta'l-K6fi Lawh-i-Nuqtih. > Lawh-i-Aqdas. Lawh-i-Pfip (Tablet to the Pope). > Lawh-i-A&raf. Lawh-i-Pisar-'Amm. > Lawh-i-'A&iq-va-MaC&fiq. Lawh-i-Qink‘. > Lawh-i-Ayiy-i-Nfir. Lawh-i-Quds. > Lawh-i-Bahfi. Lawh-i-Rafi'. > Lawh-i-BaqL Lawh-i-Ra'is (Tablct to Ra'is) . > Lawh-i-Basitatu'l-Haqiqih. Lawh-i-Raqs_hL'. > Lawh-i-Bismilih. Lawh-i-Rasfil. > Lawh-i-Bulbulu'l-Firgq. Lawh-i-RGh. > Lawh-i-Burhin. Lawh-i-Ru'y6. > Lawh-i-Dunyfi (Tablet of the World). Lawh-i-Sahfib. > Lawh-i-Fitnih. Lawh-i-Salmfin I. > Lawh-i-Ghulfimu'l-Khuld. Lawh-i-Salmfin 11. > Lawh-i-Habib. Lawh-i-SAmsh. > Lawh-i-Haft-Pursi&. Lawh-i-Sayyfih. > Lawh-i-Hajj. Lawh-i-KhaykJh-Ffini. > Lawh-i-Hawdaj. Lawh-i-Tawhid. > Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom). Lawh-i-Tibb. > 776 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Lawh-i-Tuqi. SGriy-i-Hajj I. > Lawh-i-YGsuf. SGriy-i-Hajj 11. > Lawh-i-Zaynu'l-Muqarrabin. SGriy-i-Haykal. > Lawh-i-Ziyirih. SGriy-i-Hif7. > Madinatu'r-Rid&. SGriy-i-Hijr. > Madinatu't-Tawhid. SGriy-i-'Ibhd. > Mahavi. SGriy-i-Ism. > MunijithAy-i-SiyAm. SGriy-i-Ismuna'l-Mursil. > Qad-Ihtaraqa'l-M~&&&6n. SGriy-i-JavAd. > Qasidiy-i-Varqi'iyyih. S6riy-i-K-hitib. > Ram-i-'Am& S6riy-i-Ma'ini. > RidvAnu71-'Adl. SGriy-i-Manc. > Ridvinu'l-IqrAr. SGriy-i-MulGk. > Sa.l$iy-i-S_hateyyih. Siiriy-i-Nidi. > Salif-i-Mayyit (Prayer for the Dead). Sbriy-i-Nush. > Siqi-Az-G-hayb-i-BaqB SGriy-i-Qadir. > Xhikkar-ghikan-ghavand. SGriy-i-Qahir. > Subhina-Rabbiya'l-'AIL. SGriy-i-Qalam. > Subhgnika-YA-HG. SGriy-i-Qamis. > Sbratu-'llih. SGriy-i-Sabr. > SGriy-i-Alpin. Sdriy-i-Sultan. > SGriy-i-Amin. SGriy-i-Vaf & > SGriy-i-Amr. SGriy-i-Ziyirih. > SGriy-i-Krib. SGriy-i-Zubur. > SGriy-i-AshAb. SGriy-i-Ziihbr. > SGriy-i-Asmi'. Tafsir-i-Hh. > SGriy-i-Bay&. Tafsir-i-HurGf it-i-Muqawih. > SGriy-i-Burhin. Tafsir-i-SGriy-i-Va'&-Shams. > SGriy-i-Damm. Tajalliyk (Revelations). > SGriy-i-Ehabih. Targzit (Ornaments). > SGriy-i-D-hibh. Ziyirat-Nimih (The Visiting Tablet). > SGriy-i-Ehikr. Ziyhat-Ngmiy-i-Awliyi. > SGriy-i-Fadl. Ziyirat-Nimiy-i-Bibu'l-Bib va QuddGs. > SGriy-i-Fath. Ziyirat-Nhmiy-i-Bayt. > SGriy-i-Fu'id. Ziyirat-NAmiy-i-Maryam. > SGriy-i-G-hum (Tablet of the Branch). Ziy6rat-NAmiy-i-Siyyidu'&-Shuhad A. > > 2. THE B A B ' S B E S T - K N O W N W O R K S > The Arabic Bayin. Risgliy-i-Dhahabiyyih. > Commentary on the SGrih of Kawaar. Risiliy-i-Fiqhiyyih. > Commentary on the SGrih of Va'l-'Asr. Ris Aliy-i-Fun?‘-i-‘Adliyyih. > Dali'il-i-Sab'ih. Sahif atu'l-paramayn. > Epistles to Muhammad ghih and Hiji S&ifiy-i-Ja'f ariyyih. > Mirzi Aqisi. Sahifiy-i-Mak_hdhGmiyyih. > KhasPil-i-Sab'ih. Sahifiy-i-Radaviyyih. > Kitib-i-AsrnV. S6riy-i-Tawhid. > Kitbb-i-Panj-SJha'n. Tafsir-i-Nubuwat-i-K_hissih. > Kit Abu'r-Riih. Ziyirat-i-SJhih-'Abdu'l-'Azim. > Lawh-i-HurGfh. > The Persian Bayin. N.B.-The BAb Himself states in one pas- > Qayybmu'l-Asmi'. sage of the Persian Bayin that His writings > Risaiy-i-'Adliyyih. comprise no less than 500,000 verses. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 777 > > 3. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS O F T H E UNITED > STATES O F AMERICA IN PRINT > > The titles in this section include those B a h a works which have been approved as > authentic and reliable and which likewise are in print and available at the date this list > is made. They are published and distributed by Bahri'i Publishing Committee, I 1 0 Linden > Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. > > (a) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys. > Translated by Ali-Kuli Khan and Marzieh > Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Gail. Two treatises which describe the > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Addressed stages that the soul must traverse to attain > to a Muslim priest who had been a savage the object of its existence. Introduction > enemy of the Faith. The result of opposi- by Dr. Robert Gulick, Jr. 62 pp. Bound > tion to the Prophet of God, and proofs in fabrikoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.25 > adduced to establish the validity of the Bound in paper ................$ .75 > Faith. Introduction by Marzieh Gail. Three Obligatory Daily Prayers. > 182 pp. and glossary and index. Bound in By Bahi'u'llkh. Translated by Shoghi > cloth ........................$2.50 > Effendi. The three obligatory prayers, any > Gleanings from the Writings of Bahri'u'lla'h. one of which is to be selected for daily > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Excerpts use by Bahi'is. 14 pp. Stiff cover. Per > from the sacred writings of Bahi'u'llhh, copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .10 > touching on the nature of religion, the > spiritual nature of man, and the transfor- > mation of human society. Introduction by > Dr. Wm. Kenneth Christian. 346 pp. and The Ba'b's Address to the > glossary and index. Bound in fabrikoid Letters o f the Living. > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00 Reproduced in pamphlet form from > Hidden Words. hand-lettered copy of pages 92-94 of the > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. The es- Dawn-Breakers. 12 pp. . . . . . . . . . $ .10 > sence of all ievealcd truth, expressed in > brief penetrating meditations. Introduc- (c) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA > tion by George Townshend. 52 pp. > Bound in fabrikoid . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.25 America's Spiritual Mission. > Bound in paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .75 Epistles revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahk in > 1916-1917 to the American BahVis out- > Kita'b-i-lqa'n (Book of Certitude). lining their teaching responsibilities > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Sets forth around the world. 54 pp. Self cover $ .20 > the grand redemptive scheme of God, re- > vealing the oneness of religion, its conti- The Bah& Peace Program. > nuity and evolution through the successive Two letters, to the Committee on Durable > Prophets of God, and elucidates some of Peace, The Hague, and to the late Dr. > the allegorical and abstruse passages of Auguste Fore1 of Switzerland, expound- > the Jewish, Christian and Muslim Scrip- ing the principles essential to the attain- > tures. Introduction by Helen Bishop. 257 ment of world unity and peace. 48 pp. > pp. and glossary and index. Bound in Bound in fabrikoid . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.50 > cloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00 Bound in paper ............... $ .75 > Index, separately (for older edition) $ .15 > Foundations o f World Unity. > Prayers and Meditations. A selection of 'Abdu'l-BahVs public ad- > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. A selection dresses and letters on the theme of the > of communes and devotional passages re- spiritual foundations of world unity. In- > vealed by Bahi'u'llLh. 339 pp. and index. troduction by Horace Holley. 178 pp. > Bound in fabrikoid ............$3.00 Bound in paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.OO > 77 8 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > BahL'i Group of Aden, Aden Protectorate, November 22, 1953. > > Some Answered Questions. World Order Through World Faith. > Collected and translated by Laura Clif- Selected public addresses of 'Abdu'l-Bah6. > ford Barney. 'Abdu'l-BahL's explanations 32 pp. Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .50 > of a wide variety of spiritual and philo- > sophic questions, including the nature and (d) WORKS COMPILED FROM > influence of the Prophets, the nature of WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH > man and certain Biblical subjects. Intro- AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA > duction by Laura Clifford Barney. New BahBi World Faith. > introd~~ction to 1954 edition by Anna- Selections from writings of Bahi'u'llih > marie Honnold. 350 pp. Bound in cloth and 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00 466 pp. Bound in cloth . . . . . . . . .$2.00 > Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha'. BahBi World Faith-Centennial Edition. > The Charter which establishes the Guard- 466 pp. > ianship and delineates the major features Bound in red leather, net ........$5.00 > of the administrative institutions of the > Bahi'i Faith. The provisions of the Will Bahd'i Writings-Excerpts and Prayers. > protect the integrity and unity of the Compilation by Amelia E. Collins and > Faith. Complete text, 26 pp. Stiff cover Florence R. Morton. > ............................. $ .25 56 pp. Red paper .............. $ .50 > Selections from the Will and Testament, Divine Art of Living. > accompanied by passages from the Writ- Bah6'u311ih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Compiled > ings of the Bkb and Bahi'u'lih which re- by Mabel Hyde Paine. Selections.treating > veal the continuity of the Faith, and by of the qualities that characterize whole- > passages from the communications af ness of living, the means to attain these > Shoghi Effendi explaining the significance and the goals of spiritual development. > of the Will and Testament itself. 20 pp. 128 pp. and notes. Bound in fabrikoid > Paper cover ...................$ .20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.50 > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 779 > > (e) WORKS COMPILED FROM Bah& Administration. > WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH, The letters written by Shoghi Effendi to > THE BAB AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA the American Bahi'i communitw. from > January, 1922, to July, 1932, in h{szcapac- > Bahd'i Prayers (General). ity of Guardian of the Bahi'i Faith, to en- > Bahi'u'llbh, The Bbb, 'Abdu'l-BahB. A courage, guide and instruct the BahL'is in > selection of the prayers revealed by the carrying out the provisions of the Will > three central Figures of the Faith. 112 pp. and Testament of 'Abdu'l-BahB concern- > Bound in old ivory Spanish leatherette ing the organic development of the > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.25 > . Bahb'i community. The volume also con- > Bah& Prayers (General and Occasional). tains excerpts from 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Will, > Contains the prayers in the "General" edi- and an Appendix consisting of the Dec- > tion and also prayers suited to Bahi'i oc- laration of Trust and By-Laws of the > casions, such as the Tablet of Ahmad, National Spiritual Assembly, and By- > Tablets of Visitation and the Obligatory Laws for local Spiritual Assemblies. 198 > Prayers. 190 pp. pp. (1945.) Bound in fabrikoid . . .$2.50 > Bound in simulated morocco . . . . . $1.50 The Bah& Faith. > Survey, 1844-1944. 24 pp. Self cover. > Communion With God. Fifty copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.50 > Bahi'u'llbh, the Bbb, 'Abdu'l-Bahb. A se- > lection of prayers in pocket size edition. The Bahd'i Faith, 1844-1 950. > 24 pp. Bound in paper . . . . . . . . . . $ .15 36 pp. Stiff cover. Per copy ......$ .25 > The Bah& Faith, 1844-1952. > (f) WORKS COMPILED FROM Information statistical and comparative. > WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH, Including Supplement: Ten Year Inter- > 'ABDU'L-BAHA AND SHOGHI national Bahi'i Teaching and Consolida- > EFFENDI tion Plan 1953-1963. Compiled by Shoghi > Effendi. 74 pp. Map. Stiff paper cover > Selected Writings of Bahd'u'lldh, 'Abdu'l- ............................. $ .75 > Bahd, and Shoghi Effendi. > The Challenging Requirements o f the Pres- > Three books, 48 pp. each. Bound in ent Hour. > paper. Sold only in set of three. A general letter written by Shoghi Effendi > Price per set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .50 to the Bahb'is in North, Sonth and Cen- > tral America and their representatives in > The Open Door. Europe, dated June 5, 1947. Self cover. > Bahi'u'llbh and 'Abdu'l-Bahft. Compila- 36 pp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .25 > tion on immortality. Paper cover. Twelve copies ................. $1.OO > Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50 > 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.50 The Citadel o f the Faith of Bahd'u'lla'h. > A general letter to the National Spiritual > (g) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United > States, dated November 8, 1948. Self > The Advelzt o f Divine Justice. cover. 8 pp. ................... $ .25 > A general letter written by Shoghi Effendi Twelve copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.OO > to the American Bahb'is, dated December The Dispensation of Bahd'u'lla'h. > 25, 1938. This communication empha- A letter addressed by Shoghi Effendi to > sizes the Bahi'i teachings in the encour- the Bahi'is of the West, dated February > agement and protection of racial and 8, 1934. In this letter the Guardian of the > religious minorities, the quality of integ- Bahi'i Faith clarifies, with numerous quo- > rity in administrative bodies, and the tations from Bahi'i sacred writings, the > virtue of chastity. 78 pp. Paper cover spiritual station and mission of Bahi'- > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .75 u'llbh, the Bbb, 'Abdu'l-Bahb, and the na- > America and the Most Great Peace. ture of the World Order which 3ahb'- > By Shoghi Effendi. A letter to the Bahi'is u'llbh established. 66 pp. Bound in paper > of North America dated April 21, 1933. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .25 > 24 pp. Available only in The World Order Available also in The World Order o f > o f Baha"u'l1dh. Baha"u'1ldh. > 780 T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > The Faith of Bahd'u'lla'h, a World Religion. the Bgb on Mt. Carmel. Self cover. 8 pp. > Shoghi Effendi. A statement prepared for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .10 > United Nations Special Palestine Com- > mittee, July, 1947. 8 pp. and cover. Ten The Unfoldment of World Civilization. > copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.OO By Shoghi Effendi. A letter dated March > 11, 1936, giving an analysis of the death > The Goal of a New World Order. of the old order and the birth of the new. > By Shoghi Effendi. In this communication 46 pp. Available only in The World Order > (dated November 28, 1931) the Guard- o f Bahd'u'llah. > ian analyzes the existing international, > political, economic and social problems, The World Order of Bahd'u'lla'h. > points to the signs of impending chaos, Seven successive communications from > and emphasizes the guiding principles of Shoghi Effendi, 1929 to 1936, which de- > world order established by Bahb'u'llgh. fine the relation of the Bahb'i Faith to the > 32 pp. Available only in The Wovld process of social evolution in this new > Order o f Bahci'u'lla'h. age. Introduction by Horace Holley. 206 > pp. and index. Bound in fabrikoid > God Passes By. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.00 > A history of the Bahb'i Faith throughout > its first century, 1844-1944, by Shoghi Ef- The World Order of Bahd'u'lla'h. > fendi. Introd~~ctionby George Town- By Shoghi Effendi. A letter (dated Feb- > shend. 412 pp. with index. ruary 27, 1929) from the Guardian of > Bound in fabrikoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00 the Bahi'i Faith explaining the continuity > Index, separately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 of the Faith after the passing of 'Abdu'l- > BakB, and relating Bahb'i institutions to > The Golden Age o f the Cause of Baha''- the ideal of world order and peace. 16 pp. > u'lldh. Available only in The World Order o f > By Shoghi Effendi. The Guardian's letter Bahd'u'llah, above. > (dated March 21, 1932) referring to the > spiritual importance of America in the The World Order of Bahd'u'lla'h: Further > new world order. 24 pp. Available only in Considerations. > The World Order o f Bahci'u'lla'h. By Shoghi Effendi. This letter (dated > March 21, 1930) develops the subject > Messages to America. with remarks on the distinguishing fea- > Selected letters and cablegrams addressed tures of Bahb'i world order, and on the > by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahb'is of North essential differences between the BahA'i > America 1932-1946. 118 pp. Faith and ecclesiastical organizations. 16 > Bound in fabrikoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 pp. Available only in The World Order > of Bahd'u'lla'h. > Messages from the Guardian. > Letters and cablegrams received from World Order Unfolds. > Shoghi Effendi. June, 1932, to July, 1940; A selection of the messages of the Guard- > compiled from Bahd'i News. 78 pp. Paper ian starting with passages from the God > cover. Each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .20 Given Mandate (1946) and showing the- > rapid evolution of the institutions of the > The Promised Day Is Come. > Faith to March, 1952. 46 pp. Paper > By Shoghi Effendi. The Guardian's force- > cover. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .20 > ful explanation of the present world-wide > Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 > moral and social chaos as the result of the > rejection of the Prophet of God for this A World Survey, The Bahd'i Faith. > day. 129 pp. and index. Bound in paper Compiled by Shoghi Effendi. > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.50 24 pp., self cover. 50 copies . . . . . .$1.50 > Spiritual Poterlcies o f That Consecrated ( h ) WRITINGS ON THE > Spot. BAHA'I FAITH > This letter. dated October 25. 1939. con- > veys to thk Bahb'is of the west, the sig- 'Abdu'l-Baha'-The Center of the Covenant. > nificance of the interment of members of By Juliet Thompson. > Bah&'u'lliih's Family near the Shrine of 28 pp. per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .25 > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 781 > > Bahb'i Group in Hyogo-ken, Osaka, Japan, in front of their Bahb'i Hall, the gift of > Mr. Nonreddin Momtazi, second from right, front row. Miss Agnes Alexander, > early pioneer to Japan, seated third from right. This group will form > the second Local Spiritual Assembly in Japan on April 21, 1954. > > Appreciations of the Bahh'i Faith. The Chosen Highway. > Appreciations of the Faith by scholars, By Lady Blomfield. Historical accounts > writers and prominent people over the of the Three Central Figures of the Faith > world. 70 pp. Bound in paper . . . .$ .25 drawn mainly from personal conversa- > tions and letters from persons closely as- > Bah8i Answers. sociated with the early days of the Faith. > Compiled by Olivia Kelsey from the writ- Introduction and notes by H. M. Balyuzi > ings of Bahb'u'llfih, The BBb, 'Abdu'l- and David Hofman. 164 pp. Bound in > Bahi and Shoghi Effendi. This book is for fabrikoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 > the convenience of Bahb'i teachers, stu- > dents and seekers for a broader knowl- The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil's Narrative o f > edge of the Bahb'i Faith. 258 pp. Bound the Early Days of the B a h a Revelation. > in heavy paper. Per copy . . . . . . . . $2.50 Translated and Edited by Shoghi Effendi. > An outstanding historical record by an > The Bahh'i Centenary 1844-1944. eyewitness to many of the most moving > Bound in fabrikoid. 254 pp. . . . . . . $2.00 incidents sf the early days of the Faith, > and contains a detailed account of the > Bahh'u'lldh and the New Era. martyrdom of the Bfib on July 9, 1850. > By Dr. J. E. Esslemont. An authoritative The text is liberally annotated from his- > and comprehensive survey of Bahb'i his- tories by contemporary European schol- > tory and teachings as related to present ars. 668 pp. and appendix and index. 11- > religious, scientific and social conditions lustrated. Bound in green fabrikoid > in Europe and America, with many quo- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.50 > tations from the writings. Edition revised > by the National Spiritual Assembly under The Dawn-Breakers, Translation of French > the direction of Shoghi Effendi. 350 pp. Footnotes in. > Bound in fabrikoid . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.25 Translated by Emily McBride PCrigord. > Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 84 pp. Bound in paper . . . . . . . . . . $ .75 > 782 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Do'a: The Call to Prayer. they provide to questions often asked, > By Ruth J. Moffett. An exposition on the particularly by people of Christian back- > practice of prayer, with a selection of ground. Compiled for use in connection > prayers from various religions. 126 pp. with the Assembly of the World Council > Bound in paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.25 of Churches, Evanston, Ill., 1954. 75 pp. > Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .35 > The Martyr-Prophet of a World Faith. 10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.50 > Written by William B. Sears for the Cen- > tenary of the BAb's Martyrdom. 20 pp. The Destiny of America. > with s t 3 paper cover . . . . . . . . . . .$ .15 Excerpt from The Advent of Divine Jus- > And radio script (reading time 15 min- tice by Shoghi Effendi, a communication > utes). 6 pp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .20 from the Guardian of the BahP'i Faith, > addressed to the BahP'is of the United > Race and Man. States and Canada. 8 pp. 100 copies > Compiled by Maye Harvey Gift and Alice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 > Simmons Cox. Scientific and sociological > thought on race problems and spiritual On Industrial Justice. > teachings on race unity. Quotations from By 'Abdu'l-BahA. An answer to a ques- > leading authorities on race unity, and tion addressed to 'Abdu'l-Bahh by Laura > selections from BahL'i teachings. 134 pp. Clifford Barney in 1907 and incorporated > Paper cover ...................$1.OO into the work published under title of > Some Answered Questions, 8 pp. > Security for a Failing World. 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.OO > By Dr. Stanwood Cobb. Creating the new > society through the impetus of a dynamic The Mission of Baha"u'l1ah. > World Faith. 140 pp. Paper cover Selections from the Holy Writings of the > ............................ .$1.00 Founder of the BahP'i World Faith. Com- > piled in commemoration of the Jubilee > Tomorrow and Tomorrow. Centenary of the BahP'i Revelation 1853- > By Dr. Stanwood Cobb. A vivid picture 1953. 16 pp. Self cover, 5 copies > of what lies ahead in the way of world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.00 > progress and the focusing of world trends Limited edition, colored paper cover, > that will eventuate in a peaceful planetary each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .90 > society. 103 pp. - cover ......$1.50 > - - Paper > Twenty-Five Years of the Guardianship. A Pattern for Future Society. > By R@iyyih Lhgnum. 28 pp. Stiff cover. Excerpt from a letter addressed by Shoghi > Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .25 Effendi to the BahL'is of the West on > March 11, 1936, 4 pp. > Two Shall Appear. 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.OO > By Olivia Kelsey. A religious historical > drama in five acts. 56 pp. Paper cover (j) PAMPHLETS > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $. .75 Bah&: The Coming of World Religion. > (i) BAHA'I REPRINTS 8% x 11 in. illustrated brochure with en- > velope. 12 pp. Stiff cover. Each . . .$ .50 > The following titles provide reprints o f > some of the passages in the Writings o f The Bah& Community. > Bahd'u'lldh, 'Abdu'l-Bahd and Shoghi E f - A summary of its foundation and forma- > fendi which throw clear light on important tion for individual believers, groups, as- > current problems and situations. semblies and committees. 70 pp. Paper > cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .65 > Christians, Jews and Muhammadans. > By 'Abdu'l-BahA. Excerpts from address The Bah& Faith and World Government. > delivered at Temple Emmanu-El, San By David Earl. Reprint of article pub- > Francisco, October 12, 1912. 8 pp. 100 lished in Common Cause Magazine. 8 pp. > copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .15 > Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.OO > Christ's Promise Fulfilled. > Selections from some Answered Ques- The Bahd'i House of Worship. > tions by 'Abdu'l-BahA, chosen for answers An attractive gray six-page folder with > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 783 > > illustration of the Temple. 20 copies Chicago Sunday Tribune Reprint. > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .50 (1953 Dedication Edition) > An article, entitled "Temple of Light," > The Bah6'i House o f Worship (New Edi- which appeared in the magazine section > tion). of the Chicago Sunday Tribune, to com- > By Dr. Wm. Kenneth Christian. Attrac- memorate the dedication of the House of > tive yellow trimmed, with interior and ex- Worship in Wilmette. Written by a pro- > terior views of the Temple. 8 pp. fessional newsman, this article is reprinted > 2 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .15 in presentation format with three full- > 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.00 color pictures of the Temple, interior and > exterior. 7% x 10% in. (minimum order) > Bnhd'i Peace Program. > 10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .75 > Prepared for the San Francisco Confer- > 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.00 > ence of the United Nations on Inter- > national Organization in 1945. 16 pp. Per Classification of Baha"i Study Sozlrces. > copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .20 By Dr. Wm. Kenneth Christian. 8 pp. Self > Twelve copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 cover. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .05 > Fifteen copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50 > The Bahsi'i Principle of Civilization. > By Horace Holley. 32 pp. Self cover. Declaration of Trust by the National Spirit- > Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .05 ual Assembly of the Bah6'is of the > Fifty copies . .$2.00. 100 copies . .$3.50 United States, and By-Laws of a Local > Spiritual Assembly. Per copy . . . . . $ .15 > Bah6'i Teachings for n World Faith. > Basic BahL'i principles. 16 pp. Paper Encyclopaedia Britannicn > cover. Per copy ............... $ .05 Reprint on the Bah6'i Faith. > Fifty copies . .$2.00. 100 copies . .$3.50 Single sheet 6 x 9 in. Ten copies . .$ .30 > 100 copies .................... $2.50 > Basic Facts o f the Bah6'i Faith. > By Dr. Wm. Kenneth Christian. Single Faith for Freedom. > sheet 9% x 6% in. Each . . . . . . . . $ .O1 Introductory pamphlet on the Faith. 24 > 500 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.50 pp. Paper cover. Per copy . . . . . . .$ .10 > Fifty copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.50 > Bnhsi Temple Gardens. > By Hilbert E. Dahl. Reprinted from The Lesser and the Most Grent Peace. > Landscape Architecture, July, 1953. The By George Orr Latimer. The evolution of > story of the creation of the garden setting world peace as described in BahB'i Teach- > for the Bah6'i House of Worship, Wil- ings. 30 pp. Self cover. 100 copies .$3.00 > mette, Ill. 8 % x 11 in. 8 pp. Self cover. > Per copy .....................$ .10 Loyalty to Government. > 25 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 8% x 11 in. single sheet. 12 copies . $ .50 > > The Books of God Are Open. The Meaning of Worship. > By E. S. Campbell. Biblical and BahL'i By Horace Holley. > references treating of the fulfillment of Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .10 > prophecy. 24 pp. Stiff cover. Per copy Pamphlet Series (3). > . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .60 God Is Man's Goal; Human Relations for > Ten copies .................... $5.00 World Unity; Man the Supreme Talis- > Chicago Daily News Reprint. man. Three pamphlets with brief state- > Article and illustrations of Temple that ments on the spiritual life, on race > appeared in December, 1952 issue of relations, and on man's soul, mind and > Daily News. Ten copies . . . . . . . . . $ .75 spirit, each containing excerpts from the > BahL'i Writings. Each 8 pp. Set of three > Chicago Sunday Tribune Reprint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .25 > Article and colored illustrations of Tem- 25 sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 > ple as floodlighted during the 1944 Cen- Individual titles, lots of ten only, 10 cop- > tenary celebrations. Published June 17, ies ..........................$1 .OO > 1945. 20 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.OO 50 copies of one title . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.50 > Present-Day Administration of the Bahci'i Teaching Problems. > Faith. By R6hiyyih K_hAnum. 8 pp. 8 x 10% in. > By Horace Holley. A brief statement of Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .10 > the character and workings of BahB'i ad- > ministration at the present time. 18 pp. Two Roads W e Face. > Self cover. 10 copies ............ $1.OO By Dr. Wm. Kenneth Christian. 32 pp. > Paper cover. 10 copies . . . . . . . . . .$ .SO > Prophecy Fulfilled. 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.50 > By Elisabeth H. Cheney. 32 pp. Paper > cover. Ten copies .............. $ .50 Your Experience as a Bahd'i. > 100 copies ....................$4.50 The relation of the individual Bah6'i to > the BahPi Community. Helpful to the > Questions the World Is Asking. new believer. 12 pp. Stiff cover. Per copy > A series of five small four-page leaflets ............................. $ .20 > giving answers to five timely questions. 25 copies ..................... $4.50 > Of interest to inquirers. Per set . . . . $ .05 > 50 sets . . . .$2.00. 100 sets .... $3.75 (k) PHONOGRAPH RECORDS > > Religion Returns. Words for the World. > Baker An Readings from the Bahf i Sacred Writings > On progres- by Selma Solomon and David Bond with > sive 28 pp. Self cover. Per > copy ......................... $ .05 musical bac~goundmProduced by Charles > 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.50 Wolcott. Two 12 inch records in album. > Per set ....................... $3.50 > Religious Education for a Peaceful Society. > (1) OUTLINES AND GUIDES FOR > By Horace Holley. 24 pp. Stiff cover with > BAHii'f STUDY CLASSES > picture of Bahfi'i House of Worship. Per > copy .........................$ .25 A n Aid to the Study of the Administrative > Order of the Faith of Bahd'u'llcih. > The Revelation of Bahci'u'lla'h. Mimeographed. 16 pp. . . . . . . . . . .$ .25 > By Horace Holley. Reprint of the state- > ment on aims and purposes of the Faith Advent of Divine Justice Outline. > which has appeared in successive volumes Mimeographed. 26 pp. . . . . . . . . . .$ .35 > of The Bahd'i World. 16 pp. Self cover. America's God-Given Mission. > Sold in lots of ten only . . . . . . . . . .$1 .OO For use in Conference Institutes. > 50 copies .....................$4.50 50 pp. 8% x 11 in. Per copy .... .$ .75 > A School of World Religion. BahBu'lla'h and the New Era-Course of > 4 page green folder. 25 copies . . . .$1.OO Study. > 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.50 By Mrs. Gertrude Robinson. Mimeo- > graphed. 18 pp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .50 > Security for a Failing World. > By Dr. Stanwood Cobb. A condensation Bahci'u'lla'h and the New Era-A New Ap- > of his book in pamphlet form. 16 pp. S d d proach. > only in lots of ten ..............$ .50 Study course adapted for use in informal > fires:de groups. ~ i m e o ~ r a ~ h 46 e d .pp. > The Spiritual Meaning of Adversity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$. .75 > By Mamie L. Seto. 28 pp. Paper cover. > 10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .SO The Covenant-Study Outline. > 100 copies .................... $4.50 Mimeographed. 28 pp. ..........$ .60 > The Covenant and Administration. > Story Supplement for God Passes By. > Intimate stories from the lives of the > A Compilation of Excerpts for use in > Conference Institutes. 90 pp., s t 8 cover; > Founders of the with map of their separate booklet, Sugges- > journeys. This compilation is drawn from > tions for conduct of Institutes on the COV- > many sources the of enant and Administration. 4 pp. with > Mahm6d. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.OO > cover. Both ...................$1.25 > Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.00 > ~dditi&al maps sold separately, each Reading List for the Study of the Covenant. > ............................ .$ .10 Compiled by May Stebbins. Part I lists > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 785 > > material available at this time. Part I1 re- World Crusade Chart of Tasks and Objec- > fers to material in early BahL'i books and tives. > pamphlets. Mimeographed. 4 pp. ..$ .15 Compiled by Beatrice Ashton from letters > of the Guardian to the twelve National > Creative Writing-Study Outline on the Spiritual Assemblies and their Annual > Essential Principles. Conventions of 1953, and from the > Mimeographed. 7 pp. . . . . . . . . . . . $ .15 Guardian's Statistical Information and > Dawn-Breakers Study Guide. Supplement on the Ten Year Teaching > Mimeographed. 34 pp. . . . . . . . . . . $ .50 Plan. 22 x 34, folded to 8 x 11. > Each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .20 > Deepening the Spiritual Life. Twelve copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 > By Horace Holley. Mimeographed. 4 pp. > Five copies ................... $ .25 The World Order o f Bahri'u'lldh-Outline. > By Horace Holley. Mimeographed. 5 pp. > A Study of the Divine Art of Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .25 > Study Aid for seven discussion periods. > Prepared by Marian C. Lippitt. Mimeo- World Order Letters of Shoghi Effendi. > graphed. 7 pp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .15 Study outline. 70 pp. ............ $ .50 > > The Drama of Salvation: Days of Judgment (m) CHILDREN'S COURSES > and Redemption. > A compilation of Excerpts from the A Baha"i Child's A B C. > BahPi Sacred Writings, for Institute By Roberta K. Christian. Illustrated by > Study. 134 pp., stiff cover . . . . . . . .$1.50 Rochelle Boonshaft. 29 pp. Bound heavy > red paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.25 > Essential Verities o f the Bahci'i Faith. > Study Aid. Mimeographed. 22 pp. .$ .35 A Bahri'i Child's Song Book. > Verses by Roberta K. Christian. Music by > God's Eternal Legacy. Eugene Babcock. A book of songs for > Study outline on the complete Will and the small child. Illustrations by E. Butler > Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahg and the es- McHenry. 28 pp. Heavy blue cover. $1.25 > tablishment of the Administration under > the Guardianship. Mimeographed. 103 B a h a Principles for Children. > pp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .75 For the child of intermediate age. 12 > loose-leaf illustrations for coloring. 19 pp. > God Passes By-Study Outline. ............................. $ .50 > By Horace Holley. Mimeographed. 4 pp. > ............................. $ .15 Child's Prayer Book. > Self cover. 36 pp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .15 > Introduction to the B a h a Teachings. > By Mamie L. Seto. A Ten-Lesson Study Comprehensive Study Outline for Children. > Course. Mimeographed. 14 pp. . . .$ .15 Twenty-five lessons, for children in inter- > Reference books needed: Selected Writ- mediate and upper grades. Paper cover > ings and Bahci'u'lldh and the New Era. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50 > Muhammad and the Founding of Zsln'm. Creation. > Mimeographed. 53 pp. . . . . . . . . . .$ .60 Fifteen lessons, with pictures . . . . $ .20 > The Qur'dn-Introductory Study. A Junior's Book o f Religion. > Mimeographed. 25 pp. . . . . . . . . . .$ .35 12 pp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $ .20 > Six Lessons on Zsldm. Manual o f Suggestions for Organizing a > By Marzieh Gail. 36 pp. Per copy . $ .75 Bahci'i Children's Hour. > Child Education Committee. 5 pp. > What Modern Man Must Know About Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .15 > Religion. > Compilation by the Public Relations Study Course for Bahri'u'lldh and the New > Committee. 29 pp. Era. > Per copy ..................... $ .50 Child Education Committee. 36 pp. > Study outline. 5 pp. Each ........$ .10 Paper cover ...................$ .50 > 786 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > T o Live the Life. Norwegian > Twenty-four lessons for children of six Renewal of Civilization. By David Hof- > to ten ........................$ .35 man. Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .60 > (n) BAHA'I LITERATURE IN Portuguese > FOREIGN LANGUAGES* Goal of a New World Order . . . . .$ .10 > Chinese Some Answered Questions . . . . . . .$1.OO > Bahi'i Cause in China ..........$ .10 Serbian > Principles of the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . $ .05 Bahi,u,llLh and the New Era . . . . . > Some Answered Questions. > Bound in cloth ................ $1.00 Spanish > BahL'u'llih and the New Era. > Danish Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.75 > Bahi'u'llih and the New Era. Bahi'i Prayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .25 > Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.50 Dispensation of Bahi'u'llLh ...... $ .75 > Primer Centenario . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .15 > Esperanto The Dawn of a New Day. > Parolado de BLb (Words of the Bib ad- Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .10 > dressed to the Letters of the Living). El Gran Annuncio > Four-page leaflet. La Sabiduria De 'Abdu'l-BahL (The > Self cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .05 Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahi) . > La Sep Kandeloj de Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .75 > Mondunueco .................. $ .05 > (0) T H E BAHA'I WORLD > French > BahL'u'llLh et L'ere Nouvelle. (Bahi'- Prepared by an International Editorial > u'llih and the New Era). Committee under the direction of Shoghi > Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.25 Effendi. Official international record of > L'Bconomie Mondiale de Bahi'u1116h by Bahi'i activity, profusely illustrated and > Horace Holley (World Economy of fully documented. Each volume comprises a > BahL'u'llih) . Self cover . . . . . . . . . $ .10 statement on the aims and purposes of the > Les Paroles Cach6es (The Hidden Faith, selections from the Bahi'i Sacred > Words). Paper cover ...........$ .35 Writings, a survey of international activities > Les Sept VallCes (The Seven Valleys). of the Faith for the specified period, a direc- > Paper cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .35 tory of BahL'i centers around the world, a > bibliography of literature, tributes to the > German Faith by prominent people, and articles > BahL'u'llAh and the New Era. about the Faith. These are authoritative > Paper cover ...................$1.25 sources of information for libraries and for > Bahi'i Prayers (fabrikoid) . . . . . .$1.50 individual research on the development of > the Faith. > Hebrew > Principles of the BahL'i Faith . . . . .$ .05 Volume I (April, 1925-April, 1926). > World Religion. Five copies .....$ .10 Published under the title of "Bahi'i > Year Book." 174 pp. Stock exhausted. > Icelandic > BahL'u'llih Og Nyi Timinn (Bah6'u91lih Volume I1 (April, 1926-ApriI, 1928). > and the New Era). Bound in cloth. $1.50 304 pp., net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.50 > Contains articles on "The Passing of > Italian 'Abdu'l-Bahi," by Shoghi Effendi and > BahL'u'llih and the New Era. Lady Blomfield; "Haifa, 'Akki, Bahji," > Paper cover ................... $1.75 by Keith R. Kehler; "Kunjangoon, Burma > Dispensation of Bahi'u'llhh ......$ .50 -the Village of 'Abdu'l-Bahi," by Inez > Hidden Words .................$ .40 Cook; the "Ma&iqu'l-Awir of 'Ishq& > Seven Valleys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .45 bid"; and early pictures of Haifa, 'Akki > Principles of the BahL'i Faith ..... $ .05 and Bahjf. > > * Obtainable through Bahl'i Publishing Committee, Volume I11 (April, 1928-April, 1930). > Wilmette, Ill. ,378-pp., net ................. .$2.50 > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 787 > > Features full-page illuminated Tablet of Volume VII (April, 1936-April, 1938). > Bahb'u'll&h in 'Abdu'l-Bahb's handwrit- Stock exhausted. > ing: articles on "The Case of Bahb'u'llih's > House in Baghdad before the League of volume vII[ (April, 1938-April, 1940). > Nations": articles by Martha Root (emi- 1040 pp., net. $5.00 > . . . . . . . . . . . . a . a . . > nent Bahi'i teacher) on ''The Bahi'i Contains pictures of Mihdi, the > Cause at the Esperanto Congress, 1928," Purest Branch, the Monuments on the > "A Visit Rusturn V a m b e r ~ s " "An graves of the Mother and Brother of 'Ab- > Audience with King Faisal"; pictures of du'l-Bah6, and facsimile of a letter ad- > the Apostles of Bahi'u'llhh and the Dis- dressed to Shoghi Effendi from Queen > ciples of 'Abdu'l-BahL. Marie of Rumania; articles on "The Pass- > Volume IV (April, 1930-April, 1932). ing of Munirih KhhLnum, the Holy > 548 pp., net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.50 Mother," wife of 'Abdu'l-Bahi; "The > Features a full-page facsimile of Appreci- Passing of Queen Marie of Rumania"; > ation written by Dowager Queen Marie Martha Root's travels and death; "The > of Rumania; articles on "Further De- Passing of May Maxwell"; pictures of the > velopments in the Case of BahPu'llhh's various designs submitted for the House > House before the League of Nations"; on of Worship in Wilmette; the Monuments > the building of the House of Worship in of the Family of 'Abdu'l-Bahi on Mt. > Wilmette, Illinois; " 'Abdu'l-Bah6's Visit Camel. > to London," by Lady Blomfield; "China's > Tribute to the Cause of Bahi'u'llhh." Volume IX (April, 1940-April, 1944). > Four years. 1004 pp., net. ....... $10.00 > Volume V (April, 1932-April, 1934). Features full-page color illustration of the > 712 pp., net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$2.50 design for the completion of the Shrine of > Contains full-page photographs of Bahiy- the Bib on Mt. Camel; articles and pic- > yih Lhhnum, the Most Exalted Leaf, her tures of the completion of the exterior or- > memorial shrine; Queen Marie of Ru- namentation of the House of Worship in > mania; articles on "The Passing of Bahiy- Wilmette, Illinois; articles on the Ameri- > yih K h h u m , the Most Exalted Leaf"; on can Teaching Program 1936-1944 in the > the ornamentation of the Dome of the United States and Latin America. > House of Worship, Wilmette; "Further > Developments in the Case of Bahi'u'llih's Volume X (April, 1944-April, 1946). > House before the League of Nations"; 880 pp., net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00 > several articles by Keith Ransom Kehler Features articles on the world celebra- > on the Faith; several articles by Martha tions of the Centenary of the Declaration > Root on "Count Leo Tolstoy and the of the Bhb;. on the completion of the ex- > BahPi Movement," "A Visit to Adri- terio'r of the House of Worship, Wilmette; > anople"; Genealogies of Bahi'u'llih and on Bahb'i activities to promote the Teach- > the Bib. ings with the United Nations Conference > Volume VI (April, 1934-April, 1936). on International Organization at San > 772 pp., net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00 Francisco, 1945; picture of the House of > Features facsimile of Bahi'u'llih's Tablet Worship floodlighted at night. > to the American Presidents, presented by > the National Spiritual Assembly to Presi- Volume XI (April, 1946-April, 1950). > dent Franklin Roosevelt; articles on Four years. 894 pp., net. ....... $12.50 > "Some Memories of the Sojourn of Features articles on "The Twenty-fifth > 'Abdu'l-Bahh in Paris," by Lady Blom- Anniversary of the Guardianship"; teach- > field; " 'Abdu'l-BahCs Historic Meeting ing programs of various National Bahb'i > with Jane Addams," by Ruth Moffett; ar- Communities around the world; articles > ticles by Martha Root on her visits and and photographs of the beginning of the > interviews with Queen Marie of Rumania, interior ornamentation of the House of > President Eduard Benel, King Haakon of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois; pictures > Norway, Professor Christensen of Den- of the construction work on the Shrine of > mark, on Iceland, and Russia's Contribu- the Bhb and the gardens at the World > tion to the BahPi Faith. Center of the Faith at Haifa, Israel. > 788 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > (p) PERIODICALS ume .........................$3.00 > Star o f the West and B a h a Magazine. > World Order Magazine (continuing Star o f > Single per copy while available > the West and the Bahd'i Magazine). The > magazine was suspended temporarily with ............................. $ .10 > issue of March, 1949. Back issues avail- VO1s. I X11-19 issues Per > able from April, 1935, to March, 1949. VO1~.XI11 to m - 1 2 issues per vol- > Some issues not available. ume. > Per issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .20 Miscellaneous Assortment. > Miscellaneous bound volumes. Per vol- Fifty copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.00 > > 3 A . BAHA'I P U B L I C A T I O N S O F T H E > UNITED STATES O F AMERICA > THAT ARE OUT OF PRINT > (a) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH Definition o f Love, by 'Abdu'l-BahS. Re- > ceived at New York, December 7, 1902. > The Book o f Zghdn. Translated by 'Ali-Kuli > KJhSn. Superseded by Shoghi Effendi's Divine Secret for Human Civilization. Com- > translation entitled Kitdb-i-lqdn or Book piled from the words of 'Abdu'l-BahL by > o f Certitude. Josephine D. Storey. 96 pp. > Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Translated Foundations o f World Unity. Compiled > by Julie Chanler. Superseded by Shoghi from 'Abdu'l-Bahi's public addresses in > Effendi's translation. America. Superseded by revised edition. > Seven Valleys. Translated by 'AX-Kuli- Letter and Tablet to the Central Organiza- > Khhn. Bahb'i Publishing Society, Chicago. tion for a Durable Peace: The Hague. > Superseded by a new translation. Bahb'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1920. > Now included in The Bahd'i Peace Pro- > The Source o f Spiritual Qualities. Four-page gram. > leaflet. Bahb'i Publishing Committee, > A Letter from St. Jean D'Acre. The Unity > 1924. > Press, 1906. > Sziratu'l-Haykal. Translated from the Arabic "Letter of Love" from 'Abdu'l-Bahd 'Abbds > by Antun HaddSd. Bahb'i Publishing So- to the Beloved in America. Bahb'i Pub- > ciety, Chicago, 1900. lishing Society, Chicago, 1902. > Tablets of Bahd'u'lldh. Included in part in Letters to the Friends in Persia. Bahb'i Pub- > Bahd'i World Faith. lishing Society, January 21, 1906. > Three Tablets o f Bahd'u'lldh (Tablet of the Mysterious Forces of Civilization. A work > Branch, Kit&-i-'Ahd, Lawh-i-Aqdas) . addressed to the people of Persia over > fifty years ago to show the way to true > (b) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA progress. > 'Abdu'l-Bahd in London, edited by Eric Prayers and Tablets. 1906. > Hammond. A record of public and pri- The Prison, a one-page leaflet. > vate addresses delivered in 1911. The Promulgation of Universal Peace. > 'Abdu'l-Baha' in New York. Selected ad- Edited by Howard MacNutt. Public > dresses delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahfi at addresses delivered by 'Abd~l'l-BahS > Columbia University, a number of throughout the United States in 1912. > churches, and at public meetings of peace The Reality of Religion-Tablet of 'Abdu'l- > societies. Bahd. Four-page leaflet. Bahpi Publishing > 'Abdu'l-Bahd on Divine Philosophy (com- Committee, 1924. > piled by Isabel F. Chamberlain). Tudor Strikes, a supplement to Some Answered > Press, Boston, 1916. Questions. Included in later editions. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 789 > > Supplication, a one-page leaflet. (c) WORKS COMPILED FROM THE > WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH THE > Tablet to the Beloved of God in America. BAB, AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA > Translated by 'Ali-Kuli-K_hin. Cambridge, > Mass., January 3, 1906. Bah& Calendar compiled from the utter- > ances of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi, > Tablet to the Beloved of God o f the Occi- 1916. > dent. Translated by Ahmad Isfihini (a-Bahd'i Calendar. Daily excerpts from the > mad Sohrib), Washington, D.C., Septem- > ber 8, 1906. writings of Bahb'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi. > Privately printed in Honolulu, New York > Tablet to the East and West. Translated by and other cities. > Ahmiid Isfiihini (Ahmad Sohrib). The > Bahb'i Assembly of Washington, D.C. Bah& Calendar for 1932. Compiled and ar- > ranged by Doris Holley. 9 x 12. > Tablets by 'Abdu'l-Bahd 'Abbds to the Bahd'i Prayers. The BBb, Bahb'u'llBh and > House of Justice of Chicago, to the La- 'Abdu'l-Bahi. 210 pp. 1929. > dies' Assembly of Teaching, and others. > Bahd'i Prayers. Prayers revealed by Bahb'- > Tablets Containing General Instructions. u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi. 34 pp. > Translated by a m 6 d Isfihini (Ahmad > Sohriib) . The Bahi'i Association of Bahci'i Prayers by Bahd'u'lldh and 'Abdu'l- > Washington, D.C., 1907. Bahd. 16 pp. > Bahd'i Prayers. Translated by Shoghi E f - > Tablets Containing Instructions. Translated fendi. 72 pp. Bound in fabrikoid. > by M.A.E. Washington, D.C., August 29, > 1906. Bahd'i Scriptures. Compiled by Horace Hol- > ley, Brentano's, New York, 1923. BahL'i > Tablets from 'Abdu'l-Bahd 'Abbds to E. E. Publishing Committee, New York, 1929. > Wrestling Brewster. Bahb'i Publishing So- > ciety, 1902. Compilation. Concerning the Most Great > Peace. Tudor Press, Boston, 1918. > Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Edited by Albert > Windust. Bahi'i Publishing Committee, Compilation No. 9. Available in different > New York. Volumes I, 11, and 111. languages. > Compilation of Utterances from the Pen of > Tablets to Japan. Compiled by Agnes Alex- 'Abdu'l-Bahd Regarding His Station. 19 > ander. New York, 1928. pp. November 26, 1906. > Tablets to Some American Believers in the Divine Pearls. Compiled by Victoria Bedi- > Year 1900. The Board of Council, New kian. > York, 1901. > The Garden o f the Heart. A compilation of > Unveiling o f the Divine Plan. Translated by passages on nature from Bahb'i Sacred > Ahmad Sohrib. Tudor Press, Boston, Writings and from the Bible, selected by > 1919. Frances Esty. > Visiting Tablets for Martyrs W h o Suffered Life Eternal. Compiled by Mary Rurnsey > in Persia. Translated by 'Ali-Kuli Khin. Movius. > Bahb'i Board of Council, New York, The Most Great Peace. From the utterances > 1901. of Bahb'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-BahB Tudor > Press, Boston, 1916. > Wisdom o f 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Edited by Lady > Blomfield. The Oneness o f Mankind. A compilation of > the utterances of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l- > Wisdom Talks of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Chicago, Bahi by Mariam Haney and Louis Greg- > Bah2i News Service. ory, to assist the progress of inter-racial > amity, 1927. > Woman's Great Station. An address given in > New York in 1912. Peace: A Divine Creation. > 790 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Prayers Revealed by Bahri'u'llhh. Containing Dodge, Arthur Pillsbury: The Truth of It. > also prayers revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Mutual Publishing Company, New York, > 108 pp. 1901. > Prayers Revealed by BahBu'lla'h and 'Ab- Dreyfus, Hippolyte: The Universal Religion: > du'l-Baha'. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahaism. > Boston, 1923. > Fitzgerald, Nathan Ward: The New Revela- > Prayers Revealed by Bahd'u'lla'h, The Ba'b tion: Its Marvelous Message. Tacoma, > and 'Abdu'l-Baha', translated by Shoghi 1905. > Effendi. 24 pp. > Ford, Mary Hanford: The Oriental Rose. A > Prayers, Tablets, Instructions, etc., gathered vivid presentation of historical aspects of > by American visitors in 'Akki, 1900. the BahL'i Movement. 214 pp. Chicago, > 1910. > Racial Amity. Compiled by M . H. and > M. M. Hare, W. Loftus (editor) : Religions o f the > Empire. > Tablets of Bahd'u'lldh and 'Abdu'l-Baha' to > the Greatest Holy Leaf. Harris, W. Hooper: Lessons on the Bahd'i > Revelation. > (d) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI > Herrick, Elizabeth: Unity Triumphant. 226 > America and the Most Great Peace. PP. > The Goal of a New World Order. > The Golden Age o f the Cause o f Bahd'- Holley, Horace: Bahd'ism-the Modern So- > u'lla'h. cial Religion. Mitchell Kennerley, New > The Dispensation of Bahri'u'lla'h. York, 1913. > The Unfoldment o f World Civilization. Bahci'i: The Spirit of the Age. Brentano's, > The World Order o f Bahd'u'lla'h. 1921. > The World Order of Bahd'u'lla'h: Further The Social Principles. Laurence J. > Considerations. These seven letters of Gomme, New York, 1915. > Shoghi Effendi (February 1929-March Ives, Howard: Portals to Freedom. 266 pp. > 1936) now collected in The World Order Bound in cloth. > of Bahd'u'lln'h. > Mathews, Loulie A.: Whence Comes the > Bahd'i Administration. First and second edi- Light? 84 pp. > tions. Superseded by later editions. > Phelps, Myron H.: The Life and Teachings > Letters from Shoghi Effendi. (The complete o f 'Abbds Effendi. Publishers, Putnam & > letters to July, 1932, are included in Sons. > Bahd'i Administration.) > Pinchon, Florence E.: Coming of the Glory. > The World Moves On to Its Destiny. 4 pp. An interesting narrative giving the spirit > and the principles of the BahL'i Move- > (e) WRITINGS ON THE BAHA'I ment. > FAITH > Remey, Charles Mason: The New Day. > Abu'l-Fadl, Mirzi: Bahci'i Proofs. 288 pp. Rahfi'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1919. > Bound in cloth. The Peace o f the World. Bahb'i Publish- > ing Society, chicago, 1919. > Afnin, Riihi: Mysticism and the B a h a > Revelation. 80 pp. Root, Martha L.: Ta'hirih the Pure. > Balyuzi, H. M.: Bahd'u'lla'h A Traveller's Narrative. Translated by Ed- > ward G. Browne, M.A., M.B. The Epi- > Chase, Thornton: The Bahd'i Revelation. sode of the BLb, written by a contempo- > This book contains a most excellent com- rary Persian scholar, the manuscript > pilation of the teachings of Bahfi'u'llih, having been presented to the translator by > gathered from various translations and ar- 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Printed from the original > ranged so as to be consecutive as to sub- plates by Cambridge University Press, > jects. 182 pp. 178 pp. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 791 > > Vail, Virgie: The Glorious Kingdom of the Chase, Thornton: Before Abraham Was I > Father, Foretold. A book dealing with A m . An explanation of the Station of the > prophecy referring to the Cause of Bahg- Prophet. > u'llih. 262 pp. In Galilee. An interesting account of a > visit to Haifa in 1907. > Watson, Marie A.: My Pilgrimage to the What Went Y e Out For to See? A letter > Land o f Desire. written in reply to an inquiry from a > (f) BAHA'I LITERATURE IN Christian. > PAMPHLET FORM Clevenger, J. F.: Map Showing Travels o f > 'Abdu'l-Husayn, Mirzi: Letters written on the Bdb and Bahri'zi'llbh. 1927. > behalf of the "Friends" of Ijfa'ha'n, Persia, Cobb, Stanwood: Homoculture. > to the American Believers. > Dealy, Paul Kingston: Dawn of Knowledge > 'Abdu'l-Karim Effendi: Addresses delivered and the Most Great Peace. The Bahi'i > before the New York and Chicago As- Cause and ancient prophecy. > semblies. Translated by Ahmad Sohrib. > Persian-American Publishing Co., Los Dodge, Arthur Pillsbury: Whence? Why? > Angeles, 1924. Whither? Man! Things! Other Things! > Ariel Press, Westwood, Mass., 1907. > Abu'l-Fadl, Mirzi: The Brilliant Proof. A > refutation of an attack on the Cause by a Entzminger, Albert P.: The Manifestation. > Protestant missionary. Contains both Eng- 32 PP. > lish and Persian text. > Knowing God Throzigh Love. Farewell Esslemont, J. E.: Bahcf'u'lln'h and His Mes- > address. BahL'i Assembly, Washington, sage. Briefly outlining the spiritual mes- > D.C. sage of the New Day. > What Is a Bahd'i? American edition pub- > Agnew, A. S.: In Spirit and in Truth. Table lished by Louis Bourgeois, Chicago, 1921. > Talks at 'Akka'. BahL'i Publishing Society, What Is the Bah& Faith? A brief expla- > Chicago,. 1907. nation by the late Dr. J. E. Esslemont, au- > thor of Bahd'zi'lln'h and the New Era. > B., L.H.C.: The True Gardener. Rangoon Available in many languages. > Standard Press, 1930. > Fidil, Jinib-i-: Addresses. 5 booklets. > Baker, Dorothy: The Path to God. Translated by Ahmad Sohrib. Seattle, > The Victory of the Spirit. 1923. > Barney, Laura Clifford: God's Heroes. Lip- Finch, Ida: Rays from the Sun of Truth. > pincott, London and Philadelphia, 1910. > Fraser-Chamberlain, Isabel: From the > Blomfield, Lady: The First Obligation. World's Greatest Prisoner to His Prison > The Passing of ' Abdu'l-Baha'. Friends. Tudor Press, Boston, 1916. > Board of Council: Utterances of Two Gail, Marzieh: Headlines Tomorrow. 4 pp. > Young Men. New York, 1901. > Goodall, Helen S. and Ella G. Cooper: > Boyle, Louise D.: The Laboratory of Life. Daily Lessons Received at 'Akkb-Jan- > Bourgeois, Louis: Bah& Temple. Reprint of uary, 1908. BahL'i Publishing Society, > press comments and Temple symbolism. Chicago, 1908. > Chicago, 1921. Gregory, Louis G.: A Heavenly Vista. > Brittingham, Isabella D.: The Revelation o f The Races o f Men-Many or One. Com- > BahL'u'lln'h. BahL'i Publishing Society, piled by Louis G. Gregory. 40 pp. > Chicago, 1902. Grundy, Julia M.: Ten Days in the Light o f > Brittingham, James F.: The Message o f the 'Akka'. BahB'i Publishing Society, Chi- > Kingdom o f God. 1907. cago, 1907. > Campbell, Helen: The BahL'i Movement in Haddid, Antun: Divine Revelation, the > Its Social Economic Aspect. BahL'i Pub- Basis of Civilization. Board of Council, > lishing Society, Chicago, 1915. New York, 1902. > 792 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Maxims of Bahd'iism. Holley, Marion: The Most Great Peace. > Message from 'Akka'. > Station o f Manifestation. Latimer, George: The Call of God. The sig- > nificance of the return of the Messenger. > Haney, Charles and Mariam: A Heavenly > Femt. Lucas, Mary L.: Brief Account of My Visit > to 'Akka'. BahL'i Publishing Society, Chi- > Hannen, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H.: 'Akka' cago, 1905. > Lights. > MacNutt, Howard: Unity Through Love. > Harper, Orrol: Bird's Eye View of the > World in the Year 2000. A reprint of Masson, Jean: Ma&riqu'l-Adhka'r and the > article in The Bahi'i Magazine. Bahi'i Movement. BahL'i Publishing So- > ciety, Chicago, 192l. > Haydar-'Ali, H6ji Mirz6: Bahd'i Martyr- > doms in Persia in the Year I903 A.D. Maxwell, May: A n Early Pilgrimage, 1898. > Translated by Yhnis K&n. BahL'i Pub- Bahi'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1917. > lishing Society, Chicago, 1907. Moody, Dr. Susan I.: In Memoriam. (Miss > Martyrdoms in Persia in 1903, relating Lillian F. Kappes and Dr. Sarah Clock). > the circumstances in which seventy Per- Union Press, Camp Karachi. > sian BahL'is were martyred. > Munirih Khknum: Episodes in My Life. > Holley, Horace: The Bahd'i Faith. Translated bv Ahmad Sohrkb. Persian- > Bahd'i Message. Compilation. Chicago, American ~ i b l i s h i nCo., > ~ Los Angeles, > 1920. 1924. > The B a h a Principle of Civilization. 32 > National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is > PP of the United States and Canada: Bahi'i > Economics as Social Creation. > The World Economy of Bahi'u'lla'h. Persecutions in Persia. Reprint of letter > BahL'i Publishing Committee, 1931. The written to the Sh6h of Persia, Rid6 &h6h > BahL'i explanation of current world de- Pahlavi, July, 1926. > pression and unrest. 32 pp. Bahri'i Procedure. Compilation. > Bahd'i Procedure. Revised Edition, 1942. > Fabrikoid, 116 pp. > Spiritual Opportunities of the Bahri'is o f > the United States and Cmada. Selections > from words of 'Abdu'l-Bah6. > National Teaching Committee: Bahri'i > Cause. Eight-page pamphlet. BahL'i Pub- > lishing Society, 1924. > Peake, Margaret B.: Visit to 'Abba's Eflendi > in 1899. Grier Press, Chicago, 1911. > Remey, Charles Mason: Baha"i House o f > Worship. Description of the BahL'i Tem- > ple with Illustrations. BahL'i Publishing > Society, Chicago, 1917. > B a h a Indexes. Newport, R.I., 1923. > Bahk'i'i Manuscripts. Newport, R.I., 1923. > The Bahd'i Movement. Washington, D.C., > 1912. > The B a h a Revelation and Reconstruc- > tion. BahL'i Publishing Society, Chicago, > 1919. > Bahri'i Teachings. (Seven bound pam- > phlets.) Washington, D.C., 1917. > Constructive Princivles o f the B a W > View of BahL'i Guest House, Movement. BahL'i ' publishing Society, > Ha~iratu'l-Quds,Ba&dBd, 'IrBq. Chicago, 1917. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 793 > > Letters from Honolulu. Privately printed. > February 17, 1917. > MasJzriqu'l-Adhka'r. Five preliminary > sketches. Privately printed. > M&riqu'l-Adhka'r. (Bahgi House of > Worship.) Privately printed. > Observations of a Bah& Traveler. Wash- > ington, D.C., 1914. > Prospectus of a Series o f Five Lectures > Upon the Bah& Movement. > Through Warring Countries to the Moun- > tain of God. Private printing. > Twelve articles introductory to the study > o f the Bah& teachings. > Universal Consciousness o f the Bahd'i Re- > ligion. > Roy and M.J.M.: Knock and It Shall Be > Opened Unto You. > Seto, Mamie: Tests: Their Spiritual Value. > Republished under title The Spiritual > Meaning o f Adversity. > Mr. Noel Wuttunee of Calgary, Alberta, > Storer, Rev. J.: Thoughts That Build. Mac- the first Canadian Indian Bahb'i, > millan Co., New York, 1924. with his wife. > Thompson, Juliet: 'Abdu'l-Bahd's First Days > in America. From the diary of Juliet Zuehlen, J. L.: The Bah& Movement. Arti- > Thompson. 40 pp. The Roycrofters. cles originally published in Vedic Maga- > zine of Lahore. Versey, 1916. > Townshend, George: Religion and the New > Age. 24 pp. (g) GENERAL PUBLICATIONS > > True, Corinne: Notes Taken at 'Akka'. Bah& Congress, April 29-May 2, 1916, a > Bahb'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1907. combination program and compilation, > Chicago, 111. > United States Government: Bahd'i Census. The Bah& Faith, by a Methodist Layman, > A pamphlet showing the registration of questions and answers suggested by per- > the BahL'is as an organized religious sonal experience. > body. > The Bahd'i House of Worship. A brief de- > Vail, Albert: The Bahd'i Movement: Its scription of the Bahb'i Temple at Wil- > Spiritual Dynamic. Reprint of a magazine mette, Illinois. Illustrated. 8 pp. > article. > The Bahd'i Movement. A pamphlet out- > Waite, Louise R.: The Bah& Benediction. lining the history and aims of the Cause. > Music and words by Louise R. Waite. > Bahd'i Hymnal. Paper. The Bah& Religion, a reprint of the two > Bahd'i Hymns and Poems. BahB'i Publish- Bah6'i papers presented at the Conference > ing Society, Chicago, 1904. New York, on Some Living Religions within the > 1927. British Empire. Paper, 24 pp. > Hymns o f Peace and Praise. Chicago, The Bahd'i Temple, House of Worship of a > 1910. > World Faith. 36 pp. > Watson, Albert Durrant: The Dream o f > The Bahd'i Temple. 16 pp. > God. A poem. BahQi Publishing Society, > Chicago, 1922. Child's Prayer Book. 36 pp. > Winterburn, Mr. and Mrs. George: Table Compilation, No. 9, available in English, > Talks with 'Abdu'l-Bahci. B a h Z Publish- Esperanto, French, German, Italian, > ing Society, Chicago, 1908. Spanish, Chinese, Hungarian, Yiddish. > 794 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > His Worship the Mayor of Haifa, Mr. Aba Khoushy, being welcomed > by members of the National Spiritual Assembly when he > visited the Bahb'i Temple in Wilmette, Illinois. > > The Dawn of World Civilization. Reprinted Table Talks. Regarding reincarnation and > from World Order Magazine April 1945. other subjects. > 8 PP. Three Spiritual Truths for a World Civiliza- > Flowers Culled from the Rose Garden o f tion. Compilation. 12 pp. > 'Akkd, by Three Pilgrims in 1908. The Transformation of Human Society. 12 > Green Acre, a reprint of articles published PP. > in The Bahd'i Magazine. Universal Principles of the Bahri'i Move- > Index to Bahd'i News. No. 1 to No. 79. 58 ment. Persian-American Bulletin, Wash- > ington, D.C., 1912. > PP - > Index to Balzci'i News. No. 80 to No. 104. Views of Haifa, 'Akkd, Mt. Carmel and > Other Places. Bah2c'i Publishing Society, > 25 PP. Chicago. > Light o f the World. By a group of Pilgrims. The World Religion. 8 pp. > The Tudor Press, Boston, 1920. > (h) OUTLINES AND GUIDES FOR > The Spirii of World Unity, selections from BAHZISTUDY CLASSES > words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in America on re- > ligious, racial and scientific subjects. 24 Bahd'i Lesson Outline for Children. A series > PP . of thirty-six lessons in four sections, for > teachers holding Bah2i study and discus- > Star o f the West, November, 1925, Peace sion classes for children. 40 pp. > Number. > Bahd'i Teachings Concerning Christ. Com- > Studies in Jewish Mysticism. By several au- piled by the Outline Bureau of the Na- > thors. tional Teaching Committee, 1928-1929. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 795 > > Bahci'i Teachings on Economics. A compila- ~nformationabout the Bahd'i House o f Wor- > tion prepared by the National Teaching ship. Compiled by the Temple Guides > Committee. 16 pp. Committee. 20 pp. > > course in ~ ~ h principles > $ i with Material and Divine Civilization. Compiled > pictures to color. by the Outline Bureau of the National > Teaching Committee, 1930. > Conditions o f Existence, Servitude, Prophet- Outlines for Study of Scriptures. > Emogene by L o ~ ~G. > i s Gregory. Mimeographed. > Hoagg. > Questions and Topics for Discussion in > The Dispensation o f Bahd'u'lldh-A Study Bahi'i classes and meetings, compiled by > Outline. Prepared by Study Outline Corn- Louis G. Gregory. Mimeographed. > mittee. 8 pp. > Study of Outlines of Science, compiled by > The Fireside Teaching Method: Study Out- the Outline Bureau of the National Bahti'i > line Committee. Mimeographed. 11 pp. Teaching Committee. Mimeographed. > > Fundamentals of Bahd'i Membership. Pre- Training for Bahd'i Teaching. 8 pp. > pared Outline pp. Twentv Lessons in Bahd'i Administration. > God and His Manifestations (compiled by > 28 iP. > Mrs. J. W. Gift). Twenty Lessons in the Bahd'i Revelation. > > The first BahL'is in the British Cameroons, 1954. > Enoch Olinga, pioneer from East Africa (top left, dark suit) > carried the Faith to this goal country of the Ten-Year Plan. > 796 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 4. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS OF G R E A T > B R I T A I N T H A T A R E IN P R I N T > Titles in this list were in print at the time this list was compiled and have been ap- > proved by an official Bahd'i body. Those marked "B.P:T." are published by the Bahd'i > Publishing Trust, BM/Bahai, London, W.C. I . > > (a) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH Compiled by George Townshend. Pas- > Gleanings from the Writings o f Bahd'u'lldh. sages illustrating thgspiritual message of > Translated and compiled by Shoghi Ef- BahVu'lliih and the journey of the indi- > fendi. 376 pp. Cloth. B.P.T. 1949. vidual soul. Wisdom of the East Series. > John Murray, London, 1949. > The Hidden Wo~rdsof Bahd'u'lla'h. Trans- > lated by Shoghi Effendi. 52 pp. Cloth. The Pattern o f Baha"i Life. Passages selected > B.P.T. 1950. to guide individual conduct. B.P.T. 1948. > > Kita'b-i-fqa'n (The Book of Certitude). Selections from BahL'i Scripture. Compiled > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 284 pp. by David Hofman. B.P.T. 1941. > Cloth. B.P.T. 1948. (d) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI > (b) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA The BahZi Faith 1844-1952-Information > Paris Talks. (Previously published in the statistical and comparative. Compiled by > British Isles under the title Talks by the Guardian. > 'Abdu'l-Baha' Given in Paris.) B.P.T. (e) COMPILATIONS FROM THE > 1951. WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI > Some Christian S~ibjects.Reprint of the sec- Guidance for Today and Tomorrow. A se- > tion of that title from some Answered lection from the writings of Shoghi Ef- > Questions. B.P.T. 1947. fendi. B.P.T. 1953. > The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha'. Principles o f Bahd'i Administration. Selec- > (Excerpts.) Translated by Shoghi Effendi. tions from the Guardian's writings con- > B.P.T. 1950. cerning the relations and functions of the > (c) WORKS COMPILED FROM THE individual BahVi and of the local and na- > WRITINGS OF BAWU'LLAH, THE tional institutions. B.P.T. 1950. > BAB AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA (f) WRITINGS ON THE BAWI FAITH > Bahd'i Prayers. Designed for use equally by Esslemont, J. E.: Bahd'u'lla'h and the New > BahVis and sympathizers of the Faith. Em. Revised edition. Cloth. Geo. Allen & > B.P.T. 1951. Unwin, 1939. > B a h 3 Prayers for Special Occasions. Con- Hofman, David: God and His Messengers. > taining the Obligatory Prayers and others Ronald, 1953. > of interest chiefly to BahL'is. B.P.T. 1951. The Renewal of Civilization. George > Ronald, 1945. > BahQ'i Prayers. The two books above bound > in single cover. B.P.T. 1951. Ives, Howard: Portals to Freedom. George > Ronald, 1943. > The Covenant o f Bahd'u'lla'h. A compilation > of passages explaining this momentous National Spiritual Assembly: The Cente- > subject. B.P.T. 1950. nary o f a World Faith. A short history of > the BahVi Faith issued by the National > Divine Wisdom. Passages selected for medi- > Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of Great > tation to help the seeker come to know > Britain on the occasion of the Centenary > God. B.P.T. 1947. > of the Declaration of the BAb of His > The Glad Tidings o f Bahd'u'lla'h. Extracts Mission. With 19 photographs. B.P.T. > from the Sacred Writings of the BahVis. 1944. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 797 > > Rabbani, Riihiyyih: Prescription for Living. Study Course on the BahBi Faith. B.P.T. > A challenge to the individual to recreate 1946. > his own chvaracter and contribute his share (i) BAHA'I LITERATURE IN > to saving mankind. George Ronald, 1950. > FOREIGN LANGUAGES" > Shook, Glenn A.: Mysticism, Science and The Baha"i Faith-Religion of Unity. > Revelation. George Ronald, Oxford, > Translations in: > 1953. > Acholi KiKikuyu > Townshend, George: The Heart of the Gos- Adanwe Luganda > pel. A restatement of the Bible in terms Ateso Mende > of modern thought and need. Lindsay Ewe Twi > Drummond, 1939. Igbo Yoruba > The Promise of All Ages. Originally pub- > lished under the pen name "Christophil." > New edition, George Ronald, 1948. KODI TSIKU > (g) BAHA'I LITERATURE IN LA M O Y O > PAMPHLET FORM > WANU MULIDZIWA? > Balyuzi, H. M.: BahBu'lla'h. A short biogra- > phy. B.P.T., 1938. > A Guide to the Administrative Order. A > brief and simple outline of the origin, Wornangidwa ndi > principles and institutions of the Admin- PHILIP HAINSWORTH > > lstrative Order. B.P.T. 1947. > Womarulilidwn ndi > The BahBi Faith. An introductory booklet. F. BENARA PHlRI > Supersedes earlier editions. B.P.T. 1948. > Esslemont, J. E.: The Message o f Baha"- > u'llih. A considerably revised edition of > " Uyo rndiyc munthu ndirhn nmcnr arnadziprlrko > BahBu'llih and His Message. B.P.T. . ." > yenre piz zinrhiro zonrc 70 rrrnunrhr . > > 1949. BAHA'U'LLAH. > > Ferraby, J. G.: Bahri'i Teachings on Eco- > nomics, B.P.T. 1948. > Progressive Revelation. B.P.T. 1949. > Gail, Marzieh: Headlines To-Morrow. BM/UAH,+I > LONDON. W.C.I. > B.P.T., 1949. > Hofman, David: A Commentary on the > Will and Testament of ' Abdu'l-Bahha'. Title page of Bah6'i pamphlet in ChiNyanja > B.P.T. 1947. published by the British Africa Committee, > Pinchon, Florence: Bahri'i Teachings on entitled "Do You Know in What Day You > Life After Death. B.P.T. 1949. Are Living?'This is an example of one of the > thirty African languages into which Bah6'i > Rabbani, Riihiyyih: Teaching Problems. > literature has been or is being translated. > Advice and suggestions to help Bahi'is > put into practice their first obligation. > B.P.T. 1950. Fydd-y-BahBi (The BahPi Faith). Welsh. > B.P.T. 1949. > Shoghi Effendi: The Pattern o f Future SO- > ciety. (Reprint.) B.P.T. 1949. Je Unaijua Siku ya Leo Unayoishi? (Do you > know in what day you are living?). Ki- > Townshend, George: The Old Churches and Swahili. Philip Hainsworth, 1950. > the New World Faith. An appeal to the > churches of the West. B.P.T. 1948. Kodi Tsiku La Moyo Wanu Mulidziwa? > (Do you know in what day you are liv- > (h) OUTLINES AND GUIDES FOR ing?). ChiNyanja. Philip Hainsworth, > BAHA'I STUDY CLASSES 1950. > The An By George . o b t a i n a b l e through Bahl'i Publishing Trust, Lon- > Townshend. B.P.T. 1950. don. > 798 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Bahsis of Helsinki, Finland, at the Third Intercontinental > Teaching Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, July, 1953. > > 4A. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS O F G R E A T > BRITAIN THAT ARE OUT O F PRINT > (a) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA (d) COMPILATION FROM THE > WRITINGS OF SHOGHI > 'Abdu'l-Bahd in London. Edited by Eric EFFENDI > Hammond. > The Rising World Commonwealth. A short > A Letter from St. Jean D'Acre. Unity Press, of some of the > 1906. writings about the World Order of Bah2- > The Mysterious Forces of Civilization. Cope u'llah.-B.P.T. 1945. > and Fenwick, 1910. > A Traveller's Narrative. Translated by E. G. > Browne. Cambridge University Press, (e) BOOKS ABOUT THE > 1891. BAHEf FAITH > Some Answercd Questions. Kegan . Paul, > Barney, Laura Clifford: God's Heroes. > Trench, Trubner, 1908. > Drama. Kegan > " Paul. Trench. Trubner & > (b) COMPILATIONS FROM THE WRIT- CO.y 1910. > INGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH, THE BAB, > AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA Blomfield, Lady (SitLrih KhLnum) : The > Chosen H i" ~ h w a,v .A rich comvilation of > Some Bahci'i Prayers. B.P.T., 1945. episodes in various periods of the history > Some Special Bahd'i Prayers and Tablets. > o:f the Faith. The life stories of members > of 'Abdu'l-~ahBlsfamily, as related to > B.P.T. 1945. Lady Blomfield. > \ITRITINGS OF Cheyne, T. K.: The Reconciliation of Races > The Unfoldrnent of World Civilisation. and Religions. Adams and Charles Black, > B.P.T. 1943. 1914. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 799 > > Cobb, Stanwood: Security for a Failing Child, C. W.: A Reading of the Hands o f > World. Adapted for British publication His Excellency 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Reprinted > from the American text. B.P.T. 1940. from The International Psychic Gazette. > Selkirk Press. > Dreyfus, Hippolyte: The Universal Reli- > gion: Bahaism. Cuthbert, Anthony: Bah2i Philosophy and > Hall, Mrs. Basil (Parvine) The Drama of Reincarnation. > the Kingdom. A play based on a plot out- > Esslemont, J. E.: Bahd'u'lldh and His Mes- > lined by 'Abdu'l-BahL. Weardale Press, > sage. B.P.T. 1938. > 1933. > What Is a Bahd'i? A reprint of chapter > Hammond, Eric: The Splendour of God. three of Bah2u'llah and the New Era. > Wisdom of the East Series. John Murray, Kenneth Mackenzie, 1919. > 1909. > Graham, John: Progressive Revelation. > Hare, W. Loftus, editor: Religions of the B.P.T. 1944. > Empire. Addresses delivered by repre- > sentatives of the several religions invited Hall, E. T.: Meditations of a Baha"i Chris- > to participate in the Conference on Some tian. 1912. > Living Religions within the British Em- The Universal Religion. National Spirit- > pire, held at the Imperial Institute, Lon- ual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the British > don, England, Sept. 22 to Oct. 3, 1924. Isles, 1927. > Includes two papers read on the Bahi'i The Worl&s Great Need. A poem. 1935. > Cause. Duckworth, 1925. > Herrick, Elizabeth: Unity Triumphant. Holley, Horace: The Modern Social Re- > Unity Press, 1923. ligion. Sidgwick and Jackson, 1912. > > Holley, Horace: Bahd'i: The Spirit of the Rosenberg, Ethel J.: A Brief Account of the > Age. Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner. Bahci'i Movement. Priory Press, 1911. > A Brief Sketch of Bahd'iism, 1905. > Manchester Bahi'i Assembly: The Bahd'i > Dawn-Manchester. The beginning of the scaramucci, M ~ ~ The > . : B a h a Revelation. > Bahi'i Cause in Manchester. Manchester prioly press, 1911. > Bahi'i Assembly, 1925. > Phelps, Myron H.: The Life and Teaching Scatcherd, Felicia R.: A Wise Man from > o f ' A bbds Effendi. Putnam, 1904. the East. Unity Press, 1912. > Pinchon, Florence E.: The Coming o f the Simpson, G. Palgrave: The Bah& Faith. > Glory. Simpkin Marshall, 1928. > Sohrab, Ahmad: 'Abdu'l-Bahd in Egypt. Sprague, Sydney: The Story o f the Bah& > Rider and Company. Movement. Priory Press, 1907. > > Sprague, Sydney: A Year with the Bah&s Townshend, George: 'Abdu'l-Baha' - A > o f India and Burma. Priory Press, 1908. Study o f a Christlike Character. > T h e - Hidden Words of Bahd'u'lla'h. A > (f) BAHA'I LITERATURE IN Commentary. > PAMPHLET FORM > Andr6, George G.: Some Practical Aspects Walsh, Dr. Walter: Living Religions and > of the Bahci'i Teachings. Supplement to the Bahci'i Movement. The Free Religious > The Christian Commonwealth, June 25, Movement, 1924. > 1913. > Bahri'i Prayers. A selection. B.P.T. 1940. > (g) OUTLINES AND GUIDES > Blomfield, Lady: The First Obligation. FOR STUDY CLASSES > 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and the "Save the Children > Fund." Teaching Manual. By the National Teach- > Blomfield, Lady, and Shoghi Effendi: The ing Committee (British Itles). B.P.T. > Passing o f 'Abdu'l-Bahd. 1921. 1950. > 800 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Dr. Sushila Nayyar, Health Minister, Delhi State, > on her way to the dais to preside over the > Centenary Commemoration of Tghirih's Martyrdom. > > 5 . BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS O F BURMA, > INDIA, PAKISTAN AND PRINCELY > STATES, IN ENGLISH > (Publications in other languages spoken in India, Burma, Ceylon and Pdkista'n listed > elsewhere under name of language) > > The Bahci'i Faith and Zsldm. Memorials of the Faithful. Bombay. > The Bahd'i Faith and Judaism. Religion of the Future. > > A Bahd'i Statement on the Rights of Renewal of Civilization. By David Hofman. > Women. Ta'hirih the Pure. By Martha L. Root. > Bahci'u'lldh and The New Era, by J. E. The Two Bridges. By Prof. Pritam Singh. > Esslemont. > Universal Peace. > Dawn of the New Day. > What Is the Bahd'i Faith? > Economics as a Social Creation. > What the B a h f i Faith Can Do for Poverty. > The First Bahci'i Century. Centennial publi- By Martha L. Root. > cation. > World Government and Collective Security. > The Goal of a New World Order. By Shoghi > Effendi. The World Religion. > > How to Live the Life. > Memorial Brochure to Martha L. Root. > Bombay Assembly, Publishers. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 80 1 > > 6. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS IN ALBANIAN > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. Tirane, 1933. Fjale T e Fshehura (Hidden Words). New > York. > Ch'gsht Livizja Beha'i? (What Is the BahB'i > Faith?). Kitdb-i-lqdn. Tirane, 1932. > Detyrat e Domosdoshe Besnikvet Bah&, > 1932. Libri i Beses, Tirane, 1932. > > 7. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N BULGARIAN > Bahau'lldh and the New Era. Sofia, 1932. Seven Valleys (in manuscript). > Hidden Words. Sofia, 1937. Words of Wisdom (in manuscript). > Kitdb-i-lqdn (in manuscript). > > 8 . BA'HA'I P U B L I C A T I O N S I N C R O A T I A N > Pamphlet. Some Answered Questions (in manuscript). > > First Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Kalutara (Ceylon), 1953-1954. > 802 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 9 . BAHA'I P U B L I C A T I O N S I N C Z E C H > (See also Slovak) > > Bahi'u'llih: Tablet of Tara'za't. (In manu- Bahd'u'llah and His Message. (In manu- > script.) script.) > Shoghi Effendi: A Pattern for Future So- Hoflin: A n Appearance of Peace Movement > ciety. (In manuscript.) in the East. > World Religion. Prague, 1937. > Dr. J. Krgmskk: The East and the New > A Compilation (9). Era (Vychod a nova doba) . > Dr. J. E. Esslemont: Baha"u'l1bh and the > New Era. Prague, 1932. > > 10. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N DANISH > > De Skjulte Ord af Bahd'u'lla'h. (Hidden Bahd'u'lla'h og Hans Budskab. (BahB'~1'116h > Words. Arabic and Persian.) Translated and His Message.) By J. E. Esslemont. > by Prof. K. Barr. Copenhagen, 1948. Translated by Johanne Sorensen. Copen- > hagen, 1926. > Tre Daglige PligtBQnner (Three Obligatory > Prayers of BahB'u'llah) . Translated into Bahd'u'lla'h og den Nye Tid. (BahB'u'llBh > Danish by Prof. K. Barr. Copenhagen, and the New Era.) By J. E. Esslemont. > 1947. Translated by Niels Bonnesen. Copen- > hagen, 1932. > Kita'b-i-Iqa'n af Bahd'u'lla'h. (Book of Certi- > tude.) Translated by Prof. K. Barr. 1949. Verdens Civilisationen Bryder Frem. (Dawn > (In manuscript.) of World Civilization.) Copenhagen, > 1948. (Pamphlet.) > Hvad er Bah& Bevcegelsen? (What Is the > Bahb'i Faith?) By J. E. Esslemont. Trans- Your Experience as a Bahi'i. Copenhagen, > lated by Johanne Sorensen. Copenhagen, 1949. (Pamphlet.) > 1926. > To Veje-Eet Valg. (Two Roads We Face.) > By W. Kenneth Christian. (Pamphlet.) > > 11. BAHA'I P U B L I C A T I O N S I N D U T C H > > Rahi'u'llfih: De Verborgen Woorden. (The Dr. J. E. Esslemont: Bahd'u'llbh en het > Hidden Words.) Rotterdam, 1932. niezlwe Tijdperk. (Bah2-u'llhh and the > Kita'b-i-fqa'n. Rotterdam, 1937. New Era.) > ~ l o e r n l e z &uit > ~ de geschriften van Bah2- > u,lla'h. (Selected Writings of BahB'u311gh.) Alegmeene Beginselen der Bahd'i Beweging. > Amsterdam, 1949. Amsterdam, 1914. > De weg tot een mmtnswaardige Wereld. > Amsterdam, 1949. (Pamphlet.) > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 803 > > Some members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahP'is of 'Irbq > carrying the wreath bearing the name of the National Spiritual Assembly > to the royal cemetery to place it on the tomb of the Queen, > who died December 27, 1950. > > 12. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N E S P E R A N T O > Bah6'u'llbh: Ka3itaj vortoj, el la perso lingvo Esslemont, Dr. J. E.: Bnhd'u'lldh kaj la nova > tradukis Lutfu'llbh S. Hakim, John E. Es- epoko, el la angla original0 tradukita de > slemont, London, Brita Esperantista Aso- Lidja Zamenhof, Weinheim (Germany), > cio, jaro ne indikata, So, 39 pp. Bahb'i Esperanto-Eldonejo, 1930, 8 ",191 > KaBitaj vortoj, el la angla lingvo tradukis PP. > Vasily J. Erosenko, Japanujo, loko kaj BahL'u'lldh kaj Lia Misio, Hamburg, Es- > jaro ne indikataj, 8", 23 pp. peranto ~ o m s a t ode la Bahaa ~ 6 v a d o . > 1926, 8", 22 pp. > The Bbb: Parolado de Bdb (Words of the > Bbb addressed to the Letters of the Liv- Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: La esenco de la > ing). Bahaismo, Wandsbek, Bahaa Esperanto- > Eldonejo, 1929, 8", 8 pp. > 'Abdu'l-Bah;: Bahaj (Bahaaj!) instmoj, Kliemke, Dr. Ernst: Bahaismo kaj politiko, > loko kaj jaro ne indikataj, 8", 16 pp. la stata idealo lafi la instruoj de Bah6'- > La Sep Kandeloj de Mondunueco. u'llbh, Wandsbek, Germany, Bahaa Es- > Paris Talks of ' Abdu'l-Baha'. Weinheim, peranto-Eldonejo, 1929, 8", 8 pp. > Baden, 1932. > Some ArmVered Questions (in Miihlschlegel, Dr. Adelbert: Parolado en la > script). dua Bahaa kunveno durn la XVZZZa Uni- > versala Kongreso de Esperanto en > Kompilajo, vortoj de Bahb'u'llbh kaj 'Ab- Geneva, Stuttgart, 1925, go, 4 pp. > du'l-Bahb, Wandsbek, Germany, Bahaa > Esperanto-Eldonejo, jaro ne indikata, 8", Nabil: The Dawn-Breakers. Translated by > l 6 PP. Roan U. Orloff (in manuscript). > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 805 > > Root, Martha: Bahaaj sciencaj pruvoj de Kio estas la Bahaa movado? Genf. 1925, 8", > vivo post morto. Praha, 1927, 8", 7 pp. 8 PP. > S.S.: La Historio de 2'Bahaj'a (Bahaa!) MO- Kio estas la Bahaa movado? Wandsbek, jaro > vado, Universala Fido, esperantigita de ne indikata, 8", 4 pp. > William W. Mann, London, the Priory > Press, 1907, 8", 24 pp. Religio kaj Scienco lac la lumo de la Bahaja > (bahaa!) rivelajo, London, Brita Esperan- > Lidja Zamenhof: Homo, Dio, Profeto, tista Asocio, 1919, 8", 28 pp. > Weinheim, Bahaa Esperanto-Eldonejo, > 1931, 8", 8pp. La Nova Tago. La internacia bahaa esper- > anto-gazeto. Bahaa Esperanto-Eldonejo > Bahaaj pruvoj di vivo post morto, Wands- (Germany). > bek, Germany, Bahaa Esperanto-Eldonejo, > 1928, 8", 8 pp. For information on German and Esper- > anto BahL'i literature and magazines please > Historio, instruoj knj valoro de la BahBi- address Frl. Elsa Maria Grossmann, Neck- > movado. amb burg, Esperanto Komitato argemiind b/Heidelberg, Fr. Ebertstr. 37, > de la Bahaa-movado, 1925, 8", 8 pp. Germany. > > 13. BAHA'I, P U B L I C A T I O N S I N F I N N I S H > Maailman Uskonto. (The World Religion.) Mita on Bah& usko? (What is the BahB'i > By Shoghi Effendi. Translated by Hellni Faith?) Translated by Helmi Jaalovaara. > Jaalovaara. Tayttynyt Enrzustus (Prophecy Fulfilled, by > ~ ~ h & ~ ~jal l ,yusi ~ .J. E. Essle- > & h ~ i k BY Elisabeth Cheney). Translated by Mr. > mont. Translated by Helmi Jaalovaara. Urho Toivola. > Helsinki, 1940. Some Answered Questions (in manuscript). > > 1 4 . B A H A ' ~P U B L I C r A T I O N S I N F R E N C H > (a) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH Foi mondiale bahd'ie. Traduit par Hippo- > L'Oeuvre de BahSu'llrih. Traduit du persan lyte Dreyfus et al. > et de l'arabe par Hippolyte Dreyfus. (First part of BahSi World Faith: Writ- > Tome I. La Trks Sainte Tablette; Les ings of BahL'u'lliih.) > Paroles CachCes; Les Sept VallCes du Tablette de Bcchd'u'llrih pour un croynnt de > voyage vers Dieu; La Lettre sur le Baygn- Qazwine (Ccrite i Adrianople) . > Librairie Ernest Leroux, Paris. > . Tome 11. Le Temple de Dieu; Les (b) WRITINGS OF THE BAB > Lettres aux Souverains. Le Baydn Arabe. Traduit par A. L. M. Nico- > . Tome 111. Le Livre de la Certitude. las. > L'Epitre au Fils d ~ Loup. > i Traduit par Hip- Le Bayrin Persan. Tomes I , 11, 111, IV. Tra- > polyte Dreyfus. Librairie Ernest Leroux, duit par A. L. M. Nicolas. > Paris. > Le Livre des Sept Preuves. Traduit par > Le Kita'b-i-Aqdas. Traduit par Hippolyte A. L. M. Nicolas. > Dreyfus. (Manuscript.) > (c) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA > Extraits des Ecrits de Bahli'u'llhh. Textes > choisis et traduits du persan par Shoghi Testament d'Abdu'l-Baha'. (Mimeographed.) > Effendi. Traduit de l'anglais par G. des Les L e ~ o n sde St-Jean-&Acre. Recueillis par > Hons. (Version fran~aisede Gleanings.) Mme. Laura C. Barney; traduits par Hip- > Les Paroles Cachdes. Traduit par Hippolyte polyte Dreyfus. (Some Answered Ques- > Drsyfrrs. tions.) > 806 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > Les Forces myste'rieuses de la Civilisation. Le Babisme et le Baha'isrne, par Hippolyte > Traduit par G. des Hons. Dreyfus. (Extrait du livre Religions et > Socie'te's.) > Entretiens d'Abd~~'1-Bahdd Paris. Traduits > par Elisabeth Hesse. La Descente de la nouvelle Je'rusalem, par > G. Townshend. (Manuscript.) > Trois Lettres 2 des Persans. 1907. > (d) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI Les Portes de la Liberte', par H. C. Ives. > Traduit par Jane Montefiore. (Manu- > La Dispensation de Bahci'u'lln'h. Traduit par script.) > L6on Karakehia. > La Renaissance de la Civilisation, par David > Le But d'un nouvel Ordre Mandial. Traduit Hofnian. Traduit par Line Cristi, Luci- > par Lion Karakehia. enne Migette, Marie Chevalier. (Manu- > script.) > Vers PApogCe de la Race Humaine. Traduit > par G. des Hons. 1936. Les Heros de Dieu, par Laura C. Barney. > Drame en 5 actes. Traduit par Hippolyte > (e) WRITINGS ON THE BAHA'I FAITH > Dreyfus. (Manuscript.) > Bahd'u'lla'h et PEre nouvelle, par J. E. Essle- > mont. Traduit par Juliette Rao. L'Apparitio~rz de la Splendeur divine, par > Florence Pinchon. Traduit par Amanatil- > Essai sur le Baha'isme, par Hippolyte Drey- lah Rovchan Zakr et R. &rot. (Manu- > fus. script.) > > Bahi'i Group of Suva, capital of Fiji Islands, 1950, with > visiting member of National Spiritual Assembly of the > BahPis of Australia and New Zealand. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 807 > > ( f ) PAMPHLETS Une Communautc' universelle-Plan Bahd'i. > L'Economie mondiale de Bahd'u'lla'h, par Le Baha,isme. 9. Sa Mission dans le monde, > Horace Holley. Traduit par G. des Hons. par Paule Mayer May. > Une Institution divine, Ee Mas_hriquJl- > Adhka'r, par Hippolyte Dreyfus. Etude .rur "Les Fortes de la Libertk," par > Jane Montefiore. > Le Vrai Bahd'i. (5 Chap. de Bahd'u'lla'h et > 2'Ere ~zouvelle.) L'Appel mondial de Bahci'u'lla'h. GenBve. > 1937. > Programme de Paix bnhd'i. Gen6ve. 1945. > Unite' de Conscience. Genkve. Le Baha'isme, son histoire, sa porte'e sociale. > > Vers un Monde uni. Genkve. Qu'est-ce que le mouvernent bahd'i? > > 15. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N GERMAN > THAT ARE I N PRINT > (a) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH Umbruch zur Einheit. By Dr. Hermann > Grossmann. A. Schroder, Stuttgart, 1947. > Verborgene Worte (nebst Gebeten). 1948. 85 pp. > 130 pp. > Die Losung der sozialen Fragen auf Grund > Die sieben Taler. 40 pp. der Bahd'i-Lehren. By Dr. Manoutchehr > Zabih (Tihrgn) . it einem Geleitwort > (b) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA von Univ. Prof. Dr. Hans Peter. Tiibin- > gen. A. Schroder, Stuttgart. (These, Univ. > Sendschreiben an die Zentralorganisatio~z Tiibingen.) 190 pp. > fur einen dauernden Frieden, den Haag. > 32 PP. Die Geschichte der Bahd'i-Religion. 110 pp. > Wille und Testnment. 1946. De~zkschriftfur den Weltfrieden. 10 pp. > > (c) THE Lehrstunden ueber Religion ("Lessons in > OF BAHA'U'LLAHy THE Religion"). By S_hayk_hMuhammad 'Ali > BAB AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA Oii'ini. (Material zur Bahi'i-Kinder-und > iugenda;beit. 1950. 28 pp. (Mirneo- > Baha"i-Gebete. George Ronald, Oxford, graphed.) > 1948. 44 pp. > ( f ) BAHA'f LITERATURE IN > (d) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI PAMPHLET FORM > Die Sendung Baha"t~'1ln'h's.George Ronald, Die Baha"i-Weltreligion. > Oxford, 1948. 74 pp. > Die Administrative Ordnung des Glaubens Religion der Einheit. > Bahd'u'lla'h's. > Glaube zur Freiheit. > Gott geht voruber. 487 pp. > BahLi'i-Glaube, die universale Weltreligion. > (e) WRITlNGS ON THE Deine Erfahrungen als BahB'i. > BAHA'f FAITH > Der Baha-Kalender im Jahres- und Tages- > Bahd'u'lla'h und das neue Zeitalter. By Dr. lauf. > J. E. Esslemont. George Ronald, Oxford. > 276 pp. Jugend und die Moderne Welt. > 808 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Published in Switzerland: Dem neuelz Zeitalter entgegen. 1940. > Ein neues Zeitalter bricht an. European > Erfiillte Prophezeiungen, by Elizabeth H. > Teaching Committee, 1947. > Cheney. > Sendschreiben von 'Abdu'l-Bahd (The > Die neue Weltordnung. 1941. Hague). > > Fourth BahB'i Women's Progressive Convention, held at > Ha~iratu'l-Quds,Tihrin, April 13-16, 1950. > > 15A. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N GERMAN > THAT ARE OUT O F PRINT > (a) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH liydt, Frohe Botschaften. Aus dem Eng- > Frohe Botschaften, Worte des Paradieses, lischen; von A. Braun und E. Ruoff. > Tablett l'arbzdt, Tablett Tajalliydt, Tab- Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der BahB'i-Vereini- > lett Zs_hra'qdt.Nach der Englischen Ueber- gung. 1912, go, 73 pp. > setzung von 'Ali-Kuli Khan; Deutsch von Verborgene Worte, Worte der Weisheit ulzd > W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deut- Gebete. Nach der Englischen; von A. > schen BahB'i-Bundes, 1921, 8", 123 pp. Braun and E. Ruoff. Stuttgart, Verlag der > Das heilige Tablett, geoffenbart in Baghdid. BahB'i-Vereinigung, 1916, go, 104 pp. > Aus dem Englischen; von W. HGrigel. Verborgene Worte, Worte der Weisheit und > Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der BahB'i-Vereini- Gebete. Nach der Englischen Ueberset- > gung, 1911, 8", 8pp. z ~ n gV O ~Shoghi Effendi; Deutsch von > Das Tablett vom Zweig. Aus dem Eng- Alice Schwarz und W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, > lischen; von Fr. Schweizer. Herausgege- Verlag des Deutschen BabL'i-Bundes, > ben von den Bah$'is in Zuffenhausen. 1924, go, 109 pp. > Ohne Jahr, go, 8 pp. (b) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA > Tablett von Z&rdqdt, Tablett von Tardzdt, Ansprachen, gehalten im Herbst 1911 in > Worte des Paradieses, Tableft von Tajal- Paris. Aus dem Englischen; von W. Her- > BAHA'I BIBL > > rigel. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Blomfield, Sitirih, und Shoghi Effendi: Das > Bahi'i-Bundes, 1921, So, 196 pp. Hinscheiden 'Abdu'l-Bahd's. Ohne An- > gabe des Ortes und des Jahres, 8", 32 pp. > Beantwortete Fragen. Nach der Englischen > Ausgabe von L. Clifford Barney; Deutsch Brittingham, Isabella, D.: Die Oflenbarung > von W. Herrigel. Stuttgart. Verlag des von Bahci'u'lla'h. Aus dem Englischen; von > Deutschen BahL'i-Bundes G.m. b. H. W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der > 1929, g o , VIII und 392 pp. Bahi'i-Vereinigung, 1910, 8 ", 47 pp. > Eine Botschaft an die Juden. Aus dem Engli- Carpenter, Marion: Majncin und Layla'. Nach > schen; von W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, im Bahi'u'llih's Erzahlung in den "Sieben > Selbstverlag der Bah6'i-Vereinigung. Talern." Deutsch von E. M. Gr. und Dr. > 1913, 8", 15 pp. H. Gr. Wandsbek, Weltgemeinschaft, > 1926, g o , 8 pp. > Evangelium der Liebe und des Friedens fur > unsere Zeit (Ansprachen in Paris). Aus Chase, Thornton: Die Bahci'ioffenbarung. > dem Englischen; von W. Herrigel. Stutt- Aus dem Englischen; von W. Herrigel. > gart, Selbstverlag der BahC'i-Vereinigung. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Bahi'i- > 1914, S o , 172 pp. Bundes, 1925, So, XVI + > 168 pp. > Religion und Philosophie, 1911, Paris. Chase, Thornton: Ehe Abraham war, war > Ich. Aus dem Englischen; von W. Her- > Tabelle (Tablets) allgemeiner Belehrung. rigel. Stuttgart, Verlag der Bahi'i-Vereini- > Deutsch von Fanny A. Knobloch. 1906, gung. Ohne Jahr, 8", 8 pp. > ohne Angabe des Ortes, So, 12 pp. > Dreyfus, Dr. Hippolyte: Ba'bismus und > Tabelle (Tablets) an die Geliebten Gottes Bahfismus. Deutsch von Margarete > des Abendlandes. Deutsch von Fanny A. Platte. Frankfurt a.M. Neuer Frank- > Knobloch. 1906, ohne Angabe des furter Verlag G.m.b.H., 1909, 8", 61 pp. > Ortes, 8", 8 pp. > Einheits-Religion. Ihre Wirkung auf Staat, > (c) WORKS COMPILED FROM WRIT- Erziehung, Sozialpolitik, Frauenrechte > INGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH AND und auf die einzelne Personlichkeit. > 'ABDU'L-BAHA Deutsch von W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Ver- > Bahri'iperlen (Worte von Bahi'u'lliih und lag des Deutschen Bahi'i-Bundes, 1920, > 'Abdu'l-BahB) . Stuttgart, Verlag des 8", 40 pp. > Deutschen BahL'i-Bundes, 1921, 8 ", 16 Esslemont, Dr. John E. : BahL'u'lla'h und das > PP. Neue Zeitalter. Deutsch von H. K. und > (d) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI W. H. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen > Bahi'i-Bundes, 1927, 8", VIII + 431 pp. > Die Weltordnung von Bahci'u'lla'h. Aus dern > Englischen. Herausgegeben vom Deut- Was ist ein Bahci'i? Aus dem Englischen > schen Bahi'i-Nationalrat, Stuttgart, Marz iibersetzt und herausgegeben von der > 1930, 8", 15 pp. Bahi'i-Arbeitsgemeinschaft Esslingen. > Ohne Jahr (vervielfaltigt), 4", 20 pp. > A n die Geliebten des Herrn und an die Die- > nerinnen des Barmherzigen in der ganzen Der Weg zum Frieden. Sonderdruck des > Welt. Aus dem Englischen. Herausgege- Kapitels X aus "Bahi'u'llBh und das Neue > ben vom Deutschen Bahi'i-Nationalrat, Zeitalter." Herausgegeben von der Bahi'i- > Stuttgart, April 1930 (vervielfaltigt) , Arbeitsgemeinschaft Esslingen. Ohne > Folio, 17 pp. Jahr, 8", 8 pp. > > (e) WRITINGS ON THE Fadl, MirzL Abu'l: Geschichte und Wahr- > BAHA'I FAITH heitsbeweise der Bahri'i-Religion. Nach > der Englischen Uebersetzung von 'Ali- > Bahiyyih K-hiinurn: Brief an die Freunde Quli-K_hin; Deutsch von W. H. Stuttgart, > Gottes und an die Dienerinnen des Barm- Verlag des Deutschen BahL'i-Bundes > herzigen i m Abendland. Aus dem Engli- G.m.b.H. 1919, 8", XXlV +295 pp. > schen; von A. Schwarz. Ohne Angabe > des Ortes und des Jahres. g o , 4 pp. Glanzender Beweis (Burhane Lime). Aus > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 81 1 > > dem Englischen; von Fr. Schweizer. Her- schen; von Dr. H. Gr. Wandsbek, Welt- > ausgegeben von der Bahi'i-Vereinigung gemeinschaft, Deutscher Zweig, 1924, 8", > Zuffenhausen, ohne Jahr, 8", 45 pp. 8 PP. > Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: A m Morgen Miihlschlegel, Adelbert: Melodram u m drit- > einer neuen Zeit, Verlag Strecker und ten Deutschen Bahd'i-Kongress SO. Ohne > Schroder. Stuttgart, 1932. Angabe des Ortes, September, 1924, 8", > Die Bah2i-Bewegung, ihre Geschichte, 8 PP. > Lehren urzd Bedeutung. Herausgegeben Ridva'n 81, Festspiel. Stuttgart, Bahb'i- > von der Bahi'i-Bewegung. Hamburg, Bund, Deutscher Zweig, 1925, 8", 8 pp. > 1926, 8", 8 pp. > Nabil's Narrative: The Dawn-Breakers > Bahd'i-Erziehung. Wandsbek, Weltge- (German translation in manuscript). > meinschaft, Deutscher Zweig, 1924, go, > Najmajer, Marie von: Qurratu'l-'Ayrz. Ein > 8 PP. Bild aus Persiens Neuzeit. Wien, 1894. > Charzan. Eine Erzlhlung aus unserer Zcit. > Wandsbek, 1927, 8", 8 pp. Phelps, Myron H. : 'A bdu'l-Bahd 'Abbas, > Leberz zlnd Lehrerz. Aus dern Englischen; > Roseizgartlein-Lehrst~~nde~z.Lehrproben von W. H. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deut- > zur Bahi'i-Erziehung. Herausgegeben von schen Bahb'i-Bundes, 1922, 8", 248 pp. > der Weltgemeinschaft, Wandsbek, ohne > Jahr, So, 12 pp. Remey, Charles Mason: Das neue Zeitalter. > Die Bah6'i-Offenbarung. Deutsch von > Die soziale Frage und ihre Losurzg im W. H. Verlag des Deutschen Bahb'i-Bun- > Sinne der Bahd'i-Lehre. Stuttgart, Verlag des, Stuttgart, 1923, So, 32 pp. > des Deutschen Bahi'i-Bundes, 1923, So, > Einheit. Die Offenbarung des Bahi'u'llih. > 12 PP. Deutsch von Fanny A. Knobloch. Ohne > Das Wesen der Bah&i-Lehre. Ohne An- Angabe des Ortes und des Jahres. 8", 8 > gabe des Ortes und des Jahres. So, 8 pp. PP. > W. H.: Die Bahd'i-Bewegung im Allgemei- Rosenberg, Ethel J.: Die Bahd'i-Lehre, de- > nen und ihre grossen Wirkungen irz Zrz- ren ethische cirzd soziale Begrifle. Aus dem > dien. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Englischen; von Fr. Schweizer. Stuttgart, > BahL'i-Bundes, 1922, 8", 56 pp. Selbstverlag der Bahb'i-Vereinigung, > Universaler Friede, Universale Religion. 1908, 8", 8 pp. > Die BahL'i-Bewegung, ihr Zweck und Ziel. S. S.: Ein Jahr unter den Bah& in Zndien > Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der Bahi'i-Vereini- und Birma. Aus dern Englischen; von > gung. 1915, 8", 30 pp. W. H. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der Bahb'i- > Die Zeichen unserer Zeit im Lichte der Vereinigung, ohne Jahr, 8", 46 pp. > Bibel und der Bahd'i-Lehre. Stuttgart, Die Geschichte der Bah&-Bewegung. > Verlag der Bahi'i-Vereinigung. 1916, 8 ", Aus dem Englischen; von W. H. Stutt- > 16 PP. gart Selbstverlag der BahL'i-Vereinigung, > Hartmann, Pauline: Bah&- Weltanschauung, 1913, Zweite auflage, 1913, 8", 22 pp. > Verlag des Geistigen Nationalrats der Dritte auflage, 1919, 8", 22 pp. > Deutschen Bahb'i. E. V., 8", 24 pp. > Schwarz, Alice: Die universale Weltreligion. > Holley, Horace: Die Weltwirtsclzaft von Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Bahi'i- > Bah2z~'lla'h.Aus dem Englischen. 30 pp. Bundes, 1919, 8", 35 pp. > Geneva, 1934. > Wright, A. H.: Ba'b und seine Secte in Per- > Kliemke, Dr. Ernst (Heinrich Nienkamp) : sien, Leipzig. > Bah&-Lehre und Politik. Das Staatsideal > nach den Lehren BahL'u'llbh's. Ohne An- ( f ) GENERAL PAMPHLETS > gabe des Ortes und des Jahres. 8", 8 pp. A n der Schwelle eines neues Zeitalters. > : Maxwell, May: Jos, der Schaferknabe, 'Ab- Flugblatt. Stuttgart, W. H. Ohne Jahr. > du'l-Baha' nacherzahlt. Aus dern Engli- 8", 10 pp. > 812 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Aus Leberz und Lehre des Bah&ismus. Ham- Verlag der Bahki-Vereinigung, 1916, So, > burg, Bahb'i-Verlag, 1918, So, 42 pp. 16 pp. Erweiterte Auflage, Stuttgart, > 1928, Verlag des Deutschen Bahki- > Die Baha"i-Bewegung. Flugblatt. Stuttgart, Bundes, 8 ",24 pp. > Verlag des Deutschen Bahb'i-Bundes, > ohne Jahr, So, 4 pp. Treuhandschaftserlclarung und Satzung des > Nationalen Geistigen Rates der Bahd'i in > Die Bah& Lehre, 1933, Schmal So, 4 pp. Deutschland und Oesterreich nebst Satz- > ung des Geistigen Rates der B a h B in > Bericht vom ersten Deutscherz Bahdi-Kon- Stuttgart. Herausgegeben vom Nationalen > gress 1921. Herausgegeben von der Geistigen Rat der Bahb'i in Deutschland > Bahb'i-Arbeitsgemeinschaft Esslingen und Oesterreich e. V., Stuttgart, 1935, > (vervielfiltigt) 4", 54 pp. So, 32 pp. > Die Geschichte vom kleinen Vogel und an- Was 1st die Bahd'i-Bewegurzg? Flugblatt. > dere Erzahlungen aus dem Leben 'Abdu'l- Ohne Angabe des Ortes und des Jahres. > Bahd's. Wandsbek, Weltgemeinschaft, ( 2 Ausgaben: Hamburg und Wien) , 8 ", > Deutscher Zweig, 1925, So, 8 pp. 8 bezw. 10 pp. > Religiose Lichtblicke. Einige Erlauterungen Weihnachtsbeilage fiir Kinder. Dezember > zur Bahki-Bewegung. Aus dem Franzo- 1921. Beilage zur Sonne der Wahrheit, > sischen; von Albert Renftle. Stuttgart, So, 8 pp. > > 1 6 . B A H A ' I P U B L I C A T I O N S I N GREEK > Bahdu'lla'h and the New Era. Athens, 1934. > > 1 7 . BAHA'X P U B L I C A T I O N S I N > HUNGARIAN > Bahd'u'lla'h and the New Ern. Budapest, A Tizenke't Bahai Alapelv (Bahb'i Princi- > 1933. ples) . > Hidden Words (in manuscript). > > 1 8 . BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N I C E L A N D I C > Bahd'u'lka'h Og N i i Timinn (BahL'u'llkh and > the New Era). By J. E. Esslemont. Trans- > lated from the English. Reykjavik, 1939. > > 19. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N I T A L I A N > (a) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH Le Setti Valli e Le Quattro Valli. Translated > Le Parole Celate. Translated by Ugo R.Gia- by the Italian Bahb'i Translating and Pub- > chery. G. Bardi, Typographer, Rome, lishing Committee. G. Bardi, Typogra- > 1949. pher, Rome, 1949. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 813 > > (b) WRITINGS OF THE BAB by the Italian BahL'i Translating and Pub- > lishing Committee. G. Bardi, Typogra- > I1 Commiato del Ba'b dalle Lettere del Vi- pher, Rome, 1951. > vente. Translated by the Italian BahA'i > Translating and Publishing Committee. Un Piano per la Societh Futura. (Extract > Mimeographed, Rome, 1950. from The New Era, by Esslemont.) G. > Bardi, Typographer, Rome, 1947. > (c) WRITINGS O F 'ABDU'L-BAHA > ( f ) WRITINGS ON THE BAHA'I FAITH > L'Ultima Volontd e Testamento di 'Abdu'l- > Baha'. Translated by the Italian Bahi'i La Nuova Bra. By J. E. Esslemont. Trans- > Translating and Publishing Committee. lated by Ugo R. Giachery. G. Bardi, Ty- > G. Bardi, Typographer, Rome, 1950. pographer, Rome, 1947. > Discorsi di 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Translated by Che cos'8 un Bahsi? (Extract from The > H. E. Hoagg. Casa Editrice LaRibalta, New Era.) G. Bardi, Typographer, Rome, > Rome, 1923. 1947. > (d) WORKS COMPILED FROM WRIT- La Fede Baha"i. By A. Bausani. An extract > INGS OF B A H ~ U ' L L A H , THE BAB from Scienza e Umanitd, Societl di > AND 'ABDU'L-BAHA Scienze Naturali ed Economiche, Pa- > lermo, 1950, 16 pp. 8". > Preghiere Bahci'i'i. Translated by the Italian > Bah2i Translating and Publishing Com- (g) PAMPHLETS > mittee. G. ~ a r d <~ ~ ~ o ~ r a ~ h e r , ~ ~ o m e , > 1951. Calendario Bahd'i. 4 pp. > > WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI L'Alba della Civilizzazioize Mondiale. A > compilation. G. Bardi, Typographer, > La Dispensazione di Bahci'u'llbh. Translated Rome, 1st edition 1947, 2nd edition 1949. > > 20. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N MAORI > T e Whakatikenga Baha"i, Pamphlet by G. G. Paul. Auckland, New Zealand, 1933. > > 2 1. BAHA'I P U B L I C A T I O N S I N N O R W E G I A N > Hidden Words. By BahL'u'llih (translation The Faith o f Bahci'u'llih (translation mim- > mimeographed). eographed) . > Kitbb-i-fqa'n. By BahB'u'll2h (translation in your Experience as a Bah& (translation > manuscript). mimeographed). > Prayers (translation mimeographed). > The Bahsi Commuizity (translation in man- > Words of Wisdom. By BahL'u'llih (transla- uscript). > tion mimeographed). > A Reflection. By George Townshend (trans- > Will and Testanlent of 'Abdu'l-Baha' (mim- lation mimeographed). > eographed) . > ~ ~ ~ d ~B~ ~shoehi > ~ ~- f f ~~ ~ d~Renewal > i . ~ ofi Civilisation. > ~ i By > ~ David > ~ Hofman. > ~ ~ . > ~ranslated-byJohania ~chuubarth.Petlitz > Boktrykkeri, Oslo, 1937. Troen Ti1 Frihet. Translated by Johanna > Schubarth. Petlitz Boktrvkkeri. Oslo. > Bahd'u'lla'h og Den Nye Tid. By J. E. Essle- 1948. > mont. Translated by Johanna Schubarth. > Petlitz Boktrykkeri, Oslo, 1935; distrib- Verdens-,Yivilisasjonens Morgengry. Petlitz > uted by Cammermeyers Boghandel, Oslo. Boktrykkeri, Oslo, 1948. > 814 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > A Bahi'i group in Addis Ababa on the occasion of visit of Mason Remey, > President of the International Bahi'i Council, Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh > of New York City, and R. Yazdi, following their attendance at the > I.ntercontinenta1Bahb'i Conference at Kampala, Uganda, Africa. > > 2 2 . BAHA'f P U B L I C A T I O N S I N POLIS'H > BahZu'lldh and the New Era. Geneva, 1940. Some Answered Questions (in manuscript). > The Hague Tablet (in manuscript). Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahd (in > manuscript). > > 2 3 . BAHA'f P U B L I C , A T I O N ~ SI N > PORTUGUESE > Kitdb-i-lqdn, por Bahi'u'llhh (manuscript). A Presenga de Deus (God Passes By), por > Shoghi Effendi. > Palavras Ocultas, por Bahi'u'llhh (manu- > script). > A Religia'o Mundial, por Shoghi Effendi > Discursos em Paris, por 'Abdu'l-Bahb, Parh, (pamphlet). Rio de Janeiro, 1940. > 1923. > 0 Mundo Marcha Para Seu Destino. > Justicia Industrial. > Respostas a Algumas Perguntas, por 'Abdu'l- Seguranca Para U m Mundo Decadente. > Bahb, Rio de Janeiro, 1948. > U m Modelo Para A Sociedade Futura. > A Ultima Vontade de (Abdu'l-Bahd. > Oraciones Bahd'is. Bah2uYlEa'he a Nova Era, por J. E. Essle- > mont. Bahia, Brazil, 1928. Second edition, > A Dispensa~a'ode Bahd'u'lla'h (The Dispen- > S50 paulo, 1939. > sation of Bahi'u'llhh), por Shoghi Ef- > fendi. A Fe Bahd'i. > A Meta de Uma Nova Ordem Mundial, por > Shoghi Effendi. Rio de Janeiro, 1940. Fe', 0 Caminho da Liberdade. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY > > First four native African Bahi'is of Kampala, Uganda, > representing the Buganda, Batero and Teso tribes. > > 24. BAHA'I P U B L I C A T I O N S I N R U M A N I A N > > Bahri'u'llcih and the New Era, Bucharest, Ce Este Miscarea Bahd'i, Bucharest, 1934. > 1934. > > 25. BAHA'I P U B L I C A T I O N S I N RUSSIAN > > Hidden Words of BahL'u'lla'h. Riga, 1934. Talk of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in New York. > bhd, 1922. > Kita'b-i-Aqdns, ed. A. H. Tumansky, M6- > moires de l'hcademie lmpgriale de St. Bah$u'll&. By Isabel Grinevskaya. Lenin- > Petersburg 1899 VlII serie vol. 111, NO. 6. grad, 1912. > Kitdb-i-l'qdn. Riga, Pils iela 14, 1933. Bahri'u'll6h and the New Era. Printed in > Latvia, 1930. > Works of Bahri'u'lldh, ed. A. H. Tumansky, > St. Petersburg, 1892. > Bah'iyyat. By M . Blanovsky. Moscow, 1914. > Some Answered Questions > (manuscript). Lessons in Religion. By &ay& Muham- > mad-'Ali QB'ini. 'Ishqhbid, 1912. > Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Baha'. Bikh, 1909. > No. 9 (Compilation). New York, N.Y. > Tablet to the Hague. By 'Abdu'l-Bahh. Lon- > don, 1922. Talk about &ah& Faith. Bikii. > 816 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Fifth National BahL'i Youth Convention, TihrAn (BahL'i Year 107). > > 26. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N SERBIAN > Bahd'zl'lla'h and the New Era. Belgrade, Kita'b-i-fqa'n (in manuscript). > 1933. > World Economy of Bahci'u'lldh (in manu- > Book of Prayers. Belgrade, 1936. script). > Hidden Words. Belgrade, 1936. World Religion. Belgrade, 1937. > > 27. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N SLOVAK > Bahdiske' ses'ity (Bahi'i Text Books). 25 vol- A Compilation (9). > umes to date. In Czech and Slovak. Con- > taining serial translations of the B a h ~ i Shoghi Effendi: World Religion (in manu- > Writings, prayers, compilations, articles script) . > and excerpts. > > 28. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N SPANISH > El Kitdb-i-Iqa'n. Bahi'u'llhh. La Sabiduria de 'Abdu'l-Bahd (Wisdom of > 'Abdu'l-Bahh) . > Las Omcidnes Obligatorios. BahL'u'llAh. > Oracio'nes Baha"is ( ~ ~ ~Prayers). > g , i Bahg- La Ultima Voluntad y Testamento de 'Ab- > u'llhh and 'Abdu'l-Bahh. du'l-Ba'hd. > > Las Palabras Ocultas de Bah2u'lldh. Divino Arte de Vivir. > Justicia Econdmica. 'Abdu'l-Bahh. El Plan Divino. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 817 > > German, British and Persian Friends attending the BahL'i Youth > Summer Week, Dilsberg, Germany, August 18-25, 1951. > > Selecciones de las Escrituras de BahL'u'llih, Canto Celestial. > de 'Abdu'l-Bahi, y de Shoghi Effendi. (A > set of three booklets,.) La Casa de Adoracidn Bahd'i. > > Dios Pasa: por Shoghi Effendi, Santiago de La Comunidad Espiritual Bahd'i. > Chile, 1948. Contestacidn a Unas Preguntas. By Mexico > La Dispensacidn de Bahd'u'lldh. Shoghi Ef- City Assembly, Mexico, D. F., 1940. > fendi. Curso sobre la Nueva Era. > La Religion Mundial. Shoghi Effendi. Drama de la Salvacio'n. > La Republics Venidera Mundial. Shoghi Ef- Enseiianzb BahL'is Sobre la Vida DespuCs > fendi. de la Muerte. > 25 Aiios de Guardiania. Hacia la Edad de Oro. > Baha"u'l1dh y la Nueva Era (BahL'u'llih and Fundamentos de Unidad Mundial. > the New Era). By J. E. Esslemont. > La Misl'dn de Bahd'u'lldh. > Primer Centenario, 1844-1944. > Nosotros Sornos la Gente. > Renovacidn de la Civilizacidn. > Plan Bahri'i para La Paz. > PAMPHLETS > Principios Bahci'is. > El Alba de Una Nueva Era. > Principios de La Fe Bahd'i'i. > Los B ~ h f i sPersiguen la Unidad Mundial, > by Spiritual Assembly of Punta Arenas, El Procedimiento Bahci'i. > Chile. > El Profeta Mdrtir de Una Fe Mundial. > Base de La Comunidad Bahci'i. > Profundizando Nuestro Entendimiento Es- > Breve Historia del Principio y Desarrollo de piritual. > la Fe Bahd'i. Santos E. Dominguez, Tegu- > cigalpa, Honduras. La Puerta Abierta. > 818 T H E BAHA'I. W O R L D > > Que' es el Movimento Bahd'i? La Venida de 10s Mensajeros de Dios. > 0, Que Salisteis a Ver? Libro de Episodios Bahd'fs y Mbsica para > El Sendero Que Conduce Hacia Dios. By Nin'os. > Dorothy Baker. Translated by Francisco > Acker. Para Niiios Pequetios (con MGsica) . > > Su Experiencia como Bahd'i. Para Nin'os Pequetios (sin Miisica) > > 2 9 . BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N SWEDISH > Overtygelsens bok (The KitBb-i-fqBn). Up- ghi Effendi. Translated by Scandinavian > penbarad av BahB'u'llBh. Helsingfors, Translating- Committee, 1951. > 1936. > Bahci'u'lla'h och den nya tids8ldern. By J. E. > Forborgade ord (Hidden Words). Jubi- Esslemont. Translated by Anna Rudd- > leumsupplaga, 1953. Palmgren, 1932. > Ett Monster till framtida samhiille. By Sho- I gryningen av en varldscivilisation. (Pam- > phlet.) Translated by Sigvard Hikansson, > 1947. > > 30. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS I N WELSH > Fydd-y-Bah& (The Bahi'i Faith). British > Publishing Trust, 1949. > > 31. BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS IN > ORI'ENTAL LANGUAGES > ABYSSINIAN (AMHARIC) Bahci'u'lldh and the New Era, by Dr. J. E. > Bahci'u'lla'h and the New Era. Addis Ababa, Esslemont. Cairo, 1930. > 1935. Bi&a'rat-i-'U~mri. > Pamphlet. The Dawn Breakers. Nabil's Narrative. > ARABIC Dispensation of Bahci'u'lla'h. > Addiu-i-Mubaraka. Goal of a New World Order. > Alfa'r'id. Mirz6 Abu'l-Fadl. Hidden Words. > Attibian Wal-Burhan, Volume 11. Baha'i I&ra'qa't, Tajalliya't, Tarrizdt, and Kalima't. > Proofs for Sunni Muslims. Cairo. > Bahd'i Declaration of Human Rights and Kita'b-i-Aqdas. Bombay, Cairo, Persia. > 0bligations. Kitdb-idq&. Cairo, 1934. > Bahd'i Pearls, by Mirzb Abu'l-Fadl. Cairo, Life after Death. > 1900. > Muna'ja'tha'y-i-Hadrat-i-'Abdu'l-Baha'. > Bahd'i Principles; Summary of Bahci'i > Teachings. Cairo, 1928. Prayers from Bahci'u'lla'h. Tabriz, 1911. > Bahci'i'i Proofs, by Mirz6 Abu'l-Fadl. Cairo, The Promise o f All Ages. > 1925. Risdliy-i-Amriyyih, by MustafL. Cairo. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 819 > > Bahi'i Youth of Germany gathered at Bahi'i Youth Summer Week, Breuberg > Castle, Neustadt-i-Odenwald, July 30-August 5, 1950, with Bahi'i visitors > from England, France, Norway, Persia and the United States. > > Some Answered Questions. Cairo, 1930. BURMESE > Shriy-i-Mulfk. 'Aqd'id-i-Bahd'iydn. > Tablet to the Hague. Bahci'i Principles. Mandalay, 1919. > Talks of 'Abdu'l-Bahd in Europe. Cairo. The Bah& Short Thesis. Mandalay, 1913. > A Traveller's Narrative. Bahd'i Teachings for World Faith. > The Unfoldment of World Civilization. Bahd'u'llah and the New Era. Mandalay, > The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. 1933. > Dawn of the New Day. > ARMENIAN > Divine Laws. > Bahci'u'lldh and the New Era. 1933, Aleppo. > Durks-i-Ak_hldqiyyih. Mandalay, 1930. > Hidden Words (in manuscript). > Durhsu'd-Diydnih. Mandalay, 1922. > Kitdb-i-fqdn (in manuscript). > Hujjatu'lldhu'l-Ba'lighih. Rangoon, 1927. > Pamphlet. 1920, Cairo. > HuqBqu'l-fnsa'niyy ih. Mandalay, 1928. > Pamphlet. 1928, Istanbul. > Kitdb-i-lqdn (manuscript). > Some Answered Questions (in manuscript). > Mizdnu'l-Furgdn. Mandalay, 1908. > What Is the Bahri'i Movement? Prag, 1933. > Niga'm-Ndmih. 1907. > ASSAMESE Revelation o f Bahci'u'lldh. Mandalay, 1907. > Bahci'u'lldh and the New Era. By J. E. Essle- > mont. S_hajaratu'l-Adydn.Rangoon, 1909. > Short History o f the Cause, A . 1913. > BENGALI > Bahd'i Teachiizgs for a World Faith. Some Answered Questions. Mandalay, 1915. > Baha"u'l1dh and the New Era. 1937. Su'al va Javdb. > Hidden Words. Tablet of Love. Mandalay, 1922. > BahB'i Youth Group of Colombo, Ceylon. > > Bah2i Youth Symposium, Poona, India. > T o Live the Life. Mandalay. HINDI > What Is the Bahri'i Movement? Rangoon. BahLi'i Teachings for a World Faith. > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. By J. E. Essle- > CHIN mont. Lahore, 1939. And Second edition. > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. > Dawn o f a New Day. > CHINESE Day o f God. > The BahBi Cause in China. Shanghai, Book- Hidden Words (Bahi'u'll6h). > let 9. > Universal Peace. > Baha"u'l1a'h and the New Era. Shanghai, > The World Religion. > 1931. > Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd'u'lla'h. JAPANESE > The Goal o f a New World Order. Shanghai, The Baha"i Revelation, translated by Dr. > 1931. Inouye. 1920. > Hidden Words. Canton, 1937. BahBu'lldh and the New Era. Tokyo, 1932. > Index to Some Answered Questions. Shang- The Call, translated by T. Torii. 1920. > hai, 1933. Hidden Words. Tokyo, 1937. > Kitdb-i-iqdn. Shanghai. > A Letter to the Women of Japan, by Agnes > Light of the Age. Shanghai, 1926. B. Alexander. 1916. > The Most Great Peace. Shanghai, 1931. Mdriqu'l-Adhkdr, translated by Dr. > Paris Talks. Shanghai, 1931. Inouye. 1918. > Prayers and Meditations of Bahd'u'lldh (in The Most Great Peace, translated by Dr. > manuscript). Inouye. 1917. > The Promulgation of Universal Peace. Vol- New Civiliza~tiotz,by K. Torikai. 1917. > ume I. > Religion of Love. 1917. > Some Answered Questions. Shanghai, 1940. > What Is Baha"iism? by Dr. G. J. Augur. > Some Principles of the Bah& Faith. 1916. > Tablet3 of Bahri'u'lla'h. What Is the BahBi Movement? translated by > The Valuable Contribution of the Bahd'i T. Inouye. 1929. > Cause ( I , I I ) . Shanghai, 1932. > KANARESE > G UJAR AT1 Bahd'u'lldh and the New Em. > Bah& Faith and the New Age. Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Baha'. > B a h a Prayers. > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. Bombay, KASHMIRI > 1932. Superseded by new edition. Baha'u'lldh and the New Era. > Dawn of a New Day. KURDISH > Fardmin-Bahi, by Mirzli Abu'l-Fadl. Bom- Bahli'u'lldh and the New Era. Baghdlid, > - > bay, 1921. 1934. > Hidden Words. Kitdb-i-iqdn (manuscript). > GURMUKHI World Religion (manuscript). > Bahd'u'lla'h and the New Era. > MALAYALAM > Dawn of the New Day. Bahd'u'lldh and the New Em. > HEBREW Dawn of a New Day. > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. Haifa, 1931. Hidden Words. > 822 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > MARATHI Prayers by 'Abdu'l-Baha'. > Bahd'u'lla'h and the New Era. Prayers fronz ' Abdu'l-Baha'. Tihrin, 1930. > Dawn o f a New Day. Prayers, Arabic and Persian. > The Secret of Divine Civilization. > NEPALESE The Siya'siyyih, by 'Abdu'l-Bah6. Bom- > Bahh'u'lldh and the New Era. bay. > Some Answered Questions. London. > ORIYA > Tablet of 'Abdu'l-Baha' to Dr. Forel. > Bahd'u'lla'h and the New Era. Cairo.. > PANJABI Tablet to the Hague, by 'Abdu'l-BahL. > BalzQ'u'lla'h and the New Era. Cairo. > The Tablets o f 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Volumes 1 , > PASHTO 2 and 3. ~ a i r o . > Bahh'u'lla'h and the New Era. Tablets, Turkish. > Dawn of a New Day. The Testament Tablets. > The Will and Testament o f 'Abd~~'1-Baha'. > PERSIAN Bombay and Cairo. > Bahb'u'llih: Shoghi Effendi: > The Book of Zqtidhr, Tablets of Baha"- The Dispensation o f Baha"u'l1a'h (Part IV, > u'lldh. Bombay. The Administrative Order). > The Book of Mubin, Tablets o f Bahd'- Excerpts from Letters. > u'lla'h. Bombay. > General Letter for Believers in the East. > The Epistle to the Son o f the W o l f , Bah6'- > u'llLh. Cairo. The Letter of Ridvin, 105. > Z&ra'qa't, Tara'za't, Tajalliydt. Bombay. The Promised Day Has Come (from the > English) . > Hidden Words (Persian). > The World Religion. > Kalima't-i-Maknf nih (Hidden Words). > Kita'b-i-lqa'n. Cairo and Bombay. Abu'l-Fadl: Al-Fard'id. Cairo. > Lawh-i-A hmad. Ti&kand. Aya't-i-Mu'arraui. China. > Lawh-i-Maqjlid. The Brilliarzt Proof. > The Seven Valleys. Cairo and Bombay. Excerpts from The Fard'id. > Shriy-i-Mullik. Letters of Mirza' Abu'l-Fadl. Cairo. > Tablets and Prayers from Bah2u'lkdh. Risdliy-i-Zstidldliyyih. Egypt. > Cairo. Ad'iyiy-i-Hadrat-i-Mahbfb (Book of Pray- > Tablets from Bahd'u'lla'h. Cairo. ers). Cairo. > Tablet of Bahd'u'lldh to the S_ha'h o f Per- An-Nfru'l-A bha'-Fi-Mufawaddt-i-'Abdu'l- > sia. Cairo. Bahd. Table talks collected by Laura C. > The Medium and the Long Obligatory Barney. Kegan, Paul, London, 1908. > Prayers. > The Bah& Calendar. Tihrin. > Odes and Lyric Poems. > The Will and Testament of Bahd'u'lla'h. Baha"i Procedure. (From the English.) > 'IshqibLd and Cairo. Bahb'i Sacred Writings: (Prayers for the > 'Abdu'l-B ah&: fast, for healing, for pilgrimages, etc.) > Addresses of 'Abdu'l-Bahri. Cairo. Baha"iism and Socialism. 'Is_hqib6d. > Addresses 'Abdu'z-Baha' in Bahru'l-'Zrfbn, by Muhammad Afs_hir. Born- > Cairo. bay. > Memorials o f the Faithful, 'Abdu'l-BahL. > Haif a. BihjatuY?-Sudlir, Mirzh Haydar-'Ali. Bom- > bay. > The Muduniyyih, by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Cairo > and Bombay. The Century (Lawh-i-Qam) . > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 823 > > Bah6'i Youth Symposium, Rangoon, February 25, 1951. > > Dalri'ilu'l-'Irfa'n, Mirzh Haydar-'Ali. Bom- I&rbq-Khbvari: Commentary on The Cen- > bay. tury (2 vols.) : Sealed Wine. > Durdsu'd-Diya'nih (Lessons in Religion). Excerpts on Twelve Principles. > Cairo and Tihrbn. Illustration and Proof (from the Arabic > of Ahmad Hamdi Al-Muhammad of > The Early Tablets of Bahdu'lla'h, compiled Baghdbd) . > by Baron Rosen, St. Petersburg. - > Invocations for Nearness t o God (Prayers > Esslemont, J. E.: Bahd'u'lla'h and the New by Bahi'u'lliih, 'Abdu'l-BahL and Shoghi > Era. Haifa. 1932. Effendi) -3 vols. > Bahri'u'lla'h and the New Era. (Transla- Nabil's Narrative: a Summary. (From the > tion from the English. 1949.) English.) > Fbdil-i-Mhzindarhni: History of the Faith, The Nine Days. > Part IV. On Immortality. > Fard idu'd-Diniyyih. Ma&had. Pearls of Divine Guidance. ( 3 vols.) > The Table from Heaven: BahL'i Sacred > Funitan, 'Ali-Akbar: Faith and Culture. Writings. (6 vols.) > Harmony o f Religion and Science. Treasury of Laws. > Lessons in Character. > Zstidldliyyih, I and 11, by Na'im, Tabriz, > Principles of Bah& Administration. 1911 and 1912. > Principles o f Teaching the Lessons in Istidla'liyyiy-i-Afs_ha'r. Bombay. > Character. > Religious views Leading Occi- Kadfu'l-G_hi~d',compiled by Siyyid Mihdi > dental Scholars. Gulpbygbni. 'Is_hqbbbd. > > Hadiqatu'l-Bahdiyyih. Bombay, 1927. Kava'kibu'd-Durriyyih. Cairo. > T h e History of the ~~~t~~~ o f yazd. cairo. KhLdem, Bikru'llgh, translator: Apprecia- > tions o f the Bah6'i Faith. (From the Eng- > The History o f Tdhirih. Cairo. lish.) > Irtibdt-i-Xharq va Rharb. Tihrin, 1931. Maga'liy-i-Bah8i. Delhi, 19 15. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY > > Mashriqu'l-AdJhka'r. Twenty-two page book- Tabyinu'l-Haqiqat. > let written in Persian on the BahVi Tem- Ta'rikh-i-Jadid. Bombay. > ple. Published by the Bahi'i Assembly of > Washington, D.C. Tauki-i-Mani-i-Mubarak, 110. > Mat&navi (Nabil's chronological poem.) Teaching Probleins. (Translation.) > Cairo. The Traveller's Narrative. London and > Mihrbb-Khhi: The City of 'Akka'. Thhkand, 1916. Bombay. > Mu'ayyad, Dr. Habib: The Martyrdom of A Traveller's Narrative. Printed from manu- > Ya'qcib Muttahidih. script copy, 1929 (1308 A. H.), 240 > PP. > Mundja'tnciy-i-Hadrat-i-'A bdu'l-Baha'. A Traveller's Narrative (Persian). > Mundziratu'd-Diniyyih. Cairo. The Travels of 'Abdu'l-Bahri. Vol. 1 and 2, > Narkqi, Furiighi: > - The Events in Nara'q. Mirzk Mahmiid Zarpiini. Bombay. > Natijatu'l-Baya'n, compiled by Mirzb Na'im. Tuhfiy-i-TLhirih. Delhi, 1933. > National Bahi'i Youth Committee: Bahd'i U~cil-i-Tadris.Tihrkn. > Youth Year Book. Yazdkni, Ahmad: Elements o f the Spiritual > National Spiritual Assembly: Principal Ele- Life. > ments of Bahri'i Procedure. > Reply to the apocryphal K . Dolgorouki. RAJASTHANI > Bahri'u'lla'h and the New Era. > The 19 Talks. Cairo. > The Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Delhi, 1933. SINDHI > Poems by Na'im. Tabriz, Tihrbn, Cairo and Balza"u'l1a'h and the New Era. Karachi, > Bombay. 1938. > Poems by Nayyir. Tihrbn, 1930. Dawn of the New Day. > QB'ini, S_hayk_hMuhammad-'Ali: Lessons in Goal o f a New World Order. > Religion. Hidden Words. > Qarn-i-Badi'. How to Live the Life. > Questions and Answers (Appendix to Kitdb- Universal Peace. > i-Aqdas). Tihrkn. > Rastigh-, Nasru'llbh: History of Sadru's- SINGHALESE > SudLir. BahBi Teachings for a World Faith. > Promulgation of Bahd'i Learning. Baha"u'1la'h and the New Era. > Sahih-Furiish, 'Abdu'llbh: Teaching the > ' Aliy u'lldhi Sect. TAMIL > Suhrbb, Hidkyatu'lliih: Living the Bahd'i'i Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. > Life. The Dawn of the New Day. > Suhrkb, 'Inkyatu'llbh: B n h a Assemblies Hidden Words. > and Their Function. > Paris Talks. > SulaymM, 'Azizu'lliih: The Dew of Wis- > dom; Philosophy in History ( 2 vols.) . The Religion of the Future. > Lamps o f Guidance; Biographies of Early The Revelation o f Bahd'u'lldh. By I. Brit- > Believers (vols. 1 and 2). tingham, translated by V. M. Swami. Ran- > A Brief Survey o f the BahBi Faith. goon, 1906. > Tablets: a Compilation. Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, of BahV- > uY116h. > Tablets for Memorial Services: a Compila- > tion. TARTAR > The Tablet on Unity. Vahdat. By 'Abdu'l-Bahb. T&s_hkand,1918. > 826 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > TELUGU Javdb-i-Qa'dfya'niha'.Rangoon, 1908. > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. Kitdb-i-Pqa'n. > TURKISH Kitdb-i-Qiya'mat. > Bahd'i Hareketi. Istanbul, 1930. Kita'bu'z-Zuhbr. (Second edition.) > Bahd'u'lldh and ' Abdu'l-Baha'. Bhkfi, 1915. MiCydr-j-R > jsdla't. > ~ahd'u'lla'h and the New Era. Istanbul, Moud ku kion nahin pahchana. > 1932. > Mufawadat. (Second edition.) > Talk About the Bahd'i Faith. BBk6. > Payghdm-i-Sulh. > Talk in New York. Biikii, 1922; 'Is_hqiibBd, > Qd'im-i-'Ali-Muhammad. > 1916. > URDU Religion of the Future. > Addiu-i-Mubaraka. Revelation o f Bahd'u'lla'h. By Mrs. I. D. > Brittingharn. Rangoon, 1902. > Aftdb-i-Zuhbr. > The Seven Valleys. Bombay, 1929. > At-Bala'gu'l-Mubin. Agra. > Sharh-i-A ydt. > SJhi&-Alva'h. > Shoghi Effendi : > Bdbu'l-Haya't. > The Dispensation o f Bahb'u'lla'h. > The Bah& Peace Program. The Goal o f a New World Order. > Bahd'i Procedure. God Passes By (in manuscript). > Bahd'i Ta'lim (The Hague Tablet). Hydera- Letter to the Friends in the East. > bad, 1923. The Promised Day Is Come (in manu- > Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. By J. E. Essle- script). > mont. Translation (third edition) . The World Religion. > Bahd'i Teachings for a World Faith. Trans- Some Answered Questions. > lation (third edition). Shriy-i-Mulbk. > Bida'rdt-i' Uzmd. Survey o f the First Bah& Century. > Burha'n-i-Sarih. Agra. The Tablets o f 'Abdu'l-Bahd. > Daavdy-i-Maamuriyat-i-Baha"u'1la'h Chalis Tablet to the Hague. Hyderabad, 1923. > Sal Tak. > Tablet to the World. Bombay. > Dawn of a New Day. > Tauki-i-Mani-i-Mubarak, 110. > Dawr-i-Bahd'i. > Teaching Problems. (Translation.) > Din-i-Bah& ovr Qddiydn. > A Traveller's Narrative. 1908. > The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Delhi. > 'Urbj-u-Nuzbl. Rangoon, 1904. > Excerpts from the Will and Testament. > Farri'id (in manuscript). Ushl-i-Bahd'i. Delhi. > The Hidden Words. Bombay. Why People o f the World Could Not Know > Their Promised One. > Hujaju'l-Bahiy y ih (in manuscript). > Will and Testament. (Excerpt.) > Zhqa'qu'l-Haqq. By Mirz6 Mahmiid ZarqBni. > 1908-9. The Words o f 'Abdu'l-Bahd. > IsJzrdqdt, Biddrdt, Kalimdt, Tardzdt, Tajalli- Zuhur-i-Qd'im-i-'Ali-Muhammad. (Second > ydt, Tablets o f BahcTu'lldh. Agra, 1918. edition.) > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY > > 3 2 . BAHA'IP U B L I C A T I O N S I N > AFRICAN LANGUAGES > (Available through Bah2i Publishing Tmst, BM/BAHA'i, London W.C. 1, England) > > ACHOLI IGBO > The Bahgi'Faith-Religion of Unity. (Pam- The Bahh'i Faith-Religion of Unity. (Pam- > phlet .) phlet.) > ADANWE KI KIKUYU > The BahVi Faith-Religion of Unity. (Pam- The Bahthj'i Faith-Religion of Unity. (Pam- > phlet.) phlet.) > > ATESO KI SWAHILI > Akiyuun naka Bahd'i. Akiyuuiz naka Aimo- Se Unaijua Siku ya Leo Unayoishi? (Do you > rikikina. TransIated by Enoch Olinga. know in what day you are living?) Trans- > (Pamphlet.) London, 1953. lated by Philip Hainsworth. (Pamphlet.) > London, 1950. > CHI NYANJA LUGANDA > Kodi Tsiku La Moyo Wanu Mulidziwa? Okukkiriza Kwa Baha"i. (Pamphlet.) Lon- > (Do you know in what day you are liv- don, 1952. > ing?) Translated by Philip Hainsworth. > (Pamphlet.) London, 1950. MENDE > The BahVi Faith-Religion of Unity. (Pam- > EWE phlet.) > The Bah6'i Faith-Religion of Unity. (Pam- > phlet.) TWI > Bah& Kyere. (Pamphlet.) London, 1952. > HAUSA > Shin, Kun San Wane Zamani Ku Ke Ciki YORUBA > Yanzu? (Do you know in what day you The BahCi Faith-Religion of Unity. (Pam- > are living?) (Pamphlet.) London, 1952. phlet.) > > 33. LANGUAGES INTO WHICH BAHA'I > L I T E R A T U R E IS B E I N G T R A N S L A T E D > > AFRICA THE AMERICAS > Bemba Cherokee > Dagbane Eskimo > Ga Guarani > Grebo Maya-Quiche > Kpelle Mexican > Malagasy > Ruanda ASIA > Shona Balochi > Susu Georgian > Suto Indonesian > Wolof Javanese > Yao Manipuri > 828 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > Mentawai EUROPE > Nicobarese > Basque > Ossete > Pali Erse > Perm Estonian > Samoan Flemish > Siamese Latvian > Somali > Tibetan Lithuanian > Tongan Maltese > Ukrainian Piedrnontese > > 34. BAHA'I L I T E R A T U R E FOR T H E BLIND > > (a) > . , PUBLISHED IN AUSTRALIA "Kitab-i-lqbn (Book of Certitude). > (Braille) Prayers and Meditations. > Bahd'u'lldh and His Message. > The Seven Valleys. > Hidden Words of Bahd'~~'1la'h. > Provhecv Fulfilled. The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys. > ' 2 > > Some Christian Subjects from Some An- Tablet o f IKbrdqa't. > swered Questions. SBratu'E-Haykal. > (b) PUBLISHED IN CzECHOSLO- > % , > Words o f Wisdom. (Also in Moon Type.) > VAKIA (Braille) Selected Writings o f Bahd'u'lla'h. > Bahd'u'lla'h kaj la Nova Epoko. By J. E. ;';Nine Inscriptions for exterior of Bah$i > Esslemont. (In Esperanto Braille.) House of Worship. > (c) PUBLISHED IN FRANCE OF THE B ~ B > (ii) WRITINGS > (Braille) > The Bdb's Address to His Disciples, and > Essai sur le Bahd'iisme. By Hippolyte Drey- other selections. > fus. > (d) PUBLISHED IN JAPAN (iii) WRITINGS > OF 'ABDU'L-BAG > > (Braille) "World Order Through World Faith. Se- > Bahci'u'llih and the New Era. By J . E. Essle- lected Addresses of 'Abdu'l-BahB in > mont. (In Japanese Braille.) North America. > World Order Through World Faith. (Talk- > (e) PUBLISHED IN NEW ZEALAND ing Book.) > (Braille) > B a h a Peace Program. > Baha"u'l2dh and His Message. > Some Answered Questions. > Hidden Words of Bahn"u'l1dh. > Promulgation o f Universal Peace, Excerpts. > Prophecy Fulfilled. > Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. > Some Christian Subjects. > Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha', > ( f ) PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED Excerpts. > STATES OF AMERICA > The Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Baha'. > (Braille English) > Titles prefixed by an asterisk (") are Some Discourses of 'Abdu'l-Bahd > printed from Braille plates. All other titles Divine Philosophy. > are hand transcribed. ' T h e Reality o f Man. Selections from Writ- > OF BAHL'U'LLAH > (i) WRITINGS ings of 'Abdu'l-BahL. > "Hidden Words. Bahd'i Marriage Tablet. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 829 > > Christians, Jews and Muhammadans. (viii) PAMPHLETS TRANSCRIBED > The Image of God. 'Abdu'l-Bahd in America. Juliet Thompson. > Assurance. Dorothy Baker. > Selected Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. > The Bahd'i House of Worship, Pamphlet > (iv) WORKSCOMPILED FROM WRITINGSOF > published by the BahL'i Publishing Com- > BAHA'U'LL~H, THE B ~ B AND 'ABDU'L-BAA > mittee. > The Bahci'i House of Worship: This Temple, > *Communion with God. Prayers. Braille This Faith. > Grade 2; 1%. > The Bahd'i Principle of Civilization. Horace > Bahdi Prayers. ( 1945 edition.) Holley. > Bahdi Prayers. ( 1949 edition.) B a h a Teachings on Economics. Horace > Holley. > (v) WORKSCOMPILED FROM WRITINGS OF Bahd'i Teachings on Universal Peace. > B A H ~ ' U ' L LAND > ~ H 'ABDU'L-BAH~ > Bahd'i: The Coming of World Religion. > Bahdi Prayers and Meditations of Bahci'- > u'lldh and 'Abdu'l-Bahd. A Bus Ride. Gertrude Schurgast. > The Dawn o f World Civilization. > Book of Prayers. BahB'u'llCh and 'Abdu'l- > BahC. Economics as a Social Creation. > Divine Art of Living. Compiled by Mary H. Essentia~lBahci'i Teachings. Horace Holley. > Rabb. *Faith for Freedom. > The Goal Is World Civilization. > (vi) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI > God Is Man's Goal. > Messages from Shoghi Effendi. > Headlines Tomorrow. Marzieh Gail. > The Goal o f a New World Order. > He Has Come to the Nations. Marzieh Gail. > The Dispensation of Bah&u'lldh. Homoculture. Stanwood Cobb. > The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahd'- The Laboratory of Life. Louise D. Boyle. > u'lldh. > The Lesser and the Most Great Peace. > The Advent of Divine Justice. George Orr Latimer. > Selected Writings o f Shoghi Effendi. A Letter to the Blind Women in Japan. > Religion a Living Organism. Agnes B. Alexander. > Man One Family. Excerpts from Race and > (vii) WRITINGSON THE BAHA'i FAITH Man. > *Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. By J. E. > Man the Supreme Talisman. > Esslemont. (1932.) > The Manifestation. Albert P. Entzminger. > Security for a Failing World. By Stanwood > Cobb. The Martyr Prophet of a World Foith. Wil- > liam B. Sears. > *The Renewal o f Civilization. By David > Hofman. The Mission of Bahci'u'lldh. (Jubilee Pam- > phlet.) > Commentary on the Will and Testament of > 'Abdu'l-Bahd. By David Hofman. Observations o f a Bahd'i Traveller. Charles > M. Remey. > Excerpts from Portals to Freedom. By How- > ard Colby Ives. Old Churches and the New World Faith. > George Townshend. > Bahd'u'lldh and His Message. By J. E. Essle- > mont. The Oneness o f Mankind. Compilation. > Bahci'u'lldh, A Nineteenth Century Prophet The Open Door. Compilation on Immortal- > and His Message. By J. E. Esslemont. ity. > 830 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > The Path to God. Dorothy Baker. Two Roads W e Face. Kenneth Christian. > Present Day Administration of the Bahb'i What Is the Bahd'i Movement? T . Inouye. > Faith. Horace Holley. The White Sillc Dress. Marzieh Gail. > UPrinciples of the Bahri'i Faith. Compila- why I Believe in God a,zd Pray. > tion. > Work Is Worship. Doris McKay. > Prophecy Fulfilled. Elisabeth Cheney. > "The World Faith of Baha"u'l1a'h. Summary. > Radiant Acquiescerzce. Orcella Rexford. > Your Experience as a Bahd'i. > The Reality o f Brotherhood. > Religion and the New Age. (ix) IN ESPERANTO > Religion Returns. > La Bahaa Revelacio. 1929. > Religious Education for a Peaceful Society. > Horace Holley. La Paralado de Ba'b. > Revelation of Bahd'u'lln'h. Isabella D. Brit- Parizaj Paroladoj de 'Abdu'l-Baha'. > tingham. Bahaaj Instruoj Por Mondkredo. > Seek and It Shall Be Given You. Tokijiro Ka3ttaj Voroj de Bahd'u'lln'h (en la Persia > Torii. Linguo) . > The Spiritual Meaning o f Adversity. Mamie La Sep Kandeloj de Mondunueco. By 'Ab- > Seto. du'l-Bahi. > Tests, Their Spiritual Value. Mamie Seto. La Mondreligio. By Shoghi Effendi. > > PERIODICALS > Africa News. Issued by the Africa Com- Bahd'i News Letter. Published by the Na- > mittee of the National Spiritual Assembly tional Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of > of the BahL'is of the British Isles. (Mim- India, Pakistan and Burma. > eographed.) Bahci'i News and Reviews. Issued by the Na- > Assembly Development Review. Issued by tional Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is > the Consolidation Committee of the Na- of Persia. (Mimeographed.) > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is Bahd'i Youth Bulletin. Issued by National > of the British Isles. (Mimeographed.) BahL'i Youth Committee of the National > Bah& Bulletin. Published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Aus- United States. (Mimeographed.) > tralia and New Zealand. Bahsi'i Yo~uthLetter. Issued bv the National > Youth Committee of the ~ a t i o n a Spirit- > l > Bahd'i Journal. Published by the National ual Assembly of the BahL'is of Australia > Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of the and New Zealand. (Mimeographed.) > British Isles. > Canadialz Bahd'i News. Published by the > Bahd'i Jugendbrief. Issued by the National National Spiritual Assembly of the Ba- > Youth Committee of the National Spiritual hgis of Canada. > Assembly of the BahL'is of Germany and > Austria. (Mimeographed.) The Child's Way. Published by Child Educa- > tion Committee of the National Spiritual > Bah&-Nachrichten. Issued by the National Assembly of the BahB'is of the United > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Ger- States. > many and Austria. (Mimeographed.) > Geneva Bureau News Exchange. Issued by > B a h a News. Published by the National the International BahL'i Bureau, 37 Quai > Spiritual Assembly of Bah6'is of the Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland. (Mimeo- > United States. graphed.) > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 831 > > Herald of the South. Australasian Bahi'i gion und Welteinheit. Published by the > Magazine. Published quarterly by the Na- National Spiritual Assembly of the Ba- > tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is hBis of Germany and Austria. > of Australia and New Zealand. > United States Africa Bulletin. Issued by the > Journal BahL'i. Issued by the Spiritual As- Africa Teaching Committee of the Na- > sembly of the Bahi'is of Paris. (Mimeo- tional Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is > graphed.) of the United States. > Payambar. Published in Urdu and Persian World Order. The Bahi'i Magazine. (Pub- > under the auspices of the National Spirit- lication suspended during austerity pe- > ual Assembly of the Bah2is of India, riod.) Published by a committee of the > Pgkistgn and Burma. (Mimeographed.) National Spiritual Assembly of the Ba- > Sonne der Wahrheit. Zeitschrift fiir Weltreli- hi'is of the United States. > > 36. REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'I F A I T H > I N BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS PUBLISHED > U N D E R NON-BAHA'I A'USPICES > AMERICAN They Have Found a Faith, Bobbs-Merrill > Adams, Rev. Isaac: Persia by a Persian. C0.3 1946. > 1900. Ballou. Robert 0.: The Bible o f the World. > Addison, James Thayer: The Christian Ap- viking New Yorkjlg5'. > preach to the Moslem. Columbia Univer- The Viking Portable Library World Bible > sity Press, New York, 1942. (pp. 448-449). New York, 1944. > Allen, Devere: The Fight for Peace. Mac- Barrows, Rev. John Henry: The World's > millan Co., New York, 1930. Parliament o f Religion, vol. 2, The Parlia- > ment Publishing Co., Chicago, 1893. > Anderson, Wing: Prophetic Years-1948- > Barton, Geo. A.: Religions o f the World. > 1954. Kosmon Press, Los Angeles, 1947. > Univ. Chicago Press, 1917, 1930. > Seven Years that Change the World, > 1941-1948. Kosmon Press, Los Angeles, Baudouin, Charles: Contemporary Studies. > 1940. Fr. Translation, E. and C. Paul. E. P. > Dutton, 1925. > Andrews, Fannie Fern: The Holy Land Un- > Bell, Archie: The Spell o f the Holy Land. > der Mandate. Houghton, Mifflin Co., Bos- The Page Co., Boston, 1915. > ton, 1931. > Ben-Horen, Eliahu: The Middle East: Cross- > Annual Report. Near East College Associa- roads of History. W . W. Norton & Co., > tion, 1930-31. Inc.. New York. 1943. > Arnold, Matthew: A Persian Passion Play, Benjamin, S. G. W.: Persia and the Persians. > in Essays in Criticism. Ticknor & Co., Boston, 1886. > Atherton, Gertrude: Julia France and Her Bercorize, Zion: For Immediate Release. > Times. Stokes & Co., New York, 1912. Sheridan House, 1936. > Atkins, Gaius Glenn: Modern Religious Berry, G. L. : Religions of the World. Barnes > Cults and Movements. Fleming Revell, & Noble, New York, 1947. > New York, 1923. > Bibesco, Princess G. V.: The Eight Pura- > Atkins, G. G., and Braden, C. S.: Proces- dises, English Translation. E. P. Dutton, > sion of the Gods. Harpers, New York, New York, 1923. > 1936. Bowen, Wm. C.: The Church at Work in > Bach, Marcus: Report to Protestants, the Modern World. Univ. Chicago Press, > Bobbs-Merrill Co., Indianapolis, 1948. 1936. > 832 T H E BAHA 'I WORLD > > Braden, Chas. S.: The Scriptures o f Man- Ellwood, Charles A.: The Reconstruction o f > kind. Macmillan Co., New York, 1952. Religion. Macmillan Co., New York, > The World's Religions. Cokesbury Press, 1922. > Nashville, 1939. Ervine, E. Eastman: World Almanac o f > These Also Believe, Macmillan Co., New 1946; The Book of Facts. > York, 1949. Ferm, Vergilius: Religion in the 20th Cen- > Byng, Edward J.: The World of the Arabs. tury, 1947. > Little, Brown & Co., Boston, 1944. > Ferguson, Chas. W.: The Confusion o f > Campbell, Myrtle W.: The Continuity of the Tongues. Doubleday, Doran & Co., Inc., > Prophets. Pageant Press, New York, Garden City, New York, 1928. > 1952. The New Books of Revelation. Garden > Carpenter, J. Estlin: Comparative Religion. City, New York, 1929. > Henry Holt & Co., 1913. > Fitch, Florence Mary: Allah, the God o f > Chapman, John Jay, and His Letters. Com- Islam. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard CO., Inc., > piled by M. A. De Wolfe Howe. Hough- New York, 1950, p. 136. > ton, Mifflin, Boston, 1937. > Forbes, Murray: Hollow Triumph. Ziff- > Cldin, W. Harold: History of India and Davis Pub. Co., Chicago, 1947, pp. 215, > Persia, p. 362, in The History o f Nations, 233, 234, 267. > edited by Geo. M. Dutcher. P. F. Collier, > New York, 1928. Gaxvani, M. J.: A Brief History of Bah2u'- > Clark, Elmer T.: The Small Sects in Amer- lldh, The Founder of the Bah& Religion. > ica. Cokesbury Press, Nashville, 1937. San Diego, Calif., 1914. > Cornell University Library Annual, 1947. Gibbons, Herbert Adams: Wider Horizons. > Century Co., New York, 1930. > Cowles, Alton House: The Conquering > Horseman. Christopher Pub. Co., 1923. Grabbe, Paul: The Story of Orchestral > Das Gupta, Kedarneth: Essence of Reli- Music and Its Times. Grosset & Dunlap, > gions. World Fellowship of Faiths, 1941 New York, 1942. > (pp. 135-139). Green, Philip Leonard: Pan-American > De Lorey, Eustache, and Sladen, Douglas: Progress. Hastings House, N.Y., 1942. > Queer Things About Persia. Lippincott, GuCrard, Dr. Albert LCon: Education o f a > Philadelphia, 1907. Humanist. Harvard Univ. Press, Cam- > Dodd, Edw. M., and Fose, Wilson Dodd: bridge, Mass., 1949, p. 250. > Mecca and Beyond. Committee on United > Study of Foreign Missions. Haas, Wm. S., Iran. Columbia Univ. Press, > New York, 1946, pp. 90-91. > Dos Passos, John: Journeys Between Wars. > Harcourt, Brace, New York, 1939. Hadley, Earl J.: Magic Powder. Putnam, > New York, 1945. > Douglas, William 0 . : Strange Lands and > Friendly People. Harper & Brothers,,New Hammond, Eric: The Splendor o f God. > York, 1951, p. 51. E. P. Dutton & Co., New York, 1919. > Dubin, Joseph W.: The Green Star. Nat'l Harmon, W. W.: Microcosm, Macrocosm. > Inst. of Esperanto, Philadelphia, 1944. Pub. by Author, Boston, 1915. > Eddy, Sherwood: God in History. Associa- Harrison, Marguerite: There's Always To- > tion Press, New York, 1947. morrow. Farrar & Rinehart, New York, > A Portrait of Jesus. Harper & Brothers, 1935. > New York, 1943. Harry, Myriam: A Springtide in Palestine. > Edwards, Arthur Cecil: A Persian Caravan. Houghton, Mifflin, Boston, 1924. > Harper, New York, 1928. > Hayes, Carlton J. H.: A Political and Cul- > Ehrenpreis, Marcus: The Soul o f the East. tural History of Modern Europe. Mac- > Viking Press, New York, 1928. millan, New York, 1939. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 833 > > Higgins, Harold H.: Shadows to the Unseen. Howen, Herbert H.: Asia, A Short History > The Driftwood Press, Montpelier, Vt., from Earliest Times t o the Present. Little, > 1937. Brown & Co., Boston, 1936. > History o f the Nineteenth Century Year by Hubbard, Elbert: Selected Writings, vol. X . > Year, 3 volumes (see p. 1131). P. F. > Collier & Son, New York, 1902. Hunter, Stanley Armstrong: The Temple o f > Religion and Tower o f Pence. > Hocking, Wm. Ernest: Living Religions and > a World Faith. Macmillan, New York, Inside Pan-Arabia, p. 21 1. > 1940. > Jessup, Henry Harris: Fifty-three Years in > Holisher, Desider: The House o f God, Syria. Fleming Revell, New York, 1910. > Cathedrals, Churches, Temples. Crown > Publishers, New York, 1946. Jewett, Mary: Reminiscences o f M y Life in > Persia. Torch Press, Cedar Rapids, 1909. > Holmes, John Haynes: Palestine: Today > and Tomorrow. Macmillan, New York, Jordan, Rev. F. M.: The Muhammadan > 1929. World of Today. 1929. > Holmes-Pollack Letters, 1874-1932. Edited Kahn, E. J., Jr.: Who, Me? Harper, New > by Mark DeWolfe Howe. Harvard Univ. York, 1949, p. 179. > Press, 1941. > Hoople, R. E., and others.: Preface to Phi- Hermann: Travel of a > losophy: ~~~k o f ~ ~ ~ ill^^ > d i ~ Philosopher. > ~ ~ . Harcourt, Brace & Co., New > Co., New York, 1946, pp. 379-384. York, 1925. > Hoover, W. I. T.: Religionisms and Chris- Kirkland, Winifred: As Far as I Can See. > tianity. The Stratford Co., Bo'ston, 1924. Scribners, 1936. > > Float representing "This Earth One Country" entered in annual parade, July 4, 1950, > at Anchorage, Alaska, by the BahB'i Children's Workshop. The nineteen children > and two adults wore costumes of fourteen different countries. > 834 T H E BAHA 'I WORLD > > Kohn, Hans: A History of Nationalism in Ovington, Mary White: The Walls Came > the East. Harcourt, Brace, New York, Tumbling Down. Harcourt, Brace & Co., > 1929. New York, 1947. > Malcolm, Napier: Five Years in a Persian Palestine, 1950. Pictures of Haifa gardens. > Town. E. P. Dutton, New York, 1907. Parrish, Maud: Nine Pounds o f Luggage. > Martin, Alfred: Comparative Religion and Lippincolt, Philadelphia, 1939. > the Religion o f the Future. Appleton Co., Pemberton, L. B.: A Modern Pilgrimage to > New York, 1926. Palestine. Dorrance & Co., Philadelphia, > Mason, Myra: Where Do Y o u Belong? Fel- 1925. > lowship of Divine Tnlth, Philadelphia, Piper, Raymond F.; Hoople, Ross E.; Tol- > 1939. ley, William P.: The Bahd'i'i Faith, in > Mathews, Loulie Albee: Not Every Sea Hoople el: al.: Preface to Philosophy, > Hath Pearls. Garnet Press, Milford, N.H., Macmillan Co., New York, 1946, pp. 379- > 1951. 384. > Matthews, J. B., and Sylvanus M. Duvall; Randall, John Herman: A World Commu- > Conflict or Cooperation; A Study Outline. nity. F . A. Stokes, New York, 1930. > The American Corn., World Youth Peace Reinach, Salornon: A History o f Religions. > Congress, New York, 1928. Translated from French. G. P. Putnam > McDaniel, Allen B.: The Spell o f the Tem- Sons, London and N.Y., 1909. > ple. Vantage Press, New York, 1953. Religion at the University of Arizona. 1951. > McKibben-Harper, Mary, M.D.: The Doc- (Pamphlet.) > tor Takes a Holiday. Torch Press, Cedar Religious Bodies, 1926: Department of > Rapids, Iowa, 1941. Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 2 vol- > The Midwest, in Look at America series. umes, Washington, D.C., 1929. > Houghton, Mifflin Co., Boston, 1947, p. Report of the Eighteenth Annual Lake Mo- > r1 > honk Conference on International Arbi- > Miller, Herbert A.: The Beginnings o f To- tration, May 15, 16, 17, 1912. (p. 42.) > morrow. F. A. Stokes, New York, 1932. Richards, Fred: A Persian Journey. Jona- > Miller, Janet: Camel Bells of Baghddd. than Cape & Harrison Smith, New York, > Houghton, Mifflin, Boston, 1934. 1932. > Miller, W. M.: Bahaism: Its Origin, History, Rudhyar, D.: Cycle of Culture and Sacri- > Teachings. Fleming Revell Co,., New fice. Harbinson & Harbinson, Oceano, > York, 1931. Calif. > Mills, Lady Dorothy: Beyond the Bospho- Synthetic Drama as a Seed of Civiliza- > rus. tion. Harbinson & Harbinson, Oceano, > Calif. > Mott, Francis J.: Christ the Seed. Beau- > Rumble and Carty: Radio Replies, vol. 111. > champ, 1939. > Pub. by Radio Replies Press, St. Paul, > Murnford, Lewis: The Conduct o f Life. Har- Minn. > court, Brace & Co., New ~ o i k 1951, > , p. > 117. Sala, Emeric: This Earth One Country. > Bruce Humphries, Boston, 1945. > Muzurndar, Dr. H. T.: The United Natiolns > of the World. Universal Pub. Co., 1942. Shuster, Morgan: The Strangling of Persia. > Century Co., 1912. > Neeley: History o f the Parliament of Re- > ligions and Religious Conferences at the Sinclair, Upton: The Profits of Religion, > Pasadena, Calif., and Vanguard Press, > Columbian Exposition. > New York, 1928. > Nwafor, A. A.: Without Bitterness. Creative > Age Press, Inc., 1944. Singer, Caroline, and Cyrus LeRoy Bal- > dridge: Half the World Is Zfa'hdn. OX- > Oliphant, Lawrence: Haifa, or Life in Mod- ford Univ. Press, New York, and London, > ern Palestine. Harpers, 1887. 1936. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 835 > > Bahi'i group a t Annual Convention of the BahB'is of the British Isles, > April 29-May 1, 1950, Bonnington Hotel, London. > > Winner, Clarence R.: Religion for Great- Toynbee, Arnold J.: Civilization on Trial. > ness. Universalist Pub. Co. Oxford Univ. Press, New York, 1948, p. > Speer, Robert E. : Missioizs and Modern His- 204. > tory. 2 vols. F. H. Revel1 Co., New York, A Study o f History. Oxford Univ. Press, > Chicago, 1904. New York and London, 1934-1946. > Abridgement: D. C. Somervell, 1947. > The Unfinished Task of Foreign Missions. > F. H . Revel1 Co., New York, Chicago', Vail, Albert: Heroic Lives. Beacon Press, > 1926. Boston, 1917. > Spengler, Oswald: The Decline of the West Van Paassen, Pierre: Days of Our Years. > -Perspectives o f World History. Alfred Dial Press, New York, 1940. > Knopf, New York, 1928. Vaughan, John Gaines: Religion, a Com- > Swift, A. C.: Religion Today. McGraw- parative Study. Abingdon Press, Cincin- > Hill, New York, 1933. nati, 1919. > Walstrum, Mary Price: The Nineteenth and > This Is America. CIO booklet. > Twentieth Centuries: Reininiscences. Dor- > Thomas, Henry (Schnittkind, H. T.) : The r a c e & Co., Philadelphia, 1935. > Wonder ~ o o kof ist tor^, Science, Na- > A . > > Warren, Edith, compiler: Important Amer- > ture, Literature, Art, Religion, and Phi- ican Poets and Sorzgwriters. 1947, p. 141. > losophy (Halcyon House Book). McClel- > land, New York, 1937. Watson, Albert Durant: Birth Through > Death. McClelland & Stewart, Toronto, > Titus, Murray T.: The Young Moslem 1920. > Looks at Life. Friendship Press, New The Poetical Works o f . Ryerson Press, > York, 1937. Toronto, 1924. > Todd, A. J.: Theories o f Social Progress. The Twentieth Plane. Geo. W. Jacobs & > Macmillan, 'New York, 1924. Co., Philadelphia, 1919. > 836 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Among youth attending the Green Acre Youth Camp in June, > 1951, was a young man from Kenya, British East Africa, now > student in an American University. He expressed gratitude for > his happy experience at the camp, and extended a cordial > welcome to BahL'is who visit his land. > > Wieman, Henry Nelson, and Walter Mar- Young, Barbara: This Man from Lebanon. > shall Horton: The Growth of Religion. Alfred Knopf, New York, 1945. > 'lark & 0' .9 Chicago and New Zwemer, Samuel M.: Heirs of the Prophets, > York, 1938 (p. 222). Moody Press, Chicago, 1946, p. 118. > Wilber, Donald N.: Iran-Pmt and Present. Islim, a Challenge to Faith. New York, > Princeton Univ. Press, 1948. 1901. > Wilson, Sir Arnold: Persia. Chas. Scribners, > New York, 1933. AUSTRALIAN > McHugh, Sid: My Life and Work. South > Wilson, Rev. S. G.: BahBiism and Its Australia, 1951. > Clairns. Fleming Revell Co., New York, > 1915. Portus, G. V.: The Price of Peace. South > Persian Life and Customs. Fleming Revel1 Australian League of Nations Union, > & Co., New York, 1895. > Dec., 1944. > Winwar, Frances: American Giant: Walt BRITISH > Whitman and His Times. Harper, New Ameer Ali, The Right Honorable: The > York and London, 1941. Spirit of Islim. Christophers, London, > Wons, Anthony: Tony's Scrap Book, 1932- W . 1, 1949. > 33. Reilly & Lee, Chicago, p. 41. Ashbee, C. R.: A Palestine Notebook. Dou- > bleday, Page, 1923. > Wood, Clement: The Outline of Man's > Knowledge. Grosset & Dunlap, New Baedekar, Karl: Baedekar's Palestine and > York, 1927. Syria. Unwin, London, 1912. > The World Almanac and Book of Facts. Bentwich, Norman: The Religious Founda- > tions of Internationalism. Geo. Allen & > New York World Telegram, 1930 and > Unwin, London, 1933. > subsequent years. > Browne, Edward G. : Hustings' Encyclo- > World Fellowship, edited by Charles F. pedia of Religion and Ethics, vol. XI, pp. > Weller. Liveright Pub. Co., 1935. 299-308. > Wysner, Gloria M.: Near East Panorama. Hist0r.y of Persian Literature iri Modern > Friendship Press, New York, 41950. Times. Cambridge Univ. Press: 1924. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY > > A Literary History of Persia. 4 volumes. Hume-Griffith, M. E.: Behind the Veil in > Cambridge, 1924. Persia and Turkish Arabia. Seeley & Co. > Materials far the Study o f the Ba'bi Re- Ltd., London, 1909. > ligion. Cambridge Univ. Press, 1918. Husayn (Mirzii, of Hamadiin) : The Tririk_h- > A Persian Anthology. Methuen & Co., i-Jadid. English Translation by Edward > Ltd., London, 1927. G. Browne. Cambridge Univ. Press, 1893. > The Persian Revolution. Cambridge, Jackson, A. V. Williams: Persia, Past and > 1910. Present. Macmillan, London, 1906. > A Year Amongst the Persians. A. & C. Jacobson, E. L. H.: Going Home. Jarrolds, > Black, London, 1893. > Ltd., London, 1938. > Browne, Edward G., translator: A Travel- > Kennedy, J. 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H.: Persian Sketches. > Cowles, Alton House: The Conquering Church Missionary Soc., London, 1923. > Horseman. Christopher Pub. Co., 1923. > Lukach, Harry Charles: The Fringe of the > Curzon, George: Persia and the Persian East, Macmillan & Co., London, 1913. > Question. 2 volumes, Longmans, Green & > Markham, Clements R.: A General Sketch > Co., London, 1892. > of the History o f Persia. Longmans, > Davis, Rev. J. Tyssul: A League of Reli- Green & Co., London, 1874. > gions. Lindsey Press, London, 1926, > Maud, Constance E.: Sparks Among the > Chap. X. > Stubble. P. Allen & Co., 1924. > Donaldson, Dwight M.: The Shi'ite Reli- > Mears, I. & L. E.: Creative Energy. John > gion. Luzac Co., London, 1933. > Murray, London, 1931. > Elwell-Sutton, L. P.: Modern fra'n. Geo. > NarimQn, G. K.: Persia and Parsis. Bom- > Rutledge Sons, Ltd., London, 1941. 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Poporului B, dul Academici 2, Bucharest, > 1935. > Gli Altipiani dell frdn. Edizione Alpes, > Milano, 1925. RUSSIAN > Ducati, Bruno: L'lsldm. Paolo Cremonese, Ivanov, M. S.: Babidskie Vosstanija v Irane. > Roma, 1929. Ak. Nauk, Moscow, U.S.S.R., 1939. > 844 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Display of photographs and texts alluding to the Bahi'i Faith, > Punta Arenas, Magallanes, Chile, 1952. > > SPANISH EssBn, Riitger: Bakom Asiens Portar. Bon- > de la Grasserie, R., and R. Kreglinger: Psi- nier, Stockholm, 1931, p. 266. > cologia de las Religiones, Ediciones Pav- Fogelklou, Emilia: Frdn langtans viigar. > lov, Mexico City, p. 363. Chap. "Bland Bahisters i Paris." Bonnier, > Hutchinson: La historia de las naciones. Stockholm, 1916. > Traducido a1 Castellono por Ibern. Casa Frdn Sjalens vagar. Bonnier, 1920, p. 21. > Editorial Segui, Barcelona. Goldziher, Ignaz: Islam-Fordorn och N u . > Koberg B., Maximiliano: El verdadero Or- Hugo Gebers Forlag, Stockholm, 1915, > den Social. San Jose, Costa Rica. pp. 168, 255. > Relgis, Eugen: Cosmometdpolis. 1950. Hogberg, L. E.: Bland Persiens Muhamme- > (Translation.) danrr (circa 1890). Svenska Missionsfor- > Rivadeneyra, Don Adolfo (Vice Consul of bundet, Stockholm, 1920, pp. 79-96. > Spain) : Viaje a1 interior de Persia. 3 Vols. Jannes, Elly: Osterland. Kooperativa For- > Imprenta y Estereotipia de Aribau y Ca bundets Bokforlag, Stockholm, 1949, p. > (Sucesores de Rivadeneyra) , Madrid, 328. > 1880-1881. > Mills, Dorothy: Bortom Bosparen. Hugo > SWEDISH Gebers Forlag, Stockholm, 1926, pp. 85- > Arne, T. J.: Svenskarna och ~sterlandet. 88. > Rokforlaget Natur och Kultur, Stock- Nationernas Historia (Uppslagsbok) . Wahl- > holm, 1952, pp. 49-50. strom & Widstrand, 1935, Del. I, pp. 238- > Brick, Anna Riwkin och Daniel: (A pic- 241 (som innehgller en teckning over > ture.) Kooperativa Forbundets Bokfor- Babs avrattningen) . > lag, Stockholm, 1948. Pernov: Palestina forr och nu. Israelsmis- > Ehrenpreis, Marcus: Mitt Liv mellan ~ s t e r sionens Andelsforenings Bokforlag, Stock- > och Vaster. Bonnier,, Stockholm, 1946, holm, 1950, pp. 107-108. > pp. 349-350. Raquette, G.: Muhammeds religion. Sven- > Osterlandets Sjal. H. Gebers Forlag, ska Tryckeri A-B, Stockholm, 1935, pp. > Stockholm, 1926, pp. 207-208. 90, 156, 157, 166. > BAHA'I[ B I B L I O G R A P H Y 845 > > Rydelius, Ellen: Pilgrim i Persien. Bonnier, FrolCen & Comp., Stockholm, 1918, p. > Stockholm, 1941, p. 136. 308. > Rydh, Hanna: Brytrzingstid i Orienten. Na- VAmbCry, Hennann: Resa i Central-Asierz. > tur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1952, pp. 151- P. G. Berg, Stockholm, 1866, p. 19. > 156. Resa i Persien. J. L. Tornqvists Forlag, > Landskrona, 1869, pp. 214-226. > Said, Kurban: Ali Och Nirzo. Lars Hoker- > bergs Bokforlag, Stockholm, 1938, pp. ijstrup, J.: Islams Kultur under det Nit- > 146-160. tonde brhundradet. P. A. Norstedt & > Soners Forlag, Stockholm, 1924, pp. 24- > Soderblom, Nathan: Frammande Religions- 25, 42. > urkunder. Geber, Stockholm, 1907, pp. > 154-156. Astrom. Richard: Till Genizesarets Sio. J. A. > -~indblads FBrlag, Uppsala, 1951, pp. > Tallqvist, Knut: P i Helig och Ohelig Mark. 138-141. > > 37. REFERENCES TO THE BAHA'I FAITH > I N M A G A Z I N E S BY N O N - B A H A ' I > AUTHORS > ARGENTINA Edinburgh Evening News, Jan., 1913. > Pau, Jan. 15, 1936, Buenos Aires. The Inquirer (London), May 16, 1931. > La Prensa, Dec. 15, 1935, Buenos Aires. Inquirer and Christian Life, May 10, 1930. > AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND Znternational Psychic Gazette, Nos,. 6 and 7. > Pix, Sept. 6, 1952; May 2, 1953. John O'London's Weekly, March 25, 1933. > Post Magazine, March 12, 1953. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Soc., Vols. > Woman's Weekly, May 29, 1952. XXI, '1889; XXIV, 1892; XXIX, 1897. > Journal o f the Royal A.sintic Soc. o f Great > BELGIUM Britain and Ireland, Jan., 1922. > Lumi2re et Liberte', Nov., 1935. Brussels. London Budget, Jan., 1913. > Le Rouge et le Noir, Nov. 27, 1935. Brus- The Rational Annual, 1931. > sels. > Saturday Review, Jan., 1894. > BRAZIL Scots Pictorial, Jan., 1913. > Correio do Brasil, Nov. 11, 1935. > Scottish Review, April, 1892. > Pernambuco Esperantists, Dec., 1943; July- > Aug., 1943; Sept.-Nov., 1943. Speaking of Women, July, 1936. > The Spectator, April, 1892; July 14, 1950. > BRITISH ISLES > Sunday Herald (Woking, London), Jan. 24, > The Academy, March, 1895. 1913. > All the Year Around, July, 1869. Town and Country News, Nov. 24, 1933. > The Arena. Nov.. 1904. > BULGARIA > Asiatic Quarterly Review, April, 1913. > Libero (Esperanto), Dec., 1925. > Christian Commonwealth, Jan. 1. 1913: Jan. > 22, 1913; Jan. 29, 1913; Feb. 12, 19i3. CANADA > Clifton Chronicle and Directory, Jan., 1913. Flash (Toronto), Aug. 27, 1947. > Daily Sketch (London), Dec. 16, 1932. Psychic Digest (Toronto), Apr. 1, 1946. > 846 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > DENMARK INDIA > Dansk Tidsskrift, Aug., 1903. Illustrated Weekly o f India, Mar. 24, 1931. > Nordisk Tidsskrift, Fifth issue, 1911. India and Israel (Bombay), March, 1951, > p. 20; May 10, 1951, p. 55. > EGYPT Indian Review (Madras), Aug., 1914.. > Egyptian Gazette, Sept. 24, 1913. > Images (in French), Sept. 5, 1953. ITALY > Ata'nor, Vol. I, p. 26, 1948, Rome. > FRANCE L'Illustrazione Italiana, Nov., 1950, Milan. > L'Annde Philosophique, Vol. 111, 1869. Oriente Moderno, 1922, pp. 511, 563; 1949, > Bulletin de 2'Acade'mie Impe'riale de St. Pe- p. 190; 1950, p. 199, Rome. > tersburg, Vols. VIII, IX. Rassegna Lucchese, April, 1951, p. 19, > Bulletin Me'langes Asiatique, Vol. IV. Lucca. > L'en dehors, Dec., 1936, OdBans. Rivista degli Studi Orientali, 1909, p. 654, > Rome. > Les fiches (Paris), Sept. 27 and 28,, 1933. > Ricerche Religiose, Vol. XX, pp. 17-18, > L'lllustration, Sept. 30, 1933. 1949, Rome. > Journal Asiattque, Vols. 11, VII, VIE, 1866; > X. JAPAN > Kai-cho (Sea Tide), Aug., 1950, p. 21. > L e Libre Echange, > - Jan., 1936, Paris. > Pax, July-August, 1938. MEXICO > Mexican Life (Mexico City), Aug. 1, 1943. > ReTla, March, 1937. > Mondi Lingua, Mar., 1944; Sept., 1945. > Le ReveiI Normand, Jan., 1936, Le Havre. > Pan-American Review, 1937. > Revue Critique d'Histoire et de Litt6rature, Tiempo, Oct. 15, 1943. > April 18, 1887. > Revue Hebdomadaire, Feb. 8, 1936: Mme. NETHERLANDS > Alice Fernand-Halphen: "Palestine Vizier, Sept. 22, 1951. > d'Hier, Palestine d'Aujourd'hui." Wereld Kronick, April 7, 1934, Rotterdam. > Revue de PHistoire des Religions, Vol. > XVIII. NORWAY > Naturlagen, April, 1936. > Revue du Monde Musulman, IX, 339-341. > Revue Moderne, 1865-1866. P-ISTAN > Vedic Magazine (Lahore), Vol. 8, No. 9. > GERMANY > RUMANIA > AElgemeine Missionszeitschrift, 1894, p. > 327; 1903, p. 242. Cuvantul Liber, Oct. 26, 1935, Bucharest. > Deutsche Rundschau, Vol. XVIII, 1879. Santier, 1934, Bucharest. > Evangelisches Missions-M~gazin, 1894, p. RUSSIA > 12 ff. Bulletin de la Acade'mie Inzperiale de St. > Journal of the German Oriental Society, Petersburg, Vols. VIII, IX. > Vol. V, 1851. Universala Unigo, Vol. I, 1913. > Oriental Literaturzeitung, 1909. Zapiski, by Baron Rosen, 1889. > Vossische Zeitung, June 13, 1920 (M. Ha- SPAIN > yek: "Der Bahiismus") . > La Actualidad EspaEola (Madrid), Aug. 27, > Zeitschrift fur Assyriologie, Vol. XXII, p. 1953. (Fernando de Cambra: "El Templo > 337. de la Justicia" [Haifa, Israel].) > Festival of Britain-Bahi'i Exhibition. > Exhibit of Faiths of the British Commonwealth, arranged and presented by the > Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Manchester, at the Bahi'i Center, > Manchester, September 9-15, 1951. > 848 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > First exhibition of Bahgi books held in Paris, end of 1949, > for two weeks at Librairie Clair Savoir, 6 rue du Pr6 aux Clercs. > > Cruzada Misionera, April, 1953. [Report on The Ajax, March, 1947. > Kampala Conference.] > American Astrology, April, 1938; Nov., > Estrella del Mar (Madrid), Feb. 1952. 1939; Dec., 1939; Sept., 1940; Nov., > Pueblo (Madrid), Oct. 20, 1951. 1946; Jan., 1947; Nov., 1949. > Sophia (Revista teosofica orientalismo-oc- American Concrete Institute Journal, June, > cultismo), vol. 16, p. 3, Jan. 7, 1908 (Ra- 1933, pp. 397, 403; Jan., March, 1934; > fael Urbano: "Babismo y Behaismo," 15 Feb., 1939, suppl. > pp. with bibliography). American Guide, 1949. > Tiernpos Nuevas (Barcelona), Jan., 1936. American Journal of Theology, Jan., 1902. > Y a (Madrid), Jan. 18, 1953. > American Mercury, June, 1941; Sept., 1941; > Sept., 1949. > SWEDEN > Aftonbladet, Jan. 30, 1948, Stockholm. Amerika Esperantisto, June, 1912; Feb., > 1913; Feb., 1914; July-Aug., 1918; April, > Frisksport, Oct. 10, 1947, Stockholm. 1927; May-June, 1927; July-Aug., 1943. > SWITZERLAND Architectural Record, June, 1920; Sept., > 1944. > Shfi Quarterly, March, 1928 (published in > English). Argosy, June, 1950. > Art World, March, 1917. > UNITED STATES OF AMERICA > Abbott Pharmagraph, Jan., 1948. Asia, May, 1924; Dec., 1942. > ACZ Newsletter, Feb., 1948. Astrologer, July, 1946. > Airways, July, 1946. Atlantic Monthly, Sept., 1926. > Airways Traveler, Feb., 1947. Bell Telephone News, Feb., 1937. > B A H A ' ~B I B L I O G R A P H Y 849 > > Bibliotheca: Sacra, Jan., 1915. Fortnightly Review, June, 1911; April, > Book Buyer, June, 1901. 1912; June, 1913. > Broadway Magazine, Sept., 1906. Fortune, Feb., 1947. > Business Week, Aug. 3 1, 1946. Forum, July, 1925. > Chaff and Grain, vol. 1, no. 5, 1938. Friend's Intelligencer, Sept., 1925. > Chambers' Journal. Harper's Weekly, July, 1912; May, 1951. > Chicagoan, Sept., 1931. Headline Events in Chicago (Chicago Assn. > of Cosmmerce and Industry), June, 1949. > Chicago Daily News, 1949; Dec., 1952. > Hearst's Magozine, July, 1912. > Chicago Tribune, Magazine Section, June > 17, 1945; Feb. 26, 1949; May, 1953. Highway Traveler, 0ct.-Nov., 1937; April- > May, 1944. > Christian Century, Oct. 22, 1941; Jan. 12, > 1944; July 26, 1944; Aug. 16, 1944; Jan. Holiday, May, 1947. > 31, 1945; Sept. 25, 1946. Horoscope, July, 1942; Jan., 1948; Sept., > The Christian Herald. Nov.. 1947. 1949; Jan., 1950. > The Christian Leader, Sept. 20, 1947. The Independent, April, 1912; July, 1912; > Sept., 1912; Dec., 1921. > Classmate, Dec. 17, 1950. > Information Bulletin, Jan., 1950. > Colorado Alumnus, Feb., 1949. > Interiors, Jan., 1946. > Concrete, May, 1931; Dec., 1933. > International Arts Semiannual, June, 1951. > Construction Methods, Aug., 1931; July, > 1933. Jews in the News, Jan., 1953. > Construction News, Oct. 17, 1947. Journal of Air Law, Jan., 1934. > Contemporary Review, Aug., 1869; Oct., Journal o f Illinois State Historical Society, > 1869; March, 1912; Aug., 1944. Spring, 1954. > Contemporary Review Advertiser, Dec., Kiwanis Magazine, June, 1947. > 1885. Ladies Home Journal, Sept., 1947. > Coronet, April, 1949. Life, Dec. 11, 1950. > The Crisis, May, June, 1912. Literary Digest, May, 1912; Aug., 1920; > Current History, Dec., 1925. Dec., 1921; Nov. 22, 1930. > Current Literature, July, 1901; Sept., 1911; Littel's Living Age, Aug., 1869. > June, 1912. Magazine Digest, June, 1934. > Domestic Engineering, April, 1946. The Mentor, Nov., 1920. > Eclectic Magazine, Feb., 1886; Sept., 1896. The idn night Cry, June, July, Aug., 1943. > The Emancipator, Aug., 1950. Mind Digest, Aug., 1946. > Engineering & Contracting, June, 1930. Missionary Review, Oct., 1902; Feb., 1904; > Engineering News-Record, Nov. 22, 1923; March, 1904; May, 1906; Oct., 1911; > Jan. 8, 1931. Oct., 1914; Aug., 1919; Oct., 1921. > Moslem World, Oct., 1931; Oct., 1940. > Esoteric Christianity, Feb., 1915. > The Nation (N.Y.), June 21, 1866. > Every body's, Dec., 1911. > National, Dec., 1908; May, 1922. > Everyday Psychology and Inspiration, Feb., > 1935. National Geographic Magazine, Dec., 1938; > Dec., 1947; Dec., 1953. > Every Woman, Dec., 1915; Dec., 1916. Negro Digest, Sept., 1949. > The Exponent, June, 1940. Negro Life, Sept., 1944. > Fate, Winter, 1949; July, 1950. New Age Interpreter, June, 1944. > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > View of section of BahVi Jubilee Exhibition at Park Lane House, London. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 851 > > The New Outlook, Jan., 1951. This Week in Fort Wayne, Nov. 8, 1949. > New York Times, Feb., 1913. Tide, Sept. 13, 1946. > New York Times Book Review, Aug. 1, Tilden's Health Review and Critique, Oct., > 1920. 1938. > News Week, Feb. 10, 1934. Time, July 20, 1931; May 24, 1943. > Nineteenth Century, Feb., 1915. Today's Woman, April, 1947. > North American, April, 1901; June, 1912. Toward Liberal Education, 1948. > Northwestern Engineer (Northwestern Uni- United Nations World, 1947. > versity), Sept., 1951. Unity, Feb. 1918; Dec., 1921; April, 1929; > July, 1944. > Oilways, Feb., 1948. > Viewpoint, Autumn, 1952. > Open Court, June, 1904; Aug., 1915; Oct., > 1915; Nov., 1915; Aug., 1916; Oct., The Visitor-This Week in Minneapolis, > 1916; Nov., 1916; Mar., 1931. April 19-26, 1947. > The Outlook, June, 1901; June, 1912; Dec., Vogue, Aug., 1950. > 1920; Dec., 1921. What to See and Where to Stop in the Great > Pageant, Jan., 1950. Lakes States, 1951. > Partners: The Magazine o f Labor and Man. Where, Sept., 1951. > agement, Aug., 1948. > Wilmette Life, Sept. 14, 1933; July, 1936; > Pathfinder, Dec. 18, 1946; Nov. 19, 1952. May, 1937; May 18,1944; Sept. 18, 1947 > Pirate's Gold, March, 1943. (75th Anniversary Suppl.); Dec. 14, > 1950. > Pittsburgh Courier, April, 1945. > Winnetka Talk, Oct., 1937; Nov., 1951. > Psychology Magazine, May, 1930. > Wisconsin Agriculturist & Farmer, March 5, > Reader's Digest, May, 1946. > 1949. > Reference Shelf, vol. 19, no. 8, 1941 (ref. to > World Order Magazine). Woman's Home Compc~nion,Nov., 1938. > Review of Reviews, Feb., 1901; Jan., 1909; World Alliance Newsletter, Nov., 1950. > June, 1912; Feb., 1922. World Goodwill Service, Nov., 1938. > Satzlrday Evening Post, Jan. 7, 1950, p. 25. The World Observer, Sept., 1937. > Saturday Night, March 30, 1946; Oct. 25, World Report, April 8, 1947. > 1947. > World's Work, July, 1912; July, 1922. > Scientific American, Aug., 1920. > World Unity, April, 1928; Dec., 1930; Feb., > The Sentinel, Nov. 18, 1937. > 1933. > Signs of the Times, April, 1938. > The Yavadai Rockhounder, Aug., 1951, > The Spokesman, Sept., 1925. p. 6. > Story Magazine, Nov., 1937. Yearbook o f Engineer's Club o f St. Louis, > Survey, April, 1912. 1947. > 852 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 38. R E F E R E N C E S T O T H E BAHA'I F A I T H > B Y BAHA'IS I N N O N - B A H A ' I > PUBLICATIONS > American Esperantist, May-June, 1943. India," by Shirin Fozdar. Reprint, Janu- > American Swedish Monthly, Feb., 1954. ary, 1948, Calcutta, India. > Canadian Geographical Journal, Montreal, The New Humanist, Jan.-Feb., 1933, Chi- > March, 1944. cago. > Chicagoland Directory of Religion. Com- New Orient, Jan., 1926, New York. > piled by Rev. John Evans, D.D. Open Court, July, 1931, Chicago. > The China Critic, May 25, 1933, Shanghai. Oregon Mineralogist, Jan., 1934, Portland, > Common Cause, Sept., 1950, p. 92, Univer- Oregon. > sity of Chicago. Oriente Moderno, vol. 30, p. 199, 1950, > Fate Magazine: Is This the New Religion? Rome. > by Myrtle W. Campbell. Editor, R. N. The Quarterly Journal o f Speech, March- > Webster, Chicago, Winter 1949. Apr., 1934, Ann Arbor, Michigan. > Forum, May, 1916; Aug., 1917, New York. The Religions o f the World, vol. 1, pp. > 35 1-360. Ramakrishna Mission Institute > The Gift and Art Aug', New of CultLlre, 1938, Calcutta, India. > York. > Religious Education, Sept., 1932; Aug., 1946, > Global Thinking, Nov., 1944; Apr., 1945. Chicago. > - > International Arts Quarterly, Sept--Nov., The Religious Highway, April, 1933, Tokyo. > 1946, Denver. > Sanj Vartaman, Sept., 1933, Bombay. > Journal of the Columbian Educational AS- > Time Tide, April 14, 1934, London, > sociation o f the District o f Columbia,- > May, 1943,. Washington, D.c., p. 14. Unity, Feb., 19, 1934, Chicago. > Kaisar-i-Hind, Dec. 3 1, 1933, Bombay. Women, March, April, 1936, Chicago. > Literary Digest, Nov. 20, 1931, New York. World Aflairs Interpreter, Winter, 1943, > pp. 486, 487. Los Angeles University of > Manitoban: "BahL'i Obligations and Rights," International Relations, Los Angeles. > 1947, Winnipeg. > World Philosophy, Feb., 1943, pp. 25-27. > The Modern Mystic and Monthly Science Maha Publishing Co., Chicago. > Review, Sept., 1945, London. World Unity... A ~ r i l .1932: Nov.. 1933 (and > L > > The Modern Review: "The Baha'i Faith in successive issuesj, ~ e w ~ o r k : > > 39. REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'I F A I T H > IN ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND REFERENCE > BOOKS > (All references are noted regardless of degree of accuracy.) > > Algemene Encyclopaedie. Winkler Prins, 16 Christelijke Encyclopaedie. J. H . Kok, > Vomunes. Uitgevers Mij. Elsevier, Am- Kampen, 1925. Vol. 1, Page 221. > sterdam, 1933. Vol. 11. Columbia Encyclopedia. Columbia Univ. > The American Guide: edited by H. G . Als- Press, 1933. > berg. Hastings House, N.Y., 1949. > BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 853 > > Bah6'i Exhibit, Elmhurst, Illinois. > > Concordia Cyclopedia. Concordia Publish- Enciclopedia Tumminelli. Rome, 1947, p. > ing House, St. Louis, Mo., 1927. 186. > Diccionario Enciclope'dico Zlustrado. Ra- Enciclopedia Universal. Herder, Barcelona, > m6n Sopana, Barcelona, 1954. 1950. > Diccionario Encicloptdico Zlustrado. Ale- Encyclopaedia Brita~znica. 1929 and since, > man y Bolufer. Editoria Reunidos, Buenos vol. 2. > Aires, Argentina, 1952. Encyclopedia Americana. 1943. > Diccionario Enciclope'dico Salvat. 2nd edi- Encyclopedia of Zsla'm. Edited by Houtsma > tion, Barcelona, 1951. and others. Luzac & Co., London, 1933. > Diccionario General Etimoldgico. Seix, edi- The Encyclopedia of Labor. Washington, > tor. Barcelona, 1880. D.C., 1949. > Diccionario de la Lengua Espaiiola. Atilano A n Encyclopedia of Religion, E. P. Dutton > RancBs. Ram6n Sopana, Barcelona, 1927. & Co.. 1921. > Dictionnaire Pratique des Connaissances Re- Encyclopedia of Social Science. Macmiuan. > ligieuses. Paris, 1925, vol. 4. > An Encyclopedia o f World History. Edited > Dizionario Enciclopedico Moderno. Edi- by William L. Langer. Houghton M i ~ i n > zione Labor, Milano, 1943. Co., Boston, revised edition, 1948. > E~zciclopediaCatdlica. Barcelona, 1950. Enzyklopiidie des Isldms. Edited by H ~ ~ ~ ~ - > Enciclopedia Cattolica. Vatican City, 1949, ma. Leiden, 1911, p. 566 ff., p. 569 ff. > vol. 2. The Fact Book. Current Literature Publish- > Enciclopedia Espasa Calpe. Madrid, 1950. ing Co., 1911. > Enciclopedia Ztaliana di Scienze, Lettere ed Gra~zdeDizionario Enciclopedico. Unione > Arti. Instituto Troccani, Milano, 1930. Tipografico Torinese, Turin, 1934, vol. 2. > 854 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Hustings Encyclopaedia of Religion and New Handbook of All Denominations. > Ethics. Edinburgh-New York, 1909, Macum Phelan, Cokesbury Press, 1933. > vol. 2. New International Encyclopedia. 2nd edi- > History o f Nations. P. T. Collier & Son CO., tion, 1925. > New York, 1928. The New International Yearbook. Funk & > History of Religions. G. F. Moore. Scribner, Wagnalls, 1933, and in annual volumes. > 1926. The New Lmned History, 1922. > Introduction to History o f Religions. Ginn & New Schaff-Herzog Eracyclopedia o f Reli- > Co., 1913. gious Knowledge. 1908. > Zslamologin. F. M. Pareja. Orbis Catholicus, New Stalzdmd Encyclopedia. Funk & Wag- > Rome, 1951. nalls. > Lexikon fur Theologie und Kirche. Edited Pequefio Larousse. Diccionario Enciclo- > by Buchberger. 2nd edition, 1930, vol. 1. pCdico. Spain. > The Modern Encyclopedia. Wm. H . Wise Piccola Enciclopedia Garganti. Cernesco sul > and Co., 1935. Naviglio, 1946, p. 164. > Mohammedanisnz: H . A. R. Gibb. Oxford Rand-McNally: Map of Chicagoland. Bahi'i > University Press, London, 1949, pp. lx, House of Worship is marked. 1949. > 164, 186, 206. United States Census of Religious Bodies. > National Encyclopedia. 1932. 1916, 1926, 1936. > Webster's Biographical Dictionary. Mer- > Nelson's Encyclopedia, unabridged. 1940. riam Co., 1943. > Nelson's Perpetual Loose-Leaf Encyclo- World Almanac. New Yo& World-Tele- > pedia. gram, 1943, 1947 and subsequent years. > New Century Dictionary. 1936. The World Book Encyclopedia. 1939. > TRANSLITERATION O F ORIENTAL > W O R D S FREQUENTLY USED IN > B A H A ' ~LITERATURE > 'Abi Bib Farsakh I~fihin > Abidih Bibi Fath-'Ali 'Ishqibid > 'Abbis Bibu'l-Bib Firdaws Is_hriqit > 'Abdu'l-Bahi Baghdid Firdawsi Ishtihird > 'Abdu'l-pamid Ba z i Islim > 'Abdu'l-Husayn BahL'i Ganjih Islamic > 'Abdu'llih BahL'u'llih Giljn IsmL'iliyyih > Abhi Bahiyyih Gul Istarhbid > Abu'l-Fadl Bahji Gulastin 'Izzat > 'Adasiyyih Bal6&istLn Gurgin > A&in Bandar-'Abbis Jalil > A a i r b i y ji n Biqir Habib Jamidiyu'l-Avval > Afnh Baqiyyatu'llih Hadia Jamil > Aghvin Birfur6& Hadrat Jamil-i-Mubbak > '~iid Ba~rih uiji Jamil-i-Qidam > Ahmad Biihm Hiji MirzL iiqisi Jisb > AhsL'i Bay i n Hijj Jubbih > Ahvi z Bayt Hamadin > Akbar Big Haram Kaaba > 'Akki Birjand Hasan Ka'bih > 'AIL' Bishirit Haydar-'Ali Kad-K_hudi > 'Ali Bismi'llih Haykal Kalantar > 'Ali-Muhammad Bukhiri Haziratu'l-Quds Kaliin > Allih-u-Abhi Burhjird Hijiz Kalimit > Alv& Bh&ihr Hijirah Kamil > Alva-i-Saliiin Bu&r6'i Himmat-Abid Karand > Amin Bu&rGyih Hujjat Karbili > Arnir Husayn K&&Ln > Amir-Nizim Huvaydar Ka&k6l > Amru'llih Kawmu'9-Sa'iyidih > Amul Ibrihim Kawaar > Anzali 11 Kkim > Aq5 'Ilm Kkimayn > Aqdas Imim K_halk_hil > 'Arabistln Imim-Jum'ih K_hin > AsmL' Imim-Zidih IQhiniqayn > 'Avhhiq fqin Lhayli Lhhb > Ayldi frin K_hurLsin > Azal 'Iriq Lhuy > 'Azamat FarriG-Bi&i 'Iriqi Kirmh > 'Aziz Firs 'Iriq-i-'Ajam Kirmln&ih > 856 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > Kitib-i-'Ahd Mulk Rafsinj An Sultinu's_h--S_huhadb' > KitAb-i-Aqdas Mulld Rahim Sunni > Kitib-i-Asmb' Munirih Rahmin Sunnites > Kitib-i-Badi' Mustafi Rahmat Sdratu'l-Haykal > Kitib-i-IqAn Mustaghi& Ra'is SGrih > Kulih M~~affari'd- in Ramadin SGriy-i-Damm > Kurdistin Ras_ht SGriy-i-G_husn > Nabil Rawhini SfIriy-i-Ra'is > Lihijin Nabil-i-A'zam Ridvin SGriy-i-Sabr > Lir Najaf Rhhu'll Ah > Lawh Najaf-AbLd Tabarsi > LuristAn Ndqidin SabzivAr Tabriz > Nasir Sadratu'l-MuntahA TAhirih > Madrisih Nd~ir'i'-Din SAhibu7z-Zam An Tajalliyit > MahbGbu'&-S_huhadb' Navvdb Sahifatu'l-Haramayn TAkur > Mahd-i-'UlyA Naw-RGz Sa'id Taqi > Mih-KG Nayriz Salsibil Tarizit > MahmGd Nis_hdb6r Samarqand Tarbiyat > Maliyir Nuqtih Sangsar Ti&kand > Man-Yuzhiruhu'llAh NGr Sdri Tawhid > MaqAm Sha'bin Thurayyi > Marighih Pahlavi s hAh Tihrin > Marhabi PdrAn shahid TGmin > Marv S_hahmirzid Turkistin > Masi'il Qddi S_hihr~'id > Ma&had QAdiyAn sharaf 'Ulami > Mas.iyyat Qahqahih S_hariC& Unlmiyyih > Ma*iqu'l-AdJhkir QQQ'im ShaykJh 'Ut_hmin > Masjid QYir ShaykJh-Tabarsi > Maydin QalyAn S_haykJhu'l-Islim Vahid > MizindarAn Qarn~ar Shi'ih Vali > Mihdi Qa~r-i-Shirin Shiites Vali-'Ahd > Mihrib Qawl Wriz Varqi > Milin Qayy6m Shu_htar Vazir > Mi'rij QayyGmu'l-Asmi' Simi~in > Mirzi Qazvin Sishn Yd-Bahb'u'l-Abhd > MiGkin-Qalam Qiblih Sistin Yahyi > Mu'ad_hhd_hin QG&in SiyAh-Chi1 Yazd > Mufti QuddfIs Siyyid > Muhammad Qudrat S6fi ZanjAn > Muhammad-'Ali Qum Sulaymi n Zarand > Muhammarih Qur' An Sultin Zaynu'l-Muqarrabin > Muharram Qurbin SultAn-Abid > Mujtahid Qurratu'L'Ayn Sultanate > TRANSLITERATION OF ORIENTAL WORDS 857 > > GUIDE TO TRANSLITERATION AND > PRONUNCIATION OF THE > PERSIAN ALPHABET > > a...asin > account 1 i . . . as (e) in > best > u . . . as (0) in > short I aw . . . as in > mown > &...asin > arm > I > i . . . as (ee) in > meet 1 . > I > 6 . . as (00) in > moon > I > > The "i" added to the name of a town signifies "belonging to." Thus S_hhir&zimeans > native of Shhirfiz. > > NOTES ON THE PRONUNCIATION > OF PERSIAN WORDS > The emphasis in Persian words is more or Afnfin, for example, pronounce the first "a" > less evenly distributed, each syllable being as in mat, and the second syllable to rhyme > equally stressed as in French. For example, with on. Americans are apt to pronounce > do not say Tabriz or Tabarsi; stay as long short "a" plus "r" like the verb form are; > on one syllable as on the next; Tabriz; Ta- this is a mistake; "ar" should be pronounced > barsi. (While there are many exceptions to as in the name of Harry-cf. Tarbiyat. > this rule, it is the most generally correct The same differentiation should be ob- > method of treating the question of stress.) served in the case of long and short "i" and > A frequent mistake is the failure to distin- long and short "u." As the guide to the trans- > guish between broad and flat "a's." This dif- literation indicates, short "i" is like "e" in > ferentiation makes the language especially best, and long "i" like "ee" in meet; for > musical and should be observed: in the word example, Ibrfihim is pronounced Eb-r6heem; > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Islim is Ess-lahm. Short "u" being like "0" r l n is Teh-ron; madrisih is mad-res-seh; > in short, and long "6" being like "oo" in Mihrib is Meh-rob. > moon, the following would be pronounced: In the case of double letters pronounce > Quddfis-Qod-dooss; BirfurG&--Bkr-fo- each separately: 'Ab-bks. > roosh. The character transliterated (') repre- > Pronounce "aw" to rhyme with oh, or sents a pause; it is not unlike the initial > mown; Naw-RGz is No-Rooz. sound made in pronouncing such a word as > The following consonants may be pro- every. The word BahL'i is phonetically as > nounced like z: d_h, z, Z, d. follows: "a" as in account; ''5'' as in father; > The following consonants may be pro- ('), pause; "i" as ee in meet. > nounced like ss: &, s, $. The character transliterated (') may also > z h is pronounced like the "s" in pleasure. be treated as a pause. > K_h is pronounced like "ch" in Scotch loch N.B. As Persian often indicates no vowel > or German nacht. Do not pronounce it as sounds and as its pronunciation differs in > "k." Westerners are as a rule incapable of different localities throughout Persia and the > pronouncing "gh" and "q"; a guttural Near East as well as among individuals in > French "r" willserve here; otherwise use any given locality, a uniform system of > hard "g" as in good. transliteration such as the above, which is > H and h, approximately like the English in use by BahL'i communities all over the > aspirate "h," should never be dropped. Tih- world, is indispensable to the student. > DEFINITIONS O F ORIENTAL > T E R M S USED IN B A H A ' ~ > LITERATURE > 'Abi: Cloak or mantle. Bi&kit: literally "Glad-tidings." Title of > 'Abdu'l-Bahi: Servant of Bahi. one of the Tablets of Bahi'u'lliih. > Ad_hin: Muslim call to prayer. > Adib: literally "the learned." Caravansarai: An inn for caravans. > A-g h ~ h :literally "branches." Denotes sons > and descendants of BahB'u'llih. Dirfighih: "High constable." > Afniin: literally "twigs." Denotes the rela- > tions of the B6b. > AX.: "After Hijirah." Date of M a a m - > mad's migration from Mecca to Medina, "Endowed with constancy": a title given to > and basis of Muhammadan chronology. Prophets who revealed a book and insti- > Akbar: "Greater." tuted religious laws. > 'Am6: literally "light cloud," symbolizes the > "First Invisible Substance." Farmin: "Order," "command," "royal de- > Amin: literally "the trusted." cree." > Amir: "Lord," "commander," Farri&: "Footman," "lictor," "attendant." > "governor." Farr&&Bi&i: The head-farri&. > Aq&: "Master." Title given by Bah$u'l16h Farsakh: Unit of measurement. Its length > to 'Abdu'l-Bahi. differs in different parts of the country ac- > A'~am:"The greatest." cording to the nature of the ground, the > local interpretation of the term being the > Bib: "Gate." Title assumed by Mirz& 'Ali- distance which a laden mule will walk in > Muhammad, after the declaration of His the hour, which varies from three to four > Mission in SJhiriz in May, 1844 A.D. miles. Arabicised from the Persian "par- > B6bi: Follower of the Bib. sa;ng," and is supposed to be derived from > Badi': literally "the wonderful." pieces of stone (sang) placed on the road- > Bahi: "Glory," "splendor," "light." Title by side. > which Bah$u7llLh Husayn-'Ali) "Fourth Heaven": one of the stages of the > is designated. invisible Realm. > Bahi'i: Follower of Bahi'u'llih. > Bahji: literally "delight." Denotes that part "Guarded Tablet": Denotes the Knowledge > of the Plain of 'Akkb where the Shrine of God and of His Manifestation. > and the Mansion of Bahi'u'llih are situ- > ated. Hiji: A Muhammadan who has performed > Bani-H6&im: The family from which Mu- the pilgrimage to Mecca. > harnmad descended. Haziratu'l-Quds: BahA'i Headquarters. > Baqiyyatu'llih: "Remnant of God"; title ap- Hijirah: literally "migration." The basis of > plied both to the Bib and to BahP'u'llih. Muhammadan chronology. The date of > Bayfin: "Utterance," "explanation." Muhammad's migration from Mecca to > Title given by the Bib to His Revelation, Medina. > particularly to His Books. Howdah: A litter carried by a camel, mule, > Big: Honorary title, lower title than Lhin. horse or elephant for traveling purposes. > 860 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > n: "Clan." Ma&riqu'l-Aakir: literally "the dawning > place of the praise of God." Title desig- > Imim: Title of the twelve Khhi'iih successors > of Muhammad. Also applied to Muslim nating Bahi'i House of Worship. > religious leaders. Masjid: Mosque, temple, place of worship. > Imim-Jum'ih: The leading imAm in a town Maydin: A subdivision of a farsakh. A > or city; chief of'the mulliis. square or open place. > Imim-Zidih: Descendant of an imim or Mihdi: Title of the Manifestation expected > his shrine. by Islim. > fqin: literally "Certitude." The title of Mihrib: The principal place in a mosque > Bahi'u'llih's epistle to the uncle of the where the irnim prays with his face > Bib. turned towards Mecca. > I&riqh: literally "effulgences." Title of one Mi'rij: "Ascent," used with reference to > of the Tablets of Bahi'u'llih. Muhammad's ascension to heaven. > Isrifil: The Angel whose function is to Mirzi: A contraction of Amir-Zidih, mean- > sound the trumpet on the Day of Judg- ing son of Amir. When affixed to a name > ment. it signifies prince; when prefixed, simply > Mr. > Mis_hkin-Qalam: literally "the musk-scented > Jihiliyyih: The dark age of ignorance pen." > among the Arabs before the appearance Mu'a&d_hin: The one who sounds the > of Muhammad. A a i n , the Muhammadan call to prayer. > Jamil-i-Mubirak: literally "the Blessed Mujtahid: Muhammadan doctor-of-law. > Beauty," applied by certain Bahfis to Most of the mujtahids of Persia have re- > Bahi'u'llih. ceived their diplomas from the most emi- > Jamil-i-Qidam: literally "the ancient nent jurists of Karbill and Najaf. > Beauty." Applied by certain Bahfis to Mulli: Muhammadan priest. > Bahi'u'lllh. Mustaghi*: "He Who is invoked." The > Jubbih: An outer coat. num~ricalvalue of which has been as- > signed by the Bib as the limit of the time > Ka'bih: Ancient shrine at Mecca. Now rec- fixed for the advent of the promised Man- > ognized as the most holy shrine of Islim. ifestation. > Kabir : literally "great." > Kar-Chudi: Chief of a ward or parish in a Nabil: "Learned," "noble." > town; headman of a village. Naw-RGz: "New Day." Name applied to the > Kalantar: "Mayor." Bahi'i New Year's Day; according to the > Kalim: "One who discourses." Persian Calendar the day on which the sun > Kalimit: literally "words." Title of one of enters Aries. > the Tablets of Bahi'u'llih. Nuqtih: "Point." > Karbili'i: A Muhammadan who has per- > formed the pilg;image to Karbili. > - > Kawaar: A river in Paradise, whence all Pahlavin: "Athlete," "champion"; term ap- > the other rivers derive their source. plied to brave and muscular men. > K_hin: "Prince," "lord," "nobleman," "chief- > tain." Qidi: Judge; civil, criminal, and ecclesiasti- > Kitkb-i-Aqdas: literally "The Most Holy cal. > Book." Title of Bahi'u'llih's Book of Qi'im: "He Who shall arise." Title designat- > Laws. ing the promised One of Islim. > Kulih: The Persian lambskin hat worn by Qalyin: A pipe for smo'king through water. > government employees and civilians. Qiblih: The direction to which people turn > in prayer: especially Mecca, the Qiblih of > all Muhammadans. > Madrisih: Religious college. Qurbin: "Sacri£ice." > Man-Yuzhiruhu'llih: "He Whom God will > make manifest." The title given by the > Bib to the Promised One. Ridvin: The name of the custodian of Para- > M a a a d i : A Muhammadan who has per- dise. Bahi'u'llih uses it to denote Para- > formed the pilgrimage to Mas_hhad. dise itself. > DEFINITIONS OF ORIENTAL TERMS 861 > > Sadratu'l-MuntahL: the name of a tree S6rih: Name of the chapters of the Qur'Ln. > planted by the Arabs in ancient times at > the end of a road, to serve as a guide. As TajalliyLt: literally "splendors." Title of one > a symbol it denotes the Manifestation of of the Tablets of Bahi'u'llih. > God in His Day. Tarizit: literally "ornaments." Title of one > Sihibu'z-Zamin: "Lord of the Age"; one of of the Tablets of BahB'u'llih. > the titles of the promised Q2im. TGm6n: A sum of money equivalent to a > Salsibil: A fountain in Paradise. dollar. > Samandar: literally "the phoenix." > SarkLr-i-Aqi: literally the "Honorable Mas- 'Urvatu'l-Vut_hqi: literally "the strongest > ter," applied by certain Bah2is to 'Abdu'l- handle," symbolic of the Faith of God. > BahL. > "Seal of the Prophets": One of the titles of Vali-'Ahd: "Heir to the throne." > Muhammad. Varaqiy-i-'Ulyi: literally "the most exalted > "Seventh Sphere": The highest stage of the Leaf," applied to Bahiyyih KhLnum, sis- > invisible Realm. Denotes also the Mani- ter of 'Abdu'l-BahL. > festation of Bah2u'llih. Varqb: literally "the dove." > shahid: "Martyr." Plural of martyr is Khu- VilLyat : guardianship. > had& > SJhayk_hu'l-Isl6m: Head of religious court, "White Path": Symbolizes the Religion of > appointed to every large city by the S_hih. God. > Sirit: literally "bridge" or "path," denotes > the religion of God. Zidih: "Son." > Siyyid: Descendant of the Prophet Muham- Zaynu'l-Muqarrabin: literally "the Orna- > mad. ment of the favored." > PART F O U R > ARTICLES AND R E V I E W S > 1. T H E S U F F E R I N G S O F BAHA'U'LLAH > AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE > M.A. > By GEORGETOWNSHEND, > > T H E Prayers and Meditations o f Balzd'u9- H e verily who seeks for pearls must dive > Zldh which the beloved Guardian has given to the bottom of the sea, endangering > us is in large measure an intimate remem- his very existence. > brance of the Redeemer's sufferings. And Death he regards as naught; he forgets all > BahP'u'llkh wished us to meditate on these the miseries of mind and body. > sufferings. I n the Tablet of Ahmad He says: He who stands on the shore, fearing to > "Remember My days during thy days, and take the plunge, attains naught. > My distress and banishment in this remote > prison." The path of love is the ordeal of fire. The > In a great poem known as the Fire Tablet shrinkers learn from it. > He records at length the tale of His calam- Those who take the plunge into the fire > ities and writes at the close: attain eternal bliss. > "Thank the Lord for this Tablet whence Those who stand afar off, looking on, are > thou canst breathe the fragrance of My scorched by the flames. > meekness and know what hath beset Us in > the path of God." He adds: "Should all the Love is a priceless thing only to be won > servants read and ponder this, there shall be at the cost of death. > kindled in their veins a fire that shall set Those who live to die, those attain; for > aflame the world." they have shed all thoughts of self. > True religion in all ages has called on the Those heroic souls who are rapt in the > faithful to suffer. On the one hand it brings love of the Lord, they are the true > to mankind a happiness in the absolute and lovers. > the everlasting which is found nowhere but > in religion. N o unbeliever knows any joy All the founders of religions have had to > which in its preciousness can be compared endure rejection and wrong, and as mankind > to the joys of religion. "The true monk," it grew more and more mature and the victory > has been said, "brings nothing with him but of God nearer, these wrongs, these suffer- > his lyre." ings have grown more and more severe con- > On the other hand Heaven is walled about tinually. > with fire. This bliss must be bought at a We read little if anything of martyrdom in > great price. So it has ever been in all reli- the Old Testament. But the New opens with > gions of mankind. Herod's slaughter of the innocents, his be- > An ancient hymn of India proclaims a heading of John the Baptist; its central figure > truth as real now as it was in distant times: is a Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief. > The Gospels close with the agony in Geth- > The way of the Lord is fomr heroes. It is semane and with the Cross, the Nails, the > not meant for cowards. Spear, and history follows with the martyr- > Offer first your life and your all. Then dom of all the eleven apostles. The Bkb > take the name of the Lord. Himself was martyred and His followers > He only tastes of the Divine Cup who gave up their lives for love of Him, not by > gives his son, his wife, his wealth and dozens only but by hundreds and by thou- > his own life. sands. In establishing the victory of God > 866 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D > > Bah6'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi drank the cup the High Prophets reached their culmination > of suffering to the dregs. in Him. > It is said there are three kinds of martyr- Yet through all He remained calm, con- > dom: one is to stand bravely and meet death fident, his courage unshaken, his acquies- > unflinchingly in the path of God without cence forever radiant. > wavering or under torture denying for an No one is to imagine that the excess of > instant their faith. The second is little by lit- His tribulations means that at any time the > tle to detach one's heart entirely from the power of evil had prevailed against Him. > world, laying aside deliberately and volun- Pondering as He would have us to do, over > tarily all vanities and worldly seductions, let- the significance of these afflictions, we are > ting every act and word become a speaking shown that the truth is quite otherwise. He > monument and a fitting praise for the Holy reveals : > Name of Bah6'u'llih. The third is to do the "Had not every tribulation been made the > most difficult things with such self-sacrifice bearer of Thy wisdom, and every ordeal the > that all behold it as your pleasure. To seek vehicle of Thy providence, no one would > and to accept poverty with the same smile have dared oppose Us, though the powers > as you accept fortune. To make the sad, the of heaven and earth were to be leagued > sorrowful your associates instead of fre- against Us." He writes that God had sacri- > quenting the society of the careless and gay. ficed Him that men might be born anew > T o yield to the decrees of God and to re- and released from their bondage to sin. He > joice in the most violent calamities even praises God for His sufferings, He welcomes > when the suffering is beyond endurance. He them, and even prays that for God's sake > who can fulfill these last conditions becomes the earth should be dyed with His blood and > a martyr indeed. His head raised on a spearpoint. He con- > None can attempt to delineate the variety tinually protests that with every fresh tribu- > or to analyze the nature of the afflictions lation heaped upon Him He manifests a > which were poured upon Bah6'u'llih. Re- fuller measure of God's Cause and exalts > peatedly He has Himself summarized them in more highly still God's Word. > a few brief powerful sentences. In one place How bitterly felt were His tribulations, > He calls our particular attention to the fact how acute His anguish, how real His grief > that it was not the Black Dungeon of Tih- and pain is shown a hundred times in His > rin, for all its horrors and chains, which He laments. His high divinity did not protect > named the Most Great Prison. He gave that Him from human sensibility, but never did > name to 'Akk6. We are left to surmise why, He quail nor blanch, never did He show re- > and we reflect that in the Black Pit His suf- sentment. > ferings were chiefly personal and physical; Many of His laments are not over His > His enemies were external foes, the hope of woes themselves but over the effect they > redeeming the Cause was still with Him. But produce on the faithful whose hearts they > when He went down to 'Akkb in 1868, the sorely shook or on the enemies of the Cause > traitor Mirzb Yahy6 had done his deadly whom they fill with joy. > work; the kings and leaders had definitely Nothing could exhaust His patience nor > rejected the Message, He was definitely cast dampen His spirit. "Though My body be > out and silenced. Not He Himself alone but pained by the trials that befall Me, though > the Cause of God was in prison. it be afflicted by the revelation of Thy de- > We can never imagine what numberless cree, yet My soul rejoiceth." He affirms that > possibilities of immediate redemption the the tribulations that He and the faithful are > mad, sad, bad world had wantonly flung made to endure are such as no pen in the > away; nor can our less sensitive natures entire creation can record, nor anyone de- > scribe. Yet "We swear by Thy Might, every > know what the anguish of this frustration > trouble that toucheth us in our love for Thee > must have been to the eager longing of a is an evidence of Thy tender mercy, every > heart as divinely centered, divinely loving as fiery ordeal a sign of the brightness of Thy > His. light, every woeful tribulation a cooling > But this much is abundantly plain; that draught, every toil a blissful repose, every > the pains, the griefs, the sorrows, the suffer- anguish a fountain of gladness." > ings, the rejections, the betrayals, the frus- How then is it that "by Thy stripes we are > trations which were the common lot of all healed?' > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 867 > > It is because the intensity, the magnitude, perish in loneliness, of Satan's whisperings > the volume of the sufferings of BahB'u'llBh in every human ear, of infernal delusions > called forth the fullest possible expression spreading everywhere, of the triumph of ca- > and outpouring of the infinite mercy and lamity, darkness, and coldness of heart. He > love of God. tells of the sovereignty in every land of hate > Wrongs done to the founder of a religion and unbelief while He Himself is forbidden > have two inevitable effects: one is that of to speak, left in the loneliness of His an- > retribution against the wrong done-the se- guish, drowning in a sea of pain with no res- > verity of which we may judge from the two cue ship to come and save Him. The light > thousand year exile of the Jewish people. of honor and loyalty and truth are put out; > The other is that of reward to the High slander prevails and no avenging wrath of > Prophet whom they enable to release fresh an outraged God descends to destroy the > powers of life that would have otherwise wicked and vindicate God's messenger. > lain latent, to pour forth Divine energies He calls to God for an answer. And the > which in their boundlessness will utterly answer comes, showing the inner signifi- > overwhelm the forces of evil and empower cance of God's seeming to forsake His right- > Him to say: "Be of good cheer. I have over- eous ones. > come the world." Man's evil sets off God's goodness. Man's > The sufferings of BahCu'llBh enable us in coldness of heart sets off the warmth of > some degree to measure the immensity of God's love. > His love for mankind, to appreciate the sac- Were it not for the night, how would the > rifice He made for love of us. The story of sun of the Prophet's valor show forth the > them enabIes us to keep in remembrance splendor of its radiance? Through His lone- > the heinous blackness and cruelty of the liness, the unity of God was revealed; > worId of man from which He saved us; it through His banishment, the world of divine > enables us to realize the meaning and the singleness grew fair. > need of Divine redemption, it proves to us '"We have made misery," said God to > the invincibility of God and the lone majesty Him, "the garment of Thy glory, and sor- > of God's victory over evil. row the beauty of Thy temple. 0 Thou > It is for the sake of learning more fully treasure of the worlds! Thou seest the hearts > the love and the glory and the might of God are filled with hate, and shalt absolve them, > that we contemplate this story of Bahf - Thou Who dost hide the sins of all the > u'llih's tribulations. worlds! Where the swords flash, go forward, > In that spirit we are to read it, and as a where the shafts fly, press onward, 0 Thou > proof of His triumphant inviolable love He victim of the worlds." > keeps the picture before us in many forms In that battle which we-all of us-wage > that we may be fortified and uplifted in our with pain and suffering and sorrow, those > poor human struggle with the tests and af- are God's last words to us: > flictions of life. > The Fire Tablet adds all the poignancy "Where the swords flash, go forward; > and impassioned power of divine poetry to Where the shafts fly, press onward." > the story of the boundless suffering He and > His beloved followers had to endure. In lan- For love is a priceless thing, only to be > guage of torrential eloquence He tells of the won at the cost of death. Those who live > longing of the faithful for reunion with God to die, those attain; for they have lost all > being ungratified, He tells of the casting out thoughts of self. Those heroic souls who are > of those most near to His heart, of dying rapt in the love of the Lord, they are the > bodies, of frustrated lovers left afar to true lovers. > 868 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D > > 2. T H E GOD W H O W A L K S W I T H M E N > > PROM > an older day we hear there was a The rise and spread of revealed religions, > time when God walked with men. That an- and coming of the attitude of science which > cient belief is now a faded rose that has lost replaced the imagination of childish peoples, > its glory, but it keeps a precious fragrance denuded the skies, the mountains, the forests > which still stirs the heart with wonder and and the fields of all these charming man- > with hope. invented deities. Once more the world be- > God walked with men! The idea seems came a place of loneliness, unless people > to change the world from a great, implaca- could find solace and healing in the procla- > ble machine into a place of adoration and mations of great religious doctors. > fulfilled love. It makes us ask, do we live in Mighty waves of faith did spread over the > a universe of mechanical atoms, of strange, pagan world. There was something which > perfect stars and suns looking down without the disconsolate person could find to cherish > feeling or pity upon our griefs and lonely in his secret heart. A purer love and a more > failures, or can we be actually living in the ardent adoration of God gave to our fathers > compassionate heart of God? and mothers a source of strength and cour- > How could such an exalted idea ever be- age-a sense of consecration to their Crea- > come lost and forgotten? Was it merely a tor. > beautiful but empty dream? Or was it a The religious systems, too, have attempted > sublime truth we have sold for the price to to overcome the loneliness of hearts, using > pay for personal and selfish desires? the genius of architects, sculptors, painters > This world, we know too well, without a and poets to create impressive cathedrals > God who walks with men, imprisons us in and colorful pageants to draw men away > a vast loneliness where we have to live with from themselves and plunge them into the > our own discontent, our failure, lacking real ecstasy of a high communal experience. > purpose or aim. It is not enough to become However deeply our fathers and mothers > at times part of some officially heralded drank of this golden cup, they did not suc- > movement pronounced necessary and noble ceed in handing their sense of fulfillment > if the nobility does not penetrate into our down to us. Nor could they express the no- > own hearts and redeem us from our unsatis- bility of their faith through the redemption > fying selves. But the discontent lingers and of a warring, divided society. > the hope occasionally returns. > What has happened to human beings that > they can be so skillful in doing great things We of today are spiritual orphans. We > but so helpless when they turn their wonder- cannot live as idle heirs of any fortune accu- > ful powers to the greater task of ordering mulated in the past. The precious treasure > their own hearts? of faith has been wasted in wars, revolutions > and the hideous tyrannies which have af- > flicted our time. > Ages ago the Greeks, the Romans, the It is very plain to us now that nothing can > German peoples and the Scandinavians at- compensate for the loss of the direct, simple, > tempted to fill this world of loneliness with heart-transforming power of the love of > imagined gods who walked with men. Their God. However high men rise in their organi- > poets invented nearby heavens filled with zation of formal worship of God, their work > deities whom the people worshipped as gods. does not take the place of God. Beneath the > These deities embodied the hopes, longings, clamor of religious systems we find with dis- > loves and passions of human beings. Enter- consolate fear that the human heart stands > ing their daily lives, the imaginary gods and alone. Happiness? Yes, there are people who > goddesses, fauns, elves and sprites, empow- love us and people we love. There are many > ered to punish or reward, seemed for a long useful things to do from morning until night. > time to satisfy the upreaching heart and still Nevertheless we know there is a conscious > the restless mind. solitude even in the happy heart. The world > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 869 > > about us is terrifying, people become more What happened was the bringing forth of > and more abandoned to pleasure as a flight a new truth about God's love for mankind. > from the solitude which we know too well is A great being in the East has revolutionized > the emptiness where God has not brought religion. Though He was persecuted and re- > His compassion, His understanding, His sisted, His words have been carried slowly > strength and His healing. It is within this but steadily to all parts of the world. > emptiness at the center of being, that our This is the essence of what this heroic, > anxieties are distilled. sublime and inspired Person has told the > Of course no one shows his anxieties to world today. First, that the almighty God > others if he can conceal them. We learn to of the universe, Creator of man, remains > put up a brave front in order to conceal that forever concealed, too glorious for any hu- > secret inner void. We talk about everything man to approach. Second, He sends His > except the one great thing that really counts. Spirit to inspire a perfect man upon our > Perhaps we conform to opinion and the earth and through Him pour forth His love > public standard of manners and efficiency so and His saving truth to all who will listen > successfully that after a while we regard and believe. Third, God reveals His divine > the front as our real self. But if we do this, nature and purpose to mankind age after > sooner or later some crisis overtakes us, age, so that the world is never left without > strikes at our very heart, and makes us more His assurance of love and redemption. > conscious than ever how weak and helpless This perfect being in whom the celestial > human beings are without God. What we Spirit enters and takes possession of the > call strength is often no more than the habit man's own personal powers is the Prophet, > of closing the heart, and this is the most or as some say, the Messenger or the Mes- > disastrous weakness. siah. There is no way to God except through > His chosen Messenger. > In His Prophet, God walks with men. > They teach us today that the universe is Through Him, God's passionate love for > vast beyond comprehension. In it the little men is poured forth and His inspired guid- > earth, our home, has become reduced to in- ance written or spoken as inspiration for > significance. There must be a God to create individuals, races and nations. > and rule this mighty universe, but can a God > so majestic and powerful come down to > walk with men? The beautiful old stories of God walks with men! Alas, that in this > God do not match the new stories of sci- humble human form some of the powerful > entific discovery. The world has changed. leaders have failed to recognize the Spirit > There seems to be no connection between of God Himself. They have always resisted > our modern universe and the simple spirit and condemned Him whenever He appears > of pure love for which we long. Everything in the time of the world's greatest trouble. > has become organized and technically per- Though no human will can overcome God's > fected except people themselves. will, the enemies of the Spirit have killed the > Who is the God who has walked with Messenger and martyred those nearest and > men? When does He appear? How does He dearest to Him. Afterward, when darkened > disclose Himself? Can we still seek and find souls found that His message of love and > a deathless love that will claim our erring immortality could not be suppressed, they > hearts, touch them with passion and save did everything possible to alter its meaning > us from ourselves? and restrict its influence. They confined its > Today a wonderful event has taken place. free, universal, radiant love and living truth > People have thought that religion was some- within a complicated system of theology, > thing that happened centuries ago, and its creed and ritual, which confuses all but a > story was complete and finished. Though few, while proclaiming themselves defenders > everything has changed during the past few of the faith, and the champion of its mis- > generations, nothing, they supposed, could sion. > change the systems of belief that have been But we are not concerned with systems > in existence and ruled so long. The world and the great disputes about religion. Our > could be uprooted, but God, they tell us, longing is for the God Who wnllcs with men. > remained silent while millions suffered and What we pray for is the infinite privilege of > the nations lost their way. hearing His words with our own ears, ad- > 870 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > mitting His love into our own hearts, and daily reporting of His words and no descrip- > understanding His message with our own tion of His presence, but the recorded words > minds. carry f d l conviction that He expressed > All of us have been taught to revere some God's love and truth to people exactly like > Prophet's name and exalt His mission as ourselves. > explained to us in childhood and youth. The words are not many, but they do > But we have been warned that other Proph- seem to lay a foundation for belief in one > ets are false messengers who arose solely to God and for love of humanity. > betray our inherited faith. "Thou shalt have no other God before > The sublime truth that comes to us today me. . . . Thou shalt not kill .. . Love thy > is that the Prophets are not hostile to each neighbor as thyself." God walked with men. > other, but identical beings all filled with the He pointed the way, and when they took the > same Spirit and carrying out the same mis- way they were favored; but when they > sion. Details of their Message changed from turned from the way, they fell into mis- > age to age because different conditions called fortune. > for new-treatment. This view brings religion back to the in- > The miraculous bounty of our time is dividual. God has given religion to all and > that through this new revelation we can not made it a monopoly for any group to > regard the religion of God as one universal dispense for a profit. "What doth the Lord > faith, which passes through different periods require of thee, but to do justly, and to love > of development but always upholds the one mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" > divine love and always works to bring peo- But though the way was so plain, the peo- > ple together as members of the one great ple must have lost it and become as be- > human family. wildered as people are today. For we find > God walks with men! these terrible words spoken by a later > Let us fear no longer to search out for Prophet: "Behold, the days come, saith the > ourselves the tenderness, the ardor and the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the > compassion of the love which God has land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for > poured forth through His Prophets, and to water, but of hearing the words of the Lord; > learn, with new minds, the infinite wisdom and they shall wander from sea to sea, and > of His counsel. from the north even to the east, they shall > The God Who walks with men is the Fa- run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, > ther of all humanity. There is no longer any and shall not find it." > religious reason for assuming that He cher- What were they to seek-the words which > ishes only one race or one creed or that they already possessed but had forgotten, or > there is any divine word justifying prejudice a new way to understand these words; or > and dissension among the many diverse peo- was it a new word they had to await? > ples of the human race. God walked with other races also. To His > Since there is, beyond all our complicated people, Zoroaster said: "To enjoy the bene- > doubting, a God Who walks with men, let fits of providence is wisdom; to enable others > us reverently draw near and join those to enjoy them is virtue. He who is indiffer- > throngs of people, those fortunate individ- ent to the welfare of others does not deserve > uals and those dear companions actually to be called a man." How this lifts the heart! > standing in the presence of the Messengers "The best way of worshiping God is to allay > who, one by one, stood forth, each in His the distress of the times and to improve the > own age, as the Witnesses and Spokesmen condition of mankind." > of God on earth. The tongues are different "Have the religions of mankind no com- > but the speech is one! mon ground? Is there not everywhere the > same enrapturing beauty, beaming forth > from many thousand places? Broad indeed > Can the seeking heart make a better be- is the carpet which the All-Loving One has > ginning of this joyous quest than to turn spread, and beautiful the colors He has > to the words of that great, heroic figure, given it." "Diversity of worship has divided > Moses? Moses, we recall, arose among an the human race into countless nations, from > exiled and enslaved people subject to the all these dogmas we may select one-Divine > conquering might, the arrogant pride of the Love." > ancient Egyptian Empire. There was no Another Prophet, Muhammad, said: > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 871 > > "God is the light of the Heavens and of the His work was done among a people whose > earth. . . . God guideth whom He will to ancestors had received a religion from God > His light, and God setteth forth parables to through Moses. The opposers used that re- > men, for God knoweth all things." He also ligion as their justification. Can God's re- > said, "There is no compulsion in religion." ligion oppose itself? Or do the people aban- > Are we not to accept truth freely and cher- don the spirit of their religion and exploit > ish it as a blessing rather than bear it as a its outer forms and special privilege, so that > heavy load? "We make no distinction be- a new Prophet must appear? The world of > tween any of His Messengers," M a a m m a d Christ's Beatitudes is a heavenly world, full > also said. Thus the different peoples, sharing of illumination and inner peace, but it has > their holy words, can draw closer in fellow- not conquered the world of our human strife > ship, acknowledging one God. nor made peace the great law over the na- > When Buddha walked with men, He said: tions. > "As a mother even at the risk of her own Is it for ever to be thus? The Prophet's > life protects her son, her only son, so he who vision a dream, and our struggles and fail- > has -recognized the Truth -cultivates good ures the reality? A future heaven but a pres- > will without measure among all beings, un- ent chaos? "I have yet many things to say to > stinted, unmixed with any feeling of making you, but you cannot hear them now. When > distinctions or showing preferences." "To the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you > him in whom love dwells, the whole world into all the truth." > is but one family." Among the Hindus their > VII. > Prophet said, "Like the body that is made > up of different limbs and organs, all mortal This greatest challenge to the human heart > creatures exist depending upon one an- has been squarely met by the Babb'i teach- > other." "Toward all that live, I am the same. ings. They explain that all the Prophets came > . . . Whoever devoutly worships Me, they to prepare the people, race by race or nation > are in Me and I in them." by nation, for existence in this very age in > which we were born-the age when all peo- > VI. ples would be brought together and have to > How inspiringly God walked with men learn how to live together or else be faced > when Jesus went about among the people in with destruction. The learning how to live > His day! His spirit of compassionate under- together means living according to the stand- > standing, poured out upon humble individ- ards set for them by all the Prophets. The > uals, upon the sick, the blind and the erring, being faced with destruction means attempt- > along with His firm repudiation of hypocrisy ing to solve our great, world problems with- > and pride, could only be a pure reflection out any true, religious spirit. > of the power God vested in Him. Perhaps stated that way, anyone can see that all > these healings were physical miracles He our wars today are the sufferings we impose > performed, but they might also have been on each other as punishments for breaking > spiritual healings, to make the inwardly the laws of God. He does not punish us- > blind see the light of Truth and the reli- we punish ourselves. > giously dead arise to a new life of faith. But how can we bring such a terrible pe- > Certainly He attributed all His works to the riod of suffering to an end? By worshiping > divine Power, and the religion He preached the one God, the Father of all peoples, and > was based on worship of God, not of Him- living according to the laws and principles > self. "Let your light so shine before men. His Prophet, Bahb'u'llLh, has revealed for > that they may see your good works, and humanity today. The Spirit which animated > glorify your Father which is in heaven." the Prophets of ancient times has animated > When an enemy asked Him which was the Bahb'u'll6h and inspired his words with such > great commandment, He said, "Thou shalt truth that every sincere person can say to > love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, himself, "Religion is not dead-it is reborn. > and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind Religion is not something for primitive peo- > . . . And the second is like unto it, thou ple living only simple lives-it is a world- > shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." "A new unifying principle, a majestic World Plan > commandment I give to you; that you love for the redemption of a stricken society." > one another; even as I have loved you, that The Bah&'i teachings call to the soul, sum- > you also love one another.". moning us to serve in a supreme crusade to > 872 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > establish peace and justice through divine never attain by our own effort. The love > Law. Nothing greater can enter the heart that God offers us is universal. When we > than this pure flame of faith in the living partake of it we know that the same trans- > God who, once more, has walked with men. forming spirit enters all others who believe, > "Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou and therefore by this sharing of universal > lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach love we become united. > thee." Here speaks the very heart of reli- How this world can attain peace is pro- > gion. To the downcast soul, shrinking from claimed in these noble words: "The sover- > its responsibilities, the Prophet says, "Thou eign remedy and mightiest instrument for > art My dominion and My dominion perish- the healing of all the world is the union > eth not, wherefore fearest thou thy perish- of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one > ing? Tho11 art My light and My light shall common Faith." When we grasp this divine > never be extinguished, why dost thou dread truth we are able to make our lives count > extinction? Thou art My glory and My glory in the terrible struggle now going on be- > fadeth not; thou art My robe and My robe tween the way of God and the way of un- > shall never be outworn. Abide then in thy regenerate man. > love for Me, that thou mayest find Me in the To accept and to assimilate truth we > realm of glory." must prepare ourselves by willingness to > Here are His words to us about brother- give up errors, prejudice and half-truths > hood: "Know ye not why We created you even though, or rather especially when, these > all from the same dust? That no one should seem to have become the bulwarks of a de- > exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all cadent society. Truth cannot enter the life > times in your hearts how ye were created. which consciously profits by error. The gulf > Since We have created you all from one between the words of the Prophet and hu- > same substance it is incumbent on you to be > man intellect is wider than this earth, but it > even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, > eat with the same mouth and dwell in the can be bridged by every sincere seeker. > same land, that from your inmost being, by "The time fore-ordained unto the peoples > your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and kindreds of the earth is now come. The > and the essence of detachment may be made promises of God, as recorded in the Holy > manifest." Scriptures, have all been fulfilled." > The Prophet uncovers a deep source of God walks with men! > life within our personality which we can Shall we not arise and walk with Him? > > 3. EDUCATING FOR PROGRESS > > EDUCATION in the past, whether oral This static type of culture may be character- > or literate, has had as its chief purpose the ized by four I's: Ignorance, Illiteracy, In- > transmision to each new generation of the sularity and Inertia. With such character- > knowledge, skills, traditions and mores of istics, medievalism will be seen as a vicious > the race, thus assuring the stability and per- circle, self-perpetuating and self-imprison- > petuation of particular cultures and civiliza- ing. > tions. The Greeks broke out from traditionalism > Until recently education has not con- for a few brilliant centuries and then lapsed > cerned itself with human progress. Its aim again. The Muslims in their turn created a > has been the perpetuation of the "status brilliant age of science which has left be- > quo." In the Occident all through the Mid- neficent results to world civilization. But > dle Ages, and in Asia until the present cen- around the Eleventh Century, this 6lan died > tury, this devotion to ancestral patterns has down and Islim sank into that medievalism > resulted in what is termed "medievalism." and obscurantism which has so strikingly > A R T I C L E S AE4 D R E V I E W S 873 > > characterized it for the past five or six cen- of medievalism where he has remained for > turies. so many centuries. > Europe, stimulated and awakened from We do not need to rehearse here all the > her Dark Ages by the brilliant lights of the amazing ways in which humanity has pro- > Islamic-Arabic culture, entered upon a long gressed since the Century of Enlightenment > period of progress which constantly gained -the discoveries of science and their appli- > in momentum, culminating today in the cation to human living; the great enlarge- > marvels of our technological age. ment of man's knowledge and conceptual > power; the broadening of his horizons; the > narrowing of the planet until all are near > neighbors; and the promise of technology to > Although humanity has made progress by bless and fructify the earth. > such periodic flowerings of culture and in- The discovery of evolution in the nine- > vention, the concept of human progress, teenth century wrought a still vaster expan- > strange to say, has been very late in arriving sion of the mind of humanity than had the > on the planet. The classical traditions, and French Age of Enlightenment. With this > the traditions of medieval Christian Europe, new vision which the theory of evolution > were introspective. The Greeks and Romans gave to human thought, everything in the > looked back to a Golden Age from which universe from minuscule to majuscule was > humanity had degenerated; the Christians seen as developing in terms of progress; a > looked back to an age of innocence from progress side-tracked or vitiated here and > which a sinful humanity had lapsed. there by back-currents and eddies, but in > It was not until the seventeenth and eight- the main, persistently at work throughout > eenth centuries that the idea of human prog- the cosmos to individualize and form to > ress began to rise, particularly in that free ever more perfect patterns everything that > atmosphere of intellectualism in France exists. > which has been called the Age of Enlighten- Very suddenly-if we speak in terms of > ment. The discovery of the New World and human life upon this planet or even in terms > the voyages and observations of world trav- of the history of civilization-this light- > elers brought to Europe an important and bringing concept of progress has dawned > eye-opening wealth of material regarding and begun everywhere to energize the souls > the customs and folk-patterns of savages, of men. The whole world has now become > semi-savages and Asiatics whose varied cul- progress-minded. There is not a race, not > tures had hitherto been either totally un- a region where the ideas of human progress > known or little appreciated. and the examples of human progress are not > Then thanks to that sheer logic of the working like a subtle yeast to raise the heavy > French mind, the idea arrived that the un- dough of sterile custom into the bread of > tutored lives of the savages probably had life. > been the nature of all human life on the Naturally this world-shaking concept of > planet at one time; and that the superior progress has penetrated the field of educa- > standards of living and intellectual enlight- tion, which next to religion is the most con- > enment of the contemporaneous Europe had serving and conservative force in the life of > been due to progress from lower conditions. man. So now education, in addition to hand- > Once this concept of past progress was ing over to the new generation the knowl- > arrived at, it was natural to extend the con- edges and skills and mores of the past, is > cept of progress into the future. If man had aiming also to stimulate the mind with the > already developed from low to high condi- history of the past as shown in terms of > tions, what was there to prevent him from progrkss, and with the possibility of further > going on and developing still higher? progress on and on throughomut the coming > Thus arose the most dynamic idea that > has ever entered the mind of man-PROG- year. > RESS. Here is something to inspire man's > At this point we may consider the nature > imagination, to awaken his desires, and to and plan of Bahb'i education as it is begin- > whet his will. Something, in a word, which ning to unfold, and will unfold more and > can in itself-by sheer creative power resid- more with each coming generation. > ing in the concept-stimulate and induce Bahb'i education is not only progress- > man to erupt from the sterile imprisonment minded; it also has in the World Order of > 874 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD > > Bahi'u'llhh a distinct pattern of perfection utive, backed by an international Force, will > as the goal of human effort. carry out the decisions arrived at, and apply > Almost a century ago Bahi'u'llhh laid the laws enacted by, this world legislature, > down certain definite principles for human and will safeguard the organic unity of the > progress, leading up to and culminating in a whole commonwealth. A world tribunal will > new world civilization dedicated to world adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and > unity, peace and prosperity. Since Baht?- final verdict in all and any disputes that may > u'llhh enunciated these world principles- arise between the various elements constitut- > not as creations of the human mind but as ing this universal system. A mechanism of > divine messages to man-BahLhL'is enter upon world inter-communication will be devised, > all study of human progress with a brilliant embracing the whole planet, freed from na- > hope and faith and dedication such as is not tional hindrances and restrictions, and func- > to be found elsewhere. And as the patterns tioning with marvellous swiftness and per- > of perfection are already authoritatively an- fect regularity. A world metropolis will act > nounced, Bahi'is are saved from those fric- as the nerve center of a world civilization, > tional wastes of energy and those futile di- the focus towards which the unifying forces > gressions which characterize the efforts of of life will converge and from which its > liberals to arrive at some commonly ac- energizing influences will radiate. A world > cepted scheme of operation. language will either be invented or chosen > In accordance with this planetary aim, from among the existing languages and will > the core of the BahCi curriculum will be be taught in the schools of all the federated > the new World Order as edicted by Bahi'- nations as an auxiliary to their mother > u'llhh. The history of the past, the social and tongue. A world script, a world literature, > physical sciences, all will be oriented in the a uniform and universal system of currency, > practical direction of the achievement in the of weights and measures, will simplify and > future of a more orderly and happy world. facilitate intercourse . . . stimulate the in- > All Bahi'i students will thus become future- tellectual, the moral, and spiritual life of the > minded and dedicated to world progress. entire human race. > "He is a true man," declared Bahi'u'llhh, "A world federal system, ruling the whole > "who devotes his energies to the building of earth and exercising unchallengeable author- > a better world." Salvation as understood in ity over its unimaginably vast resources, > the Bahi'i Faith is not only the spiritualiza- blending and embodying the ideals of both > tion of the individual, but also the spirituali- the East and the West, liberated from the > zation and redemption of humanity and of curse of war and its miseries, and bent on > its institutions. the exploitation of all the available sources > This new World Order around which Ba- of energy on the surface of the planet, a > h6'i education will be centered is best de- system in which Force is made the servant > scribed in the words of the present Guardian of Justice, whose life is sustained by its > and administrator of the Bahi'i World Faith, universal recognition of one God and by its > Shoghi Effendi. allegiance to one common Revelation-such > "The unity of the human race, as envis- is the goal towards which humanity, im- > aged by Bahi'u'llhh, implies the establish- pelled by the unifying forces of life, is mov- > ment of a world commonwealth in which all ing." > nations, races, creeds, and classes are closely The formulation of such principles of > and permanently united, and in which the organization for all humanity and the guid- > autonomy of its state members and the per- ance of humanity into a new World Order > sonal freedom and initiative of the individ- is too immense a task for any human per- > uals that compose them are definitely and sonality. It requires a super-power. The > completely safeguarded. This common- function of the individual is to become a > wealth must, as far as we can visualize it, channel for a Divine Force and a Divine > consist of a world legislature, whose mem- Plan which would remake this planet into a > bers will, as trustees of the whole of man- better and happier home for man. It is > kind, ultimately control the entire resources through the power of the Holy Spirit, the > of all the component nations, and will enact Light which guided the Prophets and shone > such laws as shall be required to regulate the forth from them, that the Bahi'is seek to > life, satisfy the needs and adjust the relation- operate. > ships of all races and peoples. A world exec- "When you breathe forth the breath of > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS > > the Holy Spirit from your hearts into the the power of words. It was the example, the > world, commerce and politics will take care contagion of the Spirit, that under the guid- > of themselves in perfect harmony. All arts ance of the apostles changed pagan hearts > and sciences will become revealed, and the into hearts of sacrificial love. This task was > knowledge of God will be manifested. It is supremely difficult when undertaken in the > not your work, but that of the Holy Spirit regeneration of adults, as the tutorial and > which you breathe forth through the Word. expostulative letters of St. Paul indicate. It > This is a fundamental truth."' is much easier to train the innocence and > VI. viability of childhood into such spiritualiza- > tion of character. And with each generation > It may seem strange to include spiritual of such tutelage, the spiritual level will rise > love in an educational curriculum. But this higher. > quality-the practice of which was the es- Thus. with each succeeding generation of > sence and kernel of Christ's teaching-is ~ahB'is.'education will exert itself the world > again emphasized in the BahB'i Faith as the over to produce ever more noble and more > corner-stone of the training for the future consecrated characters, dowered with both > world civilization, and as the only means of love and wisdom; and equipped technologi- > achieving that functional unity which will cally for the colossal tasks which will face > effectively bind the nations and races of the them in the achieving of a united and peace- > world together. ful humanity. > Tolerance, mutual understanding and con- > sideration are not enough. Admirable as VII. > these characteristics are, they always fail in Much as these spiritual motivations and > frictional contingencies and emotional crises. powers are needed for the superh~~man task > Spiritual love alone can actually cement to- of forging this planet into a peacefully func- > gether > - in unbreakable union the diverse tioning unity-a task which, as Shoghi Ef- > races of the world, with their diverse tem- fendi points out, is epochal, and once > peraments, customs, and self-interests. achieved will never present itself again- > This divine love is none other than the important as is this planetary task, the needs > Holy Spirit, through the fostering influence and values of man as an individual will not > of which man's animal nature is to be trans- be neglected in the BahB'i curriculum. > formed. This is the "second birth" of which The present struggle to achieve world > Christ spoke. It is the way to the harmoniza- unity is an exigency which will not be al- > tion and spiritualization of man's nature as ways with us. When once this unity is > an individual. It is the only secure founda- achieved and world peace assured, whereto > tion for world harmony and peace. Hence shall man direct his energies? In addition to > the importance of teaching and training his duties and responsibilities in the new > youth in these vital truths that compose world-citizenship, the individual has a quest > what 'Abdu'l-BahB called "the spiritual sci- of his own which is legitimate-the quest > ence"-vastly more important in the estab- for career-success, for happiness, for spirit- > lishment of a world civilization than are any ual and harmonious living. > of the physical or social sciences. BahPi education will strongly emphasize, > But how can any educational system therefore, the true nature of man, as an im- > train children along this line of love-devel- mortal soul which has both the opportunity > opnlent, this spiritualization of human mo- and the obligation of spiritual development. > tives which is the desideration not only of In accordance with his dual nature, man's > Bah2i culture but of all world cultures irre- selfhood or "ego" can become either de- > spective of creed or circumstance? generate or regenerate. Either we are con- > Pedagogic inculcation and preachment stantly advancing on the spiritual path, or > will not accomplish this basic goal of child- we are daily retrogressing. Even to remain > development. Only a dedicated corps of inactive is to decay. > teachers-themselves aflame with this spir- A wholly new science will evolve under > itual love-can accomplish such a super- the BahB'i aegis-a new type of psychology. > human task. The spirit of love must prevail The present materialistic psychology, which > not only in the home but also in the school. either denies or ignores the existence of a > The power of example is more effective than soul, will yield ground to a more spiritual > 1 'Abdu'l-Rahfi, Divine Art of Living. science which will unfold to youth the essen- > 876 T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D > > tial nature of his being and his consequent from the routine past, are of such nature. > spiritual potentialities. BahL'i education will, therefore, keep to a > In fact, the whole process of education, safe minimum the authority of tradition, > including the acquisition of knowledge and while emphasizing and fostering the factors > the acquirement of skills, will be reoriented of progress, invention and creation. > around those spiritual potentialities which This progressive attitude of BahL'i educa- > are basic not only to the development of tion will have important repercussions in so- > moral character but also to the wholesome ciety itself, hastening the technologization > development of man's emotional nature. of the planet and enhancing its prosperity > Such a spiritual psychology will lift the hu- and happiness. > man mind, expand its horizons, and develop > powers higher than the materialistic scientist > has been able to conceive. We have been discussing education, up to > this point, from the heights of progress al- > ready established by Western civilization. > BahB'u'llih compared man to a mine of But in Asia and Africa and most of South > hidden wealth which can be made available America, reforms in education must be at > only by education. But how can education first more fundamental. Before creative > develop these new and unseen powers? To scholarship can be achieved, there lies be- > achieve this unparalleled task the educator fore these backward countries the primary > must realize man's true nature to be spirit. task of overcoming illiteracy itself. This is, > In the intellectual training of the child, the for over half the world's peoples, an enor- > pregnant truth must be recognized that mously difficult obligation. > man's mind is but an instrument, and that Bahi'is, the world over, assume the full > his real creative powers flow from the soul. responsibilities of such a planetary task. > 'Abdu'l-BahL has made the portentous For one of the fulcrum principles of > statement that it is the Divine Creative Spirit BahL'u'llLh's new World Order was the > fructifying the mind which enables human achievement of universal education. This > beings both to comprehend and to master was declared to be a duty before God and > the universe they live in. Therein lies the a primary obligation of the Bahi'i State. > chief difference between man's intelligence 'Abdu'l-BahL declared that it was a grave > and that of the animal. Animals, too, have lapse on the part of the parent or the state > intelligence to a degree. They can think- to allow children to grow up illiterate, igno- > but only concretely. They cannot generalize, rant, undeveloped, as regards the noble pat- > form inductions and deductions, or think in tern of their true being. > those abstract terms which reveal the nature Asia has up to the present failed to escape > of existence and the means of controlling from the vicious repetitive circle of medie- > and dominating environment. valism. Only literacy and education and the > Abstract and creative thinking is a gift of contagion of new desires and aspirations can > the Creator to man alone, enabling him-as break up this hereditary stagnation. > made in the image of God-to comprehend In this epochal century of change, Asia > to a remarkable degree the creative patterns has at last begun to catch the contagion of > of the universe, and to create himself. progress. Her peoples are everywhere alive, > BahCi education, therefore, will empha- as never before, with the ferment of west- > size the spiritual, intuitional and creative ern science and technology, with western no- > factors in the development of youth. Educa- tions of human rights, and western ideas of > tion will be less stereotyped and more crea- progress. > tive, less formal and standardized, and more To this pregnant situation the BahL'i > tolerant and sympathetic toward the individ- Faith brings a definite pattern for progress > ual's development of those remarkable in- which will lift Asia out of the dilemma of > tuitional powers which are the basis of crea- favoring either retardation or technological > tiveness. materialism. For BahL'i education and Ba- > BahL'u'llih hints at the possibility of im- hi'i concepts of progress distinctly enlist the > mediate or intuitive knowledge on the part spiritual factors which the West has been > of man. This is a dangerous field for the gradually losing and denying. > educator to operate in. But indubitably, all Bahi'i education trains for a world civili- > creations of man's genius, all new departures zation that will be dynamically spiritual at > A R T I C L E S A 1VD R E V I E W S 877 > > the same time that it will be technological ence which the Muslim world created and > and practical. maintained from the eighth to the twelfth > "Every youth must be trained to a profes- century. > sion or vocation," declared Bahi'u'llih-a When Europe awoke from her dark slum- > desideration which the Occident as well as ber to create the Renaissance under the > the Orient has need to consider. And of all stimulus and influence of Muslim civiliza- > vocations and professions, Bahi'u'llLh as- tion, Church Latin became the universal > serted that agriculture is the most important. language. A professor could travel, as many > Here is an educational system perfect as did, from Paris to Oxford, or from Padua > to conception and practical as to application. to Paris-and later, to more distant universi- > The Bahi'is in Asiatic countries, such as ties such as Prague or Vienna-using always > Persia, Egypt, 'Iriq, and India, are, as might the basic language of Latin for instruction > be expected, the most progress-minded citi- and for literary expression. And here in Eu- > zens in their respective communities. They rope, as had been the case in the Arabic- > are already taking steps to inaugurate the Islamic culture,. this academic cross-fertiliza- > humble beginnings of that educational sys- tion proved a great aid in the flowering of > tem which will one day universally char- science and culture. > acterize the Bahi'i World State. Today, in spite of nationalistic rivalries > and rancors and of the thousand petty ob- > stacles which a multi-lingual humanity la- > bors under, science and culture range the > The Bahi'i system of education, as even- planet. The excellent custom of exchange > tually established throughout the world, will professors and pupils is but a faint begin- > have a universal curriculum, will operate in ning of that cultural universality which will > a universal language, and will inculcate a some day prevail throughout the world. > universal ethics-gradually forging the vari- > XI. > ous races and peoples of the world into a > cultural unity which will flower into a world In the BahL'i culture, science and tech- > civilization. nology will hold a high place, striving in > The need of an auxiliary universal lan- friendly rivalry with spiritual potencies to > guage was emphasized by Bahi'u'llih as one build a better world. Bahi'~1'11ih said that > of the important principles of the new religion and science were the two wings by > World Order. The purpose of such a uni- which humanity flies, and one of the leading > versal language was not only to facilitate pronouncements of the program for the new > world travel, commerce and culture; but also World Order is the necessity for complete > to help create that sense of unity which is harmony between science and religion. T o > inherent in the use of a common tongue. accomplish this, both scientists and religion- > Great periods of civilization in the past ists must renounce dogmatism and tradition > have developed and utilized such a common and dedicate themselves to Truth. With sin- > language. In the Graeco-Roman civilization cere effort such dedication will produce a > which dominated the Mediterranean for five working unity. For it is inconceivable that > hundred years, Latin became the official Truth should be disparate. As there is but > language, with Greek as a secondary lan- one universe, so there can be but one truth > guage i f culture. about the universe. It matters not from what > In the Arabic-Islamic period of culture angle the approach is made, the apex of > which dominated the Middle East and realization-if the search is sincere-will be > Northern Africa for over a thousand years, unitary. > Arabic became both the official and cultural This does not mean that the uiiiverse will > language. Scholars of various racial and look the same to both scientist and religion- > linguistic origins did all their scientific re- ist. In fact, the universe does not look the > search and writing in this language, and be- same to any two individ~~als. Factors of in- > cause of the universal sway of Arabic were telligence and of sensitivity enter in, with > able to travel at will from court to court, the result that the universe-highly compli- > from university to university. This academic cated and mysterious as it is and must al- > world freedom of movement and regional ways be-is never seen with parallel vision > exchange of scholarship and learning proved by more than a single pair of eyes. > a powerful stimulus to that great age of sci- The important point to note here is that > 878 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > the reconciliation of science and religion as and love and fellowship so prevail upon the > invoked by BahP'u'llih does not imply the planet that this small sector of the universe > stereotyping of either one. It is an expanding can truly be called, as BahL'u'llih urged it to > world civilization that the BahL'is are creat- become, "one home." > ing; not a crystallization, but a vivification As St. Paul envisioned: "When that which > of human thought and culture. Standardiza- is perfect is come, then that which is in part > tion, scholasticism and obscurantism will, shall be done away. When I was a child I > it is hoped, fail for ages to produce dry-rot spake as a child, I understood as a child, > in the noble world structure to which Ba- I thought as a child; but when I became a > h6'is the world over will for centuries devote man I put away childish things. . . . And > an earnest and zealous consecration. now abideth faith, hope and love-these > three; but the greatest of these is love." > XII. > Since these noble words were uttered, > T o sum up, BahA'i education will be es- Love in the midst of humanity has felt its > sentially progressive. It will inculcate the way, has prevailed here and there infinitesi- > world's need for progress and it will pro- mally, yet effectively enough to show how > foundly foster the development of future- great a' yeast love is. Now we hopefully > minded youth dedicated to world citizenship. await the dawn of that day when spiritual > These specific and global aims of BahB'i love will dominate the planet and rule all > education will exert a profound influence the affairs of man. Not intellect but love; not > on the future BahL'i curriculum, designed to more technology but more humanology; not > be world-wide in scope. Within and pene- more miracles of science but more miracles > trating to the core of every subject taught of faith-this is what the world most needs. > will be the inculcation of the spiritual es- And this gospel of love and spiritual joyous- > sentials which must dominate both man's in- ness will form the nucleus of Bahi'i world > tellection and his efforts. education. > In a word, BahL'i education will play an These goals of the new World Order were > important part in building a new humanity vividly expressed in a letter written to a Jap- > which will be as far advanced over the ma- anese girl in Tokyo in 1920 by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, > terialistic intellectualism of today as this in- son of the Founder of the BahL'i World > tellectualism is in advance of the cruel sav- Faith. We conclude with a quotation from > agerv of cannibals. this euistle: > I > - ~ L i snew humanity will be a spiritualized > humanity. The present age of iiltellectualism ". . . . religion must be the cause of con- > -with all its technological miracles-has cord; it should agree with science and rea- > witnessed the apotheosis of sheer intellect son; it must be a factor of progress to the > with a corresponding defeat of the spirit. world of humanity, it should be free from > The coming age of humanity will see spir- blind imitations. All prejudices are destruc- > itual values gradually assume a higher place tive to the foundation of the world of hu- > in man's esteem than purely intellectual manity. > ones. Yet all that the powerful intellect of ". . . . The equality of men and women; > man has achieved so far will be valued and the universalization of knowledge (educa- > retained and built into the fabric of the new tion); the creation of one universal lan- > world culture. This very intelligence of man guage; justice and righteousness; economic > will be still further enhanced by the spiritual facilities among mankind; the need of the > development which will go pari passu with world of humanity of the breaths of the > all intellectual development. Holy Spirit; the establishment of universal > The major motivatibns of the new human- peace; the institution of the Supreme Court > ity will be spiritual in nature, aiming at the of Arbitration; the freedom and equality of > spiritualizaton of the individual and the all mankind; the brotherhood of the world > spiritualization of humanity-until unity of humanity." > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS > > 4. T H E P R I S O N C I T Y O F 'AKKA > > T O D A Y we were to visit all those precious crossed in less than ten paces, furnished > places associated with Bahi'u'llih and the almost the only outside exercise for Bahi'- > Master in the prison city of 'Akki. u'llih in seven long years of imprisonment > within the walls of this house. > :i; * * > We drove through the newer part of > 'Akki down to the great sweep of sandy Before entering the House, we walked to > beach where a stormy wind lashed the great the small public square in the rear. Our > breakers and drove them as far into the old gracious host, Leroy Ioas, holding his hat > city as possible. We turned left and wound and coat-collar against a wind that whirled > our way over the hill down into the old city tiny cyclones of 'Akki dust across the court- > again. The wind blew everyone's coat collar yard, showed us the exact spot where the > up around the neck. The day was still gray, Master had stood and distributed alms and > misty and chill. The cold crashing of the food to the poor. > surf punctuated the silent spots in our con- > versation as we stood, our backs to the sea > wall, gazing across the way at the House of Salah led us back between the houses and > 'Abbitd. into the side door of the House of 'Abbitd. > The sea, the wind, the swirling mist, none We crossed an inner court and started up > could cool down the ardor that stirred inside a flight of stairs, turning to the right twice > the pilgrim as he looked upon this gray and continuing to climb until we reached the > shell of a house that once sheltered the Su- living quarters of the Holy Family. We saw > preme Prophet of God. This was once the the small room that held thirteen believers > sanctuary of the Supreme Pen. Its walls had the first night spent in this house. We saw > resounded to the words of the Most Great the upper shelf which one of the friends had > Book, the Mighty Aqdas. Here were formed slept upon that first night and, rolling over > the laws which would stand inviolate and too far to one side, had toppled down upon > unaltered for a thousand years. Here were the Master. > fashioned the provisions which would lay We removed our shoes and walked across > the foundation for the greatest structure in another room of soft carpels, through a > the social history of mankind. Here, those small hallway and then turned left into Ba- > ancient prophetic words had come true, hi'u'llih's bedroom. Against the wall on the > "The Government shall be upon His shoul- sea-side of the room was a long cushioned > ders." Here, the Author of the Bah6'i Faith, bench. Upon the south end, toward Haifa, > protected by these blessed walls from the rested the t i j of Bahi'u'llBh, marking the > stinging winds of the sea, had poured out place where He often would sit. A few feet > the fairest fruit of all His Revelation, the away, along the south wall, was a rocking > Aqdas-pre-eminent among all the writings chair which He used. Upon the floor, a > which had streamed forth in a never-ending carpet brought with them all the way from > river from His holy pen. Adrianople. > What a plain, unimposing structure. Two As I write this now in Johannesburg, I > stories in height with a small balcony around am back there again. I can feel my pulse > the second floor front, drab gray in color, accelerate and my heart beat stronger. The > bleak in appearance, beautiful to the be- atmosphere of these holy places never leaves > liever. you. It comes rushing back whenever you > We were all staring silently up at the turn to 'AkkB and Haifa. Hour after hour, > balcony which surrounds the bedroom of month after month, year upon year, Bahi'- > Bahi'u'llih. Many long hours He had paced u'llih had moved back and forth in this > this balcony, looking out over the sea and room. At times He would turn left in the > down upon the very earth where we were doorway and go out on the balcony which > standing. This small balcony, which can be runs across the front of the house. After > 880 T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > Salah chanted a prayer, we followed Bahb'- we made our way downstairs, there was > u'llAh's path to the balcony and looked out additional conversation, but none of it reg- > upon the turbulent sea. The wind, it seemed isters. The hearing was working, but the > to us, was still whipping up the indifferent comprehension and recording instruments > Mediterranean and driving it toward the were unable to function. his-was a mercy > shore, where in mighty rollers it bowed and of God. The body must be much like an > prostrated itself before the throne of Maj- electrical system. It can successfully carry > esty. its normal -"load" of power, but when sub- > jected suddenly to an incredibly strong cur- > rent, it "blows out" the fuse at its point of > The room of revelation (where Bah6'- protection. A similar phenomenon happens > u'116h revealed the Aqdas) is quite different to the pilgrim, several times, in fact. Some- > from the others. This was also 'Abdu'l- thing breaks the connection and permits > Bahi's bedroom. It is paneled in wood which no more impulses to register. The system > is to be found in other places associated with cannot bear them. (BahL'u'llbh has written > Him. This bedroom is in the back corner of of this spirit, saying of the wine of revela- > the House. We could look down into the tion that it is so inebriating to the Prophet, > back courtyard. . . . We saw many of the Himself, that the pen is stilled and can > books of 'Abdu'l-Bahb, His writing equip- move no more.) > ment, papers, the simple iron bed-many > things" that were much loved bv Him and > are revered by all who look upon them. The sun came out gaily for a brief mo- > Above all else, the mind tries to take in > ment, for the first time, as we strolled > the truth that here in this room, a room through the picturesque streets of "Old > that is simplicity itself, was revealed the > 'Akkb." It splashed against the drab earth- > Book of Laws, the Most Great Book, the > colored walls and transformed them into a > mightiest written testimony since the be- > happy tan. We traced our way along many > ginning of our recorded times. Its Author > of the favorite walks of the Master. > would cast His Shadow of guidance for five > We paused and took photographs in the > hundred thousand years! > doorway of the house of the former Mufti > It is too much to understand. The mind > of 'Akkb. He had been a bitter enemy of > willingly surrenders and turns to examine > BahL'u'llbh. Salah, caretaker at Bahji, told > the surroundings, the little things it can > us the story of the two attempts on the life > comprehend. 'Abdu'l-BahA sat here, He > of BahB'u'llbh made by this Mufti while > walked here, He knelt here, He looked out > Bahi'u'lla was still in prison. Once with > this window. But irresistibly your thoughts > a hidden dagger, but Bahi'u'llPh before ad- > keep coming back to that one inescapable > mitting him to His presence said, "Let him > fact-it was here that BahL'u'llbh revealed > first cleanse his hands." A second time, the > the Aqdas. Mufti planned to strangle the Blessed > Emptying yourself of every single thing to > Beauty, and Bahi'u'llbh said before admit- > which the mind can cling, you ask Almighty > ting him, "First let him cleanse his heart." > God to pour into your heart a true apprecia- > The Mufti became an ardent believer and > tion of this experience you are undergoing. > collected all the "traditions" to be found in > . . . The presence and significance of these the Faith about 'AkkL. > holy places are like hammer-blows to those > of &'who have lived in a world so remote :% 8 8 > from the spirit. What a delightful city "Old 'AkkB" is to > Those veritably spiritual thunderbolts- > visit. Salah, who was born within its walls, > the Shrine of Baha'u'llbh, of the Bbb, and greeted almost everyone. He told us many > of 'Abdu'l-Bahb, the room at Bahji where intriguing stones about its non8ahPi his- > Bahi'u'llbh passed away, the mansion of > tory as well. We entered a small door built > Mazra'ih, the Garden of Ridvbn-all had > in one of the lower walls of the prison, > numbed the senses until the cup could not > walked to the center of a cellar-like cavern. > contain the flood. Below us excavation had been started. How > Q %: :$ > strange to know that beneath the prison lies > Each of us said a prayer before departing this famous church built by Richard, the > from this cradle of future civilization. When Lion-hearted. The packed earth on which > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS > > we stood was high up toward the top of the Pit in Tihrhn, the Siyhh-Qhhl, a place foul > Gothic arches. The pillars were buried beyond comparison, a dungeon wrapped in > many, many feet in the solid earth below us. thick darkness, so dreadful that no tongue > could describe its loathsome smell, had not > been called by such a name. > Salah pointed out the house to which Ba- > hi'u'llhh had been taken in custody when > some of His followers had disobeyed His The cell was barren and desolate in BahL'- > commands, quarreled with three enemies of u'llhh's day. Now there is a Persian carpet > the Faith and slew them. Bahh'u'llhh was in the corner where He used to sit. There > dictating Tablets to His secretary when are five straight-backed chairs upon which > troops surrounded His house. Crowds gath- the pilgrims sit. One window looks out upon > ered quickly. They shouted at Bahi'u'llkh as the old 'Akki. The other two windows look > the Governor, sword in hand, led Him away out upon the sea. These are the windows > for questioning. His innocence was estab- shown in most of the photographs. > lished and BahVu'llhh was freed; the Gov- From here Bahi'u'llhh would look out > ernor apologized for his o,wn bad behavior. toward that spot beyond the moat where His > followers would stand hoping for a glimpse > of His hand waving from the window. We > We began our approach to the prison it- all stood and peered out at that same spot > self. The steps up which Bahi'u'llhh had and to the white-capped sea beyond it. Later > walked to enter the fortress that first time we walked out to that place of bliss and sor- > have been taken down. They have left their row and looked up at these two forlorn win- > scar across the body of the prison wall. We dows. The face of the prison is bruised and > all stopped and gazed up at the marks of scarred from shell-fire. > that old stairway. This was as far as we > could retrace the steps of banishment. In > order to enter the prison, we had to drive > around the city to the front by the sea wall. Inside the prison-cell itself, the heart is > We parked by the gate, passed the guards, touched and saddened by the sight of that > and walked about three hundred yards up to bleak, unfragrant room. True, it has been > the prison entrance. As you cross the small cleaned and restored, but here and there > bridge over the moat, you can see the can- upon the floor were small fragments of paint > non balls of Napoleon embedded in the and plaster which had fallen from the ceil- > walls. They are splashed with red paint to ing and walls. These are a grim reminder of > make them easily visible. Passing through a the chilling dampness of this dismal place. > small arched entrance, we approached the Here in this cell, where but a few paces > courtyard. carry you from end to end, Bahi'u'llih > The prison is now a hospital for the in- spent over two years of His precious life. > sane and feeble-minded. You can see them Here it was that Bahi'u'llhh, Himself, said > exercising in the very courtyard where the that His sufferings had reached their culmi- > believers were herded together that first nation. > day. . . . Our eyes bestowed loving prayers upon > There was a sound of heavy keys rattling each of these places of anguish. After all > in a metal door, the door swung open, and these years, and even with the reformations, > you entered the prison barracks. Passing it is still unsanitary and foul in these bar- > through an ante-room of poor, unfortunate racks. The mind refuses to try to picture the > sick ones, you enter the cell-block. In the far misery and abomination that must have sur- > left-hand corner is a plaque which reads: rounded Bahi'u'llhh upon His arrival here. > Bahi'i Holy Place. . . . This is the cell of We know that they were herded together, > BahL'u'llhh. The plaque is written in both deprived of food and drink, that malaria, > English and Hebrew. dysentery, and the sickening heat added to > We removed our shoes outside the great their sorrows. All were ill but two. > door, and then entered the prison cell where It was here that the two brothers died the > for over two years Bahi'u'lihh had been shut same night locked in each other's arms. > away from the world. This was the heart of Bahi'u'llkh sold His carpet to provide for > the "Most Great Prison." Even that Black their winding sheets and burial, but the > 882 THE BAHA*W > ~ ORLD > guards had kept the money and cast them another sliver of pain into the body. He had > into a pit unwashed and unshrouded. made so much broth in those days, He said, > that He could make a very good broth with > a very little. How the Master loved His won- > This is where Bahi'u'llih's young son, derful Father. He told of this loathsome > Mirz6 Mihdi, the Purest Branch, was killed. prison. How Bahi'u'll&h would call the pil- > He was pacing the roof at twilight reciting grims together, would make them laugh at > his prayers. He fell through an unguarded their troubles, until they forgot their stone > skylight on a wooden crate below which beds, the lack of food and water. He ban- > pierced his ribs and took his life in less than ished the pain of their illness and the ravages > a day. It was here that this sweet son of their fever. He would tell them stories > pleaded with his Father, Bahi'u'llAh, that his and lift their hearts. He would start them to > life be not saved, but that it be offered as a laughing so loudly that they must be cau- > ransom so that the pilgrims, who so longed tioned for fear the sentinels would believe > for His healing Presence, might be permitted they were mad if they could laugh and en- > to attain their hearts' desire. At his tomb in joy themselves in these conditions of utter > the Monument gardens, we repeated the dreadfulness. > words of BahA'u'llAh written about him: What tenderness must have been in the > "Thou art the trust of God and His treas- Master's eyes as He placed His graceful > ure in this land. Erelong will God reveal hand upon the luxurious furniture of the > through thee that which He hath desired." Western world and said, "We had no chairs > such as this in the prison of 'Akkb; no soft > beds to lie upon; no delicious food to nour- > From here Bahgu'llih wrote many of His ish us. But I would not exchange all of these > tablets to the kings of the earth, proclaiming days for one moment of the sweetness of > that the only remedy for the ills of the world those hours in the presence of the Blessed > was the union of all its peoples in one com- Beauty." > mon faith, and that only a divine, inspired > Physician could bring this to pass. > Many were the wholesome truths that Seeing these poor, unfortunate inmates of > flowed from that Supreme Pen within this the asylum for the last time, one thinks: > prison cell. Each of these tablets and writ- How like the entire world is this prison bar- > ings took on a new force since we had come racks. These pitiful wretches, unbalanced, > to the scene of their origin. living in another dead world (like all human- > ity) are within but a few paces of the Holy > Place of BahVu'llAh, Healer of all ills. > The doors that did not open for Bahi'uY- > Ilih for two years, swing wide for you, then > grind closed upon their hinges. We put on We crossed the moat and walked out into > our shoes, everyone silent, lost in the weight the open air. The clouds were gone. The > of thoughts which held words down, un- sun was out ruling the blue sky all by itself. > formed. The sea, a deeper blue, was still charging up > This was the last stop in 'Akk6. We were to the old sea wall and plunging against its > grateful. We wanted no conversation; no in- rocks. There was a queer, mingled feeling > vasion of that place the mind had set aside in possession of me. It was half of joy and > for reflecting upon this unequaled experi- half of sadness, gladness and heavy-hearted- > ence. ness, happiness and sorrow. Perhaps it was > There was no receptiveness left to truly the accumulation of the day's emotions, un- > appreciate the stories told as we descended settled and unabsorbed within me. Each ex- > the stairs; the room below where the rest of perience taking charge of my being at alter- > the pilgrims had been quartered, the place nate intervals, just as the sea sent alternate > where the Master had made broth for all-- breakers against the wall. > made broth with little more than air for in- I did not look back. It was all locked for- > gredients. His words spoken in London sent ever in my heart. > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS > > 5 . A CENTURY OF SPIRITUAL REVIVAL* > > W E LIVE in a world aligned into oppos- We live in one world whether we like it > ing armed camps. We live in a world where or not. And we may react to this condition > hatred is manufactured, packaged and sold. in one of three general ways. First, we may > We live in a world where mass thought can concentrate on ourselves-trying to. get > be and is molded for the purposes of special healthier and healthier, or trying to get > groups and parties. We live in a world which wealthier and wealthier, or trying to build > tries to make religious division, economic di- ourselves up into some sort of superior be- > vision, political division, and social division ing. Such efforts as these deny the social na- > the normal way of life. And this is another ture of man. And they overlook the simple > way of saying that it is quite all right for fact that the gentleman with the scythe dis- > society to be divided against itself. poses alike o,f health, wealth, and self-delu- > In the past fifty years a world revolution sion. > has been carried out. This is the revolution A second way of reacting to the one world > in the nature of time and space. The inner we live in is to try to carry over the methods > and outer life. of men and women can never and institutions of the past and make them > be the same as it has been in the centuries fit the new conditions. Until about the last > preceding our own. one hundred years people had to be divided > When we recall that all the inhabitants of because they lived under isolated, agricul- > a great city can be fed and clothed and kept tural conditions. Continents were separated > warm by airborne supplies alone, then we by oceans instead of being united by air. > know that we are not living in the conditions Great masses of the people in different cul- > of our grandparents. When the news of tures were grossly ignorant of each other, > events in the Korean peninsula can im- and there was little chance then that the ig- > mediately make clear to farmers in Maine, norance could be removed. Therefore na- > to taxi drivers in Chicago and oil-riggers in tional policy was based on the political and > Texas, that they personally are concerned, economic separation of peoples. Conflict > then we know that we are living in a world was considered normal. The followers of the > whose bonds are being more closely knit ev- great religions each considered themselves > ery week and month. unique and by far superior. Everything in > If a severe snowstorm maroons a bus load life seemed to make disunity sacred. > of people in a farm house, problems arise at Many people still try to follow this pat- > once. Each individual wants to maintain a tern. The nation state is still regarded as the > particular way of life and cling to a set of highest political loyalty. Mo'st religious peo- > personal attitudes. If it is clear that the ple still think and act in terms of division at > group will be forcibly housed together only the same time that they talk of brotherhood. > a few days, a working adjustment can gen- And there are those who think only in terms > erally be arrived at, but each individual will of economics, as if the Holy Grail were > still be inconvenienced. But if these people actually a silver cup. Some want a class dic- > had to live together permanently, they would tatorship to dominate the world as if a > have to make a revolutionary change in their world pacified would be a world at peace. > attitude and habits. Such men as these are the dividers of the > By the revolution in time and space, the human race. > peoples of the world have been thrust to- > The third way of reacting to one world is > gether. This coming together of the world's > peoples is more literally true than many wish to build a new world society founded on the > to admit. And it is not temporary. There is principle of unity. This would mean cre- > no going backward to any semblance of "the ating a world government and recasting the > good old days." social, economic, political, and spiritual > foundations of human life. Not many peo- > * An address delivered at the Centenary Cornmemo- ple as yet have the courage or vision to re- > ration of the Martyrdom of the Bib held at the Bahi'i > House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, JUIY 9, 1950. act in this mmner. But among these people > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > are to be found the followers of BahL'u'llih into the arena of the world. In Baghdad > throughout the world. BahCu'llih revived the hopes of the remnant > BahB'is know where they are going. Their who had accepted the Bib. In that ancient > goal was set about a century ago', before the city of 'IrBq He began to unfold a system of > present world need became obvious. For a religion which is unique in the world's his- > century they have been patiently building a tory. > grass roots world order. They have not There is not time here for us to follow > waited for the statesmen or for the world the successive exiles of BahB'u'llih-from > crisis. Baghdid to Constantinople (now Istanbul), > The goal of the BahB'i Faith is to unite then to Adrianople (now Edirne), and fi- > the world in one social order and one com- nally in 1868 to 'AkkB, Israel, where H e > mon faith. This goal came into being lived until His death in 1892. By each exile > through the teachings of BahB'u'llih. And it an envious and reactionary clergy and State > was the BBb who prepared the way. hoped to wipe out His influence. What we > After the martyrdom of the BBb came a are concerned with today is the chief teach- > time of despair and disaster. The Bib had ings of Bah6'u'llSh and the effect they have > cut His followers loose from the laws and had in the last century. > institutions of Islim. He had awakened love BahB'u'llih wrote: "A new life is, in this > and hope in the hearts of a people whose age, stirring within all the peoples of the > national culture was bigoted and degenerate. earth . . . Consider the peoples of the > His call had won the support of peasant and West. Witness how, in their pursuit of that > scholar alike. His own example of fearless- which is vain and trivial, they have sacri- > ness and courage inflamed His followers to ficed, and are still sacrificing countless lives > deeds of heroism and even reckless enthusi- for the sake of its establishment and promo- > asm. His six-year public career affected all tion."' "The civilization, so often vaunted > Persia and cut like a knife down through by the learned exponents of arts and > every social level in the country. H e taught sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the > His followers that One greater than Him- bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon > self-"Him Whom God would make Mani- men . . . If carried to excess, civilization > fest"-would publicly announce His mission will prove as prolific a source of evil as it > in nineteen years. had been of goodness . . ."2 > The firing squads in the public square of And again: "The corrosion of ungodli- > the city of Tabriz ended the life of the ness is eating into the vitals of human so- > Bib. But they did not destroy the Faith He ciety . . ."3 ". . . the whole human race is > had initiated. encompassed with great, with incalculable > Among those who had earlier responded afflictions. We see it languishing on its bed > to the Cause of the Bib was the man known of sickness, sore-tried and disillusioned. > to history as BahB'u'llih. Born into a wealthy They that are intoxicated by self-conceit > and ancient family, BahB'u'llLh had served have interposed themselves between it and > the Cause of the BBb, ignoring the gibes the Divine and infallible Physician. Witness > and scorn of His caste. He had been a fear- how they have entangled all men, them- > less champion. But He was humiliated, selves included, in the mesh of their de- > stoned, and cast into an underground dun- v i c e ~ . "And > ~ again: "If ye stay not the hand > qeon where He lay chained by the neck and of the oppressor, if ye fail to safeguard the > the feet for four months. His property and rights of the downtrodden, what right have > wealth were seized-poverty became His lot. ye to vaunt yourselves among men?"5 > And then in 1853 He was exiled from Persia These are just a few random selections > to BaghdBd. from Bah6'u'llBh's penetrating criticism of > Bah'l'u'llih was the only outstanding modern civilization. > leader of the Bib's Faith who was not killed. We may well ask, To what standard of life > An ambassador of a western power threat- does Bahi'u'llih call His followers? The an- > ened the Persian government if it should swer is clear. "Be anxiously concerned with > slay a man of such majestic character. The > 1 Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd'u'lldh, p. > martyrdom of the B6b and the blood bath 196. > of His followers had already attracted the 2 Ibid., pp. 342-3. > 3 Ibid., p. 200. > attention of thinkers in Europe. 4 Zbid., p. 213. > The forcible exile projected the Faith 5 Zbid., p. 252. > ARTICLES AN D REVIEWS 885 > > the needs of the age ye live in, and center tice may function. Second, they provide a > your deliberations in its exigencies and re- moral sanction for world order. > quirements."" "All men have been created There will be no lasting peace for decent > to carry forward an ever-advancing civiliza- men and women without a world govern- > t i ~ n . ""That > ~ one indeed is a man who, to- ment. And no world government can func- > day, dedicateth himself to the service of the tion successfully unless millions of people > entire human r a m v 8 "The earth is but one give it an enthusiastic and lasting loyalty. > country, and mankind its citizens."" While many religions speak of brotherhood, > BahL'u'llih declared to the nations that BahL'u'llih declares that "The earth is but > the burden of armaments was too grievous one country, and mankind its citizens." In > a weight for the people. He urged the rulers the light of BahL'u'llBh's teachings, the man > to meet together and lay the foundations who believes in God will devote his energies > for a world government. He declared that to building a world commonwealth. This is > the principle of collective security was a the next step in human evolution. BahB'is > necessary means for the establishment of recognize it as the will of God. Bahi'is rec- > justice. None of the rulers to whom He ap- ognize it as the "coming of age" of the en- > pealed paid any heed. Is it not now time io tire human race. > listen? Is it not now time for the people to How strange and perverse is the human > listen? heart! The military leader, the conqueror > The principles, the laws, and the social whose boast is in battles won and in millions > institutions created by BahL'u'llih are for slaughtered-he receives the acclaim of the > the purpose of building a united world multitude, and his ears are deafened by their > which can provide justice for all its mem- shouts of praise. But the Manifestation of > bers. The key principle is the oneness of God received scorn and abuse, torture and > mankind which means the complete repudia- exile. The demagogue who promises bread > tion of racial superiority and the practice of and circuses, money without work and > race unity. "The best beloved of all things in achievement without effort, he is fawned > My sight," said BahB'u'llLh, "is justice."1° upon and praised, and in his own lifetime > BahB'u'llLh spoke with the authority his likeness is produced in statues of bronze > which comes from God. Like Christ and and of marble. But the Manifestation of > Muhammad and the other founders of the God wins only the hearts of a few. And it is > world's great faiths, BahL'u'llLh was not a these few who give up their bread to serve > scholar or a pedant. He possessed an innate Him and who give the breath of their lives > knowledge. He had the ability to awaken de- and the blood of their bodies that the divine > votion and transform character. He has im- vision of a greater human good may come > planted a love of God in the hearts of count- to pass upon the earth. > less men and women. The Manifestation of God among men is > For BahB'u'llih is the Manifestation of a measure by which men and women can > God for our age. He has restated the es- see their true height. The dividers of men > sentials of religion, stripping away the layers and the haters cannot lift their eyes to His > of theology, and brushing aside such no- height. Like children, they are too self- > tions as that of inherited sin. He shows us absorbed, too busy building little castles in > how religion has been progressively revealed the sand. > and unfolded in each age. Now it is possible Despite ecclesiastical anger, despite reac- > for us to see that religion, too, evolves. In tionary scorn, and indifference, the Faith of > each age there has been a God-chosen in- BahB'u'llgh has grown steadily and extended > dividual, or Manifestation, Who has been itself through the world. Though, even to- > the core of spiritual authority and vision for day, the Bahi'is in Persia know the ruthless > the forward movement of religion. anger of the mobs directed against them. > The teachings of BahL'u'llih do two prin- But the response of the people to the > cipal things for our age. First, they provide Faith of BahB'u'llgh is also a story of sacri- > a social structure through which world jus- fice and heroism. Most of the people who > have become BahL'is are obscure to fame. > G Gleaninas. D. 213. But heroism knows no pedigree or social > 7 Zbid.,pl 21%. rank. And so, steadily, the teachings of > 8 lbid., p. 250. > 9 Zbid., D. 250. BahL'u'llih have been translated into various > 10 ~ i d d e iWords (Arabic). languages until now the total is over sixty. > 886 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > Bahb'is have moved and settled in country on the grass roots level of society, is taking > after country until now the roots of the shape. Within the Bahb'i world community > Faith have taken hold in more than one hun- have come people from all walks of life and > dred sovereign countries and dependencies all kinds of religious and nationalistic and > of the world. First it was Persia and 'Iriq, racial backgrounds. Here they find a practice > and Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. Then it was of religion which is adult, just, and suited > India, and Burma, and the United States, to the age we live in. > England, and Canada, and France, and While some people may look back and > Germany. A few decades ago, an elderly read the record of the past one hundred > couple in California, a Mr. and Mrs. Hyde years as a series of ever-deepening crises, I > Dunn, sold their little home and sailed for offer you another part of the record. A part > Australia. They earned their own living and of the record not as well known as the po- > traveled from city to city, and the Faith was litical intrigue and the warfare. I offer you > established in Australia and New Zealand. the record of the Faith of Bahb'u'llih which > They were but two of hundreds who have moves steadily forward with its healing mes- > gone to strange lands to bring the words of sage of unity and justice. > Bahb'u'llkh to the people. Without a paid And at the same time I offer you a chal- > clergy, and with few material resources, this lenge. Have you the courage and the vision > great movement to take Bahgu'llih's mes- to take the outstretched hand of Bahb'uy1l&h > sage of unity and justice to the people goes and join with those who are dedicated to > steadily forward. building a divine world order of human so- > And within the last three decades the ciety? Have you the courage and vision to > Bahb'is have systematically applied the so- realize that BahB'u'llkh is the Father prom- > cial teachings of Bahb'u'llih to the conduct ised by Jesus Christ? Can you arise and re- > of their own affairs. A religious world order, spond to the call of God in our time? > > 6. THE KINGDOM O F GOD ON EARTH: > IDEA AND REALITY > > W E OF the West have grown so used to day of its birth after yet-to-be-expected in- > the central prayer of our j a i t h - ~ h ~ king- cubation in the womb of our universal af- > dom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it fliction and travail. > is in heaven-that we are dull to its magic, If we are to look back through centuries > and despite almost two millenniums of repe- upon the idea and forward through centuries > tition, which must have worn a deep if hid- to the reality, we should bear in mind the > den channel through our collective con- character of this Kingdom on earth. It has, > science, we seem no longer to perceive or I believe, certain essentials: > accept Christ's vision of earthly consumma- 1. There will be one Ruler in the King- > tion. dom: God. > To a Bahb'i this is the more strange, since 2. There will be one humanity, one > in our view the twentieth century is the brotherhood of all the men on earth, > threshold of that Kingdom; and that simple who will be endowed with spiritual > but commanding idea, which in one form or consciousness to know and obey their > other has compelled men's highest thoughts Divine King. > throughout history, is in the cycle we now 3. There will be a universal state, unified > enter to attain reality. Indeed, the transfor- in government, harmonizing the rich > mation from idea to reality has already be- diversity of human cultures. > gun, and the embryo of God's Kingdom on 4. There will be universal peace, resting > earth, already brought into life, is even now in justice, the condition and mode of > acquiring structure and form, against the this Divine Kingdom. > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 887 > > One other point should not be overlooked, folding. The pattern of their prophecy was > as it is the test of the idea of the Kingdom in closely woven; one cannot separate the > contrast to the reality of the Kingdom. The strands. > idea has had life only in men's minds. As "And it shall come to pass in that day, > idea it has inspired and even in certain pe- that the Lord shall set his hand again the > riods molded human societies and govern- second time to recover the remnant of his > ments. But the Kingdom in reality has not, people . . , and shall assemble the outcasts > up to this age, had any being. For the King- of Israel, and gather together the dispersed > dom of God on earth, like all forms of life of Judah from the four corners of the > created by God, is essentially organic. It has earth." > conception, embryonic development, birth, This perfectly clear and now fulfilled > and growth through life stages. It is a Divine statement is associated in the visions of the > creation, and only when, by the Will of its Hebrew Prophets with the coming of God's > Creator, it does indeed appear on this earth, Kingdom on earth. > will it pass from the idea of the Kingdom, In "the great and very terrible" day of the > known to great minds and humble hearts for Lord, in "a time of trouble, such as never > many ages, to the reality of the Kingdom was since there was a nation even to that > which will be a shelter, a sanctuary, and a same time," "it shall come to pass . . . that > home for all the human race. the mountain of the Lord's House shall be > established in the top of the mountains . . . > and all nations shall flow unto it." "And the > Probably the most consistent view of the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that > Kingdom of God on earth is to be found in day shall there be one Lord and His name > the Old Testament. The "chosen people," the one." "Of the increase of his government > astonishing Hebrew race, has for at least and peace there shall be no end . ." ". . .. > three thousand years been the repository of the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they > this concept, to which it has tenaciously shall see the glory of the Lord, and the ex- > clung through all glory, vicissitude, and hu- cellency of our God."2 > man error. "God and His Kingdom on earth > -that was their two-fold revelation. Abra- > ham [c. 1550 B.c.] stood at the head of the The idea of the Kingdom of God on earth > movement. . . . In the midst of idolatry scintillates in Hebrew thought with the maj- > and human sacrifice he seems to have known esty and power of God as Supreme Ruler, > One God, Almighty and All-Comprehending and with the bright promise of the accom- > . . . and in obedience to the Divine Com- plished day of unity and peace. The ruling > mand led forth from Ur a band of kinsmen principles of the ideal state are less clear. > . . . on a religious crusade."l Here there are two problems: ( 1) The na- > In the Old Testament is embodied the his- ture of God's rule on earth, that is, by what > tory of this people; its journey into Egypt mediation, since God Himself is in all true > and its captivity there; its deliverance by religion and philosophy admitted to be Un- > Moses; its rise to an eminence of dominion known and Unknowable; and (2) the nature > and culture in the Promised Land when its of men's relations to each other. Throughout > influence, according to Bah2i teaching, history the idea of the Kingdom, whether > awakened Greek philosophy to the existence confined to idea or embodied in a visible > of the one God and the immortal soul of order, has held as its central point of author- > man; its decline from virtue; its preparation ity and good the concept of some kind of > for the coming of the Messiah. But here the Vicegerent of God-king, philosopher, > story passes into other hands, as indeed was priest, or a combination of all. > prophesied, and the "chosen people," dis- For the earliest known vision and practice > persed and despised, entered its long night of of such a god-centered society, we must look > suffering until its final return to the Prom- to Egypt where, between about 4000 and > ised Land in our own time. 2400 B.c., took place "the first rise of a > To one who studies the words of the civilization of profound moral vision any- > Hebrew Prophets, it is evident that the con- where on the globe." Here the " 'Sun of > summation they foresaw is even now un- righteousness' rose over two thousand years > 1 H. N. Spalding, Civilization in East and West, 2 Isaiah, 11; Joel, 2; Daniel, 12; Isaiah, 2; Zecha- > Oxford University Press, 1939, p. 150. riah, 14; Isaiah, 9 and 35. > 888 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > earlier than he did in Pale~tine."~ Fragments by citizens imbued with the highest moral > of ancient writings show a society formed in virtues, and guaranteeing to all the benefits > the beginning under the presiding influence of justice and peace. > of the Sun-god Re ("thou art he who over- ". . . The princes of Chou [12th cen- > looks all gods . . ."), whose character tury B.c.] were held up by later thinkers 'as > shone forth in the Pharaohs who succeeded a mirror to flash great ideals down the ages.' > him. "It is Command who is in thy mouth, The worshippers of a 'vast, somewhat im- > it is Understanding who is in thy heart," be- personal overruling deity,' termed T'ien or > came a salutation to the Pharaoh, thus iden- 'Heaven,' they drew from its sovereign 'De- > tifying him with qualities attributed (after cree' the prophet-like doctrine that 'rulers > 3000 B.c.) to the Sun-god himself. At a later are appointed by Heaven for the purpose of > date of moral decadence and misery in the ruling the world so as to bring about the > state, after the dissolution of the Second welfare of men.' "7 > Union about the 25th century B.c., social In a later period of disorder, Confucius > prophets looking back on that long reign of (551-479 B.c.), looking back upon this > "righteousness" or "truth" (Egyptian Maat) golden age of the still-reigning Chou dy- > found in it their only hope for the future. nasty, and delineating the moral virtues es- > The sage Ipuwer, mourning his country's un- sential to good men and good government, > happy condition, recalled the divine sover- recognized the place of the Sage-King in > eignty of Re: holding all stable. > "It is said he is the shepherd of all men. "A virtuous ruler is like the Pole-star, > There is no evil in his heart . . . Where is which keeps its place, while all the other > he today? Doth he sleep perchance? Behold stars do homage to it."s > his might is not seen."4 Within the bounds of this essay it is im- > It is clear that in the Sun-god these early possible to develop the full argument that > prophets found not only the divine center of throughout history and in societies all over > authority in the state, but the source of mo- the world there have existed prototypes, as > rality as well. In documents dating some two well as mature concepts, of divinely-inspired > thousand years before Christ such concepts kings extending their beneficent rule over > as this appear: great dominions, organizing justice and > ". . . that good word which came out of peace, and reflecting upon mankind the > the mouth of Re himself: 'Speak truth, do power and majesty of God Himself. Not > truth, for it is great, it is mighty, it is endur- only have such kings reigned, both in vision > ing.' "5 and actuality, but their remembered exam- > " > And again: ples have led to the projection of utopian > "I have made every man like his brother, kingdoms and commonwealths, wherein the > and I have forbidden that they do evil, [but] whole of mankind would be gathered under > it was their hearts which undid that which I one divine rule. > had said."5 "The Divine Kingship is one of the ear- > "It is very surprising," writes Breasted of liest and one of the most persistent of in- > these sages, "that their social idealism took stitutions in human civilization. Sometimes, > the form of Mesianism, the belief in a right- as with the high priests and the kings of > eous ruler yet to come, one who should Israel, the pontiffs and the consuls of Rome, > usher in a golden age of justice for all man- the Popes and the kings of Europe, the > kind, a belief later inherited by the He- priestly and royal offices divide [although > brew~.''~ seldom entirely]. But in China the Emperor > Not long after this time and practically has always been the Son of Heaven; in Per- > contemporaneous with the foundation of the sia the kings were god-descended and even > Hebrew race, in then distant China, a golden today are inspired directly by Allbh; in the > age of Sage-Kings was also shaping a pattern Babylonian cities reigned the priest-kings; in > which evoked in Chinese thought over many Egypt Pharaoh was god; the rex in Rome > centuries an idea of government guided by and the basileus in Athens held priestly of- > kings dedicated to Heaven's rule, supported > 7 K. J. Spalding, Three Chinese Thinkers, p. 18 > 3 James Henry Breasted, The D a w n of Conscience, (Citing Smith and Creel, The Birth o f China). This > Charles Scribner's Sons,- 1934,- PP. 13, 15. > A. > book contains fascinating material on early concepts of > 4 Zbid., p. 198. ideal human relations. > 5 Zbid., pp. 219, 221. 8 Lionel Giles, The Sayings of Confucius [1920], > 6 Zbid., p. 21. p. 39. > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS > > fice; in Imperial Rome Caesar was god in ceived them, held valid for all the known > death, divine Augustus; even the petty world-but the known world was at no time > Gothic kings were descended from Odin; in all the world. Although the boundaries were > Peru the Inca rulers were priests; to this day being constantly pressed outward, not until > the Mikado is priest and god. These have the nineteenth century could men claim to > been the symbols of community alone pow- have found most of their brothers, and not > erful and august enough to battle against until the twentieth century were the means > . . . disruptive egoi~m."~ of knowing them really at hand. It follows > Whether we think of Asoka, that great that not until our own time could the King- > Emperor of India whom the Buddha in- dom of God on earth, by definition and also > spired, "more famous than Charlemagne or by logical necessity a universal kingdom, be- > Caesar"; or of Charlemagne himself, whose come more than idea, become a possibility. > "aim was to make his Empire a moral com- But is it not also a needed consummation? > munity, one vast Christian city . . ."; or in Is it by accident that the discovery of all the > an earlier day "of the immeasurable majesty parts of humanity should have been paral- > of the Roman peace"; or of the kings of leled by far-reaching efforts to unite them > China and Egypt before-mentioned; or of in some kind of orderly pattern, some uni- > Muhammad the Prophet, "founder of a versal state? Most of such projects for in- > State . . . sole Head of the civil adrninistra- ternational law and government, from the > tion, the supreme Judge, the Commander-in- Hague Tribunal to the United Nations, have > Chief . . .";lo or again if we recall some of been impelled by the threat of war: their > the great concepts which have lifted men's goal has been universal peace. > eyes to far horizons-Plato's Republic; Au- "Of all things," wrote Dante in De > gustine's City of God and its "one Common- Monarchin, "that are ordered to secure > wealth of all Christian men"; Dante's vision blessings to men, peace is the best: by quiet > of true monarchy [De Monarchial where the individual man grows perfect in wisdom; > "life should be lived in freedom and peace"; and society as a whole is best fitted in the > and that mother-idea of all Western culture, tranquillity of peace for its proper work, > "Thy Kingdom come"-in all these exam- which may be called divine." > ples of living kingdoms and living ideas, In a lecture delivered in Oxford in 1913, > both precept and promise, we are reminded Sir W. M. Ramsay comments on this pas- > of the ancient theme: sage: "It is necessary to guard against a mis- > "They shall come from the East and from apprehension of what is meant here by the > the West and from the North and from the word 'peace.' Dante thinks of peace, not as > South and shall sit down in the Kingdom of a negative but as a positive idea. Peace is > God." not the mere absence of war: it is the power > that maintains order and makes moral law > IV. effective. It is the administrative force of > "Mankind as a whole has always striven Justice, and it is the necessary condition of > to organize a universal state. here have freedom . . . It is the orderly balance > been many great nations with great histories; of active and powerful forces."ll > but the more highly they were developed The forces of the modern world-whether > the more unhappy they were, for they felt the products of man's intellectual powers ap- > more acutely than other people the craving plied to nature; or the expression of his emo- > for world-wide union."-Dostoevski. tional loyalties to nation, race, and religion; > Because the examples we give are from or the driving power of his physical needs > the past, wc ought not to think they have -all these forces are now loose in one > lost potency for the present and future. In- arena. "A crisis has, for the first time in his- > deed, the idea of the Kingdom becomes in tory, come upon the world at once. The na- > our time the more compelling because the tions are now like beasts herded together in > conditions for its realization now exist. Past a cage, and w i t h o ~ ~a tkeeper."12 > visions were, by the great minds who con- We should not exuect I > men's Dowers > I > and > forces to abate; they ought on the contrary > 9 George E. G. Catlin, A History o f the Political > Philosophers, Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1950, pp. 11-12. 11Sir W. M. Ramsay, The Imperial Peace-An Ideal > 1 0 Citations in this paragraph, in order, are from in European History, Oxford University Press, 1913, > Koeppen, Professor Kleinclausz, The Elder Pliny, Sir pp. 7, 16. This essay is a powerful argument for true > Thomas Arnold. The succeeding quotations in the kingship at the heart of the modern world shte. > paragraph are from the works mentioned. 12 H. N. Spalding, op. cit., p. 290. > .'f W O R L D > > to be immensely fortified in a world of free- associate this outcome with the coming of > dom and peace. The challenge is to lead age of the human race. > mankind out of the cruel disorder of this The Declaration of the BAb, the Forerun- > age into the long-expected universal state. ner, in 1844, inaugurated this millennium, > But "how shall there be constructed a su- disclosed its hidden meaning, and imbued > preme order able to enforce that universal mankind with an energy both turbulent and > freedom and justice combined which consti- irresistible. The appearance of the Bkb sig- > tute the active power of peace?"l This, the nalized humanity's potential coming of age. > central question of the twentieth century, He released "the creative energies which, re- > surcharged with human need, giving voice inforced by the effusions of a swiftly suc- > to the impulse for self-preservation and life ceeding and infinitely mightier Revelation, > more abundant, is in truth the propelling were to instill into the entire human race the > force destined, in the BahPi view, to carry capacity to achieve its organic unification, > humanity from the idea of the Kingdom into attain maturity and thereby reach the final > its living actuality. stage in its age-long e v ~ l u t i o n . " ~ ~ > The desirability of the Kingdom of God From that date revolutionary changes be- > on earth is today as widely accepted in the- gan to appear in the world. Every race and > ory as ever it was in the past-indeed, a nation experienced transformation in its > great deal more so--but we do not call our traditional life and culture. No people es- > vision by this name. The reason is simple. caped the impact of the new forces which > Of the four essentials of the Kingdom, most found their expression in radical develop- > thoughtful men acknowledge three: ments of science and technology, in new and > universal aspirations for human welfare, in > There will be one humanity. arts escaping their conventional forms, and > There will be a universal state. in the gradual assemblage of political leader- > There will be universal peace. ship for the building of a wo-rld-embracing > order. > These they call World Commonwealth, or "A new life is, in this age, stirring within > World Order, or the Federation of Mankind, all the peoples of the earth . . . Soon will > or any other name except the Kingdom, be- the present-day Order be rolled up, and a > cause they do not realize that to exist and new one spread out in its stead. . . . Man- > endure, it must be a kingdom, and a king- kind's ordered life hath been revolutionized > dom not of men but of God. through the agency of this unique, this wan- > drous-~ystem,the-like of which mortal eyes > have never witnessed."17 Such are the plain > "Universal peace will not be brought words spoken by BahL'uYll6hfor the guid- > about through human power, and shall not ance of all who have eyes to see and hearts > shine in full splendor unless this weighty to understand the world-shaking events of > and important matter shall be realized our time. > through the Word of God, and be made to Now more than a century of this millen- > shine forth through the influence of the nium has passed and it is possible to realize > Kingdom of G~d."-'Abdu'l-Bah&~~ the direction of social change; indeed, it is > The achievement of the "organic and spir- impossible to escape it. What was potential > itual unity of the whole body of nations" is with the appearance of the Bkb is day by day > the "supreme mission" of the Bahb'i Faith.'' seeking its form. Unity in the political realm, > The approximately thousand-year span of named by Bahl'u'lltih the Lesser Peace, is > the Dispensation of Bahb'u'llkh, Founder of fast crystallizing and is the next stage in > that Faith, is understood by His followers to world affairs. BahVu'llkh, anticipating the > be the precise millennium during which the struggles which would seize and convulse all > long process of evolution will carry human- peoples in the twentieth century, foresaw > ity from isolation and separateness to whole- as their outcome a transitional period in > ness and unity on a planetary scale. Bahl'is which the world, realizing at last and only > -- > > 13 Sir W. M. Ramsay, op. ~it. > too well "the anarchy inherent in state sov- > 14Tablet to David Buchanan, classmate of Presi- ereignty," would "abandon this fetish, rec- > dent Wilson, written in 1919. > 15 Shoghi Effendi, World Order of Bahd'u'lldh, 16 Shoghi Effendi, G o d Passes By, p. 57. > BahP'i Publishing Committee, Wilmette, Illinois, 1938, 17 Cited in The World Order of Bahd'u'lldh, pp. 161- > 162. > ARTICLES AN D REVIEWS 891 > > ognize the oneness and wholeness of human clear that Bahb'is view the Lesser Peace as > relationships, and establish once for all the a time of transition. It will "in some degree" > machinery that can best incarnate this fun- better the condition of mankind. It will not > damental principle of its life."18 "Hold ye deliver men into the full life of the Kingdom > fast unto this the Lesser Peace," BahB'u'llLh on earth. It will, by ensuring and enforcing > cautioned the leaders of mankind, "that world peace, give opportunity for recon- > haply ye may in some degree better your struction, and for the development of civili- > own condition and that of your dependents zation on a vast new scale. The human race, > . . . Should any one among you take up having come of age, having attained the > arms against another, rise ye all against him, equivalent of age twenty-one in the life of > for this is naught but ma~zifestjustice."'" the individual, will rapidly progress and > Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahb'i show forth its ampler powers. But the l i e of > Faith, has described the Lesser Peace in the spirit, which is man's unique capacity > these terms: "Some form of a world Super- and the only source of his contentment and > State must needs be evolved, in whose favor joy, cannot be so quickly renewed. The way > all the nations of the world will have will- > of faith in God has been long obscured, and > ingly ceded every claim to make war, cer- > the world has yet a downward path to fol- > tain rights to impose taxation and all rights > to maintain armaments, except for purposes low before the Light of Divine Guidance > of maintaining internal order within their re- breaks from the mountain tops to illumine > spective dominions. Such a state will have to the gloomy plain. While politically matur- > include within its orbit an International Ex- ing, mankind will continue to decline spirit- > ecutive adequate to enforce supreme and un- ually until the Voice of the Promised One > challengeable authority on every recalcitrant reaches and rejoices all ears. > member of the commonwealth; a World Men must not think, therefore, as they > Parliament whose members shall be elected cross the long plateau of the Lesser Peace, > by the people in their respective countries that the Divine process has been subdued > and whose election shall be confirmed by or human destiny fulfilled. The laws of > their respective governments; and a Supreme growth, ever the same in organic creation, > Tribunal whose judgment will have a bind- pursue a gradual course; andso the vast or- > ing effect even in such cases where the par- ganism of collective society will gradually > ties concerned did not voluntarily agree to unfold throughout the Dispensation of Ba- > submit their case to its con~ideration."~~ h8'u'llkh. In this unfoldment Bahb'is believe > It will be seen how much stronger is the there are two processes at work. The one has > union of states contemplated by Bahb'is than been described; the other is yet obscure. The > any league or organization so far devised. one is outward, in some measure mechani- > That it will be achieved in a relatively short cal; the other is the hidden birth and growth > of what has been called the embryo and > time, that its birth will mark the coming of > nucleus of the Kingdom of God on earth. > age of human society, and that it will lay the > It grows from the seed planted by the Hand > basis for the gradual unfoldment of world of Bahb'u'lliih in the womb of the planet. It > unity in all its aspects, are BahL'i teachings is a Divine Order, heralded by the BLb, con- > which logic reinforces and events must con- ceived by Bahb'u'll&h, delineated by the > firm. "This is the stage which the world is mind of 'Abdu'l-BahL (son of Bahb'u'llLh > now approaching, the stage of world unity, and Center of His Covenant), and now si- > which . . . will, in this century, be securely lently, almost imperceptibly passing through > establi~hed."~~ its embryo condition in the rise of the ad- > ministrative institutions of the Bah2i Faith. > VI. From embryo to child to man's estate, this > Order is destined to unfold in a process > Great as is the achievement promised to absolutely distinct from, yet parallel to, the > this "radiant centuryw-a century overshad- evolution of world society in the Lesser > owed by calamity, yet that calamity itself a Peace. > stimulus and providence-it must be made Ultimately the two processes are destined > 18 Shoghi Effendi, ibid., p. 202. to meet and, after a time of gradual fusion, > 19 Ibid.. p. 162. they will culminate in the goal which is > 20 Ibid., pp. 40-41. > 21 Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day Is Come, p. common to them both: World Common- > 126. wealth, the object of humanity's evolution. > 892 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > the promise foretold by prophets and seers shall be King over all the earth: in that > for well-nigh six thousand years. This cul- day shall there be one Lord and His Name > mination of the BahL'i Dispensation was de- One." > scribed by BahL'u'llih as the Most Great Such is the expectation held by the fol- > Peace, the purpose and glorious outcome of lowers of BahL'u'llih. Such is the hope > His distinctive mission to mankind. It "must which they, and they alone, can offer to the > inevitably follow as the practical conse- whole of mankind in this hour of world af- > quence of the spiritualization of the world fliction and despair. > and the fusion of all its races, creeds, classes, "Now in the world of being the Hand o f > and nations . ."" . divine power hath firmly laid the founda- > What else can these words signify but the tions o f this all-highest bounty and this > inception of that vast, universal, all-embrac- wondrous gift. Whatsoever is latent in the > ing, spiritual Kingdom which we know as innermost o f this holy cycle shall gradually > the Kingdom of God on earth? How shall appear and be made manifest, for now is > we view this "end of the age," this millen- but the beginning of its growth and the day- > nium of transition and fulfillment, save as spring of the revelation of its signs. Ere the > the Promised Day foretold in all Holy close o f this century and o f this age, it shall > Books? How shall we understand the One be made clear and evident how wondrous > chosen by God to inaugurate such a millen- was that springtide and how heavenly was > nium, and to infuse into the body of man- that giftYz4 > kind the vitality, faith, and vision to unfold > its potentiality, save as the Promised One, 24 'Abdu'l-Bahi, ibid., p. 111. > the Vicegerent of God, He who "hath been > sent down to regenerate and unify man- Author's Note: The student who wishes to under- > kind"?23 stand the pattern and functioning of the World Order > of BahP'u'llih, and its relation to the future World > "Of the increase of his government and Commonwealth and the Kingdom of God on earth, > peace there shall be no end." "And the Lord should make a close study of the published writings of > Shoghi Effendi, first Guardian of the Bahd'i Faith. > 21- Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahri'u'llhh, Sections V and VI of this article are based on these > p. 162. writings, and in a few points on the Guardian's dis- > 23 Bahl'u'llih, ibirl., p. 163. courses at table in Haifa, February, 1954. > > 7. THE CALL OF THE MARTYRS > > N O W in this crisis of our fortunes time and thousands of others and did not cease > brings round to us the centennial of the till every discoverable Bibi was slain or > great martyrdoms in Persia. cowed or driven into exile. The authorities > The siege of Tabarsi closed in the spring then were assured the movement was at an > of 1849 with the death of almost all its de- end and its fires quenched forever. > fenders including one half of the "Letters of Little did those blind and wicked men > the Livingv--Mulli Husayn and Qudd6s know the power hidden in this Cause or the > among them. In March, 1850, the Seven profound effects of self-sacrificing faith. > Martyrs were beheaded in the great square With unflinching firmness the martyrs > of Tihrhn. In May of that year the invest- went to the doom for which they had longed > ment of the Biibis in Zanjin opened. In June and prayed, counting such a death a boon > Vahid, the "unique and peerless figure of his and a reward. They endured their sufferings > Age," was martyred, and most of his com- with superhuman patience, breaking their > panions at Nayriz after him. On July 9 the stubborn silence, if at all, only to utter words > Bib was shot to death in Tabriz. Early in of forgiveness to their executioners or to > 1851 FIujjat was killed, and some 1,800 fel- chant a hymn of thanksgiving to the Beloved > low believers perished with him. Then in into whose presence they were passing. > 1852 came the universal holocaust of tor- So unexampled was their resolution and > ture and massacre which involved Tihirih their fortitude that it astonished and bewil- > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS > > dered beholders, attracted hearts, made con- ing, changed the gnat into an eagle, the > verts (secret or open) to the Bib, spread His hare into a lion, gave them the mastery of > fame and that of His followers beyond the life and ushered them into new ranges of > borders of Persia and inspired many a rever- ecstasy and power. > ing tribute from western scholars or diplo- That Heroic Age is past. The martyrs > mats and others who told in glowing phrases stand to us as an example and a challenge. > of the "rare and beautiful spirit of self- They show us what an appeal, a charm lies > sacrifice" which distinguished the Bibis and in this Faith for hearts that are sensitive to > of "the sublime and unmurmuring devotion" its influence. > with which they defied their torture-mon- But the battle which they fought is still > gers. unwon, the Faith for which they died has > To an American correspondent who in not as yet prevailed. In a world, perverse, > after years wrote of these dreadful scenes, preoccupied, obfuscated with doubt and > 'Abdu'l-Bahi replied in a Tablet which has pride, a new opposition has taken form, a > since found its way into print that these new foe has reared his gloomy ramparts > martyrdoms fanned the fire of the love of against the advancing Truth. From their > God, spread the Word of God, uplifted the bloodstained graves the voice of the martyrs > standard of God and drew from the Tree of calls on us believers of a later day, for a > Life fragrances of holiness that were diffused love, a courage as deeply based as theirs > through the world. We of the West have that shall now achieve that ultimate victory > seen the proof of the enduring effects of which their Lord promised them and which > this heroic devotion to God in the deep, their hearts foresaw. > strong, steadfast faith that distinguishes to- Their courage was infinite. None can > day the Bah6'is of the Land of the Martyrs. measure it. Tried to the uttermost it showed > Bah6'u'llih in a great prayer for forgiveness no tremor but only triumphant strength. > of sins has permitted us to plead "the blood Earth's bitterest ciuelty tried to break it but > o f Thy lovers who were so attracted by Thy only made it burn higher and with an in- > sweet utterance that they betook themselves tenser flame. > to the lofty summit of the Mount o f Great Bahi'u'll&h in a Word of Wisdom reveals > Martyrdom." His Pen has written, "0 Son the secret of their power. > of Being! Seek a martyr's death in M y Path "The essence o f courage," He tells us, "is > . . . 0 Son of Man! By M y beauty! T o the promotion o f the Word o f God and > tinge thy hair with thy blood is greater in steadfastness in His love." > My sight than the creation o f the universe The Qur'in writes, "The truly brave are > and the light of both worlds. Strive then to those who stand firm and behave patiently > attain this, 0 servant!" under ills and hardships; their patience is > They gave their lives simply for love of only for God and not to display bravery." > God, that they might be true to Him, be It is the Cause that matters. It is the Cause > close to Him, be united with Him. Love and that distinguishes from all lesser kinds of > longing for God uplifted, transformed them, courage the courage that rises in the soul, > gave them a strange new strength and held that lasts on into the hereafter, that is a > them firm through every trial. permanent possession. It is the Cause that > Nothing less than this divinely given rap- opens these hidden reserves of strength > ture could have animated such utter self- and rapture; and this all-hallowing Cause is > abandonment as was theirs. It was not firm- none other than the selfless service of God > ness of character, not love for the principles and of His Beloved. > of the Faith, not love for its ideals, nor for The story of the martyrs as handed down > its reforms, nor even love for virtue and for to us shows on every page, in every word > the attributes of God, which inspired their that the ground of their heroism was the > heroism: but rather an unreserved, all-ab- ardor of their faith. In Nabil's record and in > sorbing, all-forgetting devotion for one in the testimony of Bibis e o t e d in it, doctrine > Whom they saw God Manifest. fills but little place; faith is all in all. The > Before they knew Him, they had, one and Bib's imprisonment separated Him from > all (even the valiant Husayn, even Tihirih) His disciples and they had few opportunities > been ordinary men and women, with their of receiving His instructions; but through > selfishnesses and their doubts; till love came their deep, strong, ardent faith they reached > upon them and transmuted their whole be- the end of all learning and exhausted knowl- > 894 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > edge-they became one with God. To us in "It is not permissible for two days to re- > this Formative Age doctrine is much, teach- semble each other," said Muhammad. > ing problems are urgent, constructive work The Bhbis were forever eager and active > is vital; yet no service can take the place of in the Cause of God, forever facing danger. > Faith. 'Abdu'l-BahL gave us a command and They associated with one another. They > imposed on us a Covenant: " A s your faith called on the Sacred Name, they chanted > is, so shall your blessings and your powers their prayers together. The joy of their love > be. That is the standard. That is the stand- so radiated from them that it was commonly > ard. That is the standard." said one could not have tea with them with- > Unquestioning belief in the Manifesta- out wishing to join their society. Their ene- > tion; an unshadowed vision of God in Him; mies charged them with magic, with casting > impassioned love for Him; this is the han- spells of love on those who came to them. > dle of every weapon in the armor of the And when the summons came to dare and to > soldiers of Light. die for their Beloved, they were ready. > It is not enough that we should believe; The Source on which they drew for their > we are required to deepen our faith contin- strength is within the reach of all of us . . . > ually. It is not enough to acknowledge Ba- 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has expressed it in these > hi'u711Lh and love Him; we must love Him words:- > more and more. Faith and love are living, "Our Strength is the Strength o f the Blessed > growing, expanding things, as seed, as Perfection! > leaven. A believer once started on his way, Though all mankind unite against us, > cannot stand still without incurring grievous Y e t shall His Strength be ours; > loss. If he does not grow forward, he slips Nor can all the world despoil us o f it. > back. His Strength is our weapon to wield for > "Let your morning be better than your evermore, > evening, and your day an improvement on With it we shall conquer all things. > the morning," was the command of Bahi'- His Strength is a sword that rusteth not, > u31l6h. A treasure that knows no bounds." > > 8 . THE PATH T O G O D > > REVELATION, the Path to God, has To the individual, this is always an invita- > been progressive. Early man could under- tion to sit at the feet of the Master Teacher > stand a little truth; later he could assimilate and renew his own powers. Laying aside > great truth. Fundamentally the truth was the fears imposed today by tradition, the > one. With each appearance of truth, a re- seeker of the Path fearlessly looks for the > birth of powers has attended it; man has stainless mirror of his age. The Jew who > been imbued with divine ideals, and an ever- knows the majesty of Moses, the Christian > advancing civilization has taken new steps who longs to touch the garment hem of > forward. The miracle of new social power Jesus; these are the souls schooled in adora- > is accompanied by the appearance of a Mas- tion. The illumined Writings of Bahi'u'llLh > ter Teacher. The lettered Jews sprang from will bring to these, and to the untutored > the spiritual genius of Moses; the glory of millions, the light of renewed faith and the > ancient Persia reflected the fire of Zoroaster; means of traveling with sovereign power > unfolding Europe lifts her spires to the glori- the immeasurable distances of the Path to > ous Nazarene; the architecture, astronomy, God. > and poetic genius of the Muslim world in the The Words of BahVu'llAh, coming as a > middle centuries bespeak the gift of Muham- part of the unending outpouring of the > mad. "He hath ordained," writes Bah6'- Word of God through the ages, act as the > u'llhh, "that in every age and dispensation, a water of life upon the thirsty soul, refresh- > pure and stainless Soul be made manifest ing, cheering, and bringing forth the powers > in the kingdoms of earth and heaven." of the seeker. Every life needs the emphasis > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 895 > > of the love of God, but some cast about for 4. Healing > a lifetime, failing to find this Holy Grail > of spiritual health and joy. Just as bodies are "There are two ways of healing sickness, > sometimes lacking in the food elements that material means and spiritual means. The > produce health, the soul sometimes stands first is by the use of remedies, of medicines; > in need of a divine physician who can pre- the second consists in praying to God and > scribe the missing elements for spiritual suc- in turning to Him. Both means should be > cess. The few thoughts given here are chosen used and practiced . . . Moreover, they are > from the unlimited mine of wisdom and ex- not contradictory, and thou shouldst accept > planation offered in the Bahi'i Writings. the physical remedies as coming from the > Space permits mention of only a few. mercy and favor of God. . . ." > "0 thou pure and spiritual one! Turn thou > toward God with thy heart beating with His > love, devoted to His praise, gazing toward > Faculties long allowed to rust must be His Kingdom and seeking help from His > Holy Spirit in a state of ecstasy, rapture, > called into activity. Man becomes like a > love, yearning, joy and fragrance. God will > stone unless he continually supplicates to > assist thee, through a Spirit from His Pres- > God. Prayer is the great quickener. There ence, to heal sickness and disease." > is no human being who is not in need of > prayer. 'Abdu'l-BahL said, "0 thou spiritual "Continue in healing hearts and bodies > and seek healing for sick persons by turn- > friend! Thou hast asked the wisdom of > ing unto the Supreme Kingdom and by set- > prayer. Know thou that prayer is indispensa- > ting the heart upon obtaining healing > ble and obligatory, and man under no pre- > through the power of the Greatest Name > text whatsoever is excused from performing > and by the spirit of the love of God." > the prayer unless he be mentally unsound, > or a&ikrmountable obstacle prevent him." > The sincere seeker, however, often asks, 5. Protection > "Why pray, since God knows our needs?' > In response, Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi "Besides all this, prayer and fasting is > mention many of the benefits of prayer. the cause of awakening and mindfulness and > conducive to protection and preservation > 1 . Connection with God from tests." > "The wisdom of prayer is this: That it > causeth a connection between the servant > and the True One, because in that state man "Is there any remover of difficulties save > with all heart and soul turneth his face God! Say, Praise be to God! He is God! All > towards His Highness the Almighty, seeking are His servants and all abide by His bid- > His association and desiring His love and ding." > compassion." "Say, God sufficeth all things above all > things, and nothing in the heavens or in the > 2. Divine Companionship earth but God sufficeth. Verily, He is in > "Verily He responds unto those who in- Himself, the Knower, the Sustainer, the > voke Him, is near unto those who pray unto Omnipotent." > (Prayers of the Bib, the forerunner of > Him. And He is thy Companion in every > loneliness, and befriends every exile." Bahfi'u'llAh, to be used in times of difi- > culty.) > 3. Joy > 7 . Increased capacity > "Know thou that supplication and prayer > is the Water of Life. It is the cause of the "By these attractions one's ability and ca- > vivification of existence and brings glad tid- pacity increase. When the vessel is widened > ings and joy to the soul." the water increaseth and when the thirst > "Know that in every home where God is grows, the bounty of the cloud becomes > praised and prayed to, and His Kingdom agreeable to the taste of man. This is the > proclaimed, that home is a garden of God mystery of supplication and the wisdom of > and a paradise of His happiness." stating one's wants." > 896 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > 8. Effect upon the World pray. The first is a detached spirit. It 'is a lit- > "Intone, 0 My servant, the verses of God tle like closing a window to the noises of the > that have been received by thee, as intoned street, that the strains of the violin within > by them who have drawn nigh unto Him, the room may not be lost. The second is un- > that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle conditional surrender of our own wills to the > thine own soul, and attract the hearts of all Will of God. This is very subtle and very > men. Whoso reciteth, in the privacy of his difficult, for the self is inclined to argue with > chamber, the verses revealed by God, the God and to rationalize its own desires, put- > scattering angels of the Almighty shall scat- ting them always first. How few have the > ter abroad the fragrance of the words ut- singular purity of the child who wanted a > tered by his mouth, and shall cause the heart horse more than anything else in the world, > of every righteous man to throb." and decided to pray for it. After a time her > father said, "God did not answer your > 9. Intercession prayer, did He?'"But of course He did," > she said simply, "He said no!" Concentrated > "Those who have ascended have different attention is the third quality, and the fourth, > attributes from those who are still on earth, true spiritual passion, that ardor and devo- > yet there is no real separation. In prayer tion which distinguishes the apostle from the > there is a mingling of station, a mingling of multitude. Surely God will raise to His very > condition. Pray for them as they pray for Presence the least peasant who whole-heart- > you." edly casts himself at His feet, in preference > Asked whether it was possible through to the kings of the earth who are compla- > faith and love to bring the New Revelation cent. In the highest prayer, man prays only > to the knowledge of those who have de- for the love of God. > parted from this life without having heard of The actual words help concentration. It is > it, 'Abdu'l-Bahi replied, "Yes, surely! since good to repeat the words so that the tongue > sincere prayer always has its effect, and it and heart act together and the mind is bet- > has a great influence in the other world. We ter able to concentrate. Then the whole man > are never cut off from those who are there. is surrounded by the spirit of prayer. The > The real and genuine influence is not in this communes of Bahl'u'llih are like invigorat- > world but in that other." ing breezes; there is great power in using > "He who lives according to what was or- them aloud, for the exalted pen of a Mani- > dained for him-the Celestial Concourse, festation of God is a source of power in the > and the people of the Supreme Paradise, and world. Prayer may be likened to a song; > those who are dwelling in the Dome of both words and music make the song. > Greatness will pray for him, by a Command If prayer is to become a guiding force, a > from God, the Dearest and the praise- protection, a joy, and the source of divine > worthy." companionship, it must become a habit. > "0 Thou Omnipotent Lord! In this great How often a human being waits for the > dispensation Thou dost accept the interces- vicissitudes of life to drive him Godward > sion of the sons and daughters in behalf of when in reality the harmony, health, and full > their parents. This is one of the special, in- victory lie in continual praise and supplica- > finite bestowals of this cycle. Therefore, 0 tion. One needs to be in a perennial state of > Thou kind Almighty, accept the request of prayer. "The greatest happiness for a lover > this Thy servant at the threshold of Thy is to converse with his beloved . . ." > singleness and submerge my mother in the > ocean of Thy Graces." > > The science of going about prayer is so A man's goal is God. He is born to tread > little understood that we find ourselves, in the Path to God. In the words of Bahl'u'- > the words of Tennyson: llih, "The purpose of God in creating man > hath been, and will ever be, to enable him to > "A child crying in the night, know his Creator and to attain His Pres- > A child crying for the light, > And with no language but a cry." ence." > Success depends upon surrender to God > 'Abdu'l-Bahi suggested that there were four at every turn. "0thou who hast surrendered > wonderful qualities that could help us ta thy will to God!" wrote Bah$u'll&h, "By > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS > > self-surrender and perpetual union with God the hearts are made happy, and the spirit of > is meant that men should merge their will attraction is at work." > wholly in the Will of God, and regard their Such a soul has nothing to fear. There is > desires as utter nothingness beside His Pur- no circumstance that cannot be used for > pose." This is the secret of happiness. "The progress on the Path to God. "Nothing save > liberty that profiteth you is to be found no- that which profiteth them can befall My > where except in complete servitude unto loved ones," testified Bahb'u111Lh. "The sea > God, the Eternal Truth. Whoso hath tasted of joy yearneth to attain your presence, for > of its sweetness will refuse to barter it for all every good thing hath been created for you, > the dominion of earth and heaven." and will, according to the needs of the times, > Those on the Path are conscious of this be revealed unto you." > joy. They have a sense of victory that no Radiant acquiesence to the Will of God > circumstance, however ruthless, is able to means obedience to His Commands and con- > destroy. When the earliest Bahb'i pilgrims tentment in all that befalls, but it never > found their way to the prison city af 'Akki, means inertia, laziness, and slothful living. > 'Abdu'l-BahL would often call in such radi- Activity in God's Will is the law of victory. > ant souls as the aged Haydar-'Ali, who, be- God can no more guide an inactive soul than > cause of his great suffering and saintly char- a man can guide a car while it stands by the > acter, was called the angel of 'AkkP. When side of the road, inert. "Pray and act," Mar- > the American visitors seemed discontented tha would say. Action attracts the answer to > with their lot, 'Abdu'l-Bahi would say that the prayer. That is the reason for the im- > Haydar-'Ali had also suffered; that he had portance of deeds in victorious living. > been dragged across a desert with his head 'Abdu'l-Bahh wrote, "By faith is meant, first, > in a sack! But Haydar-'Ali made always the conscious knowledge, and second, the prac- > same reply, "I have known only the joy of tice of good deeds." These deeds are the > serving my Lord." wealth of the friends of God. > Lady Blomfield, foremost early Bahb'i of Those who have arisen to teach these > England, records the tender moments when truths have all experienced the confirming > 'Abdu'l-BahL made His journey through the power of assistance which BahL'u'llLh prom- > West, and interviewed, under her own roof, ised to His sincere servants. "A company of > so many of the thoughtful of that land. Our chosen angels shall go forth with them, > When the people said, "We are glad, oh! so as bidden by Him Who is the Almighty, the > glad that you are free," He replied: All-Wise . . . If he be kindled with the fire > "To me prison was freedom. of His love, . . . the words he uttereth shall > "Troubles are a rest to me. set on fire them that hear him. Verily thy > "Death is life. Lord is the Omniscient, the All-Informed. > "To be despised is honor. Happy is the man that hath heard Our voice > "Therefore I was full of happiness all and answered Our call. He, in truth, is of > through that prison time. them that shall be brought nigh unto us." > "When one is released from the prison of Even daily work done in the spirit of serv- > self, that is indeed freedom! For self is the ice is an important part of victorious living, > greatest prison. for it is accounted by Bahb'u'llLh as wor- > "When this release takes place, one can ship. He writes, "We have made this, your > never be imprisoned. Unless one accepts dire occupation, identical with the worship of > vicissitudes,- not with dull resignation, but God, the True One." Living apart for pious > with radiant acquiesence, one cannot attain worship is therefore discouraged. As Jesus > this freedom." gave His life to men in the market places, so > Martha Root, greatest of the first century must our spirituality find practical expres- > BahL'i teachers, knew the secret. On her last sion among the people. > No life is victorious that cannot live with > historic journey through the West, she was > its fellows. "Blessed is he who mingleth with > asked the secret of her success and happi- all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness and > ness. This plain little woman who had stood love." A BahB'i drops away all forms of ar- > before queens and emperors with such un- rogance. His door is open to black and > deniable power, replied thoughtfully, "It is white, rich and poor, fellow countryman and > important to find out God's first choice foreign born. "Ye are the fruits of one tree, > about everything. Then the bounties flow, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one > 898 T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > with another with the utmost love and har- ours. Their work, the work of the Kingdom > mony . . . So powerful is the light of unity is like ours but it is sanctified from time and > that it can illuminate the whole earth." The place. "It is as if a kind gardener transfers > practice of social unity by a mere handful a fresh and tender shrub from a narrow > of the champions of God must slowly give place to a vast region. This transference is > rise to the harmony of the race. not the cause of the withering, the waning 0.r > the destruction of that shrub, nay rather it > makes it grow and thrive, acquire freshness > and delicacy and attain verdure and frui- > The Path to God is a stream of upward tion." > consciousness; it does not end with this small BahL'u'llih speaks of the power bestowed > world. Our existence here may be likened to upon the faithful in the world of continu- > an acorn which, if quickened with life, be- ance. "The soul that hath remained faithful > comes an oak. Or it may be likened to a to the Cause of God, and stood unwaver- > child in the matrix of the mother as it de- ingly firm in His Path shall, after his ascen- > velops its faculties of sight, hearing, and the sion, be possessed of such power that all the > like, for use in this world. So does the soul worlds which the Almighty hath created can > treat this world as a place of beginning in benefit through him. Such a soul provideth, > which it develops its spiritual faculties for at the bidding of the Ideal King and Divine > use in all the worlds of God. The Word of Educator, the pure leaven that leaveneth the > God quickens the soul as the spring sunshine world of being, and furnisheth the power > quickens the acorn, and from a single Word through which the arts and wonders of the > of even one of the Prophets or Manifesta- world are made manifest. Consider how > tions of God, a soul may attain to the stream meal needeth leaven to be leavened with. > of consciousness. Many are the assurances Those souls that are the symbols of detach- > of BahL'u'llhh and 'Abdu'l-Bahi concerning ment are the leaven of the world. Meditate > this journey for the soul who faithfully sets on this, and be of the thankful." > out on the path to God. And again, joy is the keynote! "0 Son of > First we must know that there is con- the Supreme! I have made death a mes- > tinuance. The true believer will "eternally senger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou > live and endure. His spirit will everlastingly grieve? I made the light to shed on thee its > circle round the Will of God. He will last as splendor. Why dost thou veil thyself there- > long as God, Himself, will last . . . It is from?" > evident that the loftiest mansions in the "Death proffereth unto every confident > Realm of Immortality have been ordained as believer the cup that is life indeed. It be- > the habitation of them that have truly be- stoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It > lieved in God and in His signs. Death can conferreth the gift of everlasting life. As to > never invade that holy seat." those who have tasted of the fruit of man's > The other world is a world of knowledge earthly existence, which is the recognition of > and memory. "Undoubtedly the holy souls the one true God, exalted be His glory, their > who find a pure eye and are favored with in- life hereafter is such as We are unable to > sight will in the kingdom of lights be ac- describe. The knowledge thereof is with God > quainted with all mysteries, and will seek the alone, the Lord of all the worlds." > bounty of witnessing the reality of every "0 my servants! Sorrow not if, in these > great soul. Even they will manifestly behold days and on this earthly plane, things con- > the Beauty of God in that world." "The trary to your wishes have been ordained and > mysteries of which man is heedless in this manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, > earthly world, those will he discover in the of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for > heavenly world, and there will he be in- you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, > formed of the secret of truth; how much will be unveiled to your eyes." > more will he recognize or discover persons The greatest gift of all, bestowed in the > with whom he hath been associated." worlds of light, must be the gift of com- > Not a static heaven, but a busy, active panionship with the holy souls of every age. > condition, bright with growth and progress, The heart is immediately stirred by such a > is visualized for us by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Those possibility. The grandeur of Moses comes > who have passed on through death have a close to us; we sit again at the feet of Jesus > sphere of their own. It is not removed from the Christ! In short, we come to the conclu- > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 899 > > sion that the true believer of this illumined macy with God through His Messenger. > time is the associate and intimate of the Revelation, the open door to God, is forever > apostles of former times. "Likewise will they linked with the Revelator. With one gracious > find all the friends of God, both those of the gesture God bestows upon the world a di- > former and recent times, present in the heav- vine physician, a lawgiver, a perfect pattern, > enly assemblage." "Blessed is the soul which, and a point of union with its God. Happy is > at the hour of its separation from the body, the heart that experiences fusion with the > is sanctified from the vain imaginings of the Manifestation of God's Perfection. Paul > peoples of the world. Such a soul liveth and would be made alive in Christ Jesus. Ste- > moveth in accordance with the Will of its phen, radiant even as the excited mob > Creator, and entereth the all-highest Para- hurled him from the cliff, cries, "Behold, I > dise. The maids of Heaven, inmates of the see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand > loftiest mansions, will circle around it, and of God the Father." 'Ali, youthful disciple > the Prophets of God and His chosen ones of this day, proclaims as he offers his life, > will seek its companionship. With them that "If I recant, whither shall I go? In Him, I > soul will freely converse, and will recount have found my paradise." The Word of God > unto them that which it hath been made to is the Water of Life, one Word throughout > endure in the path of God, the Lord of all cycles and ages. The soul, refreshed by new > worlds. If any man be told that which hath waters, finds itself yet on the old Path, the > been ordained for such a soul in the worlds ancient, eternal Path. To tread that Path > of God, the Lord of the throne on high and with dignity and joy, through this world and > of earth below, his whole being will instantly hereafter, is every man's birthright. There- > blaze out in his great longing t o attain that fore, once in about a thousand years, God, > most exalted, that sanctified and resplendent in His great compassion, clears the Path of > station." superstition and division, that the Way may > An American friend who had enjoyed the be made plain once more for the sincere > privilege of more than one visit to 'Akkb seeker. And so Bahi'u'llbh has come. > during the days of the exile of 'Abdu'l-Bahb, Today the stage is set for the greatest spir- > related an incident that took place at His itual drama of history, for the rebirth of the > table. With her sat persons of varied races, powers of the human race will be for the > some of them traditional enemies who had first time world wide and in proportion to > now grown so to love one another that life infinitely higher development. The coming > and fortune would not have been too much of BahL'u'llbh marks the close of a great > to give if called upon to do so. As the reality cycle, the beginning of one infinitely greater. > of their love gradually became plain to her, Man has come of age; a world-wide unity > there was born a ray of the knowledge of the will appear, enjoyed by a new race. BahB'u'- > intimacy of the near ones in the world be- llbh is the Father promised by Isaiah, the > yond. When the meal drew to a close, Michael spoken of by Daniel, the Spirit of > 'Abdu'l-Bahb spoke of the immortal worlds. Truth prophesied by Jesus, the Mihdi fore- > As nearly as she could remember, the words > told by Muhammad, the Friend promised by > he spoke were these: "We have sat together > many times before, and we shall sit together Gautama, the S_biih Bahrdm of Zoroaster. > many times again in the Kingdom. We shall His coming is the bow of promise in the sky. > laugh together very much in those times, and "The universe is wrapped in an ecstasy of > we shall tell of the things that befell us in joy and gladness." "Peerless is this Day, for > the Path of God. In every world of God a it is as the eye to past ages and centuries, > new Lord's Supper is set for the faithful!" and as a light unto the darkness of the > The secret of so great a fulfillment is inti- times." > 900 T H E BAHA'I: W O R L D > > 9. A N I T A L I A N SCIENTIST E X T O L S > T H E BAB > > A M O N G the apostles of modem science Dr. Carlo Lessona, was at the time the di- > and liberty of thought, a prominent place rector of the well-known veterinary schod > belongs to Michele Lessona, an Italian, of Venaria, and this fact might explain the > whose sincere and courageous words in- boy's early interest in scientific study. In > spired and helped mold the character of at 1846 Michele Lessona obtained a degree of > least two generations of Italians. medicine and surgery from the Royal Uni- > A scientist, a writer, a philosopher, an ex- versity of Turin. Immediately after gradua- > plorer and an educator, Professor Lessona tion he went to Egypt and, although rather > stands out-with a stature that towers above young, was appointed Chief of the =in > that of many a well-known scientist-as one Kah Hospital in Cairo. > of the foremost thinkers of the nineteenth In 1849 he returned to Italy and became > century. an instructor in Natural History, first in Asti > He was born September 20, 1823, in Ve- and then in Turin. In 1854, at the age of 31, > naria Reale, a suburb of Turin. His father, he was appointed Professor of Mineralogy > and Zoologv at the Roval Universitv of Gen- > oa. In 18?j4, after hi; return fro& Persia, > he taught f i s t at the University of Bologna > and then at the University of Turin. Here > he occupied in 1865 the Chairs of Zoology > and Comparative Anatomy, becoming in > 1877 the Rector of that University. > During his life Michele Lessona produced > a variety of scientific and literary works. > Among his classical publications are to be > remembered an illustrated treatise on nat- > ural history, in several volumes; his master- > piece on ethics, Power and Will; Confessions > of a Rector; Memoirs of an Old Professor; > and the translation into Italian of the best > known works of Darwin, Samuel Smiles, > John Lubbock, and many others. > In 1892 King Humbert of Italy made him > a Senator for life, a well-deserved recom- > pense for his patriotism, leadership and > learning. He passed away, amidst universal > sorrow, on July 20, 1894, in his beloved > Turin. > In 1862 Professor Lessona had been ap- > pointed physician to the diplomatic delega- > tion that went to Persia at that time to es- > tablish relations between the newly created > Kingdom of Italy and the government of > Niviri'd-Din Khhih. > Immediately on his arrival in Tabriz, he > met a Persian of high lineage, D&id K_hhLn, > who, having lived for many years in Italy, > spoke Italian perfectly. From this gentleman > Lessona learned of the Bib; movement, and > Professor Michele Lessona. he became fascinated with the life of the > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 901 > > BAb and His heroic ministry. When oppor- > tunity permitted, he tried to visit places con- > nected with the history of the BAb, and he > had the opportunity to converse, many > times and at length, with Count de Gobi- > neau, the French ambassador to the court > of the S_hkh. When he returned to Italy Pro- > fessor Lessona wrote a book Hunting in > Persia and a precious little monograph of > sixty-six pages entitled I Babi. > Fernando Morosi, a BahB'i of Rome and > a book dealer by profession, recently found > a copy of this book, which was immediately > dispatched to Haifa and is now in the cus- > tody of Shoghi Effendi. It represents one of > the very first documentations, made by an > European, of the episode of the Bkb. > The little book was printed in 1881 by the > Royal Typographer Vincenzo Bona of Turin > and contains a good narrative of the life of > the Bkb and other personal considerations of > the author concerning the Bkbi movement. > Some of the episodes he relates differ Title Page of Lessona's History of the > slightly from the accounts in the well-known Bkbi Movement, written in 1862 and > histories by Browne, de Gobineau, and published in 1881 in Turin, Italy- > Nabil-i-Zarandi.' There are, however, other one of the earliest European accounts > parts of the book which I would like to bring of the life and martyrdom of the Bkb. > to the attention of the reader. > After presenting his informant, Dkfid desire to learn. Mirzk 'Ali-Muhammad > Khkn, the author comments: "Religious dis- showed ardor similarly in religious practices > cussions are of comfort to the misfortunate . . ." "He would converse with the Rabbis > who are oppressed by tyranny and always of Shirkz. He would investigate the doctrine > stripped, or about to be stripped, of every- of the Gabras" . . It is also certain that > thing they own." he studied the Gospels, a rather easy matter, > Presenting the figure of the BLb, he says: thanks to the volumes of the Bible and the > "Forty years ago, in the city of SJhirAz, Gospel translated into the Persian language > there left childhood and entered puberty a which the British disseminated in all of Per- > youth that for his singular potency of intel- sia . . . A bad translation in poor style, > lect, for his extraordinary application to without the imagination and the floweriness > study, his profound religious tendencies, his of these sacred books." > loving nature, for his energy of character, "The present SJhkh, Nksiri'd-Din, some- > grace of body and beauty of countenance, times during his luncheon requests the read- > awakened admiration and affection in every- ing of the Bible in Persian and sometimes > one who had occasion to deal with him, and he laughs, and then the courtiers burst into a > captivated all the love of his teachers and clamorous laughter and for a few days they > relatives. The name of this youth was Mil-zk speak only of that verse, or word, which > 'Ali-Muhammad. It was said later that his has provoked the hilarity of the sovereign." > family was of the high nobility, one of those Speaking of the clergy, Lessona observes: > descending from the Prophet by way of the "The clergy of Persia is extremely cor- > Imam Husayn . . . It is certain that his r~lpt;at the same time it administers religion > family was wealthy and that he was en- and justice-the first badly, the second > couraged in every manner in his most ardent worse; it falsifies wills, defrauds of posses- > sions, sells justice, practices usury and in- > 1 Edward G . Browne, translator and editor of A . > dulges in debauchery . . The powerful > Traveller's Narrative; M . le Comte de Gohineau, au- > thor of Les Religions et les Philosophies dans I'Asie 2 Gabr (or grrebre), a term used contemptuously to > Centrale; and Muhammad-i-Zarandi, surnamed Nabil-i- designate the Zoroastrian priesthood (see A Traveller's > A'zam, author of The Dawn-Breakers. Narrative, page 34, footnote 1). > T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > ones are in fear of it, the lowly scoff at it, and I still found frightening traces of the > the masses despise and exploit it, ready to devastation which had taken place." > deride and ridicule it or to rise up at its call Referring to the difficulty of securing > to revolt. Every mosque has a larger or more information on the Bhbi movement, he > smaller number of beggars who live off scant adds: > charity and become instruments of violence, ". . . In Persia it is impossible to speak > plunder and death in the hands of the of the Bdbis or to learn something about > priests." their affairs. The terror which this name > Professor Lessona then speaks of Dr. awakens is such that no one dares to speak, > Polak3 who, at the time, was physician to or even think, of it. The Italians whom I > the SJhih and who wrote books of medicine found in Tihrin, and who proved extremely > in Persian. Relating in detail the history of kind in every way, wanted to tell me little > the Bibis, he mentions the eighteen Letters or nothing about the Bhbis, or were unable > of the Living4 of one of whom, Mulld Hu- to do so; the same was true of Europeans of > sayn, he writes: "He was a very learned other nationality in Tihrkn, Tabriz or R a a t . > man, both in religion and jurisprudence: N i c o l a ~ ,with > ~ whom I made the long jour- > daring, austere and fiery." ney from Tihrin to St. Petersburg, started to > Returning to the beginning of the ministry speak to me about them only after we passed > of the Bhb, he says: . > the Persian frontier . . Count de Gobi- > ". . . His style was imaginative and sub- neau, in the village of Gezer near Tihrin, > lime, not like anything human; thus to his would narrate to me episodes about this sect, > quality of a most eloquent orator he added making the hours of the evening pass as > that of an inimitable writer. And while he lightning while he wrote its history and read > preached, discussed and taught in the to me some chapters . . . Gathering mate- > mosques, in the colleges, in the streets, in rial for the history of the Bib, which he was > his house, everywhere they were reading doing at the time, was fraught with danger > aloud his verses, often interrupting with cries in the heart of Persia, even for a Minister > of the most ardent admiration. In all of of the French Emperor . . ." > S_hirdz they did not speak of anything else Referring to VBmb6ry's critical com- > but the Bib, everyone was filled with en- ments on the episode of SJhaya T a b a r ~ i , ~ > thusiasm for him . . . The house of the Lessona states: ". . . this judgment is en- > Bib was crowded, night and day, with new tirely unjust and a thousand miles from the > converts to his faith; to him came men rich truth, if we want to apply it to the precepts > in possessions, men of intellect and energy, of the Bhb . . . These precepts are in a > and among the very first many mullis en- symbolical language and, amidst mystic > rolled under his banner." formulas, we found the sweet doctrines of > The author speaks of Qurratu'l-'Ayn5 and the Bib, respectf~dof the past but made to > the siege of Tabarsi; and, having visited contrast with formalism and to make the > Zanjhn: he states: "I visited that city ten spirit of goodness prevail . . . The Bhb and > years after the happenings I have related, Qurratu'l-'Ayn were purified from any > thought of violence and their lives were > 3 Dr. 3. E. Polak, author of Persien. Das Land und > seine Bewohner (1865), was also professor at the > m e d with love for their fellow men and > Medical College of Tihriin (A Traveller's Narrative, with enthusiasm for the Faith . . ." > Note A, p. 203). In relating the atrocious tortures inflicted > 4 "The Bib's chosen disciples" (God Passes By, by > Shoghi Effendi, p. 5); their names are listed in The on the Bibis, Lessona relates: > Dawn-Breakers, pp. 80-81. > 5 Qurratu'l-'Ayn, "the only woman enrolled by the > . > ". . The Xhdh and the Sadr-i-A'zam > B&b as one of the Letters of the Living" (God Passes (Prime Minister) feared a revolution, seeing > By, p. 731, given the title Tdhirih (the Pure One) by conspirators all around them; they thought > Bahi'u'llih, "the lovely but ill-fated poetess of Qasvin" therefore to devise some scheme that would > (Curzon) became well known throughout Europe for > her efforts in behalf of the education of the women of involve the largest number of persons. The > Persia. > 6 For an account of the eleven-months' siege of 313 8 Monsieur J. B. Nicolas, Interpreter of the Impe- > followers of the Bib at the shrine of &hay@ Tabarsi, rial French Embassy in Tihr5n and father of A. L. M. > a few miles south of Bbrfufish, by the army of the Nicolas, author of Siyyid 'Alf-Muhammad dit le Bdb, > Khhsh, see God Passes By, pp. 38-42, and Dawn- Paris, Dujaraic & Co., 1905. > Breakers, pp. 343-429. It was during this siege that 9 Hermann VimbBry, author of Meine Wanderun- > Mull& Husayn and Quddds were killed. gen und Erleb?tisse in Persien (1867), writes concern- > 7 The uprising against the followers of the Bib at ing the siege of Khaykh Tabarsl pp. 286-303), according > Zanjin is described in God Passes By, pp. 44-46, and to Browne, in A Traveller's Narrative, Note A, p. 206; > in chapter 24 of The Dawn-Breakers. see also pp. 37-39. > ARTICLES A N D REVIEWS > > CART&DELLAPERSW > > Map of Persia, made in 1845. > > S_h&hthen schemed to deliver the Bgbis to . . ."lo "From that day," the author con- > the various civil and military employees, tinues, "eighteen years have passed and in > charging them to put said Bkbis to death. Persia the same sovereign, Nggri'd-Din > From the type of torture inflicted on the S_h&h, reigns, always diffident, always sus- > victims, from the most heinous manner in pecting, always in fear of the Biibis. From > which they would be put to death, he could time to time they arrest some one, condemn > judge their, zeal . . . Those who had not him very often to despoliation for the reason > enough imagination to find new tortures that he is a BLbi but more often using this as > went to the Kalantar who knew how to sug- > gest others . . . That Kalantar then ac- 10 This system of persecution is attested also by > Nabil, op. cit., p. 612, footnote 2, and by Browne, op. > quired many titles to the S_h&h'sbenevolence cit., Note T, p. 328. > 904 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D > > an excuse. The governors of the provinces gate. Wisely he answers it himself by quoting > thus have an easy method of taking all the one of Manzoni's verses: > possessions of a poor victim who has put "To posterity the arduous judgment!" > something aside. The government says that The great friendship born in Persia be- > Bibism is extinguished, but it operates as if tween Lessona and Count de Gobineau had > it were alive . . ." its strange epilogue in Turin. After the fall > "A new Bib, successor to the first, lives of the French Empire, de Gobineau, exiled > in Baghdid, outside the government of the from his native France, spent part of the > &ih. F r o m there he is in touch with all year in Italy and part in Germany. > Persia and has disseminated Bibism in all On the evening of October 12, 1882, a > those provinces and even in the Indies of distinguished looking and elegantly dressed > the Orient." gentleman, on his way to Pisa, became ill in > This correspondent was thrilled in reading a hotel bus in Turin. He was taken to the > these words, because of all the early Euro- Hotel Liguria and there this traveler died, > pean historians of the Faith Michele Lessona the early morning of October 13, attended > makes a direct and unmistakable reference by the hotel owner and some of the servants. > to Bahb'u'llih, Who the following year in The hand of fate had made it possible for > Baghdid made His Declaration in the Rid- Count Arthur Joseph de Gobineau to sleep > vin, forever in Italian soil and in the same town > The author ends his monograph by put- where Michele Lessona lived and where Les- > ting before the reader the question whether sons, himself, twelve years later was laid to > the Bibi doctrine would survive and propa- rest. > > 1 0 . T H E B A H A ' I F A I T H A N D WOR.LD > GOVERNMENT* > > AS INEVITABLY as the upward swing the universal-faith; . . . on an explana- > of the pendulum is followed by a downward tion of the relation between matter and > stroke, or as synthesis emerges from the in- ~pirit."~ > teraction of thesis and antithesis, modern In response to this almost unconscious but > thinkers are countering the coldly rational apparently fundamental need, and possibly > materialistic bent of the late nineteenth cen- because older religious forms have all too > tury with a new appreciation of the basic conspicuously failed to bring to the masses > need for humans to believe in something be- either individual or international peace, new > yond the laboratories of physical science. A religious movements are beginning to re- > historian, Toynbee, has pointed out that the ceive the attention of mankind. It should be > practical extinction of faith in Western so- a matter of some encouragement that one > ciety is "the supreme danger to the spiritual new religious approach which has been pre- > health and even to the material existence of eminently successful in gaining active and > the Western body social-a deadlier danger, loyal adherents in every continent of the > by far, than any of our hotly canvassed and globe, and in every country where freedom > loudly advertised political and economic of religious discussion is permitted, is a faith > maladies."l A biophysicist, du Noiiy, has which places among its most basic purposes > emphasized the necessity for basing a new the establishment of a world commonwealth. > moral development "on a unification, a Despite suppression and persecution from > reconciliation of the rational-science-with civil and from ecclesiastical authorities both > in Persia, the land of its birth, and in the > *This article appeared in Common Cazrse, 4:92, > September, 1950, and is reprinted here by permission Turkish Empire, to which it was carried in > of the author and the publishers, The University of > Chicago Press. > 1 Arnold 3. Toynbee, A Study o f History. London, ZLecomte du Nouy, Human Destiny. New York, > Oxford University Press, 1939, vol. V. p. 671. Longmans, Green & Co., 1947, p. 256. > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 905 > > its very earliest days, after barely one hun- as the Bib (i.e., Gate), made the announce- > dred years the Bahi'i faith, flourishing in ment that he was the promised one whose > some sixty countries, developed an interna- coming was to fulfill messianic prophecy. > tional nongovernmental organization recog- His specific mission, he stated, was to pre- > nized by the United Nations Economic and pare Persia and the world for the advent of > Social Council, and was sending its repre- a second prophet who would bring a mes- > sentatives, including American citizens, to sage even more significant than his own. His > participate in a conference on human rights writings eventually included prayers, com- > at G e n e ~ a . ~ mentaries on passages in the Qur'in, and > Further interest is lent to the story of the moral exhortations calling on his followers > BahL'i faith when it is realized that this to sever themselves from worldly things, rely > progress has been accomplished by a group on God, and maintain themselves com- > without clergy or priesthood; thus it can pletely ready to accept the prophet who was > hardly be argued that an ecclesiastical hier- to follow. As to his relation with the later > archy has advanced the BahL'i teachings in Manifestation, the Bib wrote: > order to preserve and extend its own vested "I am a letter out of that most mighty > interest. Knowledge of the Bahi'i teachings, book and a dewdrop from that limitless > on the contrary, has been spread from conti- ocean, and when He shall appear, my true > nent to continent and from country to coun- nature . . . will become evident, and the > try by individual lay members who have embryo of this religion shall develop . . . > been so inspired with enthusiasm and so and attain to the station of 'the most comely > convinced that these teachings answered the of forms.' " 6 > fundamental needs of modern society that The new code of religious law, the new > they have taken it on themselves' to give their example of moral and spiritual reform set > time, means, and energy to traveling, and by the Bib, were in such marked contrast to > even to living for extended periods of time, the standards of the day that they were con- > in communities and countries other than sidered by corrupt civil and religious leaders > their own, for the sole purpose of sharing as involving a mortal threat to established in- > their new faith with other^.^ When it is real- terests. Like every social reformer, the Bib > ized that every adherent of this belief, in was vilified bitterly by those who were the > whatever country he may be found, has most guilty of excesses, and it was soon > wholeheartedly accepted the principles of found possible to imprison him in the name > world government and world citizenship, it of religious orthodoxy. His followers by the > seems not inappropriate to inquire in some thousand were tortured and slain by fiendish > detail into the history and philosophy of the methods paling even Fox's Book of Martyrs; > BahL'i faith. and after six years of confinement, the Bib > himself was publicly executed by an army > BRIEF HISTORYOF THE B A HFAITH' > ~ ~ firing squad at Tabriz on July 9, 1850. > Yet here the typical pattern of religious > At SJhirh on May 23, 1844, Siyyid 'Ali- history was repeated: the new religion grew > Muhammad, who afterward became known under persecution, beginning to make head- > way even among the elite and ruling class. > 3 United Nations. Economic and Social Council. It was from a family of this sort, his father > Committee on Arrangements for Consultation with being a minister of state, that there came > Non-Governmental Organizations. Report o f the Con- > ferences Called by the Ad Hoc Committee o f Con- Mirzi Husayn 'Ali, who later was known as > sultative Non-Governmental Organizations. E/C.2/98 Bahl'u'llih (i.e., Glory of God). During the > (June 2, 1948),p. 6. (For additional material concern- > ing official BahL'i contacts with the United Nations, lifetime of the Bgb this individual accepted > see pages 597-615. Editors.) his message; and after the Bib's martyrdom, > 4 One such example out of many was recently men- > tioned by Martha Gellhorn in her article on Luxem- > Bahl'u'llih became one of his best-known > bourg, "Party Girl in Paradise," Saturday Evening followers. His noble birth did not prevent > Post, January 7 , 1950, vol. 222, No. 28, p. 25. his paying a price for his faith: stripped of > 5 A n excellent book on Bahb'i history from the > Bahb'i viewpoint is Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, his wealth and possessions, He was impris- > Wilmette, Ill., Bahi'i Publishing Committee, 1944. An oned, tortured, and finally, with his family, > adequate summary of the Bahb'i teachings as well as > a historical account will be found in Emeric Sala, This exiled to Baghdid, > - then a part of the Turkish > Earth One Country, Boston, Bruce Humphries, Inc., Empire. > 1945, pp. 102-81. For the viewpoint of a well-known > historian, see Arnold J. Toynbee, op. cit., vol. 5, pp. 6 Quoted in Edward G. Browne, A Traveller's Nar- > 174-176, 665. rative. Cambridge, The University Press, 1891. p. 54. > 906 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > As the years passed, Bahi'u'llbh's spiritual (i.e., Servant of Bahb). Early in his child- > station became so evident as to attract large hood 'Abdu'l-BahA had understood His fa- > numbers of visitors from various parts of ther's peculiar station; although only in His > Persia. Once again the religious leaders felt twenties when the incarceration at 'AkkL > the established order to be in jeopardy; the began, 'Abdu'l-Bahb had developed into His > Turkish government was prevailed upon to father's most trusted lieutenant, gradually > cooperate; BahBu'llbh and his family were taking on Himself more and more of the > summoned to appear in Constantinople. administrative detail involved in Bah2u'- > While preparing to leave, on April 21, 1863, llbh's relationships with officials and visitors > Bahi'u'llbh announced to a group of sincere and so freeing His father for meditation and > well-wishers that he was the promised one the recording of His message. As the first > whom the BLb had foretold. person to believe in Bahi'u'llbh's mission, > Almost a hundred persons insisted on ac- and the foremost exemplar in His personal > companying Bahi'u'llbh and sharing His life of BahBu'llbh's teachings, 'Abdu'l-Bahb > hardships; after a few months in Constanti- was preeminently qualified to hold together > nople, the entire group was moved in the and encourage the BahBis. During His life- > dead of winter, without adequate clothing or time the number of believers continued to > food, to Adrianople. It was in this city that increase, and the new faith began to receive > Bahi'u'llih publicly announced His mission, the serious attention of Westerners. > and from this time, His followers were Pilgrims from the United States arrived > called BahP'is. as early as 1894; others came from England > A few years later, the group was moved and the continent. In many cities of Europe > again, this time to the ancient fortress- and America, Bahi'i groups were formed. > prison of 'Akkb (Acre) in Palestine [now After changing political conditions in Tur- > Israel]. Here the most rigid conditions were key resulted in freeing all political and re- > imposed: Some eighty persons, including ligious prisoners, 'Abdu'l-Bahb at the age > women and children, were crowded into a of sixty-seven visited Europe. The year was > few dirty rooms. Malaria and dysentery were 1911; to a world standing on the brink of > prevalent; food and water foul. After a few catastrophe, He brought a message of peace > years of such conhement, restrictions were and unity. During the following year, He > again relaxed, and Bahi'u'llbh with His fam- spent nine months in the United States and > ily was permitted to occupy a small house Canada, speaking in cities from coast to > and move about within the city walls. Still coast. Many persons active in Bahi'i affairs > later, He was permitted to move to a nearby in the United States today still have vivid > rural location. memories of their conversations with 'Ab- > Although pilgrims visited Him during the du'l-Bahb. > latter years of His life, His long imprison- Just as BahBu'llbh had provided in writ- > ment and exile prevented BahP'u'llbh from ing that, after His departure, 'Abdu'l-Bahb > personally teaching large numbers of people. was to be the recognized center of the move- > Instead, He put His message in writing, and ment and interpreter of the writings, so > these writings today form the basis of the 'Abdu'l-Bahb in turn provided for an un- > Bahi'i faith. In them, BahBu'llbh sounded broken succession of the central responsibil- > the great call to spiritual excellence and ity. After His death on November 28, 1921, > moral perfection which the world has come it was found that His will and testament > to associate with its most highly developed established a new institution: that of the > religious thought; but in addition, He placed Guardianship. By explaining the duties of > a new emphasis on the social aspects of hu- the Guardian and outlining the manner in > man relationship, and in outlining the obli- which future Guardians were to be selected, > gation of the individual to society, in effect 'Abdu'l-Bahb was able to forestall those > He laid the foundation for a future world ruinous schisms with which the question of > commonwealth. authorized succession has plagued other > established re1igions.l > After the passing of BahBu'llAh from this As first Guardian, 'Abdu'l-BaM chose His > life on May 28, 1892, spiritual leadership of grandson, Shoghi Effendi, who is still dis- > the nascent BahVi community fell upon the charging > - - the function. Under Shoghi Effen- > shoulders of His oldest son, 'Abbh Effendi, 7 Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Wilmette, > who became better known as 'Abdu'l-Bah6 Ill., National BahL'i Office, 1944. > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 907 > > di's leadership, the world center of the Ba- stress,es the necessity of ethical and moral > hVi Faith has been established at Haifa, local personal conduct; but, unlike them, it goes > BahL'i institutions have been consolidated in beyond this to make its chief immediate con- > hundreds of cities throughout the world, cern the creation of a world government and > and national institutions set up in nine coun- a world culture based on justice. Rather than > tries where the number of believers neces- insisting that one religion is true and others > sitates such an organization. Of parallel erroneous, BahL'u'lllh demonstrates that all > importance with the forming of the adminis- established religions are divine in origin, and > trative framework has been the progressive have marked important stages in social evo- > elucidation of BahB'u'lllh's program arising lution; adherents of all may therefore with > from the Guardian's accurate translations of complete consistency join hands in a world > BahB'uYlllh'swritings, together with his own faith embodying their highest ideals. Union > original works, in which he has applied the of all peoples in a world faith with mutual > teachings of Bahi'u'lllh to current and fu- respect for all previous prophets He consid- > ture woild problems. ers essential to the formation of an inte- > grated world community. > How completely the teachings of BahL'- > u'lliih are intended to affect society is shown > in the words of Shoghi Effendi: > In His North American talks, 'Abdu'l- "The principle of the Oneness of Mankind > Bahl emphasized over and over that the -the pivot round which all the teachings of > purpose of religion must be to promote unity BahL'u'lllh revolve-is no mere outburst of > and concord, and that in this day, no unity ignorant emotionalism or an expression of > less than that of the entire human race could vague and pious hope. Its appeal is not to be > be considered as an adequate goal.8 This merely identified with a reawakening of the > unity, He pointed out, must have a spiritual spirit of brotherhood and good-will among > basis in order to overcome the innate self- men, nor does it aim solely at the fostering > seeking tendencies so much in evidence to- of harmonious cooperation among individ- > day; but it must be expressed in concrete ual peoples and nations. Its implications are > social institutions and not confined to mere deeper, its claims greater than any which > sentimentality. For example, He insisted that the Prophets of old were allowed to advance. > equal opportunities and rights must be Its message is applicable not only to the in- > granted to women, at a time when this was dividual, but concerns itself primarily with > generally considered an idealistic dream; He the nature of those essential relationships > showed that capital and labor must cooper- that must bind all the states and nations as > ate in harmony, as each was essential to the members of one human family. It does not > other: a viewpoint which even yet can constitute merely the enunciation of an > hardly be called popular. Universal educa- ideal, but stands inseparably associated with > tion and an unfettered individual investiga- an institution adequate to embody its truth, > tion of truth were also part of the program; demonstrate its validity, and perpetuate its > this would result in immeasurably raising influence. It implies an organic change in the > both cultural and scientific standards. A structure of present-day society, a change > world auxiliary language must be agreed such as the world has not yet experienced. > upon and taught in every school throughout . . . It calls for no less than the reconstruc- > the world: thus every person could commu- tion and the demilitarization of the whole > nicate directly with any other without fear civilized world-a world organically unifled > of misunderstanding or embarrassment. But in all the essential aspects of its life, its po- > above all, He pointed out, the Bahi'i teach- litical machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its > ings furnished a definite foundation on which trade and finance, its script and language, > to construct a world commonwealth. Just as and yet infinite in the diversity of the na- > previous religious teachings have dealt with tional characteristics of its federated units."D > individual discipline, He showed that Ba- It is implicit in the BahPi teachings that > hL'u'llih offers a formula for social disci- world unity will not come about suddenly, > pline. Like great religions of the past, the by revolutionary means. Rather, the people > BahL'i Faith upholds a belief in God and of the world, through experience in trial and > 8 'Abdu'l-BahP, Foundations of World Unity, New 9 Shoghi Effendi, The World Order o f Bah&-u'llrih, > York, World Unity Publishing Corp., 1927, passim. New York, BahP'l Publishing Committee, 1938, p. 42. > T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > error, through making faltering steps with "The best beloved of all things in My > leagues and confederations, will evolve a sight is Justice. . . . We cherish the hope > progressively more perfect union. The prin- that the light of justice may shine upon the > ciples laid down by Bahi'u'llCh, accordingly, world and sanctify it from tyranny. . . . > are not so much concerned with the tech- The structure of world stability and order > niques of accomplishing world unity as with hath been reared upon, and will continue to > those of operating a world commonwealth. be sustained by, the twin pillars of reward > Viewed in this way, they may serve as a and punishment. . . . There is no force on > useful criterion for evaluating progress to- earth that can equal in its conquering power > ward world government, as well as furnish- the force of justice and wisdom."12 > ing a fruitful source of ideas for inclusion in Even during the transitional period into > a world constitution. which the world is giving signs of moving at > One of the greatest BahPi principles is the present moment, before the actual ac- > that emphasizing the oneness of mankind: complishment of world unity, Bahi'u'llfih > "The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; indicates the cardinal importance of justice: > regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye "0 rulers of the earth! Be reconciled > are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of among yourselves, that ye may need no > one branch. . . . There can be no doubt more armaments save in a measure to safe- > whatever that the peoples of the world, of guard your territories and dominions. . . . > whatever race or religion, derive their in- Should any one among you take up arms > spiration from one heavenly Source, and are against another, rise ye all against him, for > the subjects of one God. . . . The funda- this is naught but manifest justice."13 > mental purpose animating the Faith of God A world community with a world con- > and His Religion is to safeguard the inter- sciousness, enforcing world justice in ac- > ests and promote the unity of the human cordance with a world faith: this is the sig- > race, and to foster the spirit of love and fel- nificant scheme of Bahi'u'llfih. Clearly, even > lowship amongst men. . . . All men have when speaking of "mundane" affairs such as > been created to carry forward an ever- politics and labor relations, the Bahi'i ap- > advancing civilization. . . . That one in- proach is basically spiritual; far from being > deed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself something to engage in once a week, religion > to the service of the entire human race. . . . in the BahPi sense becomes the mainspring > It is not for him to pride himself who loveth of human activity: > his own country, but rather for him who "The whole duty of man in this Day is to > loveth the whole world. The earth is but one attain that share of the flood of grace which > country, and mankind its citizens."1° God poureth forth for him. . . . Every eye, > In this connection, the BahB'i writings in this Day, should seek what will best pro- > strike boldly at an attitude which is still one mote the Cause of God. . . . Beseech ye > of the most potentially dangerous sources of the one true God to grant that ye may taste > disharmony: that of race prejudice: the savor of such deeds as are performed in > "Concerning the prejudice of race, it is an His path. . . . Forget your own selves, and > illusion, a superstition pure and simple, for turn your eyes toward your neighbor. Bend > God created us all of one race. . . . In the your energies to whatever may foster the > sight of God there is no difference between education of men."14 > the various races. Why should man invent Acceptance of these principles and their > such a prejudice? . . . All races, tribes, application to personal life has wrought rev- > sects, and classes share equally in the bounty olutionary changes in countless individuals; > of their Heavenly Father. . . . The lovers but social revolution, with its concomitant > of mankind, these are the superior men, of use of force rather than reason as the decid- > whatever nation, creed, or color they may ing factor, is completely contrary to the Ba- > be."ll hCi attitude. It may very reasonably be > The writings of BahPu'll6h are permeated asked how the BahPis of the world, despite > with a sense of the vital importance of jus- > tice in establishing world order: 1 2 Shoghi Effendi, tr., The Hidden Words o f Bahb'- > u'lldh, New York, BahL'i Publishing Committee, 1939, > 10 Shoghi Effendi, tr., Gleanings from the Writings p. 3. > .. > o f Bahd'u'llih, New York. BahL'i Publishine Com- > mittee, 1939, pp. 215, 217-18, 250. > G1ealzin.q~from the Writings of Bahd'u'lldla, > pp. 218-19. > 11The Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahd, New York, BahP'i 13 Ibid., p. 254. > Publishing Committee, 1924, p. 137. 14 Ibid., pp. 8, 9. > ARTICLES AN D REVIEWS 909 > > their unquestionably high principles, can cision will always proceed from agreement, > hope to effect any real change in social or not disagreement. > political conditions, if they are committed From this principle, revolutionary as it > to waiting for evolution to take its course. seems, proceeds another equally surprising > The answer to such a question reveals to adherents of the Western democratic sys- > what may possibly be of significance to the tem: with no divergent interests to represent, > world even within our own lifetimes: the there is no need for political parties. Not a > already established and functioning "Bahb'i one-party system, but a no-party system, is > Administration."15 The organizational and envisaged by Bahb'u'llih. To insure that this > operational framework by which the affairs will be so in actuality and not merely in > of the BahA'i faith are currently being han- theory, present-day Bahb'i elections are con- > dled throughout the world has been pur- ducted entirely by secret ballot, and without > posely designed to apply in daily use the nominations. No one announces himself as > principles enjoined upon mankind by Ba- a candidate, and there are no campaign > hL'u'llAh. Actually, social evolution may be speeches or promises. In a local election, > visualized as proceeding along two distinct every adult BahL'i resident in the local area > lines: one, the political, through the estab- is eligible to be voted for; and similarly in > lishment by the nations of the world of such a national election. Those who are elected, > agencies as the League of Nations and the since they made no campaign promises, and > United Nations, from which line the founda- have no idea who voted for them, are en- > tion of a world state may eventually emerge; tirely free of obligation to a constituency, > the other, the nonpolitical, where in insti- and can accordingly devote themselves com- > tutions such as those of the BahL'is the new pletely to the welfare of the whole group. It > principles of world consciousness and ad- will undoubtedly be necessary to introduce > ministration without partisanship are being changes in this electoral technique when > developed. Thus, the BahL'is may feel that voters are counted in the millions; but the > they are contributing day by day in deeds, principle of completely nonpartisan elections > not merely in words, to forming the concrete is a challenging one. > institutions of a new world order. Another essential element in Bahb'i ad- > ministration is the elimination of the funda- > Perhaps the fundamental inspiration mental separation of powers to which Amer- > which BahL'i administration can give to icans are so well accustomed. This, too, is > world administration is the abolition of the felt to be a relic of the conflict-of-interest > conflict between interests. Diversity of in- era, so that the highest administrative au- > terests, and the consequent necessity for thority is vested on any level (local, national, > their accurate representation, is so basic a or international) in a board which unites in > feature of modern democratic-parliamentary itself the legislative, executive, and judicial > systems, that a proposal to disregard this responsibilities.16 It is these boards, at pres- > conflict may sound radical to the point of ent consisting of nine members each, which > negating democracy. Yet BahQ'u'llAh points are elected in the nonpartisan manner de- > out, and Bahb'i administration applies it in scribed above; since elections are not for > practice, that the interest of the whole hu- single-position offices, and the nine receiving > man race is the only interest worthy of con- the highest number of votes are all declared > sideration; anything lesser is intrinsically elected, the system works more smoothly > selfish. On such a basis, there can be no than might otherwise be supposed. > conflict of interest; there may be a differ- Implicit in the placing of the highest re- > ence of opinion as to the proper mode of sponsibility for administration in the hands > operation, but the basic purpose of any de- of a board is the elimination of opportunity > 15 The following are the most useful references on > for any one individual to make a decision > this subject: on his own motion. Social responsibility is so > The Bahd'i Community, Wilmette, Ill., BahL'i Pub- ingrained a part of the political philosophy > lishing Committee, 1947. > BahZi Procedure, Wilmette, Ill., Bahj'i Publishing of BahL'u711Ahthat there is no place for the > Committee, 1942. individual executive or judge; action aflect- > David Hofman, A Commentary on tlte Will and > Testanzeizt of 'Abdu'l-Bahd, London, BahL'i Publishing ing human beings can rightfully be taken > Trust, 1943. only by the group. > Shoghi Eilendi, Bahri'i Adininistratioiz, Wilmette, Ill., > Bah&i' Publishing Committee, 1941. 16 Such an agency has not yet been organized on > ----. The World Order of Ba1zri'r~'lldh. the international level. > 910 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > Concerning the method by which the principle of collective responsibility is still > group comes to its decisions, Bahi'i adminis- to be observed at that distant stage of de- > tration again uses a technique which is un- velopment is shown by the provision that the > tried in the arena of politics: that of "con- chairman of even the universal authority > sultation." In distinction to the parliamentary should have no veto power. > procedure, whereby a motion must be made > before it can be discussed, and which results > in debate rather than sincere cooperative > effort, the Bahi'i method is to explore the Through such techniques as these, Bahi'- > question completely and unemotionally, en- u'llAh has projected morality from an in- > couraging each person to state his opinions dividual concern to the plane of group re- > freely, and so far as possible coming to a sponsibility. It is precisely this application of > mutual agreement before the motion is put. the individual conscience to group activity > Thus, an attempt is made to have the motion which is lacking in the world today, and is > sum up the feelings of the group in the ag- essential if there is to be a world tomorrow. > gregate rather than reflecting the wishes of Whether or not one agrees with the strictly > a faction. If, in spite of this attempt to religious side of the Bah6'i teachings, it > achieve unity, irreconcilable differences re- would be hard indeed to disregard the effects > main, the majority view must be accepted, which organized religion has had on the > since, as explained above, the difference is world in the past. That a religion now re- > considered to be one of opinion only and not ceiving an ever-widening circle of accept- > of fundamental interest. ance is so completely interwoven with the > Bahi'is hope that ultin~atelythe spiritual ideal of world government, and that it is > and political lines of administrative evolu- consciously attempting to develop patterns > tion will come together, allowing the world for future society, can hardly fail to be > government to claim the loyalty of a citi- significant to those who are aware of the > zenry united in a world faith; but that the direction in which civilization is moving. > > 1 1 . T H E B I R T H O F WORLD R E L I G I O N > ALD KING > > W I N T E R is that season of the vear when. All life takes on a new aspect at this time > to all outward seeming, the wodd of trees of year. Musicians and poets, through the > and flowers and grasses lies dead-yet all of ages, have sung of the spring season more > us know that this is not true. In reality the often than of any other subject except love. > seeds simply lie dormant and asleep, await- Some poets have claimed that for men child- > ing the proper combination of warmth and hood is the springtime of life; others have > moisture to stir them to life. Indeed a few written that man's springtime comes when > seeds anticipate the season and, braving the he falls in love. Perhaps each man knows > blasts of winter, push themselves to flower- his own spring season best. This much we do > soft riots of color in a dreary landscape. know-all of us: Spring is a time of rebirth; > These are the harbingers of what is to come. the moments, year on year, when earth > Later the whole vegetable kingdom stirs it- cloaks herself with fresh-new garments to > self. Up through the muck and mire and gladden the eye of man. These yearly cycles > darkness, the fragile shoots work their slen- are so frequent and regular in a life time that > der fingers upward. Moving all obstacles man knows of a certainty that, after the win- > aside they struggle far beyond their seem- ter season is over, the spring will come and > ing strength that one day they may emerge that nothing deters its coming. Yet with this > from darkness into the light of the sun that example of the bounty of God ever before > called them forth. In the physical world we hi, man does not yet seem aware of the > call this season Spring. One can almost feel lesson it teaches. Man does not seem to real- > a difference in the very air when Spring ize that whenever he allows a winter season > touches the earth with the key that unlocks to lay hold of his spiritual heritage, God > the fetters of winter. never fails to send a spiritual springtime to > ARTICLES A N D REVIEWS 911 > > awaken him to new life and glory. In his God-the Mighty Lord. The familiar story > perversity, man has from time immemorial of Moses tells of the leading of a people > turned from religion to irreligion-from the from the winter season of bondage and de- > light of truth to the darkness of error. His spair in Egypt, to the spring season that in > spirit, like the seed, lies dormant and asleep. words of eternal glory descended from Sinai > Yet whenever the light of God is extin- and ushered the Jews into the Promised > guished in human hearts-whenever man Land. Those same Ten Commandments > has raised veils of dogma and superstition even today are the basis of our civil and > between himself and his Creator-God religious law. Such ancient festivals as the > sends a divine springtime. At such a time, Passover are still celebrated by the Jews in > there are always a few waiting souls- remembrance of the bounties and the be- > dawn-breakers-who, like the crocus, arise stowals of God during the Spring Season > to herald the new day of God. Alas how few of their Faith. > heed-how few listen to them! The western peoples have had little con- > Almost two thousand years have passed tact with the other Faiths except in a preju- > over the earth since one such springtime diced or negative way. The motion picture > came and went in the environs of the ancient has shown us many scenes of the Arab peo- > city of Jerusalem. Today five hundred mil- ples, usually so prejudicial to the true facts > lion Christians can, from this distance of that we have the impressions of a dirty, > time, look back and say: Yes, that was the fanatical, and scheming group of desert > divine springtime. How wonderful it must bandits. For the rest-such writers as Sales > have been to have sat at His feet and heard and a host of other lay and priestly writ- > those glorious words of the Sermon on the ers of Christendom have thundered their > Mount, or to have followed his footsteps charges that Muhammad was an impostor, > through Galilee. The three years of His the devil incarnate, the anti-Christ, a liar, a > ministry were the days of Spring for the crazed and licentious fool. But the facts that > Christian world. We can, in looking back, one out of every seven inhabitants of the > understand and appreciate this truth today, globe is a Muslim, and that no religion to > but at the time there were few, a mere that time so cemented its followers from > handful, that appreciated and saw the glory such absolute disunity into so complete a > of what was taking place. unity attest the fallacy of these writings. Mu- > The Faith of Christ is but one of the re- hammad, the Messenger of God, preached > ligious systems that the world knows. What His gospel of submission to the one true > of the others?-The Jews, the followers of God. In His life time He witnessed the > Buddha, the faithful of Islbm, the Parsi, the growth of that Faith from a handful of de- > Hindu-have they not also known a spirit- voted followers in the city of Mecca to the > ual springtime? Each lays claim to such a rallying of the whole of Arabia to His ban- > time of re-birth; each looks upon his ner. > Prophet as a Messenger from God. Each Mecca, where Muhammad first preached > looks upon the life time of his Prophet as His Message of one Almighty God, was al- > a wondrous spiritual spring. But each claims ready to the tribes of Arabia Deserta a > that his Messenger was the true, the greatest Holy City. The Kaaba, in Mecca, was al- > and final One. How can this be? No spring ready a point of pilgrimage. That small > season in Nature can claim to be the best or square windowless building contained many > the final. At one time or another, all over stone idols to which the peoples of Arabia > the planet, year after year spring comes in did homage. Here were to be found images > nature. The seasons chase their sure way of Mary and Joseph and the small black > around the globe, slighting none. Yet men stone said to have been given by Gabriel > say the Springtime of God is exclusive, final, to Abraham. Jealous of the fortunes that > and named! came from the pilgrims stopping to pray in > We of the West are more familiar with the this city that burned in the desert, the lead- > teachings of the Jewish Faith than of any ing families drove Muhammad and His little > other religion except the Christian. Though band out of the city. In time, and in peace, > that knowledge has not kept the western Muhammad returned, heading a great host > world from violent prejudices against the of the faithful. From the top of the Kaaba > valiant congregation that through the cen- a Negro convert, raised the call that today > turies have kept aloft the banner of the One rallies Islhm to prayer around the world: > 912 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > "There is no God but Allih, and Muham- The Springtime had come, however, and > mad is His Messenger." How like the first the whole world could not stay its force. > commandment that Moses brought down Nine years later in the ancient city of Bagh- > from Sinai! Muhammad raised the station dAd there arose, in fulfillment of the prophe- > of women, abolished dishonesty, forbade the cies of the BAb, and of all religions, One who > use of intoxicating beverages, limited polyg- called Himself Bahi'u'llAh-the Glory of > amy, and introduced a host of spiritual and God, the Spirit of Truth, the Mighty For- > civil laws that made the Muslim nations the tress. T o Him the broken-hearted and lead- > envy and the mentors of the entire world. erless followers of the Bib turned and were > Such was the Islamic Springtime and its then called Bahi'is. Laying claim to the > flowering. mantle of Prophethood, Bahi'u'llih called > Equally glorious, equally inspiring to their on the rulers of men to establish peace on > people were the spring seasons of Buddha, earth and to turn to God. Heedless of His > Krishna and Zoroaster. Bahi'is believe that call, the world moved on in its accustomed > each of these God-inspired Men were Mani- ways. BahL'u'llAh Himself, the victim of fa- > festations of God, bringers of the divine natical hatred, was moved from prison to > springtime, quickeners of a new Day of prison, exile to exile, and finally was ban- > God and of the earth and its peoples. The ished for life to the Turkish penal colony > BahB'i Faith teaches that each of these only a short distance from the slopes of Mt. > Prophets has been sent to call men back to Carmel-to the city of 'Akki, the "Door of > truth and to God. They did not come to Hope" proclaimed in Hosea. > establish new religions. Each of these Divine The history of the divine springtime that > Educators has upheld the validity of His is the BahL'i World Faith is no collection of > predecessors and foretold the coming of a legends-Bahi'u'llih is as much a part of > successor. Each and all have attested the our modern history as Lincoln, Queen Vic- > coming of that most great spiritual spring- toria, or Napoleon 111. From His "most > time in the fullness of God's plan that would great prison" He viewed our world and its > signalize the bringing of the Kingdom of clashing group disunities, its crashing > God to earth-the birth of a world religion. worlds. He saw the races of the world > It is the BahL'i premise that once again, fomenting hatreds for one another; He saw > in our time, a divine springtime has blessed the subjugation of whole racial groups in > the planet. The story begins in the ancient slavery. From His pen there came the rem- > land of Persia in the city of roses, the city of edy: "Ye are all leaves of one tree, and > legend and nightingales, S_hir6z, beloved of drops of one sea."l "Know ye not why We > poets. On an evening in May in the year created you all from the same dust? That no > 1844, in an upper room there spoke One one should exalt himself over the other. > who called Himself the Bib (meaning the Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye > gate). He proclaimed the springtime of a were created. Since We have created you all > new day of God. In words of magnetic from one same substance it is incumbent on > beauty He called mankind to oneness and to you to be even as one soul, to walk with the > God. He announced the coming of that most same feet, eat with the same mouth and > great divine Educator who would lead the dwell in the same land, that from your > world into peace and order. For six years the inmost being, by your deeds and actions, > matchless utterances of the Bib stirred the the signs of oneness and the essence of de- > hearts of His countrymen, moving many tachment may be made rnanifest.""ahL'u'- > thousands to love and devotion. Still others Ilih called the peoples of the world to the > were stirred to hatred and violence, a vio- fold of one family, the human family. > lence that sought the life blood of all who From the remoteness of His exile He saw > claimed allegiance to the Bib. In rising cre- with prophetic vision the crashing of the > scendos of horror, the forces of state and nationalistic worlds-the eternal blood-let- > clergy rose in their might against these ting of warring nations. He saw an end to > "God-intoxicated heroes" to destroy them; war and He uttered the mighty assurance: > and the streets and the byways ran red with "Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, > their blood. Then, one fateful day in a bar- these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the > racks square in Tabriz, the mouths of seven- 'Most Great Peace' shall come . . . Is not > hundred and fifty rifles spoke, and the be- 1 Bah6'i World Faith, p. 201. > loved voice of the Bib was stilled forever. 2 Hidden Words (arabic), verse 68. > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 913 > > this that which Christ foretold? . . . These all political and religious prisoners. Shortly > strifes and this bloodshed and discord must thereafter He began a series of journeys that > cease, and all men be as one kindred and were to take him to Egypt, Europe and > one family . . . Let not a man glory in this, North America. Wherever he went people > that he loves his country; let him rather responded to the love for mankind that He > glory in this, that he loves his kind."3 BahC- demonstrated. Each and all sat in rapt atten- > u'llih laid the principles upon which would tion as they listened to His message of peace > be built an international tribunal-a Federa- and love. Great and small humbly bowed > tion of Nations-the unity of the planet into themselves before this Servant of God. > one Nation with a common citizenship for The venerable Archdeacon Wilberforce in- > its peoples. vited 'Abdu'l-Bahi to address the congrega- > From its beginning 108 years ago the Ba- tion of St. John the Divine at Westminster > h6'i Faith has moved around the globe. The after the evening service. The archbishop > Bib declared His mission to one; forty days read the translation of 'Abdu'l-BahL's words > later there were eighteen who believed. In himself. When 'Abdu'l-Bah6 had finished, > the next nineteen years over twenty thou- the congregation, following the archdeacon's > sand had been martyred for believing the example, knelt to receive the blessing of the > teachings of the Bib, and the Faith had Servant of God. In the United States during > spread in Persia, 'Iraq, Burma, India and an arduous eight months 'Abdu'l-BahL trav- > parts of the Turkish Empire. Through the eled from coast to coast, scattering on every > life time of BahL'u'llih, the Faith became hand the life-giving words of His Father's > known more and more widely. Shortly after Message. He spoke at New York, Columbia, > the passing of Bahi'uYllBh, a Presbyterian and Howard Universities, laid the dedica- > Minister, Rev. Henry H. Jessup, of Beirut, tion stone for the Bahi'i House of Worship > Syria, sent an address to be read at the north of Chicago that today stands in its > World's Parliament of Religions convened in shimmering beauty. > the city of Chicago in 1893. Dr. Jessup In Temple Emmanu-El, synagogue in San > could not attend in person. In closing, his Francisco, He addressed two thousand lis- > address reads : 4 teners; at Leland Stanford University over > "In the palace of Bahji, or delight, just nineteen hundred gathered to hear His > outside the fortress of 'Akkb, on the Syrian words. The names of those who met and > coast, there died a few months since a fa- talked with Him read like an American > mous Persian sage, the Bibi saint, named Who's Who: Alexander Graham Bell, Mr. > Bah6'u'll&-the Glory of God-the head Roosevelt, Mrs. William Jennings Bryan, > of that vast reform party of Persian Mus- Admiral Peary, Rabbi Stephen Wise, and > lims, who accept the New Testament as the Dr. David Starr Jordan, who said, " 'Abdu'l- > Word of God and Christ as the deliverer of BahB will surely unite the East and the > men, who regard all nations as one, and all West: for He treads the mystic way with > men as brothers. Three years ago He was practical feet."j This list is too long for in- > visited by a Cambridge scholar, and gave clusion here." Besides these, thousands heard > utterance to sentiments so noble, so Christ- His message and many rallied to the Cause > like, that we repeat them as our closing of Peace which He preached and lived. > words . . ." How little Dr. Jessup knew In 1913 'Abdu'l-BahB returned to Haifa, > that he was introducing to the West the to spend the remaining years of His life con- > Faith of Bah6'u'llBh, for his was the first solidating the victories already won. There > known public reference to the BahL'i Faith generated from His presence such order and > in the western world. love that the hearts of the diverse peoples > BahB'u1116hleft for His people a Covenant throughout the world that called themselves > in which He named His eldest Son 'Abdu'l- Bahi'is were cemented together into one > Bahi as the Center of that Covenant, the great family. > exemplar of His teachings. 'Abdu'l-Bahi was In 1921 'Abdu'l-Bahi passed away. In > released from prison in 1908 by the Young His Will and Testament He named His > Turk Revolution which granted amnesty to grandson Shoghi Effendi as the first Guard- > ian of the Bahi'i Faith. Into his capable > 3 AS recorded by Prof. Edward G. Browne, In- > troduction (p. xl) to A Traveller's Narrative. 5 "Appreciations of the BahL'i Faith," The BahdS > 4 The World's Parliament of Religions, vol. 2, p. World, this volume, p. 646. > 1125. 6 See God Passes By, p. 289. > 914 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > hands were entrusted the affairs of the a racial brotherhood in practice that has no > youthful Cause. Through the ensuing years equal in any other sectarian or religious > of his stewardship the administrative affairs group. > of the world-wide Bahgi Community have BahL'is believe this is a day of spiritual > been consolidated. Step by step through springtime-a new Day of God. Certainly > grave perils and impending crises, the the teachings of Bahb'u'llhh have stirred the > Guardian has led the Bahgis from victory to hearts and minds of His followers and made > victory. Today in over 200 countries and of many "God-Intoxicated heroes." They > territories of the world Bahb'i Spiritual As- believe also that the events of this twentieth > semblies and groups function vigorously. century, though seemingly unrelated to the > Their literature is translated into over ninety growing Cause of God, are the results of this > languages. Local Spiritual Assemblies demo- Most Glorious of spiritual springtimes. Ba- > cratically elected have paved the way for the h6'u'llLh has written: "The world's equilib- > eleven National administrative institutions rium hath been upset through the vibrating > that have already come into being. The first influence of the most great, this new World > International Bahgi Council has but recently Order."7 Thrones and dynasties have top- > been established at the spiritual center of pled, governments have been thrown from > the Bahb'i world, Haifa, Israel,-the fore- power, powerful church groups have lost > runner of that supreme Bahb'i administra- prestige and temporal power, wars have rid- > tive institution destined to emerge in the dled the planet leaving in their wake debt > fullness of time-the International House of and death. An old world order struggles > Justice. against its inevitable end. The winter season > Even the biased observer must admit that of an old age battles against the revivifying > the Faith of BahLlu'llLh has in slightly over breaths of an advancing spiritual springtime. > a century fulfilled in marvelous ways the The Bahgi Faith calls the world to witness > task of uniting peoples ,who before the ad- the birth of a world religion. Only through > vent of these Teachings knew no unity at all. independent investigation of these claims > Jew, Christian, Hindu, Parsi, Muslim, Bud- without prejudice can the seeker know this > dhist and the man with no religion at all to be so through his own knowledge. > are, within the Bahb'i Faith, able to worship "Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it > Almighty God without rancor or prejudice shall be opened unto you."" > one for the other, for as Bahgis they under- "Awake, for, lo! the morning Light has > stand that the names Alliih, Jehovah, Brah- broken. Arise, for His Cause is made mani- > ma, Ahura Mazda, Lord, and many others fest. The portal of His grace is open wide; > all refer to one Father, God, and that His enter therein, 0 peoples of the world! For > Messengers though different in name shed He who is your Promised One is come!"g > the same glorious light upon the dark planet. > Among Bah6'is there is no overt national- > 7 Gleanings, p. 136. > ism, for they are indeed citizens of the 8Luke 11:9. > world. With them also there is to be found 9 Cited in God Passes By, p. 6 . > > 1 2 . TEACHING AMONG THE AMERICAN > INDIANS > > T H E American Indians are potential Ba- religion as the source of personal power, and > hb'is. Prayer in many forms is common many have espoused Christianity because > practice among them, and many of their they look upon the white man as more > tribal council laws and procedures are simi- powerful than the Indian and credit this > lar to those of the Bahgi administrative or- power to his religion. However, they find the > der. Their native religion involves every in- many, often conflicting religious sects very > dividual in the group and regulates every disconcerting, and thus are responsive .to > detail of personal behavior. They regard movements that aim to unite instead of di- > A R T I C L E S A 1\TD R E V I E W S 915 > > vide. Because of their intense faith that signs and ritualistic symbols is vast. Most > peace will some day come to pass, they are of his pottery work is built around the rc- > easily interested in the Bahl'i teachings ligious symbols and designs of the Indians > about World Order and Universal Brother- of the Southwest. They were ready made for > hood. the important work that was to come-the > "Therefore, it is inevitable that as the experts for the committee yet to be formed. > BahB'i Faith reaches out to embrace more Later, when the committee was appointed, > and more peoples everywhere, it will easily these two were a natural choice and so was > win 'unqualified adherence and support Eli Powlas, its only Indian member. In No- > among the indigenous peoples of America' vember the National Spiritual Assembly > for whom 'Abdu'l-Bah6 predicted so glori- added Wallace Heath of Tucson to the com- > ous a future." mittee to assist in developing the great teach- > -STATEMENTBY AMERICAN B A & ~NA- ing potential that exists in the American > TIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE colleges and universities attended by Indian > youth. Wally had entered the University of > Arizona in September, 1953, for the express > Where the story of Bahl'i work among purpose of teaching among Indian youth. > the Indians begins would be hard to find on At an early meeting of the committee, it > a map or pinpoint in a report. It is enough became clear that much groundwork had > to say and believe that when the breezes of already been laid in scattered spots all over > God's new Revelation breathed across the the country. Individual Bahi'is and commu- > planet, it stirred American Indians as well as nities had "made a beginning" here and > it did the rest of mankind, though they, like there. Many had registered their desire at > others, were not aware of the source of the the Conference of 1953 to assist in Indian > Divine springtime that was stirring the win- teaching, and with these, correspondence > ter season of men's hearts. was soon under way. > The work of the Bahl'i American Indian Four words, a prayer, and a statement > Service committee began when instructions written by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 became our watch- > came from our beloved Guardian to form an words : > administrative unit, the object of which The four words, to be repeated again and > would be to take the Faith to the leading In- again in committee meetings, are Love, Wis- > dian tribes of this country. dom, Tact, and Patience. > At the Bahl'i Intercontinental Conference The prayer, which has become a favorite > held in Chicago in 1953, Bahl'is who had no with the committee and looms large in the > idea they were to be on a committee of this history of the year, reads: "Blessed is the > type began to concern themselves with the spot, and the house, and the place, and > task. Dorothy Baker asked one of them to the city, and the heart, and the mountain, > "Find an Indian Bahl'i for me!" Rmiyyih and the refuge, and the cave, and the val- > Khhlnum asked another, "What are you do- ley, and the land, and the sea, and the is- > ing about the Indians?" Thus the pattern for land, and the meadow, where mention of > the Crusade years was begun far removed God hath been made, and His praise glori- > from Arizona which was to be the seat of fied" (BahL'u'lZa'h). > committee membership, for the first year at The statement of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, an ever- > least. shining beacon before the eyes of the com- > Yet in Tucson, Arizona, another part of mittee, said in part, ". . . for these souls > the pattern was being woven. A young cou- [the American Indians] may be likened unto > ple began to attend Bahl'i firesides, and just the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Pen- > before RidvGn, 1953, they became Bahl'is insula, who, prior to the Mission of Mu- > on an evening long to be remembered. They hammad, were like unto savages. When the > were Charmion and Robert McKusick, and light of Muhammad shone forth in their > BahL'u'UBh certainly knew the need that was midst, however, they became so illumined > to be and prepared these two to be on hand as to enlighten the whole world." > when it arose. Charmion was freshly gradu- Here was the challenge! Our task given by > ated with honors from the University of Ari- the Guardian was twofold: conversion to the > zona with a degree in Anthropology special- Faith of members of the leading Indian > izing in the American Indians. Bob was and tribes, and translation of Bahl'i literature > is a potter, and his knowledge of Indian de- into the Cherokee language. > 916 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > We chose as our goals, cities in or near with the translation work. In the fall also, > heavy concentrations of Indian population: Marguerite Bruegger of Chicago arrived in > Gallup, New Mexiw, Indian capital of the Devil's Lake, North Dakota, to pioneer > world; Miami, Oklahoma, center of interest among the Indians of that region. > for a larger number of different tribes than On December 24, 1953, James Stone, Jr., > any other city; and Pierre, South Dakota. of Martinsburg, West Virginia, arrived in > To these goal cities, we added the task of Gallup, New Mexico, the first of our goal > rebuilding the lapsed Macy, Nebraska, As- cities to be settled. Through the assistance > sembly. An all-Indian Assembly had been of Edna Atkins who lives nearby, visits to > formed at Macy with great labor and sacri- the Macy reservation were begun in Febru- > fice through the dedicated efforts of Mrs. ary. > Mary Stevison and Mrs. Amelia Collins, Through the year a growing correspond- > who later visited the reservation to assist in ence was carried on with government agen- > the forming of the Assembly. Macy was a cies, educational and religious groups, and > pivot around which many hopes revolved. individuals concerning the Cherokee lan- > We were not able to make a general ap- guage. After a while, a letter from Ethel > peal for pioneers to our goals because of the Murray informed us that she had found a > urgent need for pioneers in foreign fields translator, named Moses Owl, among the > and in goal cities on the home front, so we Cherokee Indians. Immediately we sent the > set about making contact with those who prayer beginning "Blessed is the spot . . ." > had expressed a desire to work among the to him for translation. Remembering what > Indians. 'Abdu'l-BahB had said when the American > Our first project was the preparation of a friends had asked his permission to build a > teaching brochure, a handbook to assist both Temple, "Make a beginning and all will > those who would work on reservations and come right," we did just that, and our be- > those who would be teaching that thirty-five ginning was a prayer! > per cent of the Indian population who live Through correspondence with Mrs. Mur- > elsewhere. Next was the compiling of em- ray, we learned that Moses Owl thought > ployment information and data concerning the name, Bahi'u'llBh, was like the Cherokee > the various goal areas to which we hoped word for God. A Sioux who helped with the > pioneers would go. Thirdly, maps of the translation said the teachings sounded like > reservations were obtained so that Bah2is those of the Sioux religion, and Moses Owl > interested could pinpoint the area where countered that they were very much like > they might settle. the Cherokee thinking on religion. > By early fall, the first pioneer, Grace Finally that wonderful day arrived when > Dean of Clifton, Arizona, secured a federal through the mails came the long awaited > teaching post at Byless, Arizona, on the San scrap of paper holding the words of Bah2- > Carlos reservation to teach the Apache chil- u'llBh written in the language of the Chero- > dren. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Kit Goldstein kee people. Gratefully, we saw how the hand > of New York City volunteered her services of the Beloved had helped us along the > to the committee for a one-year period, and way. > proceeded to Flagstaff, Arizona, to do grad- Then we set about the larger task of > uate work at the college there. In addition, choosing the contents of the first pamphlet > she secured a teaching post at nearby Tuba to be translated into Cherokee, a work that > City on the Navajo reservation. will be one of the first concerns of the sec- > In November, Mr. and Mrs. Edvard Lind- ond year of committee activity. > strom of Manchester, New Hampshire, In this first year we have brought the > moved to Yakima, Washington, to take a Message to nineteen tribes, the first trans- > social service post that involves working lation into Cherokee has been accomplished, > with the tribes of the Pacific Northwest. and the pattern for future activity has been > During the same month, Mrs. Ethel Murray set and is moving. Through the Secretary > left Providence, Rhode Island, to take a General of the International Bahi'i Council, > post in Bryson City, North Carolina, near Leroy Ioas, the Guardian has sent his ap- > the Cherokee reservation. This was a most proval and urged the further advancement > important place as her task was that of tak- of our work. > ing the Faith to the Cherokee and assisting The Challenge is there-contacts must > ARTICLES A N D REVIEWS 917 > > become converts so that they may teach world. It is the task of the American Ba- > their own people! 'Abdu'l-Bahi has said hi'is to light the torch. What a glorious > these Indian people will illumine the whole privilege! > > 1 3 . I N THE PRESENCE O F ' A B D U ' L - B A H A > By ELLAC . QUANT > > I T WAS no confirmation in belief to me friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kinney, > to come into the presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahi; two Bahi'is of long standing in the Faith. > perhaps I did not need it. As I had come After receiving this word the friends began > into the knowledge of the BahL'i Faith in to disperse. But Margaret and I, knowing > 1903, I had already been a BahL'i for nine that 'Abdu'l-Bahi was on the vessel, could > years when 'Abdu'l-Bahi came to the United not tear ourselves away from the pier; so, > States in 1912; I had accepted Him as the lingering, our eyes riveted, we were re- > Center of BahL'u'llih's Covenant of peace warded with a glimpse of Him for whom > and unity for the world. However, every our hearts longed. Then, satisfied, in antici- > moment spent in His presence brought its pation of the afternoon meeting, we, too, > lesson in the "divine art of living." left the pier. Later I suppose we had lunch, > Perhaps the best way to tell a story is to but it is only a supposition, for such a minor > start at the beginning. Mrs. Margaret La- detail of physical existence has absolutely > Grange and I, BahL'is of Johnstown, N.Y., passed from my memory. > anticipating the visit of 'Abdu'l-Bahi to When we arrived at the home of Mr. and > America in 1912, were planning to go to Mrs. Kinney, the rooms were crowded with > New York City to meet Him on arrival. A the friends and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 was mingling > day or so before we planned to start for freely among them radiating the spiritual > New York, word came that 'Abdu'l-Bahi happiness He said He felt in meeting the > was not on the ship expected. This news "friends of God." That afternoon in His first > was, of course, disturbing to us and was the address to the American Bahi'is He said in > cause, temporarily, of greater disappoint- part: > ment than I can express. However, the "I am greatly pleased with the city of > thought came to me that 'Abdu'l-BahL could New York. Its harbor entrance, its piers, > send a wireless message, which He did, con- buildings and broad avenues are magnificent > firming His anticipated arrival. (Wireless and beautiful. Truly it is a wonderful city. > was then in its infancy and was considered As New York has made such progress in > more or less a miracle.) material civilization, I hope that it may also > According to our plan, therefore, we advance spiritually in the kingdom and cove- > started for New York City on the evening nant of God so that the friends here may > preceding the I l t h of April. The next morn- become the cause of the illumination of > ing we found our way to the pier where America; that this city may become the city > already many of the friends of 'Abdu'l-Bahb of love and that the fragrance of God may > were gathered, this number being augmented be spread from this place to all parts of the > by the frequent arrival of others, some world. I have come for this. I pray that you > alone, some in groups of two or three. Sub- may be manifestations of the love of Bah2- > dued excitement, glorious anticipation at the u'llbh . . . This is my highest a~piration."~ > joy of meeting the Master, filled the hearts At the end of this address 'Abdu'l-Bahi > and radiated from the faces and voices of greeted each one personally, clasping the > the friends. We waited for some time and hand and repeating the word, "Marhabb! > at last our patience was rewarded in seeing Marhabi!" (Welcome! Welcome!) with > the huge bulk of the vessel breaking through such fervor that I could not fail to grasp > the morning fog and mist. In due time it - > docked. 1 The addresses of 'Abdu'l-BahC in New York Citv. > 1t was not long before word came from from which passages are quoted in this article, may 6; > found in Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 1-14. > 'Abdu'l-Bahg that He would meet the (Editors.) > 918 THE B A H A ' I WORLD > > His meaning, though unfamiliar with the appearance of a Divine Manifestation to the > word. springtime and showed us that the progress > Our second meeting with 'Abdu'l-Bahi and decline of religion are comparable to > was on April 12, in the studio of Miss Phil- the four seasons in the material world. In > lips. In connection with this meeting, I must part He said: > go into a little detail that will show all too "The world spiritual is like unto the world > clearly my immaturity in the ethics of the phenomenal . . . When we look upon the > Kingdom. As Margaret and I entered the phenomenal world we perceive that it is di- > spacious room we observed our beloved vided into four seasons; one is the season > 'Abdu'l-Bahi sitting on a couch, a young of spring, another the season of summer, an- > Persian on either side of Him. Shortly one other autumn and then these three seasons > of the devoted friends of the Master entered are followed by winter . . ." > and one of the Persians sitting beside 'Ab- When 'Abdu'l-Bah6 reached the phrase > du'l-Bah6 arose and offered his seat to the "the season of summer" the interpreter hesi- > lady, which she accepted. I was disturbed tated and finally stopped speaking. Then the > and said to myself, "Oh! Who is worthy to voice of the Master came forth clear and > sit beside 'Abdu'l-Bahi?'The question both- strong with "summer," and a ripple of pleas- > ered me all evening, but was relegated lo the antry went through the audience as we real- > background of my mind save at such times ized that 'Abdu'l-Bah6 was interpreting to > as I found myself alone with my thoughts. the interpreter. > 'Abdu'l-BahB gave a beautiful talk that When 'Abdu'l-Bahi was weary and re- > evening, saying in part: paired to an upper room, some one sug- > "These are the days of seed-sowing. These gested closing the door of the room, to "pro- > are the days of tree-planting . . . He who tect" the Master, that He might have some > sows a seed in this day will behold his re- seclusion from the friends who were already > ward in the fruits and harvest of the heav- ascending the stairs to be nearer to ~ i m . > enly kingdom." How like the days of Jesus when the disci- > And again, ples tried to spare Him the encroachment of > "The doors of the kingdom are opened. the crowd! 'Abdu'l-BahL said, Let them > The lights of the Sun of Truth are shining come! He took my hand as I with others > . . . Know ye then the value of these days." passed before Him and He said to me, Al- > Later, in leaving, as 'Abdu'l-Bah6 took ln'h-u-Abhn', that word of BahL'i greeting, > my hand, I was conscious of His eyes par- which means God the Most Glorious. Many > tially raised to mine. Did He see there the years later 'Abdu'l-Bahi said that the unity > unanswered question of the early evening: of the friends was the cause of health to > Who is worthy to sit beside 'Abdu'l-BahL? Him, and the extreme weariness of that > On the following Monday, the last day afternoon I now believe was brought about > we were privileged to be in His holy pres- by the weight of the spirit's burden rather > ence, He deigned to answer my question. than by any physical strain, great as that > After greeting us He seated Margaret on a no doubt was; for He received callers from > chair near Him at just the right angle, she very early in the morning until late at > told me later, where she might look into night; no one was turned away. > His eyes; thus fulfilling a desire of hers. Margaret and I longed for an interview > Then, He seated me on the couch beside with 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Some of the friends had > Him and turned on me (the questioner) the been granted that privilege, so we decided to > smile of His divine love, which penetrated ask an interpreter to arrange it for us. Again > my physical and spiritual consciousness. I was reminded of the days of Jesus Christ > Thus did He teach us, the friends, every- and of the desire of the disciples to protect > where; not by rebuke, but with touching Him from the multitude. The interpreter > example, that the Sun of God's bounty said the Master was very busy, but, nothing > shines upon all and only the veils of self daunted, Margaret explained to him that > hide us from an ever-increasing realization we were from out of town and longed for > of its effulgence. an interview before leaving New York. So > On Saturday, April 13, 1912, with many the matter was finally arranged and on Sun- > others we gathered at the home of Mr. and day morning at nine we found ourselves be- > Mrs. Morten to see and hear the Master. ing ushered into the presence of 'Abdu'l- > That day in His address He compared the Bahi, and in English He was addressing us > ARTICLES A N D REVIEWS 919 > > with the words, Sit down, sit down, as He I find I must digress a little in order to > courteously showed us to seats. Then the give the reader a clear understanding of the > question so frequently asked by Him, Are real value of the beautiful expressions that > you well? Are you happy?-What did He 'Abdu'l-Bahi bestowed upon the friends. > mean-the health of the body or the well- Once when He in a Tablet called one of the > being of the spirit? I do not recall giving faithful friends His daughter, I laughingly > an answer. How could we answer a question remarked, "If 'Abdu'l-BahA ever called me > that to the Questioner was already clear- His daughter I'd never have another worry. > that for us time was standing still; that we I'd know I was saved." As we grow in grace > had reached the ultimate of our desire, our and spiritual understanding we find that > station in the sun where there is no night. 'Abdu'l-Bahi, through these bestowals, > His next words awakened us to our immedi- sowed the seeds of attainment in our hearts; > ate environment. He said, He was happy to we realize that He opened the door of spir- > have such souls as we were: Rest thou as- itual progress for us, as in His great love and > sured, rest thou assured. And, we had come wisdom He saw the Father's face in every > some distance to meet Him and had passed face. > through difficulties, but He had come farther It was Palm Sunday and the church was > to meet us. filled to capacity and more, although we un- > Such words we were not prepared to hear; derstood that the presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahi > knowing that we were humble people and there that morning had not been publicly > feeling we had but small capacity to serve announced. To me, and I have no doubt to > the Faith of Bahi'u'llih, we could not un- many others, it was an unforgettable picture > derstand such words applying to ourselves. -'Abdu'l-Bahi standing among the lilies. > We were taken to the smaller room of the If you have thought of 'Abdu'l-Bahi as > suite, where 'Abdu'l-Bahi gave private inter- robed in somber, formal ecclesiastical dress, > views. There He told Margaret He prayed please "see" Him now ( I never saw Him > for her parents (who had passed into the otherwise) in long, light, easy-flowing cloak > life beyond some months before). Her eyes and light head dress, a symbol of sunlight; > filled with tears and overflowed; mine then warm, comforting, and "alive." There was a > did likewise. The interpreter, perhaps at a certain color resemblance between 'Abdu'l- > loss, shook his head at us and said in an BahB's white hair and his cream-colored > admonishing tone that we should never cry cloak and the white and gold of the lilies. > in His presence. It made Him sad. As I He stood there, not a figure come to be wor- > looked up, I saw that 'Abdu'l-BahB's sadness shiped, but as the Servant of the Divine > was for us-not for Himself-for with Gardener, warming the ground of human > hands outstretched to calm and protect us, minds and hearts by a deeper penetration of > like a mother bird hovering over her young the rays of the Sun of Truth. > in the nest, He exclaimed in English, Laugh! Although coming from a life of suffering > Laugh! I shall never forget that voice, vi- and imprisonment, He radiated the life-giv- > brant and powerful beyond any words of ing forces of God, declaring "there is no > mine to express. In that voice I have come prison save the prison of self"; teaching that > to see the power of heaven to rout all the man is essentially a spiritual being, and that > negative forces of existence, and in arising all down the ages man's conception of so- > to obey that command to find the eternal called death as extinction has corroded > joy of life. within him and closed his spiritual eye to the > 'Abdu'l-Bahi bade us come to the church unspeakably blessed opportunities of this > (Church of the Ascension, Fifth Avenue and life, as well as to the vision of his glorious > Tenth Street) where He was to speak that destiny in all the worlds of God. > morning. Margaret sat at His side and I Among the words He addressed to that > directly facing Him. He lovingly took and audience were the following, after forty > held the hand of Margaret (in leaving) and years so strikingly applicable to the world of > fondly patted her shoulder with the other today. He said: > hand. He then did the same to me; and "Today the world of humanity is in need > when I asked the interpreter to tell Him I of international unity and conciliation. To > wished to serve Him always, He called me establish these great fundamental principles > His daughter. He then said, Your face is a propelling power is needed. It is self- > radiant. evident that unity of the human world and > T H E BAHA 'I W O R L D > > the 'Most Great Peace' cannot be accom- One day when we were in the hall, the > plished through material means. . . . All little floor maid emerged frm 'Abdu'l-BahB's > the Prophets have come to promote divine suite, her arms filled with roses-beautiful > bestowals, to found the spiritual civilization roses-the gift to Him from some of the > and teach the principles of morality. There- Bahi'is. Sensing that we were friends of the > fore we must strive with all our powers so Master, all formality fell away and with a > that spiritual influences may gain the vic- touching gesture she exclaimed, "See what > tory . . ." He gave me! See what He gave me!" She > In His first address that Sunday to the probably knew nothing of 'Abdu'l-BahB's > Christian Church in America, 'Abdu'l-Bahb Station as the Center of God's Covenant and > sent forth the call to unity, even as He did the Interpreter of BahB'u'llih's teaching to a > later on that same day in His address before needy world; she perhaps did not know His > the adherents of New Thought. name or title, but He had shown her His > On that afternoon, April 14, 1912, 'Ab- love. > du'l-Bahi addressed the Union Meeting of Margaret and I were entertained during > Advanced Thought Centers in Carnegie our stay in New York by my aunt who lived > Lyceum on West 57th Street. In all His on 73rd Street, almost under the eaves, it > teachings 'Abdu'l-Bahi was Himself a point seemed to me, of the Ansonia Hotel. Imag- > of unity. He first established a basis of unity ine our delight when we were told that 'Ab- > and upon that He proceeded to build some- du'l-Bahi was staying at the Ansonia. It > thing of eternal value. Sometimes people seemed like a special privilege to us, and > have questioned the simplicity of His pres- indeed such it very strikingly turned out to > entation of truth. In His public addresses, as be. It came about in this way. On that last > well as in His private interviews, He fitted morning of our stay I suggested to Margaret > His words to the spiritual capacity of those that we walk over to the hotel before leaving > to whom He spoke. To that audience in the city, saying we might get a glimpse of > Carnegie Lyceum He said in part: 'Abdu'l-Bahb passing out or going in. How > "I have come here with this mission; that limited was my vision! Later we walked over > through your endeavors, through your heav- to the Ansonia and some friends who were > enly morals, through your devoted efforts a just leaving the hotel said to us, "Go right > perfect bond of unity and love may be estab- up. 'Abdu'l-BahL is there." So as if led by > lished between the east and the west, so that an unseen hand we walked to the elevator > the bestowals of God may descend upon ali and when we alighted from it other friends > and all may be seen to be parts of the same of 'Abdu'l-Bahb were leaving His suite and > tree,-the great tree of the human family in their joy of having been with the Master > . . . so likewise must we be connected and and in the blessing of sharing, they said to > blended together until each part shall be- us, " 'Abdu'l-Bahb is there. Go right in." We > come the expression of the whole . . ." opened the door and found, seemingly wait- > Again and again did 'Abdu'l-Bahb stress ing for us, the one whose door was closed to > the oneness of mankind: AU humanity are none, regardless of color, race or creed. > leaves on the Tree of Creation; some ill who Truly 'Abdu'l-Bahi had drawn us to Him- > need to be healed, others ignorant who need self. He would not let us leave the city with- > to be taught; but all recipients of the bounty out another assurance of His love for us. As > of the loving Creator. Even in material ways I write of His love "for us," I am reminded > 'Abdu'l-Bahi demonstrated the unity that of the words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi to one of the > He taught; He joined in the clapping of friends visiting Him in 'Akkb. When that > hands at that particular gathering, and con- Bah6'i spoke of her wish that all the friends > tributed when the offering was taken. in America might be in 'Akkb sharing her > I wish I could convey to you a clearer pic- blessing, He answered that they are here; > ture of 'Abdu'l-Bahb, that love that knows one represents all. > no limitation, no restriction, flowing out t a After seating us, 'Abdu'l-Bahb asked > and embracing male and female, rich and about our health, then addressed us with the > poor, schooled and unschooled. He received words He had used in our first interview, en- > each soul as a precious substance upon larging upon them, saying we had come > which to bestow the bounty of the Love of some distance to meet Him. He had come > God. A touching instance of that love is farther to meet us. He had made the journey > found in the episode of the roses. because of His great love for us. At first the > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 92 1 > > journey was very hard; the harder the path, not only my physical balance, b ~the~ mental > t > the greater the difficulty, the greater the and spiritual as well. > mercy. The divine bounty is continually A day or two before leaving home for > descending. New York City to meet our beloved Master, > I had been in rather poor health for some I had a dream. During my years of knowl- > months and had hoped to receive from 'Ab- edge of the BahL'i Faith, I have had several > du'l-BahL something to help me carry on my dreams from which I have endeavored to > household duties, which were exacting, for I extract some spiritual meaning, but the > was brought up in the old-fashioned way dream in q~~estion is the only one for which > that assumed the house could not be clean I have a verbal interpretation from 'Abdu'l- > unless one had a backache. The most ex- Bahi; therefore, the importance of that par- > perienced psychiatrist could not have more ticular dream is to me very great. > Eeadily touched upon my need than did 'Ab- When the interpreter spoke of my dream > du'l-BahL, Servant of the Divine Physician, (with another Bahi'i, I was standing before > a vast expanse of water) 'Abdu'l-BahL said > when He advised me, in response to the in- > that in the dream the sea is the Kingdom, > terpreter's word about my- health, to de- and that is the Cause of God. That I with > crease physical labor, work not beyond the that other Bahi'i shall attain to the shore of > extent of your strength, turn toward the that Sea, and shall behold its expanse. > Kingdom of God; strength is from God; di- The time had come when Margaret and I > vine confirmation shall descend; you shall at- were scheduled to leave New York City for > tain to physical health; rest assured of the home. After this last unexpected meeting, on > favor of God. More than once through the April 15, 1912, we were never again in His > years these words of the Master have kept physical presence. > > 1 4 . T H E B A H A ' I F A I T H IN > BACKWARD AFRICA > > T H E motion for today's debate is: 'Africa been banished by foreigners who once ac- > for Africans.' May I call upon Mr. Chisiza knowledged him ruler and owner of that > to speak on the motion?" said the chairman. country. In Central Africa, Africans are pro- > "Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen," testing, are wailing and yelling in vain > the writer began, "we are assembled to de- against federation. In Tanganyika your fel- > bate but let us not talk for argument's sake. low Africans are crying for equal represen- > The motion we have today affects us pro- tation. In Uganda, in 1949 we had terrible > foundly. The ideas we shall gather from this so-called riots. In Kenya your brothers and > debate will go a long way to determine the sisters are being marauded as Mau Maus > fate or blessings of your immediate family, and as adherents of Dini Ya Nsambwa.l In > your fellow Africans and what's more, our Egypt there is the Suez Canal Zone struggle. > posterity. In West Africa the massacres connected > "Black Africa is in ferment today. The with the S.S.S. movement will long remain > African is in a plight because of a foreign in our memories. And alas, even in the far > white minority. The Hereros in South West off Congo the East African Standard says > Africa have protested, have prayed that their that a chief has protested in public that he > country should not be under Malan's South might better die than see himself stripped of > Africa but the white administrators have his all by the white man. > given them a deaf ear. In South Africa itself "In all these troubles, please note, ladies > the Defiance Campaign against apartheid and gentlemen, the aggressor has been the > laws is at its height. 'Shoot the leaders, jail white man, and as long as he is with us he > the rest and investigate later' is Malan's slo- > gan. In Bechuanaland, Seretse Khama has 1 A religion or sect started by an African in Kenya. > 922 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D > > will continue his demagoguery. But how We were out from our afternoon classes. > long are we going to endure his atrocities? The day was mild and most of the boys were > Granted we can't any longer, how do we outside the buildings reading newspapers. > check them? Get rid of the aggressor him- "Hello, you fellows. They say there is a > self and let Africa be for Africans. European who wants to talk on spiritual > "The white man must go back where he things in the Hall," one boy said. > came from not because we hate foreigners "Tell the gentleman that our parents don't > but because he hates us, because he op- send us here for spiritual things. Our con- > presses us and as a raiding lion is got rid of, cern is the School Certificate. See?" snapped > so must we get rid of the white man. another. > "Thank you, Mr. Chairman." In spite of this remark many boys went. > I did, too, but for the simple reason of whil- > ing away the evening. > "Segawa, anything striking in the paper?" "We are brothers, gentlemen," the charm- > "Oh, thirty dear fellows-Dini Ya Nsam- ing white fellow told us seriously. In spite of > bwa adherents-have been killed, so far, by his seriousness, I felt like saying, "Son of a > the police." I felt a chilly draft go through gunner! Your missionaries have been telling > my heart. us this sort of thing for a century, yet do we > "You know, Dunduzu," Segawa started to see them practice it? Lincoln coined even a > say meditatively, his eyes fixed on a distant nobler phrase-'with malice towards none > point, "I don't think there is a God." I eyed but charity for all'-but what results has it > him with understanding. He continued. produced on you fellows?" > "How can God, the Just, the Merciful, be "Color prejudice," he went on to say, "is > indifferent to this tyranny? Why should a a man-made thing. It must be relinquished > Just God create people with different colors because it is the cause of human misunder- > so that some should be oppressed by reason standing and discord." There was something > of those same colors? What harm is there in in that but it is a platitude which even Malan > following Dini Ya Nsambwa? They [Euro- may have voiced in his early years. If only > peans] tell us of freedom of worship but these fellows can practice what they say, this > what's this now? Because an African is black world might be a paradise overnight! > they think God cannot send a black prophet He dwelt at length on what he called One- > to him. Look, these people are teaching us ness of Mankind. In his eyes shone some- > lies. They are selfish. They say Christian thing invisible which touched your heart > Africans shouldn't drink liquors, but they with a softening stroke. Indeed my stubborn > do. They say you should not commit adul- heart was melting. He paused with a smile > tery but they are the worst harlots. They say which had obviously a very distant source. > you should love your neighbor but they don't It was deeply meaningful. "Does anybody > love us. Oh, they are liars!" He paused, then want to ask a question?'No questions but > went on slowly, "I see now that we have silence and attention. He switched on to an- > been fools. Why did we leave the beliefs of other subject. > our forefathers? They knew God and used "All religions are from God." He sur- > to worship Him through dead people who prised us. It was on the tip of my tongue to > were near Him. Why didn't we continue to say, "Except Islgm. Well, it just couldn't > worship God that way? Believe me, these be," I thought. But by this time skepticism > people are not following the teachings of had almost left me. I allowed the words to > Christ. Have you read Tolstoy's letter to soak into my head. The doors of my emo- > Mahatma Gandhi?" tional self seemed to have been shattered to > "No," I said. let in this fellow to play on my emotions and > "I can't remember the exact words but play he did. Now I marvel at: "The differ- > what he means is this: The Christian world ences between different religions are due to > which professes to follow the teachings of the different times and places in which they > Christ has built and is maintaining its em- happen to be revealed." Now I frown with > pires by wars. This shows that they are not him at a blunder or injustice being done; > following the teaching of Christ which is now I smile with him at a feasible solution > LOVE."We were silent for two minutes and he presents. "God curse you if you don't live > then he sighed and said, "Oh, Lord!" Both the life of all that you say with this strange > of us were hopeless. sincerity," I am sure I said inwardly. > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 923 > > It was getting towards sundown at this cause we did not know from where He > juncture and the fellow pulled out a pocket would come. > watch, looked at it and shot a glance at our He expounded in detail the manner of > teacher who evidently had met him before. coming of Christ's Return. The gist of the > "It's getting late, gentlemen. I don't want explanation was first, that Christ in His sec- > to keep you long." ond coming must be born; for if He is to > I clicked my tongue in disgust. I thought: come in a manner different from other men > Europeans with their wives and food! Now why should Jesus warn us against false > this fellow feels as if he has been away from prophets; second, that the clouds on which > his wife for a century. He is probably dying He is expected to come are the limitations > of hunger too. But can't he tolerate it only of His human body. It is those physical limi- > for today? tations which would prevent people from > "GO, go on, go on, on," came the con- seeing His Reality just as physical clouds > fused urgings. Too late to say "go on" my- prevent us from seeing the splendor of the > self, I ventured to ask, "What's the matter, sun. > sir?'He swept the audience with that smile Finally, the charming white fellow showed > which seemed to say: "We are in a quagmiry us how BahPu'llhh and His Faith fulfilled > world, in a world of injustice and pathetic all these prophecies. He showed us (1) that > delusion. the BahB'i Faith started at a time when the > "On my part, it wouldn't bother me to be Return of Christ should have come; (2) that > here till sunrise, but you must get home. BahL'u'llfih and His Faith came at a time > Some of you are expected by your parents; when the signs of Christ's Return were being > we do not want to upset their plans," he fulfilled; (3) that BahB'u'llfih came in the > said. true manner He (as the Return of Christ) > "That is our business, sir," retorted a was expected; and (4) that He (BahL'u'llfih) > young man from the back. came from the place (Elam) where the > "Go on, go, go on," came another volley Bible says the Return of Christ must come > of go-ons. He settled down without the least from. With this, 'Ali NakJhjavfini (for that is > sign of fatigue, hunger or anxiety. I must the name of that white speaker) ended his > have been wrong about his feelings. talk and returned to his home. > "All that I have been telling you," said he, So it was that I who was made to detest > "are the Teachings of a new Prophet- white men with the religion they brought, > BahL'u'llfih. He was born in Persia and He was now challehged by another white man to > is the Return of Christ!" The brows of the accept another religion; I who cherished the > boys were furrowed as much as to say, Teachings of Christ but who strongly > "What?" doubted that Christ was the Son of God, was > "Does anyone have a Bible?'he asked. A now being challenged to acknowledge His > boy darted out and brought one. Return; I who believed in the expulsion of > "YOUsee," he told us, "we have forgotten the white man from Africa, was now ironi- > the promise of Christ. We have forgotten its cally being made to consider him as a > details. All we remember is that Christ said brother. It was a frightful insomnia that I > that He would come again. We are now go- had that night. A deadly war was going on > ing to prove that what Christ said about his within my divided self. Its end seemed to be > second coming has been fulfilled by BahL'uY- continually put off by a warning a student > llfih." had yelled directly after we came out from > Together we turned the leaves of the Bible the lecture. He said, "Don't forget for a > and proved, first, that the time for Christ's minute that white men brought their religion > return arrived a hundred years ago; second, and took our land. This fellow is bringing a > that the signs of His coming have all been new technique of keeping you quiet while > fulfilled! his friends snatch our land and domineer > "From these," the fellow cogently con- over us." I confessed that I could not prove > cluded, "it follows that Christ must have al- the contrary, yet some invisible ^force > ready come. But you may ask why did we seemed to push me to a decision. > not see Him?" He explained that for one The following day witnessed the end of > thing we did not see the Return of Christ be- my war. I had turned things over for nine > cause He came in a manner we did not ex- and a half hours of the previous night. The > pect; for another we did not see Him be- result was that I had trampled down every > 924 T H E BAHA' 1 WORLD > > bit of a doubt within me. I longed to be above solution is to compromise our claims. > asked the most difficult question by anybody But why take only half of what we want > who doubted because I was sure that I could while the BahL'is give us the whole? They > rip off a cogent and convincing answer. give us full equality. Mr. Kagwa who has > In the evening, 'Ali came again to outline been with the Bahb'is for a considerable time > the history of the Forerunner, the Author will bear this out. Equality,. which every > and the Interpreter of the Bahb'i Faith, and African wants today, is what the BahB'i > also to tell us about the obligations and pro- Faith gives us and that is why I identify my- > hibitions enjoined on the Bahb'is. I consid- self with it." I laughed exultantly but he was > ered all of them as reasonable and necessary serious. I thought he needed some more. I > but there was one which was a hard pill- went on. > fasting! "Fasting." I wondered. "Hope this "I take it, sir, that you don't ask me why > isn't Islbm. Heavens, I have never fasted in I have embraced a faith, because I am sure > my life." However, later in the evening by you know that it is the propensity of ninety- > sheer luck I came across Bah2u'lldh and the nine and three-quarters per cent of mankind > New Era. "It's a sort of text book of the to have a religious faith of some kind. What > Faith," Mr. Frobisher K. Kagwa (the you ask, I believe, is why I have chosen the > teacher who first met 'Ali) said as he gave it BahL'i Faith of all faiths. The reason is this: > to me. The first thing I looked up was "fast- I believe that mankind has been constantly > ing" and there I found a satisfying explana- lifted from a former religion to a new one > tion. "Fasting," 'Abdu'l-Bahb, the Inter- just as a boy in grade one moves by degrees > preter of Bahb'u711&h'sTeachings, explained, to the sixth form. The new faith to which > "is a symbol. Fasting signifies abstinence mankind is being lifted is the Bahb'i Faith. > from lust . . . from self-appetites and self- It seems improper for me, therefore, to re- > desires." "Fasting," He reiterated, "is a sym- main in the former grade while I am being > bol of that abstinence . . . it is a reminder called into a new one. That the BahL'i Faith > . . . otherwise it is of no importance." That is new and that in a way it symbolizes an up- > appealed to me; it satisfied me. Right away per grade is shown by the following con- > I told Mr. Kagwa to contact Mr. 'Ali and trast: While the former Prophets taught > tell him that I wanted to become a Bahb'i. individual love, to love our neighbors, BahL'- > He did and the following day my roommate, u'llih teaches Universal Love. While the fol- > Godwin Peter Kabisa, and I signed our dec- lowers of different religions consider their > larations as Bahgis. particular religion to be the only true and > Later in the evening a teacher asked me, best, Bahi'u'llbh says that all religions are > "Do you really understand what you have from God, that all have been useful to man- > done? I understand Bahb'is have nothing to kind at their prescribed time but that now, > do with politics. Is that what you are going after more than thirteen hundred years since > to comply with?" "Yes. . . ." I started to the last religion was revealed, mankind needs > speak, but he interrupted. "What a loss to a new religion which will be in keeping with > Nyasaland,"' he went on ruefully. "What a his needs and his progressive mentality. So > loss! Just why have you believed in the it seems to me, si;, that if one becomes a > Bahb'i Faith?" he asked. He was just the Bahb'i, one leaves his particular religion only > fellow I had been looking for. Teacher or no to embrace all former religions plus Bahi'u'- > teacher, I would hammer my belief into 11Lh's New Faith. And I think such a fellow > him. is better off than somebody who believes in > "I believe in the Bahb'i Faith because it's only one grade of religion." > the only solution to political problems. And The teacher shrugged his shoulders as he > if I have a solution to our political problems said, "Well." And well it was. > I don't think it is useful anymore to fiddle Such was my preliminary understanding > with politics. Let me add, sir, that the only of the BahL'i Faith but now after a year and > thing that an African can do to regain his a half of experience and vigorous study, my > freedom is to expel Europeans from Africa. understanding has deepened and broadened. > But this is impracticable in view of the fact I have seen with my own eyes how the > that Europeans have hydrogen bombs while Bahh'i Faith has restored unity in African > we have only spears. The alternative to the families which were formerly divided be- > cause one member belonged t o a different re- > 2 The writer's native country. Iigion or sect. I have watched it remove con- > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS 925 > > fusion among many Africans who wondered will have been finally extinguished; . . . > why there were so many religions. For the and finally a world community in which the > first time, it has shown many the difference fury of a capricious and militant national- > between a sect and religion. I used to call ism will have been transmuted into an abid- > Protestantism a religion! ing consciousness of world citizen- > My association with white BahB'is, on the s h ~ p. . ."3 > bther hand, has proved to me that the BahL'i In my quiet moments I gape and mur- > Faith, unlike many other faiths today, is not mur, "So the next record that history will > impractical. The watchwords of the white make is that of the unification of the nations. > Bahi'is seem to be: "Action, not words. Live So communication is soon going to assume > the life," which in black Africa means "Love new meaning-for travelers will no longer > the African." be mere tourists. They will be traveling with > Finally, let me mention that the BahB'i the anticipation of meeting new brothers and > Teachings have brought hope not only to me sisters in the islands of the seas, in far off > but also to countless others who have had Asia, Australia and even in wild Africa. So > the golden chance of investigating the BahL'i geography will put on a new meaning too- > Faith. They have opened new vistas for us; for old as well as young will begin to dust > they have made us sight new goals; nay, they off and buy atlases that they may know > have marshaled us into a new world of un- exactly where George or Jane are in the > precedented ideals and aspirations. For I, Philippines, in the Congo, in Finland or in > who loved my country, now love my kind; I Peru." It seems to me, people will master the > who dreamed of dedicating my life to the geography of the world as. they have mas- > cause of the African, have now dedicated my tered the geography of their countries be- > life to the Cause of God. I am now seriously cause soon the planet earth will be their > working for ". . . A world community in country. The picture overpowers one. Vast > which all economic barriers will have been and inevitable changes are impending- > permanently demolished and the interde- changes which BahB'u'llfih sums up by say- > pendence of Capital and Labor definitely ing, "Soon will the present day order be > recognized; in which the clamor of religious rolled up and n new one spread out in its > fanaticism and strife will have been forever stead." > stilled; in which the flame of racial animosity 3 Shoghi Effendi, World Order o f Bahrl'u'N6h, p. 41. > > 15. BLACK SUNLIGHT > B y WILLIAMAND MARGUERITE > SEARS > > T H E swamp water, they told us, was alive on the raft. He read it all, as the ferry raft > with crocodiles. The raft, just big enough to inched along. There would have been time > hold our car, was propelled by six young to have read The New Era. Timeless Africa! > Africans using long, thin poles. Once we Many things seasoned our long African > sighted a breath-taking blue-gold water lily. journey. At one time we nearly drove our > At once, the boys pushed the raft into the small car into a number of hippopotami > reeds to pluck it for us. With great happi- which were coming up out of the Nile river > ness they presented it to us. The ceremony to eat the sweet green grass. We stopped at > had delayed the crossing another half hour. another time within eight feet of a huge, > Our mixed group of African, British, and sleeping lion. As our car sped along the > American BahL'is was watched curiously by Kenya Park roads, we scattered ostriches, > one of the young Basoga on the raft. zebra, giraffes; we sent gazelles and bucks of > "What makes the white-skin and black- many varieties scurrying for cover. We sat > skin people laugh together so pleasantly?" he at dusk on a terrace at Mtito Andei and > asked. looked across the haze of sunset at the white > He was given a Bahi'i pamphlet in Lu- hair of Kilimanjaro. We spent a night on an > ganda. He was much taken with it, and be- African train which was so crowded that we > gan to read it aloud to all the African people had to sleep on the floor of the dining car. > 926 T H E BAHA'I WORLD > > We stood with BahL'i friends in the cauldron talking about the history of his people and > heat of Mombassa and studied that para- the great war which had been so fiercely > doxically named edsce, "Fort Jesus." We fought by the Catholics and Protestants to > welcomed a mammoth orange moon which gain supremacy. He told us how the Kabaka > rose majestically from the Indian Ocean at (King) had refused to embrace either belief > Zanzibar. As our ship slid noiselessly into since they broke the very commandment > harbor, the graceful palm trees would be which Jesus had given them, his followers, > etched against that ball of fire. The fra- "to love one another." > grance of cloves from the island drifted "What is your own background in reli- > across the water. We clasped hands, and gion?'we asked him. > twenty years fell overboard! "Many things I have been," he said, "but > We visited a BahL'i community in Dar es never happy inside. I was born a Pagan, but > Salaam that would have cheered 'Abdu'l- I became a Catholic because they owned the > BahB's heart. It had among its members primary school and I wished to learn. Then > Africans from several different tribes, Per- I became a Protestant because they owned > sian, British, Turkish, Indian, Egyptian, and the high school. Then," he chuckled, "since > American BahL'is. Once we drove off to help the college was owned by the government, I > with a BahA'i school in the interior, miles became an agnostic." > from the nearest town of any size. Soon we "What are you now?' > were in the center of an entire BahL'i village. He smiled. "Bewildered. I have heard > People rushed out to greet us, not in African much about the Bahi'i Faith, but I lack the > or English, but with "Allfih-u-AbhP." They courage to believe that it can really be as my > ushered us into our new home, a round mud ears tell me. I am no longer a child or boy. > hut with thatched roof. There, hanging by it- Now I must believe, not because I desire to > self, on the wall was a small frame drawing gain something, but because my heart tells > of the Greatest Name. This was our home me it is true and will fill my emptiness." > for fifteen days. It would be crowded at We agreed. He told us that he knew it > night with eager faces, asking endless ques- would not be easy, nor popular, but what > tions, still unsatisfied by a day filled with did it matter if only it were true. Again we > seven separate classes on the Faith. A wild- agreed, and quoting the words of BahL'u'- > cat would break in, steal food, and peer in- llfih, said, "adversity is the oil that feedeth > tently at the Americans feigning sleep inside the flame of this Lamp" of God. > the mos,quito net. Hornets would drone When we pasted months later, he said, "I > mournfully in and out of the thatched roof thought my soul had been lost when I was > when the sun roused them from sleep. Our born. Now I know that BahA'u'llfih was just > guest, a sweet little monkey, lived on the keeping it for me. Now He has returned it > wall top, and would poke his hand through to me." As we said our goodbyes, his parting > the straw roof to steal eggs from the un- words were, "The scar of friendship which > suspecting hen who had laid them there. Oc- the Bahfi'is have cut into my heart will never > casionally, they would fight bitter duels be healed." > through small holes in the roof. Here we > would have dysentery and malaria. But ev- > erything is crowded out of the memory by There is a natural poetry in the African > the love we were shown. We thanked our speech. It is not dependent on education. > host, through an interpreter, for his kindness One of the most eloquent of all those we met > in giving up his home to us. He replied, "It was an illiterate. He spoke in fragments, but > is not to thank me. It is to thank BahL'uY- they fell together like pieces of a fresh mo- > llfih who makes all things possible." saic. We met in Mombassa, in the Kit Kat > From June to February, we sailed anchor- Cafe. It is one of the few places where all > less upon the wondrous sea of Bah6'u'llfih9s races can gather in freedom and mental se- > world~community.Each day was a treasure. curity. However, they also gather there in > The following are but a few of the incidents riotous sound. To the background chanting > that make up the most rewarding period in of an East Indian love song on the gramo- > our entire Bahi'i life to the present time. phone, and surrounded by raucous conversa- > tions in Swahili, Arabic and Portuguese, this > young man told us his understanding of the > One evening in Kampala, we spoke to a three central figures of the Faith. > charming young Buganda. We had been He wanted so sincerely to be a BahL'i. > ARTICLES AN D REVIEWS 927 > > We had come to determine his understand- Faith, we replied, "If you don't take him in, > ing, to see if he were ready to become a be- you k i d better put us out because we are > liever. We regretted at the time that we had learning from him every moment." > no recorder to preserve his words. Halting as 3. > they were, they outshone, in their simplicity > the polished speech of those who had come At the opening of the Teso Conference > to question. The sequence and the exact con- School in Teso, Uganda, there were over two > tent have escaped us after all this time, but hundred and fifty African BahL'is present. > we shall always be able to communicate the There were sixteen Local Assemblies repre- > spirit of what he said. sented. Following a huge barbecue, there > "Tell us in your own words," we asked was a public meeting. Public officials, school > him, "about the Bib, Bahi'u'llih and 'Ab- teachers, tribal dignitaries, guests both Afri- > dull-BahL." can and European were present. > H e nodded. Never taking his eyes from At the first session, the chairman of the > ours, he began to speak. host community welcomed us with a delight- > "When it is dusk, no one sees good. They ful speech. He told of the great fear in his > fear. They hate what they don't see. Even if people's hearts when all the Teso Bahi'is > it is people. Then the sun comes and they had left for the Kampala Conference. They > do see a little. And things are not so bad. were iniplored not to go by their friends and > That is the B&b. He was good. They killed families who were not Bahi'is. "You will be > Him because they liked it to be dark. But it eaten," they warned. When all the Bahi'is > needed to be brighter like hot day-time to returned from the conference, there was > see they are wrong to hate. This was Bah6'- great excitement. They were counted to > u'llih. 'See everybody,' He said 'how nice make certain none was missing. Then there > they are. Love, don't hate.' He died. Not was rejoicing in the streets. > really death because He left His son, 'Ab- "Even today," the chairman continued, > du'l-Bah6. Not so bright, but good like after- "we were approached and told, 'beware! The > noon sun to see us safe home before it is Americans will carry you away and eat > black. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said good things. People you.' " > are alike even if they look different. All be- Marguerite Sears replied to his speech > long to God, so don't do what God wouldn't and drew attention to the similarity of fears > do. Be good men. Then He died. But He the world over. > told us to go to the Guardian (Shoghi Ef- "When we left New York," she said, > fendi). He would be strong and guard us. "some of our friends, who were not Bahi'is, > He would tell away our troubles. H e will, told us, 'Be careful. Some of the people in > too; I believe in him. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said, Africa may carry you off and eat you.' " > 'Whatever the Guardian says is right. Do it.' When the laughter ebbed, the Conference > And I will." began. The school followed. The program > When he had finished, a questioning look was as follows: > came into his eyes. It seemed to say, "Please, 8-9: 30 A.M.-History of Faith > am I a Bahi'i?" 10-12:30 A.M.-Three classes on Ian- > "I know I am ignorant," he told us, "but guage > I want to learn all there is in the world to (A) For illiterates (to > know about my Faith. I can't find words for learn to read and > the fullness of my heart." He sighed sadly, write their own > as he made a confession. "I tried to tell my language) > religious man what I believe. He stops me (B) For Beginning > sometimes and says, 'Where are you when it English > is church?' I told him what I believe, but al- (C) For Advanced > ways he defeats me what I say. He defeats English > me with words. I tell him again, but he de- 12-4: 00 ~.M.--committee Meetings > feats me with words." Suddenly he looked Personal Interviews > up and smiled happily. "But only he defeats Visits to nearby Bahi'i > my head, not my heart. This," he said, Communities > touching his heart, "belongs to Bahi'u'llih 4-5:00 P.M.-Bahi'i Administration > and no one can conquer it away from Him." (explanations) > When they asked us later if we thought 5-5:45 P.M.-Administration (prac- > the young man should be taken into the tical application) > T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D > > How to conduct a he grumbled, "it steals your head before it > Feast, an election steals your feet." > How to hold Bah6'i The remark by a Basoga man, who ad- > consultation mitted to taki.ng a drink off and on, settled > Functions of Assem- the matter of alcohol. > blies, Committees, "I did not know it was forbidden," he > etc. told everyone. "Now I do know. So it must > 7-9 :30 special classes for Ba- go forever. There is no room in my heart > hb'i Pioneers for both alcohol and Bahi'u'llih." > 9: 30-12: 00 P.M.-SOC~~~, questions, fun. > > The more these people heard about their One young man spends his time going > Faith, the more enthusiastic they became. from community to community in Teso, > When the sheer delight of hearing the teach- helping each assembly and group to remain > ings was too much for them, they would as active as possible. He was a translator at > cover their ears with both hands and then the Conference school. His little child be- > remove them to make certain they were came ill with smallpox. At the same time, > hearing these wonderful things. Then they thieves broke into his home in his absence > would say, "Tell the words again, please." and stole his supply of grain. The year be- > fore, enemies had thrown acid on his fam- > 4. > ily's clothes, ruining the clothes completely. > One entire afternoon of the Conference When we asked him if all this had really > was given over to a discussion of the two happened to him, he replied, "Yes. Some- > most challenging problems that Africa must times I say to myself, 'Oule, why is this hap- > face: polygamy and alcohol. pening to you always, so many things?' Then > The law relative to polygamy was simply I answer myself and I say, 'Oule, it is Bah6'- > explained. No African is penalized by be- u'llLh who is polishing you inside. Go and > coming a Bah6'i. If a man has more than teach His Faith, and leave the rest to God.' " > one wife before he accepts the Faith, he When the Uganda Teaching Committee > keeps them all. However, he can take no met one day in Mbale, forty-five miles away, > more without breaking the law. If he has but Oule missed the bus. He scurried about until > one, he keeps that one and takes no more. If he could borrow a bicycle and then he > he is unmarried, he is permitted but one pumped the forty-five miles and arrived but > wife. ten minutes late for the meeting. He did not > A young man asked a question (on behalf feel that there could be any excuse for his > of a friend, he said) about marriage. absence. This was part of his belief in God, > "What if you know you're going to be- and he must not fail to do his part. It would > come a BahP'i? Couldn't you fast marry be easy to believe in Bahi'u'llih and remain > three wives first, and then accept the Faith?" at home, but it would be impossible to serve > The silence of his own people was his an- Bah2u'llLh and still remain. He felt that life > swer. One of the men near him said, "The must be an example of BahL'u'llLh's words > answer to that lies between you and God." in His book of Laws where He cautions > "Oh," said the young man, and he sat mankind "not to be indulgent in carrying out > down. His statutes"; prescribes the twin inseparable > The law about alcohol was more simply duties of recognizing the "Dayspring of > explained. It was not taken in any form un- God's Revelation (the Messenger) and of > less essentially required as medical treatment observing all the ordinances revealed by > under doctor's prescription. We suggested Him, neither of which is acceptable without > that we secure some of the local drink, put it the other." > in a bowl and set fire to it. When it burst > 6. > into flames, we could demonstrate what hap- > pened to the inside of the stomach when a There were seven African pioneers who > person drank. attended the Teso school. They had risen > "No," we were cautioned, "that wouldn't spontaneously when the Guardian had called > be helpful. You see, when our people want for volunteers. They planned to leave for > to get something to drink, they say, 'Light a their posts immediately after the school > match to it. If it burns, I'll buy it.' " ended. We took one of them to Ngora to > One old man shook his head. "Bad thing," catch the bus for his goal city. He had > A R T I C L E S AIVD R E V I E W S 929 > > already said good-bye to family and friends.room at the school. It was discovered by the > Over his shoulder he carried a stick, brokenschool authorities, and he was told to de- > from a young tree. In a white cloth, tied tostroy it and have nothing further to do with > this new belief. He refused, saying, "This is > the end of the stick, were all his worldly pos- > sessions. He was off to a new land, a new my faith. This I can really believe." He was > language, a new people. warned that if he persisted, he would lose > "Pray for me," he said, "that I will stand > his job. He must either give up his job or > brave." this foolishness. > Then he thanked the pioneer teachers who "Foolishness?'he asked. "That there is > had come to the school. He praised their only one God and only one religion? That > sacrifice for coming to Teso, for giving up all the Messengers of God are equal and > so much to bring more of God's truth to his teach the same truth in different ages? That > people. These teachers had come by auto, all men are brothers, and that mankind must > with their families, and would return to- not only believe this is so, but behave that > gether. This African pioneer had left wife, way? This is foolishness?" > children, home-everything-at the call of He was told to make a choice. > the Guardian. He did not think that what he "There is no choice," he told them. > was doing was a sacrifice. Others might be "Nothing can make me give up my faith." > sacrificing, but he was obeying the voice in "We shall see," he was told. > his heart. BahL'u'llLh had said of 'Abdu'l- He was put out of his job. He was barred > Bahl, "who obeys Him, obeys God." The from securing teaching work at any other > school. His father and the tribal authorities > Guardian had called for pioneers, and to this > soul the voice of God had spoken. He an- were approached by the clergy and asked to > swered it the only way he knew how to an- influence the boy to return to his work and > swer, with "instant, exact and complete obe-to the church. He was threatened with ban- > dience." ishment from the tribe, with disinheritance, > To us, he was the symbol of Bah&'u'lllh'swith open opposition. > words, "whither can a lover go but to the "If it must be," he replied, "it is God's > land of his beloved? and what seeker findethwill. I shall never give up my belief in Bahg- > rest away from his heart's desire? . . . seize > u'lllh. It is better to be for something than > thy chance, for it will come to thee no to live for nothing." > more." Everyone opposed him. Obstacles were > He shook hands with us and then wormed hurled into his path. BahL'uYlllh's words > his way into the crowded bus. He was the were fulfilled at each step along the way for > leaven in this mass of humanity. He poked this courageous believer: "Ye shall be hin- > his head out the window and grinned at us. dered from loving Me, and souls shall be > His smile made you feel how deprived you perturbed as they make mention of Me. For > were not to be where he would be. He man- minds cannot grasp Me, nor hearts con- > aged to wriggle one arm free to wave to us. tain Me." As a last resort, they tried to get > As the bus carried him off to his post, he the young man's wife to sway him, to > called back happily, "A11Lh-U-Abhg!" threaten him with divorce unless he aban- > No word was received from him for some doned the BahL'i Faith. > time after. The committee became worried Little by little, he had been shorn of every > about his welfare. Perhaps he was ill. Per- tie. He had given up his job, his tribe, his > haps he had not found employment. Perhaps family, his friends, and now his wife and > the teaching work had not yet begun. There children. There was, he said, no praise due > had been no word for two months. him. If there had been a choice to make, > Finally they heard. Not a letter, but a tele- > perhaps his wisdom could have been com- > gram. It said simply: "Send more declara- mended; but since God had talked to his > tion blanks, and pamphlets in English." heart, the world had died before his eyes. > How many times these people, because of > their purity and simplicity reminded us of > Another of the pioneers was off to teach the Hidden Words of Bah6'u7llLh: "Divest > the Faith in Kenya, in the heart of the Mau not thyself of My beauteous robe, and for- > Mau trouble area. He had been a teacher at feit not thy portion from My wondrous > a church school when he had first heard of fountain, lest thou shouldst thirst forever- > the Faith. One of the Bahgis gave him a more." > pamphlet to read. He took it back to his Later, when we arrived in Dar es Salaam, > 930 T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D > > we heard that this young man had already throughout the world, living His principles > brought eight new people into the Faith at and spreading His teachings that the "world > his pioneer post. is one country and mankind its citizens." He > blushingly admits now that he doesn't know > everything, but he does know that this Faith > There was a very lovable boy who was de- is the hope of his heart and the help of his > termined to speak English as soon as pos- people. > sible. Whenever he was with us, he would 9. > practice. > "After all," he said, "when in Rome, do The first pioneer to leave the Teso school > as Rome does." for his post went to far off Tanganyika. To > Following one of the classes on The him it meant a journey to another country > Dawn-Breakers, and the tale of the historic across great Lake Victoria. We gathered > defense of Fort Tabarsi, he said, admiringly, around the car that was to take him as far > "That was a very movable story." as Kampala. His wife and little son kissed > A man from Mbale read the small booklet him goodbye. He laughed and cried all at > on the principles of the Faith, and insisted the same time. He was laughing with joy for > on becoming a believer immediately. He was the privilege of serving this Faith he so > told he could not, that he must wait until he loved, and he was weeping with sadness at > knew more. He was also told that it was for parting. He was shaken with bewilderment > his protection as well as the protection of the at this great spiritual motion that was stir- > Faith that each person should know exactly ring amidst his people. His body seemed to > and thoroughly what he was accepting be- be urging him to stay, while his spirit pulled > fore he could become a follower of Bah6'11'- him inexorably away. > 1lAh. We all sang in unison the most popular > "I'm ready now," he said. He held up the song of the school session. It was written by > booklet. "Never did I have such happy read- the Americans, using all the words of Ateso > ing. This is the truth I accept. I believe in they had learned. It was set to the tune of > Bahb'u'llLh. I am a BahB'i." "Mine eyes have seen the Glory of the > "You are not. Not yet. There is more to coming of the Lord." > learn." "Yoga Ojekuna ebu > "Good. I accept it. Whatever it is, if Yoga Ojekuna ebu > Bah6'uYll&h said it, I believe it, and I will do Yoga Ojekuna ebu > it. I am a Bahb'i." Ealama nui nui > Yoga do!" > "Later maybe." > "Now!" Freely translated it said, "Hello, I am feel- > "But you do not know what the Faith is ing fine, yes. Hell4 I am feeling fine, yes. > yet. You have only a beginning." Hello, I am feeling fine, yes. Thank you very > "I know all. Listen!" Then he began to re- very much. Good-bye!" > cite his version of what he had read in the This never failed to send the two hundred > booklet: "God one. Prophets one. Man one. and fifty BahB'is at the school off into > All good. Work is to pray, justice for every- spasms of unrestrained laughter. > body-even the dark-all good. See, I know Finally the moment of farewell came. We > everything. I am a Bahii'i." had one last song together around the car. > Impatiently, his questioner said, "All The words and music had been written by > right, if you know everything, where does the school chorus, written they said by Ba- > the Guardian live?" h6'i consultation. They called it, "Yes, > The answer came back at once, full of BahB'u'llLh is the return of Christ." > confidence. Then we embraced our pioneer in fond > "Mombassa!" good-byes. Our last view of this servant of > It was the only large city he knew; so cer- the Guardian was the picture of him cling- > tainly the Guardian must live there. ing tightly with one hand to the Bahb'i litera- > Now he knows where the Guardian lives. ture he was taking with him. > He also knows about the local and national He had a Bah2u'lkih and the New Era, > assemblies, and the Universal House of Jus- the little pamphlet in Swahili, the Hidden > tice. He knows that there are other cities Words, a mimeographed copy of Bible > than Mombassa, and that there are BahB'is Prophecies, and a small five cent red note- > ARTICLES AND REVIEWS > > book in which, he said, he could write down love." The light, once kindled, must never > all the names of his new contacts. be allowed to go out. > With his free hand, he waved farewell. Bah2uYll6h,in the Tablet of Carmel, cried > He called out the window of the car to us: out, "0 how I long to announce unto every > "We shall meet again, in Haifa, Baghdid, > - spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry > or heaven." to each one of its cities, the glad-tidings of > . > this Revelation . ." > 'Abdu'l-Bah6 echoed poignantly those > We have not spoken here of the diffi- same words. "0 that I could travel, even > culties or hardships that a pioneer encoun- though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to > ters. No citadel is wrested from the enemy these regions and, raising the call of Y6- > without casualties. Malaria, dysentery, in- Bahi'u'l'-Abhh in cities, villages, mountains, > fected toes, smashed fingers, influenza, cold, deserts and oceans, promote the Divine > heat, hunger, discomfort. These are all cam- teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How in- > paign ribbons for each pioneer. There is no tensely I deplore it. Please God, ye may > need to expatiate upon sufferings. These are achieve it." > the mortar with which the monument of vic- Africa, the most neglected, abused, de- > tory is held erect and in place. One rapidly prived of the continents has heard this call > learns that what he thought were bare es- and is answering. > sentials of living, are really luxuries. What One morning we were speaking of the > he thought were impossible conditions are suffering and martyrdoms during the time of > really the bare essentials. the B6b. We had just finished telling the > Every pioneer has a period of "let down." story of the seven martyrs of Tihrin. One > The trumpets and the banners of "send off' very sweet old man came up to speak with > fade. He has ridden the exciting crest of the us. The dear soul thought that these stories > wave. The wave subsides and he is in the meant that they, too, the African Bahgis, > quiet waters of the harbor. Now only his would soon be called upon to give their lives > own energy can keep him afloat until he ad- for the Faith. He thanked us and said, "This > justs to this new world. It is here that he will help to hold me up when it comes my > suffers from a common pioneer disease. Not turn to be killed." > fatal, but universal. It is caused by: no job, In one of the very last letters 'Abdu'l- > no visa, no money, no room, no friends, no Bah6 wrote, He said, "I have done all that > mail, and no good coffee. Everything seems could be done. I have served the Cause of > impossible of accomplishment. The disease Bah&'u'll$h to the utmost of My ability. 0 > is called the AfrTcan'ts." But once the how I long to see the Believers shouldering > prayers begin to take hold and the pioneer . > the responsibilities of the Cause . . save > receives an encouraging letter such as: this there remains none other joy for me." > "Dear Mabel-I would have written from The charger that 'Abdu'l-Bahh promised > the Congo sooner to cheer you through ma- us is awaiting the rider who will spur it into > laria only I was ullconscious with typhoid" the arena to win the victory in His name. > the cure is accomplished! This is the time The tests that hold men back are the same > when the pioneer realizes that, of course, he in this day as they have been in every day > can't accomplish everything all by himself. of God: wealth, children, hunger, and death. > He was never expected to do this. All he was Cast them aside, as the hero of BhrfurGs_h > asked to do was to "report at his post for cast aside his satchel of turquoise, as the > duty" and allow BahB'u'116h to accomplish mother of As_hraf cast aside her heart's de- > the task through him, the willing channel. At sire, as the defenders of Tabarsi cast aside > this point, he becomes a real Afri"can." the sumptuous banquet offered by their > 'Abdu'l-Bah6 told us that we must be sol- tempters, as the uncle of the B6b cast aside > diers of God. We leave our homes, friends, his life asking only that he "be the first to > families-all-and go into the field of bat- lay down his life for his beloved kinsman." > tle. There is no turning back. The enemy is Let all, who are not "clay pieces to be > engaged. The world is now our battlefield, disintegrated with a little moisture," enter > the ten year crusade our plan of action. We the fray as soldiers of the Covenant; not > must empty ourselves from the cities and turning back until the Crusade is won, or life > rush out to reinforce every outpost, armed has been laid down as a marker along the > only with what 'Abdu'l-Bah6 called "guns of way that points to the hill of triumph. > THE A > B AH A9I F A ITH > 'HEIR SPI fi~iflfliy,. CENTRE IS HAIFA > > compl etion of rhl > Bab o n Mt. Carmcl > ~u>[~u$LA. - Haifa. > > - > Iiz Haifa on the slopes of Mount Carmel in the midst Other communitics may consider how far a particular > of a beautiful garden lie the sacred shrines of the Baha'i clemcnt of their respective faith may be regarded as similar > religion, " t h e foundation and growth of which," accordi?lg to thos: of other communitics, but the Baha'i Faith exists > to Lord Sarnur>, first-and only Jewish-High commissioner for the purposc of combining in one synthesis all those elc- > o f Mandated Palestine, " i s one of the most striking move- mcnts in the various faiths which are held in common. > ments that haze proceeded from the East in recent.gene- Its origin was in Persia where a mystic.proph,rt, who > rations." took the name of thc Bab, the "Gate", began a mission > This rcligioiz ichich only last year celebrated the cente- among the Persians in thc earlicr part of thc nineteenth > zary 'of its founder's martyr's death is today represented in century. He collected a considerable number of adherents. > a hundred countries throughout the zuorld and Baha'i lita- His artivitiias were regiirdcd with apprehension by the govcrn- > rature has been traizslated into sixty lan,ouages. I n India ment of Persia of t h a t day. Finally, he and his leading > alotze there are Baha'i congregations in 54 different towns. disciples were seized by the forces of the Persian Govern- > T h e Baha'i Faith is of non-political character and Baha'is ment and were shot. in the year 1850. In spite of the > are commanded by the Founder of their Faith to be loyal persecution, the movement spread in Persia and in many > subjects of the Goverizmeizts under ruhich they live. Islamic countries. > Whilst the Baha'i religion originated in Persia, and apart He was followed as the head of the community by the > from perhaps the U.S.A. still is repcesented there by larger' onc who has been its principal prophet and exponent, > numbers of followers than in any other country, its spiritual Bahah'llah. He was most active and despite persecution > ceiltr,e is Haifa, where Shoehi Effendi; and imprisonment made it his life mis. > ~ -- > > the ~ u a r d i a n ' o fthe Baha'i jaith, resides ~ i o nto spread the cmed which he claim- > and where the remains of the founder ed to have received by direct divine rc- > Icere brought for interment. velation. He died in 1892 and was > True to its enlightened religious policy succeeded as the head of the community > the Government of Israel is extending by his son Abdu'l-Baha, who was born > fullest religious autpnomy to this little in 1844. Hqwas living in Haifa, in a > known and small community and Israel simple house, when I went there as High > is probably the only country today where Commissioner in 1920, and I had the > Baha'i marriage certificates are speci- privilege of one or two most interesting > fically recognized by the law. conversations with him on the principles > Reproduced below is Lord Samuel's and methods of the Baha'i Faith. He > introductory address delivered at the died in 1921 and his obsequies were > Baha'i session of the World Congress o f attended by a great concourse of people. > Faiths, held in London in 1936. I had the honour of representing His > The Ed. Majesty the King on the occasion. > > If one were cornpellcd to choose which Since that time the Baha'i Faith his > of the many religious communities of secured the support of a very large num- > the world was closest to the aim and pur- ber of communities throughout the > pose of this Congress, I think one would world. At the present time it is esti- > -- nhliwd.to > h~ -- - sav that it was the com- mated that there are about eight hun- > parativ& little' known Baha'i corn- ,,,ptetcd part of the sftrine dred Baha'i communities in- various > munity. Mt. Carmcl, Haija. countries. > > Above and opposite: Pages from India and Israel, March, 1951, with article on the > Bahb'i Faith and the World Center of the Faith (reproduced by permission). > db ..,& ~ y g & i ~ g $ < ; g & ~ : g g $ t ~ ~ > -< v-,- =' x Y > ygpp$'@g,; ~ ~ . + v v ' . + ' ~-'-'A'+-**-? > q~ > > s > @ eJ* > A PROPHECY COMES TRUE @j > 23% 5>~* > % > $3 Reproduced below is a quotation ottributcd t o ' Abdu'l ?"' > @ > :,w Baha ' ( 1844-192 1 ) grandfather of the present " Guar- % > , > g. dian of the Baha'i Faith." $2 > > <,y. - ?d* > &? mighty metropolis. As I look now over this scene, I &$ > ?<* Jee so clearly that it will become one of the first em- > b5,~! > 5,>-<, > poriums of the world. This great semi-circular bay will > :,I >-it > $3 be transformcd into the finest harbour, wherein the ships > of all nations will seek shelter and refuge. T h e great > vcsstls of all peoples will come to this port, bringing > ~q on their decks thousands and thousands of men and > ?;z > , $33 > .,, > women from every part of the globe. T h e mountain > and I ~ Cplain will 'be dotted with the most modern > G,J$ > %;,;.,.,. buildings and palaces. Industries will be established > : > $ > ! > >- > , > and various insti~utio~zs > of philanthropic nature will be > $ > 5\75 > founded. T h e flowers of civilization and culture from > $33 all nnntions will be brought here to blend their fragrances > $3 together nnd blare the way for the brotherhood of man. > >IT, Wonderful gardens, orchards, groues and parks wit1 be > $?3 > r>IJ: > laid out on all. sides. At nigh? the great city will be > $43 lighted by eleclricity. T h e entire harbour from Acco > to Haifa will be one path of illuminalion. Powerful > :.,- searchlights will be placed on both sides of Mount > &3 Car~~zel > to guide the steamers. Mount Carmel itself,' > 9-9 from top lo bottom, will be submerged in a sea of lights. > @ A person standing on the summit of Mount Carmel, and > ~ ~ $ 8 > ! > 5Sb7, Iht passengers of the steamers coming to it, will look > $35 hpon the most sublime and majestic spectacle of the > 9*-* > &gl, whole world:" > s,b-!, - > & > > +\?<, > &j (Top) Hnifa 1914 (population 15,000, no port facili- > 3-5 ties, n o industry, no road t o ACCO,Haifa Bay one > ~5,b-G$5 > $& big swamp). > :I>-, > > $2 > ?yG > ,>>\!! > .,. > (Bottom) Haifa 1951 (population zoo,ooo, bejt harbour > in Eastern Mediterranean, big industry, excellent > 5tys roads to Acco, entire Haifa Bay densely popu- > :$s > 5y7, > $9~ > st>-, > lared.) > $$$ (Ccntre) Haifa 1951,. by night, > 5,ys > *+3 > $&~~~2$*\~~*?;$*?$*?~*,?~*,?~$*?;$*v~$*\?~~~~~*k~\y~<;<<*;$*~L,,-~~<\?~<\~,,- > Gt<&K552 "AN EPOCH-MAKING DECISION" > NATI~NALSPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF feels induced to go ahead with the formation of the First Inter- > INDIA. PAKISTAN AND BURMA national Baha'i Council. This Council whereas in the first instance > will forge a link with the authorities of the newly emerged state, > Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, with the > headquarters at Haifa, Israel, has announced through the National > diseharae the res~onsibilities connected with the erection -- -..- > --------- of +hr > supcrst~uctureof ihe Bab's Holy Shrine a t Haifa and conduct nego- > Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India, Pakistan and Burma and tiations relating to matters of personal status of the Baha'is with > eight other sister National Assemblies representing the Baha'i corn- civil authorities throughout the world, will ultimately transform > munity in loo countries of the globe, that as prophecies uttered itself into an elected International House of Justice. > by thes~ounder of the Faith about the establishment of the Jewish > State after a lapse of two thousand years as an independent nation N. A. KHAVARI, > and such other connected matters have w m c about to be true, he Ddhi, 9-1-1951, Acting Secretary. > Haifa and Haifa Bay at night, 1951. (Reproduced by courtesy of India and Israel.) > II > VERSE > THE STAR OF PEACE GOD MOST GLORIOUS! > > In the forgotten past, the priests and kings, Beyond the sweep of farthest star > And hierophants of wisdom, could divine, Beneath the beauty of the rose > From the celestial orbs, far future things, His tokens shine remotely far > And veil these secrets by symbolic sign. His glory stands ineffably close. > (Radiant the heart of him who knows.) > From age to age the thread of promise runs, > That there will dawn a Royal King of days, No longer weak as creed outworn > A glory to eclipse all former ones, No longer dim as hope denied > A peace on earth, beyond the mind to praise. His will proclaims celestial morn > Within the dungeon of our pride. > The rod of Jesse blossomed, and God willed (His power no people can deride.) > Immortal light be born in a dark cave. > The young man hammered to a cross and A scourge He gives each bitter fear > killed, He arms for death each sullen hate. > To be the resurrection from the grave. His lovers know that He is here > Destroying sin in man and state. > (The world is witness to its fate.) > Our Savior Christ, whom Moses had foretold, > The Magi saw His portent in the sky, His glory seizes East and T!est > They offered sacrifice of myrrh and gold, Confounding nation, sect and clan > Unto the day-star of their prophecy. A fiery crucible to test > The soul committed unto man. > He would return, He said, in all His power (The goal of life since time began.) > In God's eternal glory from on high. > And like a thief He came in the night hour, He builds upon our ruined age > Yet still men seek to see Him from the sky. A kingdom righteous, firm and sure. > Behold! Our ancient heritage > His immemorial Being cannot wane, Summons the meek, awaits the pure. > Knows no descent nor rising, time nor place, (His peace forever will endure.) > Yet is, for finite creatures born again, > T o hold the perfect pattern for the race. > THE GREATEST NAME > The ancient beauty that the prophets saw > In dream, in crystal, writ in shifting sand, > And in the fiery bush, decrees a law > That men should dwell as brothers in one land. God doth reveal Himself oft, and in manifold > guises, > Under His ensign, as Ezekiel said, As crossed in the braided linen He lay on the > All kindreds, color, kind, to be at one, straw. > Parts of a body that obey the head, Gabriel uttereth tidings, a star arises. > Planets that circle round a central sun. He falleth dew on the fleece whom the saints > adore. > Not very far in time, ordained to be > A concord that will form the world anew. God doth ordain to be, and the pure discerneth > Ask of the light, for light there is to see The friend and the best-beloved and hallow > As from the mountain crest, the distant view. again. > .'I W O R L D > > He, who is Holy bread to the soul that yearneth From this eternal moment- > Is held by the iron nail, to die of His pain. I knew myself before the Face of God, > Too terrible His glory and too great His power! > Throned in the royal radiance no eye may bear How shall one drop resist the ceaseless tide > it, Of His celestial sea? > He veileth the Commune Cup of the purple > wine. But now, when night is deep upon the land > At the predestined hour the anointed ones And the calm beauty of the moon > share it, Moves softly through the vast ethereal arch, > And issue forth from the heart of the inmost Peace breathes through every atom of the air > shrine. And draws each living spark to one pure unity. > > God hath revealed anew by His power and The Timeless holds this instant in His hand: > pity. "Be still, be still, and know that I am God!" > The manifest Word arrayed in sinew and bone > Deciareth mankind shall dwell in one fold and Here is the perfect silence. > city. > The chalice of grace be drained for one Name > alone. MAN IN HIS INFINITE SCOPE > Beauty eternal beyond man's mind or his > measure, > The maid of the snow-bright lily did form Me > and bring PROEM > Solomon's temporal glory the fruit of My I. Soliloquy of Man > pleasure. 11. Supplication > Tongue of the chosen creation doth herald a 111. The Breath of God > king. IV. Man's Affirmation > V. Man's Vision > God is the Truth indeed, and naught else VI. World Anthem > abideth. > I t soundeth a clarion call, the tune of His will. > Bright > " is the orb of lire,-if the dawn-cloud > hideth > It gildeth anon the crag of the most high hill. > Man in his infinite scope is less a pattern > than a promise, > THE PERFECT SILENCE Tearing his tissued edges on the rocks of > circumstance, > Bearing no lineated smoothness from which > The great are carved or pressed in mold, > Here is the perfect silence Creating much from hopeless little, > Encompassing the earth and all its promise > Above the white and bluc of ancient walls, in single grain of dust > The silver censer of the moon swings in mid- I n which he finds frontiers of universes. > heaven. > Faint fragrance of white jasmine is the spirit That man bears fleshly fruit is procreant > of all love And pregnant in him, seeded with animal duty > Set free,-a still white flame within the crystal No more than sipping water at a pool. > air. But that he bears abstract fruit of spirit, > Finding on undelineated boughs of urge and > Upon the seaward slope, the grove of giant faith > pines The mysterious, marveled seeking of finite for > Is etched in majesty against the moonlit night; the infinite > Those tall black trunks are bars across the Which it does not know and never knows, > argent light, Yet quests in ceaseless yearning- > A high barred window set against the sky. There is the miracle of being, > Earth's keyhole to the universe. > At sunset, when I knelt within the Shrine > The windows to the west were walls of fire. Is there so small a word for breathless awe, > Within my soul the flame of His great Name So great a sound to thunder out the wonder > Was like a flashing sword, that severed all my That man while flesh > past. Is spirit? > VERSE > > The k i t e become infinitesimal > And infinite, > Man, enamored with destiny he knows not, Entering spiritual adventure in lonely whorls > Neither sees its end, of space, > Stands like a star upon all time's horizon, Concentric sprung to broadly stretching, sweep- > Limned against his own reckoning ing magnitude, > And the reckoning of generations past and fu- Straining the soul's elasticity to follow spirit's > ture, pull; > Head spiring toward Heaven, Dragging the body like a man pulled by a run- > Arms outstretched to encompass his own away team, > growth's level, Falling, stumbling, > Feet planted upon the earth, Caught by a direction he cannot direct. > Five-pointed in aim and destiny. > The word is God! > Frightened by his immensity of purpose, And I am stabbed by joy whose hurt is bliss, > A lost and lonely shaveling of the spirit webbed Whose death is life, > in earth, Whose grimace of despairing quest transfigures > He adores his prison as the unborn clings to flesh to spirit > womb, As it seeks space that is not space > Knowing comfort of food, sleep, flesh on flesh, But being. > Gaining heightened sense of magnitude as an > ant God! God! God! > Crawling about a thimble believes itself a giant. Is the Name of God too often on tny tongue? > Nay, but a single utterance have I made from > Yet catching glimpse of sky he burns with birth to death. > yearning for its unfamiliar fabric, Nay, not even this I claim! > Crying out in longing The cry was born with mankind, not with man; > Like one shocked by blade on vitals his own My lips are sounding boards to echo primal > hand drove urge, > Without the mind's command. Its single momentum in continuance seeming > multiple, reuttered. > Admitting this, I disclaim birth or death. > All mankind is with me, of me, in me- > The dead, the born, the unborn, unconceived > Seeking the infinitude of destiny. > > Do I praise God that I am not a lesser god, > Single, alone, dependent on personal power > T o blossom seed of purpose. > In the agonized gabble of the dumb If I, this flesh, should vanish at this instant > I strive for words describing bond of eternity Yet would the space I filled be atmosphere of > and me, joy and hope > Finding naught but single syllables of sound- Knowing the urge of man leaps in my heart, > lessness, A gnat-sized vessel bearing the world's elixir. > Disjointed, unrelated, unfinished, unbegun, > Torn, wrested, anguished by bitter torment > Of saying the unsayable. > How can I speak of spirit with clay words, > Despairing, I know my flesh as prison Molds baked by time, > That grows upon itself like yeast, Usage fitted to a form, itself a prison? > Seeming to rise and free itself, How speak explosion in the heart when un- > Yet bound in expansion to its germ found is discovered- > Which builds so much and then no more, Unlike becomes like- > Having counted cells. Two become whole as each and yet bound in > Weeping, do I cry after the uncounted and another totality, > countless; One plus one equals three, dealing in super > And crying, make no sound- equations? > > There! Blaze bright in the far sky, > Like an echo came a word, The star torn burning from the heavens, hurled > A clear strong single word to earth, > That pierced my prison like a long-billed bird! Where for a space it glows > It soared to Heaven Feebly battling the dull mud cooling leach of > And soaring is lost to sight, earth! > 93 8 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > How many hopes and dreams have blazed the > sky > And, torn from spiraling path, have met the > pull of gravity, > Plunging in fiery agony to earth > And there died out? > A voice came in the prison of man's heart, say- > But hopes and dreams that find through mys- ing > tery of love Lo, this is a Breath of God- > The common dream and common hope The Voice Itself vibrates on Heights of > Discover strength to swing eternally in orbit. Soundlessness. > Gravity has no power on these. Accept the Breath that It may give you Life > The dreamer of the dream becomes discoverer, T o praise the Voice. > A scouting spirit for the earth bound. > Man touched the prison bars of earthiness, > Let the lark rest upon my heart and sing me And found them vanished. > hope At their vanishing a great light came upon him > That some one dream of mine shall find its Leaving him dazzled, crying- > mark "God, where are You!" > And, questing through the dark of undiscovered > time, The Breath pulsed through man, answering: > Find reason in its flight. Y o u will find Me in My Voices, > And lo! One rings forth in each o f My days > Body instinct bids us live. o f time. > Spirit instinct bids us die > Knowing in that small bleak word a form of "It is a riddle!" man wept. "Solve it!" > birth, > Opposite become apposite to eternal life. The Breath answered, saying: > Such is the flight of dreams, One is equal to the Many, > Such is the swing of stars. And the Many form One. > Yea, though I come in many times, bearing > manv Names. > Each day comes as a spark of life to light my I am and 'lone. > embers- Seek ye the Spirit and not the form. > Whither goeth the smoke of my enterprise? > To becloud the skies and befoul the earth? Man wept for the mystery of the answer, > Or to scent the heavens and houses of men Freed yet blind and guideless, > With the attar of the love of God? Knowing not the mystery was in him > That hearing > Heard not. > - > LO, the Breath of God came again: > The dignity of man shall not perish from the > 0 King of Kings, look upon my plight earth > That knowing dark, I seek the light. In this or any time. > Man was created for a purpose > 0 God, in praise I seek to name the Nameless And the purpose lies with God. > And stricken mute yet feel the voice box pulse > with yearning. In the beginning was the Word > And the Word was from God > 0 Thou of many Names in many tongues, And the Word was God. > Yet single in Thy essence, And lo, without form or organs, a jellied > Cup Thy hand about my soul that it may flame, speck, > And consumed .Man heard in the essence of his senses > Be tenderer fire in other worlds and spaces. And the vast and endless destiny o f human > spirit > I am so much a man, so clayed and weighted Conceived and brought forth cells of being. > That I can have brief vision of Thy Majesty. > Break the clay pot! The cast of time is slowly changing shape, > Free the adder of desire Being molded by the Potter even as it molds > To swing in rhythm to Thy will, clay. > Yielding the venom of its passion The future man is you, the past, today; > For curatives of ill! Deep in his unborn atoms lie all generations. > VERSE 939 > > But he is mare, as you are mar& than past, And Bahd'u'lldh spoke by the Will of God > Evolved ro further reaches ob man's scope old Words in a new tongue, > That remains eternally further, never fur- Suitable for men with extended perception > (thest, Whose metal refined by time and circum- > Knowing no end. stance held broader tonality, > The latent become the apparent. > " Y e are the leaves of one tree!" Baha"u'1ka'h > Take ye pride in such destiny spake. > But beware lest pride be for the molded, not "The world o f man is one, > the Molder. And it is God's." > Men, sprung from the sail of feebleness, cry, > "Might! Might!" Bahd'u'lldh > Glorying in a day's bloom and ignoring the Or Christ, or Buddha, Krishna, Muhammad, > fructifying Source. Zoroaster, Moses, > The Ba'b? > The incantations of the mighty What matter the Trumpet tuned to .the > Have become but tinkling bells in dark, Voice? > Wraithed by dlouds o f fear, "I am God, none other God is there but Me!" > Rung by self-pity of the fallen. > Men set themselves upon altars built of stfck But men, perception dulled by hammer blows > and stone, o f self, > Lacking God-concept, Seek to stop up the Words pouring from the > Lacking past and future, Trumpet, > Hoarding immadiacy, here and now, Declaring themselves God's protector > k c k i n g all members of human framework, But inwardly vaunting themselves His better, > Feoble in singled strength of self, His selector of what He should say, > Parceling out God, Determiner of His instrument. > Measzwing, nuling, dividing the Infinite by > finite standard, Y e t does the Voice persist, > Believing Creator less than creature. Echoirzg around the world, > Creeping through keyholes, lodging in hearts. > Driven from the market place, it soughs > through the stalls. > It is heard in the weeping of war-butchered > On the minarets of Arab has God's voice millions, > been called. Echoing, "Mercy! Peace!" > Did Muhammad say "Allah"? Uttered in need, its own need strengthens it. > He is God, none other God is He! Even is it heard in palaces o f kings, ,guard- > An the forexes of the Bhagavad-Gita has His less against the Unconfined. > murmur been iheard, Once heard, it is never quite forgotten, > And in the sweet song of Buddha. Even by enemies: > &O,nthe Mawnt did He call to men through It reverberates through the brain t o work > bhe lips o f Christ. magic on the soul, > Mases heard Aiim in the wilderness of his And the tongues of the unwitting > times Vibrate in new phrase and meaning. > And reflecting His Voice did cast it like an > echo unto ;he people. Prideful o f this Word upon their tongues- > "Mazda, Light!" cried Zoroaster. Knowing not whence it came- > And it was God. Men boast, "Behold our wisdom! W e do not > Krishna in the distant space o f time need God. W e are gods!" > Called forth the Eternal Truth, They take up the pattern of the Word, > And earlier still did Sabeans worship God And lay it upon their council tables, saying, > Under another Name and other circum- "With this we build a world!" > stances. But find no fabric. > And it was God. > But some sought substance o f the Spirit, > The Ba'b, that Youth of Persia, flung wide And knew God, > the Gate o f the City of God Acknowledging Him, > Crying, "Praised be God, He is God!" Prostrating themselves before the Vessel of > And the Glory o f God trumpeted through His Voice. > the Gate, Then did their patter become wisdom, > "I a m come again and again, anto eternity, Tuned to the Spirit and not the form. > And in this day M y Name is Bahci'u'lldh!" But by the boasters were they called > Destroyers of their fathers' ways, All men have altars in their being. > Mockers of the might o f man, In their many are the one, > Weak, sniveling in prayer. And in that oneness, many. > Driven from council tables, they became the > strange and hunted, The dawn hath crept into the camp o f night > Seemingly conquered, And dimmed the flickering fires about the > But mighty in faith, tents > The Eternal Faith: That blaze no higher than the eye's ascents, > It gave them succor on new levels o f under- Limited by craft discovered in other dawns > standing- and days. > Seen, they were seen not, Sweep back the ashes, cast them under sod! > And killed were undying. Learn in rising sun new skills and ways > That purpose this fresh Day of God. > > Man is renewed each dawning instant, > How great a miracle is this Fresh-born atoms craving sustenance. > The Day of God redawned He can, therefore, be never fed in full at > When weak become m i-~ h.t y , and mighty one spread table. > fallen! Learning, he has within him the eternally un- > In all the mountaintops of earth fires kindle taught. > While the ignorant cry "Death!" in the Taking a step, some part of him has never > valleys, walked. > Hesitating to scale the peaks > Lest they fall into the chasm o f sacrifice How should man know the world or worlds > Or be consumed by Eternal Fire, except for God? > Desiring mortality above immortality, How gain that knowledge from the awful > Seeing no further than birth and death, Source o f Might > Seeking to crystallize their mold upon the When even bursting atom frights his soul? > future's body. Lo, in mercy for man's limited capacity > God sifts His Power through Messengers- > How fragile are the shouts of men Voices, Trumpets, sent that men may hear, > That fall in brittle fragments on the earth, And hearing, understand. > Bound by gravity to inflict self torture! Voices destined, bearing no self, no will but > 0 men of loud voices and bloodied feet, God's- > Treading upon the man-barbed earth and Voices which cause the air to tremble with > frightening back the doves of Heaven, Their Call- > G o to thy dove cotes- Voices man thinks to mute by shattering the > Reckon well their emptiness, Instrument > And thy pain. But which reverberate in endless power, > Seeming diffused by martyrdom > 0 thou hypocrites singing "Peace, peace!" to As a crystal vial, broken, diffuses its essence. > the tune of a battle cry > And with thy swords cutting off your tongues Seeing their Words cause destiny, despite > which utter it, mockery and death, > Knowing peace in oneness, do you yet seek Men term these Voices prophets. > to dissimulate oneness into many, Prophets? They are more! > Priding yourselves upon the variety of per- God they speak! > ception. Not mere prophecy they bring > But life, law, evolution, knowledge > Defile not the earth, Of God, with God, by God, for God, > For it gives birth They have no being but in God. > Into eternity. > The shuttered eyes o f men peer warily forth > Scorn not the brother, And catching but singte glimpse of single > For he is mother Instrument of God > Of fraternity. Are blinded by that Beauty. > Consoling their weakness, they declare one > Which of you boast, ''I worship God!" glimpse is all men's eyes are given, > And befoul His altar with the spittle of con- And drop the shutters, > tempt? Clinging to memory o f the one brief sight, > How shall an altar be judged- Denying themselves the bounty of infinite > That you have built it? light. > VERSE 94 1 > > Thus were shutters closed from age to age What body shall I enter that is not mine, > Upon Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha Or entering give not dignity? > Christ, Muhammad, Ba'b, Baha"u'llcih, The chemistry of being is with me always. > Those with the sweet throats tuned to G o d s I am a spark of spirit. > vibrations. Can I cry Lo, Lord, lo! Prepare me a heaven of > my own? > 0 man, open thy ears to the Voice. > Hear, and put thy hearing into acts worthy Side by side Lie the majestic and the mean. > of Thy destiny The inconsequential instant upon instant adds > Which God bequeaths, having formed that to eternity, > purpose in your seed. The hammer blow upon the single nail erects > Pray, and praying look beneath the ripple o f the house, > the small flecked words One jewel beside another, and the strand's com- > T o the deep dark rhythm flowing underneath, plete. > Sometimes of Heaven, sometimes o f hell. God grant me power to honor the small, the > Does your stream seek the sea trifling deed, > And sacrifice its savor to salted urge o f earth, My eternal instrument to attain infinite perfec- > Losing separated puniness and gaini~zgmight tion. > of all earth's freshets? God give me partner power to recognize the > Or does it end in small lost slough fertile deed, > Creeping turgidly to end in dust? A seed to grow the future. > > IV. v. > MAN'SVISION > The echo of God blows hot and instant on my Lo, as I prayed, humble and seeking, > ear, The bars of my prison earth crumbled about > I shall hear, I shall hear! me > And hearing, delve among the catacombs of And I beheld a mighty vision, > soul and pull forth life. Causing my body to quake and my spirit to > Living, shall I bestow that life on all I touch. soar: > My avenue of reach lies no farther than my > door- 1. > Should I ask more than power to lift the latch? > I saw the world-was it todav.,. tomorrow?- > Should I weep and wail at destiny Lying in stricken waste. > To be echo of an Echo Even the birds flying high above > Were caught in deadly ray of death, > When it comes from the Source of All? > Only is such limit tragic if scorning Crying innocent peeps as they plummeted be- > I fail the infinite scope within. low, > Only God's all-seeing Eye knows scope in all Unguilty, unwary, doomed by their master, > its breadth. men. > I shall never glimpse its whole And the master groveled and groaned on the > But see within each finished task the miniature earth, > of destiny. Chained by his own chains, > Doomed bv his own decree. > Dying and head, and those ykt to die. > The earth is a trysting place for powers and > men. I witnessed such agonies of the damned > It is not love at sight; That I, in vision, seemed to plead for death. > The task comes like an uncut jewel. And then, as though in mercy for my pain, the > Let my hand be steady, vision faded into words > Shape the facet true and sharp Written in letters of fire which vanished at mv > That it may hold reflection of God's will. touch > But were more terrible than livine fire- > What nation shall I enter that is not mine, "This is the Judgment Day, t s Apocalypse > Or entering give not allegiance? foretold!" > The chemistry of earth is with me always. > I am a grain of dust. Then did it seem, when I again saw scene, that > Can I cry Lo, Lord, lo! Prepare me a world of terrible Day had ended > my own? And a new Day dawned in its stead, > 942 T H E B A H A'I W O R L D > > Peopled by but a handful, saved by some te- So came the peoples of the world, > nacity of flesh and spirit. From China, Russia, Europe, Africa, the Amer- > In that new Day war was a poison even the icas, the islands of the sea, > young feared From every longitude and latitude, > Who screamed when the thoughtless pointed From North Pole to the South, > sticks in play. Clamoring to follow God's Plan- > And even if there had been no fear, One World, One God, > There were too few left to war. One Peace, One Religion, > For the few left the only hope was work, One language, > Razing wreckage, clearing rotted accumulation One People,- > of man, cities, nations, Synchronizing wings of science and religion in > Scarce able to cling to a dream of hope, harmonied flight, > Such hopelessness was before them. Performing love in law, > And in justice wiping poverty from earth, > In the east, west, north, south- Reaching step by step toward the fullness im- > All worked with common necessity, plied in the seed of man, > And the world rebuilded swiftly in union of And setting their spirits upon the threshold of > purpose, the infinite dimensiolls of God. > Builded sternly from fear of the Apocalypse > Which clung to the horizon like dust from a And their spirits, freed from the prison of self, > lately fallen building,- Sought and returned to them such mysteries > Builded prayerfully from fear of the Lord. and revelations > That they became as a new race- > One thing the survivors knew above all else- Godlike servants bearing treasure from their > That God was Almighty. Master, > Without question or interpretation or ration- God. > alization or lessening or anything but At noon they gave praise, > ALMIGHTY! At dawn and night-tide > Their children learned first God, and then their Until even the dust was seasoned with the love > letters, of God > Prayer being judged the prizing point of wis- And became in itself changed, > dom. Yielding latent bounties, leveling seasons > In all the people was there knowledge of God, So that fields sprang from glaciers and breezes > even in simplest tasks, cooled equator. > Even into marrow of their bones. > In that knowledge came awareness of the piti- > fulness of human schemes unleavened by VI. > Divinity > And being full of pity, even the strong were > pitying to the weak. Thou earth become a world! > And the weak, knowing despair too fully to Star burning bright along the paths of Heaven, > fear it longer, Behold thy children men in full maturity, > Became strong, letting forth their energies. Yielding fruit from bud of promise, > Enriching thy clay with beauty so that other > planets marvel, > "Is this a sun that once was but a star?" > Oh, how describe the way of a world rebuilded, > Ashes of the old fertilizing the new, entering Thou earth become a world! > the cement of its construction? Take wings of song to fly upon thy destiny > How speak the passioned necessity which causes In euphony so fervid, piercing sweet > nations to plead entrance into World Tri- That all the myriad worlds must quiver in > bunal, response > Inspired by the lash of Judgment to blend races, To mankind's praise > traditions, powers Of God and world beatitude. > That man might stay on earth. Ring out! Ring out in mighty anthem: > In that New Day, those who spoke against > union were renegades, 0 God, to Thy compelling Splendor > Using the raven croak of death, shunned by his We yield in worshipful surrender. > fellows, Lord God! > His flesh in the public eye seeming to scale The people of Thy creation > from his bones, Come from every nation > Leaving a warning skeleton. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > VERSE 943 > > 0 God, Thy matchless flame of Glory 0 God, through Thy majestic Will > Fires gold Thy clayed repository. Bequeath us arts of commonweal. > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > > 0 God, Thy Beauty brightens deeds 0 God, give us Thy holy Knowledge > T o bring in justice common needs. That great and small may interpledge. > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > > 0 God, let nations seek to render 0 God, with Thy creative Power > Faithful image of Thy Grandeur. Cause every human seed to flower! > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > To join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > 0 God, through Thy revealing Light 0 God, from myriad tongues we reach > Let truth be choice of plebiscite. Around the world in common Speech. > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > To join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > 0 God, we pray Thy hand of Mercy 0 God, we seek through humble Questions > Will blunt the barbs of controversy. Material forms for revelations. > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > To join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > 0 God, let Thy creative Words 0 God, in councils ruled by Honor > Bind seas and lands with sacred girds. We uphold peace and outlaw war. > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > To join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > 0 God, guide us into Perfection 0 God, Thy Sovereignty lifts man > Lessen mortal-born defection. From prisoned self to global span. > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > 0 God, put Thy supernal Names 0 god, we enter Thy Dominion > Upon our tongues in righteous aims. Bound in sacramented union. > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > To join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > 0 God, in worship of Thy Might 0 God, we praise with thankfulness > Make us humbly seek the right. Thy bounteous gifts of Loftiness. > Lord God! Lord God! > The people of Thy creation The people of Thy creation > Come from every nation Come from every nation > T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. T o join in holy bond of this, Thy world. > 944 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > TO THE TROUBLED SOUL thought-circling, rising in an uproar? So, stand > palm- > LOISW. NOCHMAN spread in prayer under the sacred stars range- > > To the troubled soul in the night of its despair roving in universal music. Or length low lie- > it is not enough to say, be still and calm, suck lifestrength from the ancient earth, en- > all things will pass, nor generations greatly mesh > change. soreself in living leaves. Earth can partly satisfy > as well as stars; what rises to a question in the > Can human calm-quell Charybdis, the mind flesh, > aware, resolves in death. > MUSIC > THE PROMISED DAY IS COME > BAHA'I ANTHEM By J. Shurcliff > > r r I I I r > > ma1 - i c e , hill loose Free - dom's > ot col - > > tide! Rjng jn > creed. Ring I n > the Pri - ma1 ~ L a r > I , I > > t h e Pri - ma1 s t a r ' > $he > The > d l o - y: > G l o - ry > ZF > of > 'God, ' b a - ha: - ' u ' - liah R e - > God B a - ha - u' - llah R e - > ~ i g h t !Ring in the P r i - ma1 s t a r : The G l o - rv OF God: B a - ha' - u' - llah R e - > 948 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > THE CRYSTAL STREAM > IN COMMEMORATION OF T H E MARTYRDOM OF T H E B A B > Words and Music > DEDICATED TO OUR GUARDIAN, SHOGHI E F F E N D I B v Vera Aker > > I walked by a crys - tal > > I > r - dant > > I* areen The soark - line wa - ters > > I flo'dl forth from the throne of the great un - s e e n , ----- Gold-en > MUSIC 949 > > THE CRYSTAL STREAM (Cant.) G? > > reed Flutes played sweet as a soft > > s i f t - e d the > > F r e e d from the d r o s s o f the world I glitter- ing sand in > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > THE CRYSTAL STREAM (Cant.) > > I won - der I gazed a - mazed, T h e y were jewels from t h e heart of > > stre - - am For my thirst would not be > > Id nied, I came to the pearl - y > MUSIC 95 1 > > THE CRYSTAL STREAM (Cant.) > > I Night- i n - gales sang, - ------------- -.---- > .--- R o s - e s bloomed ev - 'ry.- > > where .................... 81~n Who could d e - scribe the scene > 952 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > THE CRYSTAL STREAM (Cont.) > > I s h e e r e c - s t a - s y ------ such beau-ty n o earth- ling could bear-----, But I > MUSIC 953 > > 'TWO PRAYERS REVEALED BY THE BAB > Musical'Setting By > Frank .A. Fredericks > A > -r > A > m > - I > I > I I > I > I > - I > > , - - > > I* Is there an - y ---- re - mov- er of dif - fi - cul - ties- save God? > > Say: Praised be God! He is God! > h > TWO PRAYERS REVEALED BY THE BAB (Cont.) > > a - bide by His bid - ding. > > a tempo > > - > Andante tranquillo > > I Say: God suf - fi - ceth all things a - bove all things - > > I - and noth - ing in the heav - ens or in the earth bpt > MUSIC 955 > > TWO PRAYERS REVEALED BY THE BAB Cant..) > > I God suf - fi - ceth Vee. - i - ly He > > - the Om - ni - po- t e n > > I > there an - - Re-mov- e r OF ' d i l f - i- cul - t i e s > I Is y -. > TWO PRAYERS REVEALED BY THE BAB (Cont.) > > "" - > I* s' e r - vants and all a - bide by His > > Music copyrighted 1954 by Frank A . Fredericks > MUSIC 957 > > TABLET OF AHMAD G . F. Handel > Revealed by Bahi'u'llah > > 1 H e is the King, the All - Know- ing,'th > > I1 I > Par - a - d i s e sine-eth uo - on the T r e e of E - ter - ni - tv. with h o .- l v and > > i > to the court of the Pres- > > . . > Quintet Afranged and Harmonized by L o u i s e C . Rich, Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A. > 958 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > TABLET OF AHMAD Cont.1 > > 11 splen - dent Beau-ty. ' ~ e r i- - l y this i s that Most Great B e a u - t y . fore -- > > 1 told i n t h a t Book o f the M e s - s e n - g e r s , t h r o u g h whom truth s h a l l be dis - tin - guis~hed > > I Tree of Life t h a t bring-eth forth Fruits of God, t h e Ex - a l t - e d , th'e > > (I Pow-er;Eul, t h e Great. 0 Ah-mad! Bear thou w i t - n k s s t.hat ver- i - ly He is > MUSIC 959 > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cont.1 > > II God and there is- no God but H i m - . the Kine. the. Pro- t e c - tor. the In - > > I cop-pa-rable,the Om - ni - po - .tent. And that t h e One whom H; hath s e n t fohh > > 1 by the name of A1 -i w a s t h e True One from God, to Whose com - mands > > (1 we , are a l l c o n - form - ing. Say: 0 P e o - ple b e - be - di - e n t tb tie > > I or - di - nan-ces of God which have been e n - joined in t h e B a - yan by t h e Glo - ri - > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > ITABLET OF AHMAD (Cont.1 > > 1 H i s Book i s t h e Moth- e r Book did vou b u t know. T h u s doth t h e Night-in-eale > > 1 u t - ter H i s call un- to you from t h i s -pris-on. He hath b u t t o d e - liv - er > > . who - sp e v - e r d e - s i r - e t h > t h i s c o u. n - s .e l and let him c h o o s e t h e p a t h to his Lord. > MUSIC > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cont.) > > I s o u l , they a r e not, and nev - e r s h a l l be a - ble to do . t h i s e - ven should they com- > > I bine to a s - s i s t o n e an-0th - er. 0 Ah-mad! or- i e t not My doun - t i e s while I am > > )I ab - s e n t : R e - mem-ber My d a y s dur - in^ thy d a y s , and My d i s - t r e s s and ban-ish-ment in > > I t h i s ie-mote pris-on: And b e thou s o s t e a d - f a s t in My love t h a t thy heart s h a l l not > > I wa-ver, e - ven if t h e s w o r d s of t h e en - e-mies rain blows up - on t h e e and, a l l > > 4I ip . t h e H e a v - e n s and in t h e earth a - rise a - e a i n s t thee. B e thou a s a > THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cont.) > > 1 flke of > I > fire to ~y 1-e n - e - m i e s and a iiv - e r of l i f e E - > > I o - ver - tak - e n by af - flic - tion in. Mv ~ a t h or > . d e -.=re - d a - tion for M v Sake. > > /1 be not tbpu tro-ub-led there - by. R e - ly, u p - o n God, thy God andthe > > (I Lord of thv fath- ers. For t h e D ~ O - ~are > l e w'an- der-inn in t h e paths a f de - > > I l u - sion, b e - r e f t of di8 - cern-ment t o see God with their own e y e s , or > MUSIC > > TABL,E,TOF AHMAD (Cont.) > > /I hear His me1 - a - dy with , their okn. ears. T h u s h a v e We fokd them a s > > I t h o u a1 - s o dost wit - n e s s : T h u s h a v e kheir s u - p e r - ski- t i o n s b e 2 c o m e v e i l s be - > > }/ t w e e n them and t h e i r own h e a r t s and k e p t them from t h e p a t h of G o d , tKe Ex - > > /I alt ,, , e d , t h e Great. B e thou a s - s i r e d i n t h y - sdf thit ver - i - ly, > > I1 he who t u r n s a - w a y from t h i s Beau-ty hath a1 - s o turned a - way from t h e > > 1I Mes - s e n - p e r s of the Dast a n d s h o w - e t h p r i d e t o - w a r d s God from all- 'e - > 964 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cant.) > > I Chant i t dur-ing thy d a y s .and with-hold not t h y - s e l f there-From. F o r v e r - i - l y , G o d hath o r - > > hun - dred mar - tyrs > > i > and > MUSIC > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cont.) > > i > 11 read t h i s tab - l e t with ab - s o - l u t e t s i n - c e r - i - tv. God > I > will dis - > > 11 pel his sad - n e s s , solve his d i f - fi:culties and re - move . h i s a f - flic-tions > > )1 V e r - i - l y , He i s - t h e Mer- c i - ful, t h e Corn - , p a s - s i o n - ate.- Praise > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > TABLET OF AHMAD > C H A N T SETTING FOR SOLO OR UNISON VOICES WITHOUT ACCOMPANIMENT* > DEDICATED T O OUR BELOVED GUARDIAN, SHOGHI E F F E N D I . > BAHA'U'LLAH C h a r l e s Duncan > > - jj He is the King, t h e A11 - know - ing, > A > the Wise! mj L o , the > > Night - in - g a l e of par -. a - dise sing ------------SZ ! ------.-- > ----- eth up - o n t h e > > t w i g s o f the T r e e of E - tern --i - ty, with ha - l y and s w e e t mel-o-dies,Pro- > > claiming t o t h e s i n - c e r e o n e s t h e glad ti - dings of t h e near - n e s s of God, > > . . > C a l l - ing t h e b e - l i e v - e r s in t h e Di - v i n e Un - i - ty to t h e court of t h e P r e - s e n c e > m / > 7 . > > of t h e Gen - er - o u s One, in - forming t h e Sev - ered o n e s of t h e mes-sage which > > hath been r e - vealed by God, t h e King, the Glor- i - o u s , the ?.eer - l e s s , > > s a n c - t i - ty and to t h i s r e - splend - e n t > > Beau - ty. Ver - i - ly t h i s i s t h a t Most Great Beau-ty, fore-told in the books of the > > Messengers, through whom truth s h a l l b e dis-tinguish? from er- ror and t h e wis-dom of > > e v e - ry c o m m a n d s h a l l b e test-ed. Ver - i - l y He i s the T r e e of L i f e t h a t > '*~.ltos or b a s s e s sliould s i n g t h i s a third lower.. > T h e tempo should not be too s t r i c t but should flow according t o tlie ~iieaningand rhythm of tlie words. > MUSIC 967 > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cont.1 > > - > b r i n g - e t h Forth t h e Fruits of God, t h e Ex - a l t - e d , t h e P o w - e r - Ful, t h e Great. 0 > > Ah - mad! B e a r thou w i t - n e s s t h a t v e t - i - ly t l e i s God a n d t h e r e i s no God b u t > > l i i m , t h e King, t h e P r o - t e c t - or, t h e In - comp-ara-ble, > z'z-. > t h e Om-ni-po-tent. And t h a t t h e > > o n e whom H e h a t h s e n t forth b y t h e n a m e of Al---------- 1 w a s t h e t r u e o n e from. > > G o d , to-Whose com- i a n d s w e a r e a l l con- form-ing. Say: - - - - - . - 0 Peo - ple > > " > be o - b e - client t o t h e or - d i - nalrc - e s of G o d which h a v e b e e n e n - j o i n e d in t h e B a - > > yan b y t h e Glor - i o u s , t h e Wise One. Ver-i-ly H e i s t h e K i n g of t h e M e s s - e n - g e r s a n d > > H i s B o o k i s t h e Mother B o o k , d i d y e b u t know. T h u s doth t h e Nijiht- in-jiale ut-ter H i s > > c a l l un - t o you from t h i s pri - s o n . He hath but to d e - li - ver this clear mess-age > > Who - s o - e v - e r d e - s i r - e t h iet him turn a - s i d e from t h i s coun - s e l and > > - > Who- s o - e v - e r d e - s i - r e t h l e t him c h o o s e t h e p a t h t o His Lord. 0 peo - ple, > > .- - > if y e de- n y these v e r s - es, b y w h a t proof have y e be- lieved in God? > 968 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cant.) > > p r o - d u c e i t , 0 as-semb-lage o f f a l s e ones. Nay, by t h e One i n Whose hand i s My > > s o u l , t h e y are not and nev - e r s h a l l b e a b - l e t o do t h i s , - > e v e n should they com - > > bine t o a s - s i s t one a - noth - er. 0 Ah- mad! For - get not My > > bount - i e s while I am ab - sent. Re - mem - ber My d a y s dur-ing thy d a y s > > and My d i s - t r e s s and ban - i s h - ment i n t h i s re-mote pris - on. And h e Jhou so > > - > s t e a d - f a s t i n my l o v e t h a t thy heart s h a l l not wav - e r , e v - e n if t h e swords of t h e > > e n - e - mies rain blows up- on t h e e and a l l t h e h e a v - e n s and t h e earth a-rise a-gainst thee. > h > > B e thou a s a flame of fire t o My e n - e - n i e s and a riv-er of l i f e e-tern-a1 t o My > > loved o n e s , and b e not of those who doubt. And if thou a r t > > ov- er- tak- e n by a€- flic- tion i n my path or de: gre- da- tion for My s a k e , b e n o t thou > > troubled there - by. Re - ly up- on God, thy God and t h e Lord of thy fath- e r s . > > F o r t h e peo- p l e are wand' - - ring i n t h e p a t h s of de- lu - sion, be - r e k of > MUSIC 969 > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cont.) > > - > dis-cern-ment t o s e e God with t h e i r own e y e s , or hear H i s mel- o - d y with their own > > ears --. T h u s have we found them, a s thou al- s o d o s t wit-ness. T h u s have their > > V > sup- er- s t i - tions be-come v e i l s be- > Slightlkagitated - > tween them and their own h e a r t s and kept them from t h e path of > > God, t h e Ex-alt-ed, t h e Great. B e thou as-sured in thy-self thatver- i- ly,he who turns a-way > > from t h i s beau-ty hath a1 - s o turned a - way from the Mess- en- g e r s of t h e past and show-eth > > pride towards God from a l l e - tern- i -ty to a l l e - tern - i - ty -- . L e a r n well t h i s > > tab - let, 0 Ah - mad. > - Chant i t dur - ing thy d a y s and with -hold not thy- > > self there-from. For ver - i - ly, God hath or- dained for t h e o n e who c h a n t s i t , t h e r e - > > ward of a hund-red mar-tyrs and . a ser - v i c e i n both worlds. T h e s e fav-ors have w e be- > > mer - cy from Our > > p r e s e n c e , t h a t thou may- e s t b e oh t h o s e who a r e grate-fal. By ~ o d should > ! o n e who i s > > -- in i f - flic- tion or grief read t h i s T a b - l e t with a b - s o - l u t e s i n - . > cer - .i - ty > 970 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > TABLET OF AHMAD (Cant.) > > God will d i s - pel h i s s a d - n e s s , solve h i s dif - fi - c u l t - i e s and re-move h i s af - > > flic - ti0ns. He -.--- > is. ---- t h e Mer -.-.--- > ci- > > ful, - > the Com p a s - sion-ate. Praise b e t o God the Lord of a l l t h e worlds. > > Sept. 14, 1950 - F e b . 5, 1 9 5 1 Berkeley, Calif. > > MOTET FOR TWO EQUAL VOICES* > DEDICATED TO SHOClll EFFENDI > > Lo -------------,the All ---------em-.-- p ~ s - ~-----.---- > ~ s s ing i s come -------------------Earth and > > LO -------- t h e ~ 1 ------------ > 1 pos - sess - ing is come ------------------.Earth and heav- en, > > {1 heav - en, glo - ry and do - min-ion are God's ---------- the Lord of a l l ------- > > {I ----- men, the P o s - s e s s - o r of t h e Throne on high and of earth .................... be - low. > > men, the P o s - s e s s - or of t h e Throne on high and of earth be- low. > *i.e. two sopranos, altos, tenors o r b a s s e s . > MUSIC > > HEALING > Adaptation from "Ein Ton" > B v Peter Cornelius > > I > I > s > > C > t > C > Sotto voce > - > -I > I I > I A > I > I > I > > - - > I > I > > I > I I . . > - I > I > I > I Not too slowly Thy name is my heal r - - ing, > > God, and re - mem - brance of > > 1 Thee i s my re - me - dy ; Near - ness to > > I Thee is my hope "Y and > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > HEALING tCont.1 > > I" love for > Thee is my con - pan - ion./ > > A I > - I I > ,I l > Ex-, > l h I > I > I > I > d > > Thy mere - y to me is my > MUSIC > > HEALING (Cont.) > > and my s u c - cor i n both t h i s world and t h e world to > > I > 974 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > 0 THOU, BY WHOSE NAME > P R A Y E R OF BAHA'U'LLAH Musical Setting > B y Charles Wolcott > I > I I I > I I I I > > b > Oh > > I I > > Thou .................... by whose name ----.----------------------- > the > MUSIC 975 > > 0 THOU, BY WHOSE NAME (Cont~ > accel. meno a te,mpo . > > - > A > I I 1 1 3 > h I rJ > I 1 P I > I > > I . ask Thee to from the > > 1 I I I > > - > I I 1 I I > I I > I m1 r? > I > I > I > I > r~ 3, - ' , 1 - > I n > qd > > I won - ders of Thy f a - "07 > !is x-'., > ------- > 976 THE BAHA'I W O R L D > > 0 THOU, BY WHOSE NAME Eont.) > h > > Thou art the > > I > MUSIC > > NINEFOLD w ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ ' ~ ' ~ > DEDICATED TO AUNT ETNELLE > > Sop. > I > > Sop. > > cresc. > Alto > > Bass > 978 THE BAHA'I WORLD > MUSIC > > NINEFOLD '"A-BAHA' U'L-ABHA" (Cont.1 > > Ab - ha: > > ..-.u'I > 8 .......................................................... > * > A b ---------------- I,& > ' > > - > .-..-. ha: > I "$1 .--------...--*a > -----------.. > rit.- - - - .- - .- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > ----.....----.------------ > .-- .-- > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > NINEFOLD w ~ ~ - ~ ~ rCont.1 > ~ ~ ' ~ ' ~ > > $$ > V > T e m p o of opening > I > > II > - I > > I > - I > > I > - IJ > 1 L. > ? I I > > I - > - > ya/ -- --.---.------------------ > ------------------- B a - h 2 u'l Ab - ha/. Y& Ba- > > y;----.-.-.-----.------ B a -..------- > ha" > MUSIC 98 1 > > NINEFOLD R ~ ~ - ~ (Cont.1 > ~ ~ ~ ' ~ ' > > ,,'I - Ab -----.------- > h a'. > 982 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > Hymn for all peoples > Louis Stanton > > Voice > - I > > I > - I > I > - > Andante > I > I > - I > > piano (1 > > I- Hymn for all peo - plea, White - > peo plej Black peo - ple, > > 1 Ye1 -low and Red, for all peo - ple. Let us all ac - > > Copyright,HC'LZ,by R.4.Huntzingel; Znc. > Infernational Copyright Secured > Printed in U. S. A . > MUSIC 983 > > I" clnim > r l > this creed > , . > to love, to serve the hu - man need. No more hearts- > > I- - set with fears,-- No more eyes wet with tears. > > Birds, brboks, June flow-ers, Dews, rAins, > > I > w > leaf - y bow - ers, Red ros - es, white lil - ies, pine and > THE BAHA'I WORLD > > a rroco mi& mosso > > I" mine. Sweet-er mu - - sic thrills all souls And new > > I- arts a - rise from loft - ier molds. This fair earth, the glit - thng > MUSIC > > A ,I > > 1" hood, Lib - 'er - 'ty with > > I" eo - ui - tv. All life's beau - iv. ill life's worth En - > > .. > / I > I > -- > - / 1 > I > 1 8 > . > *w > I > > earth. > > i;/ > K L H 1128 > MAPS O F AUSTRALIA A N D > N E W Z E A L A N D , T H E BRITISH > ISLES, C A N A D A , C E N T R A L > A M E R I C A , GERMANY A N D > AUSTRIA, INDIA, PAKISTAN > A N D B U R M A , S O U T H AMER- > ICA, GREENLAND, THE > U N I T E D STATES, A N D T H E > B A H A ~W~O R L D > 990 THE BAHA'I WORLD > > N O R T H S E A > > THE B A H COMMUNITY > ~ ~ > Ht~lll f. SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY' > OF THE BRITISH ISLES 1954 GROUP 01 INDIVIDUAL > A T L A > G U L F O F '?lEXICO > > P A C I F I C O C E A N > C A R I B B E A N S E A > > THE B A H COMMUNITY > ~ ~ > OF CENTRAL AMERICA 1954 > MAPS OF THE BAHA'I WORLD > > OF GERMANY AND AUSTRIA 1954 * GROUP INDIVIDUAL > ORASSEMBLY > SPIRITUAL > . . > SALIMIUR > > * IHOIAL > *HMED*I*D > * IARODA .Mt,,S,,WAI > INDORE > > I N D I A > > * NASIK * JALNA * N*GPUR > > A R A B I A N S E A * AUIANGAIAD > AHMEDNA6AR > > BAY OF B E N G A L . > > .Ir SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > THE BAHA'I > ' COMMUNITY > GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL > OF INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA > - -- - --- -- - > > MAPS OF THE BAHA'I WORLD 995 > > BRAZIL > > A T L A N T I C O C E A N > > THE B A H COMMUNITY > ~ ~ > OF SOUTH AMERICA 1954 > > — *The Baha'i World: Volume 12 (1950-1954) (Used by permission of the curator)*